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A ScienceSpecialistCollege

AdditionalInformation

Sharples School prospectus | Learn, Dream, Achieve

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The school curriculumThe range of subjects and activities provided at Sharples School meets the National Curriculum requirements and also offers pupils the opportunity to develop individual interests that will prepare them for further education, work or training.

In most subject areas teaching is organised in sets, which are based on the pupil’s ability in that subject. Pupils are placed in sets at various stages during Key Stage 3 and placement is monitored on a regular basis with changes made when necessary. Some subjects such as art and music are taught in form groups. Please note that swimming is compulsory for all pupils.

Subject Number of lessonsYear 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

English (Language & Literature) 5 5 4 5 5

Mathematics 4 4 5 5 5

Science 4 4 4 6 6

Art & Design 1 1 1 Options Options

Astronomy Options Options

Business Studies Options Options

Computer Science Options Options

Computing and IT 1 1 1

Design & Technology 2 2 2 Options Options

Digital Applications Options Options

Drama 1 1 1 Options Options

Geography 2 2 2 Options Options

Health and Social Care Options Options

History 2 2 2 Options Options

Media Studies Options Options

Modern Languages 3 3 3 Options Options

Music 1 1 1 Options Options

Physical Education 2 2 2 2 2

Religious Studies 2 2 2 Options Options

Sign Language Options Options

Star Pathway Options Options

Statistics Options Options

The National Curriculum determines the curriculum structure which we regularly review in order to meet the needs of all our pupils. Pupils from Year 9 onwards can indicate a preference for a number of subjects to study at GCSE level, which will enable them to pursue individual interests and strengths. By careful organisation of the timetable, many different combinations of subjects are available, but an EBacc curriculum pathway (Maths, English, Double Science, Modern Language and Geography or History), will be compulsory. The most able pupils in science at Key Stage 4 also take Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Key Stage 4 pupils can also take advantage of an extra hour of intervention classes and “top up” subject classes. The formal curriculum is also well supported through our extensive range of curriculum enrichment activities.

Option Subjects in Year 10 and 11 have 3 periods per week and pupils select 4 options

www.sharplesschool.co.uk 3

Extra-curricular activitiesSharples School has a vast array of opportunities both in and out of lessons. We offer a comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities which take place before school, at lunch time and after school.

STEM Club:• Pond dipping;• G&T booster classes;• Science museum visits;• Science Whiz Bang show;• Parent revision events;• Various animal road shows e.g.

falcon show, creepy crawlies;• Final push revision event (Year 11);• Science and engineering week

shows including dissections and liquid nitrogen demonstrations;

• STEM enrichment activities (e.g. hovercraft construction);

• Astronomy Club;• Star parties with Bolton

Astronomical Society.• Medical Club• Animation Club

P.E.• Traditional sports, e.g. football

and netball;• Modern sports, e.g. floorball and

handball;• Varied activities, e.g. rock-

climbing and wind-surfing;• Cheer leading squad;• Trips may include Wimbledon, Old

Trafford, water sports holidays, football visits to Ajax, AC Milan and Barcelona;

• Expert coaches in wrestling, rugby and bangra dance;

• Sports Leaders Awards Programme;

• Water polo.

Modern Foreign Languages:• Lunchtime clubs focusing on

French and Spanish;• Language Ambassadors’ Scheme;• Study days at MMU;• Special activities for target

language festivals;• European Day of Languages;• Visiting native speakers;• European market in Manchester;• Culture trips to the continent.

Humanities:• Homework Club;• Games Club;• Visits to local museums, e.g.

Imperial War Museum;• Annual trips to London;• A variety of geography field trips;• Projects relating to Holocaust

Memorial Day and the Festival of Flight.

English:• The Times Spelling Bee

Competition;• Theatre trips, e.g. ‘Of Mice and

Men’;• Film club;• School newsletter;• Debating club;• Reading clubs.

Technology:• Daily lunch and after-school

clubs.

Maths:• ‘My Maths’ Club;• UKMT Junior and Intermediate

Maths Competitions;• UKMT Team Challenge;• Bolton Sixth Form Maths

Challenge;• Visit to north west universities.

Breakfast Club 8.00-8.30am• The school dining room is open

early every day for pupils to meet, eat, read or work.

Radio Sharples• Pupils broadcast music,

interviews and news daily at lunch time around the buildings.

Creative Arts• Subsidided instrumental tuition;• Choir;• Samba band;• Wind band;• Annual productions;• Regular performances in the

community.

Each year the school holds productions and concerts.

Over recent years Sharples has expanded to performing beyond school at public functions and competitions and our superb choir and samba band have been highly praised at these events.

Sharples Hub of Independent Learning• Pupils are actively encouraged to

utilise this area for private study or research.

Examples of extra-curricular activities at Sharples

Option Subjects in Year 10 and 11 have 3 periods per week and pupils select 4 options


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The school dayThe school day starts with registration at 8.45 a.m. and pupils should arrive on the premises from 8.30 a.m. onwards. There are school buses serving the Breightmet, Tonge Moor, Blackburn Road and all Town Centre areas.

Monday to Friday

Registration 08.45 – 9.00am

Lesson 1 9.00 – 9.50am

Lesson 2 9.50 – 10.40am

Break 10.40 – 11.00am

Lesson 3 11.00 – 11.50am

Lesson 4 11.50 – 12.40pm

Lunch 12.40 – 1.20pm

Lesson 5 1.20 – 2.15pm

Lesson 6 2.15 – 3.05pm

Subjects offered to KS4 learners

English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science, PSHE, PE

Digital Applications (CIDA)HistoryReligious Studies GeographyDramaFrenchArt & DesignMedia StudiesComputing

SpanishEngineeringUrduPhysical EducationAstronomy Business StudiesMusicHealth and Social CareFood and Nutrition

Graphic ProductsTextilesResistant MaterialsPhysics, Chemistry and BiologyFunctional Skills ICTStatistics

The school day starts with registration and there is a twenty minute morning break. In the event of a very wet break or lunchtime, pupils may be supervised indoors. The lunchtime arrangements at Sharples are:

• stay for a school meal in the school dining room;

• bring a packed lunch to be eaten in the dining room;

• pupils must not eat lunch outside, but remain in the school canteen;

• for health and safety reasons, pupils are not allowed to leave the school premises at break or lunchtime.

Pupils may access our Hub of Independent Learning (library) and a huge variety of subject clubs during lunchtime. After school clubs and revision classes are also available in most subjects.


Pupil code of conduct

Registration:• Students should sit down and place their planner and

basic equipment (pen, pencil, ruler and rubber) on their desks for checking.

• Students should engage in activities as requested by their Form Tutor.

At start of lessons: • Students should arrive punctually.• Books and basic equipment should be out.• Planners should be placed visibly on desks.• Bags should be placed on the floor.

During lessons: • Students should not speak when the teacher is

speaking to the whole class.• Students should listen carefully and do their best at

all times.• All homework should be entered into planners.

Movement to lessons: • Students must walk on the left hand side of corridors

in a quiet and orderly manner.

At break / lunchtime: • All students must leave the school building unless

they have permission to remain inside or are attending a club.

• At the sound of the first bell or whistle, students should go straight to their lessons in a quiet and orderly manner.

• Outer clothing (coats, scarves, hats and gloves) must be removed before re-entering the building.

In and around the school, students should not: • leave classrooms or the school site without

permission;• show intimidating or aggressive behaviour (verbal or

physical);• bring / use mobile phones, iPods or other electrical

items;• smoke on or near the school site;• use bad language or swear;• chew gum or drink fizzy / sugary drinks;• drop litter

Journey to / from school: • Students are expected to act responsibly and conduct

themselves in a manner considerate of others, including local residents.

It is important that pupils and parents/carers are fully aware of the high expectations we have for student conduct.

Students are expected to conduct themselves with common sense at all times. They must treat peers, staff and visitors with courtesy and consideration.


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Our contact with parents include:• an introductory letter prior to arrival in September;• ‘Supporting Parents’ booklet for new pupils;• the pupil guide;• the student planner;• provision of a Secure Learning Gateway Portal;• Interim assessments every half term and a

written report on progress and achievement at least once a year;

• a form teacher/parents’ meeting in Year 7 and a subject parents’ evening each year;

• presentation evenings and celebration assemblies for all pupils;

• weekly newsletters and information and meetings about options and careers;

• letters and phone calls of commendation or concerns;

• parent focus evenings;• text messages.• understanding assessment data

In addition we seek to provide a range of opportunities for parents to become more closely involved with the school by joining The Sharples Association (PTA), working with staff or attending the various social and fund raising activities. The regular meetings give parents the opportunity to discuss educational concerns as well as planning fund raising activities which in past years have provided computers, musical instruments, books for the library and various other resources.

Home-school partnershipsCommunication is key to forming successful partnerships between home and school.

Attendance figuresThe number of pupils registered on roll for at least one session during the last academic year 797Percentage attendance for 2014-15 (figure to June half-term) 95.5%The percentage of half days (sessions) missed through authorised absences 2.55%The percentage of half days (sessions) missed through un authorised absences 1.4%


School disciplineThe heart of our Behaviour Policy is based on the principle of the 4Cs - respect for self and others which involves:

Courtesy At Sharples School all pupils are expected to be polite, pleasant, kind, use good manners and have respect for others.

Cooperation This means working together and doing what we are asked to do when we are asked to do it.

Consideration Pupils are encouraged to think about others and treat them the way we would expect to be treated ourselves.

Common Sense We expect all pupils to respond in a thoughtful, well-judged way to any set of circumstances, making life easier for everyone.

THINK ABOUT OTHERS, THEIR FEELINGS AND THEIR SAFETY

We value We reject• acting considerately towards others;• telling the truth;• respecting the rights and property of others;• helping those less fortunate and weaker than

ourselves;• taking responsibility for our actions;• self-discipline.

• bullying;• dishonesty.• prejudice;• intolerance;• irresponsibility;• violence;

Pupils learn best in a pleasant and positive classroom atmosphere and our ‘SMART Principles’ are designed to encourage hard work and good behaviour. The SMART Principles consist of five simple rules and disciplinary procedures which will be applied to pupils who choose to break the rules.

Pupils who successfully maintain the SMART Principles will be recognised and their achievements rewarded. For the small minority who choose not to cooperate the consequences will be strictly applied. Parents should note the Governors’ detention policy requires pupils to stay behind after school. Serious breaches of school discipline may lead to time in the school Inclusion Unit, fixed term or permanent exclusion.

Serious breaches of discipline include assault on anyone and direct refusal to do as instructed by a member of staff. Sexist or racist behaviour is unacceptable. If your child’s behaviour gives cause for concern we will contact you by telephone or letter as soon as possible. Most problems are quickly resolved by a common home/school approach. For more serious incidents parents are expected to come into school to discuss the issue.

Parents should also be aware that under the provisions of the 1996 Education Act, teachers and other staff authorised by the Headteacher are allowed to use reasonable force to control or restrain pupils who are assaulting staff or other pupils; committing a criminal offence; in danger of injuring themselves or others; causing damage to property or deliberately disrupting the work of the school. Any parent requiring a copy of the school’s policy on the use of restraint should contact the school office.

REMEMBER – IF WE TOLERATE BAD BEHAVIOUR, IT CAN BECOME NORMAL BEHAVIOUR

SMART Principles.

Smartly dressed in full uniform

Must be equipped

Attend school every day and on time

Respectful of others and the school environment

Target success in all lessons


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School uniform policySharples school uniform policySchool uniform is compulsory and must be worn on the way to and from school. Name tags should be attached to all clothes. We strongly advise that expensive ‘designer label’ clothing should not be purchased for school. We cannot guarantee the security of expensive clothing or footwear.

Main uniformBlazer – graphite grey with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Jumper (optional) – purple ‘V’ neck jumper with school badge;Shirt – white, plain poly-cotton shirt with buttoned collar;Tie – standard striped tie with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Trousers – black, formal (no denim, leggings or ‘skinny’ jeans);Skirt – standard black skirt, pleated with school badge. To be worn no shorter than one inch above the knee. Available only from school uniform suppliers; Socks – black or white;Shoes – black leather or simulated leather. Black laces only. No boots, trainer-style shoes or canvas shoes;Coat – plain dark (no denim, leather, quilted shirts or hoodies);School bag – all pupils require a school bag for books, equipment etc. Small rucksacks or ‘record bags’ in black or a neutral colour are acceptable. No large sports bags.

TechnologyFood technology – teal, cotton apron (optional).C.D.T. – white, cotton drill craft apron (optional).

Physical Education kitBoysPolo shirt – black and teal with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Shorts – black with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Tracksuit trousers (optional) – black with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Hooded sweatshirt (optional) – black and teal, pocket-less with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Waterproof jacket (optional) – black with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Socks – plain black.

GirlsPolo shirt – black and purple with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Shorts or ‘Skort’ (combined skirt/shorts) – black and purple with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Gym shorts (optional) – purple with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Tracksuit trousers (optional) – black with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Hooded sweatshirt (optional) – black and purple, pocket-less with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Waterproof jacket (optional) – black with school badge. Available only from school uniform suppliers;Socks – plain black.

School uniform suppliers:Whittakers Schoolwear, 106 Deansgate, Bolton BL1 1BD 01204 389485.

Smart Clothing, Units 5/6/7, Blackhorse Street, Bolton BL1 1SY 01204 392610.

Harrisons Schoolwear, 467A Blackburn Road, Bolton BL1 8NN 01204 307382.

Uniform grants are available from the local authority in certain circumstances. Pupils who come to school without the correct uniform will be isolated and may be sent home to change.


Other policies summariesAdmissionsThe school admissions policy is determined by the Local Authority and is based initially on proximity to the school. This and other factors are taken into account once the year group is full and parents have the right to appeal. Full details of the policy are issued to every parent of children in Year 6 at primary school.

ChargingNo compulsory charges are made for curricular activities that take place wholly or mainly in school time, although we sometimes ask for a voluntary contribution. Charges are made where residential activities are involved, but the school does try to assist when a need is identified. Parents are encouraged to let us know if difficult circumstances arise in relation to this policy. Instrumental lessons are subsidised by the school.

Access to documentsThe Local Authority and school policy statements, statutory instruments, circulars and memoranda issued by the Department for Education are available in school for inspection. So too are schemes of work and syllabuses, the agreed Religious Studies syllabus, the Governors’ most recent annual report to parents and the OFSTED Inspection Report. The OFSTED report is also available on the school website along with the data dashboard. Parents are welcome to discuss any of these documents with the appropriate person by making an appointment at the school.

Complaints procedureThere is a mechanism for dealing with curriculum complaints and matters relating to religious education.

In the first instance any complaints should be made to the Headteacher and if this does not resolve the problem the complaint can be referred to the Governing Body by contacting the Clerk to the Governors on 01204 333253.

Public examination entriesThe school policy on examination entries is that all pupils who, in our professional judgement, are likely to gain a pass grade will be entered for the appropriate examination. Once a pupil has been entered for an examination they are expected to complete all components of the course otherwise the cost of entry will be passed on to the parents.

General note for all parentsDuring some lessons and special occasions at Sharples, photographs may be taken including your child, which could be used to promote the school, either in the Prospectus, on the Website or on Open Evening displays. If parents do not wish photographs of their children to appear in school publications, they are asked to inform the school office on 01204 333253.

Mobile phones: must be switched off during school time and will be confiscated if used/visible on the school site. Students will be required to collect them from Pupil Reception at the end of the following school day. In circumstances where there has been more than one breach of this rule/refusal to co-operate, phones will be kept for a period of up to seven days and parents advised of when they can be collected.

Make-up and jewelleryMake-up, jewellery and nail varnish MUST NOT be worn for school. If ears are already pierced, only one small plain (not jewelled) gold or silver coloured stud may be worn in each ear lobe. No other body piercing is allowed, e.g. nose studs, tongue studs or other ear piercings. All studs should be removed for P.E. No tattoos allowed.

Hair• Long hair should be tied back for practical lessons. Plain, black head scarves only may be worn;• Hair should not be outlandish in style or colour;• No brightly dyed/multi-tonal hair is permitted;• Heads must not be shaved; as a guide, a number two cut is the shortest permitted;• No tramlines or patterns shaved into hair.• The school will have the final say on what is acceptable


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GovernorsName Link Department Retirement Category

Fairclough J.P. Councillor, Mrs. H. Creative Arts, Staff DevelopmentSafeguarding/Child Protection 31/08/2018 LA

Gill, Mrs. K. 02/04/2018 Community

Hart, Ms. L. Mathematics/Numeracy 31/08/2019 Co-opted

Headteacher Headteacher

Hobson, Dr. D. Technology 31/08/2019 Co-opted

Kapasi, Mr. A.Humanities, Pupil Voice, Student

Council31/08/2019 Co-opted

Kay, Mr. D. English, Literacy 31/08/2019 Co-opted

Lunt, Mr. C. ICT 29/01/2017 Parent

McKeown, Mr. D. Teaching and Learning 31/08/2019 Co-opted

Kaminska, Mrs. E. Hearing Impaired Unit 31/08/2019 Staff

Sakeria, Mrs. R PSE, Citizenship, Careers 31/08/2019 Co-opted

Shepley, Mr. J. Science, MFL 31/08/2019 Co-opted

Smith, Mrs. L PE 31/08/2019 Co-opted

Smith, Ms. V. Engagement, Inclusion 05/11/2017 Co-opted

Wild, Mrs. C. Safeguarding, Child Protection 31/08/2019 Parent

Vacancy Co-opted

Vacancy Co-opted

Clerk to the governors: Denise Makinson, Sharples School, Bolton. [email protected]

Representation: 18 governors (Vacancies)LA = 1, Co-opted = 12 (2), Parent = 3, Staff = 1, Head = 1


Comments from parents

“My child felt welcomed from the first day in September.”

“Transition programme from primary schools was successful. Use of prefects with red ties was appreciated as a way of settling new pupils.”

“Varied and full extra-curricular programme.”

“Strong sense of community and care for whole child.”

“Successful Anti-Bullying Policy.”

“Staff are willing to go the extra mile to ensure children succeed.”“Behaviour was seen as

good and children were regarded as courteous.”

“The school looks to develop strong links with parents, staff are approachable.”“The school aspires for every

child to be successful.”

A Science Specialist College

Hill Cot RoadBoltonBL1 8SN

Tel: 01204 333253Fax: 01204 333250Email: [email protected]: www.sharplesschool.co.ukHeadteacher: R. Quesnel

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