Netherhall prospectus 2016

PROSPECTUS

The Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre

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Welcome to Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre . . . . . . .3

Senior Leadership and Management Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Extra-Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Incentives for Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Valuing the Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

The Learning Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

The Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Multimedia Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Sixth Form Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Contact us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Contents

You are very welcome to visit and take a tour of our school .

To arrange a tour, please contact us on 01223 242931 or send an email to office@netherhall .cambs .sch .uk


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I am delighted to welcome you to The Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre . We are a highly successful school, set on the outskirts of Cambridge and serving both the City and surrounding rural villages . We have been offering high quality education in Cambridge for over 140 years and boast a strong recent track record of exceeding national performance targets and expectations .

Central to our school is the belief that every one of our students is an individual with their own unique set of skills, interests, insights and potential . We are passionate about realising these attributes; a vast range of opportunities are offered and we actively encourage students to grasp these . Of course, we also expect the highest standards from our students and work in close contact with families in order to achieve this .

Netherhall is an outstanding environment for learning where staff and students enjoy positive relationships and where lasting friendships are forged .

I warmly welcome you to come and visit us so you can meet us personally and appreciate all that we can offer you .

Chris Tooley Acting Principal

Welcome

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Senior Leadership and Management Team

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Acting Principal Mr Chris Tooley

Head of Sixth Form Mrs Joanne Gurvidi

Assistant Principal Mr Steve Lewis

Assistant Principal Mrs Nikky Parker

Deputy Principal Mr Richard Wilson

Director of KS3 Mrs Sarah Wilders

OUR VALUESTo promote the equality of opportunity in which we believe:

■ we value the diversity of our students and aim to promote tolerance, trust and mutual respect in their relationships

■ we regard each member of the school community as a valuable individual

■ we promote a creative and positive environment in which all students can achieve to the best of their ability

■ we believe that education is a partnership between students, parents and teachers .

Business Manager Mrs Lisa Costa

Director of KS4 Mr Daniel Carlson


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OUR AIMSTo work with parents and partners to develop happy, confident young people who leave school with good qualifications and productive work skills by:

■ providing a rich and varied learning environment which celebrates excellence

■ offering students a wide range of educational experiences both within and beyond the curriculum

■ providing a high level of pastoral care that supports the individual in his or her social development

■ keeping students and parents regularly informed about academic progress

■ developing in our students a love of learning and an understanding of the importance of learning for its own sake

■ encouraging all students continually to aim to do better .

Netherhall wants all its students to feel happy and secure. We have a well-developed pastoral care system and staff genuinely care about the students as individuals. We encourage students to assume and enjoy responsibility as Duty Students and through our Student Ambassador and Leadership schemes. Our highly skilled staff work closely with students, monitoring their progress to ensure they achieve their potential.

Learning DirectorateTwo highly experienced colleagues work with their assistants to co-ordinate and monitor the academic and pastoral needs of students in Key Stages three and four . They work particularly closely with Year Leaders, Form Tutors, Senior Staff and parents .

The Form TutorStudents are placed in a form group and the Form Tutor is responsible for their day-to-day welfare and academic progress which is closely monitored . The Form Tutor plays a vital role in delivering guidance and a programme of tutorials .

Regular progress checks inform parents of students’ progress . We aim to achieve a minimum of three levels of progress for all students and the tutor is key to this .

Student voiceThere is an excellent student volunteer peer-counsellor scheme . We encourage our students to play an active part in the running of the school through the School Councils .

Partnership with ParentsWe are a warm and welcoming community which places a high importance on working with families and getting to know each of our students as individuals .

How does it work? ■ Clear communication via the new parental internet solution ■ Regular newsletters, InTouch and website messages ■ Parents are encouraged to make use of the Student Planner to contact form tutors and subject staff

■ A variety of Parents’ Evenings ■ Written reports issued annually in addition to interim progress reports ■ A personal and rapid response when you want to contact us .

Pastoral Care


Netherhall provides a broad and balanced education and creates exciting opportunities for all students to succeed. It caters for individual needs and aptitudes, and builds upon individual strengths and interests.

The school regularly exceeds national averages in many subjects including the core subjects of English, Mathematics and the Sciences; Biology, Chemistry, Physics .

Key Stage 3: Years 7–9In Years 7–9 students follow a stimulating curriculum which includes all the subjects in the National Curriculum .

Grouping and organisationIn Year 7 students are grouped by ability for English, Maths, Science, Humanities and French . Groupings are initially based upon detailed information from primary schools and Key Stage Two tests, and are reviewed on a half-termly basis . In Years 8 and 9 new sets are introduced for Maths, Science and Languages . Many students have the opportunity to take German from Year 8 instead of French and four higher ability sets study French and German .

Throughout Key Stage 3 students are arranged into sets for PE and are taught in mixed ability classes for Art, Drama, Music, Design Technology and RE .

Curriculum

“There are so many opportunities

for the Arts here . I like music, art

and drama .”

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Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11At Key Stage 4, a challenging and varied curriculum has been developed . Following the receipt of relevant information and careful guidance during Year 9, students are given as much choice as possible to construct a balanced programme which suits their abilities and interests .

CoursesStudents follow a core curriculum of English, English Literature, Maths and Science . The most able scientists can study Triple Award Science as a valued precursor to A Level . The most able linguists can continue with both French and German and some may also take up Spanish; all valued for communication in the European world of work .

Students are strongly advised to take History and/or Geography if appropriate so that they have the EBacc qualification . Students also choose additional subjects from a wide range of possibilities .

Students are carefully guided at each transition stage, so they can make realistic and informed decisions about their future career path .

Support for students whose first language is not EnglishNetherhall is a vibrant and dynamic school where students can make friends with a wide range of nationalities . This provides excellent preparation for life where confidence, co-operation and international awareness increasingly matter . Careful support is provided for those students who are new to English .

We provide: ■ A specialist member of staff who provides support for ethnic minority students ■ One-to-one academic mentoring ■ An after-school Study Support Group ■ GCSE and A Level entry offered in the students’ first language ■ Additional support for Black Minority Ethnic students .

“Netherhall has some great

teachers who make the lessons really enjoyable”

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Examinations are not the only measure of success and that is why we believe it is important to offer as many opportunities to our students beyond the classroom as possible. The school boasts excellent facilities for both the creative arts and sports and our staff lead an impressive variety of after-school clubs and activities. The Netherhall School is a significant centre for Arts in Cambridgeshire and the East of England.

DramaThe Drama Department stages a number of ambitious and exciting productions each year, including a large-scale musical in conjunction with the Music Department . We participate in the Shakespeare for Schools festival .

The weekly Drama Club provides further opportunities for students to extend their interest in drama beyond their lessons, and is open to all students . Students across all year groups are given opportunities to experience live theatre, with trips to local and London theatre venues organised throughout the year .

MusicThe Music Department offers a number of clubs, including pop choirs, jazz band, strings, stage band, recorder group, and many more . New clubs include a ukelele group and rock school .

Instrumental teachers are highly qualified and offer musical tuition on strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, keyboard and guitar . Students are given chances to perform at concerts and musical productions during the year .

Each year the Arts come together in an exciting annual Summer Arts festival .

Extra-Curriculum

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“There are some great clubs at

Netherhall, I love the music .”


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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award SchemeBronze, Silver and Gold accredited schemes thrive at Netherhall .

The school also provides: ■ International visits ■ Work related learning ■ Young enterprise ■ Work experience ■ Extensive leadership programmes in sports, languages and the arts ■ Student councils for Art, PE and whole-school issues .

Physical Activity and SportThere are many opportunities each week for students to participate in sport in and out of lessons . The sports covered include athletics, basketball, cricket, cross-country, dance, football, fitness, golf, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby, table-tennis and trampolining . Fitness and aerobics are popular activities promoting good health . Netherhall’s sporting contribution is prominent in Cambridge and beyond .

“Hockey Club in the winter term

was a whole new experience and I

loved it”

“Netherhall has a great sports centre - I play Badminton .”


High expectations and high standards of good behaviour are essential. We aim for our classes to be stimulating but we also believe they should be ordered and calm. Effective discipline is dependent upon good relationships between staff and students. Trust and mutual respect are very important to us.

RewardsStudents respond positively to praise and we are always keen to acknowledge and reward students’ success . Our awards focus on academic achievement, progress, effort and contributions to the community through our focus on PRIDE:

Personal Excellence, Respect and Friendship, Inspiration,Determination and Courage, Equality .

■ Students earn Merit Awards ■ Outstanding achievements earn School Colours ■ The Certificate of Active Success at KS3 rewards students for achievements in school service, academic projects and sporting participation

■ Regular prize-giving assemblies, an annual Celebration evening for each year group and the whole school Prize Evening held at West Road Concert Hall celebrate a wide range of achievement .

Sanctions ■ When misbehaviour occurs, we take a firm but fair stance ■ Referral to the Netherhall Student Support Teams ■ Persistent or serious misbehaviour will be brought to the attention of the Key Stage Director and Year Leader

■ After-school detentions are issued with 24-hours’ notice ■ Involvement in cases of fixed-term exclusion of Senior Staff ■ Permanent exclusion in the rare event of serious misbehaviour .

Incentives for Learning

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Homework plays a vital role in consolidating and extending learning beyond the classroom. Regular homework encourages our students to work independently and it establishes effective study and work habits.

Classwork and homeworkThere is a strong link between active participation in class and homework . Homework encourages deeper reflection and review and we encourage students to be disciplined about doing their homework .

Homework timetableTo help students organise their study we operate a homework timetable for each year group .

Student plannerStudents receive a Student Planner at the beginning of each year . This is a valuable vehicle for communication and we encourage its use by students and parents alike .

Study spaceWe encourage students to make use of the school library at lunchtimes and after school . Our extensive ICT facilities are also readily accessible .

Homework

Q As a parent, should I help with homework?

A We hope that parents will take an interest in their child’s work and check that homework is being done. Form Tutors also check students’ Planners regularly. It will help your child if you can provide a quiet place for homework. We encourage your child to develop a homework routine. We recognise that balancing this with evening meals and bedtime routines can be demanding. We will always try to help where we can.

“Teachers encourage us to be mature and independent”


We have an equal opportunities admissions policy. The two main age entry points of admission are 11+ and 16+.

Up to 180 students are admitted in each year 7 intake. For admission enquiries for Year 6–7 transitions please contact us on 01223 699 200. For other years call 01223 699 662. The email address is: [email protected]

At age 11 Parents living within the City of Cambridge receive a preference form in the autumn term before admission and return the form to the central admissions office . Parents living in other areas need to request a preference form .Alternatively, applications can be sent online . All details are given in the preference form pack supplied by the central admissions team .

At age 16+Students apply to Netherhall Sixth Form using the Cambridge Area Partnership application form, or through an online application . A separate Sixth Form prospectus is available for post-16 students . Please contact the Sixth Form office on 01223 242931 ext 216 .

Admissions

Q What should I do if I have any concerns about my child’s progress or welfare?

A Inthefirstinstance,contactyourchild’s Form Tutor or Year Leader. Calltheschoolofficeon01223242931oremailoffice@netherhall.cambs.sch.uk

Q Can parents and students visit the school prior to making an application?

A You are most welcome to arrange a visit to the school by appointment. Pleasecontacttheschoolofficeon01223242931.

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We consider regular attendance and punctuality to be very important. We have attentive and caring staff who encourage these good habits. Our electronic registration system allows us to monitor student attendance lesson by lesson.

We want our students to make the very most of their time at Netherhall . Parents are therefore advised to avoid taking family holidays in term-time as this can cause a lot of disruption in a child’s learning . Please note that only the Principal can authorise such absences and requests need to be made in writing .

Attendance

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Q What should I do if my child is away from school?

A We greatly value close communication between school and home. We ask parents to telephone or e-mail to let us know the reason for any absence. We also need a written note from you when your child returns to school.

“I like the Atrium Building because

it is a nice environment to

work in .”

“The food in the canteen is hot

and tasty .”


Valuing the Individual

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Netherhall is committed to supporting students with additional educational needs. The Inclusion Department works with students to help them become independent learners and to help them participate fully in school life.

SupportHelp is given in the classroom and also in small groups outside of lessons .A strong team of dedicated Teaching Assistants, the SENCO and Inclusion teachers plan carefully with departments to cater for each individual . A trained counsellor and school nurse also work with students .

The Department provides a lunchtime homework club .

Gifted and TalentedWe have a well established system to identify students who are particularly able and talented and we provide:

■ extension activities within the curriculum ■ academic mentoring ■ leadership development ■ a wide ranging extra-curricular programme .

“For the Evening of Dance, we

choreographed our own dance,

selected our music and chose our

costumes”


Learning Environment The school occupies a spacious site of more than 40 acres. In September 2010 Netherhall School became a single-site school with a major refurbishment and redevelopment scheme that included the impressive Atrium building. Today, our facilities are considered to be amongst the best in the country.

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Netherhall School continues to develop and maintain an effective library service for all its students through our qualified librarian. The library supports the whole school community by providing relevant curriculum resources. It also promotes study, reflection, recreational reading and enquiry.

■ Fully staffed library provision ■ Extensive range of careers literature ■ Specialist support from highly trained staff – for individual study and project work

■ A range of current and archive newspapers and periodicals ■ Virtual library and web links to curriculum areas and focus areas ■ Computer access to the School Intranet and World Wide Web .

The Library

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“Netherhall has great facilities like the Astroturf pitch, tennis courts and cricket nets . The teachers are also

very friendly and are always helping .”

Q When is the library open?A At break, lunch time and after school.

Some lessons also take place in the library.


We are innovative and skilled in the use of Information and Communications Technology. We are constantly exploring new learning technologies and with over 550 computers, all with internet access, our students benefit from extensive eLearning resources within and beyond school.

■ High-specification teaching areas and suites with Internet connection ■ Website and virtual-learning environment, including out-of-school-hours support from teachers

■ Online lessons and courses are now being developed for classroom and home study

■ A high priority is placed on developing ICT confidence for all .

To view the school website, go to www.netherhall.org

Multimedia Resources

“We go on lots of trips; the lessons are fun and I have enjoyed making

models .”

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“I love how Netherhall

encourages you to do different

things .”


Many of our students stay at Netherhall for seven years, progressing from Year 7 through to our highly successful Sixth Form Centre. The centre has an excellent reputation in the City of Cambridge and beyond and many students join us from other schools for their post-16 studies. We have an impressive track record in placing students in Higher Education, including Oxbridge and in employment.

What does the Sixth Form offer? ■ A vibrant Sixth Form with approximately 300 students ■ Average class sizes of about 15 students, ensuring close individual guidance and support

■ A wide range of A-level courses ■ High quality teaching within excellent study facilities ■ Strong leadership and effective pastoral support through the Group Tutors’ system

■ Strong guidance for careers and support of students in the University application process (UCAS)

■ Dynamic range of enrichment activities ■ An active Student Council ■ Eighth consecutive year of improvement and strong track record of placing students in their first choice Universities .

To request a copy of the Sixth Form Prospectus or to make an appointment contact the Sixth Form Office on 01223 242931 ext . 216 . For more information go to www.netherhallsf.com

Sixth Form Centre

“Netherhall has enabled me to expand my social and study skills which are beneficial for the future . I have made many new friends and developed my abilities . Coming here has made me a confident and independent person,

ready for university .”

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Our students enjoy a new purpose-built building with state-of-the-art facilities, their own landscaped areas, comfortable common rooms and a well stocked café.

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You can contact us by several means:

AddressThe Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre Queen Edith’s Way CAMBRIDGE CB1 8NN

Telephone01223 242931

Fax01223 410473

EmailIf you want to contact the School Office with general enquiries then email: [email protected]

If you wish to notify the school of a change of address, telephone number, or any other alterations to your contact details, please e-mail the Student Records Officer at: [email protected]

WebFor further information about Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre and for the latest data on examination results, please look at our websites: www.netherhall.org and www.netherhallsf.com

Contact us

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Getting to Netherhall School and Sixth Form CentreWe are located on the South East side of Cambridge.

By bikeThere are many covered bike racks on site .

By busWe are on the Citi 1 route with a bus stop right outside the entrance to the college . Buses operate every 10 minutes to and from town, the railway station and beyond .

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Netherhall School andSixth Form Centre

Regent Street

Brooklands Avenue

TOWNCENTRE

Cherry Hinton Road


The Netherhall School and Sixth Form CentreQueen Edith’s Way, Cambridge CB1 8NN

Telephone (01223) 242931Fax (01223) 410473email [email protected]

www.netherhall.org


Netherhall prospectus 2016

Documents

Transcript of Netherhall prospectus 2016