2015 / 2016 - Oulder Hill

Oulder Hill
Community School
INFORMATION
Developing Potential
Achieving
Excellence
Oulder Hill
Community School
Quality Experiences
Personalised for your child
Welcome from the Headteacher
Oulder Hill is a very successful school. This was confirmed by Ofsted in 2012 where
inspectors reported that we are a very good school in all respects including “students
achieve well from their various starting points, behave well and have positive attitudes
to school.” In May 2015 we had a very positive parents’ survey that graded us as at least
“good” in all categories with “outstanding” for the number of improvements made over
the last few years.
We pride ourselves on knowing our students well and on providing a very supportive
environment where every individual can achieve. We believe in “our best, always everywhere”
so that every student can leave us with the best possible qualifications, self-confidence and
skills. Our students’ attendance is high demonstrating that students are happy at school and
enjoy learning here.
Oulder Hill is a true community school which thrives on “Developing Potential, Achieving
Excellence” for all. This ethos, allied to the close partnerships between our hard-working
students, our excellent staff and our very supportive parents, make TEAM Oulder Hill an
exciting place to learn and teach.
Through our prospectus, we can offer you a flavour of our establishment but the
best way to get a real feel for our school is to visit us and talk to our students
about their experiences.
We look forward to welcoming you to Oulder Hill.
John Watson
Headteacher
Extended Learning
Opportunities
We believe that learning should not be limited to the school
day; we offer a wide range of extra curricular opportunities,
courses and activities for our students, their families and the
local community. There is a diverse range - from homework
clubs, that offer extra support and guidance for students, to
the popular street dance club, there is something to spark the
interest of all students whatever their interests and talents.
In addition to this, numerous visits and excursions
locally, nationally and internationally operate
throughout the school year and students
have the opportunity to view or take
part in workshops and showcase
performances for Dance, Drama
and Music.
As a true community school we value lifelong learning for
all and offer a range of extended learning opportunities not
only for our students but for parents, families and the whole
community. Our professional leisure centre, based on the
school site, offers a wide range of activities during the evenings
and at weekends that are open to everyone and taster courses
in Languages, First Aid and Computing are run at a range of
times to suit the needs of the local community.
I did not know that choosing a
secondary school would have been
such a difficult decision but OHCS was
the best decision I’ve ever made
Parent Year 8
Individual
Needs
Oulder Hill
Community School
Homework
Homework is an integral part in enabling our students to
develop into successful, independent learners. Therefore
all students are set homework every night to build on and
develop their understanding of what they have learned in
school. The type of homework will vary and will include
tasks such as writing, drawing, revising for tests, preparing
presentations or debates and research to enable them to
achieve top grades.
The Pastoral System
Our pastoral system and associated
policies are designed to provide
every student with a happy, safe
and secure school environment in
line with the “Every Child Matters”
agenda. The school structure is
based on year groups (Years 7 to
11), each having a Year Manager. The
Year Managers are all very experienced
pastoral leaders and as they do not teach
they can devote all their time and energies to supporting the
students. Each key stage also has its own Pastoral Manager
dedicated to safeguarding the students in that key stage. In
addition to these pastoral staff each year group has their own
Director of Learning and Progress who is overseen by an
Assistant Headteacher. This “Progress Team” monitors and
tracks the academic progress of all students across all of their
subjects, putting in academic support if necessary, to ensure
that each individual student achieves their full potential. Each
year group is divided up into forms. Each form has a Form
Tutor who sees the students at least once a day and also has a
special responsibility for the academic progress and pastoral
welfare of each students in their form.
Transition: The Key Stage 3 Pastoral Manager and the Year
Manager of Year 7 manage the important transition from primary
to secondary education: visiting primary schools, meeting with
parents in June and arranging for new students to visit the school
in July prior to their admission in September. We endeavour to
ensure that Year 7 students are allocated to forms with at least
one other friend from the same primary school.
Parental enquiries: on all general matters concerning
students’ home circumstances, absences, behaviour, etc.,
parents are advised to contact the Form Tutor or Year
Manager. On all subject matters concerning students’ courses,
reports, examinations, etc., parents are advised to contact
the appropriate Head of Faculty. Unless the matter is urgent,
parents should write, email schoolinfo@oulderhill-school.com
or telephone to make an appointment. Parents should not
hesitate to make use of the school in this way. Many misgivings
and concerns can be avoided if there is open communication
between home and school. The school also operates an
electronic messaging and email communications service
whereby parents/carers can receive text messages and emails
regarding important events at school affecting their child. We
strongly recommend that all parents register on the website
Parentmail 2 to receive this service. A registration form can be
obtained from the Office Manager or the Finance Manager at
the school on request.
Attendance and punctuality: Attendance and punctuality
are of prime importance at Oulder Hill. We have outstanding
attendance because our students enjoy school and want to
do well. National statistics show that students with less than
95% attendance are less likely to achieve their potential. If they
are absent, they are not learning. The school therefore does
not authorise family holidays during term time unless there
are exceptional circumstances. Parents should always write
to the Headteacher to consider authorising leave of absence
for any purposes. Students must produce a parental note of
explanation following any absence.
At Oulder Hill we recognise that every student is an
individual and has their own talents that need to be nurtured
appropriately. We are very proud of our extensive and
innovative Student Support Faculty led by our SENDCo.
Gifted & Talented
We have a Lead Practitioner (formerly called an Advanced
Skills Teacher) to coordinate our ‘Gifted and Talented’
programme for those students who show exceptional ability
in any given area. All lessons offer enrichment and extension
activities to ensure students are challenged and supported in
their learning.
The whole school cohort in each year group takes part in
specific projects; these address team work, critical thinking and
research skills.
Students are also given extra responsibilities to develop
independence and there is a mentoring programme to
guarantee that our most able fulfil their potential.
There is also a full programme of extra-curricular opportunities
including residentials, Space Days and visits to galleries.
Inclusion
The Inclusion Faculty provides education in an inclusive
learning setting. It is designed to offer support to a range
of students:
• Students with some Special Educational Needs who struggle with full-time mainstream education
• Students requiring mentoring for a range of reasons
• Students who need support with reading
I just wanted to say a huge
thank you for all you are doing for
my children. The commitment and
dedication of OHCS staff is not
going unnoticed
Parent Years 10 + 8
• Students who require support for specific needs
• Students who have been absent from school for an extended period
• Students requiring support for GCSE
• Students for whom English is an additional language
• Lunch-time clubs and Homework club.
Home/School Agreement
Oulder Hill
Community School
Religious Education
and Sex Education
The Religious Education programme has been designed to
meet the needs of the 1988 Education Act and the Rochdale
Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (RE).
Primarily, it is an academic course which is designed to ensure
that every student understands both what religion is and how
it expresses itself in society today. A copy of the R.E. syllabus is
available for inspection at the school.
The Sex Education programme is part of an ongoing health
education programme taught at the school. It has been
devised to be age appropriate and meet with the requirements
School Meals
& Lunch Times
All students are expected to remain on school premises at
lunch times. Oulder Hill runs a cashless ‘cafeteria’ system
which offers a wide choice of healthy foods: a set meal, jacket
potatoes, salads, a sandwich bar and a selection of individually
priced hot dishes. The cafeteria also provides early morning
snacks from 8.00 a.m. until 8.25 a.m. and at morning break. The
cost of a school meal is £2.00, students can of course bring
their own lunch to school and we would strongly encourage
parents/carers to be aware that we very much adhere to the
Healthy Schools ethos.
We expect the highest standards of behaviour in the dining
rooms. If a student does not conform to our expected standards
he or she may be excluded from the school during lunchtime.
of current legislation, including the requirements to teach
about AIDS and promote healthy lifestyles.
Parents have a right to withdraw their child from all or part
of the Sex Education and/or Religious Education programmes.
The Headteacher and the Governors would be grateful,
however, in the first instance if parents would contact school
to discuss their concerns prior to a formal request to withdraw
from either the Religious Education or Sex Education
programmes.
This is a statutory document which formalises the partnership
between parent, student and school and which all parties sign
prior to admission to the school.
The Parents/Carers
I /we will:
• Ensure that my son/daughter attends school regularly,
on time, properly equipped and in the correct uniform
• Keep the school informed of any concerns and problems
that might affect my son/daughter’s work and behaviour
• Support the school’s Behaviour, anti-racist and
anti-bullying policies
• Read and sign my son/daughter’s Planner each week
• Support my son/daughter in homework and other opportunities for independent learning
• Attend Review Meetings, Parent’s Evenings and discussions about my son/daughter’s progress
• Encourage my son/daughter to play an active part in the
life of the school
• Support the efforts of the teachers involved in the learning
of my son/daughter
The brilliant preparation and
induction programme removed my
sons’ concerns at leaving his familiar
primary school. He is engaged,
excited and motivated to learn.
Primary school got him wired up
Oulder Hill has switched him on
Parent Year 7
The School
The school will:
• Offer a broad, balanced curriculum, a full range of GCSE subjects as well as other qualifications and a variety of extra curricular activities
• Offer a pastoral care system with, an Assistant Headteacher at each Key Stage, Pastoral Managers, Year Managers and a Form Tutor to guide students through school and act as a direct link between school and parents
• Contact parents promptly (by Planner, phone or letter) if there is a problem with attendance, punctuality or any other concerns that affect work or behaviour
• Ensure that the school working atmosphere is purposeful, happy and disciplined
• Ensure that the school’s anti-racist, anti-bullying and behaviour policies are understood and implemented
• Arrange Review Days, Parents Evenings and provide regular reports on student progress
• Set, mark and monitor homework
The Student
I will:
• Treat every member of our community with respect
• Wear correct school uniform and in proper manner
• Follow school behaviour rules and manners expectations
• Have high standards of attendance and punctuality
• Produce work of the highest possible standard
• Do homework and hand it in on time
• Follow the computer user agreement
• Look after the school environment
Oulder Hill
Community School
School Rules/Codes of Conduct
We at Oulder Hill are committed to ensuring high standards
are maintained. Discipline is necessary for the well being of
the whole school community and requires the co-operation
of us all. The rules of the school are therefore the minimum to
maintain a well-ordered and purposeful atmosphere. These
common sense rules are based on our three principals, Be
Responsible, Be Respectful and Be Safe.
In the interests of everyone’s welfare and safety we insist on
students following these rules.
Please consult our website for full details of our ‘Oulder Hill
Positive Behaviour Management Policy’ which has been
identified by the Department for Education as an example
of best practice in the North West.
Rewarding
Good Behaviour
The students receive Green slips for good behaviour and positives e.g.
representing the school, 100% attendance, 100% punctuality. This
ensures that all student achievements are recognised. Green slips
form the basis of our rewards system at Oulder Hill. Certificates
and prizes are given out regularly and these achievements are
recognised and celebrated in assemblies.t
Negative
Behaviours
Red points are issued for negative behaviours that break
the school Code of Conduct e.g. disrupting lessons
or for showing a poor attitude to learning; whereas
yellow points are issued for organisational
problems.
This allows us to target intervention and
support. Accumulation of red points will result
in detentions and letters home. Further more
serious sanctions will follow if a student picks
up a high number of points.
I have met new people and
discovered new friendships. The
day feels like 1 hour instead of 6 1/2
because our work is made fun and
we learn a lot
Year 7 student
Student Planner
This formalises the partnership between parent, student
and school and which all parties sign prior to admission to
the school.
Your child will be given a Planner at the start of the year which
is a very valuable piece of their regular school equipment.
The Planner is used for a number of aspects of your child’s
school life, including:
• Recording Homework
• As a reference for some useful subject information
• As a means of communication between school and home
(please feel free to write notes within it, in the spaces provided)
Assemblies
There is a planned programme of weekly year assemblies.
There is a weekly thought for the week to encourage students
to reflect on a variety of social, cultural and moral issues and
students are actively encouraged to take part. There are half
termly rewards and certificates given out to promote
our culture of celebrating achievements. We also seek to
reinforce the standards described elsewhere in this prospectus
and include items such as daily notices, announcements and
sports reports.
Reporting of Racist and
Bullying Incidents
These are treated very seriously and such incidents will be
reported and recorded using the appropriate forms according
to school and Local Authority policy.
Please consult our website for details of our ‘Anti-Bullying
Policy’ and our ‘Anti-Racism Policy’.
Where to buy School uniform Jewellery
Oulder Hill
Community School
The school uniform is available from these trusted retailers:
Uniform and Appearance
Appearance
As a professional learning community we expect the highest
standards in everything that we do. We take pride in our
school and consequently school uniform must be worn. It is
the outward sign that the students belong to a caring school
community. Appearance, behaviour and work reflect a positive
attitude to school in particular and to society in general. In
our experience, neglect and carelessness in school dress often
indicate a deterioration in behaviour, attitude and progress.
The Governors of Oulder Hill School have laid out regulations
for school uniform. The Headteacher has the power to exclude
from school any student who, after a warning, refuses to obey
the uniform regulations.
School Uniform And
Equipment List
Parents are asked to mark all garments and equipment with
their child’s name to facilitate their return in the event of loss.
School Uniform
Blazer: Oulder Hill School Blazer.
Skirt:
Standardised black knee length in plain material.
A skirt with the Oulder Hill logo is preferable but
not compulsory.
Trousers: Black in plain material. (No shorts, no skinny/tight
trousers, no jeans or leggings).
Shirt:
Plain white tailored with collar which must be
tucked in at all times and top button fastened.
Tie:
Ties worn must show seven stripes and/or
the school logo beneath the knot. (Yr11 students
have an alternative version).
Pullover: (Optional) Black v-necked school sweater with
OHCS logo/motif.
Socks: Grey, black or white.
Tights: Black or natural shades without patterns.
Footwear: Plain black full leather shoe or ankle boot (worn
under trousers). No trainers, pumps, canvas shoes,
coloured badges, high heels, wedges, sports brands
(including converse), coloured bands laces or stripes.
No badges, logos or insignia other than the school’s are
acceptable on clothing) The only coat allowed to be worn
inside the building will be a blazer.
Religious Dress
A plain black Hijab may be worn.
P.E. Kit
Shirt:
Black school polo shirt
(long or short sleeved).
Shorts:
Plain black shorts.
Hooded Top:
Black/Green hooded top.
Tracksuit Bottoms: Optional. Black tracksuit bottoms and
only worn at the discretion of PE staff.
Socks:
Black long or short socks.
Shoes:
Training shoes (with non-marking soles).
Swimwear:
Full swimming costumes (including
swimming caps where necessary).
Football Boots:
Football boots may also be required for
some activities.
Other accessories such as shin pads and gum shields may be
needed and your child will receive information on these from
P.E. staff.
Your son/daughter’s physical and health education is a very
important part of the school’s curriculum. All children will be
expected to take part in physical activities and make full use
of the school’s facilities. Only on medical grounds will a child
be excused from this part of school life, and must have a note.
Longer term medical issues will need a medical certificate
from a doctor or hospital. Students with notes will still be
expected to participate in the lesson as far as possible by
coaching others or officiating.
Monkhouse Top Form
Moses Ziggys 49 Drake Street, Rochdale
Tel: 01706 345257
23 Oldham Road, Rochdale
Tel: 01706 644447
101 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale
Tel: 01706 655141
Ties are available from the School Reception.
Dress
Dress for both boys and girls should be appropriate for an
environment in which learning and teaching are paramount.
Very tight blouses or trousers and very short skirts can cause
embarrassment to other students and staff and are therefore
inappropriate for a place of work.
Hair
For health, safety and eyesight reasons long hair should be
fastened back off the face. No extreme hairstyles are allowed
(no Mohicans, lines or patterns). Shaved hair must be no
less than a Number 1. Hair colouring, if used, must be within
a range of natural hair colours and must not be in extreme
contrasting colours, for example black and blond.
Students are allowed to wear a wrist watch and one set of
plain stud earrings, which may have to be removed for Health
& Safety reasons during certain lessons. No other jewellery is
allowed in school. We recommend that expensive watches and
stud earrings are not brought into school as we cannot accept
any responsibility for loss of valuables. Nose studs and all
other forms of body piercing are forbidden in school.
Makeup
Make-up must not be worn in school.
Nails
No varnish or false nails of any type.
Term Dates
Oulder Hill
Community School
The School Day
School term dates are as follows:
2015 / 2016
Thursday 3rd September School Opens
School sessions are:
Monday 26th October - Friday 30th October
Half Term
Friday 27th November Inset Day (school closed to students)
Monday 21st December - Friday 1st January 2015
Christmas Holidays
Monday 15th February - Friday 19th February
Half Term
08:30 - 08:35
Morning Registration
08:35 - 09:35
Period 1
09:35 - 10:35
Period 2
Monday 22nd February Inset Day (school closed to students)
Friday 25th March - Friday 8th April Easter Holidays
10:35 - 10:50
Morning Break
Monday 2nd May
Bank Holiday
Monday 30th May to Friday 3rd June Half Term
Friday 24th June Inset Day (school closed to students)
10:50 - 11:50
Period 3
11:50 - 12:10
Tutorial / Assembly
12:10 - 13:00
Lunch
13:00 - 14:00
Period 4
14:00 - 15:00
Period 5
Wednesday 20th July
Summer Holidays
2016 / 2017
Monday 5th September School Opens
Monday 24th October - Friday 28th October
Half Term
Friday 25th November Inset Day (school closed to students)
Monday 19th December - Monday 2nd January 2015
Christmas Holidays
Monday 20th February - Friday 24th February
Half Term
Monday 3rd April - Monday 17th April
Easter Holidays
Monday 1st May Bank Holiday
Monday 29th May - Friday 2nd June
Half Term
Friday 30th June Inset Day (school closed to students)
Friday 21st July
Summer Holidays
Monday 24th July Improvements in not only her
studies but also her self esteem and
confidence are amazing
Parent Year 8
Inset Day (school closed to students)
Notes
Oulder Hill
Community School
Examination Results
Our 2015 exam results are again pleasing. We have
achieved 70% C+ in both English and Maths. In fact
we are very proud that 20 of our students have achieved
an A/A* in Further Maths on top of their GCSE A/A*.
Oulder Hill is the highest attaining school in Rochdale for
the English Baccaulaureate (*English, maths, science, a
Language and either Geography or History) which will now
be a compulsory curriculum measure for schools after a
government announcement in the summer.
We have some great results in foundation subjects too
with the pick of them being both Italian and Dance at
100% C+; Art at 93%; both Catering and Health and
Social Care at 88% and PE at 85%. This wide range of
courses and performances shows clearly the fantastic
talents our students undoubtedly have. Added to these
results are record performances in year 10 science which
indicate our new year 11 should achieve the school’s best
ever results next year.
Number of students
entered
Percentage of
students gaining
A* - A
Percentage of
students gaining
A* - C
Percentage of
students gaining
A* - G
Art
43
30%
93%
100%
Business Studies
82
24%
70%
99%
Catering
16
38%
88%
100%
Child Care
21
0%
57%
100%
Dance
8
100%
100%
100%
Drama
17
0%
71%
100%
English
214
10%
71%
100%
European Computer Driving License
8
88%
100%
100%
French
90
10%
64%
100%
Geography
31
26%
74%
100%
Graphic Products
21
14%
43%
100%
Subject
Health & Social Care
24
33%
88%
100%
History
73
33%
73%
99%
ICT Cambridge Nationals
11
18%
100%
100%
Italian
13
69%
100%
100%
Mathematics
214
23%
71%
100%
Mathematics Further
28
71%
100%
100%
Music
33
3%
76%
97%
PE
20
40%
85%
100%
Perf. Engineering
36
0%
6%
94%
Religious Education
17
35%
82%
100%
Resistant Materials
48
4%
25%
96%
Science (Core)
202
16%
76%
99%
Science Additional
193
20%
73%
99%
Science Further Additional
80
18%
69%
100%
Spanish
96
17%
65%
100%
Sports Studies (BTEC)
17
6%
71%
100%
Textiles
11
9%
55%
100%
He could never have
imagined getting 11 A and
A*s. I am truly and eternally
grateful to all your staff!
Parent ex Year 11
The support of the teachers has
been outstanding. They are willing
to try new things and help my child
grow and learn
Parent Year
Oulder Hill
Community School
Hudsons Walk, Rochdale, OL11 5EF
Telephone: 01706 645522
Facsimile: 01706 648404
Web: www.oulderhill-school.com
Email: info@oulderhill-school.com
Headteacher: Mr. J. P. Watson B.A. (Hons), Ad.Dip.Ed., M.Ed., N.P.Q.H.
Developing Potential
Achieving
Excellence