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School Prospectus - Smithdon High School, Hunstanton, Norfolk

School Prospectus - Smithdon High School, Hunstanton, Norfolk

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<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />

<strong>Prospectus</strong>


Contents<br />

Page<br />

1 Welcome from the Headteacher and Mission Statement<br />

2 Mathematics and Science<br />

3 English and Modern Foreign Languages<br />

4 Geography and History<br />

5 ICT and Design & Technology<br />

6 Music and Drama<br />

7 Art and Religious Education<br />

8 Physical Education and Well-being<br />

9 Sixth Form<br />

10 Special Educational Needs and Disability Provision<br />

11 <strong>School</strong> Productions and Events<br />

12 Extra-curricular<br />

13 <strong>School</strong> Council and Parent Partnership<br />

14 Governors<br />

15 Rewards<br />

16 <strong>School</strong> Structure<br />

17 <strong>School</strong> Uniform


Welcome<br />

By reading and looking through the pages of this prospectus I hope you will begin to gain an idea of what motivates<br />

us as a school, what we believe in and the wealth of opportunities we offer to our students. Our guiding principles<br />

are academic excellence and personal fulfilment within a forward looking and disciplined environment based on<br />

mutual respect.<br />

We believe passionately in giving our students the right tools to function as learners in the 21st century and that the<br />

development of appropriate technologies is fundamental to achieving this. We recognise that we live in the<br />

present day and that our education must be relevant, up-to-date, and appropriate for the 21st century. We are<br />

forward looking and recognise that we have the privilege of preparing our young people to become responsible<br />

adults in the world of tomorrow.<br />

Our school has a team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff who provide first class learning opportunities within the<br />

classroom and also give generously to provide an array of extra-curricular opportunities too - a truly all round<br />

education. So that you can make a fully informed choice for your child’s future please take the opportunity to visit<br />

our school on the Prospective Parents’ Evening or the Open Mornings.<br />

Jon Goodchild<br />

Mr Jon Goodchild - Headteacher<br />

“There are lots of opportunities at <strong>Smithdon</strong>.” - Year 10 student<br />

Mission Statement<br />

At <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> we endeavour to provide education of the highest quality, enabling all our students<br />

to develop fully their potential as learners and members of local, national and international communities.<br />

General school aims<br />

• To provide high quality teaching and opportunities for learning.<br />

• To develop self respect, confidence and esteem.<br />

• To engender respect for every member of the school, local, national and international communities.<br />

• To encourage and provide every member of the school community with the opportunity to continue their<br />

progression in terms of career advancement and/or learning.<br />

• To make a positive contribution to the local community through liaison with a wide variety of organisations.<br />

• To strive for excellence in all aspects of our work.<br />

1


Science<br />

Mathematics<br />

Science fires pupils’ curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find<br />

explanations. At <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> science begins with a variety of short courses. These courses are<br />

developed in-house and aim to deliver the National Curriculum in the context of everyday life.<br />

The course includes all three science disciplines - biology, chemistry and physics - and provides the pupils with<br />

opportunities to carry out practical activities and educational visits. Science is now a skill based subject and pupils<br />

are aided in developing, modelling, expressing opinions and debating as well as experimental writing skills.<br />

Pupils learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence. They discover how scientific<br />

ideas contribute to technological change - affecting industry, business and medicine, and improving quality of life.<br />

They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and<br />

discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world.<br />

At <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> we have a team of dedicated teachers as well as great facilities and resources to inspire<br />

pupils in their science studies.<br />

2<br />

Mathematics is the key to all those professions which demand knowledge of the exact sciences. It teaches<br />

abstract thought in an accurate and orderly way.<br />

Mathematics is not only the perfect subject for reflecting intellectual abilities, but also a tool for solving vital,<br />

everyday problems. At <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> we cater for the whole spectrum of abilities, from those pupils who<br />

wish to be consultants in high powered companies where mathematics is used to maximise profit making, to those<br />

who will need to manage their own finances in an ever more demanding world.<br />

We have produced pupils who have revelled in abstract ideas and have risen to the challenges presented by higher<br />

level university courses. Functional mathematics to Pythagoras’ Theorem and beyond are all catered for by our<br />

department as we explore number, algebra, shape and space as well as statistics.<br />

The department’s position in the centre of the school, housed in a dedicated refurbished mathematics block with the<br />

latest interactive whiteboard technology, excellent range of software, integrated ICT suite and laptops, make this an<br />

exemplary department.<br />

“Our form tutors support and encourage us to do well.” - Year 9 student


English<br />

English language, both written and spoken, means confidence in life. English is the medium by which nearly all of<br />

us lead our lives. At <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> we therefore believe it is vital that every student secures the basic skills<br />

which will enable them to both understand and engage in the world around them.<br />

These skills are developed through a structured programme of study which is supported and enhanced by<br />

reading. As all educational research shows, reading for pleasure is a vital part of your child’s development and we<br />

ask parents to support our efforts to encourage this. As students progress, we strive to develop their fluency and<br />

analytical skills as well as an understanding and enjoyment of our literary heritage. These skills will equip them for<br />

higher education and employment, where the ability to communicate well is essential.<br />

Enrichment activities include visits to a number of venues such as The Globe Theatre and visits to the school by<br />

well known authors, as well as a number of school based, extra-curricular opportunities. The department’s excellent<br />

facilities housed in a purpose built and attractive teaching base close to the school’s outstanding library and ICT<br />

facilities all play a significant role in supporting the development of pupils’ knowledge and skills.<br />

“I’ve settled in well. <strong>Smithdon</strong> is big but not scary at all.” - Year 7 student<br />

Modern Foreign Languages<br />

Modern Foreign Languages have practical communication at the core of their learning philosophy.<br />

Endless lists of vocabulary are of little use if pupils do not possess the skills to use these words in everyday<br />

situations. Communication is key and making the occasional mistake is all part of the process. We equip our<br />

students with the skills to take their language studies out of the classroom and into the world, whether it is for the<br />

purpose of work, pleasure or further study.<br />

Modern Foreign Languages will play a key role in the new, knowledge-based economy of the future. In addition to<br />

the considerable economic advantages gained by a workforce competent in a foreign language, the social benefits<br />

should also be recognised. It is most important to show people in other countries the courtesy of speaking to them<br />

in their own language.<br />

People who can speak another language, or at least have a good working knowledge, can hope to be more<br />

successful in gaining employment and command higher salaries within their organisations. Languages expand the<br />

mind, but shrink the world.<br />

3


History<br />

Geography<br />

History fires pupils’ imagination, inspiring them with the dilemmas, choices and beliefs of people in the past. It<br />

helps pupils develop their own identities through an understanding of history at personal, local, national and<br />

international levels. It helps them to ask and answer questions of the present by engaging with the past.<br />

They develop a chronological overview that enables them to make connections across different periods and<br />

societies. They investigate Britain’s relationships with the wider world, and relate past events to the present day.<br />

As they develop their understanding of the nature of historical study, pupils ask and answer important questions,<br />

evaluate evidence, identify and analyse different interpretations of the past, and learn to substantiate any<br />

arguments and judgements they make.<br />

History prepares pupils for the future, equipping them with vital knowledge and skills, enhancing employability and<br />

developing an ability to take part in a democratic society. We strongly believe that students at <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />

are enthused by their study of history and that a love of the subject becomes a feature of their lifelong learning.<br />

4<br />

Geography stimulates interest and a sense of wonder, helping young people to make sense of a complex and<br />

dynamically changing world. This subject explains where places are, how landscapes are formed, how people and<br />

their environment interact and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected.<br />

Pupils build on their own experiences to investigate locations on all scales, from the personal to the global.<br />

Geographical enquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking relating to issues affecting the<br />

world and people’s lives, both now and in the future. Fieldwork is an essential element of geography studies and at<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> we are fortunate to have such interesting coastline right on our doorstep to enhance our students’<br />

education and understanding of the subject.<br />

Pupils learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies including geographical information<br />

systems (GIS) to obtain, present and analyse information.<br />

Geography inspires pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own part of the world, as well as their values<br />

and responsibilities in relation to other people, the environment and the sustainability of the planet.<br />

“The field trips are really good fun.” - Year 11 student


ICT<br />

Information Communication Technology plays an ever increasing role in today’s society, from the<br />

mobile phone to presentations given by companies in the form of advertisements and government policies.<br />

With the understanding acquired in ICT, students are aware of the unseen pressures used and learn how to apply<br />

persuasive techniques to help them compete in the world of business and commerce. Alongside these skills<br />

students develop others, including the use of spreadsheet and database in accommodation that creates a<br />

businesslike environment and inspires students to achieve to their highest potential.<br />

The school has developed an ICT network throughout the school which is unparalleled in terms of pupil access.<br />

This technology has had a profound and growing impact on pupils’ success in this subject. In addition ICT lies at the<br />

centre of pupils’ learning across the curriculum providing opportunities to transfer ICT skills into different areas and<br />

further develop computing confidence.<br />

“It’s great we get to use the computer rooms in all subjects.” - Year 9 student<br />

Design and Technology<br />

Design and Technology is based in excellent, purpose-built accommodation with a suite of five classrooms,<br />

each allocated to a specialist subject. The department has over forty computers, thirty of which are in a dedicated<br />

computer suite. With seven CAM machines and four computer projectors, we can offer a high technology input for<br />

students. The computer suite includes a range of subject specific software programmes to suit the needs of<br />

students from Year 7 to Year 13, so we are well placed for the future demands of the curriculum.<br />

The department has a team of dedicated and creative staff, with excellent technical support, who also offer students<br />

clubs and activities both at lunchtime and after school.<br />

We currently offer a wide range of GCSE level courses in which students experience success. We are also<br />

delighted to offer courses to A level.<br />

The enviable facilities and reputation of the department have set a standard which the technology team are<br />

determined to enhance still further.<br />

5


Drama<br />

Music<br />

Drama in Key Stage 3 includes thematic investigations incorporating dramatic strategies such as body language,<br />

still image, hot seating and improvisation. These studies are multimedia based, using music and video, CD Rom,<br />

etc. A selection of themes such as ‘Titanic’, ‘The Haunted House’, ‘War of the Worlds’, ‘Oregon Trail’ and ‘Forbidden<br />

Planet’ are studied.<br />

These areas of study allow students to develop their skills while enjoying and using dramatic strategies. A linked<br />

system of assessment is used to feed into GCSE and a clear system of tracking progress has been developed for<br />

both Key Stages 3 and 4. A clear structure of praise and reward is applied to great effect, as well as encouraging a<br />

positive atmosphere within lessons.<br />

A very important part of the department’s work has been the development of excellent productions. A tradition of<br />

large musicals performed in the school is now established and recent performances of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and<br />

‘We Will Rock You’ received much acclaim. We are very proud that the department strives for excellence and this is<br />

reflected in the standard of performance seen in both the extra-curricular and lesson based activities.<br />

6<br />

Music contributes to the development of pupils and to the school curriculum by providing a powerful and<br />

distinctive form of communication and expression.<br />

Music changes the way children feel, think and act. The teaching of music extends everyday experiences,<br />

providing opportunities and links between home, school and outside agencies.<br />

Within the department we work closely with a team of dedicated peripatetic instrumental teachers to offer the<br />

opportunity for students to learn specific musical instruments (piano, strings, brass, woodwind, guitar, drums and<br />

vocal) through the school. These lessons contribute to the extra-curricular activities offered to all pupils at lunch<br />

times and after school.<br />

Over the last few years the department has forged good community links with local organisations and is lucky to<br />

secure funding from the <strong>Hunstanton</strong> and District Festival of Arts for a variety of events. The department continues<br />

to build up an outstanding reputation in the area through its contribution to musical productions, concerts and<br />

performance in the community.<br />

“Citizenship days are fun and teach us about important issues.” - Year 8 student


Art<br />

Art and design encourages, through direct personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking,<br />

powers of observation, analytical abilities and practical attitudes. It uniquely addresses those complex mental<br />

processes involving visual perception and aesthetic experience.<br />

Art is one of those subjects concerned with visual communication, aesthetic sensibility, sensory perception,<br />

emotional and intellectual development, physical competence and critical judgement.<br />

Its particular contribution is concerned with developing imagination and creativity; observation and the recording of<br />

visual images, and through this, the expression of ideas and feelings; the interpretation of visual images; the<br />

transformation of materials into images and objects; the skills of planning and visualisation; the intuitive, as well as<br />

the logical processes of designing; and the study of the work by artists, craftworkers and designers.<br />

The department has excellent resources to encourage students to reach their full creative potential. These include<br />

two kilns, a pottery wheel, a printing press and a computer suite equipped with Photoshop, as well as access to a<br />

photography suite with a dark room for traditional black and white photography.<br />

“Art is my favourite subject. It’s much more than just painting.” - Year 10 student<br />

Religious Education<br />

Religious Education places special emphasis on students valuing themselves and others. This is achieved<br />

through studying the role of the family and the community in religious belief and practice. The diversity within<br />

society is celebrated through understanding similarities and differences, combating prejudice and negative<br />

discrimination, as well as the need for human stewardship of the earth.<br />

Religious Education also recognises the changing nature of society, including changes in religious practice and<br />

expression and the influence of religion in the local and national community. Students are given the opportunity to<br />

develop their sense of identity and thus make a positive contribution to their local, national and international<br />

community.<br />

Students view this subject very positively as a result of the carefully organised curriculum, high quality subject<br />

delivery and high levels of success attained by pupils across the ability spectrum in public examinations.<br />

7


Well-being<br />

Physical Education<br />

Well-being lies at the centre of <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>’s philosophy and we work hard to achieve positive<br />

outcomes. Our work starts before the pupils arrive, with staff going out to visit pupils in their primary schools, having<br />

induction days and using older students in Year 7 form groups.<br />

Looking after the well-being of students continues with each year group having a specifically designated head of<br />

year who stays with their group of pupils until the end of Year 11. The form tutor also stays with their form group.<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> believes that the well-being of students depends on their fitness and health as well as a<br />

feeling of belonging and security.<br />

The food we provide at breaks and lunch times is of high quality and reasonably priced. The PE department<br />

ensures that the pupils have access to a varied and appropriate sports curriculum throughout their time at school,<br />

and this is further supplemented by extra-curricular opportunities. We take all issues relating to general health<br />

seriously, such as alcohol abuse, drugs, smoking and sexual health. Guidance is made explicit in science, RE and<br />

during citizenship events. Our links with health professionals make our delivery relevant and interesting.<br />

8<br />

Physical Education develops pupils’ competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities<br />

which become a central part of their lives, both in and out of school.<br />

Our curriculum at <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> enables pupils to enjoy and succeed in many kinds of physical activity.<br />

Pupils develop a wide range of skills, the ability to use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas to perform<br />

successfully. When pupils are engaged in an activity, they learn to analyse the situation and make decisions. They<br />

also reflect on their performance, as well as the performances of others, and find ways to improve. As a result they<br />

develop the confidence to participate in different physical activities and learn the value of healthy, active lifestyles.<br />

PE helps pupils to develop both personally and socially. They work as individuals and in groups or teams, developing<br />

a sense of fairness as well as personal and social responsibility. Pupils take on various roles and responsibilities,<br />

including leadership, coaching and officiating.<br />

The PE department benefits from outstanding facilities, which include sports hall, gym, extensive sports field and an<br />

indoor, heated swimming pool.<br />

“Our sports facilities are great. Especially the gym and pool.” - Year 8 student


Sixth Form<br />

It is self evident that in today’s world education must continue beyond sixteen. <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> facilitates<br />

this idea with a dynamic sixth form catering for a wide range of abilities through a diverse array of Level 2 (GCSE<br />

equivalent) and Level 3 (A Level equivalent) courses.<br />

Sixth form students are encouraged to enrich their experiences through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.<br />

Charity events, school productions, peer counselling, student mentoring, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme,<br />

Young Enterprise, events management, university visits, sporting events and the ‘Extended Project’ are just some of<br />

the activities on offer.<br />

Students receive expert guidance on subject choice during Year 11 to ensure their course matches their goals, and<br />

during Year 12 they are entered for AS units. Post-18 planning begins towards the end of Year 12, as decisions<br />

about Year 13 and beyond also need careful consideration.<br />

What you can study at <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> in the Sixth Form<br />

• Art & Design<br />

• Art & Design – Photography<br />

• Applied Business<br />

• Biology<br />

• Chemistry<br />

• Design Technology – Textiles<br />

• English Language & Literature<br />

• French<br />

• Geography<br />

• Health & Social Care<br />

• History<br />

• Information Technology<br />

• Mathematics<br />

• Music<br />

• Physics<br />

• Sociology<br />

• Sport & Physical Education<br />

• Travel & Tourism<br />

Please see our Sixth Form <strong>Prospectus</strong>, which is available from school and on the school web site, for further details.<br />

“The sixth formers are like extra adults in the school to help you.” - Year 7 student<br />

9


Special Educational Needs<br />

Special educational needs may affect students either throughout or at some time during their school life.<br />

The majority of needs are met within the mainstream curriculum, but some students will require additional help. The<br />

learning support department aims to ensure that all students with special educational needs are offered full and<br />

equal access to a broad, balanced and relevant education.<br />

They are also encouraged to participate fully in all school activities. In line with our code of practice, the department<br />

offers a variety of support systems to meet students’ needs. The learning support department works closely with<br />

students and their parents and with outside support and health services, as well as other professionals in order to<br />

respond to such needs.<br />

Many pupils are supported in class by a team of learning support assistants. No student receives SEN support<br />

unless prior discussion with parents has taken place and the headteacher and all teaching staff are kept fully<br />

informed of all students receiving support.<br />

“<strong>School</strong> dinners are healthy but tasty with lots of choice.” - Year 9 student<br />

Disability Provision<br />

Disability provision at <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> is something we take extremely seriously, as we are committed<br />

to offering equal opportunities to all of the children in our care. We have an active disability equality scheme and<br />

access plan which have been developed from departmental improvement planning and consultation with staff,<br />

parents and students.<br />

This enables us to address the needs of our current community users as well as anticipating future requirements. All<br />

students have access to the activities conducted in school and reasonable adjustments are made for students with<br />

disabilities engaging in school trips.<br />

If, as a prospective parent of a child with a disability, you have any concerns about the school’s provision for your<br />

child’s needs, please contact the school in the strictest confidence. In all cases we will do our best to plan for your<br />

child’s individual support requirements ensuring that their transition to <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> is as smooth as<br />

possible.<br />

10


<strong>School</strong> Productions<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> is fortunate to have thriving music and drama departments which are both deeply<br />

committed to providing students with an opportunity to perform. This philosophy results in students actively<br />

performing and evaluating performance in their lessons.<br />

However, both departments believe that students should have the opportunity to perform in front of wider<br />

audiences. This takes place in concerts and school events throughout the year. The culmination of this exciting and<br />

popular work is the annual school production.<br />

The production involves in excess of one hundred pupils and staff with a sequence of performances normally<br />

taking place in March. To date these productions have included ‘Discorella’, ‘The Little Shops of Horrors’, ‘We Will<br />

Rock You’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’.<br />

Each production sees another leap in complexity, success and pupil involvement together with critical acclaim from<br />

our audiences.<br />

“<strong>School</strong> productions are better than the West End or Broadway!” - Year 9 student<br />

<strong>School</strong> Events<br />

<strong>School</strong> events at <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> are aimed at providing our students with the best possible<br />

opportunities to achieve curricular and examination success. However, we fully embrace the philosophy that our<br />

school must be more than simply ‘preparing for examinations’.<br />

We try to provide our pupils with opportunities during the school day and beyond to have broader educational<br />

experiences. <strong>School</strong> events designed to achieve these objectives include charity days/weeks, theatre and art<br />

gallery visits, trips abroad, visiting speakers, enterprise days, reward trips, curriculum enhancement, a thorough and<br />

full immersion in the world of work, musical workshops, sporting events and participation in team success, Young<br />

Enterprise and various other competitions.<br />

We are constantly delighted by the manner in which our pupils respond to these opportunities, representing the<br />

school in a polite and mature manner, working with staff to make the events successful and responding positively to<br />

the events organised.<br />

11


Extra-curricular<br />

Extra-curricular activities are made available<br />

to all our students and are varied, rewarding and<br />

fun. Everyone is encouraged to participate, as we<br />

believe sharing experiences plays an important<br />

role in a child’s development.<br />

Our diverse programme of opportunities outside<br />

the classroom encourage life-skills and stimulate<br />

self-discovery, risk-taking and adventure.<br />

There is an enormous variety of clubs and<br />

societies to choose from at <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />

including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Young<br />

Enterprise, numerous sporting opportunities and<br />

many more.<br />

“There are lots of clubs to get invovled with at lunchtime.” - Year 8 student<br />

12


<strong>School</strong> Council<br />

The <strong>School</strong> Council meets once a month and is is made up of student representatives from every year in the<br />

school, to ensure the needs and concerns of all our age groups are heard equally.<br />

The students chair the meetings themselves, with staff and governors overseeing their discussions to assist with<br />

any queries the pupils may have regarding the topics that are important to them.<br />

Since its inception, the school council has affected many important decisions within school, such as the school<br />

uniform, the new school badge, the school’s recycling policy, an anti-smoking campaign and assisting in raising<br />

funds for charities both locally and nationally, to name just a few. In addition, <strong>Hunstanton</strong> Town Council has recently<br />

approached the school council, asking them to act as the youth council for the town of <strong>Hunstanton</strong> - a role the<br />

students have been very keen to take on with their usual energy and maturity.<br />

<strong>School</strong> councillors are elected by their peers and report back to their fellow students, ensuring that everyone at<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> has a voice.<br />

“I’m proud to be on the school council and to have my ideas heard.” - Year 10 student<br />

Parent Partnership<br />

Parent partnership creates a vital link between the school and its parents. The school is working hard to<br />

establish close ties with parents and we strongly believe that the quality of co-operation between home and school<br />

has a significant effect on a student’s performance and standards of achievement.<br />

Good communication is essential if the partnership is to work successfully and we are committed to strengthening<br />

this relationship through a number of channels:<br />

• Newsletters issued two or three times a term.<br />

• The student planner, which parents are asked to sign weekly.<br />

• Progress reviews and annual written reports to parents.<br />

• Parent partnership evenings.<br />

• Curriculum evenings.<br />

• The school’s website.<br />

• Parents’ Handbook.<br />

13


Governors<br />

The school’s governors form a dedicated team with a strategic role in setting aims and objectives, agreeing<br />

targets, budgets, policies and priorities and monitoring effectiveness. It also evaluates the school’s performance<br />

through results and data, outside agency reports and the <strong>School</strong> Development Plan. Governors also compile their<br />

own development plan and review this annually.<br />

The range of skills, experience and expertise among the governors is considerable and this enables the governing<br />

body to support the school across many areas and in various ways. For example, professional expertise supports<br />

subject areas, educational visits, pastoral issues, premises inspection and building projects. Each governor is linked<br />

to a subject department, a management team or year group.<br />

Governors attend all major school events and form an important link between parents and staff if third party contact<br />

is needed, and they can always be reached through the school or on parents’ evenings.<br />

The governors are an enthusiastic and dedicated group who enjoy the school’s successes and progress. However,<br />

they take the role of ‘critical friend’ very seriously and challenge the school’s senior leadership team on issues of<br />

performance and effectiveness.<br />

The current chairman of governors is Mark Little, who has two children at <strong>Smithdon</strong>. Should you wish to contact<br />

Mark regarding any aspect of governance or with any concerns, please do so via the school email address -<br />

office@smithdon.norfolk.sch.uk - marking your email ‘FAO Mark Little’, and he will contact you as quickly as<br />

possible.<br />

For further information, or if you are interested in becoming a governor in the future, please contact the Clerk to the<br />

Governors through the school.<br />

Governor Leadership Team<br />

• Chairman Mr M Little<br />

• Vice chair Miss J Elsley<br />

• Vice chair Mr H Griffiths<br />

A full list of governors can be found on the school website.<br />

14<br />

“We have improved our school by introducing recycling.” - Year 8 student


Rewards<br />

Rewards are vital in reaffirming to our students that we recognise and are proud of their achievements. At<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> we believe that students’ successes should be praised and celebrated, and we have several<br />

ways of recognising achievement, effort, progress and perseverance.<br />

We try to encourage students to do well by rewarding those who make good progress. Merits are awarded to Years<br />

7, 8 & 9 with Personal Achievement Records for Years 10 and 11, together with congratulatory postcards.<br />

End of term reward trips are also held for students whose behaviour and attendance have been very good. In<br />

addition, excellent attendance is celebrated.<br />

We would wish to be informed of any achievements out of school so that we can celebrate these. We celebrate<br />

student achievement in weekly and end of term assemblies. We have a series of very special days in July when<br />

parents are invited to join with us to celebrate the students’ many successes.<br />

We have recently introduced the <strong>High</strong> Fliers Club and the <strong>High</strong> Five Club, rewarding students who are not only<br />

achieving high levels of attainment, but also those students who are performing above their target grades.<br />

In addition the school has recently implemented a <strong>School</strong> Ambassador scheme, where Year 11 students apply to<br />

be ambassadors for the school and are interviewed by senior members of staff and school governors before being<br />

selected for the role. As well as representing their peers, these students also attend school functions and are given<br />

extra responsiblitites to reward their mature approach to school life.<br />

Our rewards schemes include:<br />

• SIM points<br />

• PARs<br />

• Reward trips<br />

• <strong>High</strong> fliers club<br />

• <strong>High</strong> five club<br />

• Attendance rewards<br />

• <strong>School</strong> ambassadors<br />

“I have my silver certificate for merits and I’m working for my gold.” - Year 7 student<br />

15


<strong>School</strong> structure<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>’s senior leadership team is responsible for the overall leadership of the school on<br />

a daily, weekly and yearly basis. They work with heads of department and heads of year to manage the learning<br />

programmes in school, in order to meet the school’s mission statement.<br />

Pastoral care is key to the happiness and well-being of our students. With that in mind, <strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />

ensures, as best it can, that both form tutors and heads of year stay with the same group of children throughout<br />

their school life. This allows the students to build a close bond with the staff in those two key roles, giving<br />

consistency and understanding in our pastoral care of all the children.<br />

The progress of each student is monitored by the form tutors and the heads of year. Form tutors are responsible<br />

for establishing a happy, secure and supportive relationship with their tutor group and should be the first point of<br />

contact for parents.<br />

Senior Leadership Team<br />

• Headteacher Mr J Goodchild<br />

• Deputy Headteacher Mr A Edmonds<br />

• Assistant Headteacher Mrs S Dixon<br />

• Assistant Headteacher Mr M Starling<br />

Heads of Year (as of September 2012)<br />

• Year 7 Mr S Durrant<br />

• Year 8 Mrs J Stewart<br />

• Year 9 Mrs L Marks<br />

• Year 10 Mrs J Gascoigne<br />

• Year 11 Ms S Fairweather<br />

• Years 12/13 Mr S Chapman<br />

16<br />

“Students have respect for the teachers and they respect us.” - Year 9 student


<strong>School</strong> uniform<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> students wear their uniform with pride. The uniform was designed in consultation with both<br />

students and parents, and helps pupils identify with the school and assists in creating a sense of community.<br />

The importance of pupils presenting themselves to a high standard cannot be overemphasised. Parents will<br />

appreciate that the public make judgements about a school on the basis of how the pupils look and behave while<br />

wearing school uniform. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in the maintenance of good uniform standards and<br />

behaviour.<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> uniform<br />

• Black blazer with school badge embroidered on the breast pocket (from school supply only)<br />

• Black school tie with coloured stripe according to year (from school supply only)<br />

• Black trousers (not cords/jeans) in a traditional style<br />

• Plain white shirt (long or short sleeved)<br />

• Black V-neck jumper with school badge - optional (from school supply only)<br />

• Plain black socks<br />

• Black school shoes - shoes with sports logos are not permitted<br />

Options for girls<br />

• Plain black knee-length skirt (school skirts can be purchased from school)<br />

• Plain black trousers in a traditional style (no cords, jeans, linens, hipsters, skinny or flared bootleg trousers)<br />

• Plain black tights<br />

• Sensible black shoes (no high heels, platforms, sling backs or backless shoes). A maximum heel height of 5cm<br />

is offered as a suggestion. Shoes with sports logos are not permitted.<br />

For physical education lessons<br />

• Plain navy blue shorts<br />

• White/navy sports shirt with school logo (from school supply only)<br />

• Navy blue sweatshirt with school logo (from school supply only)<br />

• Light blue sports socks (can be purchased from school)<br />

• Sports trainers<br />

<strong>School</strong> uniform order forms are available from the school office or via the school website.<br />

“I feel much more businesslike in my new uniform.” - Year 8 student<br />

17


For any further information on the<br />

subjects within this prospectus or to<br />

arrange a meeting with the<br />

Headteacher, please contact:<br />

<strong>Smithdon</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />

Downs Road<br />

<strong>Hunstanton</strong><br />

<strong>Norfolk</strong><br />

PE36 5HY<br />

email: office@smithdon.norfolk.sch.uk<br />

tel: 01485 534541<br />

www.smithdon.norfolk.sch.uk

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