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“Friendly, approachable teachers, good teaching methods, generally a very nice atmosphere within the school” Parent
“My daughter has a brilliant rapport with allteachers at the school. This is a greatcontribution to her achieving above hertargets. Thank you” Parent
Meopham is a small rural schoolwith a strong family ethos. We focus on delivering traditional academicsubjects, in small teaching groups. We also are committed to teaching intraditional classroom spaces, now and in the future. We strongly believe thatthis is the best way to secure high quality learning for our students. Our newbuilding, which will be completed in 2017 as part of the Government’s PrioritySchools Building Programme, will further facilitate this approach.
We value the hard work and good behaviour which make it possible for everystudent to fulfil their potential. We are proud that visitors to our school oftencomment on the mature and courteous manner in which our students presentthemselves. Their pride in our school can be seen in the way they wear theiruniform, for example, and in the way they confidently guide parents around theschool during our open days.
We are confident that our school community will offer your child the supportand challenge to excel, both in school and beyond. In partnership with parents,we provide sound guidance and unwavering support so that our young peoplecan meet the demands of today’s world.
The best way to discover what life is like at Meopham is to visit us and speakwith both staff and pupils. I look forward to welcoming you here soon.
Kindest regards
Suzanne Dickinson (Headteacher)
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Welcome to Meopham School
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN A RURAL SETTING
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At Meopham School we understand thatevery child is unique and so we tailor our teaching and our curriculumto help all our students reach their full potential. Our aim is to ensureeach student makes the greatest possible progress from their ownindividual starting point. To this end we use students’ targets as floorsto help raise aspirations, not ceilings to limit their ambitions.
Our teachers are highly qualified and their enthusiasm helps stimulatehigh expectations, positive relationships and good learning. The staffuse a range of learning and teaching approaches to ensure all studentsexperience challenging and engaging tasks, which are matched to theirlearning stage.
As a smaller school we are able to focus fully on individual developmentand children are taught in small teaching groups, which are ‘setted’ ineach subject. Our close tracking of student progress enables us to adjustthe setting decisions regularly, to ensure students are always in the mostappropriate groups.
Students are set varied homework tasks to help consolidate their learningand progress is assessed regularly, with our programme of tailoredinterventions ensuring that all students are kept on track to meet theirpotential. Students make full use of the opportunities which our staff offerfor out of hours learning, whether it involves staying into the earlyevening or coming in on Saturday mornings.
Our teaching approach helps to buildour students’ skills and encourage independent thinking. We wantMeopham students to become engaged and self-aware learners andso we foster a sense of resilience and self-reflection to ensure that ourstudents are active ‘drivers’ of their own learning, rather than passive‘passengers’.
Our assessment of students’ work is centred on identifying the “whatwent wells” and the “even better ifs” in order to celebrate success andto guide further improvement. This approach extends beyond markingto cover every aspect of the school’s work with and for students.
“Teachers are really helping usto get our grades” Year 10 Student
Achieving Excellence
Learning Growing Thriving
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• We are a small community, where each individual is well known and supported.
• We have small class sizes, which allow for greater individual attention.
• We can offer outstanding teaching, particularly in the core subjects.
• We maintain an orderly environment built on courtesy, co-operation and commitment to learning.
• We provide close monitoring, support and intervention when students experience difficulties within and beyond the classroom.
• We extend an open invitation to parents asking themto visit the school during term time to see how weoperate on a normal working day.
Meopham is a small rural school where there is a solid focuson securing the best possible progress for all students, with a strongemphasis on traditional academic subjects.
“They treat our child as an individual, helping andencouraging him as he progresses on his learningjourney” Parent
“I have been encouraged by the staff’s knowledge of mychild and their progress and potential” Parent
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“Everyone isvery welcoming.” Year 8 Student
Our Vision
Our Distinctive Features
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN A RURAL SETTING
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The Meopham School Curriculum has been designedto flexibly meet the needs of today’s students and help them thrive amidstthe challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s world. The essential coreskills of literacy and numeracy are developed through daily lessons inEnglish and Mathematics, as well as through cross-curricular initiativesand re-enforcement in other subjects.
Year 7 and Year 8
• English• Mathematics• Science• History• Geography• Modern Foreign Languages• ICT• Art• Music• Dance• Design Technology• Physical Education
Year 9
Students continue with English, Mathematics and Double Science (Knownas Combined Science) to GCSE standard. They will study additionallessons in English and Mathematics give a ‘boost’ to their GCSEpathway leading into Years 10 and 11.
In addition, students pick up to 4 subjects, with a strong emphasis on theEnglish Baccalaureate, to study in Years 9, 10 and 11 to GCSEstandard. They will also follow a core PE programme.
Year 10 and 11
Students continue their GCSE studies in the core and optional subjectsand continue to follow a core PE programme.
A broad common curriculum of subjects is taughtthroughout Years 7 and 8. Students then choose a pathway of up to 4subjects (in addition to core English, Mathematics, Science and PEsubjects) that they begin to specialise in from Year 9. These subjectchoices are made towards the end of Year 8 with a strong emphasisplaced on the English Baccalaureate which involves studying both aHumanities and Language in addition to the core subjects of English,Mathematics, and Science. Encouraging our students to follow theEnglish Baccalaureate, we feel, gives them good grounding to move onto further study at the end of to further study at the end of Year 11. AfterYear 11, students are encouraged to apply for our ever increasing 6th form or, if appropriate, to be supported in seeking a college or work-based training programme.
“The practicals in science are fun” Year 7 Student
“I like starting to pick option subjects in Year 8” Year 9 Student
Our Curriculum
Access to Success
Choose to Develop
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At Meopham School, we endeavour to make allour students feel safe, comfortable and happy, with good levels ofengagement and motivation. We understand that students who feelconfident in themselves and their work are more likely to succeed bothacademically and personally.
The Student Support Structure
Our House based system of tutor groups helps to create a supportiveenvironment where students receive individual attention from a form tutorand a house leader. The team of highly effective pastoral supportmanagers ensure that any problems are picked up early and addresseddecisively. This helps each student to feel safe, respected and free tolearn.
Our team of highly trained and dedicated staff can collectively meet theneeds of every student, whether it is developing the academically giftedstudents, fostering the particular talents of individuals, or meeting anystudent’s special educational needs. To find out more about our PastoralSystem, please see the accompanying insert, or feel free to call theschool with any questions you may have.
If you have any concerns about the welfare of your child, you will beable to contact the tutor, House Leader or Assistant Headteacher at anypoint.
“They offer good discipline and ‘pastoral care’. Consequentlythe students are always well behaved and a credit to the schoolwhen involved in sporting fixtures” Parent
“My son feels safe and wellrespected by staff and students. He speaks well of staff telling usthey are friendly, helpful and supportive” Parent
Student Support
Meeting the needs of every student
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There are a variety of after school clubs and activities atMeopham, which means that many students stay on beyond the end ofthe school day to access support and further learning opportunities.
Opportunities to Excel
We have an exceptionally strong PE department and, despite being asmall school, we achieve well in inter-school competitions thanks to ouroutstanding young sportsmen and women, some of whom havecompeted at National and International level.
Our Creative Arts department stages a vibrant programme ofperformances, productions and art show cases, through which studentsget the chance to hone their talents and develop their confidence.
At Meopham School we offer a varied programme of trips both nationaland international, such as our ever popular trip to the Loire Valley. Wealso have regular trips to New York, alongside annual trips to the FirstWorld War Battlefields and special ‘rewards’ trips to Chessington Worldof Adventures.
“I found my own name on a battlefieldwar memorial”
“Being in a production kick started my ambition to be a dancer”
“I gained so much confidence from it”
Extra Curricular
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Our Sixth Form specialises in providing A level courses andadvanced vocational courses. Along with our partner Trust schools wecan offer over 35 courses in subjects that cater to a range of studentinterests, giving our students everything they need to build towards theirfuture.
The Sixth Form has a dedicated learning centre equipped with ICTfacilities for independent and extension work studies and our studentsfollow a full weekly timetable, which includes voluntary or paid workeither within the school or in the wider community.
Because of our focus on academic achievement, weexpect the majority of our students to progress to University or anApprenticeship scheme.
Many of our students currently go on to University and, for those whoprefer a vocational route, The Swale Academies Trust has developedunique links with a wide range of businesses that help them to find work-based training or employment opportunities that suit their talentsand interests.
“The development of independentlearning is good.” Sixth Form Student
“Facilities are excellent” Sixth Form Student
Our Sixth Form
Student Progression
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN A RURAL SETTING
Meopham School: Uniform
School Tie To be worn by boys only Meopham School tie in House colours (Also available from the School Office).
Trousers/SkirtPlain black straight trousers (no jeans or fashion trousers, metal belts and tabs are unsafe). Black skirts should be a sensible length for school wear i.e. to the knee.
ShirtsBoys: White, full length, long/short sleeve with a collar.To be worn tucked in with the school House tie.Girls: White, fitted at the waist, v-necked, short length blouse to be worn without a tie (fashion blouses are not acceptable alternatives).
School BlazerBoys: black, with House badge embroidered on to the pocket.Girls: black, fitted with House badge embroidered on to the pocket. This is a washable garment and can be drip-dried.
School Sweater (Optional)This is a black v-neck sweater, with House edging, and is the only garment allowed if pupils want an extra garment for warmth. Sleeveless version also available.
FootwearBlack, sensible shoes. Trainers or trainer derivatives are NOT permitted. No boots for girls, or heavy boots for boys. Trainers are only for breaks and lunchtimes. Short plain socks or tights (flesh or dark).
CoatsCoats are weatherproof outer garments to be worn over the top of the blazer. Hoodies and sweatshirts are not part of the school uniform and are not acceptable.
Hair and JewelleryNo jewellery is to be worn by students in school. Simple functional bobbles (ie elastic bands used for pony tails) are allowed for those who need to tie back long hair, but fashion hair accessories are not acceptable.
Hair must be of natural colour and not multi tonal. Hair styles must be smart and appropriate for school. In particular students must avoid extreme or sharp variations in hair length for fashion effects. Boys are expected to be clean shaven at school.
Make-upNo make-up is to be worn by Key Stage 3 pupils. Unobtrusive make-up is accepted in the Upper School. Nail varnish, nail, hair or eyelash extensions are not permitted. If in doubt about the suitability of any item please consult with the school before making your purchase.
PE KITAt Meopham School, we believe that Physical Education is an essential part of a child’s overall development. We believe that a student’s appearance matters and has an effect on achievement. We have therefore, adopted a strict dress code.
Compulsory White T-shirt with school logo, Black sweatshirt with school logo, Black shorts with school logo, Black tracksuit bottoms with school logo, Black socks, Shin Pads (can be purchased elsewhere), Gum Shields (can be purchased elsewhere).
Optional Fleece with school logo, Waterproof jacket with school logo.
EquipmentAll students should attend school ready to learn. This includes having the correct equipment. All these items are available at Student Services for 10p per item. The minimum required is: 2 x Pens 1 x Pencil 1 x Ruler 1 x Eraser.
Students on Crutches/in PlasterWe can facilitate students who are in plaster or crutches in school. Parents are advised to contact Mrs Butler, Attendance Officer on 01474 814646 extn 223 or email [email protected] before their child returns to school after an accident.
Practical SubjectsAll pupils must wear aprons to protect their clothing during practical sessions in Design Technology, Food Technology & Textiles. Aprons are provided for pupils during these lessons.
Long hair must be tied back for practical lessons. On some occasions, a change of clothing or a protective apron is necessary in Art, Science or Drama. Students are given advance warning of these sessions.
ValuablesMost pupils bring small amounts of money for lunch and bus fares for which they take responsibility. A purse or wallet which fits into a pocket is a sensible piece of equipment. P.E. teachers are happy to look after these during lessons. No other valuables should be brought into school. The school cannot take responsibility for large sums of money or valuable personal possessions. For this reason, pupils should not bring computer games, mp3 or other such items.
Mobile phones may be brought to school, but if they are used during lessons or formal times, they will be confiscated and parents will have to collect them.
Uniform Items can be purchased from the following outlets: Longfield WoolsSt Georges Centre, Gravesend. Telephone 01474 351190 or Station Road, Longfield Telephone 01474 705273 or you can purchase on-line at www.longfieldwools.co.uk
The Sewing Shop4 Echo Square, Gravesend. Telephone 01474 536700 or you can purchase on-line at www.the-sewing-shop.co.uk
Meopham School: The School Day
Structure of the School Day 8.40am to 9.30am – period 1
9.30am to 10.20am – period 2
10.20am to 10.40am – break
10.40am to 11.30am – period 3
11.30am to 12.20pm – period 4
12.20pm to 12.45pm – first lunch
12.45pm to 1.00pm – common lunch
1.00pm to 1.25pm – second lunch
1.25pm to 2.15pm – period 5
2.15pm to 3.05pm – period 6
School Year Dates
For the latest term dates, visit www.meopham.kent.sch.uk/calendar
Meopham School: Student Support
The House SystemWe have a ‘House’ system which encourages a sense of belonging in our students. There are four houses: Brunel, Newton, Redgrave and Holmes. Each House is divided into small Tutor Groups, typically twenty students, which ensure a strong teacher/student relationship.
The Pastoral SystemOur outstanding pastoral system has been created to help staff quickly and proactively identify and address any barrier to student learning and achievement.
The ‘Learning Leaders’ are on hand to constantly monitor the academic progress and achievement of their students through the assessment and reporting system. By liaising with the Curriculum Leaders, Heads of Houses and Tutors, the Learning Leaders can ensure that students are making effective academic and personal progress.
The Heads of House and their Tutors support students with regards to academic target setting, behavioural, social and emotional issues, as well as attendance and the student rewards system. In addition to this, we have a highly regarded team of pastoral support managers who help both in school and in liaison with home.
GiftedWe identify potential high achievers early on and set challenging targets to help them develop. Teaching staff then monitor their progress to ensure they can meet their full potential.
TalentedWe have students with outstanding talents in many fields including sport, drama and music. Staff are trained to identify students with special talents relating to their subjects and ensure that their school experience is tailored towards capitalising on these areas.
Special Educational NeedsWe have a strong team of learning support staff, who work closely with students needing additional support in order to ensure that they make good progress and can thrive in a mainstream secondary environment.
The Nick Hornby CentreWe have a specialist resource base for high achieving students, with a statement that carries a primary need of ASD. The admissions of those students who access the resource base is managed through Kent County Council.
