1

Contents3 Welcome

5 Our Founders

5 Our Governors

6 Learning Environment

6 Our Ethos

8 Our Focus on TechnologyOur curriculum

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4 and Post 16

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

Post 16

Assessment

Special Educational Needs

Religious Education

Careers Education

Sporting activities

Culture and the Arts

10 Organisation and CareAfter school activities:

Residentials

Curricular trips

Tutor group trips

The role of the tutor

A day at Brooke Weston

Smart cards

Organisation and Care

Registration

Communications and charging

Brooke Weston online

Other documents

Meals

Uniform and sports clothing

Trips and visits

Remissions

Music tuition

Examinations

Loss of Brooke Weston property

Lockers

Transport

OfSTED Report 2006

ISO Quality Assurance

Investors in People

Complaints and concerns

14 CommunityCommunity provision

15 National and Local Contribution Students in the community

Students work with local action groups.

Leading Edge school

Masterclasses

@tain

Corby Business Academy partnership

Parents in Partnership

Open Week

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The skills students learn at Brooke Weston are the foundation for their future. All our young people secure academic success across a broad range of subjects and this is complemented by the acquisition of important life skills, such as self-confidence, self reliance and the ability to communicate. We are determined to ensure that a handful of years spent at Brooke Weston will open the door to a lifetime of opportunity.

This is made possible by:

Our broad and balanced curriculum, which • promotes a full range of learning, thinking and life skills.

The way our students learn through practical • applications and experience in the classroom.

Flexible and responsive teaching and learning styles • which adapt to encompass current educational thinking and fast-paced technological change.

Equipping students with the skills, attitudes and • awareness needed in the 21st century.

Forging links with the wider community, • particularly the business world and parents.

The Brooke Weston ethos extends through • all levels of the school; bringing attainment, commitment and positivity to all we do.

Ensuring that the quality of the service offered to • our students, their parents and to our employees through their training will be of the highest order in the belief that quality service produces quality responses.

Welcome

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A message from the Executive PrincipalBrooke Weston is the flagship school in the Brooke Weston Partnership. This collaboration is a response to today’s climate where leadership and management of secondary schools is becoming more complex and challenging. Recognising the benefits to be gained by collaboration, the partnership brings together a number of schools each with its own Principal but operating under the leadership of an ‘Executive Principal’.

The ‘Executive Principal’ oversees the management of the schools in the group and the developing relationship between them. As members of a family might have different strengths, interests and achievements, so the schools in the Brooke Weston partnership will have different specialisms and priorities. The partnership is a strong coalition of schools each led by a Principal committed to the success of their own school but each anxious to commit to the success of the others; Principals who will compete but collaborate; who will be delighted with the success of their own school but equally pleased with the success of their sister schools.

Peter Simpson OBE

Executive Principal

A message from the PrincipalBrooke Weston is consistently one of the top performing state comprehensive schools in England. Our exceptional examination pass rate, for both GCSE and A Level, is always one which we try to match or outperform. However, for the last five years running our students have achieved a 100% pass rate for 5 GCSEs (A- C grades); sometimes it is impossible to exceed our own high standards!

Our A Level students are well provided for. As well as having one of the largest sixth forms in the county, offering A Levels in 29 options, we are showing a year on year increase in performance with our students achieving the equivalent of three A Levels at grade B in 2007. The vast majority of our leavers go on to Higher Education, with a few each year destined for Oxbridge after gaining straight A grades at A Level.

Whilst we are immensely proud of our educational high-flyers, I hope that this prospectus will reflect the care and attention we give to all of our students, no matter what their background or aptitude. We ‘add value’ to all our students and, in turn, each of our students are themselves valued as a part of the Brooke Weston community. We make no apology for being proud of them, their achievements, our ethos, our staff and our resources which all combine to create this unique educational experience.

Trish Stringer

The Principal

5Our FoundersBrooke Weston opened in 1991 and its original mission statement; to provide

a stimulating learning environment which maximises individual potential is

still relevant today.

Hugh de Capell Brooke Hugh de Capell Brooke is a local landowner who donated the site and substantial cash underwriting to ensure the building began. He has, with his family, committed more land to complete the environmental developments around the site, including the Newman library. A strong supporter of Brooke Weston, Hugh continues to take a very active interest in the achievements of all our students.

Garry Weston Garry Weston was chairman of Associated British Foods. He died in February 2002 and is remembered for his unfailing support for Brooke Weston, of which he was always very proud. His generosity extended beyond the initial sponsorship; he supported the initial construction of the astro-turf, the mathematics and ICT block and the Newman library.

The Weston family continue to be strong supporters of all that we do.

Our GovernorsBrooke Weston is fortunate to have extremely committed Governors who are

generous, both with their time and expertise, attending Academy events and

giving input on relevant educational issues.

The Governing Body is mostly made up of local people who have a genuine feel for the needs of the community that we serve. Six Foundation Governors are nominated by the Sponsors. There is also one elected Parent Governor. The Local Authority and DCSF nominate one Governor each and the final place is taken up by an elected staff representative.

TrusteesHugh de Capell Brooke•

Alexander de Capell Brooke•

George Weston•

Jana Khayat•

Sophia Mason•

Sir Cyril Taylor•

Virginia Dowley•

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Learning Environment

The facilities at Brooke Weston are constantly

updated to meet the changing needs of its

students. Recent renovations have been made to

the restaurant and the DT department and there

is a new state of the art media and performance

block due for completion in 2009.

Completed in 1991, our two-storey glass, brick and steel structure is modern, well kept and innovatively designed. The upper storey is accessed by both stairs and lift and an even surface throughout provides pedestrian and wheelchair access to all internal areas. The extensive grounds provide traditional sports pitches, but also contain a wildlife haven, which is home to a variety of species and provides an excellent resource for study.

In September 2008, Brooke Weston will become an Academy. As part of our conversion, we have received a £4.5m capital grant from the Department of Children, Schools and Families in order to enhance the teaching and learning facilities at Brooke Weston. This resulted in the building of our new Creative and Digital Arts Centre.

The new centre offers a range of purpose built state of the art facilities which will enable us to enhance our curriculum in the following subject areas: dance, drama, food technology, media and music. The development includes specialist music teaching rooms which will facilitate the teaching of both traditional music and music technology; a suite of music practice rooms; and a state of the art recording studio. Two large studios have been built for dance and drama and will include a green screen. The dance and drama studios also benefit from their own changing areas in the centre. A state-of-the-art media and TV recording studio with specialist ICT facilities supports the delivery of media. Lastly, there is a purpose built food technology room which allows us to introduce this to the curriculum.

Other facilities include:A purpose-built library with state of the art ICT • equipment. Well-resourced and well-used, this is a hub of activity and learning where solo study or group research may be carried out. Students can also be issued with wireless laptops on short-term loan.

A multi-purpose theatre used for assemblies, • displays and shows.

A business centre including lecture theatre • and conference rooms equipped to the highest standard.

A restaurant, including a coffee shop to cater • for students staying after the end of the day to continue their studies into the evening.

Many classrooms equipped with interactive • whiteboards.

Several open study areas, all with ICT access and • wireless network for use with laptop computers.

Two floodlit astro-turf pitches on site catering for • cricket, hockey, rugby, football, netball and tennis.

Our EthosWe aim to give students the best secondary

education possible, encouraging their individual

aptitudes and giving them a confident, positive

outlook.

Students learn more and understand better when they can apply what they have been taught in a practical situation. Therefore the Brooke Weston ethos of practical application permeates our teaching.

The structure of our lessons, working days and our terms has been carefully thought out in order to provide optimum learning conditions. The 75 minute lessons are backed up by our ICT system which means that, as well as guided teaching, students are also encouraged to become independent learners, using their own initiative, exploiting our excellent resources.

This approach means students quickly learn:

Leadership and teamwork.•

Effective communication.•

Problem solving.•

Presentation skills.•

Personal Learning and Thinking Skills.•

Library techniques.•

ICT skills.•

Information access and retrieval using up-to-date • technology.

Working independently and in small groups.•

How to seek help and support when it is needed.•

How to use audio, video and print-based resources.•

How to monitor personal progress and achieve • aspirational targets.

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Our Focus on Technology

Brooke Weston was set up, and continues to

have a specialist focus on technology. Given

the advances made in this field since 1991, it

is imperative that we equip students with the

specialist knowledge they will need in the 21st

century.

From the outset we have focussed on the effective and innovative use of technology and we can still claim to be one of the most advanced state schools in the use of technology.

Wireless laptops, multimedia software packages • and interactive whiteboards are regular features of classroom practice, for students and teachers alike.

All students have access to the Internet via high-• powered filters. Each has their own email address and home area.

Students can access their emails and curriculum • materials on our website.

Students use our television and recording studio to • produce their own programmes, presentations and CDs.

Staff are ICT proficient and provide expert tuition.•

CurriculumOur curriculumOur high-quality learning environment supports a differentiated curriculum. Students are offered work at a level consistent with their abilities and are encouraged to progress at a rate which suits them.

Key Stage 3Students will work at one of the following levels: Basic, Standard, Extended and Advanced (see table).

Key Stage 4 and Post 16Key Stage 4 and Post 16 students are either taught in mixed ability groups or set according to the grade they are working towards. Work is still made available at different levels, which are cross-referenced to relevant exam grade criteria.

At Key Stages 3 and 4 the average time devoted to teaching per week is 31.25 hours plus 1.25 hours of tutor time. This is significantly more than the Secretary of State’s recommended minimum of 24 hours per week. In total, students at Brooke Weston benefit from an additional 375 hours extra tuition per annum. This extra time is invested in the core subjects of maths, science, English and ICT to support and extend learning.

SENBrooke Weston delivers the National Curriculum to all 11 to 16 year olds. English, mathematics, science, ICT, modern foreign languages, history, geography, design and technology, art, dance and drama, personal health and fitness, music and religious education are taught as separate subjects.

Key Stage 3We operate a fast-track, two year, Key Stage 3 curriculum promoting active learning. Students complete this Key Stage at the end of Year 8, allowing for a richer and more flexible approach to their Key Stage 4 and Post 16 studies.

Key Stage 4The range of options available to the students is detailed in the Key Stage 4 prospectus available upon request from Brooke Weston. The subjects offered include: art, photography, 3D art and design, business studies, design technology, textiles, engineering, drama, English language, English literature, geography, history, sociology, psychology, philosophy and ethics, mathematics, media, modern foreign languages, music, the sciences, and sports studies.

Due to the high levels of competence achieved in ICT, all students study the OCR Level 2 National Certificate in ICT. Students are also offered the opportunity to

Key Stages 3 and 4, Assessment and Personalised learning

Key Stage 3 Reporting Levels

Basic the minimum acceptable for a student of a particular age to achieve

Standard the average performance expected for a student of a particular age

Extended an above average performance for a student of a particular age

Advanced a performance which is at least one year in advance of an average student of a particular age

99study a vocational construction course in partnership with Corby Training Academy. Brooke Weston also offers careers advice, personal health and fitness and personal and social education (including citizenship and some additional health and careers education) to all students at Key Stage 4.

Post 16The range of options available to students is explained in detail in the Post 16 prospectus. Students are required to embark on a minimum of three A Levels or their equivalent, such as BTEC or OCR Nationals. In addition to this students are given the opportunity to extend their experiences beyond the normal taught curriculum by embarking on the Brooke Weston Diploma.

AssessmentStudent assessments are presented in reports to parents. These are written using standardised terminology which enables all concerned to gauge accurately which subjects students excel in and which are proving more difficult to master. Each report has a parental/student reply slip to enable them to submit their own comments. An interim report, which provides a series of levels against each subject, is produced each term. A tutor report is written annually and a summary report is given at the end of each academic year.

Special Educational NeedsWe believe that every student has special educational needs since every student is a learner. Whilst some may have needs which require more specialist support, everyone has the right to an education that meets their personal requirements. Brooke Weston has well-established procedures which ensure that these needs are identified and appropriate strategies are used to address them.

Our success in this area is recognised by comments made in our latest OfSTED report which stated that, ‘all groups of students do well, with the lower

attaining students and the small number with learning difficulties and disabilities doing particularly well’. In ensuring a high-quality special needs provision, we always avoid labelling students. In order to ensure that effective provision is made to meet the particular needs of our students, a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator works with the personal tutors to support the delivery of the curriculum by departments. The building is designed to enable access for wheelchair users. Facilities include appropriately equipped toilets and a lift.

Skills and experiences for lifeReligious EducationReligious Education is offered to all our students through the curriculum. A parent may request the withdrawal of their child from Religious Education. When this occurs the student will follow a course of supported self-study in moral issues.

Personal, Health and Social Education (PHSE)

The topics covered at various times include safety, drugs education, sex education, personal hygiene, family life, health-related exercise, food, nutrition and lifestyles. Sex education is offered to all students in line with recommendations from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Parents have the right to remove their children from the sex education lessons that are delivered as part of the PHSE programme. Those who wish to exercise this option should contact the personal tutor.

Careers EducationWe provide high quality careers education geared towards raising the aspirations of all young people. Introduced in Years 7 and 8, by Years 9 to 11 a specific programme is in place which includes careers information about work, training and educational opportunities. Individual work experience placements are organised towards the end of Year 10. The careers education programme continues at

Post 16 and students are given guidance on higher education courses and other opportunities, including employment. There is an extensive careers library on-site and students are free to use this facility at their convenience. Here at Brooke Weston we employ our own careers adviser to offer personal advice to students.

Sporting activitiesOur modern sports facilities and committed sports staff are dedicated to making sure the students get the most out of physical activity – whatever their aptitude or ability. We participate in a variety of sports, with our teams often competing at town, district and county level. These activities include football, netball, rugby, tennis, rounders, athletics, cricket, trampolining and after school clubs such as judo and dance.

Culture and the ArtsArt, design, music, dance and drama allow students to express themselves in a variety of ways, in both group and solo projects. In art they work with a wide range of materials; in music they have access to our purpose-built recording studio; and budding actors experience drama workshops and theatre trips.

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Organisation and Care

Brooke Weston is all about teamwork, respect

and new experiences. We encourage students to

have a healthy self-image, respect themselves

and others and try new activities to broaden their

perspective on life.

Our broader curriculumAfter school activities:The after hours activities are almost as varied as the scheduled day. After 16:05 students can try out new hobbies, continue studying or make use of computer facilities or the library. Drama, dance, sport, creative writing, reading groups and art activities all start after the formal day has ended. The groups are well attended and many students prefer to remain on site until we close at 18:00. The library remains open until 19:00 Monday to Thursday and until 16:45 on Fridays.

Trips and visitsResidentialsYear 7 students are exposed to the hands-on ethos of Brooke Weston very early. They spend four days at

Fairthorne Manor, an outward-bound centre, abseiling and zip-lining around the forest. This annual event is just the start of many opportunities all designed to educate, foster lasting relationships and give a taste of the world beyond Brooke Weston.

Students in Years 8 to 12 have the chance to go and participate in more culturally diverse residentials. Recent destinations have included Germany, Italy, Greece, France, Spain, America, China and Peru – all supervised by our staff.

Curricular tripsThere have also been many trips to help students with their studies. For example, geography and biology fieldwork, study visits for maths, science, art, modern foreign languages, business, English and media students.

Tutor group tripsPart of what makes Brooke Weston special is our tutor/student bond, which is forged, not only by term-time activities, but by out-of-hours trips and visits. Our teachers have organised a wide range of trips to West End shows, theme parks, restaurants, cinemas and ice rinks. These social occasions, as well as being a lot of fun, increase contact and trust between members of tutor groups.

Student CareThe role of the tutorWe have an innovative system of pastoral care. Each student is allocated to a tutor group with a personal tutor. Tutor groups spend time together; meet at assembly and tutor time, as well as participating in out-of-hours activities. The tutor acts as an advocate on behalf of his or her individual students, monitoring and supporting the student’s progress through their academic career, as well as being a point of contact for parents; a home/school partnership being actively encouraged.

We expect a high standard of behaviour from our students. Discipline is based upon a belief that we all need to live together in a well-ordered society with respect for each other. Staff at Brooke Weston are committed to working in partnership with students at all times and students reciprocate by their excellent conduct and attitude to work.

OrganisationA day at Brooke WestonWe open for students from 07:30 onwards. Formal lessons begin at 08:35 and students should arrive in good time in order to make a prompt start. There are five learning sessions, each lasting one hour and fifteen minutes which are punctuated by two breaks, one for breakfast and one for lunch. Brooke Weston remains open until 18:00 Monday to Thursday for those students wishing to use the facilities. On Friday, we close at 16:20. Supervision of students before 08:15 and after 17:00 is informal and students are expected to behave responsibly. Those students unable to behave appropriately will be denied access during these times.

Smart cardsThese cards, used by all staff and students, are integral to the smooth running of the organisation. Personalised with a photograph and magnetic strip they allow students to register through the turnstiles in the morning and check out again if they need to leave during the day.

The cards are also used as:

Travel pass for our transport.•

Personal identity.•

Payment for meals.•

Loan of library books.•

11Organisation and CareWhen students remain after the formal taught day has ended for any organised or informal purpose they are expected to log in on the website so that we have a record of their presence in the case of an emergency or a parental query.

RegistrationStudents must register in the morning using their smart card and, if they leave for whatever reason during the day, they must report to the receptionist with a note from parents detailing where they are going. Parents of students who are absent and have not notified us will be contacted as soon as possible by telephone, seeking an explanation for their student’s absence. This ensures that the whereabouts of every student is known every day.

CommunicationsCommunications and chargingUp-to-date information is transmitted to staff and students via email and a series of LCD screens located throughout the building. A list of events is provided to each student at the beginning of the year and is available through the website.

Brooke Weston onlineBrooke Weston operates a comprehensive and constantly updated website which provides general information as well as providing resources for staff, students and their parents.

Other documentsAll official/statutory documentation that applies to Brooke Weston is available to be viewed, upon request, from the Principal’s PA.

Charging policiesMealsBreakfast and lunch can be bought in the restaurant. Payment is made in advance by cheque or cash which is electronically loaded onto the student’s smart card. (Loss of the card does not mean a loss of money, as the system does not allow others to use a found card). Meal costs are deducted daily. Smart cards remain the property of Brooke Weston and, if lost, must be replaced at a cost of £5.00, which is charged to the student’s account.

Uniform and sports clothingIn accepting a place at Brooke Weston, parents and students agree to abide by the uniform policy. All students from Years 7 to 11 wear Brooke Weston uniform. Ties are available for purchase from the Finance Office. Currently Years 12 and 13 students do not wear uniform, but a clear standard of smart business dress is required by all Post 16 students. Training shoes and denim clothing are not acceptable. Uniform sports clothing is required and this is provided at cost by us.

Trips and visitsA wide range of trips and visits is offered to the students. In each case the economic charges are levied but no profit is generated. Some may be subsidised at the discretion of the Principal. Strict guidelines apply to all trips and visits to ensure student safety.

RemissionsGrants which cover all costs of transport and school meals (including breakfast) and essential school uniform are available to all eligible parents. For further details contact the Finance Office who will deal with all queries in complete confidence.

Parents in receipt of either Jobseeker’s allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Incapacity Benefit or Pension Credits are advised to contact us to discuss

financial support they may be eligible to claim. This may include assistance with meals, transport to and from Brooke Weston, uniform grants and essential educational trips. Forms and further details are available from the Finance Office. Registration is absolutely confidential and the smart card method of payment for meals ensures that no one except the Finance Officer is aware of benefits being paid.

For trips that are not an essential part of the curriculum there may be some assistance given in very exceptional cases at the discretion of the Principal.

Music tuitionAlthough we make a charge for musical instrument tuition, the rate is subsidised. Students who maintain their tuition are advised to consider the purchase of an instrument because our instruments are shared among several students.

ExaminationsIn some circumstances (if a student fails to attend an exam, or chooses to sit additional entries for example), pro rata charges may be levied. Examination entry may be withheld for students who fail to attend lessons without a good reason.

Loss of Brooke Weston propertyStudents who lose or seriously damage our property which has been allocated to them (e.g. books or smart cards) will be charged for replacement of these items.

LockersWhen students join Brooke Weston they are provided with a locker to ensure the safe-keeping of their valuables. They must however provide their own padlock. We take no responsibility for lost valuables as they should be locked securely in their locker throughout the day.

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13TransportWe are not obliged to provide transport. At present, we offer a subsidised bus service for all students within our catchment area each day. Parents are expected to contribute a proportion of the cost (by standing order) which is determined annually. The cost levied covers transport to and from Brooke Weston on one specified bus route. As transport rates are determined exactly according to how many users there are on a particular route, money cannot be reimbursed if, for whatever reason, the student does not use their regular bus service. If students are required to use more than one route during the week, a second annual transport charge will be levied.

Quality AssuranceOfSTED Report 2006Government Inspectors awarded Brooke Weston the highest possible grade, praising management, staff and students during its most recent OfSTED inspection. They commented that ‘Brooke Weston is an outstandingly successful College that seeks excellence in all that it does … Students make excellent progress in all years because of the consistently high quality of the teaching.’

Brooke Weston was deemed to be ‘outstanding’ by inspectors. The ‘can-do’ attitude and the commitment of management and staff were highlighted in the report. Inspectors looked at five key areas: Overall Effectiveness, Achievements and Standards, Personal Development and Well being, Quality of Provision and Leadership and Management and gave the top grade which equates to ‘outstanding’. In each category Inspectors heaped praise on the Brooke Weston’s working practices and positive approach.

Brooke Weston, which has one of the largest sixth forms in the county, was praised for the ‘outstanding quality of education’ in the Sixth Form where students ‘make first rate progress in Years 12 and 13 and their

achievement is outstanding.’ They noted that the levels of support given to those studying further education courses was ‘exceptional, going well beyond the taught curriculum and the taught day.’

Inspectors reported:

“[Brooke Weston’s] outstanding provision and ethos ensure that students’ personal development and well being are excellent. Confident, lively and enthusiastic, students clearly enjoy being at school and their behaviour is exemplary.”

The broad range of opportunities offered to students was also commented upon: ‘Brooke Weston has gone further than most schools to tailor the curriculum to individual students and to broaden the opportunities available to them.’

The report also said: ‘Students are unstinting in their praise of the high quality of the care, guidance and support they receive. “We are all considered equal in this school” was a view shared by many students and several gave examples of how individual teachers had helped them personally and academically. Staff see themselves and students as ‘a group of learners moving forward together,’ a view that is reinforced by the daily use of shared working spaces and eating areas.’

‘The outstanding quality of the relationships between students themselves and with staff’ was also identified as another factor along with the extended day, the personalised curriculum, which meets individual needs, the focus on ICT and the fostering of independent learning skills all contributed to the high level of excellence in all that happens at Brooke Weston.

ISO Quality AssuranceThe ISO EN 9001:2000 Quality Assurance Standard is awarded to few schools and Brooke Weston is proud to be one of the first state schools to secure it.

Investors in PeopleThe Investors in People award also forms an important part of our quality assurance procedures with regard to training. Brooke Weston has held this award for several years and in 2008 we were reconfirmed as an Investor in People. These awards, among others, such as being positive about disabled people require continued scrutiny and vigilance to ensure we continue to deliver a quality service.

Complaints and concernsParents may contact Brooke Weston at any time about matters which concern them. We will always investigate any complaint speedily, efficiently, fully and fairly and a response should usually be given within 24 hours. Complaints should be addressed to the member of staff best placed to respond.

Our receptionists will help to put you in touch with the right person. Complaints about the curriculum and related matters will normally be resolved in consultation with the student’s tutor who will liaise with the appropriate departmental staff. However, when an outcome cannot be agreed, the tutor or parents should refer the matter to one of the Vice Principals and ultimately the Principal who will seek to find an acceptable resolution.

Although we would hope that no parent would ever need to use the procedure, if no solution is found then the complaint should be put in writing and sent to us marked for the attention of the Chair of Governors.

The Chair will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and outline the way in which it will be investigated. Parents’ views will be sought and every effort will be made to conclude the matter as quickly as possible.

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CommunityWe’ve got such great facilities here that it would

be a shame not to make the best use of them. Our

boardroom, sports facilities and theatre spaces

are available for hire for community groups and

business users, and any funds raised are ploughed

back into Brooke Weston

Community provisionBrooke Weston is open for the local community to use the facilities each evening from 18:00 and weekends. Activities include:

Sports coaching•

Trampolining•

League netball•

Table tennis•

Hockey•

Football•

Badminton•

Tennis•

Brooke Weston makes a wide range of facilities available to local groups and provides conference/exhibition facilities to commerce and industry. These facilities include:

Lecture theatre (seating 100)•

Weston theatre (seating 350)•

Digital video editing suite•

Meeting rooms•

Sports facilities•

The letting of such resources has several distinct benefits for the students. Extra funds enable more resources to be purchased, the presence of other adults in a learning environment communicates the idea of life long education and the visitors have the opportunity to value and appreciate the quality of the students which consequently improves their employment and life opportunities.

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National and Local Contribution

Brooke Weston maintains links with the local

community, offering specialist Masterclasses to

primary children, supporting charity endeavours

and providing support and expertise for the new

Corby Business Academy.

Students in the community It is the aim of the Brooke Weston Governors that our students are involved as actively as possible with the community we serve and we encourage interaction with local groups.

Our students raise a substantial amount of money each year for local, national and international charities. Examples range from sponsoring the building of a primary school in the Gambia; support for the Teenage cancer Trust association; the Joshua Foundation; the Chinese Earthquake Appeal; Oxfam; and more locally, Lakeland’s Hospice.

Student representatives from Brooke Weston participate in the Parliamentary Youth Forum chaired by the local MP.

Students work with local action groups. Students are involved with industry through placements, commissions and curriculum projects.

Leading Edge schoolBrooke Weston was proud to be among the first cohort of Leading Edge Schools announced in 2002. As a Leading Edge School we offer advice, consultancy and training to other schools both locally and nationally.

At present we are developing a series of projects: These are a literacy project to support students across Corby; a training programme for the newly qualified teachers in Corby and development of a Corby Virtual Learning Platform to support the delivery of vocational teaching materials.

MasterclassesBrooke Weston is a Masterclass provider for talented and gifted children in local primary and secondary schools. Established Masterclasses are offered in English, science, mathematics, ICT, design technology, art, drama, media, French and humanities.

@tainWe have developed a range of successful ICT-based learning resources. In use by well over 200 schools, this material is making a real contribution to raising standards across the country. Profits from this venture are re-invested into Brooke Weston and have funded a replacement astro-turf, refurbishment of the science, art and design technology departments, the purchase of two new minibuses and ICT upgrades.

Corby Business Academy partnershipProfits from the trading company have also been used to sponsor the new school in Corby. Working with the Garfield Weston Foundation and Bee Bee Developments, Brooke Weston is proud to be a sponsor of this new school. We have also provided full educational consultancy for this school, which, it is hoped, will match the achievements of Brooke Weston.

Parents in PartnershipParents in Partnership combine to provide activities and social events which benefit students. These include providing refreshments at parents’ evenings, organising social events such as quizzes and providing Sixth Form students with practice interviews in preparation for university applications.

Open WeekParents of prospective students wishing to visit Brooke Weston can do so during the designated open week, usually in the last week of September (the precise date will be advertised in the local press). Senior staff are always available to answer queries or to offer explanations about any matters relating to admissions. We offer places to students on the basis of our admissions criteria included in this pack.

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