Harry Carlton School Specialist in Mathematics and Computing

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1 Harry Carlton School Specialist in Mathematics and Computing Prospectus

2 Harry Carlton School celebrates 50ears!! Harry Carlton School was opened in 1957 and we celebrated 50 years in September Many events took place including a 1950 s day. Students and staff came dressed in 1950 s 60 s or 70 s style clothes and many had made a great effort to look the part. There was a ear 7 assembly 1950 s style and the singing of hymns was enjoyed by all. ear 8 staged a Tug of War contest in the morning and at lunchtime the school field staged a needle contest of Tug of War between the sixth form and the staff who narrowly won! The celebrations continued into Saturday with an East Leake Fayre and many ex students and staff attended, very keen to identify themselves and friends in the photographs. It is important to leave something behind for those who follow so consequently a whole school photograph was taken on the playing field. It was a beautiful sunny day and the experience of the whole school working together for two hours was very much enjoyed by all even though some sixth form students stood for over an hour and a half in the full sun. We were very proud to be able to invite Fran Neale who had played the recorder at the opening ceremony as a student in the 3 rd year ear 9 in the language of Fran was one of the students who were there when the school opened. She went on to work in the school kitchens for over 30 years and is better remembered as the School Dinners Manager. Although she retired in July 2007, just 5 weeks before the photograph we are pleased that she came back especially to be on it. The full photograph of Harry Carlton School 2007 can be viewed in the school main entrance.

3 Harry Carlton School Specialist in Mathematics and Computing Prospectus Contents Harry Carlton School Specialist in Mathematics and Computing Background Vision Aims of the School Application Procedure Applications ear 6 into 7 for September 2009 Admission into ear 7 September 2009 Admission into ear groups other than Intake ears 7 11 Admission into Post 16 provision (Sixth form) School Buses The Curriculum Curriculum Faculty Areas Pastoral Structure Harry Carlton Behaviour Policy School Dress Code and Equipment The Building and Facilities Health and Safety Staffing Dining and food facilities Extended Services Harry Carlton School Policies Extra Curricular Activities Curriculum Delivery, Timetable and Homework Curriculum Provision in ears 7-9 (Key Stage 3) Curriculum Provision (Key Stage 4) Curriculum Provision for Post 16 students Examination courses offered Mathematics ICT and Computing English, Media Science Art Design and Technology Business and Enterprise Humanities Learning Support Modern Foreign Languages Performing Arts Physical Education ear Learning Co-ordinators Post 16 Provision Our support for Charities Pastoral Leaders Careers Education and Guidance ears 7 11students School Outfitters location and contact details Post 16 students PE Kit Equipment and Harry Carlton Student Planner The school East Leake Leisure Centre Health and First Aid provision Headteacher, Leadership Group and Governors Healthy Eating and Drinking Free School Dinners Provision across the school Appendix 1 Examination results

4 CARE, COURTES, CONSIDERATION and ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL Welcome to Harry Carlton School, thank you for being interested in the school and to read our prospectus. We hope that you will consider Harry Carlton is the type of school you would wish your child (or children) to attend and are successful in your application. Harry Carlton School is situated in a village 9 miles south of the City of Nottingham. The village is a dormitory suburb and many families commute to Nottingham, Leicester and Loughborough. The school has a mixed or semi-rural catchment area. The family of schools within the catchment area are Lantern Lane Primary and Brookside Primary, situated in East Leake, and extends to the primary schools in the villages of Gotham, Costock, Normanton and Sutton Bonington. Over half of the students are bussed into school. The school is popular and over subscribed in a number of year groups. The school's admission limit is set at 200 in each year group. The school has a thriving Post 16 facility where over 200 students study for a variety of qualifications chosen from 27 AS / A2 levels and BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 The school population reflects a wide socio-economic background demonstrating extremes as opposed to graduations. Although the school is set in a rural environment, the students are drawn from a range of villages and several estates both within East Leake itself and from the City of Nottingham. The school attracts applications from parents who recognise different features and strengths of the school and consequently consider that their child s needs will be addressed. VISION Harry Carlton School must be pivotal in the life of East Leake and the surrounding community. We will strive to be a centre of excellence that provides the foundations of learning for generations of children and their families, providing unsurpassed opportunities for growth and development of the community as a whole and each individual, so they may be independent adults making a good contribution to society in whatever walk of life they choose. THE SCHOOL AIMS Within the context of Every Child Matters the school is committed to providing: 1. A safe and secure environment where there is a developing awareness of individual responsibilities. 2. Healthy positive attitudes towards self and others. 3. Education, training and the acquisition of qualifications in preparation for adult life. 4. Economic and social well-being, leading to sustained long term employment. 5. Personal wellbeing developed through positive attitudes towards life s challenges We aim to promote for each student: A broad range of educational opportunities so that each individual can maximize their potential Self-esteem, self discipline and personal awareness of moral, spiritual and social values. Co-operation and a sense of community that provides a happy, secure environment for all students and staff. Encourage confidence, perseverance, flexibility and determination to be successful throughout life. An attitude of respect which rejects discrimination in all its forms. We are very proud of our reputation as a highly successful, happy, caring and forward thinking school. ou will already be aware of our outstanding examination results and I am sure that you are keen to see our school building with its modern facilities, large classrooms, open spaces and leading edge ICT/Technology teaching resources. We are a Specialist School in Mathematics and Computing. This means that we have introduced considerable growth and extended opportunities in these subjects and across the whole curriculum. Do come and see for yourself! I would like to invite you to the Annual OPEN EVENING on Tuesday 7 October 2008 G. A. Legg B.Ed. M.Ed. Headteacher September 2008

5 Application Procedure After reading through this document and the Extended Prospectus on the website: we hope that you will decide that Harry Carlton school offers what you are looking for. Harry Carlton is a popular high achieving school set in the village of East Leake in the Rushcliffe Borough of South Nottinghamshire. The School became an 11 to 18 co-educational Comprehensive in 1971 and was formed by the extension of the existing County Secondary School. There are about 1200 student on roll of whom over 220 benefit from our Post 16 provision. Application to attend Harry Carlton may be made for any secondary age child, we are particularly pleased that a number of students each year wish to apply to join our Post 16 provision. Applications for ear 6 into 7 for September 2009 Our ear 6 into 7 intake comes from six partner (family) Primary schools: Lantern Lane, Brookside, Gotham, Sutton Bonington, Costock and Normanton. We also welcome many children who enrol students from over 20 primary schools each year situated in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Nottingham City and Derbyshire. Our admission limit for each ear Group is 200. If your child is presently at a Nottinghamshire school you will be sent details of how to apply in October. If you live in Nottingham City or elsewhere outside Nottinghamshire, for example, in Leicestershire you should write to: Rushcliffe Area Education Officer at South Base, Sir John Robinson Way, Nottingham NGG5 6DA; Telephone number: An Open Evening for prospective parents and children will take place on Tuesday 7 October 2008 from 6-8pm when all ear 5 and 6 parents and children are welcome to visit. The closing date for preferences is Friday 17 October 2008, therefore it is best to write in September or October and give the reasons for your choice. Parents are usually notified in February of the result of their application. Please note that neither the school nor the Governing Body are able to influence admission decisions which are handled by the Area Officer. If you are refused a place there is an appeals procedure of which you will be notified. Admissions into ear 7 September 2009 ou will be invited to attend a parents meeting that takes place at your child s primary school early in the Summer term. The Deputy Head Mr J Carrick(KS3) and the ear 7 Learning Co-Ordinator Mrs P Smith will give a short presentation about Harry Carlton and both are available to answer any questions you may have. There is also a meeting at Harry Carlton for parents of all other primary schools that are not the partner primary schools. These meetings are then followed by a visit from the ear 7 Learning Co-Ordinator Mrs Smith to see the children in their primary school during the school day. At the meeting she will introduce herself to the students, discuss the forthcoming visit to Harry Carlton and answer any questions the children might have about going to secondary school. Mrs Smith will also discuss individual children with their ear 6 teacher. In early July all ear 6 students who have a place at Harry Carlton are invited to spend the day with us. The purpose of this day is to experience travelling to school, having lunch, meeting some of the teachers and, of course, participating in some lessons. The students will learn who their Tutor will be and will have the opportunity to spend some time with their new Tutor Group. Following Transfer Day is an Information Evening held at Harry Carlton where you are invited to meet your child s tutor and visit the many information areas set up around the school. These will include uniform suppliers, Music Department, PE Department, Learning Support, 129 Group, School Nurse and many more. The aim of the transfer process is to ensure your child looks forward to starting at Harry Carlton in September and we hope that he or she will settle in quickly and be very happy in their new school.

6 Admissions to ear Groups Other than the Intake ear ears 7 to 11 Applications for admission to other ear Groups will normally be considered in relation to the published admission limit which applied when the ear Group was first admitted to the school. Should you wish to view the school in session before making a decision please do not hesitate to contact the main office to arrange an appointment ( ). Students entering ears 8 11 will normally visit the school prior to admission when a senior member of staff will show you around and answer your questions. When starting at the school he/she will be paired with a buddy who will look after them for a few days whilst they find their feet. During the initial visit the school s procedures/organisation will be explained and option subjects/academic levels will be discussed. If places are available within the ear Group, applications will be considered in accordance with the admission criteria. If places are available the child will normally be admitted to the school. Application forms are available from the address above. Further guidance on the way in which applications are dealt with can be found in Nottinghamshire County Council s Admissions to Schools booklet 2003/2004 and include: Preferences for more than one school Late applications The way waiting lists are maintained and used Admissions into the Post 16 provision (Sixth form) We welcome students into the Sixth form from other institutions and look forward to you continuing your education with us. We have a very good reputation in the area and students integrate very quickly and enjoy their two or three years at Harry Carlton School. We operate a very student led curriculum where choices of AS Levels are made by students and we attempt to provide for all variations of choice. Any AS started in ear 12 will be timetabled to continue into ear 13 as an A2 regardless of numbers opting what we have started we will finish! There is a Post 16 prospectus available on the website or a paper copy from the school office. We also have a Post 16 Information evening to which you are very welcome on Wednesday 12 th November Please contact Mr J Flint is Post 16 Learning Manager and ear Learning Co-ordinator for ear 13, Mrs A Mann is ear Learning Co-ordinator for ear 12 at any time throughout ear 11 or 12 to arrange an informal discussion and viewing of the school and facilities. School Buses Over half of our school population travels to school on a bus. We demand the very highest of good behaviour and responsibility. Most students travel either from reasonably near Leicestershire villages, or from within the City of Nottingham. The school is not responsible for the cost of bus fares. (Support is provided for Post 16 student s education travel through the Educational Maintenance Allowance.) Local companies are chartered to provide a service (from Leicestershire), and City students use the public transport (No.1) bus service. Nottinghamshire families are entitled to free bus travel if they qualify and are given a travel pass.

7 The Curriculum We aim to provide a relevant curriculum that thoroughly engages students during their time at Harry Carlton and prepares each student for their life after school. This includes providing opportunities to have new experiences, to grow and develop, to gain qualifications, develop life skills and knowledge, at the same time enjoy their time actually going through the years at Harry Carlton. The timetabled subjects studied do vary slightly as students move through from ear 7 to ear 9. In ear 10 and 11 students do have an element of choice and different curriculum pathways are offered to best provide for differing abilities, aptitudes and interests. The provision for Post 16 students is very much based on the principles of choice by the students themselves. Careful consideration should be made at this stage of education that doors are opened and opportunities kept as broad as possible whilst beginning to study in real depth areas of interest. Curriculum delivery There are 50 one hour teaching periods per fortnight divided equally each day. The day begins with a 20 minute tutor and registration period when regular assemblies also take place. There is a further registration period of 5 minutes at the beginning of the afternoon. Timetable Register and tutor period Period 1 Break Period 2 Period 3 Lunch Register pm Period 4 Period 5 End of the day Week am 9.05am 10.05am 10.25am 11.25am 12.25pm 1.15pm 1.20pm 2.15pm 3.15pm Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Week 2 Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. The Curriculum is delivered through individual timetables and all students receive a printed copy including their subjects, staffing and rooms. The staff at Harry Carlton are very generous with their own time and volunteer to provide extra lessons and activities that enriches the curriculum delivery that the students can enjoy and gain from. Each year in preparation for SATs and external exams staff willingly give up lunchtimes and time after the school day has ended to ensure that students can achieve as highly as possible. These classes are voluntary for the students also, we do find that many do attend and benefit from the extra time and attention from staff. We also have a very willing staff who provide many extra activities beyond the classroom both curriculum delivery and beyond, Harry Carlton is very proud of the range of opportunities given to all students and we hope they will embrace these, gaining experiences throughout their years here and also increasingly giving back to the school community. More details of Extra Curricular Activities that have taken place are towards the end of this document. Homework As a school we recognise the importance of homework in developing key attitudes towards study and independent learning. The school uses a Homework Time table for all year groups, based upon the subjects taught and when they are delivered on our two week timetable. Homework is considered to be very important in helping to raise academic standards and in helping teachers to measure what they have taught has been understood. Each year group will receive a different homework timetable from another year group, and the amount of time required each day / week will increase with age. It is sometimes staff will set a project or an extended piece of course work as homework and this does include encouraging the student to learn time management skills to meet the deadline without undue last minute stress. There are a range of tasks available on the website for homework and extension tasks

8 Curriculum Provision in ears 7-9 Competence and Confidence Curriculum The school delivers the National Curriculum and the table indicates the number of hours per fortnight students are designated to each subject area. Subjects ear 7 ear 8 ear 9 English Mathematics Science ICT PE PSHCEE Art and Design Design and Technology Drama 2 French German 4 4 Geography History Music Religious Education Hours per fortnight The approach to the KS3 taught curriculum changed from September The new approach emphasises skills and competencies to support the teaching subject content across all faculty areas. Some of the content has been reduced to create space for cross curricular themes and projects to allow students to develop and recognise these personal and learning skills. Cross curricular themes which develop personal wellbeing, economic wellbeing and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) are also promoted through the new approaches to KS3. Some schools are achieving this through changing the timetable to force cross-curricular or multi-subject collaboration in order to deliver the competence agenda. At Harry Carlton we plan to build on the good things we already do by developing our Competence and Confidence Curriculum The Harry Carlton Confidence and Competence Curriculum allows us to enhance the learning model for all KS3 students. This approach complements the SEAL Framework (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) and will be phased in to cover all three year groups. The work done in subjects will be further enhanced by multisubject collaborations and transition projects involving our feeder primary schools. The whole school themes and threads we will develop are based in three areas: Skills for Independent Learning and Thinking My Learning and Thinking Skills - My Research Skills Skills for Personal and Economic Wellbeing How I manage myself - How I stay safe and healthy Skills for Working with People and Situations How I work with people - How I work indifferent situations The curriculum model will remain the same. All the National Curriculum subjects will continue to be taught, but backed up by focus events and longer term threads which support the development of skills and competences.

9 The new approaches were first introduced in September 2008 starting with ear 7. There will be many opportunities and support materials available for class teachers and tutors to promote each theme in normal lessons. Many of our existing extra-curricular learning experiences at Harry Carlton are excellent vehicles to promote this new approach and will be coordinated through PSHCE. Students are carefully placed into mixed ability tutor groups to ensure that there is a good social mix, most teaching takes place in ear 7 in tutor groups. Setting arrangements are introduced for mathematics, science, English and modern foreign languages. By ear 9 a student is placed into a set according to their ability and progress in each of these individual subjects in preparation for the SATS at the end of ear 9. Individual monitoring of student progress is well developed as a tool used by staff to monitor progress at all stages through the three years, this is recognised and students praised. A system of recognising and rewarding achievements is used to encourage students. We also aim to keep parents fully informed of progress during the year as well as the annual report. Students are actively encouraged to monitor and measure their own progress and to share this with their parents at frequent intervals. By the end of ear 9 the standards reached in national tests are consistently above average OFSTED November 2007 There is a well organised Induction period for ear 6 students arriving in ear 7 and this will be explained in the Pastoral Care section. Staff are aware of all students abilities and lesson planning takes into account the full range of ability in the group. Gifted an Talented students are identified by staff as well as those with individual and particular learning conditions. For a small group of students who have particular learning difficulties we have a small group provision in ear 7 called The 129 Group. The Learning Support department work closely with the primary schools to identify students who may struggle when they reach the much larger secondary school. Students are still placed into tutor groups and will have some lessons mixing with their tutor group. Some subjects will be taken in the one room with a limited number of teachers compared to the majority. The aim is to enable a student to grow at their own pace into the secondary school and to be fully integrated into the year group by the end of ear 7. An induction programme for vulnerable pupils in ear 7 is proving to be effective and transfer arrangements from feeder schools is good OFSTED 2007

10 Curriculum Provision In year 10 and year 11 the time allocation to subjects is as follows: STATUTOR CURRICULUM Hours per fortnight OPTIONAL CURRICULUM (will study 4 or 5 subjects) Hours per fortnight English Lang. and Literature 6 GCSE (up to 5 subjects) 5 Mathematics 6 B.TEC Applied Science (Single Science Equivalent to two GCSEs) 5 Science (to make it double or triple) 5 RE 2 Vocationals (2 blocks) 10 ICT 2 PE 3 PSHCE 1 TOTAL 25 hrs TOTAL preferred subjects 25 hours The Statutory Curriculum is the range of subjects that all students must follow in years 10 and 11. As students move into ear 10 their curriculum and consequently their timetable becomes more personal. The statutory curriculum is delivered to all students and this will either be in ability sets (English mathematics and science) or groups to accommodate the variations in student choices which have been made during ear 9. We provide the opportunity for students to follow one of three different pathways: 1. all GCSEs or equivalent to total a choice of 5 subjects from a range of 19 subjects 2. a mix of GCSEs or equivalent that includes 3 subjects and a vocational subject that is delivered in double time to enable students to gain from more hands on experience. 3. the Alternative Curriculum Experience (ACE) pathway which enables a student to follow a reduced number of GCSEs, to gain a vocational qualification and also a range of certificates within the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (COPE) All students will be given the opportunity to: Study for GCSE qualifications in: Art and Design Drama Music Media Studies Science to make Double Award Science or Triple Award English Language English Literature Mathematics Single Science (BTEC Applied Science) Study for half GCSE qualification in Religious Education Study for an OCR National qualification in ICT (equivalent to one GCSE) Prepare for a Sports Leaders Award in PE. ARTS HUMANITIES MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE Geography History Religious Studies French German SCIENCE TECHNOLOG EXTRA SUBJECTS (These both replace the BTEC Applied Science) OCR Nationals ICT Food & Nutrition DT: Graphics DT: Resistant Materials DT: Systems and Control DT: Textiles VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS (double award allocated double time) Business Studies Sports Studies Engineering B.TEC First Certificate in Children's Care Travel & Tourism Performing Arts

11 Flexible learning and Individual learning plans Flexibility of the provision is essential to enable students to gain as much as they can from these very important years. We work with colleges and local training providers to offer, on an individual basis, alternative provision. This is a considered decision made after consultation between staff, students and parents. It involves a high level of commitment from the student for their placement to be provided. Students are able to gain qualifications in areas of work that they have been seriously considering. It also gives them experience in the workplace and what it is like to work with a range of people. We currently have students who are training and working between half a day a week to full time in: Health and Beauty Hair and beauty Construction Child care Sport Management * More detailed information is available in the Extended Prospectus : Curriculum Pathways on the website or as a paper format on request from the school.

12 Curriculum Provision for Post 16 students Pupils are well prepared for further or higher education and future employment OFSTED 2007 The school is very proud of the Post 16 provision and welcomes new students from outside Harry Carlton to apply to join us as well as all our present ear 11 students. There is a separate Prospectus for Post 16 that is available from the website or in paper form from the school. However a brief description of the curriculum provision is outlined here. The Post 16 curriculum includes opportunities for students of all abilities to gain further from their Harry Carlton experience. There are a number of alternative pathways through Post 16: The majority of students study for AS and A2 level qualifications. We also have a range of BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications that have gained in popularity and provide very high teacher to student ratio groups and can lead on to further educational qualifications. We have students who study: 4 AS levels in ear 12 followed by 3 A2 levels in ear 13. By beginning ear 12 with a BTEC course and then follow through to Level 3 and beyond. a BTEC in ear 12 and having gained more confidence then start AS level courses in ear 13. We have just had our first student to go on to higher education following this route. All Post 16 students follow a statutory curriculum provision which provides across the two week timetable: PSHCEE and academic tutoring with their tutor Physical Activity on Wednesday afternoons.(we prefer to call it this to encourage wide range participation and activities) Tutor time in the mornings and afternoons All students who enrol at Harry Carlton are expected to attend promptly and regularly and cover these areas. It is also hoped that students will volunteer to contribute to the extended life of the sixth form and the school community in some of their non taught time. A levels Students who wish to study will be able to choose from the range of A level subjects offered. We do allow students to tell us what combination of subjects they wish to study and will endeavour to provide for every variation. A subject that has been offered and had a group of students taking it in ear 12 will continue to be available in ear 13 no matter how small the numbers who wish to continue on to A2. The A level subjects currently available are: Art Business Studies Biology Chemistry Computer Stud Drama Economics English Literature English Language Film Studies French German Geography History Information Technology Graphical Communication Mathematics Media Studies Music Physics Politics Psychology Resistant Materials Religious Stud Sociology Sports Studies Textiles The BTEC courses currently available are: Performing Arts Level 2 and Level 3 Leisure and Tourism Level 2 and Level 3 * More detailed information is available in the Post 16 Prospectus on the website or in a paper format on request from the school.

13 Gifted and Talented Policy Our aim at Harry Carlton School is to provide an effective and challenging education for all students, including those with exceptional academic ability, artistic and sporting talents. Identification Gifted students are those that have exceptional academic ability, whilst the talented are those with exceptional sporting, or artistic ability. Identification of these students will be through faculty recommendation, CATS, SATs, MIDIS and ELLIS data, and GCSE results. Once identified, students will automatically be added to the gifted and talented register and their details passed to all curriculum areas, so that appropriate provision is made. Parents will then receive information about accessing the Learner Academy* website. Provision In lessons students are provided with an environment where they will be able to learn effectively and be challenged. Teachers have guidance on appropriate teaching and learning activities. These reflect higher order thinking skills. Extra curricular activities and clubs are offered in many subjects. Loughborough University has strong links with the Mathematics faculty. The PE faculty supports gifted students with a specialised programme throughout the year. Students are regularly invited to attend careers events and courses for the most able at local universities Exceptionally gifted students in years 7 and 8 are peer mentored by exceptionally gifted year 12/13 students Critical thinking AS and OU courses are available for the most able in KS5 Early entry is available in some GCSE subjects. AimHigher workshops and master classes are regularly supported, including Pathways within the Arts for talented Key Stage 3 students in Art, Drama, Dance, Media and Music. Regular Competitions are held for all students, including the annual poetry event, maths challenge and cypher challenge. Transfer and transition Able students in year 6 are invited to take part in Literacy and Numeracy workshops throughout the year at Harry Carlton School. For further information contact the Lead teacher for Gifted and Talented, Mrs J. Baggott * The Learner Academy is part of the new national programme for gifted and talented education, funded and supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It is dedicated to providing opportunities, within and beyond the classroom, for gifted and talented children and young people aged 4 to 19.

14 Curriculum Faculties The school is divided into 10 curriculum areas called Faculties. These vary in size with each being led by a Head of Faculty and varying combination of Deputy and Assistant Heads of Faculty who usually have responsibility for one particular subject within the Faculty. The Faculties are suited together so that the teaching staff and resources are easily accessible and the students know where to find them both! * More detailed information is available in the Extended Prospectus : Faculty Areas on the website or as a paper format on request from the school. Faculty Specialist subject range A2 AS GCSE BTEC OTHER Art Design and Technology Business and Enterprise English and Media Humanities ICT and Computing Learning Support Mathematics Modern Foreign Languages Performing Arts Physical Education Science Art and Design Design and Technology: Resistant Materials, Systems and Control, Textiles, Graphics Food and Nutrition Engineering Business Studies Children s Care (Health and Social Care) Economics Leisure and Tourism Personal, Social, Health and Enterprise Education (PSHCEE) English Language English Literature Media Film Studies Geography History Politics Psychology Religious Studies Philosophy and Ethics Sociology World Development Information Technology Computing OCR National Award Supporting students with learning difficulties Supporting students with behavioural difficulties Certificate of Personal Education: COPE ASDAN award Mathematics Statistics Applied mathematics Further mathematics French German Drama Music Theatre Studies Performing Arts Physical Education Sports Studies Leadership Awards Biology Chemistry Physics Triple science Double science Applied science

15 MATHEMATICS FACULT The Harry Carlton Faculty of Mathematics is committed to providing the very best mathematical education to students of all ages. Our KS3 results are well above the national average and amongst the best in the county. At GCSE we offer an Edexcel Linear Course in Mathematics as well as the linear course in GCSE Statistics - this may be taken as an additional qualification. There is also the opportunity for all students to take part in enrichment activities such as "Puzzle of the Month" and Fantasy Football. ear 7 students will take part in a sponsored speed and accuracy test to encourage development of mental mathematics. Thinking skills are encouraged by a Puzzle Day. In addition, ear 8 students will take part in a visit to the National Space Centre in Leicester. On entry to the school students are initially taught in mixed ability tutor groups and then set in ability groups during the first term. Each student is carefully tracked throughout the year by regular formal assessments. From year 8, all students are placed in one of four sets. Again regular assessment takes place and movement between sets is possible throughout. Mathematics is a very popular option at AS and A Level with Mathematics and Further Mathematics on offer. Mathematically Gifted and Talented students can take part in extension and enhancement activities - these include a specially devised scheme of study and whole day workshops at Loughborough and Warwick Universities. The faculty also works closely with our feeder primary schools to offer extension classes, workshops and challenges. Testing and Examinations ears 7 to 9 ear 7 Sponsored speed and accuracy test. Developing Numeracy skills ear 7 Puzzle Day ear 8 Project and trip to the National Space Centre with ICT and Science ear 9 Standard Attainment Tests (SATS) May All students ear 9 Statistics poster competition KS3 Junior Maths Challenge Students in Set 1 ears 7, 8 and 9 ears 10 and 11 ear 10 or 11 GCSE Mathematics All students KS4 Senior Maths Challenge Students in Set 1 ears 10 and 11 ear 11 Applied Mathematics Students who passed GCSE in ear 10 Statistics Students who passed GCSE in ear 10 ear 11 Set 1 visits Loughborough university Post 16 courses ear 12 AS Mathematics Optional AS Further Mathematics Optional Resit GCSE Mathematics Post 16 students without a grade C ear 13 A2 Mathematics Optional A2 Further Mathematics Optional ear 12/13 Maths Challenge at Nottingham University AS/A2 students.

16 Faculty Staff Mrs P Theaker Head of Maths - KS5 Room 218 Mr A Barkley Deputy Head of Faculty - KS3 Room 219 Mrs L Leybourne Deputy Head of Faculty - KS4 Room 222 Miss E Sharp Assistant Head of Faculty Primary liaison Room 216 Mrs J Baggott Room 123 Mrs C Bruce Room 220 Mrs A Lodder Mr D Smith Room 217

17 ICT AND COMPUTING FACULT The ICT Department continues to expand! A team of dedicated ICT teachers are supported by a Network manager and an ICT technician who maintain a high level network that is available both in and out of school. Our courses continue to enthuse and excite our students and we continue to recruit high levels of students across all our GCSE and A Level courses. Currently we are involved in a rolling program to update all the ICT suites to prepare ourselves for future developments and to support the exciting courses we teach. 3 ICT rooms have been upgraded this year (2008) with much higher specification flat screen PCs. The Post 16 provision has a custom built ICT suite that helps them to further extend their learning in all subject areas and assist with research for their university applications. All teaching rooms have an Interactive Whiteboard. We continue to progress towards our Specialist Status targets and this has helped make significant improvements in the quality of ICT provision across the Department. ears 7and 8 ear 7 and 8 continue to follow the KS3 National Strategy for ICT and is taught in mixed ability tutor groups. At the end of each unit, there is a teacher assessment using the resources provided nationally and this is then fed into the departmental database that tracks the progress of all students and enables us to see how well they perform against their target levels and build in support where needed for differing ability ranges. ear 9 ear 9 is being seen increasingly as a preparation for the OCR National courses followed in ear 10 and students are encouraged to use a range of high level software across a broad range of tasks so that they can adapt quickly to the different teaching styles GCSE courses require. Assessment is again teacher based using national criteria. ears 10 and 11 All students in ear 10 and 11 follow the OCR National units for ICT in Business which leads to a full GCSE award. The units studied cover a range of tasks using Microsoft Office as well as a Multimedia Unit. Students who opt for ICT follow the OCR Nationals but with the emphasis being on the multimedia option. This involves the use of the Macromedia suite of software, and students acquire skills in web page creation, flash animations and digital image manipulation. This course leads to two or three GCSEs. All GCSE courses are coursework based with no terminal exam, they make use of a modular system with each unit being assessed. Each module is given a deadline and this is then assessed, with the marks being collated towards the final grade. Post 16 courses From September 2008 both A Level courses will be with the OCR Board OCR Applied ICT AS and A2 course (H115, H515) has 3 units at A/S (all compulsory) and then 3 more at A2, selected from a range provided by the board. Units are assessed internally and moderated externally (Unit 2 is an exam). The compulsory units cover a range of tasks from internet research, database interrogation and manipulating spreadsheets through to Desktop Publishing. The A2 Units involve working for a client across a range of Desktop Publishing and presentation skills and spreadsheets and a unit working towards a board set brief. OCR A Level Computing has 4 modules of study and this gives students the chance to work with a specific programming language (Visual Basic) which they use to construct their project work. Two modules are studied in each year of the course along with supporting theory lessons to broaden students knowledge of the wider applications and issues surrounding computing. Faculty Staff Mr M Thorne Head of Faculty Room 212 Miss L Haskard Deputy Head of Faculty Room 110 Mr J Motler Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) Room 208 Mr T Lowe Room 210 Mr J Carrick

18 ENGLISH AND MEDIA FACULT The English Faculty comprises four individual subject areas: English, English Literature, Film Studies and Media Studies. English and English Literature are taught together in years 7 and 8. They are then taught as separate subjects from ear 9 onwards in preparation for SATs. English and English Literature are examined separately at the end of year 11 and available for AS and A2 study. Media Studies is available as an option subject at GCSE level in years 10 and 11, both Film Studies and Media are well-established at AS and A2 subjects. ear 7 including Quest In ear 7 most students are initially taught in mixed ability groups and will be placed in ability based sets during the autumn term. Students follow the National Literacy Competency Strategies. Progress is measured and targets are set based on APP (Assessing Pupils Progress) assessments, terminal Optional tests and Midyis results. Students who did not achieve Level 4 at KS2 SATs have extra support via the Quest programme. Students in the 129 Group follow a separate curriculum, designed to serve individual needs. ears 8 and 9 In ear 8 students are set according to ability. Progress is measured and targets are set based on APP assessments and terminal optional tests. In ear 9 students are set according to ability and English and English Literature are taught as more clearly defined separate subjects. APP assessment continues throughout the year, as well as class tests and mock SATs. All students sit the National SATs examinations in the Summer Term. ears 10 and 11 English and English Literature GCSE Students in ears 10 and 11 follow the OCR syllabus leading to separate GCSE certification in English and English Literature and are assessed internally via class tests and mock examinations. In English, students must complete Speaking and Listening assignments and three pieces of coursework covering creative writing, Shakespeare and pre-1900 Poetry, which is worth 40% of the eventual grade, as well as two external terminal examinations. In English Literature students must complete three pieces of coursework covering Shakespeare and pre-1900 Prose and Poetry, worth 30% of the eventual grade. There is one external, terminal examination, based on the study of three set texts. Coursework assessment may be used for both English and English Literature. Media Studies GCSE The mass media play a vital role in contemporary society, providing us with information and entertainment. In addition, the media play an important part in shaping attitudes and social values. This course is designed to enable students to develop a critical understanding of the role of mass media in society. It encourages students to develop their ability to: Respond analytically to a range of media texts (TV programmes, films, magazines, newspapers etc); Gain a broad understanding of the commercial nature of media production: Enhance their skill in creating original media products. Success in this subject comes from a combination of creativity and understanding. It is a unique fusion of practical and theoretical learning, which, although it can be hard work and time consuming, is always rewarding. Following AQA specification, students are assessed by means of a coursework folder (50%) and a controlled test (50%)

19 Post 16 courses English Language and English Literature are available for study, separately, at both AS and A2 Level. Students follow the Edexcel syllabi in both subjects. AS English Language consists of the study of all aspects of spoken, written and electronic English including graphology, grammar, lexis, phonology and semantics. Students must sit one terminal, external examination (60%) and complete two pieces of coursework (40%). A2 English Language consists of the study of selected varieties of spoken and written English together with the history of language development from Celtic to Modern English. Students must produce one piece of coursework based on their own choice of data and sit two external, terminal examinations AS English Literature consists of the study of Shakespeare, Modern Prose and Poetry leading to one external examination (60%) and two pieces of coursework (40%). A2 English Literature consists of the study of pre and post 1900 Poetry, Post 1900 Prose and Drama and unseen Prose and is externally assessed in three terminal examinations. AS/A2 Media Studies This new and exciting course aims to provide a range of media skills and knowledge relevant to students as critical consumers and competent producers of media. In addition to extending their understanding and enjoyment of media texts, it develops students media literacy indispensable in the modern society, as communication in all its forms is becoming more sophisticated and calling for a more educated workforce. Media Studies draws on Sociology, Psychology, Art, Economics, Politics and Business Studies to provide a valuable insight into the nature, purpose and effects of mass communication through theoretical and practical learning. It involves a close analysis of a range of media products (films, magazines, TV programmes, newspapers, etc.) and requires students to produce original media texts of their own, showing profound understanding and creativity. Following the AQA specification, students are assessed by means of written examinations (60%) and coursework (40%) AS/A2 Film Studies AS Film Studies (WJEC) consists of an exploration of film form through both practical work and analysis of film. Study areas include elements of film, like mise-en-scene, performance, cinematography, editing and sound, together with the effect they have on audience reception and response. There is also study of messages and values in a period of British film and a comparative study of two American film texts. Students complete two pieces of coursework (40%) and an external examination. A2 Film Studies (WJEC) consists of the study of aspects of World Cinema, including analysis of aspects of a national cinema (not British or American) and and investigation of surrealism and fantasy in film. This is followed by study of complex films from different contexts; an exploration of a range of spectator issues and the close study of one film applying key concepts and critical approaches gained throughout the course. Students complete two pieces of coursework (50%) and an external examination (50%). Faculty Staff Mrs L Bonser Mrs A Jewsbury Mrs A Firth Mrs M Sherwin Head of Faculty: KS5 English Deputy Head of Faculty: KS4 Deputy Head of Faculty: KS3 and Literacy Assistant Head of Faculty: Media Room 103 Room 106 Room 105 Room 107 Mr I Gollop English and Film Studies Room 108 Mrs S Pancholi English Room 102 Mr T Stimson English and Media Room 206 Miss E Sharp English Room 104 Mrs G Dennis English

20 SCIENCE FACULT The Science faculty is suited in one corridor of the school and benefits from very modern facilities. The staff all specialists and we are fortunate to have an equal number of Biology, Chemistry and Physics graduates in the team who are all very enthusiastic. In recent years the uptake for Post 16 courses has increased considerably. This is a result of developing and delivering relevant and exciting courses in Key Stage 3 and the improvement in SATs and examination results at GCSE. ears 7 to 9 In ears 7, 8 and 9 students are taught through a series of short modules which add up to equal amounts of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course is largely practical in approach and consists of topics such as Light and Sound, Photosynthesis and Acids and Alkalis. The students are placed into ability sets by the end of the first term in year 7 and remain in sets throughout years 8 and 9. Students are assessed using end of module tests and set pieces of work throughouteach academic year. Students are encouraged to think independently, to question what they observe in their lessons and to relate what they learn to the world they live in. The SATs results have improved over the last 3 years. ears 10 and 11 In ears 10 and 11 students currently have a choice of: Core and Additional Science GCSEs (Double Award) Separate Sciences GCSEs Physics, Chemistry, Biology as a Triple Award both of the above courses follow the new modular 21 st Century Science GCSE (OCR exam board) covering equal amounts of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science: equivalent to 2 GCSEs at C+ grade Core and Additional Sciences OCR 21 st Century Science Each GCSE is assessed by 4 unit examinations (67%) and 2 pieces of coursework (33%). These two courses prepare students for GCE study and therefore one of these must be followed if a student wishes to continue onto A levels in one or more of the separate sciences. The GCSE studied in ear 10 (Core Science) GCSE is a course aimed to develop scientific literacy as well as providing a sound scientific base of knowledge and understanding. It views science from the perspective of a member of the public and is taught in the context of topics of current and cultural interest. The GCSE studied in ear 11 is the Additional Science GCSE. It is this course that features the extra science for scientists. It prepares students for progression to study AS and A Levels in all sciences. By giving more emphasis and space to more fundamental ideas in the sciences, it provides a stimulating preparation for more advanced study. GCSE Triple Science has been introduced which results in 3 GCSE grades for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It is available to all students who achieve Level 6 or above in their KS3 SATs. BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science Edexcel Assessment 18 assignments. There are no examinations. It is a vocational qualification that allows students to appreciate the science knowledge and understanding behind many occupations. It will also allow students to study the scientific skills needed in certain occupations. Students can achieve at Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* levels. The qualification is equivalent to 2 GCSE grades at C or above. Post 16 courses Biology: AS and A2 level OCR Biology Specification Assessment 2 written examinations and 1 practical examination for AS and the same for A2. This course builds upon students existing knowledge from GCSE. There are 3 units in AS and 3 units in A2 and include topics such as cells, transport in organisms, biological molecules, biodiversity, cloning and health. Throughout these units students develop their essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of biology. They build an understanding of scientific methods and are encouraged to recognise the value and responsible use of biology in society, for example, in the use of DNA and genetics. Throughout the course we hope students will sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, biology.