PARK HIGH SCHOOL PARK HIGH SCHOOL A National Teaching School A National Teaching School Thistlecroft Gardens Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 1PL Tel 020 8952 2803 Fax 020 8952 6975 info@parkhighstanmore.org.uk www.parkhighstanmore.org.uk PARK HIGH SCHOOL
02 PARK HIGH SCHOOL Welcome Thank you for your interest in our school. Park High School is a high achieving, mixed, harmoniously multi-ethnic 11 18 school in Stanmore, which converted to Academy status in August 2011. It is an extremely popular school and has a national reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and for providing a positive environment in which young people thrive. Parents know that if their children come here they will be joining a strong, caring, respectful community with an emphasis on high achievement for all, alongside dedicated support and encouragement at all times. At Park High, every individual is highly valued. Our supportive approach enables everyone to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be responsible, considerate and well-rounded individuals suited to the demands of our ever-changing multicultural society. All of our students achieve their full potential and become equipped for successful participation in adult life, whatever their futures may hold. At Park High, we all work in partnership to ensure the very best outcomes for each of our students. Our aims are simple: we want to achieve excellence so that each and every student reaches their academic potential. First class teaching is crucial to students achieving their best and, at Park High, our dedicated team of specialist staff are enthusiastic, talented and strongly committed to providing the very best. There is extensive monitoring of students progress and regular contact with parents. We place high emphasis on respect and positive behaviour, which ensures that the school is a happy and safe place to learn. Ofsted (2013) recognised that students involve themselves fully in everything the school has to offer. They attend well and are keen to learn. Indeed, in each of our last three Ofsted inspections, behaviour has been recognised as outstanding. This continues to be the case. Young people enjoy coming to Park High and we enjoy teaching them. Ofsted s 2009 and 2013 inspections both described the school as outstanding; the latter, outstanding in all areas. Since then, Park High School has been designated a National Teaching School. This is a highly prestigious national award, in recognition of our commitment to and success in developing the skills of teachers at all stages of their careers whilst maintaining very high levels of students academic success at both GCSE and A Level. This is an outstanding school, a great school and there is still work to be done. We are not perfect and so we strive to improve. There is no room for complacency here. We look forward to meeting you, introducing you to some of our students and showing you our school. You will be pleased that you chose to visit. Mr Emlyn Lumley, Headteacher
Park High School is a high achieving, mixed, harmoniously multi-ethnic 11 18 school in Stanmore. It is an extremely popular school and has a national reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and for providing a positive environment in which young people thrive.
04 PARK HIGH SCHOOL The Principles of Park High School We promote high achievement in a vibrant learning community. We provide a stimulating and caring environment so that all members of the school can grow in knowledge, skills, understanding and character and achieve to the best of their ability. We have a strong sense of purpose. We encourage our students to be enthusiastic about learning and positive about the future; to have high self-esteem and be confident and successful in what they do; to have understanding and respect for others; to have the ability and desire to further their own development and contribute to the society in which we live. We believe in equality of opportunity and in celebrating success of all kinds. Great Teaching Great Learning: Our examination results are always either the best, or among the best in the borough. In recent years they have been our best ever. We are optimistic we can build on our successes and preserve those aspects of the school we value such as: Lifelong Learning - this is about ensuring that, in addition to their examination results, our students are well-equipped for a life of learning. This is more important now than ever. We are immensely proud of the achievements of our students. Details of our results are included with this prospectus. The key priorities in our strategic plan: Park High is a strong, caring, respectful community with an emphasis on high achievement for all, alongside dedicated support and encouragement at all times.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Statement: Our work in STEM is guided by this statement: We will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need for employment, training and higher education in today s technological society. We will strive to enhance the educational experiences for all of our students through the provision of the highest quality teaching and learning opportunities across the attainment range, and the further development of our community links. We will promote an inclusive and stimulating educational environment for our students and share our enthusiasm, expertise and resources in an active partnership with the community. The key priorities in our strategic plan: The key priorities in our strategic plan: Working from our principles, we have identified four key priorities for the school. These are: Excellence: this is about high academic achievement as well as high levels of achievement in everything else that students do, such as sport, dance and music. Lifelong learning: this is about ensuring that, in addition to their examination results, our students are well-equipped for a life of learning. This is more important now than ever. Well-being: our school is a safe, positive and healthy environment, and we want all students to be able to make positive choices for their own well-being throughout their lives. Equity: this is about ensuring that we do our very best to support those students who are underachieving or disadvantaged in any way. We set targets for each of these key priorities and we are pleased to discuss them with parents, carers, students and visitors.
06 PARK HIGH SCHOOL Curriculum Years 7, 8 and 9 All students in these year groups follow a broad-based curriculum which builds on the work of primary schools and prepares students for the GCSE courses ahead. All the requirements of the National Curriculum are included. The timetabled subjects are: Years 10 and 11 The curriculum for these years is more directly linked to preparation for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and other national qualifications, including BTEC. The core curriculum consists of subjects which all students follow: Art Dance Design Technology Drama English French Geography German or Spanish History ICT Mathematics Music Philosophy & Ethics Physical Education Personal, Social, Citizenship, Health and Economic Education (PSCHEE) Science English Language English Literature Mathematics Philosophy & Ethics Physical Education PSCHEE Science In addition to the core curriculum, students also take 2 or 3 subjects to GCSE from the following list: Information and communications technology (ICT) is taught both as a separate subject and across the curriculum. Recognising that literacy is fundamental to all areas of learning, Year 7 is now taught a discrete Literacy lesson once a week. Additionally, students have the option of individual and small group lessons in music. About one in five of our students take up this option. Art Business Studies Performing Arts CoPE (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness) Computer Science Dance Drama Electronics Engineering French Geography German Graphics History ICT Media Studies Music Music Technology Photography Product Design Spanish Sports Science Outstanding teaching is a feature of all year groups and practically all subjects. Careers Education has an important place within our curriculum; from ensuring students choose the GCSE subjects that are right for them; to work experience in Year 10, which our students find invaluable. Ofsted, 2013
08 PARK HIGH SCHOOL Curriculum Our aim is that all students should achieve their potential. Challenge, independence, engagement and creativity are at the heart of our curriculum and can be seen across all subjects, in all classrooms and, most importantly, in the progress our students make. Class-room focused staff are dedicated to developing the art, science and craft of teaching. Adopting an exciting repertoire of teaching approaches, we cultivate our students critical thinking and conceptual understanding through a rich and dynamic curriculum. We currently employ a mixture of setting and all-ability teaching, according to the subject and year group. We review our setting arrangements regularly and at all times the emphasis is on each student achieving to the best of his or her ability. Special events form an important part of our curriculum and these include: Year 10 residential Geography field work Two weeks of work experience for all students in Year 10 Book Week Trips and visits. There are many of these, especially to places of interest in London, such as museums and art galleries. We take students abroad regularly Activities Week a week in the summer term when we plan for off-site learning experiences for all students Visiting workshops for many subject areas, including The Young Shakespeare Company Teachers have outstanding subject knowledge and use imaginative and stimulating resources. They are very skilful at showing students how to work independently and think for themselves and at giving them time to work together and share their understanding. Ofsted, 2013
Homework (or as we prefer to call it, home learning) There is a compulsory home learning programme for all students which is an integral and important part of their education. Home learning is set every day. Students are given a home learning timetable each September and parents are asked to monitor home learning through their child s contact book. Home learning is important because: Progress Checks If young people are to achieve to the best of their ability, it is vital that they have regular feedback on their progress, their strengths and weaknesses. To this end our teachers regularly conduct progress checks. During these checks, they review students progress and discuss it with them. When somebody is underachieving, we do something about it. All of this information is shared with parents. It helps students get into the habit of working on their own; It supports work done in class; It prepares students for the coursework demands of GCSE, A Level and other higher courses. Home learning is not an optional extra!
10 PARK HIGH SCHOOL Ethos, Discipline, Pastoral Care Rewards Naturally the best reward is satisfaction in the achievement of a good piece of work and we are keen to develop and promote this intrinsic motivation within all our students. However, we also recognise the importance of personal praise from a teacher and teachers ensure this happens frequently. To this end we operate an elaborate system of merits and badges and these are much sought after! Pastoral Support In Years 7 to 11, Heads of Year are responsible for each year group and work closely with an Assistant Headteacher and with the Headteacher. Each student is a member of a tutor group where the register is taken twice a day. Structured tutorial work takes place in the tutor group. This covers personal development, careers education, preparation for work experience and course choice guidance. This work eventually leads to the production of the portfolio of achievement. Individual tutorials are held at the end of the day, which allows us to operate a highly successful system of regular personal interviews between tutors and students in their charge. This contact, alongside three important Review Days, allows progress to be reviewed effectively and meaningful targets to be set for the future. Whatever students individual academic or pastoral needs, staff put helpful and supportive care in place so that all of them can enjoy school life and make progress. Ofsted, 2013 The school has access to educational psychologists for consultation and support where needed. We also have access to a wide range of other supporting services. We involve all members of staff and all students in our pastoral system as it is a fundamental part of the curriculum of the school. Our students are well cared for as individuals within the larger school community, have ample opportunities to express their opinions and have well-defined and stable points of contact when the need arises. Our students are well cared for as individuals within the larger school community, have ample opportunities to express their opinions and have well-defined and stable points of contact when the need arises.
School Code Discipline The school aims to be a well organised and well-disciplined community with a caring but firm approach. High standards of behaviour and courtesy are expected at all times and visitors frequently comment on how well-behaved and courteous our students are. Where praise and rewards do not manage to encourage good behaviour, necessary minor sanctions may be imposed without notification to parents (for example extra work, detaining in school for up to 15 minutes). Parents are notified in advance of more serious sanctions, such as a longer school detention. Our system of progress checks is designed to support good discipline both by giving praise and anticipating problems. Certificates are given every term to students who are achieving well or improving their effort. Letters are sent home to parents for students who might be slipping back in terms of work or behaviour. Parents are invited in to discuss any concerns. All members of Park High School community are expected to: 1. Show respect, good manners and consideration towards others at all times. 2. Help make the school a pleasant and effective working environment. 3. Set themselves high standards and work to achieve and improve them. 4. Recognise and appreciate success in themselves and others. 5. Bring credit to our School. Like all schools, we have now introduced a homeschool agreement and a copy is enclosed with this prospectus. We welcome comments on this as it will be revised in future years. The School Code is very largely a matter of good sense and is about concern for other people as well as the smooth running of the school as a place of learning. We refer to it regularly and it is printed alongside.
12 PARK HIGH SCHOOL We encourage our students to have respect for others and the ability and desire to further their own development and contribute to the society in which we live. Taking responsibility The School Committee brings together elected representatives from each year group. They discuss a range of issues and members gain valuable experience in procedures and the value of democratic and representative processes. The Committee reports to the Headteacher regularly and influences school decisions. Our prefects are another example of how we encourage students to take responsibility. They play an important part in the life of the school, helping to ensure that our community runs smoothly and to everyone s advantage. We have buddies and mentors : older students who are prepared to train and take some responsibility for helping with younger students. For example, they volunteer to begin their term early, in September, to help new Year 7 students settle and work with them during the year. This makes our school community even more supportive. Our cyber-mentors have received nationally recognised training and accreditation and work to help others, both in school and beyond, to stay safe online. They do this with confidentiality, discretion and sensitivity. They know what they can discuss and what they must pass on to a teacher. This is an exciting new venture and is now becoming well-established. Attendance When students are absent we insist on a note from their parents. The rate of unauthorised absence at the school is particularly low. We never give permission for holidays taken in term time. Please do not ask us to authorise this. We will say no. Our school is a safe, positive and healthy environment, and we want all students to be able to make positive choices for their own well being throughout their lives.
14 PARK HIGH SCHOOL Clubs, Societies, Activities, Events A wide variety of clubs, societies and extra curricular activities is available and provides an added dimension to students education. Clubs and Activities Clubs and activities take place before school, at lunchtime or after school has finished. They include: The list alongside shows what was available in the last academic year. We are committed to increasing the range and number of activities. ICT, music, sport and drama are particularly strong and involve many students out of school. In addition the library is open every break and lunch time and after school. Football Hockey Basketball Netball Dance Keyboard Music support Art Chess Science Computer Club Indian music ensembles Web team Guitar group Chamber choir Circus Skills BBC School Report Cricket Badminton Table-tennis Volleyball Fitness Languages on-line Language conversation groups String orchestra Junior string orchestra Flute choir Concert band Pop choir Wind band Rock bands Brass ensemble R & B band Origami Photography Rock Challenge
Our cricket teams always seem to be borough finalists, county finalists or even champions. Borough and County competition fixtures are organised weekly These include: Football Netball Cricket Basketball Badminton Trampolining Gymnastics Athletics Rounders Swimming Tennis Table-tennis Hockey There are also school plays, a number of concerts and musical performances, considerable musicmaking at every level and high participation in out-of-school team events. Parents interested in these or other curriculum areas are invited to talk with the head of department concerned. Educational Visits Although our main work is done in the classroom we believe that trips have an important place in enriching the curriculum. These include visits to places such as the London museums and art galleries, concerts, plays and London musicals, sporting events and other activities. In addition we run a number of residential trips, including a number to France, as well as field course/ activity trips in England and abroad for geography and PE. Events Special events form an important part of our year. Details of some of our curriculum events are described on page 8. But there are many more events in our school year. Some raise money for charity or help people in the community; some are just for fun. They include: The Year 11 Ball Year 11 Graduation Evening The Christmas Party for senior citizens The contest for the Young Musician of Park The Talent Show Concerts and plays Activity Week Sports Day Discos and fashion shows Year group trips to theme parks and ice skating
16 PARK HIGH SCHOOL Sixth Form Our Sixth Form opened in September 2007. A large permanent building opened in September 2009 and there are new specialist facilities created in the main buildings. Our Sixth Form is part of an exciting post- 16 development in Harrow, the Harrow Collegiate. All of the schools and colleges work closely together to provide the best possible education locally for our students. Standards in our Sixth Form are high, like standards in the rest of the school. Entry to our AS and A2 courses depends on high achievement at GCSE and AS level respectively. There is considerable support in helping our young people to achieve the university places of their choice. Pastoral care in the Sixth Form builds on the knowledge we have of students already, and this continuity is a particular strength of our provision. There has been considerable demand for places in our first few years, and we will do our best to meet that demand in future years. A particularly strong feature of our Sixth Form is our co-operation with other institutions. In particular, our students will benefit from access to the very wide range of courses and the high achievement levels at Stanmore College. Further academic courses, and a large number of vocational courses, are available there. To increase choice still further, students will be able to apply, as now, to any college or sixth form in Harrow. The sixth form is outstanding because students make exceptional progress. Ofsted, 2013 Our Sixth Form students are excellent role models for our younger students, encouraging them to be ambitious, and setting high standards in all they do. We will keep students and parents informed of sixth form developments through the coming years and we look forward to a very large number of our young people staying with us for seven years. Staying on in education, post -16 Information about where students go at 16 is collected for all schools by Lifetime Careers, which provides Harrow s careers service. Park High's most recent figures are : Continued education 97.8 % Progressed to full-time training 1.8 % Unknown 0.4 % Consistently Harrow has one of the highest staying on rates in the UK and we believe this reflects the commitment to study and high achievement shown at Park High.
We are able to signpost to a far broader offer, through our strong partnership working with other local high schools and colleges, in the Harrow Collegiate, of which we are a member. Currently we are offering AS and A2 courses in the following subjects: Biology Business Studies Chemistry Dance Design Technology Drama and Theatre Arts Economics English Literature Fine Art French Further Mathematics Geography German History Information & Communication Technology Mathematics Media Studies Music Physical Education Physics Psychology RE Philosophy Sociology Spanish
18 PARK HIGH SCHOOL Parents and Carers We believe that success and happiness for your child depends very much on a close relationship between parents, carers and teachers and this is carefully fostered by all Park High members of staff. We are determined to know and nurture the whole child so they can gain a true sense of self-worth, as well as those all-important qualifications. Contacts Once a place at Park has been offered and accepted, we invite all parents to a meeting with a member of staff. This is an important start to what we hope will be a warm and close relationship. It is an opportunity for you and your child to ask questions and for us to explain some of our arrangements. In the July before your child starts you are also invited to an evening to meet a number of staff, including your child s tutor, and to meet other parents. We believe that success and happiness for your child depends very much on a close relationship between parents and teachers.