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We would love to see you at Woodlands.
“The thing I really
like about being
at Woodlands?
The teachers are
very encouraging
as they take the
time to help you
with the work and
the lessons are
really interesting.
It’s really good!”
David – Woodlands student
2
CONTENTS
5 Welcome
6 Our Values and Aims
7 Our Performance
8 Location and facilities
13 Enhancing Learning
15 From Primary to Woodlands
16 Case Study
18 Life at Woodlands
20 Admissions Policy
22 Teaching and Learning
22 Years 7–9
22 GCSE (Years 10–11)
22 The Sixth Form (Years 12–13)
23 Further Education
23 Special educational needs
24 Our Expectations
24 Behaviour
24 Attendance and punctuality
25 Code of Conduct
25 Rewards and sanctions
26 Care and Guidance
26 Child Protection
27 Medical Support
27 Complaints
28 School Uniform and PE Kit
30 Keeping you informed
30 Progress Files
30 Homework and
Student Planner
31 Extra curricular activities
33 The School Day
34 School Term & Holiday dates
35 Contacts
3
WELCOME
At Woodlands we pride ourselves on the warm and friendly
atmosphere of the school. Relationships are important and
our aim is to ensure that every student feels safe and happy.
We strive to provide the best for them and believe that every
young person deserves the chance to feel successful at school.
Our motto, ‘Aspire and Achieve’, sums up our hopes and expectations
for every student who is part of our school community. We want all
of our students to excel and recognise that, for this to happen, they
must aspire to achieve ambitious goals and work hard to reach these.
But, we know that having aspiration can be tough; after all, if you
dream big, there is a chance that you might not always reach your goal.
This is why we are here as well-qualified and committed staff to both
support and challenge all young people to aspire, to dream of what
might lie ahead and to work hard to make an ambitious goal possible.
When aspiration and hard work are combined, people achieve amazing
things. That is what we strive for at Woodlands: to see every student
aspire to reach or exceed their potential and work hard towards that
goal. In turn they will receive excellent teaching and support to achieve
it and to feel a sense of self-worth and pride in doing so. We want our
students to be good citizens, demonstrating leadership, awareness of
global issues, regard for others and courage when faced with challenge.
Our success is built on a strong partnership between students,
parents/carers, staff and governors; a partnership which
flourishes in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
You will see on page 6 how ‘Aspire and Achieve’ is woven in to the
fabric of our school through our vison, values and aims that everyone,
students, parents/carers, staff and governors have contributed to.
It is a touchstone for how we want to be as a community and is
under constant review to maintain this focus.
We are lucky to be a thriving school with a growing intake, a
broad curriculum and are proud to provide superb extra-curricular
opportunities in sports, technology and the creative and performing arts
as well as possessing tremendous facilities. This continues through to
A level where our sixth form gives the opportunity for further study in
preparation for university or apprenticeship.
If you would like to know more, take a good look at this prospectus,
visit our website or speak to those who know us best – our students
and parents/carers – and visit us to find out for yourself and get a feel
for what Allestree Woodlands School is all about.
Gemma Penny
Headteacher
4
5
OUR VALUES AND AIMS
‘Aspire
and Achieve’
Woodlands is a place where people matter
Vision Values
For all students to have an excellent, 1 exceptional education and
enriching experience of education achievement for all
and development so they can fulfil 1 celebration of achievement and success
their potential to learn and thrive,
1 full involvement in education of all
both now and in the future.
students, staff, parents/carers and the
1 School provides high quality facilities, wider community
resources and activities, cultivating a
1 respect for equality and diversity
safe environment and a first-rate
education through mutual hard work. 1 mutual respect and self-worth
1 Governors are supportive and 1 enjoyment of education
ambitious, exercising rigour to
secure excellent outcomes for students
Aims
1 Staff are committed to achieve
professional excellence, embracing As a result of these values we aim to:
opportunities to develop their 1 inspire and equip students to be
practice in a collaborative and confident and independent learners
cooperative environment.
1 develop first rate learning environments
1 Students flourish as individuals that meet the needs of all students
and contribute positively to school
1 offer a wide range of learning
and community
opportunities for all students and staff
1 Parents are engaged and actively
1 establish partnerships with
involved in the life of the school
parents/carers and the wider
community to cultivate these values
1 sustain a school community where
all activities speak of courtesy,
thoughtfulness and hard work
1 instil a culture of excellence in
everything we do
All members of the school community have been involved in drawing up these values and aims.
Adopted by the Governing Body and reviewed annually.
6
OUR PERFORMANCE
Students are making good and Here at Woodlands we are
focused on helping our students
sometimes outstanding progress achieve their full potential.
To track how well we are
and reach standards that are well doing this, all our students are
assessed at regular intervals and
above national averages. Ofsted the results are used to encourage
motivation. In most subjects in
Years 10 and 11 these continuous
assessments contribute in part
Year 11 GCSE 9 – 1 Subject Results 2019 towards their final GCSE mark.
Strong Standard Students following examination
Pass Pass courses will also have practise
9’s % 9–7% 9–5% 9–4% 9–1%
examinations in order to prepare
Art 14.9 29.9 53.7 67.2 100 them for the final examination in
Biology 9.3 27.8 74.1 88 99.1 the summer term of Year 11.
Business Studies 2.7 23 59.5 71.6 100 It is also vitally important that
Chemistry 5.8 26.9 76.9 90.4 98.1 we encourage our students to
accept greater responsibility for
Computing 3.6 17.9 53.6 67.9 100
their own learning. To support
D&T 6.9 20.7 56.9 65.5 98.3 this we operate a Progress File
Drama 0 4.3 26.1 60.9 95.7 system which builds a profile
100 100 of a student’s educational and
Eal Polish 40 80 100
extra-curricula experiences
English Language 2.7 16.6 56.5 75.3 98.7 and achievements.
English Literature 1.8 18.9 54.1 70.7 97.7
Examination success is only one
Food & Nutrition 0 11.8 41.2 52.9 100 of the indicators of a good school.
French 1.4 2.9 26.1 46.4 95.7 We recognise, however, that it is
Geography 7 27.2 59.6 74.6 95.6 of major importance and that a
student’s success depends not
German 0 6.4 38.3 53.2 97.9
only on his or her own efforts
History 0.8 17.4 43 50.4 95 but on the quality of teaching
Maths 1.8 20.2 51.6 76.2 98.2 received. Much of our energy
23.1 53.8 is, therefore, directed towards
Music 0 0 100
ensuring that your child receives
PE 3 28.4 56.7 68.7 100 the best possible teaching and
Physics 7.4 23.1 65.7 85.2 96.3 learning in the classroom in every
RE 2.4 29.3 61 65.9 100 lesson of every day at school.
We are proud of our
Science 0 2.2 31.4 59.7 100
examination success but
Spanish 0 8.2 34.7 44.9 98 we seek to do even better.
We are never complacent.
BTEC Subject Results 2019
D* % D*– D % D* – M % D*– P % I am sure you will find the
information opposite useful.
Music 0 0 100 100
It details the examination success
Creative Media 8.3 8.3 41.7 95.8 of students who took public
Health & Social Care 0 0 3.1 56.3 exams at GCSE (Year 11) in 2019.
7
LOCATION AND FACILITIES
A beautiful and
functional space for
everyone joining
Woodlands.
In September 2016 we opened our brand new
school buildings. Over 85% of the school was
rebuilt and renewed.
We now have wonderful facilities including science
laboratories, specialist classrooms, a Learning
Resource Centre, music rooms, drama studio,
technology rooms and an Atrium with Café.
All the classrooms are spacious with good natural
light and equipped to a very high standard.
Our priority is always to have a safe and secure
school environment. To that end we have recently
completed an enhanced security package with the
intention to safeguard the student community.
8
9
LOCATION AND FACILITIES
Our school is named Woodlands for a reason –
we are surrounded by trees and green spaces.
A high quality learning environment is very
important to us, and we strive to maintain our
grounds, buildings and facilities to high standards.
10In addition to our new facilities, we have
a modern sports hall, fitness suite,
swimming pool, two floodlit all-weather
pitches, extensive sports fields and
state-of-the-art meeting, dining & theatre
facilities – all of which we also use to
support our partner primary schools and
the surrounding community.
Our classroom facilities are excellent
across all our curriculum areas and we
are constantly upgrading our ICT provision.
We further enhance our teaching and
learning with a well-stocked library,
manned by dedicated library staff within
the new Learning Resource Centre.
11We have a
relentless focus
on educational
achievement.
But we also have
a strong belief
in developing
well-rounded
individuals.
12ENHANCING LEARNING
I am delighted to have taken up the headship of
Allestree Woodlands School and am a passionate
believer in the importance and power of education
to unlock opportunity and enable a happy and
successful life. I have been a teacher for 30 years,
having taught in Spain and Thailand as well as the
United Kingdom. I am committed to ensuring the
best education for all Woodlands students and see
that as encompassing academic rigour as well as a
rich offer in terms of sports, creative thinking and
how we develop into thoughtful citizens able to
make a positive contribution.
Our school is all about ensuring that all our
students learn well and fully achieve the academic
qualifications that they are capable of. We focus
relentlessly on working with each of our students
to make sure they keep on track to succeed in all
their exams which then enables them to move on
to university, apprenticeships or jobs with training.
In recent years the Governors have invested
heavily in bringing our facilities up to date.
We now have a modern, well equipped theatre,
studios, multi-use areas, dining facilities and bright
and fresh fit-for-purpose classrooms for all our
students to enjoy.
Our modern student dining facilities are ably
managed by a fully qualified chef who provides
rich, varied and healthy food options each and
every day of the school year. This expertise is also
transferred to many of our students who enjoy
studying catering and who increasingly provide
splendid hospitality at many school events.
Our sports facilities are almost second to none
– certainly the best of all the secondary schools
in Derby – and are fully used by our students and
extensively enjoyed by many members of our
local community.
In September 2016 we were immensely proud to
see our brand new school buildings open for the
first time. Our facilities truly enhance all that we
seek to do as a school and we are sure you will be
very impressed by them.
We are a very inclusive school and have specialist
13ENHANCING LEARNING – continued
facilities for around 20 students who have varying
degrees of hearing impairment. This specialist
support has been enhanced by the recent creation
of ‘The Hub’ – a well-resourced enhanced
learning unit catering for all students with special
educational needs.
Since its creation in 2011 the new school
Theatre has been the scene of many musical
triumphs from a gala concert to celebrate its
opening, to ‘Woodlands Got Talent’, ‘Songs
from the Shows’, ‘Les Miserables’, Beauty and
the Beast as well as several collaborative music
concerts with local primary schools.
Recently we have seen several imaginative
curriculum innovations from off timetable
sessions to allow students more in depth
experience of healthy living options and the
chance to explore many career aspirations.
We are realising ‘anytime, anywhere learning’
through whole school wi-fi and a highly innovative
staff and student tablet device programme.
We certainly believe in developing the whole
child, from the moment they join us as young
11 year olds, to the moment they leave us at 18
as confident young adults, ready to take advantage
of all that the world has to offer.
Gemma Penny
Headteacher
14FROM PRIMARY TO WOODLANDS
We all remember how daunting it was to move Primary School Visits
from primary to secondary school! At such an A number of our staff go to each of the primary
important time we pay careful attention to the schools to meet with prospective new students
needs of our new children and we build on and with primary staff.
the good education they have received at their
primary school. Every effort is made to make New Intake Day
the change as smooth as possible. Towards the end of the Summer term, before
transfer to Woodlands, all new students spend a
We have a strong programme throughout the full day at the school so that they can meet their
year to enable new and existing parents to meet future Head of House and Form Tutor, find their
with staff and establish progress of students. bearings and generally get to know what will
be their new ‘home’ the following September.
You are also very welcome to visit the school
The aim of this day is to give new students a
during a normal school day and appointments
taste of a typical secondary school day.
for such visits should be made through the
school office. New Intake Evening
In order to make the transfer to secondary An information evening is set aside for those
education as easy as possible for your child, children transferring to us, and their parents.
consultation takes place between the staff of the This takes place in July.
primary schools and us. In addition your child will
Our Year 7 students are also given an information
be involved in the following transfer programme:
booklet about their first year at Woodlands to
help them make a smooth transfer from their
primary school.
15CASE STUDY
“What was the This creates an atmosphere where students go
beyond the surface level of their subjects and begin
best thing about to push each other academically. I found myself
learning almost as much from my classmates as
being at Woodlands? the teaching staff, because we began to develop
strong opinions which we proactively debated in
Realising how class. The biggest difference for me personally
though, was that I found an immediate goal to
well prepared I focus on. With university only two years away,
I felt like I had a blank slate and a manageable
was to study at a time window to push myself and get the grades
I needed to progress. Being in close proximity to
top five university” Year 13s was helpful in this respect; I was able
to learn from them throughout the university
application process. This served me well when it
Tom Lewsley, former Allestree was my turn the following year.
Woodlands School and Sixth Form
student, graduated with a First Class What did you find difficult?
Honours Degree in Politics from the I remember that the academic step up from GCSE
University of Warwick. After leaving to AS Level was significant. Perhaps not so much
from a content perspective, but certainly in terms
university Tom went to work for a
of working style and how you are expected to
Swiss Investment Bank in the contribute. The first term in Year 12 was all about
City of London. He now works in adjusting to smaller class sizes, contributing more
their New York office in Manhattan. actively in discussions and providing more thoughtful
and analytical written and verbal responses. The
Why did you do your A Levels at Woodlands? good news is that all your peers are going through
In many ways, completing my A levels at the same process and collaborate actively to
Woodlands was the obvious choice for me. I lived bring each other up to speed. The other key to
a short walk from school and had already studied overcoming these challenges is having a smart
in the main school for five years. Perhaps most and knowledgeable teacher who understands
importantly though, I knew that with Woodlands your needs throughout the process. I can say with
I would have access to knowledgeable teaching confidence that the teaching staff at Woodlands
staff, a solid support network, and a track record of provide effective support, whilst continuing to push
sending students to good universities. I had seen you to the academic levels required.
older students make the step into A level studies
successfully and this gave me a level of comfort How did Woodlands prepare you for university?
that I could follow a similar path. After completing my A levels, I enrolled at the
University of Warwick to study a degree in Politics.
How was it different from the main school? Given Warwick’s position as a top five University,
Even as part of the main school I had a sense I always had a slight concern that I might end up
that A level students were treated differently. being ‘bottom of the class’ in my new environment.
Everybody enjoyed having more independence Soon after joining however, these concerns
and being trusted to manage their ‘personal vanished and I realized just how well prepared I
study periods’, but in reality the changes are was. I found that many of my peers at university
more fundamental. Class sizes are smaller and had been taught the content required to pass their
students have all opted into a small number of A level exams, rather than how to use a set of core
subjects which they are passionate about. problem solving skills to adapt to the task at hand.
16At Woodlands I was exposed to a balance
between these approaches. Towards the end
of Year 13, teachers often set us challenging
problems that were ‘beyond the standard
required for A level students’. I didn’t quite
believe it until I first arrived at university to study
a completely new subject. Without any content
knowledge to fall back on, I realised just how
important these core skills are for succeeding
in unfamiliar environments. In this respect,
Woodlands prepared me incredibly well.
What was University like for you?
Overall, a fantastic experience which has
opened so many doors. Warwick is made up
of 25% international students, so I met people
from all over the world and from a wide range
of backgrounds. After graduating, everybody
spread out across the globe and I found myself
with an amazing network of friends across
geographies. Three years is too much to cover
here, but I had an opportunity to test myself
against intelligent people, to try new sports and
societies and to work for a range of exciting
companies. I can’t recommend it enough.
What advice would you give the
students of today?
I think my advice would change
depending on where you are in the process.
For A levels, it’s all about working hard
academically and focusing on the immediate
goal of getting into a good university.
Start looking at your options early on and
work out what you need to achieve in order to
succeed. You can’t aim too high, so don’t rule
anything out in your first year. Once you’re at
university, it becomes about getting involved
in as much as possible. Meet people, build
your network and apply for work experience
and internship positions starting in your
first year – otherwise you are already a year
behind other proactive students. I found the
easiest way was to find someone who had
been through it all before and learn from their
experience, these people always have helpful
advice and offer a constant reminder that your
goals are achievable.
17LIFE AT WOODLANDS 18
19
ADMISSIONS POLICY
Allestree Woodlands School is an Academy School (11-18) with enhanced resource facilities for hearing
impaired students. It does not select on the basis of ability.
Standard Admissions Number: 240
Applications for a place at Allestree Woodlands School should be made by stating the school as a
preference on the common application form available from Derby City Education Authority. This common
application form must be returned to Derby City Council - not the school, by the closing date.
A prospectus containing information about the school for parents of prospective students will be available at
our Open Evening in September 2019.
All parents/carers will be notified regarding their application for a place by Derby City Council.
Where applications exceed the number of places available the following criteria are applied by the
Governing Body Admissions Committee in the order set out below to decide which students to admit:
1. A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after
became subject to an adoption, residence, or special guardianship order. A looked after child is a child
who is (a) in the care of a local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in
the exercise of their social services functions (see the definition in section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989).
2. Children who are both living in the normal area served by the school and have brothers or sisters still
attending the school at the time of their admission. Brothers and sisters are classed as having one or
both natural parents in common, are related by a parent’s marriage or are adopted or fostered. Brothers
and sisters must be living at the same address.
3. Other children living in the normal area at the time of admission.
4. Children who do not live in the normal area served by the school but who have brothers or sisters
attending the school at the time of their admission. Brothers and sisters are classed as having one or
both natural parents in common, are related by a parent’s marriage or are adopted or fostered. Brothers
and sisters must be living at the same address.
5. A child with a parent/carer who is employed at Allestree Woodlands School
6. Other children whose parents have stated Allestree Woodlands School as a preference on the
common application form.
7. Children whose parents stated Allestree Woodlands School as a preference on the common application
form but did not return the form to Derby City Education Authority by the closing date.
In categories 2 to 5, when choices have to be made between children satisfying the same criteria, children
living nearest to the school, measured by a straight line between their residence and the school, have
priority. In category 7, places will be allocated in the same order of priority as for categories 2 to 5.
Where children in category 7 have equal priority, places will be allocated to those living nearest to
the school, measured by a straight line between the home address and the school using the
National Ordinance Survey Set Points.
Note: The Governing Body Admissions Committee reserves the right to verify information and, if
misrepresentation is confirmed, refuse or cancel the place.
20Fair Access
Local Authorities are required to have ‘Fair Access Protocols’ in order to make sure those unplaced
children who live in the Local Authority, especially the most vulnerable, are offered a place at a suitable
school as quickly as possible. This includes admitting children above the published admissions number to
schools that are already full.
Right of Appeal
Should the Governing Body Admissions Committee be unable to offer places to all students who have
applied the parents/guardians will have the right to appeal to -
The Independent Appeals Panel, c/o Allestree Woodlands School, Blenheim Drive, Allestree, Derby DE22 2LW
Parents will be given this information in the letter informing them of a Governing Body Admissions
Committee’s decision regarding places.
Waiting List
If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available a waiting list will be established and
maintained until the end of September by Derby City Council using the above criteria.
Applications Made Outside of the Normal Round of Admissions
An application for a place can be made at any point during the school year by stating Allestree Woodlands
School as a preference on the common application form obtained from and returned to Derby City Council.
The Governing Body Admissions Committee will consider the application against the above criteria and a
place will be offered by Derby City Council and/or the school if one is available.
Approved by the Governing Body of Allestree Woodlands School.
21TEACHING AND LEARNING
We will pursue the school’s commitment
to equal opportunities policies in the
belief that all young people are entitled
to equality of access to the curriculum
throughout their time at Woodlands.
Years 7–9
The first three years at Woodlands are the years for establishing a strong and
broad foundation for further study. Students are taught in a variety of different
ways, dependent on their needs and abilities.
The curriculum at KS3 includes the CORE subjects of Mathematics, English and
Science; and the FOUNDATION subjects of:
1 Art
1 Design and Technology
1 Drama
1 Geography
1 History
1 Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
1 Modern Foreign Languages (French, German or Spanish)
1 Music
1 Physical Education (PE)
1 Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE)
1 Religious Education
GCSE (Years 10–11)
Year 10 and 11 students follow a core curriculum of English, Mathematics,
Science, PSHCE and PE. In addition to these subjects students will choose
from further GCSE courses including Art, Business Studies, Computing,
Creative Media, Design & Technology, Drama, Engineering, Food & Nutrition,
French, Geography, German, Health & Social Care, History, Philosophy &
Ethics, PE, and Work Related Learning.
Students will be placed in the most appropriate teaching group for each subject,
although opportunity exists for moving from one group to another, depending
on the progress made. We are very focussed on ensuring that our curriculum is
flexible, broad and balanced to the current and future lives of our students.
The Sixth Form (Years 12–13)
A full and exciting range of Advanced Level courses are available in our
Sixth Form and we have a separate prospectus available on request.
22Planning for life after Woodlands – Further Education and careers
We understand how important it is that our students are well informed about the options open to them
after school. Using a wide variety of resources including outside speakers, industry links, and careers
services such as Connexions, we support our students to become informed about their future choices.
Careers education formally starts in Year 9, when students also have the opportunity to meet the
school’s Connexions Service Advisor. We also host a Curriculum and Careers Evening for parents/carers and
students, where each curriculum area provides an exhibition of its work and syllabuses for Year 10 and 11.
This also provides an opportunity for parents/carers, friends of the school, representatives from industry
and commerce to present occupations e.g. ‘Work in Engineering’, ‘Work in Finance’, ‘Working with People’,
‘Working in the Arts’. We think this helps our students get a truly broad taste of the diverse and
exciting careers options available to them! It also helps them to see the potential implications
behind their Year 10 option choices.
Throughout the year groups, students have a full and extensive programme of careers action planning
interviews, organised by the careers service Connexions. Our school Careers Development Advisors
also play an active role at Parents’ and Information Evenings, and every student has access to our
internet linked Careers Library.
One of the most interesting and exciting opportunities happen in Year 10, when all of our students enter
into the world of work with the school’s ‘Work Experience’ module in the Summer Term. Then our Year 11
students are challenged by our industry partners on a ‘World of Work Day’ with real interview experience
and job application information.
Supporting and Developing our Students
We strive to ensure our students are healthy, well-rounded, tolerant and confident citizens.
Throughout their time at Woodlands all students take part in activities and learning, to support these aims.
Some of this will take place in curriculum areas such as Physical Education (PE), Religious Education (RE)
and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE); but we also hold regular assemblies where
at least once a week students gather together for a formal school assembly often taken by senior staff and
outside speakers. These assemblies engender a community spirit, encourage achievement and offer an
opportunity to put across shared values and promote social cohesion.
In the often sensitive areas of relationship and sex education, our staff and governors believe that
all children are entitled to responsible and relevant information. The teaching in this school seeks to
be complementary to, and supportive of, the role of parents/carers and also seeks to reflect the range of
cultural, religious and moral ideals held by families. Importantly, it should be shared enterprise
between home and school.
Students with special educational needs
At Woodlands we have a skilled Enhanced Learning Faculty called Enhanced resource
‘The Hub’ which supports our students with all manner of special facility for students with
educational and emotional needs. Most of this support takes place hearing impairment
in the classroom, primarily by Teaching Assistants ably led by a A facility where highly
team of fully qualified Special Needs Teachers. Where appropriate, qualified Teachers of the
students leave mainstream lessons for specific programmes Deaf and Communication
mostly in Literacy, Numeracy and study support in Key Stage 4. Support Assistants work
closely with these students.
If you would like more information, our Special Needs Policy
based on the Code of Practice is available on request.
23OUR EXPECTATIONS
Behaviour
We cannot learn effectively if we are working in a disruptive environment – nothing worthwhile socially or
educationally can possibly be achieved. We each have a responsibility to share in creating and maintaining
an environment at Woodlands where people matter. To achieve this, we expect behaviour of the highest
standard in and out of the classroom; to and from school.
We will not tolerate bullying, racism, vandalism, hooliganism, illegal items, illegal substances,
illegal practises, or bad language. We have included a guide for parents/carers and students in the
Student Organiser, explaining our expectations and our response to unacceptable behaviour.
Attendance and Punctuality
If students are late or absent - they cannot learn! We want everyone to benefit from the opportunities
at Woodlands. Our attendance rate is excellent. If your child is absent for any reason then please telephone
the school office on each day of absence. When your child returns to school, please send a written note
to confirm the reasons for absence. We would very much appreciate appointments with the dentists or
opticians to be made outside of school hours. Family trips and holidays should be taken in school holidays
– that is what they are for! Every lesson counts and all time missed can affect a student’s progress and we
are sure you want to support your child’s learning in every way possible.
24Code of Conduct
At Woodlands we have a large community of over 1500 staff students and staff. We should all show
courtesy, consideration for others and use our common sense. Students are expected to follow a simple
Code of Conduct which helps to produce a sense of order and calm and to make sure that worthwhile and
effective learning and teaching can take place:
1 Show consideration to all people working in the school and to all visitors
1 Move around the school site in a calm and quiet way
1 Look after the school – litter and vandalism make life unpleasant and are unacceptable.
1 Attend and be punctual to school and every lesson
1 Work hard and complete class work and homework to the very best of your ability
1 Take great pride in your appearance, work and achievements
We have few written rules in school. Those we have are usually with the health and safety of your children
in mind. Students must not, therefore, bring chewing gum, matches, lighters, cigarettes, knives, glass
bottles etc into school. Students are allowed to use mobile phones and personal music players at break and
lunchtime. However they will be confiscated if used at any other time during the school day. It is our strong
advice NOT to bring these items into school. If they are brought in it is entirely at the student’s own risk.
Books required for school use are provided free in the first instance but students are responsible for their
own books and are expected to keep them clean and in good condition. Students are also expected to
provide a suitable bag for books, PE kit and other personal belongings. All students should bring pens,
pencils, a ruler and calculator to every lesson. All items of clothing and equipment should be clearly marked
with the student’s name.
The school does not accept any responsibility for the loss or damage of personal items.
Rewards and Sanctions
We celebrate and reward achievement and good behaviour, placing great emphasis on self reliance and
self discipline. Positive attitudes promote positive behaviour and we look at a variety of ways of rewarding
our students, including house points, merits, certificates, badges, cups, trophies and prizes. You may even
receive surprise praise postcards through your letterbox!
Unfortunately we do sometimes have to use detentions to deal with unacceptable behaviour. We don’t
have to give you notice to detain your child where necessary, but we will endeavour to inform you where
possible. This could be via the Student Organiser.
If your child persistently or deliberately disrupts a lesson and prevents others from working, they may be
withdrawn from a lesson or even a whole day and supervised by a senior member of staff.
Very occasionally a student is placed ‘on report’. This means that after every lesson each teacher signs the
student’s report, commenting on behaviour, punctuality, effort as appropriate and the student then shows it
to his/her parent/carer every evening.
Although the need is likely to be rare, in the event of a serious incident or persistent disruption, a child may
be excluded. In these cases the child will be sent home for a specified length of time. Work will be provided
by the school but it is the responsibility of parents/carers to ensure that the excluded student is not in a
public place during school hours. This is a legal requirement and the details of this will be provided at the
time of the Exclusion.
It is the Governors’ policy that any student using an illegal item or substance and/or bringing it onto school
premises will face permanent exclusion.
We do hope and expect that parents/carers and students accept our Code of Conduct and will join us in
rewarding positive attitudes and behaviour.
Thank you for your support.
25CARE AND GUIDANCE
Students feel safe and display a
clear sense of right and wrong
and understand the nature of
cultural diversity in the local
and wider community. Ofsted
When students arrive at Woodlands they become
members of a House Tutor group for registration. The Head
of House and Tutor have overall responsibility for the day
to day life of the students, assemblies and their general
welfare. In normal circumstances the form group stays
together for the full five years.
The school has access to the advice and services of the
Educational Psychology service and a School’s Medical
Officer. The Education Welfare Service works closely with
the school in order to ensure good attendance and to
offer advice and support to families when a student has
problems with attending school.
If you have an enquiry concerning your child’s welfare at
school it should, in the first instance, be communicated to
your child’s Form Tutor and Head of House.
It is important that this is the first point of contact because,
with the very large number of students in the school, it is
essential that your enquiry is dealt with by those members
of staff who know you and your youngster best.
Child Protection
At Woodlands we take the protection of children in our
care very seriously. All adults working in the school are
police checked through the Criminal Records Bureau.
Parents should be aware that the school is required to take
any reasonable action to ensure the safety of its students. In
cases where the school has reason to be concerned that a
child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or other forms
of abuse, our Headteacher is obliged to follow the Child
Protection procedures established by Derby City Council and
inform Social Services of any concerns.
26Medical Support Charging and Remissions Policy
The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution
Illness/accident within School
that the wide range of additional activities, including
Woodlands provides First Aid support. Students who fall ill clubs, trips and residential experience can make towards
at school or who are involved in an accident, are attended students’ personal and social education.
to by a First Aid trained member of staff. The Governing Body aims to promote and provide
such activities both as part of a broad and balanced
If your child is feeling unwell they will be given some rest curriculum for the students of the school and as
time to see if they are then fit to return to class. If they additional optional activities.
have sustained a minor injury then First Aid treatment will Charges
be given. If illness or injury indicates your child is unable to The Governing Body reserves the right to make a charge
in the following circumstances for activities organised by
return to class we will contact you and ask you to collect
the school:
your son or daughter. In emergencies, an ambulance will be
School journeys in school hours – The board and lodging
called and you will be contacted. We are unable to send a element of residential activities deemed to take place within
member of staff to accompany your child, so it is essential school hours. Parents are required to meet the full cost
that we are able to contact a parent/carer or nominated except those who receive income support / family credit.
person to travel with, or meet the ambulance at the hospital. Activities outside school hours – The full cost to each
Please ensure that if any of your contact numbers change student of activities deemed to be optional extras taking
place outside school hours.
that you inform us in writing. Please note that we are not
Individual music tuition – The cost to the students for
allowed to dispense medication e.g. Paracetamol.
providing individual music tuition provided by outside tutors.
Additional Medical Services Charging in kind – The cost of materials, ingredients,
The school has access to a medical health team and in equipment (or the provision of them by parents) for
practical subjects. The Governing Body may charge for
special circumstances can arrange for your child to have an
ingredients and materials or require them to be provided
appointment with a doctor or nurse. if the parents have indicated in advance that they wish to
The medical health team also carry out the usual school own the finished product. Parents/carers will be expected
to replace or reimburse the school for lost items or damage
health checks and immunisation programmes.
to school property.
Examination fees
School Complaints Procedure If you wish your child to be entered for a prescribed public
examination for which they have not been prepared by the
Where you have concerns about the school curriculum or
school, the Governing Body may make a charge for the
other matters these will be discussed, as far as possible, cost of entering them for the examination, as they can for
with informal contact and meetings with the appropriate entries to non-prescribed examinations whether or not
prepared by the school.
teachers, senior staff or the Headteacher. It is hoped that
your concerns can be resolved speedily and amicably. On occasions parents/carers and students may elect to re-sit
a public examination or to request that an examination paper
Where a particular difficulty cannot be resolved a be re-marked. Under these circumstances a charge will be
made to parents in order to cover all costs incurred.
complaint can be registered with the Chairman of the
Governing Body who can be contacted via the school. If a student fails without good reason to complete
the examination requirements for any public examination
The school follows a complaints procedure that follows for which the school has paid (or is liable to pay) an entry
local and national guidelines. fee, then the Governing Body may recover the fee from
the parent/carer.
If you would like a copy of our complaints procedures
General
please contact the school office or access it on our The Governing Body may, from time to time, amend the
website – www.woodlands.derby.sch.uk categories of activity for which a charge may be made.
Nothing in this policy statement precludes the Governing
Allestree Woodlands School is committed to promoting a safe Body from inviting parents to make a voluntary contribution
and healthy workplace culture, and will take a positive approach towards the cost of providing education for students.
towards tackling the problem of bullying and harassment at work. Remissions
If you are in receipt of income support or family credit, the
The School will not tolerate violence, threats of violence Governing Body will remit, in full, the cost of board and
or abusive language or behaviour towards our staff lodging for any residential activity that it organises for the
student if the activity is deemed to take place within the
(including Governors and others who provide services to
school hours or where it forms part of the syllabus for a
and for the School). If this happens legal action will be taken. prescribed public examination or the National Curriculum.
27
SCHOOL UNIFORM AND PE KIT
ALL STUDENTS AT WOODLANDS WILL WEAR SCHOOL UNIFORM
Boy’s Standard Uniform Physical Education Kit
Tailored Plain black of full length (no jeans, chinos Outdoor Kit
Trousers or tight-fitting trousers) worn around the *Red rugby shirt (boys)
waist with plain black belt if worn
*Black ¼ zip shirt (girls)
Shirt Plain white with collar (must be suitable
Black shorts (boys)
for wearing a tie and long enough to be
worn tucked in) *Black Skort (girls)
*Tie School House tie Red knee length football/hockey socks (boys/girls)
Pullover Plain black fine gauge ‘V’ necked waist Training shoes and football boots (boys)
length pullover or cardigan (Optional) Training shoes (Girls do not need to buy boots
Footwear Smart leather plain black shoes as hockey is played on the Astroturf pitch)
(No trainers, pumps, canvas shoes Shin pads for hockey/football
or boots. No logos)
We highly recommend that parents/carers
Blazer Plain black with School badge purchase mouth guards for hockey and rugby.
Coat Dark coloured coat with small logo only.
Optional
It must be able to be worn over the blazer.
Hoodies are not acceptable and you will Tracksuits during winter (PE staff discretion)
be asked to remove it.
Indoor Kit
Girl’s Standard Uniform White shirt, with collar (boys/girls)
Trousers Plain black tailored trousers of full length Black shorts (boys/girls) – not cycling/fitness
(no hipsters, lycra, jeans, leggings or type and not Navy
jeggings) with plain black belt if worn
White socks
*Skirt School approved skirt with black or
flesh coloured tights. (NB. if girls do not Swimming
wear skirts appropriately we will insist Swimming costume or trunks (any colour)
that they wear trousers)
Swimming hat
Blouse Plain white with collar (must be suitable
Towel for swimming and showers
for wearing a tie and long enough to be
worn tucked in) NB – All PE kit must be labelled
*Tie School House tie with pupils name
Pullover Plain black fine gauge ‘V’ necked waist
length pullover or cardigan (Optional)
* These items and the School badge
Footwear Smart leather plain black low heeled shoes can only be purchased from the school’s
(No stiletto heels, sandals, pumps, trainers, OFFICIAL uniform supplier, Morleys
canvas shoes, boots or Ugg boots) Schoolwear, who can be contacted via
Blazer Plain black with School Badge our website.
Coat Dark coloured coat with small logo only. Hats, hoodies, caps and other headwear are
It must be able to be worn over the blazer. not part of school uniform and must not be
Hoodies are not acceptable and you will worn. All items of school wear must be
be asked to remove it. labelled with student’s name.
28Pictured above
is the Woodlands
School Dress Requirements skirt adopted in
2017. This is the
All students will wear school dress when attending school or participating in
only skirt that
school organised activities (unless advised otherwise)
will be accepted
and has been
Health and Safety issues introduced to
Jewellery – Single ear studs, a simple necklace and a single, simple ring only maintain a
are acceptable. These must be removed for PE and any other lesson where the consistent and
member of staff considers there to be a health and safety risk. appropriate
Following guidance issued by Derby City Council Health and Safety Advisors, standard.
the wearing of all other jewellery and body piercing is not allowed. Exceptions
are made for religious jewellery and items worn for medical reasons. If you fall
into this category please inform the school.
Body Piercing – A student attending school wearing other jewellery or body
piercing will be told to remove the item(s). If the item(s) cannot be removed they
may be prevented from attending lessons and you will be contacted.
Hair – NO exaggerated hair styles are acceptable. Long hair must be tied back
particularly in practical subjects. Boys must be clean shaven.
Makeup – NO makeup should be worn in Years 7, 8 & 9.
Makeup for Years 10 – 13 should be discrete.
No false nails or nail varnish should be worn.
29KEEPING YOU INFORMED
Allestree Woodlands School is committed to the
achievement of consistently high standards and,
to that end, we regularly evaluate and monitor
both the curriculum and the student’s work.
As well as examinations and written reports Progress files
we have additional systems for monitoring
Each teacher monitors the progress of students
students’ progress.
in their subjects through continuous assessment.
Students are assessed on the effort made in every This will form the basis of profiling which will
subject. This assessment allows the Form Tutor eventually form a Progress File for each student.
and Head of House to see at a glance whether
All students will receive their completed Progress
or not a student is working satisfactorily. If there
File at the end of Year 11. The Progress File will be
is cause for concern, parents are informed and
a record of a students’ achievements both within
discussions take place as to how the situation
and outside school. Students will be actively
can be rectified.
involved in the compilation of their Progress File
We are always looking to build upon success and throughout their five years at Woodlands.
to that end we often contact parents/carers in
order to recognise positive effort of students. We Homework and the Student Organiser
also run a House Point and Merit award system.
1 We regard homework as being vital. It gives
If during the term any member of staff feels students the experience of working without
worried about the performance or behaviour of supervision and provides practise of the skills
any student the Form Tutor and/or the Head of and processes learned in class.
House will ask his/her subject teachers to give a 1 All students from Year 7 to 11 receive a
written report. In the light of the final full report, Student Organiser in which they enter their
appropriate action is taken and this will involve homework timetable and the actual homework
consultation with parents/carers. set for each subject.
Parents’ Evenings are held to provide an 1 Parents/carers are asked to sign the Organiser
opportunity for parents to consult with individual at the end of each week and to provide
members of staff about the progress made by encouragement and the necessary conditions
their children in all subjects studied. These are run for the homework to be completed.
on an appointment system.
1 Any queries about homework set should
This does not mean that you cannot see a member be made in the Parental Comments section
of staff at any other time. You are positively of the Organiser. You will then be contacted
encouraged to contact your child’s Form Tutor or by the most appropriate person to deal with
Head of House if you have any queries of any kind. your query.
1 The Student Organiser is also used to record
Newsletter and ‘Education Extra’ rewards and achievements.
We publish weekly newsletters and separate 1 Staff will also write notes home in the Organiser
monthly newsletters on the school website. and if necessary, it is used to give 24 hours
At the end of each term we publish notice of an after school detention.
‘Education Extra’ – a magazine that
celebrates the rich variety of activities and
achievements that take place at the school.
30EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Woodlands has a wide extra
curricular programme in Sport,
Music, Dance, Drama, Technology,
and Science to name but a few.
We hold school and inter-house
activities including: netball, hockey,
rugby, soccer, basketball, athletics,
cricket, tennis, swimming and
triathlon. Other clubs include
swimming and gymnastics where
students have an opportunity to
improve their skill level.
Students are also encouraged
to join outside clubs and many
achieve area and county standard.
Where possible we arrange trips
to demonstrate how working
hard can lead to excellence e.g.
Wimbledon, Lords, Wembley and
Pride Park.
We have exclusive local sports Other clubs and groups include: A wide range of trips
club links including: and holidays are arranged
1 KS3, GCSE and A Level Surgeries
1 Cooper Netball, Derbyshire in addition to an annual
1 British Sign Language Club
Netball Association. activities day.
1 Chess Club
1 Woodlands Hockey Club. These include:
1 Drama (House Plays)
1 Quarndon Cricket Club, 1 Theatre trips
1 Choir
Allestree Cricket Club 1 Student conferences
1 Sports Clubs including Basketball,
1 Woodlands Tennis Club. 1 Paris
Trampoline,Football, Cross Country
1 Derby Rugby Club. 1 Berlin
and Table Tennis
1 Allestree Juniors Football 1 Folk Groups 1 Annual Ski trip
1 Derbyshire TT Association 1 Jazz band 1 Houses of Parliament
and Woodland TT Club
1 Cheerleading/Dance
1 Derbyshire Junior
1 School Magzazine
Badminton Association
1 Youth Theatre
Woodlands also provides the 1 Lego Robots
facilities to run a Swim School. 1 Science Clubs
Students’ spiritual, moral, social and
cultural development is promoted well,
they value the many additional activities
which are available to them. Ofsted
31“The best thing
about being at
Woodlands?
It’s really friendly
and not too strict.
The rules that we
follow make sense
and mean that the
school feels smart
and safe.”
Naomi – Woodlands student
32THE SCHOOL DAY
All students will receive a personal timetable at the
beginning of the school year. There are five lessons each
day and students need to arrive by 8.40am at the latest
to be in time for morning registration.
The timings of the school day are as follows:
8.45am – 9.05am Registration,tutor time or assembly
9.05am – Period 1
10.05am – Period 2
11.05am – Break
11.25am – Period 3
12.25pm – Lunch
1.10pm – Period 4
2.10pm – Period 5
3.10pm – End of School
Lunch Arrangements
All students may have a school lunch. The catering
service at school is provided by a private company called
‘Catering Academy’. A wide selection of healthy hot and
cold meals and snacks are available each day.
As an alternative, students may bring their own
sandwiches, which can be eaten in designated areas
provided for this purpose.
All students MUST stay on the school site at break
and lunchtimes. This is for Health and Safety reasons.
If you wish your child to come home for lunch then
written permission must be requested from your
child’s Head of House. We do not allow students to
roam the streets or visit local shops as an alternative
to going home.
33SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES
2020 – 2021
Autumn Term 2020
INSET Day Tuesday 7 September 2020
(School closed to students)
School opens Wednesday 8 September 2020
School closes for Half Term Friday 23 October 2020
Half Term Monday 26 October to
Friday 30 October 2020
School opens Monday 2 November 2020
School closes for Christmas Friday 18 December 2020
Spring Term 2020
School opens Monday 5 January 2021
School closes for Half Term Friday 12 February 2021
Half Term Monday 15 February to
Friday 19 February 2021
School opens Monday 22 February 2021
School closes for Easter Friday 31 March 2021
Summer Term 2020
School opens Monday 19 April 2021
May Day (School closed) Monday 3 May 2021
School closes for Half Term Friday 28 May 2021
Half Term Monday 31 May
to Friday 4 June 2021
School opens Monday 7 June 2021
School closes for Summer Tuesday 23 July 2021
Bank Holidays 2020 – 2021 Inset Days 2020 – 2021
May Day – Monday 3 May 2021 Monday 7th September 2020
Monday 4th January 2021
Thursday 1st April 2021
Monday 26th July 2021
Tuesday 27th July 2021
34Headteacher:
Mrs G Penny
Deputies:
Mrs R Middleton-Lee
Mr S Roe
House Teams:
Cedar: Miss L Colley and Mrs C McEntee
Maple: Mrs E Pitter and Mr D Hammond
Oak: Miss H Smith and Mr A Swift
Rowan: Mrs H Curr and Mr M Kenny
Assistant Headteacher/Head of Sixth Form:
Miss C Mills
Assistant Head of Sixth Form:
Mr A Forsyth
Chair of the Governing body:
Mr R Travis
The information given in this brochure
is as accurate as possible at the time
of publication. Any changes will be
reported to parents/carers in
the school’s newsletter and
published on our website.
It should not however be
assumed that there will not
be any changes before, during
or after the school year 2020– 2021.
All images © Allestree Woodlands School,
Hannah Fox and Lindsay Pilkington.
© Allestree Woodlands School
Designed and produced by foxcreate.com
35Be part of the Woodlands community
Go to the school’s website at www.woodlands.derby.sch.uk for information about the school,
or for daily updates you can follow us on Twitter @woodlands_derby
A L L E ST R E E WOO D L A N D S S C HOO L
Blenheim Drive, Allestree, Derby DE22 2LW. Telephone: 01332 551921 Fax: 01332 553869
Email: the.office@woodlands.derby.sch.uk or headteacher@woodlands.derby.sch.ukYou can also read
