Oulder Hill Prospectus 2015/2016

Oulder Hill
Community School
PROSPECTUS
Developing Potential
Achieving
Excellence
Oulder Hill
Community School
Welcome to Oulder Hill
Where quality matters
Welcome from the Headteacher
Welcome to Oulder Hill, a very successful Rochdale school and a centre of
excellence for languages in all of Greater Manchester. The school was graded
as “good” in all categories by Ofsted in 2012 and as “outstanding” in a national
survey in May 2015 for how many of our parents would recommend us.
My task and my passion now, as the Headteacher, is to make sure we continue to
be a happy and caring school coupled with ensuring every minute of every lesson
is an outstanding learning experience for every child. No matter where their talents
lie the school is driven to providing the best possible start to life for every pupil
(as evidenced by our extremely low NEETs figures and Information, Advice and
Guidance Gold Award). Testament to this is the number of our staff and partner
schools’ staff who entrust their own children to our care.
Aims
If Oulder Hill is not the right choice for you at this time I thank you for considering
us. If you would like further information I look forward to hearing from you.
If you do choose Oulder Hill, myself, pupils and staff look forward to
welcoming you into our genuine Community School.
John Watson
Headteacher
Since his
appointment
the headteacher
has taken a firm
lead in driving
the school’s
improvement
I can assure you that my aims for your child are the same as those I have for
my own – that they are happy and safe; that they form positive friendships;
and that they develop into well rounded learners who are able to make the
right choices and maximise all the opportunities that come their way.
Our culture of high standards and no excuses is a key aspect of the vision at
Oulder Hill. We have very high expectations of our students, and you can be
assured that the staff are entirely committed to relentlessly pursuing our vision
of providing the very best education for each and every child at Oulder Hill.
We are an inclusive, vibrant, international language school where all of our
community are valued and all achievements are celebrated.
Oulder Hill
Community School
Quality Teaching
and Learning
The quality of teaching
is good. Teachers convey
high expectations and plan
activities that help students
to learn effectively
Personalised for your child
At Oulder Hill we recognise that high quality teaching and
learning are fundamental to success. Learners are taught
by well qualified, dedicated staff who enjoy their work and
are committed to ensuring that all students make progress.
Within the classroom, students learn in a variety of different and exciting
ways where challenging work and high expectations are encouraged.
Teachers plan lessons that allow students to build resilience through
working independently to find solutions to real-life situations. We also
believe in creating opportunities in which students can support and learn
from each other. There is a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy
alongside a focus on developing personal learning and thinking skills as
we see this as crucial to the workplace and for life long learning.
We strongly value the role of
assessment, tracking and
monitoring in ensuring that
teachers, students and
parents/carers are fully
aware of how they
are doing and the
steps required to
move on to the
next level. An
emphasis on high
quality verbal and
written feedback
ensures that students
know how to make
good progress.
Teachers develop
strong working
relationships with
students. Teachers’
high expectations
are successful in
promoting students’
positive attitudes
to learning
Oulder Hill
Community School
Quality Curriculum
Personalised for your child
At Oulder Hill we are proud to be able to provide a broad and balanced curriculum
that enables each individual student to fulfil their potential. As well as having
academic rigour, the curriculum is designed to be enjoyable and fulfilling.
The school day consists of 5 one-hour lessons taught by subject specialists. In Years
7 and 8 students study English, Maths, Science, Computer Science, Humanities
(Geography, History and Religious Education), Design Technology, Expressive
Arts (Art, Dance, Drama and Music), one or more Modern Foreign Language and
Physical Education.
Students are
well prepared for
the next stage of
their lives
At the end of Year 8 students choose their options subjects and focus in more detail
on what they wish to follow to GCSE level. In Year 9, 10 and 11 students continue
to study the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, a Modern Foreign Language
and PE in addition to other option subjects which they choose from a wide range of
GCSE and BTEC courses. This means that all students have opportunities to gain
qualifications that are tailored to their needs, interests and aspirations, including the
English Baccalaureate.
In Year 10 students study for a nationally recognised qualification in ICT. By completing
this at the end of Year 10 students are able to choose more option subjects than would
otherwise be possible. All students in Years 7 to 11 also spend one hour a week with
their form tutor studying Personal Social Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE).
All of the subjects at Oulder Hill are differentiated so that students have learning
experiences that not only stretch them to their potential, but also provide the
right level of support for each individual. The school has a large number of
students who are Gifted and Talented – these students have opportunities to
enrich their studies through a special programme of events led by a Leading
Practitioner (previously Advanced Skills Teacher). Students who have not yet
met national standards at primary school will be given tailored programmes to
enable them to close the gap through our coveted Student Support Faculty. The school is committed to personalising learning so that every student,
whatever their ability and whatever their needs, is challenged to achieve the
highest possible outcomes on whatever pathway to success they are on.
Students’ excellent progress
in mathematics leads to
impressive GCSE results and,
frequently, to a high number of
the top A* grades
Oulder Hill
Community School
A Wider Curriculum
Personalised for your child
In addition to academic success, the school is proud to be able to boast an
outstanding record of achievement in sports, expressive arts and other extracurricular activities thanks largely to the dedication of our staff who work
tirelessly to develop the talent and commitment of our wonderful students.
As a recent £26million refurbished purpose-built school we have
amazing facilities for all subjects. We are extremely fortunate to have the
Gracie Fields Theatre as part of the school – we use this 700 seat fully
operational professional theatre for several productions throughout
the year and for assemblies and lessons.
We have a state-of-the-art dance studio and excellent art studios.
Our sports facilities are superb with a swimming pool, large sports
hall, gym, astro turf floodlit pitch, tennis courts and squash courts.
We also have extensive ICT provision, an impressive Learning
Resource Centre (Library) and new dining facilities in 2011. The
school is recognised nationally for its student voice and charity
work and globally through its International College status.
The quality of the guidance
offered has been recognised in the
school gaining the Information
Advice & Guidance Gold Award
Sport is an important part of school life and
encourages a healthy lifestyle whilst developing
teamwork skills. Our outstanding facilities allow
us to provide an extensive menu of extra
curricular activities and clubs. Popular sporting
activities include: football, netball, cricket,
trampolining, basketball and cycling to name
but a few. Our school teams regularly compete
in major competitions at all levels and a number
of our students have represented their county
and even country in sporting events. We are also
particularly proud of our students who take part in
the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme – a challenging
but rewarding commitment.
An above
average proportion
of the students
leaving the school
continue into
education, training
or employment
Oulder Hill
Community School
Quality Care
and Support
Personalised for your child
Those joining the school,
whether at the beginning of
Year 7 or during the year, feel
welcome and settle in quickly
because of the support that
they receive
Oulder Hill places a strong emphasis on pastoral care and is committed
to the Every Child Matters agenda. The school is committed to
creating an environment in which every child can achieve their best.
We understand that transition from Primary school can be a very
anxious time for both students and parents. New students are usually
placed in a tutor group with some friends and the Form Tutor stays with
them throughout a Key Stage. The school promotes a strong three-way
partnership between parents, students and staff as we feel this is crucial to
the student’s development. Parents are invited to take an active part in their
child’s learning.
Supporting the Form Tutors is a Year Manager who will care for your child
throughout their five years at Oulder Hill. These are non-teaching members of
staff who are available to see students at all times of the day. They are supported by
Pastoral managers and Assistant Headteachers at each Key Stage. The pastoral staff
have forged strong links with a variety of outside agencies to support our students.
In addition Learning and Progress Directors (LPDs) who are teaching members of
staff oversee the learning and progress of your child. An LPD will remain with your
child’s year group throughout their school life and will work with you to ensure that
your child is meeting their target grades in all subjects and achieving their potential.
The school does not tolerate bullying or racism and has strong anti-bullying and
anti-racism policies which are signed by all members of the school community.
The school has a Year 10 group of Peer Mentors who are fully trained in helping
other students with bullying and friendship issues.
We are extremely proud of our students’ achievements and successes and we celebrate
this through a variety of rewards and presentation events throughout the year.
Students
behave well & have
positive attitudes to
school. Attendance
is consistently
high
Oulder Hill
Community School
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