COLLEGE PROSPECTUS ‘excellence as standard’
Crookhorn College stands for four core principles: Respect, Commitment, Responsibility and Achievement. These are known collectively as our Cornerstones. These vital principles underpin every aspect of life at the College and provide the framework for all members of the College community to continually strive towards our ambition of ‘Excellence as Standard!’ Our learning ethos is student-centred and designed to draw the very best out of each and every child. Our teachers strive to create dynamic and exciting ways to learn, that have proven over time to inspire ambition and achievement across our balanced academic curriculum. Our clear aim is that no child ever feels ‘lonely’ in the classroom, fearful of learning or afraid of making a mistake. All students should have the chance to shine in their area of excellence and have this recognised, so that their self-confidence grows. Through our successful House system, we provide many opportunities for enrichment, both in and out of the classroom, with the aim of nurturing creativity and self-awareness in the students. The Cornerstones provide the foundations of our moral values and set the expectations for all. We appreciate that choosing where your child is educated is one of the most significant decisions a parent has to make. As a College, we have so much to offer you and your child; we would be delighted if you wanted to visit us to find out more. I very much look forward to welcoming you. WELCOME TO OUR COLLEGE Sarah Bennett BA (Hons) N.P.Q.H. Headteacher
The fundamental goal of learning at Crookhorn is to create young people who are inquisitive about the world around them. We aim to develop their motivation in growing their knowledge and skills so that their future contribution, as ‘the next generation’ of this world, is a positive one. Our vision is that the students are inspired by learning, so they continually seek to expand their knowledge and experience outside the classroom. We encourage all our students to develop an OPEN MIND philosophy. We use OPEN MIND as a daily reminder of what learning means at Crookhorn. It is essential to the College that we encourage students to develop a life-long love of learning, through a disciplined, yet enjoyable, approach to their studies. We expect a high level of personal commitment from all students, both inside and outside the classroom. DEVELOPING A LOVE OF LEARNING Overwhelmingly students are attentive and keen to learn. - OFSTED “ ”
AN ENGAGING AND DYNAMIC CURRICULUM Teaching and learning is supported by a sophisticatedweb based Learning Management System, which enables and enriches student engagement with their learning. ‘Itslearning’ is our digital platformwhich incorporates a variety ofmethods for interaction and engagement among students and staff. The key principle is to allow teachers to share resources with students online, beyond the confines of the classroom and the text book. In the current climate, ‘itslearning’ has proved invaluable for maintaining the continuity of learning for our students. Through this learning platform, students have been able to access learning resources, engage with class discussions, complete assignments, and receive effective and timely feedback from their teachers. We run a five-year curriculum which has a strong focus on the core subjects of English, maths and science. We have introduced option choices for students at the end of Year 9. The aim of this is to increase the breadth of the curriculum, whilst enabling students to specialise in, and thereby gain deeper understanding of, subjects that interest them. Students then have the opportunity to opt again at the end of Year 9 to focus on their final choices for their GCSEs. We ensure that extensive individual guidance is given through our options and careers teams, so that students have all the information they require to make a fully informed choice about their GCSEs and their future beyond the College. Ensuring that all our students continue to foster the skills and love of active reading is a key focus of our curriculum and our reading strategy seeks to grow expertise in reading at all levels. It is also enhanced by our College Reading Canon, which challenges students to read sixteen books by the time they turn sixteen; and through our well-resourced and vibrant library and Librarian, whose passion for books and all things literary is truly infectious.
A THRIVING AND VIBRANT LEARNING COMMUNITY Crookhorn College is an exciting and supportive learning community which thrives on mutual respect, encouragement and a commitment to excellence. Learning at Crookhorn is a rich and intellectually stimulating adventure. All our teachers are passionate about their subjects, and the mutual respect and rapport between staff and students is clear. The range of subjects taught is broad and students are prepared thoroughly for their exams, enabling them to reach their potential. The importance of the relationship between parents, teachers and students is key to the success of the individual. At the College we actively encourage parents and students to be in communication with us and there are many ways to do so, from electronic contact via email to regular Parents’ Evenings where parents can meet with each class teacher at different points throughout the year. We also encourage parents to be in contact and make an appointment to meet with the Tutor if they are concerned about anything or wish to discuss a matter in more detail. Crookhorn College offers a carefully designed Student Laptop Scheme to support its blended learning approach, combining traditional classroom methods with modern digital tools. Through the scheme, every student has access to a high-quality, school-managed laptop that enhances learning in lessons and at home, enabling access to resources, independent study and timely feedback. The devices are protected by comprehensive warranty and safety systems, ensuring reliability, security and appropriate use. By replacing the need for mobile phones in school, the scheme creates a focused learning environment while equipping students with essential digital skills for the future. Crookhorn College rated GOOD by OFSTED
ACHIEVEMENTS ARE RECOGNISED AND CELEBRATED We are committed to helping all students to achieve their potential and we value success both inside and outside the classroom. Individuals are nurtured and encouraged on a daily basis to achieve their best. When they do so, their efforts are richly recognised through the extensive reward system which is held in great esteem by our students. Crookhorn uses an online platform called ClassCharts that allows parents and students to view rewards, attendance, and sanctions in real time, enabling strong and positive communication between the College and parents. Individual and group achievements are recognised and celebrated on a weekly basis in assemblies taken by either a member of the Senior Leadership Team or by the Head of House. We actively encourage students to seek new challenges and broaden their horizons and will provide all the support we can to enable them to achieve their goals. The College tradition is to always finish the year with a whole College celebration assembly, where we not only acknowledge the winners of House competitions and celebrate the House which has won the coveted House Cup, but we also acknowledge the outstanding contributions of individual students to their House or to the external community. There is a strong culture of praise throughout the school. Pupils are proud of their achievements and wear their achievement badges with pride. - OFSTED “ ”
COLLEGE HOUSES ARE PASSIONATELY SUPPORTED The House system is absolutely central to the family atmosphere and everyday life at Crookhorn. On arrival, new staff and students join one of four College Houses; Arundel, Goodwood, Petworth or Romsey. House loyalty is strong, and the friendly inter-House rivalry adds an exciting and fun element to every day College life. Year-round activities and competitions provide everyone with the chance to take part and make a positive contribution. The mixed-age Tutor system helps foster a family ethos and ensures that everyone feels safe and secure. The Welfare Captains in each House also work hard to promote the inclusion of all students. The House colours are clearly visible around the College and individual colours for personal contributions to House ethos or success are worn with genuine pride. Each House has its own charity and the student senior teamwithin each House is responsible for organising all the fundraising activities. As a result, each year substantial donations are made to the four different charities, of which the students are rightly proud. Strong relationships between students and teachers support a conducive learning environment. - OFSTED Parent view “ ”
STUDENTS HAVE A CRUCIAL VOICE Respect for others underpins Crookhorn’s warm friendly atmosphere. The College Council is chaired by our Head Boy and Head Girl and meets regularly throughout the College year. The Council is made up of students from across all year groups and plays a vital role in introducing improvements and changes to all aspects of College life. Within each House, there is a House Council, chaired by the Student Senior Team. All plans for fundraising and enterprise activities are discussed, planned and implemented through this Council. The achievements of Student Voice are regularly updated through ‘You Said, We Did’ campaigns, so students can see what their voice has led to. The school is highly inclusive. Pupils are confident discussing ideas well and are exceedingly courteous. - OFSTED I think it’s really important that all students at this College get a voice and can have their opinions heard. - Chloe, Head Girl My favourite thing about being part the College Council is organising fundraising events for our community. - James, Head Boy “ ” “ ” “ ”
A HEALTHY SPORTING ATTITUDE Sport is an integral part of a healthy life style. All students take part in sport, and we believe that, with our guidance, everyone can identify a sport they enjoy and then compete at a level suited to them. We also provide the coaching, support and links to clubs outside the College that enable students to progress and excel. Competition for places in College teams is strong and our teams compete successfully across a range of sports including football, rugby, basketball, hockey, netball, athletics, tennis, rounders and gymnastics. Our teams train regularly during extra-curricular sessions and represent the College in local, county and national competitions. The excellent sporting facilities here include a modernised and fully equipped sports hall, gymnasium, floodlit tennis and netball courts, and an outside multi-use games area. The College’s extensive and attractive grounds provide the perfect space for our numerous sports matches and events, such as our keenly contested House Sports Day. From Year 9 onwards we offer a sports leadership development programme, which provides students with the opportunity to coach and lead sporting activities in our local primary schools. This is an experience that the students really relish, and the popularity of the programme has grown significantly in the last couple of years. There are so many opportunities to learn a new sport during and after the College day. The PE Teachers are so supportive; they will push you to your limits, while making sure you have lots of fun. “ ”
CREATIVITY IS A KEY LIFE SKILL We understand that every student has different motivations and interests and our aim is to help each individual to discover and develop their talents, wherever they lie. Although the College curriculum keeps our students fully stimulated and challenged, we believe that at Crookhorn education goes much further. Our creative and performing arts facilities are exceptional and include a state-of-the-art dance studio. The two hundred seat theatre provides the ideal setting for the variety of different shows and performances that are produced to showcase the talents and skills of our students. The College always seeks to participate in local and national dance competitions and has reached the finals on many occasions over the years. An annual highlight is the live performance of our Year 10 & 11 music students, where they showcase their GCSE practical work. The music facilities boast a fully equipped recording studio, where students can record and publish their own compositions via the web-based Crookhorn Records, a suite of Apple computers with midi interfaces, state of the art music keyboards and a range of soundproofed practice rooms. Students also have the opportunity to learn a wide variety of instruments at our Crookhorn Music School, where they are taught by experienced specialist teachers. It is really quite inspirational to see the younger students doing great things and performing above and beyond. Well done to Crookhorn College for recognising and celebrating their achievements. - Parent “ ”
LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM Crookhorn prides itself on the range and variety of College trips and expeditions offered. We believe that the most important memories a child will have about their College days are made when they have explored the world beyond their classroom. The Year 7 camp is a popular event in the summer calendar, while throughout the year curriculum trips are taken to theatres, science centres, and abroad to locations such as Madrid, Berlin (incorporating Auschwitz), Picardy, Barcelona and Disneyland Paris, as well as skiing in the Austrian Alps. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme has proved to be highly popular, with successful bronze and silver expeditions happening each year. This scheme has enabled students to develop vital leadership and teamwork skills so essential to their future success. The staff all go the extra mile for the students and provide so many enrichment opportunities. - Parent I made so many new friends at the Year 7 Summer Camp. - Year 7 Student We had such an amazing and unforgettable experience on the Spainish trip to Madrid. - Year 11 Students “ ” “ “ ” ”
FULLY PREPARED FOR LIFE BEYOND CROOKHORN During their time here students begin to understand who they are and how they can lead different and fulfilling lives, and become successful members of the community. All Crookhorn students are encouraged to be outward looking, thoughtful and independent. We have high standards and expect our students to achieve at Crookhorn College and beyond. Careers education and guidance is taken very seriously with a dedicated team of specialists employed by the College to help with the transition to post-16 and higher education. We support our students in three key ways: self-development, career exploration and career management. This supports and complements other aspects of our curriculum such as personal, social and health education, citizenship, and the constant promotion of lifelong learning. We are also fully committed to Year 10 students having work experience. This is a vital part in the personal and social development of students, enabling them to have a much greater empathy and understanding of the world of work, and we have many examples of students securing apprenticeships as a result of these placements. We know that to succeed in today’s competitive world requires more than just good grades, and we believe that the all-round education that Crookhorn provides will serve your son or daughter well as they take their place in society. We are rightly proud of our students and we look forward to welcoming you to Crookhorn College.
Headteacher Sarah Bennett BA (Hons) N.P.Q.H. Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 5UD T 02392 251 120 F 02392 230 310 www.crookhorn.hants.sch.uk
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