Dear Parents, students and future students,

I am delighted to welcome you to the Baverstock School website. Choosing a Secondary School is a very important decision and this website, together with any visits you make to the school should give you a real idea of how the school works.

Baverstock is a successful and well thought of school. We had an OFSTED Inspection in 2003 and as they noted:

‘Pupils enjoy what the school has to offer them. They work hard in nearly all lessons and want to do well; attitudes towards work are good.’

We are committed to working closely with the local community to provide an excellent education for the young people of the area. Our role as a Specialist Sports College means that we can offer an unrivalled selection of opportunities in sport. However, we are equally proud of our ‘Artsmark’ Gold Award and of our quality in subjects as varied as History, RE and English. Whatever the talent, ability or aptitude of your child we will be aiming to find the right key to unlock it and allow them to reach their full potential.

At Baverstock we believe that the heart of the school is the quality of what goes on in the classroom. We are concentrating on this and using the latest ideas to ensure that each and every child is able to grow and develop. Learning at Baverstock will be exciting, challenging, motivating and fun. There are high expectations of pupils but also a well structured, orderly and safe environment in which they can learn. Great emphasis is put on care for the individual and promoting a tolerant and supportive community.

As an 11-19 school Baverstock is in a very strong position to support every one of our students throughout the transition from child to adult. The school will enable them to prepare properly for life in the 21st Century and to take an active part in our fast moving, modern and diverse society.

The work in the classroom is supported by a wide range of activities - in sport of course but also in much more.In all the work that we do we will aim for excellence, we will take great care of the needs of individuals and groups and will work in partnership with students, parents and the wider community.

Baverstock is a very special place - I feel privileged to be its Headteacher. I very much hope that you will want to join us and look forward to getting to know you and to working with you to support each young person in realising their potential and fulfilling their dreams.

Yours sincerely

Curriculum aims

The Governing Body endorses the curriculum aims outlined in the Government's "The School Curriculum" document which stated that the curriculum should:

• help pupils to develop lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks and physical skills;
• help pupils to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment in a fast changing world;
• help pupils to use language and number effectively;
• instil respect for religious and moral values and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life;
• help pupils to understand the world in which they live and the interdependence of individual groups and nations;
• help pupils to appreciate human achievements and aspirations;
• work co-operatively, being provide with an opportunity to share responsibility for their own and other people's learning.

Years 7-9 Key Stage 3

A great deal of what is taught in schools today is prescribed through the National Curriculum. During National curriculum Years 7-9 pupils study a broad and balanced curriculum that will include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, Art, Drama, Physical Education, Religious Education, Citizenship and at least one modern foreign language which, at Baverstock, comprises French or German. Technology also provides a vital part of the curriculum and includes aspects of Design, Food, Textiles, RMT and Graphics. The timetable is designed with the flexibility that allows departments to teach either mixed ability groups or for pupils to be placed in sets according to ability and need. This interchangeable framework allows teachers and departments to operate and adjust their learning environment as they so wish in the best interests of each individual child. During the Spring Term of Year 9, pupils and parents discuss with staff, subjects to be studied at examination level over the next two years. We are looking to provide and guide our youngsters through both vocational and academic pathways that will best prepare them for adult life and suit their individual strengths and needs.

Years 10-11 Key Stage 4

The majority of subjects studied in National Curriculum Years 10 and 11 are examined at the end of Year 11 by a variety of nationally accepted and accredited Examination Boards or Bodies. As part of our ongoing procedures, staff are continually exploring the new syllabuses and courses on offer to seek and secure the best possible outcome for our pupils. The school policy is to expect all pupils to be entered for examinations appropriate to their needs and abilities. As well as the examinable courses studied during these two years, pupils also follow programmes of study in Physical Education, Careers, Social Education, Citizenship, Religious Education and Information Technology.

Years 12-13 College