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Telephone (01625) 871811 Fax (01625) 874541 Head of School: Mrs S Adamson B.A.Hons
Dear Parents, Poynton High School and Performing Arts College is an 11-18 comprehensive school providing high quality education to the communities of Poynton, Disley, Adlington and Pott Shrigley. A large number of parents each year also choose to send their children to Poynton High School from further afield, and we welcome this widening community. With over 1620 students on roll including a sixth form of 300, our school is large and this allows us to offer a very wide range of subjects and opportunities beyond the classroom. We are proud of the high standards we achieve academically for young people of all abilities. We are equally proud of the way we help our young people grow into responsible and healthy adults. Through Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education, Drama, Dance, Music, P.E., a thriving House system, a caring and supportive Pastoral system and a wealth of clubs and activities, we seek to fulfil our mission statement: To value all our people and prepare them for their future lives. Poynton High School and Performing Arts College is consistently one of the highest achieving schools in Cheshire. Each year many of our students leave us to go to university to study medicine, veterinary science, law and the full range of degree courses. In 2007, seven Year 13 students gained places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Over the years we have developed excellent relationships with many higher education establishments. At the same time as helping our older students to achieve their full academic potential, we also encourage them to work in a variety of ways with younger students in the school. In this way we make the most of the opportunities offered by being an 11-18 educational community. We believe strongly in being fully involved in our community. As a member of the Poynton, Disley, Adlington and Pott Shrigley Association of Schools (the P.D.A.), we work closely with our partner primary, junior and infants schools to build curriculum and social links which help all our young people to make the transition from primary to secondary education successfully. We also have a large community links programme, in which our young people have the opportunity to work in the local community helping others and learning much themselves. A Work Experience programme for all of Year 10 is also a valuable opportunity to help students learn about the world of work.
Our status as a Specialist College for the Performing Arts is further enriching the community links we have with local schools, including three special schools, with universities, with the Health Service and Youth Service, with charities and with local arts groups. We were delighted to be redesignated a specialist college in 2007. The pastoral care of our students is a responsibility we take very seriously. To ensure each student is valued as an individual, our young people are welcomed into school by a senior teacher who takes on the Head of Year 7 role, specialising in ensuring a smooth transition to secondary school. Students stay with the same form tutor for Years 7 11 and their personal welfare is overseen by a team of Year Leaders and Pastoral Support Leaders during Years 8 -11. The Pastoral Support Leaders do not have a teaching commitment and they therefore ensure that parents can have personal contact with a member of staff at any point during a school day. The relationships developed in this way help us to know your children very well and to support them in making the most of the learning opportunities provided. A specialist team of staff working in the Sixth Form ensures that students receive the very best care and advice to help them prepare for their futures. Being an 11-18 school also helps us to attract high quality teachers who want the opportunity to teach across the whole age and ability range. We go to great lengths to appoint the best teachers, because we know how crucial that is. We aim to work with parents to bring out the best in all our young people. We have a commitment to keep parents informed of progress and always welcome contact from you. I hope this prospectus marks the first step in what will be a long and successful relationship between the school, your child and yourselves. I very much look forward to welcoming your child to our Poynton High School community. Yours faithfully,
Excellent use is made of a varied and extensive range of external speakers to supplement the tutorial and PSHCE programme. The pupils really appreciate the experience of these speakers and learn a great deal from the sessions. Ofsted 2004
CONTENTS
Page 1. - 3. 4. 5. - 7. Mission Statements on Learning, Leadership and Management. Arts College Status Organisation of the Curriculum Public Examinations / Examination Subjects - Year 11 & 13 Entry 2007 Careers Guidance and Education/Citizenship PSHCE / Work Related Learning Religious Education / Students with Special Educational Needs Complaints Procedure / Charges for School Activities Homework / School Policy Statements / Assessment and Reporting/Health & Safety Examination Performance / Pastoral Organisation Home School Agreement Discipline / Procedures for Attendance and Absence / Absence Rates 2006/2007 School Medical Facilities / School Meals School Uniform / School Dress Staff Contacts Local Authority Responsibility / Poynton, Disley, Adlington and Pott Shrigley Educational Community (PDA) / Transfer between Primary and Secondary Education PTA / The School and its Governing Body / Term Dates 2008-2009 Heart of the Community Centre of Excellence School in Action
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. - 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. - 19. 20. 21.
LEARNING
Learning enables individuals to change, to grow and to become independent. The school has a commitment to improving the quality of Learning by : preparing people for their futures by : encouraging thinking and reasoning instilling self confidence and self-esteem developing ICT skills encouraging life-long learning
recognising that individuals learn in different ways by : using a variety of learning and teaching styles changing the learning process according to need providing opportunities for success for all appreciating that learning is interactive being adaptable and flexible enthusing, challenging, stimulating and inspiring nurturing and supporting making learning fun and enjoyable understanding the learning process
checking the effectiveness of learning by : being clear about the learners starting point using a variety of assessment techniques using assessment data constructively seeking learner feedback encouraging self-evaluation
supporting the learning process by : ensuring a safe, well-resourced environment using the community to enhance learning creating an atmosphere which is conducive to learning having high expectations of all Learning is for all members of the school community
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LEADERSHIP
Leadership ensures the schools commitment to improving the quality of students learning by : developing a shared vision and evaluating progress; sustaining a culture which : respects and values all its members; is open and accessible; develops individuals and teams; challenges and motivates; listens and responds; sharing and communicating : a love for learning; an understanding of how people learn; the belief that learning never stops; actively engaging with the community by : encouraging and enabling community involvement by students and staff; welcoming the community into Poynton High School and Performing Arts College; developing business links; promoting the work and values of the P.D.A.; supporting the life of the community;
Leadership is not confined to a few people. It is a quality which is to be encouraged in all members of the school.
We are committed to working in partnership with parents and the wider community for the benefit of our students.
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MANAGEMENT
Management ensures the schools commitment to improving the quality of students learning by : deploying people, time and resources to : provide the highest quality learning and teaching; provide pastoral support for students and staff; monitor and evaluate the work of the school; ensure responsible behaviour; ensure a safe, secure and attractive environment; work with the community; using structures and systems which : are effective and efficient; define roles and responsibilities; define lines of support and accountability; ensure legal requirements are met; are simple and unbureaucratic; enable decisions to be taken at appropriate levels; use effective communication; providing value for money Management is not confined to a few people. It is exercised by all members of the school.
Students work with staff from Astra Zeneca on Year 10 Industry morning. The school has strong links with industry.
We are proud of our excellent examination results for students of all abilities.
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Students in Year 7 in September 2008 study either French or German. Parents who have a strong preference for their daughter or son to study one of these languages in particular should write to Miss. C. Holyland by the end of May 2008 in Year 6. We would always hope to meet such a preference, but cannot guarantee to do so, due to the availability of staffing. In September 2009, when these students enter Year 8 they will be able to choose a second language from either Spanish or German. They must therefore choose French in Year 7 in September 2008 if you wish this to be one of their September 2008 September 2009 chosen languages. Year 7 language choice Year 8 2nd language choice French German Page 5 Spanish or German Spanish
Our current options pattern in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) aims to guarantee a broad and balanced education for all, while maintaining the maximum level of choice consistent with this intention. It is currently possible to follow courses ranging from 5 to 10 GCSEs in total. In Year 10, most students will follow the GCSE in Science with the option of either GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Additional Applied Science in Year 11. These combinations are the equivalent of the Double Certificate GCSE. Some students may opt to take all 3 separate sciences - Physics, Biology, Chemistry. If separate sciences are selected they have to do all three (to meet National Curriculum requirements). A small group of students may find it beneficial to study a single GCSE in science over 2 years
Teaching, learning, behaviour and leadership and management are good, so that pupils, most of whom start with higher than average attainment, make good progress Ofsted 2004
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Years 12 - 13
The subjects available to study in Years 12 and 13 for 2007/2008 are : (The examination board is given in brackets.) A Level Courses (AS and A2) Art and Design (AQA) Biology (AQA) Business Studies (AQA) Chemistry (AQA) Computing (WJEC) Dance (AQA) Design and Technology (AQA) Drama (WJEC) Economics (OCR) English Language (AQA) English Literature (AQA) Food Technology (Edexcel) French (Edexcel) Further Mathematics (OCR) Geography (Edexcel) German (Edexcel) History (AQA) Mathematics (OCR) Media Studies (AQA) Applied A Levels Health and Social Care (AQA) Travel and Tourism (AQA) ICT (OCR) Music (OCR) Music Technology (Edexcel) Physical Education (OCR) Physics (OCR) Religious Studies (AQA) Sociology (AQA) Spanish (Edexcel) Textiles (Edexcel)
AS Level Course The following is only available at AS level: Psychology (AQA) Enrichment Programme The programme will include courses to assist students in developing their key skills and a variety of other courses and activities which complement Advanced Level studies and enhance their sixth form experience. Some of the courses may be certificated. Public Examinations At the end of Years 11, 12 and 13 students are entered for the GCSE and Advanced Level examinations for which they have prepared. Examination entry will be governed by educational value rather than financial restriction. The full cost of entry will be met by the Governors for students sitting the examinations on the schools recommendation. This does not apply to any resit examinations.
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First rate careers advice is available to all pre and post examination students
Citizenship
The Citizenship requirements of the National Curriculum are integrated into the whole school curriculum. Some aspects form part of the Tutorial Programme at Key Stages 3 and 4, whilst at Key Stage 4 elements are delivered through the Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education courses. At Key Stage 3 opportunities for the development of Citizenship education are provided within the schemes of work of the different subjects taught at this stage. Assemblies and other organised activities are used to enhance the provision for Citizenship education for all students. In the Sixth Form the Enrichment Programme provides students with a wide range of opportunities to participate in Citizenship activities. Page 8
Placements include nurseries, playgroups, primary schools, environmental tasks, working with the elderly, at the churchyard, charity shops, libraries or in school in a variety of roles. Throughout the year all students from Year 7 upwards are encouraged to take part in a variety of fundraising activities to support the community. Students aged 16+ years can enrol as Millennium Volunteers: a Government coordinated award which includes experiences as diverse as cheer-leading to sailing instruction. This allows Year 12 and 13 students to gain personal experience and prepare for university applications. In 2007 we were delighted to present such awards to 15 students.
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Religious Education
Religious Education at Poynton High School fulfils the requirements of the Education Reform Act. To this end the school implements the Cheshire County Agreed Syllabus as approved by the Local Education Authoritys SACRE. That Syllabus focuses on Christianity whilst taking account of other religious traditions in our multi-cultural society. We aim that our students will acquire knowledge of: (a) Christianity and other world religions (b) religious language and concepts (c) the problems of ethical issues develop skills by; (a) understanding, interpreting, analysing and applying information appropriately (b) listening (c) reading and writing explore attitudes and values by: (a) encouraging empathy through evaluation (b) examining peoples beliefs and behaviour (c) encouraging moral and spiritual development through continuity within the syllabus. Non-denominational assemblies are also a regular and valued part of the schools routine. Should you wish, you may ask for your son or daughter to be excused these activities. More detailed statements about the schools policy regarding Religious Education and Collective Worship (as required by the Education Reform Act 1988) are available from the Head of School.
Complaints Procedure
We always aim to resolve any areas of conflict between home and school through informal routes of open dialogue but there is a formal procedure for complaint which is available to parents. A document outlineing this procedure can be inspected at school and parents are requested to contact the Head of School if further information is required.
The school wishes to remit charges for residential trips where parents receive income support or family credit. The school does seek to receive voluntary contributions from parents. It will always make clear to parents by letter, before any activity, that any contribution is voluntary and that failure to contribute will not penalise a child. Staff will always seek in a sensitive and caring way to support students in families in receipt of family credit or income support. No students will be treated differently because of parental unwillingness or inability to pay. In case of difficulty, please consult the Head of School, the Deputy Head, Head of Year or Pastoral Support Leader.
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Homework
Homework is an integral part of the school curriculum from Year 7. Each curricular team has a homework policy which is based on the schools generic policy. Copies of this are held centrally and are available for parental access by contacting the Director of Curriculum and ICT. Each student has a homework timetable and school planner. There is a properly agreed procedure for its completion and it is counter-signed weekly by parents. We ask for the co-operation of parents in ensuring that time and facilities are available at home for study. Homework Club runs in school from Monday to Thursday, after school, in the Learning Resources Centre for the first 2 terms of the academic year.
Examination Performance
Poynton High School aims to develop in all of its students a sense of positive achievement through the encouragement of academic, sporting and social activities. One aspect of this is the importance we attach to examination success. A Level. In 2007 there were 135 candidates, equivalent to over 60% of the original Year 11 in 2005. These candidates achieved passes at A2 level, and AS level to count towards their UCAS score for university entrance. The average points score for each student leaving Year 13 was 300 in 2007 where A=120, B=100, C=80, D=60 and E=40 at A2 level and AS grades earn half these points. For A2 29.0% of grades were As, 51% A or B and 76.0% A, B, or C. The overall pass rate for A2 was 99.3%. GCSE. In 2007 76% of the Year 11 students achieved at least 5 GCSEs at Grades A* - C with 28% of all subjects taken being awarded grades A or A*. Impressive results are in evidence for students of all levels of ability and 100% of students gained at least five passes at Grade G or above. The school also has a link with Stockport College for vocational Work Based Learning courses. Courses currently allow students to achieve qualifications in Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Motor Vehicle Servicing and Repair. A more detailed breakdown of the examination results is enclosed with this prospectus.
Pastoral Organisation
We place great store on creating and maintaining the right relationships between students, staff and parents. Home and school share a vital responsibility to care for each individual student. We share a commitment to ensure academic progress, involvement in a wide variety of activities, exemplary behaviour and the development of good attitudes and personal qualities. Immediate responsibility for these aims lies in school with the Form Tutor. It is a responsibility he or she will keep until the student reaches the age of sixteen, and possibly for a further two years into the Sixth Form. The function of the Form Tutor is to act as a guide, philosopher and respected friend, to ensure that your child settles down quickly in new surroundings and to supervise progress. Overall responsibility for each year House competitions produce friendly rivalry and group is vested in a Head of Year. Currently we also achievement for all students have non-teaching Pastoral Support Leaders who work with Heads of Year to ensure high quality care for all individuals. There are specialist Sixth Form staff in Years 12 and 13 who provide support and counselling as students prepare to leave school. Parents should contact the relevant Head of Year or Pastoral Support Leaders initially in case of difficulty. The maintenance of the individual students record is the responsibility of the school. These are stored in school and are accessible to the parents by contacting the Head of School.
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After consultation with parents, students, staff, and governors, the school has produced a Home-School Agreement, which is printed in the students planner. We ask all students and parents to join us in signing the agreement as a commitment to working together to provide the best educational opportunities for each student. Parent-teacher consultation is essential: Parents Evenings will be held during the year and, in individual cases of concern or difficulty, meetings can be arranged by appointment with individual teachers, Heads of Year, Pastoral Support Leaders, the Deputy Head and the Head of School. There will be other occasions - at School Plays, Music Concerts or PTA functions for example - when we hope staff, parents and students can meet less formally.
Teachers are consistently very strong subject specialists with good communication skills, enjoying very good relationships with pupils. Ofsted 2004
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Signature(s) 2. Poynton High School and Performing Arts College The school will: * * * * * * * * * * care for your childs safety and well-being; respect your child as an individual and valued member of the school and community; teach students about taking responsibility for their own conduct; ensure high standards of behaviour in all members of the school community; by having high realistic expectations, ensure your child is able to achieve his or her full potential; provide a balanced curriculum; encourage full participation in school life; set, mark and monitor homework in line with school policy; keep you informed about general school matters and about your child in school by use of the student planner; be open and welcoming and offer opportunities for you to become involved in the life of the school.
Signatures Head of School 3. The Student I will: * * * * * * * * * attend school and arrive on time; bring all the equipment I need every day; be punctual to lessons; follow the school rules about behaviour; wear the school uniform correctly and be tidy in appearance; do schoolwork and homework as well as I can; respect all members of the school community; respect school property and the environment; accept responsibility for my own conduct. Form Tutor
Signature
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Discipline
All staff will support the form teacher by reinforcing the schools expectations of student behaviour. These expectations are clear and documented in written form for parents and students. Copies are available from the Head of School. They are based on honesty, respect (for people and property), self-discipline, courtesy and understanding the needs of others. It is also expected that students will take pride in themselves and in their school and show this pride in their relationships with others and in their behaviour in and out of school. Where students fail to meet the expected standards of behaviour, correction and punishment may be necessary. Form teachers and subject teachers may use their own punishments, including periods of isolation and detentions (twenty-four hours notice is given to parents if a student is to be kept late in school). More severe sanctions include fixed term exclusions, though these are used sparingly and under the formula agreed by Cheshire County Council. In all cases of serious breach of discipline parents are informed, and it is hoped that home and school will work together constructively and reasonably to put the matter right.
School Meals
The hours worked by the Kitchen Staff are largely determined by the number of students taking the school meal so it will be necessary for parents to choose which of the three alternatives suits them best: home lunch, packed lunch or school meal. Please note - children can have a cooked meal without prior notice. The school meal is served in a cafeteria style, where each student can opt for a meal or snack of their own choice and pay in cash at the till. We currently have three service points. Healthy Eating Bar comprising of jacket potatoes with various fillings, pasta with sauce, pizza and a salad bar Food to Go Bar serving assorted sandwiches, baguettes, bagels and rolls and hot filled sandwiches, burgers, hot paninis. Main Serving offering various hot meals, including two homemade dishes each day. All service points have fruit, cakes, yoghurts and drinks available. Students should be able to purchase a two course lunch with drink for under 2.00. A smart bag meal which can be ordered earlier in the day is also available. Snacks can be purchased too. The school operates a Healthy Eating policy with 1 fried foods only per week. It may be that some parents will wish their child to bring a packed lunch. These are eaten in a prescribed area at a time to be arranged by the staff. Parents who wish their child to go home for lunch must inform the Form Tutor in writing. If you feel that your child may be entitled to a free meal, please contact the District Education Officer, County Offices, Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 lPU for further information. (Telephone 01625 534766)
The contribution the school makes to the health and well-being of pupils is good, with many outstanding features. Ofsted Health Education Inspection 2005
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School Uniform
The recommended items of clothing for students starting school in September 2008 are as follows: FEMALE STUDENTS
Navy School skirt (Straight, mini or skirts with splits are not acceptable) Charcoal grey or black trousers Girls trousers, available from Poynton School Uniform, should be loose-fitting, plain and of a school style WINTER Plain white cotton school style shirt with collar. Aertex or sports shirts are not acceptable. School tie Navy jumper with badge SUMMER TERM White polo shirt with school crest (compulsory) White or dark plain socks, navy, black or neutral plain tights. Sensible flat dark coloured shoes Training shoes are not acceptable Charcoal grey or black trousers Cord, canvas or flecked/patterned materials are not acceptable WINTER Plain white cotton shirt with collar. Aertex or sports shirts are not acceptable. School tie Navy jumper with badge SUMMER TERM White polo shirt with school crest (compulsory) Dark, plain socks Sensible flat dark coloured shoes Training shoes are not acceptable
MALE STUDENTS
In terms of jewellery, only a watch and a single pair of stud earrings will be permitted
A parents note is necessary for a student to be excused Physical Education and a Doctors note if a student has to be excused on several occasions. Pierced ears are not an acceptable reason for a student being excused physical education; indeed, due to the risk of infection, we recommend that this should not be carried out during term time. We cannot accept responsibility for any damage caused to students who are wearing sleepers immediately after having their ears pierced. Performing Arts Kit Special design unisex navy blue T-shirt and/or vest top (as an option for girls). School tracksuit bottoms / navy tracksuit bottoms / stretchy bootleg style trousers. Uniform Stockists for all items of school clothing are: Mrs A Taylor, P.S.U., Telephone: 01625 876885 [Mrs Taylor may be contacted through Poynton High School] F R Monkhouse, The Shopping Centre, Cheadle Hulme. Telephone: 0161 485 5009 Page 18
School Dress
In the matter of school dress, we try at all times to be practical and reasonable and to recommend clothing that boys and girls will like to wear. The co-operation of parents in helping us to set and to maintain high standards of dress and appearance is very much appreciated. A policy statement on uniform is available from school on request. We would like to point out that we cannot be held responsible for any jewellery that is worn to school and subsequently lost or misplaced in some way or another. Watches and a single pair of small stud earrings are permitted. Rings, necklaces, large earrings, studs of any other kind etc. should not be worn. Make-up should not be worn. Suitable bags will be needed for carrying books and sports equipment. Please ensure that all items of clothing and equipment are clearly and indelibly named. Students in years 7-11 must not bring any personal electronic items into school eg. mp3/4, i-pods etc. Mobile phones are not to be used during the school day, except at break or lunchtimes. The school accepts no responsibility for loss or theft of these. No photographic equipment of any kind may be used on site without permission. Any abuse of the above will result in confiscation of equipment.
Winning Competitions
Links with parents are very good and with the wider community are excellent, a great strength of the school. Ofsted 2004
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Staff Contacts
Should there be any queries or problems, contact should be made through the Head of Department, Head of Year or Pastoral Support Leader. A list of relevant staff for 2007/8 is as follows: Head of School Deputy Head Mrs S Adamson Mr T Webster Director of Learning & Assessment Mr R White Director of Sixth Form Mr M Dean Director of Curriculum and ICT Director of Student Welfare Director of Inclusion Director of Arts College Director of Business and Finance English Humanities (History, Geography, RE) Psychology, Sociology) Mr R Hardman Miss S OLoughlin Performing Arts Physical Education Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry) Technology PSHCE Learning Support Mathematics Miss W Ryder Modern Languages Mrs J Barker (French, German, Spanish) Careers/Vocational Education Marketing Arts College Community Officer Administration Officer/ Personnel Examinations Officer Student Services Officer Mr M Powell Mr C Williams Nurse Mrs C Statham Medical Care Co-ordinator Learning Resources Manager Mrs C Cooper Site Manager Mrs L Hardie Mr D Berwick Mrs J Peacock ICT Strategy Manager ICT Technician Mrs C M Aldridge Miss C Holyland Mr K Taylor Mrs C Kennedy Mrs G Brunt Mrs C A Kennedy Mr J Thompson Mrs S Motley Mr V Ryan Mrs A Thomson Mr K Taylor Mrs L Howlett Mr S Slade Mrs C Roper Mr D Delaney Mr M Heath
Heads of Year for the Academic Year commencing September 2007 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Miss C Holyland Mr D Thomson Mrs A Thomson Mr S Williams Mrs S Jackson Head of Year 12 Head of Year 13 Mrs V Gilmore Mr C Watson
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The Poynton, Disley, Adlington & Pott Shrigley Educational Community (PDA)
Poynton High School and its partner Primary Schools in Poynton, Disley, Adlington and Pott Shrigley, have been working together to ensure that the high quality of education within this community is maintained. Our belief is that all the schools within the PDA community are good schools and that we shall develop together. We have agreed to share our facilities, expertise, values, opinions and experiences for mutual benefit. The group is ensuring the curriculum is organised so that there is a smooth progression throughout all years of schooling - from age 4 to age 18.
Year 6 at Menai
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Tuesday 2nd September 2008 has been designated as the usual INSET/preparation day at the beginning of the school year leaving four further INSET days to be allocated.
Poynton High School Staff and its Governors have taken care to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate at the date of publication September 2007.
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POYNTON HIGH SCHOOL AND PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE Heart of the Community
Poynton High Schools Community Programme centres around:
THE YOUNG AT HEART Age Concern Befriending elderly people Computer training at PHS and Poynton Library Dog Walking Helping elderly people at Parklands Helping Open Hands Home visits for shopping and gardening Visiting the elderly at Parklands
THE YOUNG Drama workshops in Primary Schools Friends for Leisure The Entertainers - teaching young children circus and music skills Poynton Library - helping adults with computer skills Sports workshops in primary schools Taking youngsters for a walk to give parents a rest Teaching youngsters to play chess Visits to Playgroups and Nurseries Visiting parents to help with babies and toddlers Summer project at The Royal Schools for the Deaf - Sports and Arts. In Class support
THE DISABLED Contacts include students helping handicapped/disadvantaged children at home Helping at Granville Lodge, Stockport CP Performing Arts work with two Special Schools
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THE PTA An association which is very important to school All parents are automatically members Contributes funds for special projects in school Holds several social and fund raising events each year
THE ENVIRONMENT Alms Houses - bulb planting The Brick Works, Higher Poynton pond digging Coppice Woodland Maintenance Contacts with Macclesfield Rangers include Holehouse Lane, Adlington Footpath management Grass raking Lindow Common, Wilmslow Gorse Bashing Bank Renewal Middlewood Way Drainage Clearance Path Clearance Playground Improvements Design of murals at Nelson Pit Maintenance of area around St. Georges Church
THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY Many and varied links with the local business community Students receive the Paul Harris Rotary Club Award for their community work
APPEALS Breakthrough for Breast Cancer Children in Need Christies Hospital Children with Leukemia Comic Relief Debra Diabetes Association Francis House Childrens Hospice Lifeshare - helping Manchesters Homeless Macmillan Cancer Relief Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal Meningitis Trust Oxfam Operation Christmas Child Red Cross Unicef Well Spring Kitchen, Stockport Wish Upon a Star Water Aid
IN SCHOOL Years 11/12/13 students help with: Art Careers Dance Drama In Class Support I.C.T. Marketing Media Music PE Science Technology
MILLENNIUM VOLUNTEERS/STOCKPORT COMMUNITY ACTION Students Volunteer for: Stepping Hill Hospital 1:2:1 Peer Counselling Cheer leading Brownies/Guides Air Cadets CADS Riding for the Disabled Friends for Leisure Buddy Reading
The overall impact of Performing Arts College status is very beneficial, improving provision and giving the school well-deserved prominence both locally and nationally Ofsted 2004
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Information Technology facilities include: 350 computers, mainly PCs for use across the curriculum. School-wide network linking 7 ICT rooms with the Library and Careers room. Specialist computer rooms for Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, Business Studies, Modern Foreign Languages, Learning Support, and Technology. Internet access across the network with each student having an e-mail account. 10meg Broadband Connection. A Video-editing Suite for Media Studies students. A classroom equipped with facilities for teaching computer control. The Learning Resources Centre Computer-aided design, and computerised music facilities. Flat-bed scanner, digital cameras and interactive whiteboards. Specialist software allowing 6th Form students to use a modern integrated development environment. Fully equipped, air conditioned Learning Resources Centre. Upgraded, air conditioned ICT suites.
The Business Education Department has a suite of purpose designed rooms located in the Sixth Form Centre. The rooms have a variety of equipment, including one room containing a complete suite of IBM compatible computers, all of which are linked to the school network. We have a Music Suite with 4 practice rooms, sequencing studio, two recording studios, an A level suite, two classrooms with PCs and keyboards and one classroom with keyboards. For Drama and Dance productions we have a purpose built dance studio with sprung floor, drama studio, hall theatre for performances with tiered seating and stage with lighting facilities, and a creative activities room. Sporting facilities are excellent with Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Squash Courts, Multi-gym, Dance Studio, Porous Pitch, Tennis Courts, Netball Courts and a large grassed area with Football and Rugby pitches and Cricket Wicket. Applied G.C.E. Courses have a dedicated room with networked computers. Humanities have an air conditioned computer room, with flat screen monitors, and interactive whiteboard connected to the network and the Internet Other facilities include: A fully equipped hi-tech Resources Room with photocopiers, offset printers, video recorders, camcorders, digital cameras, laser printer, book binders and collator. Technical staff are available for consultation. Two minibuses. Staffed and equipped Medical Room. Sixth Form Block with Common Room and specialist rooms such as a newly equipped Language Laboratory.
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Any student can learn a musical instrument - most instruments and voice are taught. We hold regular and varied concerts. Other activities the school has to offer are:
Adventure Holiday to France and Italy Art Clubs Biology Field trips to Menai Buddy Reading (Years 7 and 12) Chemistry Club Computer Clubs Cookery Competitions Creative Writing Club Dance Choreography Competition Dance Clubs Years 7 - 13 Dance Performances (School and UK) Dance Theatre Visits Debating Competition Design Club Drama and Dance Residential Trips Drama Club Years 7 - 9 Drama Performances Drama Rehearsals Year 10 - 13 Drama Theatre Trips Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for selected students. Face Up (Lower School) and Under Current (Upper School) C.U. First Base and Base Boys Dance Groups Foreign Exchanges to France, Germany and Spain Friends For Leisure Drama Group Games Clubs Geography Field trips to Snowdonia, Lake District, Peak District Gravitate Dance Company History visits to Dublin, France, Belgium, London, Russia Homework Clubs Millennium Volunteers Mock Trial Musical Theatre Club One 2 One Counselling Performing Arts Projects with Special Schools Reading Groups (Upper/Lower school) RE visits to places of worship Residential Courses Students Councils Superspell Club (Year 7 and 8) Travel & Tourism/Business Studies trip to Disneyland, Paris UKMT - Mathematics Challenge: Junior, Intermediate & Senior Works Experience (Years 10 and 12) Workshops with professional artists in Dance, Music and Drama Young Enterprise
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