THE WHITSTABLE SCHOOL. Prospectus

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1 THE WHITSTABLE SCHOOL Prospectus

2 WELCOME I am delighted to announce that The Whitstable School has joined the successful Swale Academies Trust, who supported us in achieving our good Ofsted judgement. We are excited about our next phase of development and invite you to look around our school. We have recently completed work on a range of exciting new spaces including a debating chamber, curiosity zone, student leadership zone and a redesigned Atrium which showcases pupils work. As we begin this new academic year there are plenty of reasons for pupils and staff to feel proud of their school. In 2018 results showed improvement in all areas with the majority of pupils making expected progress, despite the advent of the new, tougher GCSEs. Pupils conduct themselves well in lessons and around the school. Ofsted report The Whitstable School puts learning first helping pupils to acquire the core knowledge and skills they need to be confident and useful members of society. We recognise that curiosity, creativity and hard work are building blocks of pupil progress and learning. We also believe that: The arts are at the heart of the school s success. Creativity is as tangible in the science lab as it is in the dance studio. The arts are seen to be as vital to our pupils as maths, English and the humanities.

3 The Whitstable School s curriculum is designed to meet flexibly the needs of today s pupils and help them thrive amidst the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow s world. As a result, at the end of Year 8 pupils are given an element of choice in their curriculum, choosing from creative arts, performing arts, sports science, technology and ICT. Leaders ensure that pupils have opportunities to develop their leadership and selfpresentation skills. Ofsted report Achievement in all subjects is monitored closely, ensuring aspirational but realistic targets are set for each learner. The targets are shared and the journey towards achievement is celebrated throughout the school community. Pupils play a central role in shaping the school by leading focus groups, acting as counsellors and giving feedback to staff on what works well. We broaden prospects by competing in Trust wide events; these include debating, art exhibitions, sports competitions, a Shakespeare Festival and science and technology events. Mutual respect permeates the school and relationships between staff and pupils are positive. A form tutor meets your child every day and delivers a programme that supports their wellbeing. I hope that this prospectus gives you a flavour of our strong and supportive community. I am confident that TWS has much to offer your child. First and foremost, this is a place where every pupil is given the support they need to achieve beyond expectations. The best way to discover what life is like at the school is to visit us and speak with both staff and pupils. I look forward to welcoming you here soon. Mrs. Ana Gibson. Headteacher

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5 PUTTING LEARNING FIRST The Whitstable School is a small school where we know our pupils very well. As the local choice in Whitstable, we pride ourselves on setting high standards for all our pupils and supporting them to achieve beyond expectation. We are putting learning first in our school. My child couldn t be happier at the school and is thriving both emotionally and academically. Parent of a child in Year 8 Knowledge is at the centre of our school. We create knowledge booklets for each year group comprehensive guides to the essential facts your child needs each term. These are shared on paper and electronically and give pupils the grounding they need as a foundation for deeper learning. These are referred to in class, used as homework and can be found on our website. Once pupils have knowledge they are challenged to make connections, elaborate upon ideas and express eloquently their views and understanding. Using modern, research backed teaching and learning techniques, pupils are guided through phases of learning to ensure that knowledge is secure. WE OFFER - A small school feel where we know our pupils well and meet their needs. - A challenging academic support system and grammar stream. - Great teaching across all subjects with a focus on the core subjects. - A calm, orderly and well-structured learning environment for lesson time and relaxed surroundings for break and lunch time. - Fantastic facilities, including a well-resourced library to support a broad and balanced curriculum. - A wide range of opportunities for student leadership, prefects, pupil voice and Pupil Parliament that make a real difference to the school.

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7 TRANSITION A pupil s life at The Whitstable School will be very different from their experience in primary school. We aim to offer a smooth and supportive transition for both the pupil and parent/carer. I spent a week at the school and enjoyed all the different lessons. I didn t want to go back to my primary school. Year 6 pupil Open mornings offer an opportunity for parents and pupils to visit the school on a normal working day. These events give you the opportunity to see the school as it truly is and gain a realistic insight into the culture and ethos we offer. During October, we host our open evening. Here senior leaders and pupils are on hand to guide you through the exciting and diverse learning opportunities that we offer. Current pupils will be available to discuss and share their experiences of The Whitstable School. There is nothing better than hearing it direct from the pupils themselves. During the summer term, our dedicated transition leader will visit your child in their primary school. This will give the opportunity for pupils to ask questions and feel reassured in small groups within a familiar setting. Near the end of the summer term, we will invite Year 6 pupils to spend four days with us at school. They will receive a full induction program designed to familiarise them with the school and our expectations. We will challenge them to put learning first! Pupils will meet their tutor group and be given the time and opportunity to establish new friendships. They will follow a version of their timetable and experience a wide range of new subjects. Early in Year 7 there is a settling in evening where you will have an opportunity to meet with tutors and Progress Leaders.

8 CURRICULUM The essential core skills of literacy and numeracy are developed daily through English and maths lessons. In addition, standards are reinforced by all teachers to ensure these important elements are delivered in all subjects. We offer a wide and balanced curriculum for all pupils so they can be confident and happy in school and find their area of excellence. We have comprehensive careers and employability activities; local, national and international educational visits to Margate, London, Ypres, EuroDisney and New York. Our dedicated Careers Hub signposts students to all the available pathways, whether that be a sixth form, further education, apprenticeships or university. In Years 7 and 8 we offer a wide curriculum, yet devote more time to English, maths and science. In Year 9 there is an element of curriculum choice for our pupils. They can choose new subjects such as digital media, photography, textiles, health and social care or business to provide engagement and stretch their horizons. They can also continue with the creative subjects of fine art, sport, technology, drama, dance and music. These choices can be studied at GCSE and are complemented with Ebacc subjects of history and geography. In the last two years we have had much more confidence in the leadership of the school and my grandchildren have been more focussed, successful and content. Grandparent of Year 12 and Year 9 pupils

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10 ACHIEVEMENT The advantage of a small school is that we are able to focus on the individual. Through accurate setting in each subject area the pupils are given the best possible chance of success. Frequent teacher assessment and data analysis is used to identify needs and provide intervention to ensure progress for all pupils. Progress Leaders make sure every child makes good progress with their learning. Our aim, by putting learning first, is to ensure that all pupils make the best possible progress from their individual starting points. We set challenging targets designed to raise aspirations and enhance ambition. Pupils receive lots of feedback on their work and this allows them to craft and gradually improve individual pieces. We focus on literacy in every lesson and encourage pupils to learn the meaning, spelling and origin of subject specific terminology. They use green pen to respond to the teacher s guidance and improve their own writing. Ever since I came here my grades have soared and so have my hopes for my future achievement! Year 11 pupil The Progress Leaders, responsible for pupil progress, identify additional opportunities for pupils to achieve. These may be out of hours learning before or after school, support sessions during tutor time or additional Saturday school sessions. In tutor time pupils enjoy novels and anthologies, debate world events and celebrate achievement in year group assemblies. Putting learning first with knowledge at the centre of our school ensures the best possible chance of success for our pupils from 11 to 18. Our 6th form is growing and is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (CP). This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy - a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education - that we believe is important for our students.

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13 EXTRA-CURRICULAR, VISITS AND TRIPS Although our focus will always be on putting learning first this does not prevent us from providing a rich and varied range of extra-curricular activities. We provide a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom that enrich pupils lives and their enjoyment of school. Clubs are offered from 3pm to 4pm five days of the week. Pupils also benefit from opportunities to develop their skills and interests outside lessons. Ofsted report At The Whitstable School, we have outstanding, modern facilities in all areas. Whether your child wishes to be centre stage in our theatre, creative in the arts, ascending the climbing wall or scoring the winning goal on the 3G pitch we have the facilities to match their ambitions. Being at school is not all about the classroom. At TWS we are able to offer a vast range of clubs, activities, trips and challenges. We are a Duke of Edinburgh s Award centre and encourage all of Year 9 to participate. We are a Royal Shakespeare Associate school and work closely with the Marlowe Theatre with our own Shakespeare by the Sea company. Whatever your child s skill, talent or passion they are bound to find something that helps them get the best out of their time at The Whitstable School. EXHIBITIONS At The Whitstable School, we are unique in offering termly exhibitions. Exhibitions are pupil led showcases of the learning achieved across the subject areas. Pupils are invited to develop and demonstrate their oracy skills in front of parents and invited special guests. The termly exhibitions are an outstanding way of sharing, celebrating and show casing the fantastic work the pupils at TWS produce.

14 HOUSE SYSTEM The school is divided into two houses and is based around two famous ships, Victory and Endeavour. This house system provides pupils with the pastoral support, academic challenge and sense of belonging that are essential in developing into young adults. We hold house competitions to help motivate pupils, challenging them to put in their maximum effort. Pupils not only gain individual skills, like resilience and motivation, but they also build on important interpersonal skills. TRUST-WIDE EVENTS Pupils also attend Swale Academies Trust wide events. These cover the breadth of the curriculum and include an annual Shakespeare festival for the performing arts, a creative arts exhibition in our very own atrium, sporting events (for example in archery and football) and a language festival celebrating modern foreign languages and culture. An annual debating competition sees pupils from across Trust schools testing their arguments against rival teams. Another annual event is our student leadership conference which is held onsite and brings together pupil voice representatives from a range of other schools. REWARDS-CURIOSITY, CREATIVITY AND PROGRESS CCP points are awarded to pupils who achieve in the following areas: Curiosity and Research Creativity and Craftsmanship Progress and Effort These achievements are celebrated in assemblies and throughout the school.

15 THE SCHOOL DAY Year 7 and 8 08:40 Lesson 1 09:30 Lesson 2 10:20 Break 10:40 Lesson 3 11:30 Lesson 4 12:20 Tutor time 12:40 Lunch 13:20 Lesson 5 14:10 Lesson 6 15:00 End of school. Out of school learning, clubs and activities.

16 CONTACT The Whitstable School Bellevue Road Whitstable CT5 1PX Telephone: Web: