School Prospectus

The HeathClifton Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4SY

Tel: 01928 576664

Fax: 01928 568703

E-mail: [email protected]

www.heathschool.org.uk

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Publiam nocastiu viributerum Romnos num te cus critene nterurnis esse acterit, que esimihica nirmium tus.

We hope this guide has provided at least a taste of the opportunities

we are able to offer. To find out more about our school - including

details of our visit days - please call 01928 576664 or

email [email protected] or visit www.heathschool.org.uk

“A truly outstanding school”Ofsted 2010

The HeathWe’re in the business of learning

Message from the PrincipalWelcome to the most recent Heath

prospectus. I hope that you will

find it a useful insight into our

school – our vision, ethos, values and the excellent education we

offer to all our students.

We are justifiably proud of our reputation as an outstanding, high

performing, innovative and dynamic school. We are constantly

seeking out ways of improving and extending the range of

opportunities we offer to our students, their families and our

community. We really are ‘in the business of learning’.

2011 has been a year of development at The Heath, in Spring we

converted to academy status as an outstanding school giving

us the opportunity to receive funding directly in to school, this

will benefit our students greatly and allow us to make significant

improvements to our buildings and facilities in order to continue

delivering outstanding teaching and learning. We are already

working with architects on plans to enhance and re-develop our

school creating the best possible environment for learning.

Heather Mullaney

Overall effectiveness: how good is the

school - OutstandingOfsted 2010

“The Heath is a truly outstanding school. Led by the inspirational Headteacher and an exceptionally focused senior leadership team, the school has achieved standards of attainment which are very high. Students’ learning and progress over time are now outstanding, because of the very high quality of teaching in lessons and the outstanding support they receive.” OFSTED 2010

In another exciting development we are moving forward with our

plans for a Free School for 16-19 year olds. Many past students

have expressed a wish to stay with us, continuing their studies,

after reaching the end of compulsory education and many of

them travel outside of Halton to access Sixth Form Colleges.

We believe that our excellence in teaching and learning can give

more young people their best chance to achieve the success they

deserve on the next step of their learning journey.

It is important to us that all students enjoy happy and rewarding

years at The Heath. We want them to leave us well equipped

to be successful and valuable citizens in a rapidly changing and

challenging world, well placed to achieve their goals, with a

desire to continue on their lifelong learning journey.

But don’t just take our word for it. Make ti me to come and visit

to see our school at work or visit our website

www. heathschool.org.uk

Pupils’ achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning - Outstanding

Ofsted 2010STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Centre of ExcellenceWe are proud of our reputation nationally as a STEM Centre of

Excellence. We have evolved from our Technology Specialism

into a school which believes STEM to be an integral factor in the

future of our students, the school and Runcorn.

We aim to give the best experiences of STEM possible, to

all ages. Starting with our partner primary schools, through

to enhancing our own curriculum model for 11-16 year old

students which includes a curriculum enrichment programme

entitled ‘Learn 4 Life’ which draws on many local, national and

International businesses who deliver sessions to our students,

culminating in post 16 adult classes who benefit from the

expertise and resources we have at our disposal.

We believe that for our community in the North West, STEM is

the future and we aim to be at the forefront of this academic

avenue for many years to come.

Curriculum for LearningWe provide an outstanding education, which challenges and develops students of all

abilities. Our students achieve the best possible academic success and are equipped to take

their place in their community as responsible, caring citizens with a life-long enthusiasm for

learning.

We seek to match the curriculum to the needs of the individual so that each student

develops confidence and a sense of achievement through learning.

We also encourage and celebrate all achievements within and beyond the curriculum.

The Heath is a caring school where we encourage all members of the school to respect

themselves, each other, our local community and the environment.

Curriculum subjects:

• Mathematics• English• Science• Technology• Physical Education• ICT (Information Communication Technology)• Business Studies• History• Geography• Religious Studies• Psychology• Film Studies• French• Spanish• Art• Drama• Music• Dance

The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides a

wide range of pathways to meet the needs of all of its

students. OFSTED 2010

“Outstanding care and guidance ensure that students follow courses that meet their individual abilities and aspirations, and that they are strongly supported through the process.” OFSTED 2010

Assessment For Learning Assessment for learning is at the heart of successful teaching

and learning at The Heath. Regular assessed activities inform

both teachers and students as to where the focus of future

learning should be placed. Lessons and activities are adapted to

ensure all make progress and reach their full potential. Feedback

to students takes the form of formal written assessment and

dialogue between teacher and learner.

Learning to learn We place an emphasis on teaching students how to learn

and make good use of research into learning styles, types of

intelligence and emotional literacy to provide all our students

with the skills that they will need to be active lifelong learners.

We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods to

allow everyone to make good progress with an emphasis on

independent learning, thinking skills and personal organisation.

We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of our approaches, taking

into account achievement, enjoyment and student opinion as we

seek to improve the education we offer.

Motivational days and workshops are a regular part of school life

which encourage students to look beyond traditional parameters

and aim high.

This success is underpinned by a relentless drive to ensure the

very best provision for our students so that their learning is at

the heart of every lesson. This is and will always be our aim.

“Teaching is outstanding overall.” OFSTED 2010

“Teachers are adept at establishing supportive, encouraging relationships which foster an excellent climate for learning. There is a culture of high expectations, and this is so successfully communicated to students that they set high standards for themselves and others. As a result, their excellent behaviour and attitudes contribute very well to their learning.” OFSTED 2010

Behaviour for LearningPromoting a positive atmosphere where all students can flourish

is key to success in learning. Central to this is the need for

responsible behaviour, courtesy and consideration based on

mutual respect.

Climate for Learning

It is very important that all students feel valued, aspire, grow in confidence, are respectful,

feel safe, think of others and achieve their potential with structured guidance to face the

challenges of life in the 21st century.

Form Tutors have detailed knowledge of students tracking both the academic and personal

development of their tutees. They are supported by Progress Co-ordinators and assistants

for each year group.

The Inclusion Quality Mark is one of our proudest achievements. Our Centre for Student

Intervention has a team of specialists who work with students to remove barriers to learning.

The very inclusive nature of the school is demonstrated by the excellent outcomes for all

groups of students.

“The Heath is a model of inclusive practice which needs to be disseminated at both a local and national level.” Inclusion Quality Mark 2010.

“Students’ success as learners is complemented by their outstanding attitudes and skills that will serve them well beyond school. They are courteous, articulate, and treat each other and adults with consideration.”

Environment for LearningWe have a policy of continuous investment in our facilities to

ensure that we have a learning environment worthy of the 21st

Century.

Recent improvements include:-

• Ten purpose built Design and Technology learning areas.

• Eight refurbished Science laboratories.

• Complete refurbishment of the Maths faculty.

• New English and ICT rooms.

• An All Weather, floodlit pitch for P.E. and the community

• A covered seating area for students.

• Re-surfaced and flood lit tennis/netball courts.

• Concept classroom with the very latest IT equipment.

• We are very excited by the further opportunities resulting

from our academy status and our current plans to radically

redevelop The Heath. We look forward to creating a state

of the art learning environment which our students and

community really deserve.

Leadership Development SchoolThe leadership of learning lies at the heart of school leadership

– outstanding schools have outstanding leaders. As a leadership

development school it is our aim to secure high quality

leadership development and opportunity for all to improve

student outcomes for our school and those of our partners.

“The leadership specialism has enabled the school to seek and provide outstanding training for colleagues within the school and from schools elsewhere.” OFSTED 2010

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement - OutstandingOfsted 2010

The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils’ needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships - OutstandingOfsted 2010

The effectiveness of care, guidanceand support - OutstandingOfsted 2010

Learning beyond the ClassroomAcademic success is only one facet of life at The Heath. We

encourage all students to take part in a very wide range

of extracurricular activities to enable them to develop into

confident young people.

D of E Award SchemeRunning since 1964, The Heath has consistently been the lead

provider in Halton, achieving great success at both Bronze

and Silver Award levels. In excess of 600 students have gained

Awards in the last 5 years.

Extra Curricular ActivitiesWe offer many different types of activities including sport, public

speaking, music, dance and drama. Students regularly make

a substantial contribution to local, national and international

charities including Halton Haven, Oxfam, British Heart

Foundation and many more.

Education Enrichment and Life Opportunities (EELO Project)We have an established training base at the Heath Business

Park which provides our students with real, exciting work based

learning and enterprise activities.

Learning Outside the Classroom ExperiencesThese increase motivation and support extended opportunities

for learning as well as promoting positive relationships.

Ski trips - Italy, Canada, North America

Tennis and Dance - Spain

Geography and History Field Trips - Derbyshire, Conwy, Thackray

Museum, Leeds

English Field Trips - Conwy Centre, Belgium Battlefields

French - Paris

Textiles - Milan

Performing Arts - London, New York

Exchange Visit - South Africa

Year 7 Settling in - Kingswood Colomendy