The Heath full Prospectus 2012

“A truly outstanding school”Ofsted 2010

The HeathNational Teaching SchoolA STEM Centre of Excellence &Leadership Development School

We ’ re i n the bus iness o f l ea rn ing

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 exceptional 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.’

2012 has been a year of very significant changes. In April 2012

we were designated as one of the first 200 National Teaching

Schools “the highest accolade a school can achieve.”

This is a mark of the exceptional educational provision delivered

by The Heath and puts us at the very front of educational

thinking and development.

Heather Mullaney

OutstandingOfsted 2010

Our New SchoolIn May 2012 we were selected to be part of the coalition’s Priority

Schools Building Programme which meant we were allocated

the money needed to build a state of the art school for 1350

students aged 11 – 16. Subsequent to this announcement we

were absolutely delighted to receive the green light from the

Department of Education to further expand our school so that

in 2014/15 it will include a Sixth Form for 300 students. The

Department has also allocated further funding to ensure that we

can provide outstanding 16 - 19 learning in a bespoke Sixth Form

environment.

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 time to come and visit

to see our school at work or visit our website www.heathschool.

org.uk

There really is no better time to be part of The Heath as we

move forward on our journey from Truly Outstanding to Truly

Exceptional.

Pupils’ achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning - OutstandingOfsted 2010

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Centre of ExcellenceWe are proud of our reputation 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 experience of STEM possible to all

ages. Starting with our partnership primary schools, through

to enhancing our own curriculum enrichment programme

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

international businesses who deliver session 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:

The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides a

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

students. OFSTED 2010

• Mathematics - GCSE Mathematics - Statistics• English - English Language - English Literature - English• Science - Chemistry - Physics - Biology - Core Science - Applied Science• Technology - Resistant Materials - Electronic Products - Food Technology - Textiles - Graphic Products

• Physical Education• ICT• Business Studies• History• Geography• Religious Studies• Psychology• Film Studies• French• Spanish• Art• Drama• Music• Dance• Child Development• Equality and Diversity• STEM Leadership Qualification

(SLQ)

Teaching for Learning 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 life-long 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 encourages 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 leaning is at the heart of

every lesson. This is and will always be our aim.

“Teaching is outstanding overall.” 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 assessment activities inform

both teachers and students as to where the focus of futures

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 assessments and

dialogue between teacher and learner.

“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.

Supporting the Learner It is very important that all students feel valued and safe. That they aspire, grow in

confidence, are respectful, 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 Assistant

Progress Co-ordinators 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.”

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.

Student LeadershipOur “Leading Today to Shape Tomorrow” philosophy underpins our

passionate approach to the development of student leadership.

Students in all year groups will have many opportunities to develop

their leadership skills both in and out of school working with other

students and adults. At The Heath, we believe that leadership experience

in education has become essential to help young people tackle and

transform the challenges of today.

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

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

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

Century.

We are very excited by the further opportunities resulting

from our academy status and our success in bidding for major

capital funding to radically redevelop The Heath. Work with

leading professionals in the construction industry has already

commenced in order to design and build a new 11-19 school ready

to occupy in 2015. Committed to inspiring excellence and to

build on our already outstanding results, our brief is to achieve

learning spaces that are both stimulating and engaging. We

look forward to creating both state of the art learning and sports

environments, which our students and community really deserve.

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

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.

LIPA 4:19 Performing Arts Academy at the HeathLIPA 4:19 at The Heath is a part time performing arts academy which

is part of The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The academy

is based at The Heath and has been in operation in Halton for the

past 3 years. We currently have students aged 4 - 19 at the academy,

which runs on a Saturday morning during term time.

The effectiveness of care, guidanceand support - OutstandingOfsted 2010

Learning Outside the Classroom ExperiencesBeginning in Year 7 with the teambuilding experience at

Kingswood we offer every student the opportunity to participate

in a wide variety of experiences outside the classroom. These

increase motivation and support extended opportunities for

learning as well as promoting positive relationships. Some of

our visits, such as the Exchange Visits to our partner schools in

South Africa are once in a lifetime opportunities for many, and

offer a cultural experience second to none.

Year 7 Settling in Kingswood Colomendy

Ski trips Italy, Canada, North America

Tennis and Dance Spain

Geography and History Field Trips Derbyshire

Conwy

Thackray Museum, Leeds

Humanities Warrington Crown Court

Competition

English Field Trips Conwy Centre

Belgium Battlefields

Textiles Milan

Performing Arts London

New York

Exchange Visit South Africa

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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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

PHASE 3 2006