School Prospectus 2013

English

The English faculty consists of a team of specialist English teachers, working across Key Stages 3 and 4. We recognise the importance of literacy skills and being able to communicate effectively at all levels, in school, in social situations and in the world of work. Our overall aim is to enable all students to develop sophisticated literacy skills in order to become independent readers, confident writers and effective speakers and listeners.

We hope that every child will experience the ‘magic’ of a good book. During their time at Sir Graham Balfour, all students will engage with a range of literary texts, including poetry, drama and prose. In addition we will encourage and support them in their independent reading. They will also look at non-fiction and media texts, considering their purpose and impact. Students will write in different forms for a range of audiences and purposes – including fiction and non-fiction pieces. Speaking and listening, is developed through a range of approaches including individual presentations, class discussions, paired and group work, role-play, hot-seating etc.

Our work in the English faculty underpins much of the curriculum and develops vital social skills. We also hope that our passion for literature will help students to appreciate their literary heritage and grow into avid readers – and perhaps even the writers of the future.

Sir Graham Balfour High School

PROSPECTUS

Learning and Teaching

At SGB we place the greatest emphasis on the quality of the student’s learning as we believe that this is at the heart of everything the school does. We provide every student with a broad, balanced and personalized curriculum, suitable for young people who will be adults in the 21st Century.

The school takes great care to ensure the curriculum is appropriate for students of all abilities. Children who are academically gifted can be sure of expert and challenging teaching, whilst those who have particular learning difficulties receive a wide range of specialist support. Our aim is always to be flexible in order to meet the individual needs of individual students.

WelcomeExamination Board: WJECContents

Welcome 3

Aims of SGB 4

Learning & Teaching 6

English 7

Mathematics 8

Modern Foreign Languages 9

Science 10

Humanities 12

ICT 14

Design & Technology 15

Expressive Arts 16

Physical Education 18

Sixth Form 19

Extra-Curricular Activities 20

Pastoral Care 22

Learning Support 24

Links with Parents 25

Homework, Sex Education, Admissions 26

SGB Cambodia 27

2 Sir Graham Balfour ProSPECTuS

WelcomeExamination Board: WJEC

Welcomefrom the Headteacher

Our mission statement, “learning, working and succeeding together”, very much sums up our approach. We work hard to create a vibrant and mutually supportive climate for learning in which everyone can thrive. We are an inclusive school and cater for students of all abilities and backgrounds. We are proud of our caring ethos and our commitment to ensuring every child matters.

Our sense of community is also very important to us. Students, staff, governors, parents and friends are all encouraged to play a full and active role in school life. Only by working together can we hope to move forward as a school.

3Sir Graham Balfour ProSPECTuS

As a parent myself, I recognise the importance of choosing the right High School for your child where he/she will not only be well taught but well cared for and

happy. This prospectus is designed to help you make that choice.

Sir Graham Balfour School has undergone many changes and has made significant progress over the last few years. Our external examination results at both KS4 and KS5 have shown year on year improvement and we have gained recognition both from OFSTED and from the Specialist Schools and Academies trust for our achievements. We are committed to further development and to continuous improvement and aim, ultimately, to be outstanding in every respect.

We believe passionately in traditional values, such as a strong work ethic, clear discipline and care and concern for others, but we also embrace fully new technology. We are an ICT rich school and our Virtual Learning Environment continues to grow. Parents have on-line access to a whole range of information about their son/daughter re: attendance, behaviour and progress.

With approximately 1000 students, we are a mid-sized High School. This makes it possible for us to get to know each student as an individual. Our innovative, vertical, mixed age House Groups help us to create a real sense of community by encouraging students to take responsibility for the welfare of others.

Our sense of community also has an international dimension. In 2004, we raised the money to build a school in Thmar Bang in Cambodia. Our ongoing links with the school do much to promote the idea of global citizenship.

We are fortunate to have a first rate learning environment. We are housed in state of the art, purpose built accommodation which opened in 2002 under a private finance initiative. All these factors mean that you and your child will receive high quality, personalized education should they attend Sir Graham Balfour School.

I do look forward to meeting you in the near future.

David Wright

Aims

Meet the personal learning needs of each student and •reward hard work, success and social responsibility at every level.

Promote justice, fairness and equality in order •to combat racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination in all that we do.

Provide a safe, healthy, secure, pleasant and supportive •environment for all members of the school community.

Provide support which will enable every student to play •a full and active role in the school community whatever his or her educational, physical, sensory or social need.

Promote the idea of a supportive community via our •pastoral systems and by striving for close relations with our local, national and international communities.

Promote awareness of healthy lifestyles and to provide •appropriate opportunities and support to facilitate students’ physical development.

Provide appropriate extra-curricular and enrichment •opportunities to enable students to make a positive contribution to school and society.

Prepare students for their future life as active and •responsible citizens and promote their economic wellbeing by providing appropriate information, advice and guidance.

Strive continually to improve all aspects of school life •for the whole school community.

Sir Graham Balfour ProSPECTuS4

As for students, we expect you to:Work hard, focus on learning and the steps you

need to take to improve.

Take pride in yourself and the school.

Respect others and always be courteous.

As for parents, we expect you to:Support your child’s progress by taking a close

interest and offering encouragement.

Have high aspirations for your child.

Actively promote and support the values and ethos of the school.

Sir Graham Balfour ProSPECTuS 5

Learning and teaching



At Sir Graham Balfour we place the greatest emphasis on the quality of the student’s learning as we believe that this is at the heart of everything the school does. We provide every student with a broad, balanced and personalized curriculum, suitable for young people who will be adults in the 21st Century.

The school takes great care to ensure the curriculum is appropriate for students of all abilities. Children who are academically gifted can be sure of expert and challenging teaching, whilst those who have particular learning difficulties receive a wide range of specialist support. Our aim is always to be flexible in order to meet the individual needs of each student.

English

Sir Graham Balfour ProSPECTuS

English

The English faculty consists of a team of specialist English teachers, working across Key Stages 3 and 4. We recognise the importance of literacy skills and being able to communicate effectively at all levels, in school, in social situations and in the world of work. Our overall aim is to enable all students to develop sophisticated literacy skills in order to become independent readers, confident writers and effective speakers and listeners.

We hope that every child will experience the ‘magic’ of a good book. During their time at Sir Graham Balfour, all students will engage with a range of literary texts, including poetry, drama and prose. In addition we will encourage and support them in their independent reading. They will also look at non-fiction and media texts, considering their purpose and impact. Students will write in different forms for a range of audiences and purposes – including fiction and non-fiction pieces. Speaking and listening is developed through a range of approaches, including individual presentations, class discussions, paired and group work, role-play, hot-seating, etc.

Our work in the English faculty underpins much of the curriculum and develops vital social skills. We also hope that our passion for literature will help students to appreciate their literary heritage and grow into avid readers – and perhaps even the writers of the future.

7

Mathematics

Mathematics at Sir Graham Balfour is taught by a team of dedicated subject specialist teachers. Our aim is to make Mathematics interesting and relevant, with students experiencing a variety of learning experiences. We strive to promote mathematical skills to support students not just in their Mathematics lessons but in other curriculum areas and for life. We set challenging but realistic targets for progression for all students, against which we regularly compare current performance.

In years 7 and 8 students follow the Key Stage 3 programme of study, following progressive tiered schemes of work, dependent upon their prior attainment. Students study the areas of number and algebra, shape and measures and data handling. There is a keen focus on non-calculator methods and problem solving skills.

In years 9 and 10, students study for GCSE Mathematics following the soon to be mandatory linear course, allowing students to re-sit modules if required. In year 11 a variety of Mathematical experiences are available. These include; Additional Mathematics, a free standing Mathematics qualification aimed at students considering AS or A2 level Mathematics, GCSE Statistics, Managing money and an opportunity for some students to re-sit their Mathematics GCSE.

In years 12 and 13 students have the opportunity to follow a modular AS/A2 Mathematics course offering applied units in Statistics. The AS Mathematics course is always well subscribed with a high success rate and many students continue to A2 Mathematics.

To enrich students’ lives whilst at school the Mathematics faculty runs the national schools’ fantasy football league, a cars in motion virtual racing car club and offers “maths surgery” to all students during any lunchtime. Gifted students are given opportunities and are encouraged to attend master classes held by local universities.


The MFL team at Sir Graham Balfour is committed to providing a meaningful and enjoyable learning experience for all our students. Our aim is to promote the status of language learning throughout the school and to encourage young people and parents to recognize the valuable cross-curricular and life skills which foreign languages bring. We set and work towards achievable yet challenging learning objectives in order to provide our students with a useful level of linguistic competence.

Linguistic skills and confidence are the keys to becoming successful communicators. Through learning French, German and Spanish at Sir Graham Balfour, our pupils build on their literacy skills in English and improve their ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas. Alongside linguistic competence we teach our students about other cultures; pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own culture and language and compare it with that of other countries. The four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are developed during language lessons and students are often required to work in pairs or groups as well as independently. As students progress in their language acquisition they are increasingly able to cope with a variety of situations in which they can communicate with speakers of different languages. The MFL team works to develop students’ confidence and to prepare our students to become responsible and tolerant citizens in a multi-lingual world.

Modern Foreign LanguagesFrench, German & Spanish


ScienceChemistry, Biology & Physics

There is no corner of our life that is not affected by Science. In our modern world, an understanding of Science is a must. We all need to be aware of the arguments for controlling energy usage, how a computer works or even the chemistry of cooking. Every aspect of our life involves science, and increasingly the people who understand it are the ones who get ahead.

The courses we offer build a solid foundation of classical science; the starting point for understanding, and then we move on to applications of the knowledge. At Key Stage 3 we cover the full spectrum of the national curriculum, and emphasise the impact

of Science on current issues and technological advances. At Key Stages 4 and 5 we move onto examination courses that are relevant and appropriate for the student of today.

In the Science Faculty we are enthused by our subjects and our aim is to ensure that the students share our love of the work. The high uptake at GCSE and A level shows that we succeed. Learning through experimentation is a good motto for our approach to the work. The atmosphere in the class is such that all are happy to ask and answer questions that drive the lessons forward.


Our modern and well-equipped facilities and the innovative approach of our staff ensure that lessons are fun and informative. All of our courses are well resourced; practical investigation is a central theme to our work. Our specialist laboratory technicians help to ensure that students have accesss to an impressive array of materials and activities. Our standard laboratory lay out and our consistent lesson structure allow students to have a clear Science ‘identity’; students know what to expect in the way that a Science lesson is delivered because we all strive for the uniform structure.

In Year 9, Key Stages 4 and 5 students are taught by subject specialists, who have a tremendous understanding of their subject and understand the best way to deliver.

Science at Sir Graham Balfour is a successful subject: with a high uptake whenever the students are presented with an option. Lessons are relaxed and purposeful, staff and students enjoy the work and students progress in all lessons.

Sir Graham Balfour ProSPECTuS 11

The Humanities Faculty at Sir Graham Balfour School has a clear mission statement to “open students’ eyes to the world”. It is our aim to allow students to explore our planet; its past, its present and its future in order to help them to understand the world they live in and how they can make a positive contribution to it throughout their lives. The faculty offers a range of courses across all three key stages.

In Key Stage 3, students study four subjects in Humanities; Citizenship, Geography, History and Religious Education. In Citizenship we aim to make students aware of their own rights and responsibilities as citizens in 21st century UK, as well as developing an understanding of our national political system, how our laws are made and how political decisions affect them before finally considering more global issues such as human rights and how they can be violated.

In Geography, students explore the physical and human processes that are responsible for shaping our planet and how these processes affect our lives and pose challenges to us. Students will also look in detail at the issue of sustainability and gain an understanding of how they can live their life in a less damaging way.

In History our aim is to develop students’ understanding of the significant events that have shaped the world they live in. We explore British, European and international history, giving our students a broad spectrum of chronology and topics, including invasion, revolution and social reform. We want our students to be enthused by our curriculum and thereby develop their historical skills.

HumanitiesHistory, Geography, religious Education & Citizenship


In Religious Education, students reflect on the world around them, raise questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life and consider what it means to be human. Students cover aspects of the six major world religions throughout Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 4, students follow compulsory courses in Citizenship and Religious Education as well as having the option to study GCSE courses in Geography and History and a BTEC course in Travel

and Tourism. Finally, students can choose to complete their humanities studies by completing A level courses in both Geography and History.

We firmly believe that the Humanities Faculty has the potential to make a difference to the life of every student at Sir Graham Balfour giving them the skills and understanding needed to make a positive contribution to our world.


All our lives have changed dramatically in the last two decades. More than anything else this is down to the rise of the Internet, computers and digital communications in the form of mobile phones.

The aim of the ICT Department is to equip our students in as many ways as we can to understand and get to grips with these changes so that they will be ready for all the different challenges they will face in all aspects of their future lives.

ICT plays a central role in our school-wide curriculum and is taught in dedicated, hour-long lessons every week from Years 7 to 11.

We are a successful department with an excellent track record of results and a popular choice at KS4 and 5. In our lessons, students will learn how to use a range of hardware and will become skilled in the use of microphones, scanners, digital cameras and camcorders.

They will also learn a wide range of software skills -how to: create professional documents using word processing, publishing and PowerPoint software, use spreadsheet software to do calculations , use databases to record large amounts of data and to edit sound and videos and embed them in a variety of applications like PowerPoint and web pages.

Our computer suites are well-equipped with the latest hardware and software and are maintained to a high standard. All students have access to laptops, school Internet and email facilities.

Our dedicated ICT team is made up of experts who will guide your child to success in all aspects of ICT. This means that your child will then be well-equipped to confidently deal with the many and changing technological demands of 21st century life.

Business Studies is offered as an option beginning in Year 10. It is a fascinating, challenging and very relevant subject especially in the current climate. There are a vast amount of topics covered including Marketing, Human Resources, Managing Finance and The Wider Economy. Students will learn a new range of vocabulary, different theories and techniques and get a real insight into what it takes to succeed in the modern Business environment. There is also a mix of group and independent work throughout and students will develop important personal skills such as time management, money management, presentation skills and teamwork. These are skills that they will use in further education and when they enter employment.

ICT & Business Studies


Design and Technology

In Years 7 and 8 students spend approximately 9 weeks in each of Graphic Products, Resistant Materials, Textile Technology and Food Technology. During these years students have an opportunity to explore a wide variety of materials, practise using modern and more traditional technologies and become familiar with a range of equipment.

In Year 9 students specialise in one subject area where they will develop and extend the subject knowledge they have acquired during the last 2 years. Students will take part in competitions, develop thinking skills, and make a variety of products in their specialist area as well as producing a detailed design portfolio.

In Years 10 and 11 students can specialise in one of the 4 main technology subjects as well as opting to take Health and Social Care or Child Development.

Child Development

Students have the opportunity to watch the development of a pre-school child over the course of the year, observing physical, intellectual, emotional and social development.

Health and Social Care

Students have the opportunity to explore early years care as well as care homes, the role of hospitals and the role of medical professionals.



In Art we firmly believe that every student has skills to develop and a creative side to nurture. We cover many skills in many different ways and encourage unique responses. Lessons in Key Stage 3 include ‘Bugs’, where three dimensional skills in modelling are taught, ‘Pop Art Portraits’ and units on Miro, Kandinsky, Hundertwasser, Oldenburg and O’Keeffe - all combining to develop skills in colour blending, observational drawing and individual creative development. This forms a firm foundation for students to move forward into Key Stages 4 and 5.

Every year our students across key stages are successful in external competitions; ranging from illustrating the menu for the Staffordshire schools meals service and the Signal One radio Christmas card winners, to being selected to exhibit work in the Shire Hall Gallery, and, most recently at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

Each year we have a very successful ‘Art Exhibition’. Up until now this has been for Key Stage 4 but next year Key Stages 3 and 5 will also be included to showcase the talent throughout Sir Graham Balfour School.

“A strong and vibrant arts presence is essential to the soul, spirit and culture of a school and the full development of all its pupils.” (Secondary Heads Association)

Drama is taught as a discrete subject by specialist staff. In an airy, spacious, purpose built studio, students across all abilities and key stages, learn how to meet the challenges of the world around them, with confidence and empathy. The personal learning and thinking skills are covered in all schemes of work at Key Stage 3, along with all social and emotional aspects of learning.

Students are encouraged to develop their interest in the subject beyond the classroom through visits to the Theatre and participation in the Primary Liaison Roadshows.

At Key Stage 4, Drama is a popular choice and we follow the Edexcel specification with 60% coursework and an externally assessed practical examination , worth 40%.

Our choice of course at Key Stage 5 reflects the truly integrated ethos of our faculty. OCR Performance Studies combines Dance, Drama and Music in a thoroughly enjoyable exploration of choreographers, playwrights and composers.

Whenever possible students are encouraged to share their work vertically, across all key stages.

Expressive ArtsDrama, Music & Art


It is not unusual to find Year 7 providing feedback to Year 13 and Year 11 mentoring Year 10.

To quote the comedian Peter Kay,

“Most of (the students) may never go near a stage again, once they have left school, but I guarantee that they’ll exude a charisma and confidence for the rest of their lives, as a result of having been taught Drama”.

Music is an important part of most people’s life and this is something that we try at Sir Graham Balfour to nurture from Year 7. All students

study Music at Key Stage 3 and over the three years every single student performs in our all inclusive Music Festivals. In Year 9 all students have the opportunity to choose Music GCSE and further their knowledge and skill in both composing and performing. Every student in our school has the opportunity to learn an instrument with one of our large group of instrumental teachers. Students can study graded exams or simply learn to play and perform on their instrument. During every

academic year many of our ensembles perform within the local community

in a variety of settings, which include The Gatehouse Theatre, St Mary’s Church as well as other schools and Residential Care Homes.


WelcomeExamination Board: WJECPhysical Education

Physical Education plays an important role within the curriculum at Sir Graham Balfour School. We strive to provide all students with a well-rounded and enjoyable programme of study, which aims to encompass a wide range of activities and skills to ensure there is something for everyone. All students receive at least two hours of core PE a week, with the opportunity to study GCSE, BTEC or A level PE in key stage 4 and 5.

Alongside educating the students about sport, we also develop their understanding of how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. We ensure students’ are taught about correct diet, nutrition and the importance of regular exercise. We also ensure all students have a clear understanding about their individual fitness levels and set clear guidelines on how to improve. Throughout PE lessons there is a clear focus on the development of leadership, communication and organisational skills.

We have a range of facilities including; a sports hall, 4 tennis courts, cricket nets, 3 netball courts, fitness suite, 4 trampolines and a climbing wall.

We also encourage our students to get involved with as many extra-curricular sports as possible, and as a direct result we have a number of very successful teams, who compete at district and county level.

The wide range of clubs, broad balanced curriculum and leadership opportunities ensures all of our students are guaranteed the opportunity to be creative, competitive and challenged.


6th Form

The Sixth Form operates as part of the Stafford Collegiate. This means that our students have the opportunity to choose from a much wider number of subjects. Our students can follow either a BTEC course in a specific area of study or they can choose the more traditional pathway of A levels. If students choose subjects at a different centre and they need to travel during the school day transport will be provided.

The following subjects are offered within the collegiate:-

BTEC: Health and Social Care and Art and Design

A Level: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, D&T(Graphics),English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, French, Geography, Government & Politics, History, ICT, Law, Media, Maths, Further Maths, Music, Music Technology, P.E, Performance Studies, Philosophy and Ethics, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Theatre Studies.

Each student is allocated a Mentor, who will meet with them regularly to monitor progress and discuss any concerns.

All students are encouraged to participate in a range of enrichment activities that are available to them.


Extra Curricular

At SGB we offer a vast range of extracurricular clubs and seasonal sporting activities, they include:

Book Club, Reading Club, Virtual Car Racing Club, Fantasy Football, Maths Challenge, Maths Surgery, Stringtastic, Concert Band, Vocal Elite, Samba Band, Music Theory, Cubase Club, Games Club, Christian Union, Science Club, Football, Netball, Trampolining, Fitness Suite, Rugby, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Climbing, Dance, Athletics, Cricket, Tennis, Rounders, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Art Club, Cooking Club, How to Build a Computer Club, Animation Club and ICT Support.

In addition there are also foreign trips to Paris, Normandy, the Rhineland, Spain and the chance to go skiing.

We have several Futures Days during the school year. These allow our students to enrich their learning by participating in a wide range of activities, trips, visits from outside speakers and cross curricular activities.



Pastoral Care

The House system and Vertical Tutoring.

The school is divided into four houses named after stately homes in Staffordshire: Chetwynd, Sandon, Tixall and Weston. Within each House there are eight House Groups overseen by aHouse Tutor. House Groups meet every day for 25 minutes. We operate a vertical tutoring house system, this means a number of pupils from each year group make up a House Group. The composition of mixed ages ensures that we can offer an extensive but informal programme of mentoring to all students. (It is important to note, however, that teaching groups in all subjects remain year group based).

The weekly house time programme consists of a House Assembly (and a Year Assembly every three weeks), News Article Discussion, Quiz, and a series of activities under the following themes: Be Safe, Stay Healthy, Achieve Economic Well Being, Making a Positive Contribution and Enjoy and Achieve. Additionally, each house competes against the other Houses in areas such as sport and culture. Each term students are rewarded for their contributions to school life with a Celebration Assembly. The House with the most number of house points at the end of the Summer Term is declared the winner of the House Point Competition.

School Parliament

Students are elected onto the School Parliament via an application process. We have representatives from each school year and each house. Additionally, the School Parliament elects a President and Vice-President for the duration of the Academic Year. School Parliament meetings are held every half-term.

The purpose of the School Parliament is to:

address any issues of concern raised by any •member of the School Community

act as a consultative group for school •developments

take part in staffing appointments•

organize fundraising events for the school•

feedback to the Students and Community sub-•committee of the Governors

attend meetings with the District School •Parliament which is made up of representatives from all Staffordshire schools.

Bullying

At SGB our approach is based on our comprehensive anti-bullying policy. We provide numerous opportunities for children to talk confidentially about their concerns. We tackle bullying within the curriculum, drop-in centres are run every lunchtime by the peer mentors. When serious and persistent problems occur senior staff are always involved. The school has been awarded the Staffordshire Anti-Bullying Pledge Plus Status.


Attendance.

Students’ attendance at SGB is generally very good. If a student is absent, however, we try to contact parents during the first day to discover the reason. This helps ensure that parents are aware of their child’s whereabouts. All lessons are now registered electronically so that absence or patterns of absence are identified early. Parents are expected to play their part in this vital process by communicating as early as possible any absences and any changes in address, e-mail or telephone details. Lateness is also recorded and, again, we contact parents to discuss how to resolve the problem.


Learning Support Department.

Sir Graham Balfour has a well-resourced Learning Support Department and extensive links to a multitude of agencies outside of school. All students have access to the support they require with any learning difficulty. Teaching assistants are used to provide withdrawal lessons for small numbers of students and are available for in-class support. Sir Graham Balfour enjoys an excellent working relationship with Autism Outreach and achieved Dyslexia Friendly Status in 2010.

Inclusion Unit.

This is an area of the school dedicated to the excellent practice of restoring students’ self-confidence and resolving their distress or anger. The policy of the unit is to reintegrate students at the earliest opportunity so that they feel included in their original lessons. The unit is also the base for a small number of students who follow a work related learning programme during Key Stage 4

Learning Support


reports and Communication;

We place great emphasis on developing our partnership with parents; at set points in the year we communicate with parents via a full report (with comments written by staff) and several short reports (which show grades for behaviour, effort, homework and current attainment). Parents and students are also invited to attend the annual Parents’ Evening, in order to speak in person with relevant staff. Parents can also keep a constant eye on their son’s or daughter’s attendance, achievements and current attainment via our Parent Gateway, for which parents receive a user name and password upon application. We also operate the ‘Schoolcomms’ system, which allows communication via email and SMS messaging to take place. We send a text message to a parent when a child is absent and no prior notice of absence has been given; this helps to ensure that both parents and the school know where a child is at any point in the day. In addition, we are increasing the amount of information we send electronically, rather than by traditional methods; emails and updates on our website are key communication channels.

Links with Parents


Homework, Sex Education &Admissions

Homework is a vital part of students’ learning. It encourages the essential skill of independent learning, gives them the opportunity of reviewing work done in school and enables them to extend their work in breadth and depth. Homework will vary in nature and might include writing, revising, research, practical investigations or reading. Our DAC learning resource centre is open every day until 4.30pm and this provides a safe and private study area in which students may work. We run a Study Club after school where staff are always available to help with homework.

Sex Education; The school follows government guidelines on Sex Education. The moral, social and biological issues of sexual behaviour are taught in different areas of the curriculum. Full details of the policies adopted by the Governors with regard to the provision of sex education are available on the school website.

Admissions; The closing date for application for admission to secondary school during the current academic year is available from http:www.education.staffordshire.gov.uk

Parents wishing to admit a child to the school, other than at the beginning of Year 7 should make an appointment to see the Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Pastoral Support. In consultation with school governors, the Local Authority determines the number of students that may be admitted into each year ; this is referred to as the school’s published admission number (PAN). The PAN for SGB is 170 students


Our sense of community has an international dimension. In 2004 we raised £12,000 to help build a school in Thmar Bang in Cambodia. By 2010 we raised a further £14,000 which allowed the school to be extended. Our ongoing links with the school do much to promote the idea of global citizenship.

SGB Cambodia



At SGB we place the greatest emphasis on the quality of the student’s learning as we believe that this is at the heart of everything the school does. We provide every student with a broad, balanced and personalized curriculum, suitable for young people who will be adults in the 21st Century.

The school takes great care to ensure the curriculum is appropriate for students of all abilities. Children who are academically gifted can be sure of expert and challenging teaching, whilst those who have particular learning difficulties receive a wide range of specialist support. Our aim is always to be flexible in order to meet the individual needs of individual students.


Print and design by Staffordshire County Council, Print Commissioning Services. Telephone: 01785 276051 60106/11

Sir Graham Balfour School, North Avenue, Stafford ST16 1Nr Tel: 01785 223490Email: [email protected] www.sirgrahambalfour.co.uk

School Prospectus 2013

Documents

learning support

learning teaching

english faculty

school life

inclusive school

range of literary texts

range of audiences

range of approaches