Blackminster Middle School

BlackminsterMiddle School

Knowing every student so that they can discover and make the most of their skills and talents

Headteacher: Mr. Peter Humphries MA

Chair of Governors: Mr. Paul Parfitt

Contents

BlackminsterMiddleSchoolProspectus01/02

Appendices 16

(1) School uniform; (2) The school day and important dates; (3) Student absence rates; (4) National Curriculum (N.C.) assessment results; (5) BMS N.C. assessment results compared to County and National averages; (6) Student destinations; (7) Complaints procedure; (8) Staff and responsibilities; (9) School Governors; (10) Home/School Agreement; (11) School Admissions.

Section Page

Introduction 3

Facilities 4

Care, Guidance and Support 7

Induction of new students; Personal details; Communication; Home Learning Diary; News and Events; Student Voice; Parent Voice; Governing Body; Celebrating Success; School meal times and breaks; Attendance; Accidents and Illness; Behaviour for Learning; Charging for activities; Visiting the school; Making contact with the school; Transport; Inclusion; Additional Educational Needs.

School Organisation 5

Curriculum; Religious Education; Collective Worship and Assemblies; Sex Education and Substance Misuse; Home Learning; Enrichment.

IntroductionBlackminster Middle School is a wonderful school in which to learn and flourish as a responsible, confident and successful student. We are a thriving school serving the community of Blackminster village and its environs. We are proud of our positive and constructive partnerships with parents / carers, students, other schools locally, nationally and internationally, businesses and many other stakeholders.

We aim to know each and every student so that they can discover and make the most of their skills and talents.

Vision StatementAt Blackminster Middle School we aim to provide learning opportunities for all our students so that they are:

Self-regulated, self-motivated, self-aware, self-confident, safe, healthy and that they:

• show empathy, respect, consideration and caring for others and themselves

• have high expectations and are determined to make the most of their skills and talents

• understand their role, and the role of others, as international citizens in a global society

• have skills so that they are: resilient, creative, good communicators, problem solvers, able to work with and support others, positive when dealing with challenge and change, reflective, evaluative, responsible for their actions, adopting a ‘can-do’ attitude, innovative

• learn, enjoy and make progress• participate in a range of activities both in and out of

school making a contribution to the wider community

We will do this through:

• a curriculum and a wide and exciting choice of enrichment activities that meets the needs and aspirations of each individual student

• a range of compelling learning opportunities that provide variety, pace and challenge

• recognising, acknowledging and rewarding students who achieve success both in and out of school

• mentoring to support the learning process and to set goals so that students meet or exceed targets

• assessment for learning and regular positive and constructive feedback to students and parents

• learning to learn and lead for staff and students• continuing professional development for all our staff so

they have the knowledge, skills and understanding to do the job

• organising our school so that resources are efficiently and effectively deployed

• regularly monitoring, evaluating and reviewing our work and that of the students

• providing a safe and caring environment including e-safety

• creative use of ICT• listening to the students through Student Congress• listening to parents / carers through Parent Voice• providing our students with up to date, impartial,

information, advice and guidance• links with parents and other stakeholders• ensuring barriers to learning are removed through

in-school provision and links with outside agencies and organisations

• ensuring equality of opportunity and to tackle any form of discrimination

Blackminster opened its doors in 1939 as a secondary school and was designated a County Middle School in 1975. The School is situated in open countryside in its own very pleasant fourteen acres of gardens and playing fields. We are very proud of our extensive site which provides a delightful environment in which to learn. Blackminster Middle School admits students at the age of 10+ primarily from the village schools of Badsey, Bretforton, Cleeve Prior, Honeybourne, Littleton, Offenham and Pebworth.

We have been designated a ‘Healthy School’. This award recognises the positive work we have done in our dining room and food provision, with anti-bullying, care, guidance and support, in promoting responsible attitudes towards relationships and in ensuring our students have an active lifestyle. We have also been awarded Sports Mark, Arts Mark and Investors in People. We continually strive to be better. To this end we are now in the process of applying for Specialist Sport and Physical Education School Status in partnership with Evesham High School.

Our facilities are excellent and rival many larger secondary schools. We have three IT suites, a spacious and well equipped art department including ceramics store with a kiln and a photographic dark room. The superb work in the Art department has been recognised through the award of Arts Mark. The Design Technology department comprises three areas: resistant materials with specialist equipment, tools and further computers including Computer Aided Design Manufacture (CAM); Food technology with cookers, preparation areas and computers; and a textiles area with sewing machines, visual resources library and software for design work. Music is taught in a dedicated area that is sound proofed(!) and well equipped with a range of instruments including electronic keyboards and drum kits. We have rooms for peripatetic music teaching that includes violin, guitar, clarinet, flute, saxophone, keyboard, piano and drums. Science is taught in two fully equipped laboratories with laboratory furniture of octagonal work ‘stations’ as used in High Schools and City Technology Colleges. Students who need extra support for

their learning have access to two specially adapted classrooms that have a range of differentiated resources and equipment. We have a well stocked library that houses further computers and is incredibly popular with students furthering their studies, completing research or just ‘chilling out’ with friends at break and lunchtimes. Physical Education is delivered in the beautiful surroundings of the Vale of Evesham and can also be taught in a well appointed gymnasium suitable for basketball, badminton and gymnastics. Our grounds have space for rugby, hockey, netball and football pitches as well as tennis courts and a Band Stand style outdoor classroom. Productions, concerts, meetings and assemblies are held in our School hall that has a full lighting and sound rig. If students feel ill or need to take medication then they can visit our purpose built medical room. In addition to all of these fabulous specialised facilities all classrooms are equipped with electronic whiteboards, projectors, speakers and computer network links. Students have access to appropriate and well maintained resources, textbooks and equipment.

Facilities

‘Give me the tools and I’ll do the job’ (Winston Churchill)


School Organisation

CurriculumOur aim is to help students become: confident, responsible and successful individuals. We also aim to ‘know every student so that they can discover and make the most of their skills and talents’. We accept that academic skills and success are important and we organise our curriculum, lessons and care, guidance and support to ensure students meet or exceed their academic targets. Importantly, we also want our students to leave Blackminster with a love of learning, to have physical, musical, design and artistic skills, to be innovative, creative and reflective. We believe it is vital for our students to care about the environment, about other people and about themselves. In a complex and changing World our students will have opportunities to problem solve, develop leadership skills and show resilience in challenging situations. All this is achieved in

lessons and by taking part in a range of exciting enrichment activities.

Students follow a common curriculum in:

Art , Citizenship and PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health, Enterprise Education), History, Dance, Design Technology, Drama, English, Geography, ICT (Information Communication Technology), Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science.

We work hard at Blackminster Middle School to ensure our teaching and support staff are up to date with learning and teaching theory, policy and practice. Our Professional Development Days are geared towards improving the learning opportunities for our students.

Religious EducationWe follow the agreed syllabus authorised for use in schools maintained by the Local Authority. Courses followed by the students are of a broadly Christian character but they also embrace studies of other religions such as Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism. The principal aim of Religious Education is to help students develop their thinking about beliefs, ethics and philosophy.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from the Religious Studies programme and should do so in writing to the Headteacher. A Religious Education Policy is available on request.

Collective Worship and AssembliesBlackminster Middle School has no specific religious ties and the assembly programme covers a wide range of moral and social issues. We enjoy bringing the school community together and assemblies are an important part of school life so that we can share in successes and celebrate the many achievements of our students and staff. We do this as a whole school, in House groups and in year groups. Guest speakers are invited to contribute to the programme.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from the Assembly programme and should do so in writing to the Headteacher.

Sex Education and Substance MisuseIn the Personal, Social, Health and Enterprise Education course, students learn about the physical and emotional changes associated with growing up and adolescence. All students are encouraged to consider the risks and challenges faced with the movement towards adulthood and to be aware of the potential dangers. Students are given the skills to make educated, safe and thoughtful choices. Enterprise and entrepreneurial education will also be covered. All lessons are

carefully tailored to be age-appropriate. Our work in this area is supported by visiting speakers from the Police, local businesses and the Health Service. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of the sex education provided. A number of individual subjects, such as science, may involve a study in varying depths of sexual and personal relationships. Our policies on Sex and Drug Education are available on request.


EnrichmentBlackminster Middle School does not close at 3.15pm! We offer an outstanding range of activities which take place outside the normal curriculum. The following list of activities gives an indication of the range of opportunities available to ALL students irrespective of ability:

Choir, Library Group, Guitar Group, Jazz Band, Orchestra, School Musicals, Drama productions, sewing club, theatre and art gallery visits, sports teams, ski trips, foreign visits, sports leader awards, computer club, chess club, breakfast activities and gardening club.

A comprehensive range of individual music teaching is available. We have a large number of peripatetic music teachers.

Subject departments also run extension classes for students, including those who are gifted and talented. The school believes in the value of residential experience and offers all students the

opportunity of a residential. We also run several educational visits abroad each year.

The Physical Education Department runs a wide variety of extracurricular sporting activities including: football, hockey, rugby, athletics, rounders, basketball, cricket, table tennis, netball and tennis. The Worcester Wolves Basketball team run a very popular club after school on a Friday. The P.E. department has been awarded Sports Mark in recognition for its outstanding work.

These enrichment activities are supplemented with a full programme of Inter-House competitions and activities. We encourage ALL our students to represent their House in at least one activity during the year. This could be in a sports event or in the annual Christmas quiz, the House Debate or the Arts competition. We aim to provide something for all tastes, abilities and skills so that students can discover something new and make the most of their talents.

Home LearningHome Learning is an important exercise in self-discipline as well as a chance to consolidate what has been learned in class. Students are usually expected to do Home Learning regularly. Each student is given an assignment plan and a Home Learning Diary to record work set and when it is to be completed. Parents and Form Tutors are asked to check and sign the diary on a weekly

basis and to ensure that work is completed. Home Learning tasks might involve writing, interviewing, research, learning or revising. Parents are asked to support students but not complete work for them! If homework becomes an issue, parents should contact their child’s tutor or the specific subject teacher.

Care, Guidance and SupportOne of the features of Blackminster Middle School, which is often commented on by visitors and parents, is the friendly, calm and purposeful atmosphere. This has been developed through our House and Vertical Tutoring system. Students from years six, seven and eight are in the same tutor group. This engenders a family atmosphere and helps students in Year 6 better understand what is to come in years 7 and 8. Students in Year 8 support new students in Year 6 and help them settle into the school through our PAL (Pupils Always Listening) scheme. Students stay with the same tutor for three years. This allows students, parents and tutors to establish a good working relationship and to develop a constructive dialogue about attainment, achievement and progress.

Tutor groups are in one of four Houses: Air, Earth, Fire or Water, each being led by a Head of House. The House system is designed to encourage good citizenship, team work and social responsibility. It also provides a vehicle for healthy competition. Each House is linked with a Charity and during the year Heads of House organise charity events to raise money for their chosen group.

Tutors and Heads of House are also responsible for tracking and monitoring academic, personal and social progress of students in close liaison with subject teachers, heads of department and where appropriate the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. Tutors should be the ‘first port of call’ if parents have questions or concerns about their child. Siblings are, where possible, placed in the same House.

Induction of New StudentsWe aim to meet all new students and their parents / carers before they start school in September. We arrange meetings so that we can answer any of your questions personally and we can start the important process of getting to know your child and the family.

During the Summer Term, before new students are admitted, feeder Primary Schools are visited by their Tutor or Head of House in order to collect information, both academic and pastoral, about each individual student. This process adds a personal dimension to the written information supplied by primary school teachers.

We have an induction evening in the summer term of Y5. All parents and students meet their new Form Tutor as well as their Head of House, other key staff and school uniform providers. The Parent Handbook is provided at this point.

The first week or so of the new Autumn Term is an induction programme for all Year 6 students.

They experience a wide range of activities designed to introduce them to some of the new subjects in a Middle School. The Induction Course is planned to:

• develop students’ confidence and communication skills

• help students meet new staff and make new friends

• get to know the site• develop leadership and decision making skills• develop road safety and travel awareness• ensure that all children really enjoy their time

with us.

Students are organised into mixed ability teaching groups for the Induction Course.

During the Autumn Term we arrange a Parents’ Meeting during which parents are able to meet the Form Tutor and get an early update on how their child is settling in.


News and Events• A newsletter to parents, Blackminster News, is published six times a year. • Letters home are distributed through the students. Please do check the bottom of bags!

Every year group has a parents’ / teacher / student consultation evening at least once in the school year. Parents who have concerns are welcome to contact the Head of House or personal tutor at any stage.

Home Learning DiaryEach student is given a Home Learning Diary. This book is used to record homework, important dates and information and is also used to communicate between home and school. Parents are asked to check the Diary every night and to sign at the end of the week.

CommunicationFrequent contact with parents is seen as very important in our aim to allow students to discover and make the most of their skills and talents. We report on student progress to parents six times a year:• Five interim Progress Reviews of effort and attainment compared to target grades.

These Progress Reviews will be sent home just before each holiday break (October, December, February, March / April, May)

• One written report towards the end of the academic year

Personal DetailsParents are requested to provide information about their children on admission. This information will be confidential to the teachers and staff concerned and will give them a fuller understanding of your child. Forms for this purpose are distributed

through the primary schools, but can also be obtained from the Administration Team. As we also communicate with parents via email and text it is important to notify us if your details change at any time.

Student VoiceAt Blackminster Middle School, the students have an active, participative voice and role in the running of the school. The ‘Student Congress’ represents the views of all students through elected representatives and helps at school events and functions, with the

appointment of staff to the school and in monitoring the quality of student learning through ‘Learning Consultants’. Our Head Boy and Head Girl regularly speak on behalf of the Student Congress to Governors and at School functions.

Parent VoiceWe believe passionately in the ‘Learning Triangle’, parents, students and school working together. Blackminster Middle School is a school serving its community. As such we value the comments, thoughts and views of the parents / carers of our students. Twice a term, six times a year, the Parent Voice Committee meets to discuss how the school is doing, how it could be better and any other issues that will ensure we provide the best education for the students at Blackminster Middle School.

The agenda is driven by parents and the meetings are informal yet purposeful. Relevant members of staff are sometimes invited to the meetings so that they can contribute to, and comment on, the discussion. If you would like to attend a meeting or have an item for discussion please contact Neil Davies (Deputy Headteacher) at the school on 01386 830311 or [email protected]

School Meal Times and breaksWe have been designated a ‘Healthy School’. This award recognises that the food and drinks we provide in school meet national food quality standards. We also work with students and parents to ensure that packed lunches provide a healthy diet. We do not allow students to drink fizzy or energy drinks in school. Students are able to buy hot and cold food before school, at break and at lunchtimes. We can also provide a limited menu for students staying for after school enrichment activities.

Celebrating SuccessWe are constantly humbled by the talents, skills and successes of our students. Throughout the year students gain House Points, House and School honours, Leadership Awards, academic success, sporting representative honours, gallantry awards, attendance awards and many other certificates, awards, rewards and honours. We are determined to recognise these achievements and there are many ways in which we do this, but our highlight of the year is the Annual Celebration of Achievement Evening. This is a wonderful event, celebrating all that is good about Blackminster Middle School to which parents, guests, friends of the school, governors and local dignitaries are invited. Our guest speaker this year is Daryl Mitchell, Vice Captain of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Governing BodyGovernors take a very full and well informed part in the strategic management of the school. They rigorously hold the school to account while providing very effective support.

The school’s Governing Body is responsible, with the Headteacher, for the smooth and efficient running of the school. It comprises local representatives, elected or appointed representatives of the parents and staff, together

with co-opted representatives of the local community, all of whom serve for 4 years from their date of election.

The Governors meet formally throughout the year through a cycle of Committee and Full Governing Body Meetings. The Committees are:

Finance; Curriculum; Staffing; Premises

Community of Blackminster School (CoBS) and School FundThis is becoming a flourishing organisation welcoming all staff, parents and friends of the school. CoBS organises regular events throughout the year for fund raising and social activities. These promote links between parents and school on an informal basis. All parents are members of CoBS, and are invited to take part in the Association’s activities. If you would like to serve on the CoBS Committee, help at, or suggest, an event then please contact Chris Nelson (Assistant Headteacher) at the school on 01386 830311 or at [email protected]

Details of the annual programme can be obtained from the school office.


AttendanceWe place great emphasis on regular attendance and punctuality as we know there is a strong link between regular attendance and success at school. By law, absence from school must now be marked either AUTHORISED or UNAUTHORISED. The only acceptable absence from school is AUTHORISED ABSENCE which is caused by:

Illness; work experience; educational visits; attending interviews; religious observance; participating in public performances or sporting events; death or marriage of close relative; unavoidable medical appointments.

Families should not book holidays in school time. The school WILL NOT authorise absence as the result of a family holiday.

All other absence is regarded as UNAUTHORISED. Lateness may also be considered an unauthorised absence. If your child is ill or unavoidably absent, please telephone the school on the first day of absence and send a dated note to the school explaining the reason. Medical / dental appointments should normally be arranged outside school hours.

Accident and IllnessIf a student is taken ill in school, parents are contacted so that the child can go home. No student will be sent home until parents have been notified. In the case of accidents requiring hospital treatment, the parents will be contacted and the student will be taken directly to hospital.

Behaviour for LearningWe take learning very seriously and we expect teachers to teach and learners to learn. We do not tolerate students disrupting the learning of others or preventing teachers from teaching. Teachers and other staff will model appropriate behaviour and demonstrate to students how we expect individuals to communicate, act and behave. We have a simple, fair and consistent Behaviour for Learning policy which is available on request and is also on the School’s website. Phones or personal stereos taken out or used in class will be confiscated.

Charging for ActivitiesUnder the Education Reform Act 1988, schools and Local Authorities have to draw up a statement of their charging and remissions policy if they intend to charge for those activities defined in the Act for which a charge can be made. Set out below is the School’s statement, drawn up in light of the LA’s own policy, of our charging and remissions policy under the Act.

Charges will be levied on parents for:

1. Individual and small group instrumental tuition

2. Board and lodgings for residential in-school time activities (parents receiving Income Support would be exempt from charges in 2 and may be exempted from part or whole of transport costs in 2)

3. a) Non-accidental breakages to property including windows, fittings and equipment;

b) Losses of books or equipment due to carelessness;

c) Protracted non-return of text or library books

4. Optional extra activities which take place outside school hours e.g. an evening visit to the theatre.

(Charges can only be levied under 3 if the activity is NOT specifically to fulfil statutory duties relating to the National Curriculum or to fulfil statutory duties relating to religious education OR to fulfil requirements specified in a prescribed public examination syllabus.

Under the Act parents cannot be charged for transport or other costs for educational visits which take place wholly or mainly during school hours. However, it is not possible to offer such visits to students unless parents make voluntary contributions. It is our practice to write to parents and ask for voluntary contributions specific to each planned visit. The Act also forbids schools to make a charge to parents for ingredients, materials, equipment needed for practical subjects such as cookery and design technology unless parents have indicated in advance a wish to own the finished product.

Visiting the SchoolProspectiveParents

We are proud of our school and we like to show it off! Anyone wishing to see the school in action should contact reception on 01386 830311 or [email protected] and a visit will be arranged. You will be met by a member of the Senior Leadership Team and shown around the school by a member of staff and members of the Student body. All will be happy to answer questions.

We also have an Open Evening and two Open Days when visitors can see students and staff at work.

Staff You May Need to Contact (2010–2011)Formtutor

It is their responsibility to monitor the academic progress of the students in their tutor group and to provide all the emotional support so that students make the best of the opportunities on offer at Blackminster. The Tutor is ‘the first port of call’.

HeadofHouse(Air,Earth,Fire,Water)

The Head of House is responsible for the guidance and welfare of all students in their House. They will get to know each child, monitor their progress and is the main point of contact between home and school.

MrsPatWatson(i/cYear5toYear6Induction)

Mrs Watson is responsible for organising the transfer of students from their First School to

Blackminster Middle School. She meets regularly with the First Schools to ensure a smooth transition.

MrsJanBlakely(SpecialEducationalNeedsCo-ordinator–SENCo)

Mrs Blakely is responsible for the support of students who have special educational needs. She works closely with a wide range of students to ensure that they are receiving the best possible support and that their needs are being met. She meets regularly with other specialists from the Local Authority who help her to assess students, develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and review students’ progress.

Other staff and their areas of responsibility are listed at the back of this Prospectus.

Making contact with the SchoolBytelephone: 01386 830311

During the hours 8 am – 4 pm the receptionist will connect your call to the person considered best able to assist you. Please be prepared to give:

• the student’s name• the student’s year group• the student’s tutor group and House

As the receptionist may need to make a decision about whom to contact, you should be prepared to give some indication of the nature of your business. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

Byemail: [email protected]

This address is checked regularly each day and emails are forwarded to the person in school considered most able to provide the required

response. Should you wish to email staff directly e.g. your child’s tutor, every member of staff has their own individual email address, for example [email protected]

ByAppointment

Parents are welcome to come to the school to discuss matters of concern. We ask that this be done by appointment. In this way visitors can be sure of seeing the person whom they need to consult. All staff have teaching timetables and cannot be brought from lessons to meet visitors.

Visitors should report to reception, it is clearly signposted, and sign the Visitors’ Book. The receptionist will then arrange for you to see the person with whom you have an appointment.

DisabilityStudents are admitted at age 10 without preference to ability or aptitude. Although we do not wish to discourage any prospective parent from considering the school, at the present time the structure of the buildings may restrict movement for children with some physical disabilities, although, we will make any reasonable adjustments to minimize this. If you would like to discuss any particular needs please contact the school. Wherever possible, students with specific difficulties will be included in the full range of school activities.

Children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs naming Blackminster Middle School will be allocated places outside of the Admission process.

In Year AdmissionsAny applications for a school made outside the normal year of entry to the school must be made directly to the Local Authority. In accordance with their statutory duty, the Local Authority will be responsible for offering school places to children on behalf of the Governing Body within their In-Year Co-ordinated admission scheme for the school year 2010-2011. See Appendix 11.


Appeals If your child is not offered a place at Blackminster Middle School you will find details of how to make an appeal in the Local Authority’s admission letter outlining your offer.

Appeals ProcessAppeals are heard by an independent appeal panel of three to five members of the public.

Whenwillyourappealbeheard?

The admission authority for the school must write to you at least 10 school days before the hearing to confirm the date. Organizations like the Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) can give you advice on preparing your case.

SecondaryAdmissionsround

Appeals for on-time application (decisions sent on national offer day) must be heard by 6th July. If 6th July falls on a weekend then it must be heard on the next working day.

Appealsforlateapplications

Such appeals should be included with those being heard for the same admissions round. However, if this is not feasible, appeals for late applications must be heard within 30 schools days of the appeal being lodged.

In-yearadmissions

For applications made outside of the timetabled admissions process, hearings must be held within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged.

InclusionInclusion means ALL students have the right to receive appropriate, challenging and rewarding educational experiences. This includes gifted and talented students.

Transport

Contract buses are provided for students who live three or more miles from school. Parents must apply for passes for their child to the Education Travel Team (Worcestershire), Passengers Transport Group, P.O. Box 82, Worcester, WR4 0AA (01905 768476). Students who live less than three miles from school can, in certain circumstances, apply for passes under the Vacant Seats Scheme at a cost of, at the time of writing, £112 per term

per child or £168 per term for a family ticket(two or more children). Provision of these passes depends on availability and is at the discretion of the Local Authority.

A replacement for a lost pass currently costs £10.

Service buses on scheduled routes depart from the school at the end of the school day. Fares are set by the bus companies.

CyclingStudents who cycle to school will be expected to take cycle proficiency training. Training is carried out by the Worcester County Council Road Safety Department. We advise parents to provide their children with approved safety helmets. Students will be able to store and lock their bikes in a secure area in school.

Additional Educational NeedsAt Blackminster Middle School we believe that students with additional educational needs may need extra help because of a range of needs, such as in thinking and understanding, physical or sensory difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, difficulties with speech and language or how they relate to and behave with other people. Many students will have additional educational needs of some kind at some time during their education. Blackminster Middle School has due regard for the Special Needs Code of Practice when carrying out its duties towards all students with special educational needs, and ensures that parents are notified when SEN provision is being made for their child.


Gifted and TalentedDefiningGiftedandTalented

• ‘Gifted’ students are those who have abilities in one or more subjects in the statutory school curriculum other than art and design, music and physical education;

• ‘Talented’ students are those who have abilities in art and design, music, physical education or performing arts such as dance and drama.

IdentifyingGiftedandTalentedStudents

Blackminster Middle School, through the Heads of Department, Heads of House, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, transferring primary or secondary school, parents and peers, will identify a cohort comprising 5-10% of students within each relevant year group.

The students identified in the cohort will be achieving, or have the potential to achieve, significantly in advance of the average for the year group.

While accepting a focus on intellectual ability we are also concerned with:

• Sporting ability• Musical talent• Dramatic talent• Innovative designers• Creativity• Leadership skills• Organisational ability• Mechanical ingenuity• A high level of interpersonal skills• Any human ability or talent that has meaning for the individual and / or

society

We aim to make the identification process as rigorous, transparent and fair as possible and not to discriminate against particular groups, e.g., gender, social class or ethnicity.

Provisionforthegiftedandtalented

We aim to provide a coherent programme for support and provision for our gifted and talented students. ALL students will be given a range of learning opportunities. This will allow gifted and talented students to discover, demonstrate and make the most of their gifts, skills and talents.

Station Road, South Littleton, Evesham

Worcs WR11 8TG

Telephone: 01386 830311

Fax: 01386 832024

[email protected]

www.blackminster.org.ukDesigned & Printed by Astwood Design Consultancy, Bidford on Avon. Tel:01789 778111

Uniform:All items of clothing should be clearly marked with a name.

Girls main uniform: Black school blazer with school badge White shirt with school tie in House colours Dark grey or black school skirt – sensible length

White or black socks or black tights Sensible low heeled black school shoes During October to April girls may wear black tailored

trousers (optional)

Summer term School polo shirt with school badge (optional)

Boys main uniform: Black school blazer with school badge Dark grey or black tailored school trousers White shirt with school tie in House colours Black or grey socks Sensible black school shoes (NB trainers are not acceptable for school wear)

Summer term School polo shirt with school badge (optional)

PE kit: Girls: Emerald green rugby shirt White PE sports shirt Black shorts or black cycling shorts (for gymnastics) White ankle sports socks Full length emerald green socks Training shoes Shin pads

Boys: Emerald green rugby shirt White PE sports shirt Black shorts White ankle sports socks Full length emerald green socks Training shoes Football boots Shin pads A gum shield is recommended for

certain activities

NB The school polo shirt with the badge is for wearing in lessons NOT for PE wearMake up and Jewellery are not to be worn in school

All items listed above are available from: The School Shop, High Street, Evesham.Please contact Mr Bugg (01386) 446809 or the school with regard to our 10% discount card scheme.

School Uniform

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

School Day Term Dates 2011-20128.25 am – 8.35 am Registration

8.35 am – 9.35 am Period 1

9.35 am – 10.35 am Period 2

10.35 am – 10.55 am Break

10.55 am – 11.55 am Period 3

11.55 am – 12.55 pm Period 4

12.55 pm – 1.55 pm Lunch time

1.55 pm – 2.15 pmRegistration/Form Time/Assembly

2.15 pm – 3.15 pm Period 5

AUTUMN TERM 2011ProfessionalDevelopmentDay Monday5thSeptember2011

TERM STARTS Tuesday 6th September 2011

HALF TERM Monday 24th October 2011 to Friday 28th October 2011

TERM ENDS Friday 20th December 2011

SPRING TERM 2012TERM STARTS Wednesday 4th January 2012

HALF TERM Monday 13th February 2012 to Friday 17th February 2012

TERM ENDS Friday 30th March 2012

SUMMER TERM 2012TERM STARTS Monday 16th April 2012MayDay Monday7thMay2012

HALF TERM Monday 4th May 2012 to Friday 8th June 2012

TERM ENDS Friday 20th July 2012

Please check our website (www.blackminster.org.uk) for Key Dates and other important information

Appendix 3

National Curriculum Assessment Results

OverallScore

PercentileRank Trend

CVA

English All Boys Girls

L4+ 77 70 86

L5+ 34 30 40

APS 27.5 26.6 28.7

Reading All Boys Girls

L4+ 79 74 86

L5+ 49 45 54

APS 28.4 27.6 29.4

Writing All Boys Girls

L4+ 71 63 81

L5+ 18 15 22

APS 26.3 25.4 27.3

Maths All Boys Girls

L4+ 66 69 64

L5+ 20 25 14

APS 25.9 26.4 25.2

Science All Boys Girls

L4+ 0 0 0

L5+ 0 0 0

APS 0 0 0

En&Ma All Boys Girls

L4+ 63 63 64

L5+ 14 15 12

All Boys Girls

Overall APS 26.7 26.5 27

AtLeastExpectedProgress All

English - 0 0

Maths - 0 0

TeacherAssessments


L4+ 77 69 88

L5+ 29 23 35


L4+ 68 69 67

L5+ 24 27 19


L4+ 95 92 98

L5+ 45 44 46

CohortSize: 131 73 58

Pleaseselectcriteriabelow:

School Blackminster Middle SchoolResultsYear 2010

Appendix 4

Blackminster Middle School N.C. Assessment Results compared to County and National Averages

DfENumber: 885/44081pupilequals: 0.80%


L4+ 79 74 84

L5+ 31 24 38

APS 27.3 26.4 28.1


L4+ 83 80 86

L5+ 49 43 55

APS 28.5 27.8 29.1


L4+ 70 61 78

L5+ 20 14 25

APS 26.1 25.1 27.1


L4+ 77 78 77

L5+ 32 35 30

APS 27.3 27.4 27.2


L4+ 0 0 0

L5+ 0 0 0

APS 0 0 0


L4+ 71 69 73

L5+ 20 19 22

All Boys Girls

Overall APS 27.3 26.9 27.6


English 0 0 0

Maths 0 0 0

TeacherAssessments


L4+ 80 74 86

L5+ 33 25 40


L4+ 80 80 80

L5+ 34 37 32


L4+ 87 85 89

L5+ 38 37 39

DateofLastOFSTED 05/12/07OFSTEDCategory 3 EIA: Steve DaviesSIP: Kevin O'Regan


L4+ 80 76 85

L5+ 32 26 39

APS 27.5 26.7 28.3


L4+ 84 81 87

L5+ 50 45 55

APS - - -


L4+ 71 63 78

L5+ 20 15 26

APS - - -


L4+ 80 80 80

L5+ 34 36 32

APS 27.6 27.7 27.5


L4+ 0 0 0

L5+ 0 0 0

APS - - -


L4+ 74 71 76

L5+ 0 0 0

All Boys Girls

Overall APS 27.5 27.2 27.9


English 0 0 0

Maths 0 0 0

TeacherAssessments


L4+ 81 76 86

L5+ 32 26 38


L4+ 81 81 82

L5+ 35 37 32


L4+ 85 84 86

L5+ 36 36 36

Appendix 5

Attendance 2009/2010

Numberofregisteredstudentsofcompulsoryschoolage(Years6,7and8)onroll: 381Attendance: 93.9%Authorisedabsence: 5.7%Unauthorisedabsence: 0.5%

Student absence rates including details of authorised and unauthorised absences

Appendix 6

76% Evesham High School21% Prince Henry’s High School0.75% Pershore High School0.75% Alcester High School 0.75% Kings College0.75% David Hayes (Wales)

Student destinations when leaving Blackminster Middle School

Appendix 7

We are keen to make sure we do everything possible to ensure the best education for the students in our care. However, should parents be unhappy about any aspect of the curriculum or the provision we make for care, guidance and support then they should contact our Complaints Co-ordinator, Mrs. Angela McAnally, at the school.

Mrs. McAnally will be happy to discuss issues and to identify which member of staff it is best to talk to. Mrs. McAnally can also explain our Complaints Procedure.

Complaints Procedure

Appendix 8

Headteacher

DeputyHead/Curriculum Lead : PEAssistantHeadteachers

House–AIRHeadofHouse/Curriculum Lead : ScienceMusicCurriculum Lead : GeographyGirl’s PE and General Subjects

House–EARTHHeadofHouse/Curriculum Lead : MFLCurriculum Lead : HistoryNumeracy ManagerGeneral Subjects

House–FIREHeadofHouse/KS 2 LiaisonInclusion ManagerGeneral Subjects & Curriculum Lead : Religious EducationLiteracy Manager

House–WATERHeadofHouse/Curriculum Lead : Citizenship.PSHETechnology & General SubjectsCurriculum Lead : ArtGeneral SubjectsICTManager

School Assistants:

ICT Technician:

FinanceandSiteManagerAdministrative Assistants:

Office Manager:

CaretakerCleaning Staff:

MrPHumphries

MrNPDaviesMrsCNelson/MrPNosworthy

MrSJacobMrs S BellMrs C NelsonMiss H Burton

MissCHarrisMr A FaughnanMiss K ShattockMrs L Roach

MrsPWatsonMrs J BlakelyMr R KentMrs A Swindells

MsHEastonMr D JonesMrs A Robins / Miss L QuinlanMrs C HughesMrPNosworthy

Mrs N Clifford, Mrs S Cooper,Mrs J Emsley, Mrs C Fletcher,Mrs J Greaves, Mrs R Hartell,Mrs K McGowan, Mrs M Pedley,Mrs J Southwell, Mrs C Tomes, Mrs N KyleMr P Roach

MrsAMcAnallyMrs F CullMrs S GreenMrs M Ritchie

MrMOakleyMrs J JamesMrs K DellMrs J PargeterMrs V Welch

Blackminster Middle School Staff 2011/2012

Appendix 9

Mr. T. Bean(01789) 720673Ullington Hall, Honeybourne, Evesham

Revd. R. Court(01386) 834550The Vicarage, High Street, Badsey, Evesham

Mrs. A. Evans (01386) 760332Ty Gwyn, Church Street, Offerham, Evesham

Mr. P. Parfitt (01386) 8715463 Church Walk, Norton, Evesham

Vacancies

Parentgovernors:

Mr. A. Anderson (01386) 833498Sherwood, Shinehill Lane, South Littleton, Evesham

Mrs. D. Bowles (01386) 4210283 Leasowes Road, Offenham, Evesham

Mrs. D. Dyson (01386) 76576745 Myatt Road, Offenham, Evesham

Mr. R. Herborn (01386) 83324418 St. Michaels Close, South Littleton, Evesham

Teachergovernors:

Mrs. C. NelsonSchool Address

Mr. P. NosworthySchool Address

Staffgovernor:

Mrs. J. EmsleySchool Address

Headteacher:

Mr P Humphries

Clerktothegovernors:

Mr. C. W. Davies (01386) 830096Jessamine Cottage, Blacksmiths Lane, South Littleton, Evesham

School Governors

Appendix 10

Home/School AgreementThe Government requires that all schools establish Home/School Agreements. A copy of this agreement is provided to all students in their planners. Parents/carers and students should sign the Home/School Agreement to say that they accept our expectations.

Theschoolisexpectedto:

• Provide high quality education appropriate to the needs of individual students • Provide equal opportunities for all children • Ensure the health and safety of all students • Recognise and celebrate achievement for all • Contact parents if there is a problem with attendance or punctuality • Involve parents if there are concerns about work or behaviour • Supply parents with information through grade reviews, reports, consultation evenings and newsletters • Set, mark and monitor home learning • Ensure that students comply with the school’s expectations and policies • Encourage students to try hard and be the best they can be academically and socially

Parents/Carersareexpectedto:

• Support and take an interest in their child’s education • Encourage their child to aim for quality in all they do • Congratulate their child on good achievements • Ensure that their child attends school every day and on time, avoiding taking holidays in term time • Inform the school immediately if their child is absent or late • Read and sign the Home Learning Diary on a weekly basis • Ensure that their child has the correct uniform and necessary equipment • Communicate concerns and satisfactions to the school regularly; via the Home Learning Diary or directly • Support school policies (visit website www.blackminster.org.uk)• Attend Parent / Teacher consultation evenings • Keep the school informed about changes to names, telephone numbers or addresses• Ensure that their child behaves in the correct manner when using school and public transport• Support their child with regard to home learning and extra-curricular activities.

Studentsareobligedto:

• Attend school regularly (aim for 100%), punctually and properly prepared for successful learning.• Comply with all school procedures, including wearing the correct school uniform• Respect the school’s environment and property, and the property of others • Behave in an orderly, considerate and purposeful way at all times • Comply with the school’s expectations at all times • Use the student planner to record achievements, improve the quality of their work, set and review targets, record

parental communications and home learning/coursework • Complete all classwork, home learning and coursework to the best of their ability and on time• Contribute fully to the life of the school – in class and especially the life of the House. • Value the school’s citizenship programme including tutorial and house activities • Share any concerns they might have with their parents/carers and/or their tutor • Show respect for ALL adults and fellow students • Use all facilities responsibly and follow the ICT acceptable use policy• Behave sensibly on school transport and to wear a seatbelt when advised

Peter Humphries, Headteacher Paul Parfitt, Chair of Governors

Appendix 11

School AdmissionsWorcestershire County Council's Information for Parents Book on Admissions and Transfers to Schools is available to view online at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions

A copy of the book is also available to view in Schools, Libraries and at your Local Worcestershire Hub.

The Information for Parents book contains full details on the application and allocation process, including the oversubscription admission criteria for each school.Youareadvisedtoreadthebookpriortomakinganapplication.

The information below briefly explains:

How to apply for a school place in the normal round of admissions 2011/12

The parents of ALL students resident in Worcestershire, including parents whose preference is for the catchment area school for the child's home address, seeking a place at any First/Primary or Middle School, including any Academy, Foundation or Voluntary Aided Schools, and any School outside Worcestershire, must complete a Worcestershire LA Common Application Form (PA1) by the closing date 15th January 2011.

Applications can be made online up until the closing date, 15th January 2011 by visiting www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions

If you do not have access to the internet Application Forms are available from the School, Local Worcestershire Hub or by request on Tel no: 01905 822700

TheparentsofstudentsresidentoutsideWorcestershire,butwhowishtoapplyforaplaceatanyWorcestershireschool,mustcompleteanapplicationformprovidedbythe"home"LA.(The"home"LAisdefinedastheLocalAuthorityrelevanttotheChild'shomeaddress).The"home"LAwillensurethattheapplicationdetailsarepassedontoWorcestershireLAforconsiderationintheallocationofschoolplaces.

When are decisions made?

For students resident in Worcestershire, the offer letters will be posted on 25th April 2011 via second class postage. They will be sent direct to parents, by the Pupil Admissions and Transfers Section, even if it is on behalf of the governing body of an Academy, Foundation or Voluntary Aided School, or a school in a neighbouring LA.

In the few cases, where it may not be possible to offer a place at any of the preferences nominated on the application form, a place will be offered at the nearest school with available places.

The offer letter will include an acceptance/decline slip which must be returned by the date specified in the offer letter.

ForstudentsnotresidentinWorcestershire,theofferorrefusalletterswillbesentdirecttoparentsbythehomeLA,evenifitisforaschoolinWorcestershire.

Admissions to schools during the year outside the normal round of Admissions

The procedure for in-year admissions for Worcestershire residents is as follows;

1) Parent/Carer to obtain an application form (CA1), if a resident in Worcestershire, from any of the following sources;

• Child’s current school (if in Worcestershire) • School being applied for (if in Worcestershire) • Worcestershire Hub Centre (Tel 01905 822700) • Download form from website (www.worcestershire.gov.uk).

2) Parent/Carer to complete the application form and ensure form is counter-signed by current Headteacher (if already attending a Worcestershire School).

3) The parent should then forward form onto their Home Authority Admissions Team to be processed.

4) The Home Local Authority will co-ordinate with any relevant admission authorities on behalf of the parent to determine which is the highest ranked offer that can be made.

5) The Home Local Authority will write to parents, on behalf of the relevant admission authority, normally within 10 school days, of the form being received to notify of the decision. Where it is not possible to offer a place, parents will be notified of the right of an appeal, on behalf of the relevant admission authority and in most cases, an alternative school will be offered.

6) If there are insufficient places for all applications received at a time, then priority will be decided in accordance with the published admissions criteria for the school.

TheparentsofstudentsresidentoutsideWorcestershire,butwhowishtoapplyforaplaceatanyWorcestershireschool,mustcompleteanapplicationformprovidedbythe“home”LA.(The“home”LAisdefinedastheLocalAuthorityrelevanttothechild’shomeaddress).The“home”LAwillensurethattheapplicationdetailsarepassedontoWorcestershireLAforconsiderationintheallocationofschoolplaces,the"home"LAwillnotifyofthedecision–seeitem4above).

Is there a waiting list for schools that have too many applicants?

Waiting lists for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools, are maintained by the Pupil Admissions and Transfers Section and are operated in line with the admissions criteria for the school. Parents must apply in writing direct to the Pupil Admissions and Transfers Section if they wish to put their son/daughter on a waiting list. Only on receipt of an acknowledgement slip from Pupil Admissions will that child be on the list. The LA will not accept application requests by telephone or via email.

If you wish your child to be on the waiting list for the next term you will need to confirm this in writing at the beginning of each term to:

Pupil Admissions and Transfers SectionChildren's Services DirectoratePO Box 73Worcester WR5 2YA

Application letters will be destroyed at the end of the preceding term so the waiting list is accurate and active.

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Blackminster Middle School

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