HORNDEAN TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE

HORNDEAN TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE
2015
Our Vision
To achieve excellence in all that we do.
To uphold the rights of every child according
to the United Nations Convention.
To offer an atmosphere of security and stability,
in which students feel valued, cared for, known
as an individual and enjoy learning.
To give every student an equal opportunity to fulfil
their true potential.
To offer encouragement and to celebrate all achievements within
and beyond the curriculum.
To offer a learning experience which stimulates curiosity
and interest and a personalised curriculum which encourages
creativity, imagination and enterprise, producing successful, happy
and effective citizens of the 21st Century.
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To offer challenging learning situations in which students
reflect upon their own and others’ knowledge, opinions
and experiences.
To have an expectation of self-responsibility built on the
community values of mutual respect with firm, but sensitive,
boundaries and expectations.
To encourage a culture of innovation and change; remaining
at the forefront of developing technology as a tool for learning.
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Learning and student achievement is at the heart
of all we do, within and beyond the curriculum.
We are committed to achieving excellence for all
our students, whether it is in public examinations,
on the sports field, in a technology challenge or
by taking part in a musical or dance production;
the opportunities are extensive.
Our curriculum is ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted), providing
students with many choices and different ways
of learning.
In addition to this we are fortunate to have a highly
dedicated and well qualified staff that teach engaging
lessons and support our young people in becoming
responsible and successful future citizens.
Education is the key to the future: it only happens
once in a young person’s life and we make it our
duty and responsibility to ensure that it is the best
it can be for every student.
An outstanding education for all is our vision and
the right of every student. I welcome you to visit
the College at any time to witness happy, safe
and successful learning.
Mrs J A Summerfield
Headteacher
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New Students
Moving to secondary school
doesn’t have to be daunting...
Our Year Leader for Year 7 meets students at their local
primary school before they actually join us and is able to
talk to their teachers about their strengths and areas of
development in order to ensure a smooth transition. Induction
day takes place in the Summer Term for students transferring
to the College in September and many of them will already
have taken part in activities at the College alongside our
current students or may have even attended our Summer
School. Sample lessons and time spent in their new tutor
groups helps students become acquainted with College life;
it gives everybody the chance to ask questions and find their
way around before they join us in September. Each tutor
group is also supported by a Peer Mentor from Year 11
and there are additional opportunities for peer and staff
mentoring throughout the year.
We feel strongly that our communication and engagement
with Year 6 and 7 parents, is just as important as with
their children.
The College is always open for parents to visit, take part
in tours and speak to members of staff and current students
to find out as much information as possible before your
child starts here.
Our aim is to support students
so that they feel part of the College.
If you would like to know more, please visit our website
www.horndeantc.hants.sch.uk or telephone us on 02392 594 325
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Outstanding CURRICULUM
Our outstanding curriculum offers opportunities for students
to achieve their maximum potential.
Our curriculum is designed to prepare our students for
a world of challenge and change.
We actively develop independent learning skills.
At Key Stage 3 all students are taught a full range of subjects.
Students begin Key Stage 4 courses in Year 9, enabling early
access to GCSE/BTEC teaching and learning and providing
a more appropriate, but still wide, programme of study and
further access to accelerated learning opportunities. A key
feature of most subjects is the requirement that students
work at home.
Homework tasks vary greatly from short weekly tasks
to practical activities and assignments.
In Years 9, 10 and 11, students study the core curriculum of:
English
Mathematics
Science (Double Award, or all three separate subjects)
Physical Education
They also have additional choices from a range of areas such as:
Art and Design
Business Studies
Computer Science
Dance
Certificate in Digital Applications
Drama
Geography
Health and Social Care
Hairdressing
History
ICT
Leisure and Tourism
Modern Languages
• French
• German
• Spanish
Music
Photography
Physical Education
Religious Studies
Work Skills
Some students may also have the opportunity
to study either Maths and/or Philosophy,
at Advanced (AS) Level.
A Personal, Social and Health Education programme including:
Citizenship
Religious Studies
Enterprise
Thinking Skills
We also recommend that students take a Technology subject.
They have a choice from:
Engineering
Textiles
Fashion
Food
Graphics
Resistant Materials
Curriculum
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TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE STATUS
Every student is able to learn about and experience
the power of modern technology.
Teachers and students have the benefit of using interactive whiteboards and
computers on a College-wide network. Technology College Status has brought
with it a wealth of opportunities through outreach work with local and national
companies. The College has embedded many of these activities in the relevant
curriculum areas to enrich and enhance the experience of our students.
BENEFITS
FOR ALL
Technology College Status has enabled us to bring the latest teaching
techniques and a wide range of exciting learning opportunities into every
classroom to the benefit of all our students.
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All Children Have The Right
At HTC we work to ensure that every member of our school community have their
rights fulfilled; our UNICEF Level 2 Accreditation acknowledges how we are providing
our students, staff and further community their basic human rights and beyond.
The aim of both RRR and the College, is to help children in achieving their
potential and becoming responsible citizens. With Rights, Respect and
Responsibilities being a fundamental aspect of our College ethos and approach
to education, we can help our young people learn respect for self, others,
critical thinking skills, and informed decision-making.
A Variety Of Learning Experiences
Independent learning provides opportunities for students to pose their own
questions, to investigate issues and to take responsibility for what they do.
Involvement in decision-making at the College is through student
representative bodies including the College Council, the Peer Mentoring
System and Student Subject Leaders.
We provide at least three ‘Progress Reviews’ per academic year,
dependent on year group. These detail a student’s current and predicted
performance against targets as well as grading regarding their attitude to
learning, behaviour and organisation. Each Progress Review will afford a
brief overview of what a child has been assessed against in each subject.
All year groups have at least one Parents’ Evening which are strategically
placed following Progress Review Reports so that teachers, parents and
students discuss areas and set targets arising from the Report.
LEARNING SUPPORT
Prior to entry to College the SEN (Special Educational Needs)
Department liaise with all feeder schools to ensure a smooth
and effective transition for students needing additional support,
which can involve a number of additional visits for pupils and
planning meetings.
The needs of every student are assessed through analysis of their
previous results, and if necessary an Individual Education Plan
will be issued. The College provides a full range of interventions
for both literacy and numeracy and additional programmes for
students with communication and language needs. Furthermore,
support is offered at lunchtime for vulnerable students and twice
a week after College for homework.
The SEN Department involves parents and students fully in the
decision-making process and promotes a positive ethos for all
SEN students across the College.
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The Arts form an important
part of College life....
The high quality of Arts provision has been recognised by the
Arts Council through the awarding of Artsmark Gold status.
Our dynamic Music Department is extremely lively and vibrant,
with excellent facilities supported by the latest technology.
Music, Drama, Dance & Art
Extra-curricular activities are strongly encouraged and we have
a dedicated team of instrumental staff, many of whom are
professional musicians.
Annual productions, regular concerts, a Swing Band, Vocal,
Woodwind and Brass Groups and Steel Pans Ensemble all provide
the opportunity for students to perform within the College and
wider community. Student Leaders also run Ukulele and Samba
clubs, passing on their skills and enthusiasm to younger students.
In addition, our Drama Department has two purpose-built studios.
We stage one large production and two studio productions each
year. There are Drama clubs and LAMDA tuition. In Years 9-11,
both Dance and Drama BTEC courses are offered. Dance is an
extremely popular subject in its own right with a full performance
programme. Dance clubs also take place for all year groups
culminating in entry to the Rock Challenge competition and our
students benefit from involvement in our extensive Community
Arts Programme.
The impact of our vibrant Art Department can be clearly seen
around the College. Ceramics and Photography are studied in
addition to Fine Art and regular exhibitions and trips take place.
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Sport
The opportunities available to students in Physical Education
are vast and include an excellent range of facilities including
an astro turf pitch, tennis courts, a purpose built sports hall
and interactive gym with a state of the art bike room. There
are teams participating in tennis, cricket, athletics, rounders,
basketball, netball, hockey, football and rugby; many of which
are area champions.
There are a host of extra-curricular activities on offer;
essentially something for everyone, as well as Inter Tutor and
House competitions. The Department also runs Sports Leaders
and refereeing qualifications which enables students to work
in the community and to support younger students.
AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
At HTC we are keen to develop our students as global citizens; we
are increasingly developing our international links and this has
been recognised by the continual award of the prestigious British
Council International School Award since 2008. We have also
been recognised as an expert centre for the GLP (Global Learning
Partnership) programme. Students from Horndean visit a partner
school in Germany and links with schools in Mexico, Canada and
Australia have also been established. We also maintain a strong
relationship with the Melons Orphanage Charity in Kenya where
teachers visit each year to provide support.
Trips to the World War One Battlefields of Belgium aid students’
understanding of History, whilst an opportunity to experience
the thrill of skiing is one that students will never forget. Other
regular trips include a residential weekend for Year 7 students,
theatre experience days, trips to Marwell Zoo and many others.
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HOW DO I CONTACT STAFF?
By ringing the main College Reception you can be connected to
the member of staff you would like to contact, or alternatively, you
can email [email protected] and your email will be
forwarded to the relevant member of staff.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
What is the UNCRC (United Nations Conventions on the rights of the child)
and what does it mean for my child?
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child,
regardless of their race, religion or abilities. These include:
The right to life • The right to his or her own name and identity
• The right to be protected from abuse or exploitation • The right
to an education • The right to having their privacy protected. To
be raised by or have a relationship with their parents • The right
to express their opinions and have these listened to and, where
appropriate, acted upon • The right to play and enjoy culture
and art in safety.
Rights are not the same as ‘wants’. What are termed rights are
the basic human needs and values that apply or should apply to
everyone. Although highlighting your child’s rights it is important
we identify their responsibilities too.
How do we keep you informed?
At HTC we use systems to securely send text messages, automated
voice broadcasts and emails direct to parents and carers. If your
child is absent you may receive a text or voice message informing
you of the absence and requesting that you either text or call
the College. You may also receive text messages or voice
messages from time to time, praising your child and informing
you of events, such as review days, notification of parents’
evening and College closures.
What is the House System?
As part of our emphasis on rewarding students for their efforts and
achievements, all merits contribute towards House totals in order
to win the prestigious overall House Cup.
WHY ARE BREAKS AND LUNCHTIMES STAGGERED?
This means that only half of the students in College take
a break at any one time. There is therefore more room in
our two restaurants, sandwich room and around the site for
students to have a relaxed eating and leisure experience.
WHY DOES COLLEGE FINISH EARLIER ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS?
Extra-curricular clubs and activities are often held on these days.
The flexibility offered by this arrangement allows us to maximise
learning and motivation.
WHAT IS THE LEARNING MENTOR SYSTEM?
In addition to having a tutor, many students will be given the
opportunity to work with a member of staff on a one to one basis
to improve a specific skill or subject area.
HOW CAN PARENTS BE INVOLVED?
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s education. We ask that
you take an interest, provide facilities and opportunities for them
to study at home and ensure they complete their home learning,
come and watch them in performances, in sports matches and
celebrate with us the fantastic achievements they can make!
Parents can follow the progress of their child using the Parent
Portal (VLE), by responding to questionnaires and through direct
correspondence. We are also delighted to welcome new members
to our Parent Forum which holds termly evening meetings.
Students and staff take great pride in belonging to one of the five
Houses; Athena, Tyche, Zelus, Cratos and Phoebe. In addition, each
half term, students can be nominated for a publicised Olympic
value for which they receive a badge in recognition.
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Horndean Technology College
Barton Cross, Horndean, Waterlooville
Hampshire, PO8 9PQ
t: 02392 594 325
f: 02392 571 108
e: [email protected]
w: www.horndeantc.hants.sch.uk
HTC Dimension
t: 02392 599 753
f: 02392 571 108
e: [email protected]
w: www.htc-communitydimension.com