PROSPECTUS - Bishop Fox's High Standards & High Expectations - Bishop Fox's School
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Bishop Fox’s High Standards & High Expectations PROSPECTUS
2
“The Headteacher provides a
sense of continuity and cohesion
for staff and students whilst
simultaneously preparing to
move the school on to the next
stage of it’s development”
Ofsted 2017
Welcome to our school
A message from Ms Kerry Tonkin,
The Headteacher
It is my very great pleasure to
welcome you to Bishop Fox’s School.
At Bishop Fox’s School our ethos of high standards and high Our academic results have seen tremendous improvement in
expectations underpins everything that we do. We work hard recent years and place us in the top ten performing secondary
to create a caring and challenging learning environment in schools in Somerset and the top 20% of schools nationally. It is
which each individual can strive, enjoy and achieve. As the our responsibility to enable our students to have every
Headteacher I hold a strong belief in the power of education opportunity to achieve their full potential and be at the
to change children’s lives and the right of every child to receive forefront in shaping the world of tomorrow.
an excellent education.
We welcome into our school community the parents of
We are dedicated to building opportunities for our students students who want to learn, experience and grow into
to achieve the highest academic standards, ensuring that they informed, high achieving, well-rounded and delightful young
are known as individuals and that their unique personality, people. A strong partnership between parents and the school
talents and interests are nurtured and developed to the full. is vital in enabling children to achieve success.
Bishop Fox’s School is a place for students to make new friends Please contact the school if you would like to pay us a visit and
and to enjoy many shared experiences together. We embrace discover more about what we have to offer.
the notion that young people should enjoy and achieve in their
time at school. Whilst examination results are critical to Kerry Tonkin
children’s future lives, so is a safe and happy environment within Headteacher
which they can enjoy the opportunities and experiences
beyond the classroom that nurtures them to become
independent learners and responsible adults.
4
“The school’s work to
improve the quality of
teaching, learning and
assessment is having a
positive impact”
Ofsted 2017
Why choose Bishop Fox’s?
DEPUTY HEADTEACHER The opportunities are absolutely fantastic.You PARENT
Bishop Fox’s is an attractive and welcoming can go to Disneyland Paris, ski in Colorado, Why choose Fox’s? - As a parent of two
school. We work hard and enjoy the many visit a West End musical in London or have the students at Bishop Fox’s, I believe the school
successes of our students. We are committed opportunity to go on many other amazing offers a caring and supportive environment,
to developing the talents and interests of all trips. You can join lots of different clubs in PE, where children feel happy and confident to
our young people. dance, media, drama, music and loads more. learn. All children are offered numerous
opportunities to develop a variety of skills
Our students tell us that they enjoy school KEY STAGE 4 STUDENT allowing them to become independent
and they appreciate the care and attention Like every Year 6 student, I had many learners. The school encourages the children
they are given. Students respond to the many apprehensions about coming to secondary to set themselves high standards in all that they
challenges and opportunities we present. The school, however we were all helped by do, whilst guiding them to achieve their full
history of the school encourages us to aspire teachers, support staff, buddies and prefects potential.
to the highest possible standards and we are who made us feel really welcome and we soon
confident in our ability to deliver these. Bishop settled in. It was exciting to find our way As a parent there are many opportunities to
Fox’s is a thriving, constantly evolving school. around a new school and do lots of subjects meet with staff at the school through Academic
Challenge, opportunity, achievement and with many different teachers, it helped me Tutoring, regular reports, parent’s evenings and
enjoyment are the key words I would use to make lots of new friends right from the start. though attending various school events
sum up what helps to make Bishop Fox’s an throughout the calendar. We are encouraged
excellent school. Bishop Fox’s is a really friendly school which to communicate with our children’s form tutor
truly cares for and values the students within or Head of Year if we have any questions or
TEACHER it. Students with different talents are catered concerns, it feels like a true home-school
Bishop Fox’s gives young people the for with a wide variety of clubs and teams to partnership.
opportunities to achieve in and enjoy a join. All achievements are recognised and
tremendous range of academic, sporting and students are given many opportunities to get
musical activities, both in school and in all of involved throughout the five years.
the extra-curricular activities offered. We
actively encourage all students to achieve their SCHOOL GOVERNOR
full potential in all activities, as both individuals The mission statement for the school states
and team members, in preparation for their Bishop Fox’s is committed to providing high
future studies and careers. standards and high expectations. This is well
demonstrated by the level of commitment to
This is a great place to work and we all really nurture and challenge all members of the
strive to make a difference to children’s lives. school community. The students take a pride
in their school and are very supportive of each
KEY STAGE 3 STUDENT other.
There are many reasons why I chose Bishop
Fox’s as my secondary school. There are The school is well situated with excellent
exciting and interesting lessons with really facilities. Lessons are both stimulating as well
supportive members of staff who help us learn as challenging, and the staff at the school make
and inspire us to achieve our very best. every effort for students to achieve their very
best.
6
“Most students are working and
achieving well and are on course to
meet the appropriately demanding
targets the school has set”
Ofsted 2017
OFSTED
“Bishop Fox’s is a good school”
OFSTED 2017
Following an Ofsted inspection in
February 2017, Bishop Fox’s has
been judged to have maintained a
good quality of education in the
school.
The report reads positively including: “We know that Bishop Fox’s is a good school, and in
many ways better than good, and I am pleased that
“Students successes are celebrated, they enjoy their the Ofsted inspection team found sufficient evidence
lessons and they make good progress”. to agree with this judgement.
“Most students are working and achieving well and We have worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for
are on course to meet the appropriately demanding our students over many years and also to offer a
targets the school has set”. broad range of experiences within and beyond the
classroom. The culture of high standards and high
“The most able students are challenged expectations underpins everything that we do.
appropriately and make the progress they should”.
As the Headteacher I was encouraged by the
It was reported that Kerry Tonkin, the new tremendous support that the school has within our
Headteacher from January 2017, has provided a local community – comments received from staff,
sense of continuity and cohesion for staff and governors, parents and students were wholly
students while simultaneously preparing to move the positive. It was heartening to hear in the feedback
school on to the next stage of its development. from the lead inspector that he thought that we had
all of the ingredients to be outstanding in the future”.
8 “Students behave
well around the
school and in
lessons”
Ofsted 2017
Our values and vision
SCHOOL’S MISSION STATEMENT
“High Standards and High Expectations”
SCHOOL AIMS
“Creating a caring and challenging learning environment in
which each individual can strive, enjoy and achieve.”
Our school is driven SCHOOL VALUES SCHOOL’S FIVE YEAR GOALS
by an agreed set of
Within our school and local As a school we are mindful of the
community we believe that: need to ensure that school
core values which
improvement impacts on teaching,
• The needs of students are
learning and student achievement.
are shared by all
foremost
Our five year goals are to:
• Every individual is special
• Deliver outstanding value added
members of our • Success is built upon high self- performance at both key stages
community. Similarly,
esteem
• Offer a broad range of extra-
• All achievement is valued curricular provision in the seven
we have a clear • There should be unconditional
fields of human experience which
mission statement
allows each individual to find their
positive regard for all
niche
• Only one’s best is good enough
and an agreed set of • We are committed to nurture
• Help students to become
independent learners
five year goals which and challenge all members of our
• Help deliver high self-esteem for
provide the clear
school community
each individual
• Respect is a right and a
• Challenge all members of the
direction for what responsibility
community to work outside their
• Equality of opportunity is a
we are trying to
comfort zone
fundamental right
• Engender a values system based on
achieve for all of our • The climate for learning should a concern for others
students.
be wholly positive
• Support progression into
• Learning is a lifelong process education and training
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“A real strength of the
school is the positive
ethos and the calm and
purposeful manner in
which the students
approach school life”
Ofsted 2013The Curriculum
ENGLISH / LITERACY MATHS / NUMERACY
English is the foundation for success for Our aim is to develop an impressive evidence, the true scientific approach
all subjects. The course offers students a knowledge and understanding of which often leads to the unexpected!
broad and challenging study of texts Mathematics in young people.
through the ages. In KS3 students delve “The important thing in Science is not so
into Animal Farm, Of Mice and Men and Students are organised into sets early in much to obtain new facts as to discover
WW1 letters. Students will also secure Year 7 and targets are set, against which new ways of thinking about them”
their knowledge of grammar and individual progress is closely monitored. (William Henry Bragg, Nobel Prize in
punctuation accuracy. An increasing amount of work is available Physics)
to students through the school internet
In KS4 the focus turns to the set texts for with a range of materials, challenges and A broad Science education at Key Stage 3
their AQA exams. Students study An self-assessment tests available. with impressive outcomes is a useful
Inspector Calls, Macbeth, A Christmas preparation for greater choice and
Carol and we explore an anthology of SCIENCE specialism at Key Stage 4.
poems. In total the students sit four Science is a subject which allows students
exams: two for language and two for to discover, wonder and make clear At Key Stage 4 students study GCSE
literature. Exam skills are embedded connections with the world around them. Science.Within the GCSE course students
through the schemes of learning so We aim to provide opportunities for either follow the three separate science
students feel prepared and confident students to develop their natural courses of Biology, Chemistry, Physics
sitting their external exams. curiosity and explore Science with an (known as ‘Triple Science’) or follow
enquiry based approach. Learning in Combined Science (known as ‘Double
Science allows students to test their ideas Science’). Outcomes have been equally
and support them with data and successful in recent years, especially for
Triple Science with 55% of students
achieving A/A* grades in 2016.12
“The supportive nature of
the school has resulted in
students attendance rates
being above the national
average”
Ofsted 2017The Curriculum
HUMANITIES: MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
GEOGRAPHY / HISTORY / RELIGIOUS Modern Foreign Languages at Bishop media sectors. The three year course
EDUCATION Fox’s involve French and Spanish which consists of two core units, one of which is
At both Key Stages, students study are offered at both Key Stages. an exam and two optional specialist units.
History, Geography and R.E. as separate
subjects. Teaching and Learning is active, fun and BUSINESS
engaging. It is characterised by students As a school specialising in Business &
Increasingly, we adopt an enquiry based being expected to take responsibility for Enterprise, we are committed to
approach to learning and compliment their own learning and that of others. preparing our students for the world of
class-based work with field trips, both Regular visits to Europe are part of the work.
locally and abroad. provision in languages as well as “events”
such as the French Café. We offer courses at Key Stage 4 in
Students are expected to gain knowledge Business Studies and a wealth of other
and understanding in order to form COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY enterprise related opportunities.We offer
opinions and actively engage in the issues Discreet Computer Science/IT lessons both GCSE and BTEC options and also
of today. These include global warming, are taught in Key Stage 3 and students BTEC Health & Social Care.
political structures and systems, and choose from a range of options available
religion as a source of community in Computer Science/IT at Key Stage 4. All students engage in “Curriculum
cohesion and conflict. Immersion Days” each term where the
The IT provision in school is outstanding timetable is suspended and “Business
A range of field trips are offered to with over 250 Windows PCs and laptops, Challenge” becomes the order of the day.
students which currently include Dawlish and 50 Apple Macs all available for Students work alongside local business
Warren, Lyme Regis, Holford River, Big student use. people and are encouraged to take risks,
Pit, Buckfast Abbey and Bristol. be enterprising, work collaboratively and
All classrooms have interactive pursue competitive goals. We also offer a
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY whiteboard technology and standards of range of enterprise schemes such as
“Tremendous facilities and great choice” attainment at both Key Stages are ‘Dragons Den’ and ‘Tenner Tycoon’.
characterises provision in Design and impressive and well above national
Technology. This area of the curriculum averages.
is particularly well served with its own
suite of computers, CAD/CAM MEDIA
technology and widespread specialist and The BTEC First Award in Creative Digital
refurbished accommodation. Media Production qualification is designed
to inspire and enthuse learners to
Students experience the full range of consider a career in the creative digital
technology options at both Key Stages industries. It provides learners with the
including Resistant Materials, Graphics, opportunity to gain a broad
Textiles Technology as well as Food and understanding and knowledge and to
Nutrition. develop skills across the creative digital14
“The school is working hard to
ensure that disadvantaged
students maximise their potential”
Ofsted 2017Performing Arts We offer a huge variety of performing arts opportunities to all of our students, from taking centre stage to working behind the scenes. Our productions range from musical extravaganzas and annual dance shows to stage adaptions of productions such as Matilda, DNA and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Students are involved in every aspect of putting productions together, including light and sound management, make up and costume, set design, acting, singing, dancing or playing an instrument. Performing arts is a subject that is accessible to all students and helps to build confidence, work collaboratively, be creative, imaginative and inspirational young leaders. We have great spaces for our students to develop the creativity including a theatre seating over 120 people, a drama studio, a dance hall and fully equipped music rooms. At Key Stage 3 students are taught Art, Music, Dance and Drama as separate subjects and all four of these subjects are highly successful options in Key Stage 4.
16
“The extra curricular
provision offered by the
school is outstanding in
terms of both the range
of activities offered and
the quality”
(Parent of Year 9 student)Sport Provision is extensive for those who simply wish to participate and those at the “elite” end of performance. The full range of sports is taught at Key Stage 3 and 4. This includes football, rugby, basketball, hockey and netball, supplemented by cricket, tennis and athletics in the summer months. Teams represent the school in all these major sports in competition with other local schools and across the South West Region. At Key Stage 4 we offer qualifications in GCSE PE as well as BTEC, where results are outstanding. Half and full colours are awarded in recognition of excellence in this field. Sports Day is an important annual event in the school calendar. It provides an exciting opportunity for students to compete for their tutor groups and aim to beat some longstanding athletic track and field records. Participation rates are high and students are encouraged to cheer on their team members in the afternoon.
18
“Students have
good reading skills
and read widely”
Ofsted 2013Extra curricular provision Learning beyond the classroom is an essential ingredient of any successful school. Our attitude is that in providing a wide range of extra-curricular provision we hope to unearth the interest and passion of every one of our students. We offer a bi-annual summer activities programme in which all students participate. Choice of activities including visits to Spain for a watersports holiday, a trip to Disneyland in Paris, a cultural trip to Manchester, visits to West End shows and galleries as well as art and sporting opportunities based in and around school. During the year, the school timetable is suspended for “Curriculum Immersion Days” where students engage in entrepreneurial, risk taking, experimental activities working alongside staff and local businesses. Each day a programme of lunchtime and after school activities are available. At the present time, these include the provision of clubs in all the major sports, music, dance, drama, chess and philosophy to name but a few.
20
“The most able students are
challenged appropriately and
make the progress they
should”
Ofsted 2017Teaching & Learning At Bishop Fox’s School, “high expectations and high standards” of teaching, learning, behaviour and respect for each other lies at the heart of much of what we do.We believe that ensuring the highest expectations and standards of teaching is the best way to enthuse our students and help them achieve their full potential. Therefore our approach to teaching and learning is that it must be tailored to the individual as much as possible through a balance of academic challenge, support for the individual and a stimulating curriculum. We aim to create both an exciting learning environment, where each individual can strive, enjoy and achieve, and also a challenging learning environment which supports excellent progress for all students. One where our teachers strive to create independent, articulate thinkers and learners who have the confidence to achieve their ambitions. At Bishop Fox’s School, we also recognise that learning is everybody’s responsibility, and believe that parents can make a huge difference to their child’s learning by showing an interest, asking questions, offering positive praise, and irrespective of their own confidence in the subject matter, focusing on the effort and strategies used by their child in their learning. We encourage you to take an active interest in how your child plans and works out how to go about tasks, solve problems and carry out their plans to the desired outcome or conclusion.
22
“The school is continuing
to develop a culture of
High Standards & High
Expectations”
Ofsted 2017Bishop Fox’s & the Community
Bishop Fox’s believe it is important to be in the heart of the
community and as such is an outward looking School looking for
opportunities to work with and for the local community.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS WORK EXPERIENCE LOCAL UNIVERSITIES
Bishop Fox’s has strong links with the Bishop Fox’s is one of only a few We have strong links and arrange visits
local primary schools – we run a schools that offer Work Experience to a range of local universities. We
range of different curriculum to all students in Year 10. Students also run the Brilliant Club where
opportunities for our local schools work in a range of local settings and students in Year 9 work with PHD
which include: enjoy the opportunity to experience students to produce a university-
what the world beyond Year 11 will standard report and have the
· Business and Enterprise challenge look like. opportunity to visit Russell Group
day for Year 5 universities.
LOCAL COLLEGES
· Science day for more able Year Bishop Fox’s has close links with all LOCAL BUSINESS
5 students the local colleges. We run careers We have a strong Business and
· Sports festivals throughout the year days at both Bridgwater and Taunton Enterprise focus and work in
College and Richard Huish College. A partnership with the a range of local
· Drama and Dance workshops wide range of talks, presentations and business to enhance the education of
workshops run throughout the our students. The school is a member
· Language days
school year. Year 9 students can also of the Chamber of Commerce and
spend a week in summer school at run a range of joint events with them.
The aim is to make the transition from
Bridgwater and Taunton College.They
primary to secondary as smooth as
also run motor vehicle and hair and POST 16
possible and to offer our specialist
beauty vocational course’s for Year 10 We have a proud tradition of ensuring
curriculum and facilities to our local
and 11 students. all our students make positive
primary students.
transitions from Bishop Fox’s. Over
90% choose to attend Richard Huish
College, or Bridgwater and Taunton
College choosing a range of academic
and vocational options. The remaining
students choose apprenticeships or go
direct in to the world of work.24 “The school has a clear focus on supporting students
who are vulnerable or anxious, thus allowing them
to play a full part in the richness of life at school”
Ofsted 2017The Most Able As a school, we believe that excellent provision for the most able students benefits all students. Therefore, we will identify the most able students so that they themselves and their teachers understand the extent to which they can achieve. Identification comes through analysis of KS2 results, CATS scores and faculty registers which themselves have criteria in terms of knowledge, understanding and skill levels. We seek to create a climate of independence where students think, seek out responsibility and challenge themselves and each other. We provide opportunities inside and outside of the curriculum and we monitor students’ progress whilst evaluating our own interventions and their effectiveness.
26
“Safeguarding is effective, secure and forms
a strong part of the school’s culture”
Ofsted 2017Additional needs
Some students will inevitably require enjoy their time at school, make good DISABILITY ACCESS
additional support in order for them to progress and realise their potential. Our school is committed to meeting the
make good progress. needs of all our students. This is reflected
Close partnership with parents is critical in our disability, equality and accessibility
We offer excellent support provision in this respect and we build positive, policies which detail current provision
through our Flexible Learning Centre effective, and lasting support partnerships and future planned improvements. The
which is highly regarded in the county. with many of our families. school is well served to meet the needs
of students within the broad spectrum of
Students’ needs are assessed. One-to- Details of the school’s special needs disability.
one or small group provision is available policy, the school’s local offer and the SEN
and we have dedicated teams of staff Annual Report to Governors are all
whose responsibility is to support, guide available via the school’s website.
and nurture individuals so that they can28
“You continue to develop
an environment in which
students enjoy coming to
school.”
Ofsted 2017Anti-bullying Every child in school has the right to enjoy and achieve. Besides a young person’s health and happiness, education comes a very close third. Under no circumstances will our school tolerate bullying of any kind. Students are encouraged to “tell” and the school undertakes to resolve any concerns. At all times our determination is to “protect” our students from the unpleasantness of others whilst seeking to change the behaviour of those responsible. This commitment on the part of the school is “non-negotiable”. The school has a clear and robust Anti-bullying Policy which is available in school.
30
“Teachers ask thought-provoking
questions”
Ofsted 2013Tracking progress and
rewarding achievement
Our school approach is
to “catch students
doing well and reward
them for their efforts”
For all our students we value the
contribution they make in terms of effort,
progress, application and achievement.
All students are set challenging targets based
on prior attainment data. Students are
monitored against these targets to ensure
that they achieve and realise their full
potential.
Regular reports are sent home which
indicate “points scores” in relation to
progress. Students scoring well are
rewarded on a termly basis and parents are
informed of their child’s progress.
We seek to reward all that we value; regular
attendance, punctuality, effort, participation,
responsibility, progress and achievement.
Our monitoring and tracking system have
been judged “exemplary” and “outstanding”
by the Schools External Improvement
Partner.Sporting Facilities
Bishop Fox’s School, Bishop Fox Drive, Taunton, Somerset. TA1 3HQ Telephone: 01823 289211
Telephone: 01823 289211 Office Email: office@bishopfoxs.co.uk Attendance Email: bfoxattendance@educ.somerset.gov.uk
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