INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE

STUDENTS 2017 - 2018

Choose Queen Mary’s High School and

become part of our record of success

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

Miss Rebecca Hearsey, LLB (Hons)

HEAD TEACHER

Dr Alison Bruton, BSc, MEd, EdD

Postal Address: Upper Forster Street, Walsall WS4 2AE

Telephone No: 01922 721013 Fax No: 01922 632387

E Mail: qmarys@qmhs.org.uk

Web Site: www.qmhs.org.uk

2015 was a hugely successful year for our students. As you will see the results achieved at both GCSE and A’ Level were very impressive and reflect the hard work and commitment of both students and staff. In addition, you will also see how well the performance of individuals relates to their prior attainment with what is known as ‘Value-Added’ being notable at all levels.

Year 13

A’ level

• Pass rate (A*-E) 100%

- best results in Walsall!

• A*-B grades 77%

11 students achieved all A/A* grades. Some of our highest achievers were:

Eleanor: English Language A*; English Literature A*; History A*

Sophia : Biology A*; Chemistry A*; Mathematics A; Physics A*

Francesca: Biology A*; Chemistry A; English language A*

Olivia: Chemistry A; Mathematics A*; Further Maths A; Physics A*

Katie: English Literature A*; History A*; RS A

Jayna: Biology A; Chemistry A; Mathematics A*

Josephine: Biology A*; Chemistry A; Mathematics A

Lashuana: History A; ICT A; Psychology A*

Here are the main headlines for our results in 2015:

Left to right:

Alex: (German B; Psychology B; Spanish A – Newcastle University to study Translation and Interpreting)

Eleanor: (English Language A*; English Literature A*; History A* - Oxford University to study English Language and Literature)

Molly: (Art B; English Literature A*; Psychology A – Royal Holloway College to study Media, Film and TV Production)

Left to right:

Amy: (Mathematics A, Chemistry A, Physics B – Exeter University to study Natural Sciences)

Jenny: (Physics B, French B, Mathematics A – Edinburgh University to study Mechanical Engineering)

Georgia: (Religious Studies A, Physics B, Mathematics A – Sheffield University to study Mechanical Engineering)

• Pass rate 95.6% (A*-C) • 96% 5A*-C (inc English and Mathematics) • 63.9% A*/A • 24 students achieved all A*/A grades

Year 11

Left to right:

Stephanie: Eight A* and one A Megan: One A*, three As, four Bs and a C

Left to right:

Lauren: Five A* and 4 A Amandeep: Three A*, five A and one B Raeesah: Five A*, four A Naomi: Nine A*, two A

The headline news doesn’t provide the full picture regarding the achievements of our students as it is important to contextualise these in relation to their individual abilities. This can be achieved by considering what is termed ‘Value Added’ (VA) which is an analysis of examination outcomes in relation to students’ prior attainment in their GCSE examinations.

The following graphs show how well the school has done in supporting students towards achieving of their very best, and for both AS and A’ Level the school’s overall VA score is significantly above average.

‘Significance’ is indicated on the graph where the vertical line for a subject is wholly above or below the horizontal axis. The longer the vertical line, the smaller the number of students.

For GCSE the VA picture is consistently impressive year on year. The analysis which is produced nationally indicates that performance in all the EBacc subjects is above expectation (a score of 1000) and often significantly so (coloured green).

2014

English Mathematics Science Languages Humanities VA School score 1000.5 1004.0 1002.4 1001.5 1003.6

Significance Sig+ Sig+ Sig+

2015

English Mathematics Science Languages Humanities VA School score 1001.3 1002.5 1001.5 1000.7 1002.4

Significance Sig+ Sig+ Sig+

Value Added Analysis

Subject A’ Level Value Added Outcomes for 2013

Information Technology achieved value-added results that were significantly above expectations.

Subject A’ Level Value Added Outcomes for 2015

Personal development

At Queen Mary’s we benefit from the support of our senior students who adopt various key leadership roles including, Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl, House Captain and Prefect. Our House system is a focus of activity during the year and the whole school works together in friendly competition whilst raising significant sums money for various charitable causes. On entry to the school girls are allocated to one of four Houses; Austen, Bronte, Eliot and Shelley, and will remain in this House throughout their time with us. Students frequently comment on how much they enjoy House activities and how these have enabled them to get to know a wide range of students from all year groups.

This way of working together across the school further reinforces the key feature of Queen Mary’s which is that of family. The sense of mutual support, which ensures that everyone can be sure that they always have somebody to talk to when the need arises, gives confidence to our newer students who quickly adapt to their QM family. The friendships made here can last a lifetime, as demonstrated by members of our Old Girls’ Club.

Students can also join the School Council to represent their forms in whole-school consultation and decision-making. Others may choose training as a Youth Peer Mentor to help their fellow students develop as learners or overcome any social or emotional difficulties they may be having.

We believe that each student’s personal development is every bit as important as her academic progress. We have an extensive induction programme to enable each girl to fit in, make friends quickly and feel comfortable and confident in her new surroundings. Our Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship programme provides students with the knowledge and skills to become well rounded young adults ready to take on an active role in the community. Expert careers advice helps students to explore career opportunities and develop the skills important in the modern workplace. We offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities so there is something to capture the interest of each of our students.

Student Leadership and the Queen Mary’s Family

Personal Development

The Sixth Form Experience

Queen Mary’s High School has a strong and thriving Sixth Form with a well-established record of excellent examination results, enabling students to progress onto university courses and into rewarding careers. The vast majority of our own Year 11 students choose Queen Mary’s for their post-16 education, and in recent years we have welcomed an increasing number of students from other institutions. Each year over 95% of our Year 13 students proceed into Higher Education, and a number of these students achieve admission to Oxbridge and other prestigious universities.

YEAR 13 LEAVERS DESTINATIONS 2015

SUMMARY OF DESTINATIONS

Employment 1 Other 10

Return to School 7 Higher/Other Education 70

The Sixth Form Experience

Dance Competition Austen House

Eliot House

House Events

Shelley House

And the winners for 2016….

Bronte House

In 2015 we were once again blessed with good weather and held our annual sports day. The winners on this occasion were: Year 7 – Eliot and Shelley; Year 8 – Bronte; Year 9 – Bronte; Year 10 – Austen

Sports Day

Whitemoor Lakes

When Sport Relief comes around we run/walk/jog around the Arboretum – yes, the whole school! This helps us to raise money for both our local charity, which is chosen on an annual basis by students, and Sport Relief.

Charity events

Trips and activities involving Key Stage 3 students from April 2015 – March 2016

Activity Year Group

Venue Description of activity

Mock Trial Competition 8 & 9 Stafford Magistrates' Court

Citizenship (extra-curricular). To compete against other schools in a national competition.

Sports Hall Athletics 9 Tipton Sports Academy Sports Hall Athletics County Final; Y7 Spelling Bee 7 Aston University Developing language and literacy skills in French, German and Spanish. Regional Competition Drayton Manor Park All

Years Drayton Manor The trip will allow pupils to enrich their development socially, morally and culturally. To provide pupils with the

opportunity to interact with other pupils and enjoy attractions in the local community. To promote pupils' positive attitudes and self confidence to help them develop into responsible citizens and confident individuals. Pupils will have the opportunity to build interpersonal skills and give encouragement to others and experience the benefits of peer support.

Y7 Houses of Parliament 7 (G&FR)

Houses of Parliament To enhance the citizenship curriculum studied in Y7. Pupils will tour the awe-inspiring Palace of Westminster. Here they will learn how Parliament works inside the building. They will also have the opportunity to experience a workshop on how laws are made. They will also visit the national gallery and walk down to Big Ben.

Magistrates Mock Trial 8 & 9 Wolverhampton Crown Court

To compete against other schools in a national competition. Regional Final.

Y8 Careers Day 8 St Pauls Careers Education – job related skills Y7 Art Trip 7 Art Gallery Develop links with Walsall Gallery. Develop knowledge of methods and approaches of other artists. Directly experience

works of Art.

Y7 Athletics competition 7 Tipton Sports Academy Y7 Pentathlon Competition Y9 D of E Practice 9 Peachley Caravan Park,

Lower Broadheath, Worcester

A two day camping expedition to prepare the students for their assessed expedition in July.

Y9 Geog Field Trip 9 Dovedale The trip will enhance the Geography specifically linking to the study of National Parks. Activities will lead on to some GCSE preparation work for students who are continuing with Geography next year.

Walsall Schools Book Challenge

7 & 8 St Thomas More Catholic College

Annual competition between local schools - link to literacy promotion/ extra-curricular activity

Big Sing KS3 Forest Arts Centre Experience in large ensemble performance, developing collaborative skills, developing performance/vocal skills Y7 Carding Mill Valley 7 Carding Mill Valley Fieldwork data collection at Carding Mill Valley in support of current unit of study about rivers Y7 Carding Mill Valley 7 Carding Mill Valley Fieldwork data collection at Carding Mill Valley in support of current unit of study about rivers Spanish Food Experience

9 Don Diego Restaurant, Sutton Coldfield

Exposing the students to some genuine and traditional Spanish food as well as promoting and encouraging the learning and appreciation of Languages and Culture in a Spanish environment. The students will also have the opportunity to use the vocabulary and expressions learnt in class to speak to the Spanish staff.

Black Country Athletics Competition

7 & 8 Wolverhampton University

Representing Walsall at Black Country School Games Athletics Competition

Spelling Bee Final 7 Aston University Final of competition (see above)

Y7 7 Outdoor and adventure activities

Activity Year Group

Venue Description of activity

Y8 8

MFL visits which will enhance language skills, cultural understanding and social development. Y8 8

Y8 8 Y9 D of E Expedition 9 To complete 2 day assessed Bronze Expedition

U13s Football Tourn 7 & 8 Banks' Stadium Under 13's Football Tournament Read Aloud with the Community

8 & 10 Acorns Children's Hospice

Project to read aloud with the community; develop links between reading in school and reading in life; provides stimulation & interaction for sick children and develops understanding, empathy and confidence of our students; forges community links.

Badminton Championships

8 Streetly Academy Walsall Town Badminton Championships

Cadbury World 8 Cadbury World The trip enhances the KS3 Geography curriculum. It is attached to the industry scheme of work. Focus will be paid to the location of the industry, the production process and the issues associated with the production of chocolate.

Read Aloud with the Community

8 & 10 Acorns Children's Hospice

Project to read aloud with the community; develop links between reading in school and reading in life; provides stimulation & interaction for sick children and develops understanding, empathy and confidence of our students; forges community links.

Y7 Theatre Trip 7 The Rep Theatre, Extra-curricular visit to the theatre. To undertake review work based on English and Drama work. Cross Country Comp 7 to 9 St Francis of Assisi Walsall Schools Cross Country Championship Y9 Think Tank 9 Think Tank Birmingham Students will investigate control technology by using LEGO mindstorm computer software and LEGO NXT intelligent

robots to complete the Think Tank LEGO challenges. Walsall Badminton Finals

9 West Walsall E-ACT Academy

Walsall Town Badminton Championships

Y9 Imperial War Museum

9 Imperial War Museum, Manchester

To enable Y9 students to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the twentieth century world. It will also enable them to develop their ICT skills.

Year of Reading launch 7 & 8 Bloxwich Library Theatre Walsall Council Initiative to raise the profile of reading across the borough; link with literary events / reading promotion Cathy Cassidy Visit 7 Goldmine Centre Walsall The trip is intended to inspire young girls to read / promote reading for pleasure. There will also be a question and answer

session and a book signing. Ski Trip all USA - VT- Rutland Ski Experience for students across all years. Students will be learning to ski or improve their technique on snow at

Killington resort. Following the skiing at Killington the group will have an overnight stay in New York City, sightseeing and an allotted time at the world trade centre.

Read Aloud with the Community

8 & 10 Angel Court Care Home Project to read aloud with the community; develop links between reading in school and reading in life; provides stimulation & interaction for sick children and develops understanding, empathy and confidence of our students; forges community links.

Magistrates Mock Trial Visit & Competition

9 Birmingham Magistrates Court

Citizenship (extra-curricular). Preparation for Mock Trial in March. To see a court in action & learn more about legal system. Competition date 19th March.

Junior Maths Team Challenge

8 & 9 Wolverhampton Girls’ High School

To provide the opportunity for year 8/9 students to develop mathematical, communication and teamwork skills and a way to express and develop their enjoyment of maths.

Swimming Gala 9 & 10 Brownhills School Walsall Schools KS4 Swimming Gala

INFORMATION ON CASHLESS CATERING SYSTEM

BIOMETRIC DATA CONSENT

At Queen Marys we encourage cashless payments. This makes collecting money for everything from school trips to school meals simple, all managed in one place. Parents have multiple payment options available and it safeguards your child from carrying cash or cheques. The administration of this is by far simpler and it enables you at a glance to see what payments are due and where payments need to be made.

We operate a system called Schoolcoms. Schoolcomms is a single integrated system. We as a school are able to email, text, send attachments, request and take e-payments, manage clubs, share attendance, behaviour and performance data with parents and much more.

Parents can view information, respond to school requests, book on to school trips, and make payments where necessary.

Parents can access School Gateway online or via the app 24/7. They can view all of their children on one account – even if they’re at different schools.

Extra-Curricular Activities at Queen Mary's High School 2015/16

Activity Year group 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Art Clubs Athletics Club Sky Sports Living for Sport Programme

Badminton Benchball Book Club Carnegie Shadowing

Charity activities Chemistry Clinics

Chess Club Choir (Senior)

Choir (Year 7) Creative Writing Club

Cross Country Running Club

Dodgeball

Drama Club Duke of Edinburgh Award (after school)XXX

Fair Trade activities Film club (after school) Football Club

High Life Magazine Committee Horrible Histories Club House Dance Junior Drama Club Karate Club

Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Competition Maths Clinic Multi-gym Netball (after school) Newspaper Committee Orchestra Psychology Club

‘Read Aloud with the Community’ Reading Club

Rounders Street Cheer Storytelling Club

Table Tennis

As well as the extra-curricular clubs listed here most departments offer lunchtime or after school support for students who need extra help with their studies.

YEAR 7 UNIFORM LIST 2016/17

At Queen Marys High School we appointed Stevensons as our uniform stockist.

All the uniform is supplied directly to you through either online purchase or our uniform selling event dates which take place in school on two afternoons/evenings in the summer holidays prior to the girls starting at our school in September.

The list below details the typical requirements for new starters:-

All prices are as September 2016

COMPULSORY UNIFORM PRICE (Variations

depending on size)

Bottle Green Blouse long or short sleeve £14 - £21 Bottle Green Sweater with Emblem £16 - £19.50 Bottle Green Pleated Skirt £19 - £23 Black Trousers with School motif £20 - £24 QMHS Black Blazer with School Badge £30 - £39.50 Technology Apron (Optional) Black Tights or Black / White Socks £4.75 - £6 Black Shoes PE KIT

Black Leotard £14 - £18 Black Leggings with Lycra £14 - £17.50 Sports Polo Shirt £14 - £17 Microfibre Skort £15 - £18 Microfibre Tracksuit Bottoms £19 Microfibre Training Top £21 White Sports Socks £5.50 - £6.50 Football boots Shin Guards White Plimsolls or predominantly white Training Shoes (not boots)