Formby High School Determined to Achieve Curriculum and Achievement ‘Students work with pace, purpose and independence on a range of challenging activities.’ (Ofsted, 2012) Formby High School has an impressive record of success at GCSE and A Level. Each year, the overwhelming majority of of students achieve at least five A* to C grades (including English and Mathematics) at GCSE, significantly exceeding national expectations. Most students join Sixth Form and attain A Level results that enable them to progress to study at some of the country’s most prestigious universities. In 2015, over 54% of A Levels were graded A*to B which places the school alongside the highest performing in the region. The school puts particular emphasis on the Performing Arts and Science and, through the teaching of these subjects, all students develop creative flair, confidence and enquiring minds that enhance their capacity to learn and enjoy. Students follow a broad curriculum at Key Stage Three and have the opportunity to specialise by choosing from a wide range of GCSE subjects and vocational courses at Key Stage Four. Formby High School is fully inclusive, offering a curriculum that meets the needs of each individual and enabling every student to succeed. Formby High School ‘Students reach exceptionally high standards and make outstanding progress.’ (Ofsted, 2008) ‘A happy learning community in which all students are helped to develop into exceptionally mature, confident and articulate young people, who achieve outstandingly well.’ (Ofsted, 2008) Pastoral Care and Student Welfare The uniqueness of every student at Formby High School is valued and the nurturing of each child’s talents is at the heart of all we do. The school places particular importance on pastoral care and personal development, and provides every Year Seven student with the security of being placed in a smaller than average tutor group from the outset. Students retain the same form teacher throughout their time at the school and truly benefit from this consistency in terms of care and guidance. Further care is provided by the Climate for Learning Leaders who ‘Students value the excellent support and guidance they are are assigned to each year group and our committed team of given, within and outside lessons, to ensure their success.’ pastoral support staff. (Ofsted, 2012) Developing leadership is essential and there are ample opportunities for students to take on the challenge of leadership, including election to the School Parliament and Junior Leadership Team. These groups play a vital role in the development of the school by promoting the views of the student body. They also represent the school during key public events, act as ambassadors for the school and are available to any students who wish to seek their support. Formby High School does not accept second best in terms of standards of behaviour and every student is expected to work hard, respect him or herself and respect others. The calm and responsible manner in which our students behave promotes a positive learning environment for all and is recognised Junior Leadership Team through our comprehensive rewards system that allows students to work towards bronze, silver, gold and platinum rewards badges. Students leave Formby High School as young adults ‘Students learn to express themselves with maturity and equipped with the skills, qualifications, determination and reflect with great maturity on their feelings and experiences.’ confidence to succeed in life and make a difference to the (Ofsted, 2008) communities they serve. Extra-Curricular Programme and School Trips Students have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular and curriculum enriching activities. The school has a national reputation for excellence in the Performing Arts and all Year Seven students are able to participate in the Christmas pantomime. The school enjoys excellent drama, dance and music facilities which are always a hive of activity at lunchtime and after school, hosting over 20 different music, dance and drama clubs, including Mundo Afrika, Rock School, Jazz Works and dance master classes for all year groups. Awards and our Mundo Afrika choir winning the ‘traditional and international’ category at the prestigious National Music for Youth. Taking part in activities outside the classroom is a great way for students to build positive relationships, develop self-esteem and lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The commitment of our students to the extra-curricular programme and the high standards they display demonstrate that the school’s mission ‘determined to achieve’ resonates way beyond their academic work. Each year, students visit local, national and international places Students have the opportunity to follow the Duke of of interest. The range of school trips offered to students is Edinburgh’s Award Scheme from Year Nine and there is a diverse and includes sports tours, cultural visits, Performing variety of physical activities on offer throughout the week Arts tours and field work. In addition to local and national trips with teams from Formby High School competing against to the theatre and museums, students have recently travelled other schools in a wide range of sports, including football, as far afield as the First World War battlefields of France netball, rugby and cricket. The school has been recognised and Belgium, Krakow in Poland, the USA on a ski trip and a for its outstanding extra-curricular provision, including being Performing Arts tour, the Caribbean for sporting competition awarded Secondary School of the Year at the Sefton Sports and both Spain and France to enhance the learning of foreign languages. The annual Year 7 Bushcraft trip has become one of our most popular trips! ‘The rich variety of extra-curricular activities is a strength, including sports and many opportunities to participate in very high quality musical, drama and dance performances.’ (Ofsted, 2008) Ethos and Values Year 8 Student “I love being at Formby High School because Year 7 was new and exciting. I made lots of new friends and the teachers gave me lots of encouragement. The teachers inspire me to be more independent, this lets me demonstrate how capable I am. I have been given lots of responsibility which has helped me grow in confidence and will help me prepare for my future!” Year 13 Student “At Formby High Sixth Form there is a direct focus on developing students not just academically but Year 10 Student as people. Emphasis is placed on considering students as individuals and ensuring that they are “In three spectacular years at FHS, provided with extensive opportunities for personal I have been part of many clubs development. Throughout my time at school, I ranging from sport to music have been encouraged, supported and listened to; – there really is something for preparing me for the future but also guaranteeing everyone here. Our teachers make that Formby High will be a difficult place to leave.” sure you have fun whilst learning and you can share your views in a Eleanor achieved straight As in her AS Levels this calm and friendly environment. summer and is now starting her final year at FHS. The move from primary to high school seems like a big leap but everyone makes sure you settle in straight away.” Former Student “The excellent opportunities, facilities and teaching at FHS Sixth Form have allowed me to realise my aspirations and achieve my goals.” Josh left school with 4 A*/A grades at A Level and is now studying Law at The London School of Economics. Formby High School Freshfield Road | Formby | Liverpool | L37 3HW | England | UK Headteacher: Mr D.A. Mackenzie BA (Hons), NPQH Tel: 01704 873100 / 877383 Email: [email protected] Fax: 01704 835657 Website: www.formby.sefton.sch.uk Formby High School September 2012 Freshfield Road | Formby | LiverpDearool | LParents37 3HW | England | UK Headteacher: Mr D.A. 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Mackenzie BA (Hons), NPQH Dear Parents exciting, engaging and tailored to the needs of each individual; a curriculum that allows all students to leave with outstanding qualifications and the confidence and skills required to pursue further study or enter the Tel: 01704 873100 / 877383 Email: [email protected] Welcome to Formby High School where high expectations in worldterms of of work. learning Students and behaviourat Formby HighmeansSeptember School that alsoall2012 develop a keen sense of their responsibility in shaping Faxa: better01704 future 8356 5for7 themselves and We theirbsite :community. Fwwwo.forrmmby.sebftony.sc h.Huk igh School students flourish. Formby High SchoolDear Parents Freshfield Road | Formby | Liverpool | L37 3HW | England | UK Formby High School is an ‘Outstanding’He a(Ofsteddteach e2008)r: Mr Dschool.A. 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