HIGH SCHOOL

YSGOL UWCHRADD

2014

2015

HOLYWELLTREFFYNNON

New School Campus opening September 2016

PROSPECTUS

Holywell High School11-18 English Comprehensive in Flintshire

Dear All,

Your local high school is a caring school thatrecognises the importance of happiness, security andwellbeing on your children’s ability to learn effectivelyand achieve their full potential. We are a trulyinclusive school, committed to engaging closely withthe local community for the benefit of all pupilswhatever social, religious, ethnic or academicbackground.

We aim to provide everything you as a parent orcarer need to understand life at Holywell High School,but that is no substitute for visiting us and having alook around for yourself. If you visit us you will find ourpupils to be polite, well dressed, well behaved andever willing to lend a hand. You will also see that ourteachers are hardworking, caring and committed toensuring the courses outlined in this prospectus aredelivered in an accessible, interesting andchallenging manner.

I am not only proud of being Acting Headteacher ofHolywell High School, I also really enjoy coming intoschool each day. Everyday has its challenges, somegood and some not-so-good, but we are all able tomeet these challenges because Holywell High Schoolis friendly, supportive and caring… in short it’s a greatplace to be!

Best wishes to you all.Keep Smiling J

John WeirActing Headteacher

The School opened as acomprehensive school in 1967and at present there are 433students on roll. Most of our pupilsjoin us from the following primarySchools.

Ysgol Glan Aber, Bagillt01352 711995Ysgol Brynffordd01352 713184Ysgol Bro Carmel01352 712234Ysgol Yr Esgob, Caerwys01352 720287Ysgol Maesglas, Greenfield01352 711497Ysgol Y Fron, Holywell01352 711366Ysgol Licswm, Lixwm01352 780455Ysgol Bryn Pennant, Mostyn01745 560274Ysgol y Llan, Whitford01745 560431

Children from outside our catchment

area also join the school each year.

Croeso iY S G O L U W C H R A D D T R E F F Y N N O N

WelcomeT O H O L Y W E L L H I G H S C H O O L

AimsPlace high qualityTEACHING and LEARNING atthe heart of all endeavour

REWARD pupil effort andCELEBRATE achievement

Seek to involve PARENTSand engage with theCOMMUNITY in our work

Base our work firmly onprinciples of EQUALITY OFOPPORTUNITY, inclusion etc

Foster positiveinter-personal workingRELATIONSHIPS

Strive collectively forIMPROVEMENT in all aspectsof the school’s work

Develop pupils’ MORALvalues, SPIRITUAL awarenessand CULTURAL understanding

HOLYWELL HIGH SCHOOL

Seeking toinvolve parentsand engagingwith thecommunity inour workWorking in partnership withparents and carers

All parents or carers are encouragedto contact the school over any matterrelating to their child’s achievementand well-being. Our pastoral system isorganised on a year basis with Heads,Assistant Heads of Year and a team ofform teachers.

Parents receive regular half-termlynewsletters - Y Ffynnon - with informationcelebrating the achievements of ourlearners, highlighting the varied extra-curricular programme at Holywell andother practical aspects of the runningof the school.

We hold annual Parents’ ConsultationEvenings for each year group, a SettlingIn Evening for Year 7 learners, a LookingAhead evening for Year 11 students, anevening for learners and their parentsand carers in Year 9 in order to makethe GCSE choices process easier andan evening for Prospective Sixth Formers.

In respect of transition we hold ourannual Open Evening early in theautumn term. We meet regularly withprimary head teachers to discusstransition arrangements and to planthe annual induction week and Year 6residential course. We host events forprimary children at Holywell in almost allsubject areas. There is an evening inMay when we meet with learners andtheir parents and carers in order toclarify aspects of the residential courseand prepare for the start at Holywell inthe following September.

Promoting worthwhile and effective links with the community

All Year 10 pupils partake in a weeks Work Experience placement in localand national businesses or organisations.

We have close links with our partner primary schools organising joint eventsat the high school or in the primaries including the annual Year 6 residential..

We enjoy links with several higher education institutions: Aberystwyth University,Bangor University, Chester University, Manchester Metropolitan University,Oxford University and Glyndw r University.

We also work closely with all other Flintshire secondary schools and someKey Stage 4 students have accessed GCSE courses at the Flintshire LearningCore Centre in subjects ranging from Spanish to Photography.

Members of the Governing Body are representative of the parent body andalso the local community.

The school enjoys links with community organisations such as the Rotary Club,the Urdd, Holywell Town Council, Holywell and North Flintshire CommunitiesFirst Boards.

Providing a broad, balanced, appropriate and challengingcurriculum with opportunities for all to succeed.

In Key Stage 3, (Years 7, 8, and 9) all learners follow a broad curriculum in linewith National Curriculum requirements in both core and foundation subjects.

In Key Stage 4, (Years 10 and 11) all learners continue to study the core subjectsof English, Mathematics, Science and Welsh. After consultation with learnersand parents in Year 9 they will have a free choice of other subjects suited totheir aptitudes, aspirations, and interests.

At Key Stage 4 a small group of students engage in the ASDAN course,undertaking challenges and activities which promote greater confidence andindependence leading to a GCSE course titled Certificate of PersonalEffectiveness.

In the Sixth Form learners can choose from a wide variety of Level 3qualifications [A Level, AS, and BTEC National]. Sixth Form learners areassisted in their higher education or employment applications. We areproud of the success our students have had at gaining places at prestigiousuniversities throughout the United Kingdom including Oxford and Cambridge.

Every individual with additional needs is monitored and appropriate provision ismade available through individual education plans and additional support.

Placing high quality teaching andlearning at the heart of all endeavour

Strivingcollectively forimprovementin all aspectsof the school’swork

Ensuring high standards and expectations in everything

We believe that positive encouragement, praise and rewards are essentialto students’ success. Class teachers celebrate learners’ achievements on avery regular basis. Students accumulate merits and they receivecertificates to commemorate these achievements. We have a rewardssystem and an annual Prize Giving ceremony in July.

All students are provided with learning planners to help them to organisetheir work and to help ease communication between home and school.

All Year 7 parents receive a Home School Agreement.

The Student Voice, composed of representatives from each year group,meets regularly to discuss issues from the students’ perspective. The grouphas recently devised a ‘Learners’ Charter’.

Keeping students and staff happy and secure in theirlearning environment

There are specialist classrooms for all subjects, 5 suited computer rooms, avideo conference room, two music rooms, several music practice rooms,two gymnasia, a school hall, a dining hall and bistro, refurbished Art roomsAnd an Advanced Manufacturing Centre.

All classrooms have a digital projector or interactive whiteboard.

A planned process of refurbishment ensures that the decoration is kept to ahigh standard.

The school is set in a green field site and boasts excellent sporting facilitiesincluding an all weather pitch.

The school is a secure site following the erection of a perimeter fence in2008-2009.

New School Campus opening September 2016

Basing our work firmly on principles ofequality of opportunity and inclusion

Enabling students to achieve with appropriate support.

All students are encouraged to aspire to achieve very well and to see learning as a lifelongand fulfilling process that can not only benefit them individually but also lead to playing theirpart in cohesive communities, both now and in the future.

We provide a full induction programme for Year 6 students.

Setting arrangements in some subjects ensure that all students are able to access theappropriate level of learning they need.

Regular progress checks are made on the students throughout their school careers to ensurethe fulfilment of their potential.

Parents and carers are informed of their child’s progress on at least three occasions during thelearning year.

All students are provided with minimum expected grades or levels in each subject they studyand individual student progression towards these is monitored regularly.

In Years 10 and 11, a variety of mentoring schemes are in place to ensure that learners reachor exceed their potential in the GCSE examinations.

Fostering positive relationships

Every student is supported by their Form Tutor.

She/He is the first point of contact in a team that also comprises the Key Stage Leader,Assistant Key Stage Leader and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Students and teachers work together to raise achievement.

Taking responsibility to assist in the social,moral and cultural development of students

There is an annual school production involving students of all agesand abilities. The recent run of school productions includes:Summer Nights, Grease, the Sound of Music).

We offer a wide range of sporting clubs including netball, rugby,hockey, football, tennis, gymnastics and athletics. The 5 X 60 officerwho works at the school offers a wider variety of sporting activityincluding Cheerleading and Street Dance.

We have highly successful Debating and Public Speaking teams.

Personal and Social Education days develop citizenship and otherrelated issues.

We raise awareness of, and money for, charities and good causes.

Students’ learning is enriched through various visits and trips includinga bi-annual ski course, sports tours throughout Europe, visits to Franceand Germany and many visits and activities throughout Englandand Wales.

We promote the use of Welsh very strongly and we hold an annualEisteddfod for students in Key Stage 3. We host an Urdd concert forlocal primary schools and the local Urdd Eisteddfod is held regularlyat Holywell.

We follow the County’s agreed syllabus for Religious Education andCollective Worship.

Improving our practice and provisionsthrough regular review and self-evaluation

We are committed to using objective data on studentperformance to raise achievement.

The Senior Leadership and Management Team liaises withfaculties to ensure consistently high standards of teachingand learning and successful outcomes for learners.

Examination performance is reviewed thoroughly and targets setfor the future.

Developing pupils’ moral values, spiritualawareness and cultural understanding

Rewardingpupils’ effortsand celebratingachievement

Our Past

Holywell has been a centre forSecondary Education since theestablishment of the IntermediateSchool in September 1896. By 1900the school had moved to thePen Y Maes site, and had becomeknown as Holywell County School.

This school developed as a centre ofexcellence and became HolywellGrammar School. In 1954 BasingwerkCounty Secondary School wasopened on an adjacent site. Boththe Basingwerk School and theGrammar School developed side byside before merging to form HolywellHigh School in 1967.

Fosteringpositiveinter-personalworkingrelationships

The School Today

Holywell High School is an 11-18 English medium co-educationalcomprehensive school maintained by Flintshire County CouncilEducation Department. It has been extensively refurbished inthe last few years and now provides excellent facilities for theeducation of its pupils. Recent additions have included newTechnology and Music suites, newly refurbished Art rooms, theAdvanced Manufacturing Centre and an all weather floodlit sports area. Enrolment of pupils is managed through FlintshireCounty Council School Admissions Policy.

The School’s fundamental aim is to extend all pupils to their fullpotential, intellectually, academically, physically and socially.All school policies and structures have this as their centralconsideration and motivation. We pride ourselves on the way inwhich we endeavour to create a caring atmosphere and ethoswhere all pupils are treated with respect whatever their abilities.Great care is taken to ensure that pupils take appropriateoptions in Year 10 and 12. Year 11 and Sixth Form students arecarefully guided in their choice of further education or career.In the Autumn term, the school holds an Open Morning andEvening for parents or pupils in Year 5 & 6 where parents andpupils are invited to view the work of the faculties.

Term DatesUniform

Basic School EquipmentThe School Day

AttendancePastoral Structures

Medical MattersReligious Education

Sex EducationUse of Welsh Language

Prize GivingCharging and Remissions

Disability Discrimination ActCareers

Higher EducationStatistical Information

Equal OpportunitiesHealth and Safety

Admission to Holywell High SchoolComplaints Procedure

ESSENTIALINFORMATION

Year 7-11 (Girls) Year 7-11 (Boys)

Plain dark coloured coat or anorak*Black Blazer with School Badge

*Grey v-neck jumper with school logo(Optional)

White shirt with collar*School Tie

Plain black knee length skirtor tailored black trousers

Tights (plain) or socks in white, grey orblack

Plain black leather shoes

Plain dark coloured coat or anorak*Black Blazer with School Badge

*Grey v-neck jumper with school logo(Optional)

White shirt with collar*School Tie

Black trousersblack socks

Plain black leather shoes

PE KitPlain black shorts/plain black skort

*Performance polo shirt with school logoPlain red socks

*Black fleece top with school logoPlain black tracksuit bottoms (optional)may be worn from November to March

over shortsWhite sports socks

Training shoes (not boots)

PE KitRugby shirt

Plain black shorts*Performance polo shirt with school logo

Plain red socksPlain black tracksuit bottoms (optional)may be worn from November to March

over shortsWhite sports socks

Training shoesFootball/rugby boots required for outdoor

activity

SCHOOL HOLIDAY DATES 2015-2016AUTUMN TERM SPRING TERM SUMMER TERM

Open 2nd September Open 5th January Open 12th AprilClose 23rd October Close 12th February Close 27th MayOpen 2nd November Open 22nd February Open 6th JuneClose 18th December Close 24th March Close 20th July

*Forrester Sports are sole suppliers for Holywell High School uniform

We expect a high standard of personal appearance from all students and anyone arrivingat school in non-uniform clothing may be sent home.

· Hair colour and style must be appropriate for school.· Jewellery, apart from stud earrings or a signet ring, and make-up are not permitted

in school.· Coats and other outdoor clothing may not be worn in class or on the corridors.· Ear studs must be removed for P.E. lessons.· All personal property should be clearly labelled.

The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS OF CLOTHING INCLUDE:White Polo Shirts/ Leggings / Trainers / Short Skirts / Skinny Jeans or Denim

It is essential for all pupils to be supplied with basic school equipment at all times, including pen,pencil, ruler, rubber, and a suitable bag in which to carry equipment and books. It is highlydesirable that pupils should have a good basic atlas for use at home. It is advisable that pupilspossess a scientific calculator. Calculators can be purchased from school. It is advisable for allpupils to have English and Welsh pocket dictionaries. Languages dictionaries are also desirable.It is desirable that pupils have their own personal headphones for Music lessons. Pupils musthave their planner with them at all times.

8.40 Warning Bell for registration8.45 - 9.00 Registration in Form Groups9.00 - 10.00 Period 110.00 - 11.00 Period 211.00 - 11.20 Break11.15 Warning Bell for end of break11.20 - 12.20 Period 31.00 Warning Bell for end of lunch1.05 - 2.10 Period 42.10 - 3.10 Period 5

LUNCHTIME ARRANGMENTS

The school canteen provides a varied and healthy menu for pupils who wish to take a meal whilepupils bringing packed lunches are expected to eat them in the canteen. At break time, snacksare available.

The school has a ‘Bistro’ for Years 10-13, complete with wide screen TV as a special area for theolder students to spend their breaks and lunch times.

We expect pupils to remain on the premises unless parents request a lunch time pass for thepupil to go home for lunch. Given that lunchtime is only 45 minutes long, this will only bepossible if the pupil lives very close to school. Permission for pupils to be off premises is given onthe strict understanding that parents accept full responsibility for their children at lunchtime andthey must have their pass to leave the site. Applications for lunchtime passes must be obtainedfrom the appropriate Assistant Key Stage Leader. Passes may be removed from pupils who arereported to the school for causing a nuisance to local residents or businesses in town.

Sixth Form students are permitted to leave the premises at lunch time.

3

BASIC SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

THE SCHOOL DAY

KS3 (years 7-9) Leader: Mr R Chesters KS4 (years 10+11) Leader: Mr T HopkinsAssistant KS3 Leader: Ms T Hold Assistant KS4 Leader: Mrs S Lewis

KS5 (years 12+13) Leader: Mrs S Henry

Your child’s form tutor has the responsibility for checking on his or her progress. Form Tutors arealso available to help with any problems which may arise from time to time and particularlyduring the period when the pupil first enters the school. PSE is delivered through designated ses-sions throughout the academic year.

Flintshire has a comprehensive School Health Service provided by the Betwsi CadwaladrUniversity Health Board. The aim of this service is to promote the health of your child in thewidest sense and to identify any health problems that may develop.

The primary contact with the School Health Service is through the School Nurse and CommunityPaedeatrician, both of whom have specialised training in educational medicine, communitypaediatrics and child health. These specialists are able to liaise directly with all other areas ofFlintshires’ Health Services and other agencies should the need arise.

Your child will not be examined by the Paediatrician without your permission, except in amedical emergency. All Health interviews are strictly confidential and your consent will besought before discussing any issue with the school teaching staff. Obviously, it would be in yourchild’s best interest for the teaching staff to be aware of any medical condition that may affecthis/her progress in the classroom. Parents’ attendance at school health interviews is highlyvalued. You will receive, in advance, a written invitation and a consent form for you to sign.(A child over the age of 16 years will be able to give his/her own consent.)

In Year 7 all pupils will be offered an intranasal flu vaccine. In Year 8 + 9 girls will be offeredthe HPV vaccination which incurs 2 doses in Yr 8 + Yr 9. You will be given information andwritten consent will be sought. In Year 9 & 10, a Booster injection against Tetanus, Diphtheriaand Polio will be offered along with meningitis C vaccine and MMR if required. If you have anyconcerns about any of your children please feel free to approach the school nurse to discussthem.

If a parent has been advised by their GP or a consultant that a child should not attend school formedical reasons please contact Mr John Weir (Acting Headteacher).

Mrs T Birch (School Nurse) is based at Flint Clinic–Tel: 01352 732280/07584271574or at school.

4

MEDICAL MATTERS

In order for our learners to take the fullest advantage of the learning experience available tothem at Holywell High School, they should maximise attendance rates and be fully engaged inall lessons. The Schools’ attendance target is 92% and we see this as a minimum expectationfor our learners.

It is essential that learners arrive in time for registration at 08:45, so that they receive importantinformation or letters and to take part in the registration activities that have been planned.

Parents are asked, if possible, not to make medical appointments during the school day, asmissing lessons may cause gaps in learning. The Governing Body will not authorise any holidaysduring term time as doing so interrupts the learning process and can severely effect thelearners’ education.

Learners with good attendance and punctuality will be rewarded throughout the year withcertificates, prizes and rewards trips. The whole staff wishes to celebrate achievement in theschool, through examination results and other experiences, and we believe that an attendanceabove 92% will help to facilitate this.

ATTENDANCE

PASTORAL STRUCTURES 2014-2015

The school follows the County’s agreed syllabus and guidelines which provide pupils with aknowledge and understanding of religious beliefs and practices and an opportunity to explore andrespond to other religious viewpoints. All pupils have regular assemblies or a daily act ofcollective worship in their tutor classrooms. Parents have the right to withdraw their childrenfrom both assemblies and Religious Education lessons, providing they state their religiousgrounds for doing so and provide work from that religious community and arrange for the leaderof their faith community to come to school to provide a daily act of worship.

In common with all schools, we have a Sex Education Policy following national guidelines whichhas been approved by the Governors and which includes information about reproduction andcontraception. The issues are dealt with in a sensitive fashion within the framework of broaderemotional and ethical issues. The emphasis is always upon moral responsibility. Parents may seethe Sex Education Policy and may withdraw their children from such lessons.

Whilst Holywell High is an English Medium School the Welsh culture is emphasised throughoutthe school in a number of different areas. The Welsh Department plays a key role in ensuringthe delivery of the language through its teaching provision but also promotes the culture of Walesin a number of extra-curricular activities. These include Urdd Eisteddfod and theatre visits. TheWelsh language is used in day to day activities and forms part of every lesson. The CurriculumCymreig is an integral part of subject specific schemes of work throughout the school. Theintegration of elements of Welsh culture and language add an additional dimension to students’studies throughout the school promoting bilingualism.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION &COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

SEX EDUCATION

USE OF WELSH LANGUAGE

PRIZE GIVINGThe school believes in encouragement and the annual Prize Giving Ceremony celebrates success.Merit Awards are presented to those pupils who in the eyes of their teachers have madeoutstanding progress during the course of the year. Parents of award winners are invited to thisoccasion which takes place at the end of the Summer Term. Over the years since the foundationof the Intermediate School in 1896, we have been fortunate enough to gather a large numberof external and internal awards some of which date back to the nineteenth century. Theseendowments are still recognised at the Prize Giving ceremony along with more recent awardsgiven in memory of ex pupils, headteachers, teachers and chairs of governors. We areparticularly proud of the awards dedicated to the memory of former pupils who have died intragic circumstances. A full list of the awards is available from the school.

5

The school follows the LEA’s charging policy document in relation to remissions, optional extrasand activities organised by third parties. Charges made will be those permissible under theEducation Reform Act 1988 and associated Statutory Instruments.

In addition, the Governing Body will seek to recover the cost of damage or loss to property orequipment as a consequence of students’ behaviour. The Governing Body will also seek torecover the costs of any examinations missed as a result of holidays or other non-emergencyabsences from school.

Voluntary contributions in cash or kind may be sought in some instances (practical subjects,projects assignment materials). This is on the understanding that students will not be excludedif no contribution is made. Similarly, for visits where a charge is not appropriate, voluntarycontributions may be sought. Insufficient receipt of contributions may affect the viability of suchvisits. If any child is likely to miss out on any school related activities for financial reasonsplease contact the school to discuss this.

The Equality Act 2010 identifies the legal duties placed upon the school to address issues ofvictimisation, discrimination and harassment, as well as equal opportunities and its obligation totackle prejudice and promote understanding between all members of the school and local

CHARGING and REMISSIONS

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT

CAREERSHolywell High School is working towards addressing all Learning Outcomes as outlined in thedocument which sets out the Welsh Assembly Government’s requirements for careers and theworld of work . (“Careers and the world of work: a framework for 11 to 19 year olds in Wales”).Pupils are encouraged to make realistic and informed decisions about their future. Mrs ChristineEdwards is the school Careers/Work Experience Co-ordinator. She organises careers relatedactivities and work experience placements. She can also offer some careers guidance. Advisersfrom Careers Wales also offer support to pupils in school.

Careers Wales provides free, careers information, advice and guidance to help you makedecisions about courses, jobs and training. Find what you need online! Careerswales.com

Use www.careerswales.com to help you find out more about your options and plan your nextsteps.

Need to ask a question? Try Careers Wales Connect

¨ Web chat: Chat to us live online from careerswales.com using Web Chat¨ Email us: post@careerswalesgyrfacymru.com

Telephone: 0800 028 4844 Lines are open between 9am and 7pm Monday-FridayCalls from a landline are free but standard mobile rates apply if You call from a mobile. Letus know your telephone number and we will call you back free.

6

The school believes that its responsibility for its pupils does not end with the arrival of the Alevel results and every effort is made after that date to ensure that pupils are appropriatelyplaced on University courses suited to their aptitudes and interests. In September 2014 22ex-pupils took up places on higher and further education courses at universities throughoutWales and England. (A list of destinations can be obtained from the school).

Number on roll September 2014: 433

Planned admissions’ limit 2012: 186

Unauthorised Absence rate: 1.2%

Number of Students in the Sixth Form in September 2014: 62

Number of Year 13 Students progressing to Higher Education 2014: 22

Destinations of Year 11 pupils: 30% of Year 11 students returned to school. Details of thedestinations of other pupils was not known at the time ofgoing to press.

The school is committed to the general principle of equal opportunity for all, irrespective ofgender, age, race, religion, socio-economic background or ability/disability, sexual orientation,pregnancy and maternity as required by Equality Act 2010. Initiatives designed to further thisprinciple are actively promoted and supported.

We seek to encourage the development of attitudes which endorse the equal worth of allindividuals and to ensure that all aspects of the curriculum and administration subscribe to theprinciple of equal opportunities. Staff aim to devise teaching, learning and class managementstrategies that emphasise the principle of equal worth and in doing this we attempt to lay thefoundations of a just and equitable society.

We believe that the school site is as safe as it is possible to make it, and all reasonable steps aretaken in the interests of Safety and Security. The site in general and all classrooms are well main-tained with fit for purpose resources, equipment and furnishings.

It is Flintshire’s and the school’s policy to report instances of racial discrimination to the police.

Teams of duty staff supervise the school campus at the beginning of school, breaktime,lunchtime and at the end of the day. There are members of staff trained in First Aid. Allaccidents to students and staff are reported on the relevant form as designated by the LEA. Wehave a safe designated area for the arrival and departure of school buses.

The site is inspected on a half term basis by the Health & Safety Governor with a report preparedand sent to the governors.

Visitors to school are expected to sign in at reception and are issued with a clearly visible visitor’spass.

7

UNIVERSITY

STATISTICAL INFORMATION

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The school is able to allow up to 186 students into Year 7 each year. We are required tooperate within the ‘Admission Arrangements’ as laid down by the Local Education Authority,copies of which are available from Lifelong Learning, Flintshire County Council, County Hall,Mold, Flintshire. Tel: 01352 704010 or 01352 704034.

Holywell High School is a fully inclusive school and is committed to providing a high qualitycomprehensive education for all pupils in keeping with the provision and resources available to itas a mainstream school.

Application for AdmissionParents (or those with parental responsibility) of students in their final year of Primary Schoolwill receive a ‘Parental Preference Form’.

Under the terms of Section 23 of the Education Reform Act 1988, procedures have been laiddown concerning complaints made by parents or others on specific items concerning thedelivery of the National Curriculum. (These procedures DO NOT cover complaints of anyother nature).

Any concerns expressed by parents and others about the school curriculum and related matterswill continue to be considered and, so far as possible, dealt with through informal discussion withteachers and the Headteacher in the first instance. Where the issue is not resolved, the mattermay then be the subject of a formal complaint and, if appropriate, referred to the GoverningBody. If deliberations fail to provide a satisfactory outcome, the issue will then be referred to theLocal Education Authority.

The school also has a procedure for dealing with general complaints and copies of The School’sComplaints Policy are made available upon request.

8

ADMISSION TO HOLYWELL HIGH SCHOOL

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES

Holywell High SchoolDocuments Available to Parents

GrantsChild Protection

Health and SafetyAssessment

Progress MonitoringExternal Examination Entries

HomeworkWebsite

Home School Agreement

ABOUTTHE SCHOOL

Holywell High School is an 11-18 mixed English medium comprehensive day school maintainedby Flintshire County Council.

The school occupies a very pleasant site on the edge of the town of Holywell, overlooking theDee Estuary. The facilities of the school are housed in a large single building, a significantadvantage on cold or rainy days. Surrounding the building are extensive playing fields, on whichare located an all-weather pitch, tennis courts and other sports facilities. Within the building,subjects are grouped within suites of rooms and we enjoy the use of a large school library,which houses a computer suite. Several subjects have specialist facilities, notably music,technology, information technology and science.

The school is forward-looking and our work is supported by very enthusiastic and hard-workingGoverning Body. Important values underpin our aims. In particular, we seek to value allmembers of the school community equally. We also have a strong pastoral structure and striveto ensure that each pupil enjoys attending a school where the quality of working relationships isof a high order. We are very proud of the achievements of our pupils, which we celebratethrough our school newsletter.

Most importantly, we are a happy school. Pupils enjoy attending Holywell High School and thisis reflected in the atmosphere within the school, which is friendly, positive and purposeful.

Under Flintshire school modernisation programme there will be a new 11-16 secondary schoolco-located with a primary school in September 2016.

The following documents can be made available for parents to read on application to the school:

Welsh Government CircularsFlintshire County Council PoliciesNational Curriculum Statutory OrdersHolywell High School Faculty Schemes of WorkThe School Governors’ Policy DocumentsSchool Development PlanYear 10 Choices BookletYears 12 & 13 Option BookletThe Inspection Report November 2010Homework Policy

9

HOLYWELL HIGH SCHOOL

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS

FREE MEALSParents may apply for free school meals and all applications are assessed on a national scale.Application forms can be obtained from the School Administration Office or from the Director ofLife-Long Learning, County Hall, Mold. These free meals are available to children whose parents arereceiving Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance Income Related Element ofEmployment and Support Allowance, Guarantee Credit Element of Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit(without Working Tax Credit) only with an annual income of £16,190.00 or less. Parents receivingWorking Tax Credit will not qualify.

UNIFORM GRANTThe LEA does operate a clothing scheme, the object of which is to provide items of distinctive schooluniform for secondary school pupils of compulsory school age, where assistance with clothing isnecessary to enable children to take full advantage of the education provided.

Individual parents make application to the Director of Lifelong Learning. An application form isavailable from the School Admin Office, this grant is available to children whose parents are receivingIncome Support, Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance Income Related Element of Employment andSupport Allowance, Guarantee Credit Element of Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit (without WorkingTax Credit) only with an annual income of £16,190.00 or less. Parents receiving Working Tax Creditwill not qualify.

EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMA)The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) provides financial support for 16-18 year-olds whoare continuing with their education at schools or further education colleges. It is a means-tested weekly allowance, paid fortnightly, according to a student’s attendance to school andlessons.

The Welsh Assembly Government introduced the EMA Wales in 2004/2005. For 2014/15 thescheme is open to students who became 16, 17 and 18 in the prior academic year i.e. were bornbetween 1st September 1995 and 31st August 1998.

Further information is available from the EMA Website (www.ema.dfes.gov.uk)

The LA is required to determine whether the provision of transport for pupils of statutory schoolage is necessary to facilitate the attendance at a designated school of the pupil concerned. Ifsuch transport is deemed necessary, then the transport must be provided free of charge.

The minimum (statutory) provision

The LA provides free transport for children of compulsory school age (i.e. 5-16yrs) as follows:-¨ where a child receiving primary education lives over two miles from the nearest appropriate

school;¨ where a child receiving secondary education lives over three miles from the nearest

appropriate school.

Extensions beyond the minimum (statutory) provision

The LA provides free transport for pupils of statutory school age¨ where a child whose parents are in receipt of Income Support or Working Tax Credits,

resides more than 2.5 miles from the nearest appropriate school;

GRANTS

ASSISTED SCHOOL TRANSPORTEligibility Criteria

10

¨ To the nearest Welsh medium or Voluntary school under the criteria identified above;¨ Where the route to school is considered to be hazardous by the LA in consultation with the

Environment Directorate;¨ Where a child required transport on medical grounds and no suitable public transport exists;¨ Where transport to a named school is identified in a pupil’s Statement of Special Educational

Needs. This would normally be on medical or educational grounds and would be deemedessential in the context of other criteria identified in this policy.

Post 16 TransportThe LA provides free transport for young people aged 16 years and over, living in Flintshire who arein full time education and who live over 3 miles from the nearest appropriate educationalestablishment (school, college, etc). The LA will assess whether a school or college provides areasonable range of courses suitable to the abilities, aptitudes and requirements of an individualstudent. Transport will only be provided to an educational establishment which is not the nearest if,in the judgement of the LA, there is a considerable variation between the student’s course and thecourse on offer at the nearer institution. The courses should be at a higher level than the previousone: for example GCSE retakes would normally qualify for assistance.

Free transport after the age of 19Free transport is provided to eligible students who have reached 16 years of age and have not yetreached the age of 19 on 1st September of the academic year. The free transport will be maintainedfor students for the length of their initial course even if they reach their 19th birthday before the endof that course.

School/colleges outside FlintshireYoung people will be provided with free transport to a school or college outside Flintshire if:¨ The school or college is nearer to their home address than a school/college in the County and

is more than three miles from their home address, or¨ The course the young person wishes to follow is not provided by the nearest school/college or

another school/college within the County that is nearer to the learners home than the oneapplied for.

Non-qualifying pupils - Concessionary faresThe LA may provide concessionary transport, at a cost, where a pupil/student does not qualify on theabove criteria but can be placed on an existing contract transport route which has empty seats. Inthese circumstances:¨ A charge of £55 per term will apply for 2013/14. (This is subject to an annual review)¨ Concessions may be withdrawn at short notice, with a pro-rate rebate, when seats become

unavailable.However, under the Transport Act 1985, concessionary fares cannot be made available where publicservice transport runs along a school route at convenient times for the start and finish of the schoolday.

Application forms for concessionary seats can be obtained from the Access Officer, telephonenumber 01352 704068. For full details of Assisted School Transport please seewww.flintshire.gov.uk/schools/schooltransport

The Department for Education and Welsh Office guidance makes it clear that schools and collegeshave an important role to play in the protection of children against abuse. This is confirmed bythe All Wales Child Protection Procedures, which set out the necessary procedures to be followedby all staff.

Holywell High School therefore has a duty to refer any concerns about the well-being of pupils tothe Children Services Duty and Assessment Team for further advice.

The school has a Health and Safety Policy in accordance with County requirements and amember of staff is designated as the Health and Safety Co-ordinator. Everything possible is doneto ensure the health and safety of pupils, staff and visitors. A copy of the policy may beviewed on application to the Headteacher.

CHILD PROTECTION

HEALTH AND SAFETY

11

We expect subject teachers to monitor and record the progress of individual pupils. Parents canrequest information on the achievement of their child in any subject. Written reports are issuedfor each pupil once every year. Short reports are issued in the other two terms.

The National Curriculum provides teachers with clear objectives for their teaching by theprovision of a number of attainment targets for each subject. Pupils entering the school aremoving into Key Stage 3 (11-14 year olds) and a major assessment of their progress will bemade in English, Mathematics and Science at the end of the Year 9 before beginning Key Stage4 in Year 10. Assessment will be made through continuous assessment by the teacher whichwill be moderated externally.

The chart below gives an indication of the dates for reports, examinations, assessments andParents' Evenings for the 2014– 2015 year.

P - Parents' Evening PFC - Progress File CeremonyE - Internal Examinations EX - External ExaminationsFR - Full Reports Issued SR - Short Reports

SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JUL

Yr 7 EX SR SR/P EX/FR SR

Yr 8 SR/FR P SR EX SR

Yr 9 SR/P SR EX EX SR/FR

Yr 10 SR FR/SR P EX EX/E/SR

Yr 11 SR/EX E EX/P/FR SR EX EX/PFC EX

Yr 12 EX SR P FR SR EX EX EX/SR

Yr 13 SR P FR SR EX EX EX

For several years the school has had a system for monitoring progress throughout the school.Subject teachers are asked to comment on the pupils’ standard of work and attitude. Pupils areinterviewed by their class tutors and if necessary, remedial action, including parentalinvolvement, can be taken where a pupil is making unsatisfactory progress. In Year 11,considerable efforts are made to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential in the publicexaminations. This regular monitoring of progress has proved itself to be a valuablecomplement to our standard reporting system. Besides this, pupils are now provided withminimum expected levels for all their Teacher Assessments in Key Stage 3. On each PSE daypupils review their progress compared to targets with their form tutors. Upper School pupils aresimilarly given minimum expected grades for the GCSE, BTEC, Entry Level and Advancedcourses. Reports for parents are written with these target levels and grades in mind.

12

ASSESSMENT

PROGRESS MONITORING

After full consultation involving parents and pupils, entries for external examinations arefinalised during the early part of the Spring Term in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13. A full list of theexamination results for Summer 2014 is included.

We consider homework to be of great importance in the development of the pupils and they aregiven tasks to complete at home on a regular basis. Parents are encouraged to involvethemselves in this process both by keeping a check on the pupil’s progress and being part of thesystem of encouragement which we believe is the best motivator for pupils. All pupils areprovided with a homework planner which parents and tutors must sign on a weekly basis. Thisis a valuable document which gives the pupil the chance to plan out his or her work in anorganised way. A copy of the school’s Homework Policy is sent to parents each year. It is alsoavailable on the school website.

Holywell High School can be found on the Internet. A group of staff and pupils have workedtogether to produce the Holywell High School Web Site which can be found at the followingaddress:

www.holywellhighschool.co.uk

You can also find the web site on the Google search engine by typing in Holywell High School.

13

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION ENTRIES

HOMEWORK

WEB SITE

Parents and Carers

As a parent/carer I will ensure my child:

¨ attends school regularly¨ is not taken out of school due to term time holidays where possible¨ arrives at school on time¨ has the correct school uniform¨ has a school bag with the right equipment for lessons¨ brings the correct PE kit for every PE lesson

I will also:

¨ let the school know about any concerns or problems that might affect my child’swork or behaviour

¨ support the school’s policies and guidance for promoting positive behaviour¨ support and encourage my child with their homework and other opportunities for

home learning¨ attend parents’ evenings¨ take an interest in my child’s life at school and sign his/her planner every week

when homework has been completed¨ meet with my child’s teachers to discuss his/her behaviour, attitude and aca-

demic progress when contacted by the school

As a school

We will:

¨ recognise and celebrate your child’s academic and non-academic successes inschool

¨ set, mark and monitor homework and where possible provide facilities for chil-dren to do homework in school

¨ send home annual reports on progress¨ arrange Parents’ Evenings during which behaviour, attitude and academic pro-

gress will be discussed¨ keep parents/carers informed about school activities through regular letters

home, notices on the school website and via the school’s newsletter, Y Ffynnon¨ contact parents/carers if there is a problem with attendance, punctuality, behav-

iour, uniform or equipment¨ let parents/carers know about any concerns or problems that are affecting their

child’s work or behaviour in school¨ do our utmost to prevent and to educate pupils about the inappropriateness of

bullying and cyber bullying

N.B. Pupils with Special Needs may have additional aspects to the Home SchoolAgreement. The school will inform parents/carers when this is the case.

14

HOME-SCHOOL AGREEMENT

As Pupils

We will:

¨ Arrive at school on time every day¨ Have the correct uniform and PE kit¨ Always give letters to parents/carers¨ Comply with school rules and treat staff and other pupils with respect¨ Record all home work in our planners¨ Try our best to achieve our potential

[July 2014]

Pupil’s Name: Form:

I/we agree to support all aspects of the Home School Agreement referring to my/ourresponsibilities as parents/carers.

Parent/Carer Signature:

Pupil Signature:

Comments:

Note: Copies of all policies are available on request. All policies are revised as part of aregular review cycle. Parents & carers are invited to contribute their thoughts andcomments, in writing, on all policies that directly relate to their child’s education orwelfare.

15

EnglishMathematics

ScienceWelsh

Modern Foreign LanguagesReligious Education

GeographyHistory and PoliticsBusiness Education

Information & Communication TechnologyDesign and Technology

Art and DesignMusic

Physical EducationAdditional Needs

Asdan

DEPARTMENTALINFORMATION

ENGLISHEnglish is central to every pupil’s education. The ability to read with understanding, write clearly andexpressively, as well as to discuss ideas is central to getting on in life and work. We aim to build onliteracy skills achieved in the junior schools, to widen the depth and breadth of vocabulary used, and tofoster a sense of the importance of reading as the gateway to success in all subjects across the curriculum.In line with the English National Curriculum in Wales, our Year 7-11 courses cover speaking and listening,reading with understanding and writing.Our aim is to encourage pupils to become thinking individuals through lively and topical debates anddiscussions. We observe that the most successful pupils are usually those who are self-motivated andproud of their work, whatever their level of attainment.Throughout Key Stage 3 (Years 7,8 and 9) pupils are prepared for their teachers’ assessments of theirwork, which are formally recorded at the end of Year 9. Teacher Assessments have replaced the S.A.T.examinations in Wales (Standard Assessment Tests). Year 9 pupils are introduced to the rigors of GCSEearly in the year.In Key Stage 4, the majority of pupils take a GCSE course leading to qualifications in English Language andEnglish Literature.A highly popular and successful English Literature A Level course is taught in the Sixth Form. We provideafter-school help on Tuesdays for those who want to exceed their own expectations.

MATHEMATICSWe believe that confidence and personal progress in Mathematics provides a necessary foundation forsuccess in a wide variety of additional areas, but particularly all scientific and technological study. Inthe first three years, one of our aims is to further develop skills in logical and coherent thinking.During Year 7, pupils will be taught in mixed ability groups, focusing on general arithmetic andproblem solving skills. This gives us the opportunity to make a fuller assessment of their mathemati-cal ability and ensure that they are placed in the right class in Year 8.From Year 8 onwards, pupils are set on ability, giving us the opportunity to push the more able, andto provide support to those lacking in mathematical confidence.Steady progression leads to the Key Stage 3 assessment during Year 9 before the preparation forGCSE begins in earnest.Post GCSE, we offer pupils the opportunity to follow the AS and A level Mathematics. We are veryaware of the fact that all pupils need appropriate qualifications in Mathematics in order to make asuccessful transfer into either the world of work or into further and higher education.

SCIENCETechnology is advancing faster every year and to be able to keep up with, as well as take part in thistechnological world, it is essential that we have a good understanding of the scientific principles thatprovide the foundations upon which these advances are built. At Holywell we provide stimulating,demanding and relevant science from Year 7 through to Year 13. There is the opportunity to gain awide variety of scientific skills through challenging experimental and problem solving activities. Weaim to provide all our students with the knowledge and skills to understand the scientific world aroundthem, as well as to provide the support necessary for them to reach their true academic potential.Science at Holywell High School aims not only to teach scientific facts, but also to develop the skillsnecessary for our students to take a more active role in the rapidly advancing scientific world that istheir future.

CYMRAEG

Our main aims within the department are to develop every pupil’s ability to communicate through themedium of the Welsh language, to develop an interest in Wales and the Welsh culture and to giveevery GCSE and A level candidate opportunities to aspire to a mastery of the Welsh languageaccording to his/her ability and needs. We also make pupils aware of what the local area has to offerin terms of their culture and try to make the courses as interesting and as realistic as possible in orderto enable pupils to learn to use it in their natural environment. The ability to communicate effectivelythrough the medium of Welsh is an increasingly important vocational qualification in fields such aslocal government, public services, the health services, the media, tourism and education. Webelieve that the knowledge they gain through learning the language contributes to their generaleducation as well as giving all pupils an enhanced opportunity to make a valuable contribution to thesociety in which they live. Where possible Pupils are encouraged to take part in extra-curricularactivities such as visits to ‘The Welsh language centre’ at Glan Llyn, Bala and to take part in a range ofUrdd activities. A level students also enjoy visits to Welsh language theatre productions.

16

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

All pupils have an opportunity to study a foreign language throughout their time at Holywell. Allpupils study French at Key Stage 3 can continue with French up to GCSE. Pupils may continuewith languages at AS and A level. The emphasis in all MFL lessons is on practical skills that will beof use to pupils if they are in contact with French or German speaking countries. All lessons aretaught in the foreign language and learning through the use of games, songs, CDs and DVDs tomotivate and help the pupils to learn. The Department also makes good use of the Internet,subscribing to several languages websites which provide online activities. We believe that it isalso an important function of our Department to introduce pupils to the culture and customs ofour European neighbours. In alternating years, pupils all have the opportunity to go to eitherFrance or Germany.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

We are convinced that Religious Education has a vital part to play in the personal, social, moraland spiritual development of pupils and it is a requirement that all pupils are introduced to areligious dimension as a part of their general school education. Throughout the school the subjectis taught in mixed ability groups with the focus upon learning about different religions and greatstress is laid upon the equally important personal and social skills which Religious Education triesto develop. Emphasis is put upon moral behaviour and the effect of religion on personal andfamily life. Parents who wish to withdraw their children from the lessons on religious groundsmay do so providing they provide the headteacher with suitable reasons by letter.

GEOGRAPHY

We strongly believe that pupils need to be aware of the environment they are living in and ourefforts in the Geography department are geared to this end. Pupils are introduced to PhysicalGeography, which is a study of landscape and climate and Human Geography which considerssettlements, work and recreation. We try to balance our view of the world by looking at bothlocal and global issues. Great use is made of a rich variety of AV resources together with a varietyof other reference works. The main aim of the department is to make the pupils involvedand interested in the wider geographical issues and we encourage them to watch relevanttelevision programmes. As much use as possible is made of field trips, especially in Years Tenand Eleven where they are a requirement of the GCSE.

HISTORY & POLITICS

Our aims in teaching History are to foster a lasting interest and curiosity in the subject in andbeyond school and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for an appreciation of theenormously rich historical background both in our locality and the wider world. We follow theNational Curriculum guidelines in trying to develop a skills and concepts approach while workingin a chronological framework.In our classes we use a wide range of teaching styles and a variety of resources including ceilingmounted projectors, interactive white boards, computers and audio-visual equipment to interestand stimulate all our pupils.We strongly believe that the resources around us are likely to awaken a keen historical interestand we make use of field work and visits. The department also invites outside speakers to visitthe school, who can provide the pupils with first hand experience of current affairs and recenthistory. We have a strong commitment to Curriculum Cymreig. Strong groups in both Historyand Politics A level result in a steady stream of pupils continuing to read the subjects atuniversity.

17

BUSINESS EDUCATION and INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ICT

An understanding of the practical aspects of ICT is essential to the adults of the future and weaim to prepare our pupils for this through discrete ICT lessons from Year Seven to Year Nine. AllKey Stage 4 now undertake the Cambridge National in ICT. We are proud of the fully equippedICT suite of rooms where the pupils work on up to date computers. The spread of the use of ICTthroughout the school is a long term aim and many of the classrooms and laboratories are nownetworked into the system.

BUSINESS

We live in a world where knowledge of business is essential for pupils and the subject area aimsto give the best possible introduction to an understanding of business and a training in practicalICT skills. A study of Business and Communication Systems as a discrete subject and furtheradvanced begins as an option in Year Ten leading to a GCSE qualification. In the Sixth FormApplied GCE Business is taught, both as a single and double ‘A’ Level award and is extremelysuccessful with the majority of students going on to University.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY /HOME ECONOMICS

In Design and Technology we strongly believe that we should develop pupils’ self reliance,ensuring their capacity to produce effective and creative work in a technological age. In KeyStage 3 pupils take a cyclical course in a range of materials including wood, metal, plastics,textiles, food and graphical media through which they gain practical and design skills. At GCSEpupils are given the opportunity to enhance and develop the skills and techniques previouslystudied at KS3 by opting to follow a course in Product Design, Engineering, Home Economics and(Food and Nutrition) and Child Development. In the Sixth Form, a highly successful BTECNational Level 3 Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering course runs alongside ‘A’ levelProduct Design and Home Economics courses. There has been great success in local andnational competitions (see ‘About the School’) and we are proud of the high standards achievedby the pupils. The faculty has developed very strong links with local industry to support courses.

ART & DESIGN

In Art & Design Department we encourage and promote knowledge and understanding of art,craft and design in past decades and contemporary society. To stimulate and maintain studentcuriosity, interest and enjoyment in Art, we provide a programme of study which broadensexperience, fosters creativity, develops imagination and promotes personal and socialdevelopment. In Key Stage 3 pupils are taught the fundamentals of drawing and painting, howto manipulate a selection of materials and simple techniques in print making, 3D construction andcollage. The GCSE course in Art and Design enhances skills and techniques previously studied atKey Stage 3. We shall teach the pupils how to explore and experiment, how to research, howto create and how to present their finished work. We shall encourage them to draw and paint ina range of media and we shall help them acquire the skills and techniques required tosuccessfully pass the course. There is an emphasis on observational drawing, 3D and mixedmedia work and investigating the work of artists, craft workers and designers. Art and Design isa popular choice at A-level. Many students continue their studies at foundation and degreelevel. At GCSE and A-level there are opportunities to visit museums and art galleries to furtherbroaden their knowledge and experience of Art in situ.

18

MUSIC

MUSIC is a practical subject divided into three distinct parts: composing, performing andappraisal. In Key Stage Three a large part of the lessons is taken up with composition andperformance, with both aspects gradually demanding an increasing awareness of musical style.Singing and learning to play the a variety of musical instruments is an intrinsic part of classroomexperience. We are extremely fortunate in having a well-equipped Music Suite which includespractice and green rooms with direct access to the school hall which ideally suits the departmentin its efforts to bring music to a wider audience through concerts and shows. We have aselection of peripatetic music teachers that provide brass, woodwind, upper strings, lower strings,guitar, percussion and singing lessons. The school have many vibrant and busy extra curriculargroups. Many students receiving peripatetic lessons are entered for Associated Boardexaminations, with great success. The choir and jazz band make appearances in the community,and a number of pupils belong to county bands, orchestras and choirs. We are one of the veryfew schools in North Wales to offer Music A Level.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In the Physical Education Department we aim to contribute to the overall education of youngpeople by helping them to lead full lives through engaging in purposeful activity. Above all elsewe hope to create an environment where pupils enjoy their physical education thoughparticipation in team and individual sports. We are lucky in the sporting provisions we have whichinclude two gymnasia, tennis courts and a flood lit all weather area besides games pitches. Weare proud of our achievement in competitive sports both at county, national and internationallevel and we encourage pupils to involve themselves in various sporting clubs and activities. Afootball trip to Europe takes place each Easter and many young pupils have benefited from thesuccess this brings to the school as well as individuals. The PE Department also runs an annualskiing trip to Europe for the 6th form students, past trips having gone to Kitzbuhel, Austria andAndalo, Italy. Students not only benefit from the physicality but experience cultural and languagedifferences. GCSE and Advanced courses have become very popular in school since theirsuccessful introduction a few years ago. Students enjoy the mixture of practical activity andacademic study.

WELSH BACCALAUREATE

The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification gives equal respect to academic or vocational routes, inline with Learning Pathways 14-19 in Wales. To achieve the full Welsh BaccalaureateQualification students must achieve the full requirements of the Core Programme together withthe necessary Options. One of the significant features of the Welsh Baccalaureate is that itrequires students to do both traditional qualifications and to develop other vital skills that preparefor both Higher Education and the world of work.

At Holywell High School the Welsh baccalaureate is taken at Intermediate level - which is broadlythe level of GCSE grade A*-C.

The Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification consists of two parts; the Options, and the Core.

Options

Options are the subjects the learners choose from academic or vocational qualifications, such astheir GCSEs, AS/A levels, BTECs or NVQs. To get a full Intermediate Level they should achievefour A*-C at GCSE or NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in any of their subjects.

The Core

The Welsh Baccalaureate Core Programme provides greater breadth and balance in learners’programmes and develops Essential Skills/Key Skills. It is designed to improve learners’ existingskills and build their interests. The components of the Core Programme are:

19

¨ Individual Investigation - the opportunity to carry out an individual researchproject into an area of interest;

¨ Key Skills/Essential Skills Wales - as well as from their Options, students developthese transferable skills through the other four components outlined below;

¨ Wales, Europe and the World - a chance to learn more about Wales and itsrelationship with Europe and the World. A language module at a level suitable forthe student is included in this;

¨ Work-Related Education - includes working with an employer and taking part in ateam enterprise activity to help the student understand how businesses work;

¨ Personal and Social Education - helps the student explore issues in the modernworld: family, health, relationships, citizenship and sustainable development. Itincludes an activity in the local community.

ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Our most important function in the school is to identify and assess the additional needsof each pupil. These may be in basic literacy or numeracy, in the presentation of work,in concentration, in the management of classroom behaviour or in physical or sensoryareas. Individual Education Programmes, involving parents and pupils are produced toensure that the pupils receive an education appropriate to their needs. We are carefulto ensure that the provision for each child is appropriate through a system of AnnualReviews, Behaviour Planning Meetings and Transition Plans. The whole system issufficiently flexible to allow for constant evaluation and reviews in the pupil’s interest.Support and advice is given in other areas of the curriculum to address and support thepupil’s needs. It is our fundamental brief that pupils respond best to positiveencouragement and we aim to ensure that their self esteem and confidence develops asthey move through the school.

ASDAN / CoPE

ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) is a flexible way oflearning, which is tailored to meet the needs of the individual. It consists of a series ofchallenges of varying difficulty and complexity. The ASDAN Bronze Award is designedto develop, assess and accredit Key Skills and recognise personal achievements, whichhelp to build a portfolio of evidence for moderation at the end of Year 10.

Pupils need to complete 6 modules in order to successfully achieve the Bronze Award.They need to complete Plan, Do and Review paperwork and support this with relevantevidence.

After successfully completing the ASDAN Bronze Award in Year 10, pupils will be able toprogress onto CoPE (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness) Level 1 qualification in Year11. This qualification builds on and enhances skills previously studied in the ASDANcourse, as well as developing employability skills and personal effectiveness.

In order to be successful pupils will need to undertake a work experience placement,participate in a range of activities, carry out a research project, deliver an oralpresentation, work upon problem solving skills and present these in a portfolio ofevidence.

20

EXAMINATIONRESULTS 2014

CO

UR

SEEn

trie

s D

* D

M

P

NYA

%

BTEC

Lev

el 3

Dip

lom

a in

Man

ufac

turi

ng E

ngin

eeri

ng(D

oub

le A

war

d)

4 (8

) -

6 2

- -

100%

TOTA

LS12

2

6 2

1 1

88%

BTEC

Lev

el 3

Sub

sidia

ry D

iplo

ma

inEn

gine

erin

g (S

ingl

e A

war

d)4

2 -

- 1

1 60

%

HO

LYW

ELL

HIG

H S

CH

OO

L20

13-2

014

PUBL

IC E

XA

MIN

ATIO

N R

ESU

LTS

GC

E A

DV

AN

CED

LE

VEL

(A

2) &

BTE

C L

EVEL

3 A

WA

RD

STh

e o

vera

ll pa

ss r

ate

for

stud

ents

age

d 17

who

wer

e o

n ro

ll in

Jan

uary

201

4 an

d w

ho w

ere

ente

red

for

two

or

mo

re A

Lev

el e

xam

inat

ions

is 96

% w

ith o

ver

half

gain

ing

two

or

mo

re a

t G

rade

s A

-C.

Year

13

stud

ents

ach

ieve

d a

75%

pas

s ra

te a

t hi

gher

gra

des,

with

an

ove

rall

pass

rate

of

95%

. Th

ese

figur

es a

re p

rovi

siona

l at

the

time

of

prin

ting.

SUBJ

ECT

ENTR

IES

A*

A

B C

D

E

U

%A

-EA

rt &

Des

ign

3 1

2 10

0%Bi

olo

gy2

1 1

100%

Busin

ess

8 1

3 2

1 1

80%

Busin

ess

(Do

uble

Aw

ard)

7 (1

4)

4 4

4 2

100%

Che

mist

ry2

1 1

100%

Engl

ish

Lite

ratu

re6

2 3

1 10

0%H

isto

ry8

2 3

2 1

100%

Mat

hem

atic

s6

1 1

3 1

100%

Phys

ics

2 1

1 10

0%

Pro

duct

Des

ign

4 1

2 10

0%Ps

ycho

logy

3 1

1 1

100%

Soci

olo

gy2

2 10

0%TO

TALS

66

6 11

19

14

9

3 3

95%

Chi

nese

1 1

100%

Med

ia1

1 10

0%M

usic

2 1

1 10

0%

Phys

ical

Edu

catio

n2

2 0%

Dist

inct

ion*

= A

* G

rade

Pas

s at

GC

E Le

vel

Dist

inct

ion

= A

Gra

de P

ass

at G

CE

Leve

lM

erit

= B

Gra

de P

ass

at G

CE

Leve

lPa

ss

= C

Gra

de P

ass

at G

CE

Leve

lN

YA=

No

t Ye

t A

chie

ved

A*

A

B C

D

E

2013

7.1%

14

.3%

26

.8%

28

.6%

17

.9%

5.

4%

2012

3.7%

13

.0%

27

.8%

13

.0%

25

.9%

5.

6%

2011

5.4%

6.

5%

18.5

%

21.7

%

20.7

%

15.2

%

2010

2.0%

17

.5%

26

.3%

26

.3%

17

.5%

5.

3%

2014

10

.3%

21

.8%

26

.9%

19

.2%

11

.5%

3.

8%

Com

para

tive

figur

es fo

r Fl

ints

hire

and

Wal

es w

ere

unav

aila

ble

at ti

me

of p

ublis

hing

21

HOLYWELL HIGH SCHOOL2013-2014YEAR 11

PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS

Comparative figures for Flintshire and Wales were unavailable at time of publishing

The table below shows results in the key measures at GCSE for the last five years.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

LEVEL 2 (Achieving 5+ A*-C Grades) 50% 47% 44% 54% 67%

LEVEL 2+ (Achieving 5+ A*-C Grades inc. English & Maths) 43% 37% 42% 40% 44%

LEVEL 1 (Achieving 5+ A*-G Grades) 94% 98% 97% 98% 100%

Core Subject Indicator (C or above in English/Maths/Science) 39% 35% 42% 33% 35%

SUBJECT ENTRIES A*-C %A*-C A*-G %A*-G

Art & Design 52 39 75% 52 100%Business 31 19 61% 31 100%Construction: BTEC Single Award 1 1 100% 1 100%CDT : Product Design 19 7 37% 19 100%Engineering: BTEC Double Award 29 27 93% 27 93%English Language 94 57 61% 94 100%English Literature 82 45 55% 82 100%French 20 9 45% 20 100%Geography 9 1 11% 9 100%German 6 4 67% 6 100%History 21 10 48% 21 100%Home Economics: Food 9 5 56% 9 100%Home Economics: Child Development 6 3 50% 6 100%ICT : OCR Nationals Full Award 94 88 94% 88 94%Mathematics 94 48 51% 94 100%Mathematics: Additional 8 8 100% 8 100%Music 9 7 78% 9 100%Photography 3 0 0% 3 100%Physical Education 18 4 22% 18 100%Religious Studies 4 2 50% 4 100%Science: Core 92 23 25% 91 99%Science: Additional 31 22 71% 30 97%Science: BTEC Single Award 63 60 95% 60 95%Welsh Baccalaureate: Intermediate 45 45 100% 45 100%Welsh Baccalaureate: Foundation 24 24 100% 24 100%Welsh for Business: NVQ 85 49 58% 54 64%Welsh 2nd Language: Full 22 17 77% 21 95%

ASDAN: Level 1 Certificate 12 0 0% 12 100%

22

HOLYWELL HIGH SCHOOLKEY STAGE 32013-2014

TEACHER ASSESSMENTS

SUBJECT % LEVEL5+

English 79%

Mathematics 85%

Science 93%

Core Subject Indicator 75%

Art & Design 89%

Design & Technology 91%

Geography 77%

History 72%

Information & Communication Technology 91%

Modern Foreign Language 68%

Music 84%

Physical Education 83%

Welsh Second Language 56%

23

Education DepartmentGoverning Body

Holywell High School Staff

PERSONNEL2014-15

Director of Lifelong Learning: Mr I BuddLifelong LearningCounty Hall, MoldFlintshire. CH7 6NDTelephone : 01352 752121

Secondary Phase Officer: Mr. K. GrandfieldLifelong LearningCounty Hall, Mold,Flintshire. CH7 6NDTelephone : 01352 752121

TERM OF OFFICEUNTIL

Chair: Mr C Lindsay March 2016Vice-Chair Cllr P Curtis January 2017LEA Appointees: Prof R Moore January 2018

Mr P Alton February 2016Teacher Governors: Mr M Gillespie December 2017

Mr P Jones March 2016Support Staff Mr D Gilbart February 2016Governor:Parent Governors: Mrs C Edwards February 2015

Mrs L Hatchett November 2014Mrs H Partington November 2014Mrs D Seddon November 2014Mrs A Cullen February 2016Mr C Lindsay March 2016

Community Mr I Austberry September 2017Governors: Prof N Winterton October 2015

Mr J Mills July 2015Mr P Bryant September 2014

Acting Headteacher: Mr J WeirClerk: Miss L Evans

Acting Headteacher: Mr J Weir BSc MEdAssistant Headteachers: Mr I Evans BSc NPQHAssociate Members of SLT Mr M Earnshaw BA

Mr H E Jones BDMiss M Jones BAMr R Render BSc

FLINTSHIRE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

GOVERNING BODY

HOLYWELL HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

24

ENGLISH FACULTY

Head of FacultyMrs S M Stamatiou BA MA

Faculty MembersMr T Hopkins BAMrs H L Jones BA

MATHEMATICS FACULTY

Head of FacultyMr R Render BSc

Faculty MembersMs T Hold BScMiss Z Jordanov BSc

SCIENCE FACULTY

Head of FacultyMrs C Raducanescu MSc

Assistant Head of FacultyMiss J Talbot

Faculty MembersMrs C Cleary MScMr I Evans BScMr J Weir BSc

ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS FACULTY

Head of FacultyMiss M Jones BA

ART, BUSINESS, DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY,HOME ECONOMICS & ICT FACULTY

Head of FacultyMr M Earnshaw BA

Assistant Heads of FacultyMiss G Sissons BAMr S Hooson BEd

Faculty MembersMrs J Morris BAMrs N Holmes BAMr G Roberts BEdMiss L McHugh BScMrs J Jones BEdMrs S Lewis BA

HUMANITIES & PE FACULTY

Head of FacultyMr H E Jones BD

Assistant Head of FacultyMr M Gillespie BEd

Faculty MembersMrs S Henry BAMiss M Jones BAMr P D Jones BA MAMrs E Lenton BAMiss J Talbot BScMr R Chesters BScMr D Richards BEd

MFL, MUSIC & WELSH FACULTY

Head of FacultyMr M Seale BMus

Assistant Head of FacultyMiss L Sumner BEd

Faculty MembersMiss L Allsopp BAMrs S Lewis BAMs C I Jones BSc

ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS CO-ORDINATORMiss M Jones BA

PERSONAL, SOCIAL & HEALTHEDUCATION CO-ORDINATORMr H E Jones BD

PROGRESS FILE CO-ORDINATORMr H E Jones BD

HIGHER EDUCATION ADVISERMrs S Henry BA

KEY SKILLS + WELSH BACC CO-ORDINATORMrs N Holmes BA

LITERACY CO-ORDINATORMrs H L Jones BA

NUMERACY CO-ORDINATORMiss Z Jordanov BSc

CO-ORDINATOR OF SCHOOL COUNCILMrs S Henry BA

BREAKFAST CLUB CO-ORDINATOR

CO-ORDINATOR OF DoE AWARD SCHEMEMr D Richards BEd

CO-ORDINATOR MOST ABLE & TALENTEDMs T Hold BSc

25

SUPPORT STAFF

Business Manager Mr P Lang

Headteacher’s Secretary/Administrative Officer Miss L Evans

Finance Officer Mrs V Allen

Examinations’ Officer Mrs T C Jones

School Librarian Ms W Hughes

Senior Resource Technician Mrs D A Hamilton

ICT Systems Administrator Mr D Gilbart

Administrative Assistant Mrs S Edwards

Careers/Work Experience Co-ordinator Mrs C Edwards& Learning Coach

Laboratory Technician Mrs V A Bond

Design & Technology Technician & Mr B McGautyAssistant Caretaker

School Nurse Mrs T Birch

Inclusion Welfare Officers Mrs A HargreavesMrs D Piggott

Site Supervisor Mr A Palmer

Cover Supervisor/Team Leader Mrs C Wilkes

Cover Supervisors Mr D KetleyMrs J Hughes

Additional Needs Administration Assistant Mrs D A Featherstone

Senior Behaviour HLTA Mrs L Jones

Co-ordinator for Social Welfare & Inclusion Mrs T Roberts

Parent Support Adviser Miss E Smith

Learning Support AssistantsMrs L Denman Mrs B Price Miss A SmithMrs C Blomfield Miss B Roberts Mrs M GelderMrs S Pritchard Miss A Jones Miss M OliverMrs D A Featherstone Mrs N Fitz-JohnMrs C Jones Mrs B Butterly

Classroom Assistants (Literacy Catch-up) Mrs D A HamiltonMs W Hughes

26

Looking forward ...

… September 2016

Prifathro Gweithredol/Acting Headteacher: Mr John Weir BSc MEd

Ysgol Uwchradd Treffynnon/Holywell High SchoolY Strand, Treffynnon, Sir y Fflint CH8 7AW/The Strand, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7AWFfôn/Tel: 01352 710011 Ffacs/Fax: 01352 714662Ebost/Email: info@holywell-hs.flintshire.sch.uk

www.holywellhighschool.co.ukThe information in this prospectus was correct at the time of going to print.

GCSE EXAM RESULTS2014

6TH FORM EXAMRESULTS 2014