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Prospectus 2016/17

ContentsTrustee’s Note....................................................................................................................2The School.........................................................................................................................2Aims of the Trust................................................................................................................2Room List...........................................................................................................................5Other designated / restricted / out of bounds areas...........................................................5Teacher List.......................................................................................................................6Enrolment..........................................................................................................................7Uniform and Dress Code....................................................................................................7Funding..............................................................................................................................7Term Dates 2016/17..........................................................................................................8

AUTUMN TERM (14 weeks)...........................................................................................8SPRING TERM (11 weeks).............................................................................................8SUMMER TERM (13 weeks)...........................................................................................8

The School Day..................................................................................................................9Curriculum.......................................................................................................................10

KS2...............................................................................................................................10KS3...............................................................................................................................10KS4...............................................................................................................................11KS5...............................................................................................................................12

Policies.............................................................................................................................13Admissions.......................................................................................................................14First Aid............................................................................................................................14Child Protection and Bullying...........................................................................................15Ethos, Values, School Motto, and Guiding Principles........................................................16

Introduction..................................................................................................................16Ethos............................................................................................................................16Values Statement.........................................................................................................16School Motto ‘Learning to Learn’..................................................................................16Guiding Principles.........................................................................................................17Discipline Policy............................................................................................................18

The Concept of Discipline..........................................................................................18Code of Conduct........................................................................................................18

Complaints Policy.........................................................................................................18School Inspections...........................................................................................................19The House Point System..................................................................................................20Exam Results...................................................................................................................21The Legal Info..................................................................................................................22

© Copyright Oakdene Education Trust 2017. All rights reserved. 1

Trustee’s Note“Focus School Plymouth Campus is the key Primary & Secondary School for the South

West and caters for pupils from the surrounding area. The school buildings and grounds provide facilities and resources to give our pupils the very best educational

opportunities possible. “

The SchoolFocus School Plymouth Campus is a Registered Independent School having Special Religious Character. It is run by Oakdene Education Trust, which is affiliated to Focus Learning Trust, an umbrella organisation providing Direction, Management, Programmes and Support in Education.

Aims of the TrustThe main aim of the Trust is to provide a full and balanced National Curriculum-based, quality education up to University Entrance Level for boys and girls aged from 7 to 18 years of age whose parents appreciate a Christian ethos. The Trust intends to provide this in a Christian based, safe and disciplined environment, conducive to learning. The ultimate intention is to produce mature, balanced, self-disciplined students who can take their place in the community as caring, upright, responsible and trustworthy citizens.


Room ListRoom 01 Science Room 22 Staff AdminRoom 02 Art/French Room 23 Girls PE Changing Room 03 Textiles / History /

Geography / Citizenship / Mathematics

Room 24 Girls PE Changing

Room 04 SDL Room Room 25 Disabled ToiletRoom 05 Server Room Room 26 Cleaning Store Room 06 Secure Examination Room Room 28 6th Form Respite Area - GirlsRoom 07 Staff Room Room 29 Kitchen Area Room 08 Staff Prep Room 30 6th Form Respite Area - BoysRoom 09 Head Teacher and Primary

Lead TeacherRoom 31 Storage Area

Room 10 Main Office Room 32 Chair StoreRoom 11 Mathematics Room 33 Boiler Room Room 12 English Room 34 Storage AreaRoom 13 Primary School Classroom Room 35 Boys PE Changing Room and

Health & Safety OfficeRoom 14 Primary School Classroom Room 38 IT Suite / MusicRoom 15 Design Technology SDL Area Music tuition (Practical) StaffRoom 16 Primary Boys Toilets VC1 Video Conference Suite 1 Room 17 Primary Girls Toilets VC2 Video Conference Suite 2Room 18 Boys Toilets VC3 Video Conference Suite 3 Room 19 Staff Toilets (M) VC4 Video Conference Suite 4Room 20 Staff Toilets (F) Primary LibraryRoom 21 First Aid room

Other designated / restricted / out of bounds areasCommon Room Years

12/13Access in break and lunchtime only

Car Park Out of bounds during school hoursClassrooms Out of bounds during break and lunchtimeDesign Technology (Workshop)

Out of bounds unless teacher present

Grass Areas Out of bounds when wetKitchen Area Out of boundsMain Hall Gym and canteen facilitiesOutside Perimeter Fence Out of boundsPlayground All Years Access in break and lunchtime onlyResource Cupboards Out of boundsS.T. Office Out of boundsScience Room Out of bounds unless teacher presentStaff Admin Out of boundsStaff Room Out of bounds


Teacher ListName Subject Qualification(s)Mr Kerridge Head Teacher, History, PE BA Hons, MA(Ed), NPQH Mrs Allen Art, English BA Hons Mrs Callard English BA Hons Mrs Lovegrove English, Literacy Specialist BA Hons Mr Turnbull DT Resistant Materials BSc Hons Mr Street Geography, History BA Hons MA Mrs Furby Music BA Hons Mrs Hillier Textiles, BTEC, Citizenship BA HonsMrs Irving Mathematics, IT, BSc Hons Ms Moody Food Science and Culinary Skills BSc Hons Mr Tonkyn SENDCo BPhil SEN Mr Loze Business Studies, KS5 BA Hons Mr Damarell Mathematics and Science BSc Hons Mr Copeland SDL Manager, Cover Supervisor BSc Hons Mrs Meagher MFL, Citizenship BA Hons Mr Powell Mathematics, School Support Team BEd Mrs Powell TA Mrs E Lawes HLTA Mr J Putnam TA Ms Warburton Primary Lead Teacher BSc Hons Miss Hill Primary Class Teacher BA Hons Mrs Joslyn Primary HLTA BSc Hons Mrs Bryant Primary HLTA BSc Hons Mr J Putnam TA BA Hons MA

All teacher, trustees, staff, and volunteer helpers have current enhanced level DBS disclosures, enabling them to work with children.


EnrolmentAll parents whose children are attending a Focus Affiliated School for the first time will be required to complete an Enrolment Form (available from the School Administrator). In signing this form, parents are committing themselves to abide by the regulations and ethos as set out in this prospectus and the Focus Ethos and Discipline Policy. Parents are expected to support the authority of the school in upholding school discipline, rules and policies. Parents are encouraged to maintain a detailed interest in all aspects of their children’s education and to advise the school of any concerns they have.

Uniform and Dress CodeFocus School Plymouth has a Uniform Policy based on that of the Focus Learning Trust. It is designed to give a corporate identity. The uniform must be worn at the school at all times. The items of clothing are listed in the Focus Uniform Policy, which can be obtained from the School Office, and is available to parents of enrolled children. It is a requirement that all garments are supplied through the Focus organisation. Further information is available on our school website: plymouth.focus-school.com

FundingOakdene Education Trust is funded by voluntary contributions. Fees are charged to parents wishing to enroll their children in the school. Members of the Focus School Plymouth Community should be aware that the annual running cost for the Trust in the 2016/17 school year is approximately £1.2million. The overall financial requirements are met from the following sources:

• School Fees from Parents of the Focus School Plymouth Community • Fund raising events organised by the Events Management Team • School Trading controlled by Oakdene Trading Ltd, trading as ZOHNE• Business donations including legacies • Focus Learning Trust grants • UBT Trading initiatives


Term Dates 2016/17AUTUMN TERM (14 weeks)

Term begins Monday 5th September 2016

Half-Term Holiday Monday 24th to Friday 28th October 2016

Term Ends Friday 16th December 2016

SPRING TERM (11 weeks)

Term begins Wednesday 4th January 2017

Half-Term Holiday Monday 20th to Friday 24th February 2017

Term Ends Friday 7th April 2017

SUMMER TERM (13 weeks)

Term begins Monday 24th April 2017

Half-Term Holiday Monday 29th May to Friday 2nd June 2017

Term Ends Thursday 20th July 2017

Other important dates and events will be advised during the school year.


The School DayPrimary Timetable

Monday - Thursday Friday

08:45 Students Arrive 08.45 Students Arrive

08.55 Registration 08.55 Registration

09.05 Session 1 09.05 Session 1

09.55 Break 09.55 Break


11.55 Lunch 10.55 Break


13.40 Break 12.35 Lunch


14.55 Finish 14.55 Finish

Secondary Timetable

Monday - Thursday Friday

08:45 Students Arrive 08.45 Students Arrive

08:55 Lesson 1 08.55 Lesson 1


10:35 Break 10.35 Break


11:45 Lesson 4 11.45 Lunch

12:35 Lunch 12.25 PE/Games

13:15 Lesson 5 PE/Games

14:05 Lesson 6 PE/Games

14:55 Finish 14.55 Finish


CurriculumNew Year 7 students will undertake Baseline Assessment Tests and Cognitive Ability Tests. This, together with Year 6 reports and SATs results will form the beginning of a Student Profile which will be kept for each student. INCAS testing will be carried out at the beginning of every year for years 3 – 6. KS1 results will be obtained for all year 3 entrants. Years 10, 11, 12 and 13, will take examinations as detailed on the following pages.KS2KS 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) will be taught the following subjects:

English French Food

Mathematics Design Technology History

Geography Science SDL

P.E./Game

KS3Educational visits and field trips will be organised throughout the year to tie in with the academic fields of study. Pupils in KS3 are also expected to do on average 30 minutes of homework, per subject, per week. Special provision is available for AGT pupils, alongside those with SEN. A range of diagnostic and remedial therapies are available. See page 13 for more details.KS 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) will be taught the following subjects:

Art Design Technology Citizenship

Food English French

Geography History Mathematics

Music P.E./Games PSHE

Science Textiles


KS4Pupils at KS4 are expected to complete on average 1 hour of homework, per subject, per week. Work experience is included within the Career Advantage Programme (CAP) for the end of Years 10 and 11. EXAMINATION BOARDS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DATES:

Subject Board Specification

Year 10 Exams Year 11 Exams

English Language Edexcel 1EN0 Internal June 2017

English Literature Edexcel 1ET0 Internal June 2017

Maths AQA 8300 Internal June 2017

Science AQA 8464 Internal June 2018

Additional Science AQA 4408 - June 2017

Geography A OCR J383 Internal June 2018

Geography B AQA 9030 - June 2017

History Edexcel 1HIO Internal June 2018

History Edexcel KHI0/01 - June 2017

French AQA 8657 Internal June 2018

French AQA 4655 - June 2017

Citizenship Short Course

AQA 4105 June 2017 N/A

Food Preparation and Nutrition

AQA 8585 Internal June 2018

Home Economics and Nutrition

AQA 4585 - June 2017

DT Product Design AQA 4555 Internal June 2017


KS5KS 5 (Years 12 and 13) will take a mix of the following subjects:

Accounts Art and Design Law

History Business Studies French

DT – Product Design Government and Politics Food

English Chemistry Geography

Extended Project Mathematics Economics

Physics PE / Games

EXAMINATION BOARDS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DATES - Key Stage 5

Subject Board Specification Year 12 Exams

Year 13 Exams

Accounts AQA 2120 June 2017 June 2017

Business Studies

AQA 7131/7132 June 2017 June 2017

Economics AQA 7135/7136 June 2017 -

Extended Project

AQA 7993 - October 2017

Food City and Guilds accredited

FLT9800 June 2017 June 2017

Law OCR H134/H534 - June 2017

English for Business

City and Guilds 8959 On demand 2017

On demand 2017

English AQA 7701/7702 June 2017 June 2017

Maths AQA 6360 June 2017 Jan/June 2017

Certificate in Use of Maths

AQA 4980 June 2017 June 2017

French AQA 2650 - June 2017

French AQA 7651 June 2017 -

History Edexcel 8HIO/9HIO Internal June 2018

DT Project Design

AQA 2550 June 2017 June 2017

Some of these subjects are imported and/or exported to other Focus Learning Trust affiliated schools using VC facilities in order to extend the range of available subjects and also to maximise the benefit of quality teaching.© Copyright Oakdene Education Trust 2017. All rights reserved.

12

PoliciesFocus Learning Trust has a large number of written policies relating to the running of the school which have been adopted by Oakdene Education Trust. These are kept at the Focus School - Plymouth Campus Office, in the Policies and Procedures Manual and are available on request, and include:

Curriculum Educational Visits Anti-Bullying

Special Needs Health & Safety Behaviour Management

Data Protection Gifted & Talented Child Protection

Complaints Positive Mental Health


AdmissionsAdmissions to Plymouth Campus are governed by the Admissions Policy a copy of which is available on request from the school. We admit pupils on a non-selective basis regardless of general ability or aptitude. Whilst Focus School Plymouth Campus will make every effort to include children in accordance with its Admissions Policy, there may be some children who require specialist facilities or therapeutic input that Focus School Plymouth is unable to provide. Parents of pupils intending to apply to attend the school are encouraged to contact the Trustees well in advance of their child’s anticipated entry to the school, in order to discuss any individual needs. Focus School Plymouth Campus endorses the principles of the Disability Equality Duty (Disability Discrimination Act 1995). Copies of Focus School - Plymouth Campus’s Accessibility Plan, as well as the SEN/AGT Policies, are available on request. On an annual basis, the School’s LSC (SENCo) will be attending further training courses to ensure the school provides appropriate support to teachers and parents as well as the pupils. The school maintains an admission register with details of each student enrolled at the school. More information on our Admissions Policy can be obtained from the School Office on request. Educational and welfare provisions for any pupils with EHC plans and pupils for whom English is an additional language will be made to the maximum that can be accommodated within the arrangements at the school to provide these pupils with a complete education.

First AidThe School implements a First Aid Policy a copy of which is available on request from the school and has trained First Aiders on site at all times.

Trained First Aiders Mrs L LawesMr M KerridgeMiss C HillMs J WarburtonMrs S PowellMrs Bryant


Child Protection and BullyingFocus School – Plymouth Campus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to show the same commitment. All members of staff have attended a Child Protection Awareness Course.

Child Protection Officers Jeff KeamMark KerridgeJo WarburtonClaire Riley

Deputy CPO Mrs J Warburton

Anti-Bullying Helpline 01392 438540

ChildLine number 0800 1111


Ethos, Values, School Motto, and Guiding PrinciplesIntroductionThis school is a Registered and Accredited Independent School established to provide a quality education to the UK community and, in particular, to Brethren students. The School’s Ethos, Values Statement and Guiding Principles govern the School, and are reflected in a series of policies, procedures and handbooks which have been developed to meet statutory and registration requirements and are to be adhered to in all aspects of the operation of the School.

EthosAt this School, students are encouraged to develop their full potential and acquire the discipline of learning how to learn, while upholding Christian teachings and beliefs. The truth and authority of the Holy Bible and strong family values underpin the commitment of the School to provide quality in every facet of education – curriculum, teachers, facilities, management and discipline - in a safe and caring environment.

Values StatementIn coming to this School each student, parent and staff member shall uphold the values of the School which include:

• Integrity – uprightness, honesty and decorous conduct, governed by the Holy Bible;

• Care & Compassion - kindness, consideration and generosity to all; • Respect – for all people, property, opinions and authority;• Responsibility – for our actions, progress and environment; and • Commitment – to self-discipline and the pursuit of excellence.

School Motto ‘Learning to Learn’The School is committed to creating and delivering learning programs that meet the educational needs of each student, and to nurture the attitudes and skills necessary for the continual learning and personal growth throughout life. “Learning to Learn” means to use learning as a tool whereby students are equipped with the ability to think critically, process information perceptually, analyse data accurately, and evaluate situations intelligently in order that they fulfil their true potential


Guiding PrinciplesThe following Guiding Principles of this School are based on the teachings of the Holy Bible, as believed, taught and practiced by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (‘the Brethren’):

1. The Directors of the School, as practicing members of the Brethren, are committed to a way of life that is governed by the Holy Bible. The conduct of the students and staff must consistently reflect Biblical values at the School. The Directors in their absolute discretion can determine and exercise their authority as to what conduct or activity within the School environment is in accord with the Holy Bible and the beliefs, teachings and practices of the Brethren.

2. The Brethren uphold the sanctity of marriage and the family unit. 3. Staff are to maintain a positive and professional attitude and conduct themselves

modestly and decorously, setting a proper example to students and in a manner which is respectful of the management, fellow staff, students and parents/guardians, and the Brethren community and way of life.

4. A dress code applies and is to be upheld by all staff at all times. A strict differentiation between male and female dress must be maintained. The wearing of short trousers by male staff is not considered appropriate, and female staff must wear dresses or skirts (at least knee-length), and clothing must be modest and not revealing or low cut in design. Staff must present for duties with a neat and tidy standard of dress and general presentation so as to be a role model for students. Unorthodox or casual dress, and unshaven appearance or long hair for men is inconsistent with the attitude and image promoted by the School.

5. All staff must maintain a positive, professional and supportive attitude to the School management and fellow staff members, and generally demonstrate a willingness to assist in maintaining an encouraging, harmonious and welcoming educational environment throughout the School. Interaction between staff and students should be positive and professional at all times. Class and individual discussions should avoid staff or students’ private lives and be respectful of the beliefs and practices of students and their parents/ guardians.

6. Peer support and positive working relationships between students are encouraged; however, staff are not to condone activities that are not according to the beliefs, teachings and practices of the Brethren.

7. Parents/guardians, students, and staff are expected to conduct themselves with integrity at all times, and in a responsible manner, and bad language, smoking, alcohol and drugs of addiction are not permitted at any School, venue or function at any time or for any reason.

8. The School Board encourages the use of a wide variety of high quality educational material and resources (including multimedia) to provide a well-rounded education. All teaching programs, resources, assignments and assessments are to be in accordance with the Guiding Principles in this document and are subject to review by the School Board.


Discipline PolicyThe Concept of DisciplineThe maintenance of discipline is a fundamental necessity in any organisation. Exercise of a code of discipline is for the benefit of all those involved in the organisation and the population at large. It is not designed for penalty or punishment. It promotes orderly and sensible behaviour whilst constituting a deterrent to disorderly or disruptive behaviour. The lack of discipline is in evidence all around us. In a sense, nowhere is discipline more needed than in the area of education, during our formative years. Acceptance of its necessity is a sign of maturity; a school without discipline is not a school. Whether we appreciate it or not, it remains an essential ingredient. It is there to help all of us fit in and make education an enjoyable experience as well as helping every student to reach his or her full educational potential. With that in mind, our goal at the School is that our students will leave as well qualified, self-disciplined young people ready to engage in life-long learning and capable of tackling the demands of adult life in a mature and responsible manner. The school ethos and Code of Conduct values achievement through talent and diligence, supports commitment to study and encourages chivalry and respect for all.

Code of Conduct• RESPECT the right of teachers to teach and students to learn • RESPECT and value all members of the school Community • RESPECT the school environment

The Focus Learning Trust Behaviour Management Policy, which is available from the School Office, and can be found in the Focus Parent and Student Handbook, has been adopted by the school. In extreme situations, the Trustees reserve the right at their absolute discretion to exclude pupils either temporally or permanently in accordance with the Behaviour Management Policy and the Exclusions Policy

Complaints PolicyFocus School Plymouth Campus have adopted the Focus Learning Trust Complaints Policy and procedures This is available on the school website (www.plymouth.focus-school.com) and a copy of this policy is available from the school on request.It is intended that this policy will be utilised when all informal methods of approach to a situation have failed or a satisfactory solution has not been achieved. The number of complaints registered under the Complaints Policy in the preceding year were NIL.


School InspectionsInspections are a necessary and unavoidable part of school life. Focus Learning Trust retains an external inspection body, the School Inspection Service, to provide a formal inspection service for affiliated schools. These Section 162A inspections are carried out by independent School Inspectors who all have a particular understanding and knowledge of faith schools. The mandatory Section 162A inspections are on a three-year cycle and there will be rigorous inspections to meet the legal requirements of the DCFS. These mandatory inspection reports have to be made public and available to parents. Focus Learning Trust has also set up a programme of monitoring inspections. These are carefully planned 'light touch' inspections specifically intended to support schools in striving for 'Excellence in Education' – the motto of our inspection service. In House ‘Progress Review & Support Visits’ are also undertaken, to offer a high level of support to all schools. Focus Learning Trust considers these visits as an essential means of support for and measure of progress in our schools. Reports other than those following a 162A inspection are not required to go beyond the trustees and staff. The School received a full 162A Inspection in January 2016 under the new and more demanding SIS Inspection regime and was given a “Good and Improving” grade. An interim monitoring inspection was carried out in October 2012. A full 162A Inspection was also carried out in September 2009 where the school was described as being “Good with Outstanding features.” Full copies of the reports can be found at:-www.schoolinspectionservice.co.uk or www.plymouth.focus-school.com/about-us/school-inspections/


The House Point SystemEach student is allocated to a House. There are three Houses:-

Warriors – Green

Raiders – Yellow

Troopers – Red

Regular House meetings are held to give an opportunity for students to discuss problems and make suggestions. Each House will have representatives on the Student Council. A Sports Day is held in the Summer Term in which the Houses compete and a cup is awarded to the winning House at the end of the year. The system is designed to reward good work and effort and to discipline bad behaviour. It also encourages working collaboratively. House points are also awarded for good behaviour, positive behaviour, service to the community, leadership qualities etc. House points can be lost for poor behaviour, disrespect etc. If any student receives a detention this automatically leads to house points being deducted from their house.


Exam ResultsPrimary Key Stage 2 SAT’s results The following table gives the % results for 2015. SEN -2 & 1 of concern. 1 pupil joined year 6 2014/15

N Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 4 +

Reading 0 20 50 20 10 80

GaPS 0 20 30 30 20 80

Maths 10 20 30 40 0 70

GCE A Level: 50% of Year 13 students achieved ≥3 A levels at A8 – E. GCSE: 84.6% of students gained 5 GCSEs at Grade A* - C including English, Maths and EBacc.Full details of all examinations taken and results achieved are available from the school on request.


The Legal InfoProprietor: Oakdene Education Trust

(Registered Charity No. 1099725)

Address: Focus School – Plymouth CampusFoulston AvenueSt BudeauxPlymouthDevon PL5 1HL

Telephone: 01752 363290

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.plymouth.focus-school.com

Trustees: Richard Scott - ChairEddie BellMalcolm WallisRoger HillReuben PrisgroveWayne JennerJeff Keam

(Correspondence to the Chair of the Trustees may be sent to the school address above).

Campus Administration:

Jeff Keam, Malcolm Wallis, Wayne Jenner, Roger Hill

Head Teacher: Mr M Kerridge

School Administrator: Mrs M Price

DCSF Independent School Registration No.

879/6010

Examination Centre No.

53630

Affiliation Focus School Plymouth Campus is affiliated to Focus Learning Trust.

Focus School No. 605


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