maryhill high school prospectus 2012-13

PROSPECTUS

A Media Arts College

Maryhill High School Media Arts College

Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove,

Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4DL

Tel: 01782 296751

Fax: 01782 296771

Email: [email protected]

Website: maryhill-high.co.uk

MARYHILLHigh School

“The greatness of a

nation and its moral

progress can be judged

by the way its animals

are treated.”

MAHATMA GANDHI

Reg Charity

227523 & SC037843

‘the school of choice in Kidsgrove’

T R I N I T YSixth FormSucceeding Together


Maryhill 20_01 19/6/12 12:42

Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you for considering Maryhill as

the school for your child’s secondary

education.

Why choose Maryhill?

Choose Maryhill if you wish your child

to attain the best possible grades

regardless of ability.

Choose Maryhill if it is important that

your child matures into a decent,

disciplined and principled young adult.

Choose Maryhill if it matters that your

child attends a school that makes an

excellent contribution to its local

community.

We achieve this by placing the learning

and well being of each student at the

centre of every action we take and

every decision we make. OFSTED

recognised that ‘no child slips through

the net’ of care and they related that

they had never seen students so proud

of their school.

These two factors underpin the success

and achievement of our students and

reflect the dedication and

professionalism of our staff.

Maryhill High School is a happy school

where students feel safe and enjoy

excellent relationships with staff. I am

proud of the qualities that characterise

our students. They are supportive of

their peers, possess a strong sense of

loyalty and fair play and know the right

thing to do.

Doing the right thing isn’t always easy

but it is always the right thing.

Wanting to help others is a quality that

is evident on a daily basis and which

culminates in the thousands of pounds

students raise for charities each year.

Charities which promote animal welfare

are firm favourites at Maryhill. One

example of this is our annual donation

to the Dogs Trust which enables us to

sponsor five dogs, one for each year

group.

We also have generously raised over

£1,400 to the Ruby Owen Appeal and

donated to many other local and

national charities.

We are proud to be a partner of The

Trinity Sixth Form which enables us to

provide a supportive setting and a wide

KS5 offer and an education from 11

through to 19.

OFSTED recognised what makes

Maryhill special. I am confident that you

will too. Enjoy learning in more detail

about school life through the

information in this prospectus.

You are most welcome to make an

appointment to visit us to view the

school at work or to discuss any aspect

of our provision.

I look forward to meeting you at a

forthcoming school event.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs F Hewardine

Head Teacher

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E

Head Teacher

MARYHILLHigh School

2 www.maryhill-high.co.uk

Mrs F. Hewardine

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M A R Y H I L L H I G H S C H O O L P R O S P E C T U S 3

Welcome

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TEACHING & LEARNING

Curriculum KS3

All students study English, Mathematics, Science, French,

History, Geography, Religious Education, Technology,

Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Art,

Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Citizenship. Although

the same subjects are studied by all students, the work is

differentiated according to the ability of the class.

Curriculum KS4

At the end of Key Stage 3 the students can make some choices

about the learning pathway they will follow for the next two or

even four years. We want students at Maryhill High School to

achieve the best possible outcome and to help do this do this

we allow them to personalise their curriculum when they start

KS4.

All students study English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, PE and

Citizenship. They are then allowed to make a guided choice of

options from an extensive list of GCSE and equivalent courses

to suit all abilities and interests.

Curriculum KS5

The Trinity Sixth Form at Maryhill is

open to all students and this

means that we can offer seamless

continuity from the start of Year 7

to entry into Higher Education.

We collaborate with St Margaret

Ward, St John Fisher and St Thomas

More School to offer a broader and

more flexible curriculum. This

means that students in The Trinity

Sixth Form have a very wide choice

of subjects, they can remain within

a school based setting and can

prepare for the next stage in their

education, by expanding their

experience.

www.maryhill-high.co.uk4

“”The teachers are lovely andthe students are lovely too,it offers a good educationand a lot of fun – never aboring lesson.

E GARSIDE (YEAR 10).

Maryhill is a good schoolbecause it gives you a goodrange of subjects to takeyou in to your GCSEcourses and you getrewarded for your workand effort.

D TAYLOR (YEAR 8).

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Special Educational Needs

In class support is provided by a team of teaching assistants

across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. In addition there is specialist

support for those with physical disabilities, visual impairments

and for our EAL students.

For those students who experience specific literacy and

language difficulties, including dyslexia, specialist support is

provided, which includes Higher Level Teaching Assistants.

Access for students with impaired mobility has been improved

recently with the building of lifts that enable much of the

school to be reached. We continue to improve access for those

with mild disabilities.

We provide special arrangements for all examinations and also

careers guidance from year 8 resulting in enhanced

opportunities for success for all our SEN students

Gifted & Talented

We recognise that all students have much to offer but that

some individuals perform to standards which are recognised

nationally as being gifted & talented in some areas.

Academically able students are identified at an early stage and

this information is passed to the teachers in order that their

opportunities to excel are maximised.

This may result in early entry to examinations, the opportunity

for students to study additional subjects and access to

academic programmes

outside the standard

curriculum offered in

school.

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Student Voice

Student Voice is our life blood. We are committed to student

involvement within school and within the community. Students

are invited to apply to become members of the Student

Council where regular meetings take place with the Head

Teacher and governors to discuss any points they wish.

We also have elected members of the Youth Parliament of

Kidsgrove, where our students attend regular meetings to

discuss Town Council issues which they feel are important.

Students attend and support a wide number of projects within

the local area.

We feel it is essential to listen to students to help develop the

school of the future in Kidsgrove.

Homework & Clubs

The learning experience does not end

at the end of the school day!

We regard homework as an essential

part of a student’s programme of

study for three reasons:

• It helps to reinforce the learning

that has taken place in the

classroom.

• It helps students to learn to study on

their own.

• It is necessary if students are to reach

their target grades in exams.

All students are given a homework timetable

so that they can organise their time and parents

are aware of what is

required.

Maryhill is committed to after

school clubs and activities, where

students can experience a

positive, social, emotional, physical

and intellectual experience,

broadening their experience and

enjoyment. We provide a secure and

relaxed environment where parents

and carers feel confident to leave

their children.

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“”I enjoy Maryhill becausewhen you work hard andhave good attendanceyou will get rewarded.

T GRIFFITHS (YEAR 8).

www.maryhill-high.co.uk

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SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Transition

To ensure all students feel confident and less anxious we

provide a range of activities to enable students to transfer from

primary school to high school with confidence. We liaise closely

with all local primary schools throughout year 5 and 6.

This process begins with a number of “taster” sessions at the

high school in the summer of year 5

culminating in

full transition

experience

days during

the summer of

year 6, where students

become familiar with all

aspects of life at the high

school. We welcome input from

parents and carers and have an

open-door policy to all.

The Year Leaders

Each year group has a dedicated Year Leader whose

responsibility it is to ensure that each

student’s academic, social and emotional

needs are met within school. Where

possible the Year Leader remains with

the year group throughout Key Stages 3

and 4.

The Year Leaders oversee and

support a team of Form Tutors

and liaise regularly with

Faculty Leaders; to

monitor academic

progress and are

the first point

of contact for

parents and

carers.

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Student Support Centre

The Student Support Centre is a resource

available to all students. Reasons for referral

are diverse, including educational, emotional,

social, medical, attendance and behavioural issues.

There is a welcoming atmosphere where experienced staff

are on hand to assess a student’s need and ensure

appropriate provision is in place.

Tutor Groups

Year 7 are placed in Tutor Groups with

a Form Tutor and meet every morning

and before the afternoon session. The

groups remain discreet and keep the

same tutor from years 7 to year 11,

where possible.

9M A R Y H I L L H I G H S C H O O L P R O S P E C T U S

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“”At Maryhill there is afriendly environment. Thefood is to everyone’s likingwith vegetarian options anda healthy option. Mrs Peel isalways around for supportwith family, friends or evenif you are struggling insubjects.

J LONGSTAFF (YEAR 7).

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We have clear systems in place to ensure that

rules are adhered to with a reward system to

ensure that student compliance and cooperation is

recognised.

Rewards include the awarding of credits which is

done electronically and equate to a published list of

values which students are able to “cash” in at various

points in the year.

Each subject area issues

praise postcards to recognise

individual achievements and

the Headteacher has her

own way of recognising

achievement in the form of a

pen which is awarded by

her personally, for anything

she believes is worthy of

recognition.


Rewards & Rules

We believe that an atmosphere of harmony

and good order is an essential ingredient to

the learning process so that all students,

regardless of ability, can enjoy and achieve.

Our school is a relaxed, friendly

and caring yet well-

disciplined community,

which seeks the best for all

its members. Our rules are

all based upon the

principle of RESPECT.

Respect for:

Authority – Our students know that

respect for all adults, especially staff, is

essential to good learning and to become a

respected citizen of the future.

Others – Students are encouraged torespect and support each other and allthose they come into contact with.

Themselves – We expect our students to besmart and to be well prepared for theirlearning. In addition we believe that selfrespect leads to self belief which forms thefoundation for success on every level.

Community – Our students are well-known

for the contribution they make to a range of

charitable causes both within and outside of

the local community.

Environment – We are an eco school and

our students take part in many

environmental projects.

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“”

Maryhill is a goodschool becauseeveryone is supportivearound you.

JORDAN (YEAR 8).

“”Because youlearn somethingnew everydayand everyone is helpfuland kind.

E PYATT (YEAR 7).

“”


It has lots of activitiesincluding after schoolclubs. It has lots offriendly people and wehave a lot of fun inlessons. Hopefully likeme, you will loveMaryhill High School.

SHAUNA (YEAR 7).

I enjoy coming toMaryhill because whenI’m stuck I’m not afraid toask for help plus becausethe teachers try to makethe lessons as fun aspossible. I have not beenbullied at Maryhill.

G HANCOCK (YEAR 8).

Maryhill is a goodschool because everyperson within itmakes it seem like afamily! Maryhill is agood school because all teachers helpyou every step of theway!

C SCARLETT (YEAR 8).

Maryhill 02_19 19/6/12 14:05 Page 9

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

We believe that a partnership between parents and school is

essential. Strong links between home and school are

maintained in many ways:

• Parents receive a Parent and Student Support Pack at the

beginning of each year containing information and advice.

• Regular newsletters are sent home to inform parents and

students of events, arrangements and news of student

achievements.

• Our website provides additional information throughout the

year.

• A full written report is sent home annually and interim

progress reports are issued at regular intervals throughout

the year.

• Parents are invited to come and support their children in a

variety of events: sports day, drama productions, talent

shows, concerts, awards and parents evenings.

• Our Open Evening in October is an opportunity to see the

school at work and to view changes made to the teaching

environment.

• Year Leaders are the first point of contact for individual

parental concerns.

• The Attendance Officer is also available to

discuss individual circumstances which

affect attendance.

• Our Education Welfare Officer (EWO)

may contact parents or visit homes if

there is a problem with the

attendance or punctuality of a

student.

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Come to Maryhill, it is agreat school with wellbehaved students who havegood manners. The teachers aregreat and teach great lessons whichthe students enjoy. Students get on welland no student will be bullied here. AtMaryhill we are everybody’s friend.

R BOOTH (YEAR 7).

“”

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13M A R Y H I L L H I G H S C H O O L P R O S P E C T U Swww.maryhill-high.co.uk

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ADMISSIONS

To ensure a smooth and stress free

transition from primary school to high

school we engage in regular liaison with

our primary feeder schools throughout

year 5 and 6.

This process begins with “taster” sessions

at the high school in the summer of year 5

culminating in full transition experience

days during the summer of year 6 where

students are made familiar with all aspects

of life at the high school.

The same level of care is also put into

mid-year admissions where parents and

students are given every opportunity to

ensure that Maryhill High School is the right choice for them.

In both cases there is careful analysis of data to ensure that

students are placed in appropriate groups for academic, social

and emotional reasons.

The planned admission number is 150. More information on

admission is included at the back of the prospectus.

Safeguarding

The school has adopted a policy for safeguarding children to

ensure that any child encountering difficulties is helped as

quickly as possible by

the school and

outside agencies

when appropriate.

We pride ourselves

on the quality of

this provision.

Attendance

Good attendance at school is essential for

academic success and we have a full time

Attendance Officer to ensure that this

happens.

You will see from the attendance

figures in the back of the folder that

we take attendance very seriously.

It is the school policy in line with

Government policy that holidays

will not be authorised for any

reason outside school holidays.

A texting service is in place to ensure that parents

are notified immediately if their child is not in

school and the school has not been notified in

advance.

“”I like coming to Maryhillbecause you can get toknow people really easilyand if you get confusedthen the teachers helpyou. If you get the highestattendance in your formthen you get rewardedand it isn’t ignored.

S LAMB (YEAR 8).

14 www.maryhill-high.co.uk

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THE SCHOOL DAY

Times of the

school Day

Time Activity

8.40 am Registration

8.45 am Form Period

9.05 am Period 1

10.05 am Period 2

11.05 am BREAK

11.20 am Period 3

12.20 pm LUNCH

1.00 pm Registration

1.05 pm Period 4

2.05 pm Period 5

3.05 pm School ends

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M A R Y H I L L H I G H S C H O O L P R O S P E C T U S 15

Uniform

We are proud of the high

standards of uniform at

Maryhill.

The uniform is based upon the smart, yet functional colours of

black and white, with blazer and tie. We must remember that

school uniform is a symbol of quality and integrity.

Increasingly where uniform has been abandoned it is now

being reinstated. We have never moved from this stance. You

will find a complete uniform list in the back of the folder.

“”Maryhill is a good schooland I am proud of wearingthe uniform because peopleknow which school I go to.

D FINNEY (YEAR 7).

In my opinion Maryhill Highis the best school in the areabecause the uniform is goodand lessons are fun.

J LAWSON (YEAR 7).

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Lunchtime Arrangements

We have a 40 minute lunchtime and students are encouraged

to partake of a wide range of meal options in our

newly refurbished canteen or are invited to

bring in a packed lunch which can be eaten

in the main school hall.

Both areas are fully supervised throughout

the duration of lunchtime. For health and

safety reasons students are encouraged to

remain on the school premises over the

lunchtime period and the limited time

available does not really make it

feasible for students to go outside

of school.

We actively encourage parents to

support us on this because

ultimately students will be safer

in school and it also means that

they can participate in any

lunchtime activities made

available to them.

Detentions

The school’s high standards

and expectations are reflected

by the discipline system in

place which includes the

giving of detentions.

For minor misdemeanours a

daily ‘no notice’ detention of a

20 minute duration will be

given mainly by the pastoral

team. In addition there are

two parallel detention

systems in operation; one

overseen by Faculty Leaders

and the other referred to as a

Main School Detention,

overseen by Year Leaders.

For each of these longer detentions, parents are notified by

letter in advance and the duration for each is one hour. All

detentions are centrally recorded and form part of each

student’s overall profile.


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“”Maryhill is the bestschool I have taught inbecause both staff andstudents engage in apositive and supportiveway to reach an end goal.

MRS A CHARNLEY.

In all my years ofteaching I have nevercome across a morefriendly group ofstudents, who are apleasure to teach!

MR K ROLLINGS.

Maryhill 02_19 19/6/12 13:39 Page 15


From September 2012 Maryhill has been apartner in an exciting Sixth Form collaborationalongside St Margaret Ward, St John Fisher andSt Thomas More.

We offer a range of post 16 study in a varied,caring and stimulating school based environment.

Year 11 students in any of the four partnerschools can now stay on in the school that knows

them so well AND enjoy the wide range of courseson offer at the four schools.

A separate prospectus is available from the schoolwhich details the A Level, BTEC courses and theentry qualifications required.

This means that for some students Maryhill isable to provide their education from 11 – 18years of age.

T R I N I T YSixth Form

Succeeding Together

Maryhill 02_19 19/6/12 13:39 Page 16

www.maryhill-high.co.uk18

ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS

The majority of our students come to us from the surrounding

districts with some from further afield.

We have excellent links with our major contributory primary

schools:

Maryhill Primary Dove Bank Primary

Thursfield Primary Packmoor Primary

Castle Primary St Thomas Primary

St Joseph Primary St Johns Primary

Reginald Mitchell Primary Springhead Primary

Hollywall Lane Primary Scholar Green Primary

If you would like this document

in another language or format,

eg; large text, please contact us:

Maryhill High School

Gloucester Road

Kidsgrove

Staffordshire, ST7 4DL

Tel: 01782 296751


Web: www.maryhill-high.staffs.sch.uk

Headteacher Mrs F Hewardine

“”Best school aroundKidsgrove. There areplenty of options oflessons so they will havethe best chance ofsuccess.

T RIGBY (YEAR 10).

I would send myson/daughter to MaryhillHigh School because it islike one big happyfamily.

CALLAN B (YEAR 9).

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MARYHILLHigh School

Remember, when you’re choosingwhere to study, consider;

High academic standards

Wide curriculum offer

High quality teaching

The close monitoring of

your progress

Personal support, advice

and guidance

What Next?

“”Maryhill is a fabulousplace, you get to doloads of fun lessons likeArt, Performing, IT, PE,English, Science etc. Youcan go into Sixth Formand have the best GCSEresults Maryhill canoffer. You also can getcredits for good workand helping out.

ETHAN (YEAR 7).

PROSPECTUS

A Media Arts College

Maryhill High School Media Arts College

Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove,

Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4DL

Tel: 01782 296751

Fax: 01782 296771


Website: maryhill-high.co.uk

MARYHILLHigh School

“The greatness of a

nation and its moral

progress can be judged

by the way its animals

are treated.”

MAHATMA GANDHI

Reg Charity

227523 & SC037843

‘the school of choice in Kidsgrove’



Maryhill 20_01 19/6/12 12:42 Page 1

maryhill high school prospectus 2012-13

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