Castle High Schooland Visual Arts College

prospectus 2017-18

Castle High School is a truly comprehensive school embracing the talents of all its students and celebrating the cultural diversity of the area that surrounds it. I am delighted to report that the school is at an exciting time; our last Ofsted Report confirms the progress we have made over recent years, stating that “pupils are given every opportunity to succeed” and that ”pupils are well behaved and polite”. It also says that the school has “high expectations and aspirations for pupils”. All the hard work staff and students continue to put in is making a real difference.

To this end we continue to strive to provide the highest standard of innovative teaching and learning and enhanced opportunities for all our students to ensure they achieve their potential. We are determined to become a centre of excellence and are constantly seeking to recruit and develop teachers of the highest calibre who are able to inspire our students to enjoy learning, to achieve high standards and to aspire to become lifelong learners. Our team of staff are committed professionals who are well respected and valued. The school continues to invest heavily in training opportunities for all staff to give them the support to develop in their chosen role and beyond. The philosophy is simple: this school will ensure the success of all students through outstanding teaching.

There is also a strong caring ethos in the school which ensures high levels of support for students and extends into an atmosphere of mutual respect throughout the school. Our students are challenged to extend their interests through a wide programme of extra-curricular activities, sports teams, enrichment activities and cross-curricular Focus Days. No avenue is left unexplored in the pursuit of excellence for all. As the Headteacher, I am personally very proud, privileged and excited to be driving these developments. They will support our shared vision for rapid success and will create experiences for all within and beyond the local community.

Castle High School is a rewarding, challenging and supportive school which makes a real difference to young people and which invests in everyone associated with the school. It’s a great place to be!

You are most welcome to come and see the school in action for yourself and I look forward to meeting you in the very near future.

Michelle KingHeadteacher

“Students show tolerance and respect for each other.”

Admissions

“Students show tolerance and respect for each other.”

The admission number for Castle High School in 2018 is 180.

Castle High School has an Inclusive Education Policy and the Admissions Policy aims to maximise the opportunity to meet parental preferences and to meet the individual needs of children wherever possible. The School does not use a selective policy based on aptitude or academic achievement.

The following criteria will be used to allocate the available places if more applications are received than spaces available.

First priority for admission shall be given to relevant looked after children or children who were previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, residence, or special guardianship order.

Second priority for admission shall be given to children with a “serious and ongoing medical condition” where Castle High School is the most appropriate school to meet the condition.

Third priority for admission shall be given to children who have a brother/sister, half brother/sister (where the children share one common parent), or step-brother/step-sister, living at the same address and who will still be attending the school in September 2018.

Any places that remain available once the above applicants have been admitted, will be filled according to those children who live closest to the school, determined by a straight-line measurement in metres, from the home address to the main entrance of Castle High School.

Application Process All applications will be co-ordinated via the home Local Authority of the applicant. Further details and timescales are set out in the Local Authority’s Co-ordinated Scheme which is available from The School Admissions Service.

Late Applications Preferences that are received after the closing date will only be considered after applications that were received within the deadline have been dealt with.

There will, however, be exceptional circumstances in which a late application will be considered alongside those applications that were made within the deadline.

In each circumstance supportive documentary evidence must be provided by the parents/carers at the time of application.

Full information about Castle High’s admission arrangements can be found at www.castle.dudley.sch.uk/admissions

Castle High School forms part of the Dudley Multi-Academies Trust along with Hillcrest School and Community College, Holly Hall Academy and The High Arcal School under the sponsorship of Dudley College of Technology.

The Trust focuses on achieving improved edu-cational outcomes at Key Stage 3 and beyond. A significant emphasis is placed on driving up GCSE attainment in Mathematics and English. Support for learners with learning difficulties is also a priority for the Trust. The Trust is seek-ing to align the schools’ curriculum to local and regional skills needs, with a growing emphasis on digital technologies and science and tech-nology.

Under these arrangements the individual part-ner schools retain their own identities but work closely together with the college to improve outcomes for learners. The Headteachers retain day to day leadership and management for their respective schools.

DudleyMulti-Academies Trust

AttendanceWe have high expectations of our students in all aspects of school life but especially when it comes to their attendance. Those students who attend regularly succeed at a higher level than those who are regularly absent and we would encourage parents to ensure that their child is absent from school for exceptional circumstances only.

We ask that parents contact school on the first - and each subsequent - day of absence to inform us of the reason for their child being away from school and that a note explaining the absence is handed to the child’s Form Tutor following the child’s re-turn to school.

Parents are asked to note that no leave of absence will be granted for family holidays during the school year.

We believe strongly that regular attendance is one of the most important factors which contribute to a successful education. Any period of absence from school will hinder a child’s progress and parents are reminded that the school’s team of Attendance Of-ficers will work closely with the Local Au-thority’s Education Investigation Service to ensure a child’s regular attendance.

We also believe that punctuality both to school and to lessons is a valuable habit to be encouraged. Students are expected in school no later than 8.55 each morn-ing. Those arriving late will be expected to make the time up with their Form Tutors or, for those arriving after 9.10, with a senior member of staff at either lunchtime or af-ter school.

“Students feel safe in school and know how to share

concerns with school staff.”

“Students feel safe in school and know how to share

concerns with school staff.”

Our school day

Staff briefing 8.35 - 8.45 Tutor time / Assembly 8.50 - 9.10

Period 1 9.10 - 10.00Period 2 10.00 - 10.50

Break 10.50 - 11.05

Students should be on site by 8.45 ready to respond to the warning bell by entering school. Students should be in their form bases by 8.50 for morning registration. Students who are late for school will be required to serve a detention.

Once students arrive in school for morning registration, they are not allowed to leave the school grounds until the end of the day unless they have permission from home.

The school canteen is open for snacks at breaktime and for hot meals and snacks at lunch time. We are proud to be a Gold Standard Healthy Eating School offering a wide variety of food and drink. We operate a cashless catering system where each student uses his/her fingerprint to pay for food from the canteen; cash or cheques can be used to deposit money into a student’s account.

Students are permitted to drink water during lesson time. No other drinks are allowed.

Period 3 11.05 - 11.55Period 4 11.55 - 12.45

Lunch 12.45 - 13.30

Period 5 13.35 - 14.25Period 6 14.25 - 15.15

School uniform is very important at Castle High School and forms part of our Code of Conduct. We feel that the uniform conveys a message about personal standards and gives the students a clear identity, not only within school but also within the local community. We have tried to ensure that the uniform is not too expensive and we expect full parental co-operation in maintaining our high standards of dress. The support of parents in purchasing only the styles and colours detailed in the Uniform Policy is appreciated and items are easily available from a range of suppliers.

In accordance with safety guidelines, all jewellery must be removed for P.E.Arrangements for the safe keeping of jewellery and other valuables are made by P.E. staff. The school cannot accept responsibility for any items not handed in or for items totalling more than £30 in value.

Although the school does not have one single supplier of uniform, A. Oakes Ltd, Churchill Precinct, Dudley, is the outlet for Castle High School ties and badges. They also carry a wide range of good quality uniform requirements. The School Office also has a small stock of ties and badges.

Our uniformGirlsBlack blazer with badge (compulsory)Black skirt or tailored trousers (denim material is not acceptable)School tiePlain royal blue or black shalwar kameze with tie and blazer.Plain black headscarf if worn.White shirtPlain grey/black/white/blue socksPlain black leather low-heeled shoes.

BoysBlack blazer with badgeBlack trousers (denim material is not acceptable)White shirtSchool tiePlain grey/black/white/blue socksPlain black leather shoes

Physical EducationNavy blue polo shirtPlain navy blue sweatshirtPlain navy blue shortsNavy blue long socksTrainersShin pads and football boots (students will be advised of the term when these are required)

Tracksuit bottoms (plain navy blue) may be worn for PE lessons by students.

In accordance with safety guidelines, all jewellery must be removed for PE.

Arrangements for the safe keeping of jewellery and other valuables are made by PE staff. The school CANNOT accept responsibility for any items not handed in or for items totalling more than £30 in value.

SCHOOL FOOTWEAR SHOULD BE PLAIN BLACK LEATHER SHOES. VANS, CONVERSE, TRAINERS AND ALL OTHER CASUAL FOOTWEAR ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

OUTDOOR COATS SHOULD BE DARK, WITHOUT DECORATION AND BE LARGE ENOUGH TO BE WORN OVER THE SCHOOL BLAZER - TRACKSUIT TOPS/HOODIES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

For all students, any jewellery must be kept to a minimum. One small stud per ear is permitted and one small ring of sentimental or religious significance. Other piercings anywhere on the body is not permitted on safety grounds.

“The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides a range

of courses which meets the needs and ambitions of pupils.”

“The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides a range

of courses which meets the needs and ambitions of pupils.”

A curriculumfor all“There is a good range of subjects for pupils to choose from.” (Ofsted)

Students at Castle High School follow a programme of study in their first two years designed to aid transition from Primary School and to introduce them to subjects in which they may choose to specialise later.

An extensive guidance programme in Year 8 enables students to access courses in Years 9-11 that are challenging whilst ensuring they have the opportunities to reach their potential and beyond. Depending on the ability of individual students, there are opportunities to sit examinations early to enable more qualifications to be gained; in some subjects AS Level studies can be followed.

The school provides the opportunity to study a wide range of courses leading to

GCSE qualifications. We have strong links with all Post-16 providers in the local area including King Edwards VI College in Stourbridge and we are stakeholders in Dudley Sixth.

The very best effort is made by everyone at the school to ensure all of our students leave ready and equipped for either work, further education or a training programme of their choice. Additional guidance and support are offered to all students and their families during each year to ensure individual students are well informed and their future is progressive and well planned beyond school.

The Curriculum is reviewed every year to ensure it is well matched to meet the needs of our students and provides the very best opportunity for all of them.

Additional Needs

At Castle High School, the education of every student is of paramount importance and we recognise that every student will have needs for which we will cater through personalised attention and provision.

The progress of all students is monitored on a regular basis by subject teachers, Form Tutors, Year Heads, Student Progress Managers and senior members of staff to ensure that targeted intervention can be established where a particular student’s progress is giving cause for concern. Parents receive information on progress three times a year and there are opportunities during the year to meet with staff to discuss areas of concern and to celebrate successes.

We recognise that some of our students will have specific learning needs and we have an Additional Needs Team made up of highly qualified and experienced teachers and teaching assistants to provide the assistance necessary for these students.

We also recognise the need to make special provision for those students who have a particular ability or talent. We have a Gifted and Talented Coordinator to manage initiatives and work in subject departments and across the school.

Student VoiceCastle High School has always prided itself on its commitment to listening to the views of its students and hearing their ‘voice’. We are continuing to work hard to ensure that our students have a say in their school and their education.

There is a strong Student Voice body composed of elected student representatives who meet regularly to discuss matters of concern to them. It’s not just about matters of minor importance either. Castle High’s facilities are of a high standard and the ambitious programme of refurbishment has continued of late with improvements to many of the communal areas in the school such as student toilets and the school dining hall. These changes have been designed in association with student representatives. In addition, student representatives form part of the interview process for new members of staff and have a real say in appointments.

Year 11 Prefects are also actively making a difference at all levels. They are all too willing to take on responsibilities including mentoring students new to the school in Year 7, in organising events to raise money for charity and in mediation work for those students encountering problems during the school day. They also find the time to represent all students at important school functions.

Their efforts in helping the younger students adjust to life in their new school are much appreciated.

As one Year 7 said, “I really have settled well into Castle High, I have made lots of new friends and I’m doing well in all my lessons.” Another Year 7 student added that “this school is a very lively and door-opening place. The Student Voice Team has also given us an opportunity to give a voice to improve the school.”

“Students are well-behaved and polite.”

“Students are well-behaved and polite.”

BehaviourWe have high expectations of all of our students and believe strongly that clear boundaries applied consistently will lead to well-behaved students who achieve highly. To this end, we have developed a Code of Conduct and believe it important that it has the full support of parents and students, staff and governors.

In accepting a place at Castle High School, parents are agreeing to accept and uphold the Code of Conduct and the organisational arrangements which support it. This forms part of the Home/School Agreement.

We expect that all students will …

• Treat all people with kindness and respect whatever their sex, age, ethnic origin or position in school. • Make it as easy as possible for themselves and everyone else to learn. This includes arriving on time, bringing all the necessary equipment and acting sensibly at all times. • Take pride in their work and always complete tasks to the best of their ability. Remember: good work gets good grades. • Always hand homework in on time and ask for help if necessary. • Move sensibly about the school, on the left hand side, with a moderate noise level. • Dress neatly and appropriately in full school uniform. • Respect school’s and other people’s property, including school work and avoid bringing valuables to school. • Keep the school and its grounds clean and litter free and look after the school building. Remember: it’s our school we are looking after. • Behave with respect for the health and safety of themselves and others in and out of school - dangerous items and substances have no place in school. • Remain on the premises unless permission to leave is granted. • Uphold the school’s reputation at all times.

Parents and carers automatically become members of the Castle High School Association. This group plays an important part in bringing together parents, carers, students and staff in social and community occasions.

A small group of parents, teachers and supporters meets approximately four times a year to organise fund-raising events.

These consist of many different activities all with an element of enjoyment and satisfaction - some more sedate than others - but all raising money to spend on school equipment to aid your child’s education. Annual events include Skittles, Quizzes, Day Trips, weekends away and an auction of promises. Other events are organised throughout the year. An ongoing fund-raiser is the 200 Club. Numbers can be purchased at £1 each. Each month a draw takes place and three winning numbers are drawn, each number receiving a cash prize. Half the money raised goes to school funds, the other half is handed out in prize money.

Payments can be made by cheque (minimum of £12 per year), Direct Debit or cash. Application forms to join the 200 Club are available from the School Office.

CHSA

Extra-curricular

We are rightly proud of the rich variety of activities which take place out of school hours to give our students access to a huge number of enrichment opportunities.

Before school, at lunchtime and after school, clubs and activities take place which both complement the school curriculum and extend it. In sports, the arts and through curriculum clubs, students are encouraged to extend their learning and experiences, broaden their interests, make new friends and develop skills which will stay with them far beyond their time at Castle High.

There is a full range of sports clubs and teams are entered in all of the borough-wide competitions. We have enjoyed particular success in recent years in basketball, netball and football with

opportunities available for both girls and boys.

Students are encouraged to take part in performance activities through the many groups which exist in Music, Dance and Drama. We hold regular concerts and performances in order to showcase talent and encourage our students to participate in events further afield. In addition, outside groups and performers are regularly invited into school to enhance the opportunities available to our students.

Clubs exist in many subject areas to stimulate interest and nurture talents. We also organise visits to enhance the curriculum and to stimulate interest in subjects including Modern Foreign Languages, Science, Art and Humanities.

At Castle High School we have always ensured that every one of our students does matter. We strive to meet every individual’s needs by personalising learning and by providing a comprehensive support system.

Excellent student support is crucial to ensure that students achieve their potential. The Form Tutor is the key person in the system. Students are allocated to a form where a Form Tutor will be responsible for monitoring each individual student’s progress. Parental support is also a vital part in helping students realise their potential. Parents and carers are asked to sign a Home/School Agreement which clearly lays out all of the responsibilities of parents, students and school to ensure a successful partnership.

Good communication is an important part of this partnership. Communication can be via phone, email, letter or visit. The school has a team of Year Heads, non-teaching Student Progress Managers and an Attendance Officer to assist Form Tutors. They will work closely with students and their families to ensure that good progress is being made by students, that each child’s attendance is excellent and that intervention is put in place to ensure that every child reaches his or her potential. Our Student Planner is designed to inform parents and carers of homework set, each student’s individual subject target grades and learning goals. We strongly advise that the planner should be checked and signed weekly by parents and carers; it will also be checked by your child’s Form Tutor.

Parents’ Evenings are a vital part of the dialogue between home and school. The dates are included in the school calendar distributed at the start of the school year and we look forward to welcoming you and your child to these evenings.

Looking after your childAll students are expected to work hard and maintain high standards of behaviour. If students do not follow the School Code of Conduct, sanctions are in place to help modify their behaviour. To help encourage and reward positive behaviour, achievement, good punctuality and attendance, the school has regular Achievement Assemblies, a Celebration of Achievement Evening and the Vivo rewards system. Each child is issued with a Vivo Card on which they accumulate points awarded by their teachers for such things as good work, regular attendance and contribution to school life. Points can be redeemed for a host of items through the Vivo website.

We are a Health Promoting School having gained the Healthy Schools Mark and we work with a number of outside agencies to ensure health issues do not adversely affect the learning of students.

The School Nurse, School Counsellor and Connexions Advisors are available to any student should the need arise. A healthy lifestyle is promoted through the school’s Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship, Enterprise and Economics Education Programme. Issues are further dealt with through Tutor Time activities or during special Enrichment Days where students work together in form groups on cross-curricular issues.

All students remain on site during lunchtime. The School Cafeteria, which has achieved the Food for Health “Gold Award”, offers a wide range of healthy options to suit all tastes and diets.

Only water is allowed to be consumed during lessons and this is available from a vending machine. Water is also available at break and lunchtime in the cafeteria.

What do I do if I want to complain?In the first instance, parents/carers are encouraged to telephone school to make an appointment to discuss issues with relevant members of staff. Should this first step fail to resolve the issue, the Governing Body has adopted a School Complaints Procedure. Full details of the procedure may be obtained from the School Office or from the Clerk to the Governing Body.

The procedure is devised with the intention that it will :• Usually be possible to resolve problems by informal means• Be simple to use and understand and be non-adversarial• Provide confidentiality• Allow problems to be handled swiftly through the correct

procedure• Address all the points at issue• Inform future practice so the problem is unlikely to recur

Are mobiles allowed in school? Mobiles, MP3 players and headphones are not allowed in school. If they are seen, they will be taken from students and stored in the School Office. Parents may be asked to collect items if a student repeatedly brings them into school.

What happens to lost property? Students’ clothing and personal property needs to be marked clearly and permanently to ensure a quick return of mislaid items. Items found are handed to the School Office. Valuable possessions, excessive sums of money or expensive fashion items should not be brought into school.

What if my child falls ill in school? Students who feel unwell or suffer an injury must report to a member of staff or to the school office. We do encourage students to stay in school wherever possible but, on occasions, parents will be informed to make arrangements to collect their child. It is essential that up-to-date information is available about home and work telephone numbers for such emergencies. In a serious emergency the hospital services will be contacted by school.

FAQ

Sedgley

to Sedgley

to Stourbridge

to Birmingham

Map by Becky Willis

to W’ton

To find us

Castle High School and Visual Arts CollegeSt. James’s RoadDudley, DY1 3JEWest Midlands

Business Line: (01384) 816045 School Kitchen: (01384) 816047 School Fax: (01384) 816046

Website : www.castle.dudley.sch.ukE-mail : general@castle.dudley.sch.uk