“Outstanding in every way”OFSTED

The outdoor pursuits opportunties are amazing. You really have to push yourself but the satisfaction of completing makes it worth it.

Hayley, Year 12, Duke of Edinburgh Gold

““

Welcome to Norton HillWelcome to the 2010-11 prospectus for

Norton Hill School. The information contained

within this booklet gives you some idea of the

values and curriculum structure of the school.

I am immensely proud of the achievements

of the students who come to the school and

in 2010 they once again achieved excellent

results at both GCSE and Advanced Level.

Norton Hill is identified as being one of the

most successful schools in the country and

was rated as Outstanding in every category by

OFSTED in 2007. At the heart of this success

are the core values that I and the whole school

community believe are important:

• Individual care through the House system

• Excellent teaching by experienced,

specialist teachers

• High levels of achievement through a

challenging academic curriculum that

is chosen to give students the best life

chances, not just to boost league tables

• Traditional values of behaviour and

appearance

• Developing personal leadership through a

wide programme of extra-curricular

activities and outdoor education.

Choosing the right secondary school for your

son or daughter is a key moment in ensuring

they have the best chance of success in the

future. It is important you take time to consider

two questions when making your choice of

school: “Will my child be happy here?” and

“Will my child be successful here?”. I firmly

believe the answer to those questions for our

current students is a resounding yes.

This prospectus and our Open Evening can

only give you a flavour of Norton Hill. I would

encourage you to book a tour through my PA,

Claire Jackson, so you can see the school

during a normal working day. During your visit

talk to the students you meet as they are the

best ambassadors for the school.

Mr Peter BeavenHeadteacher

Norton Hill School

Welcome to Norton Hill 1

Students Joining in Year 72

Students Joining in Year 7The majority of our students join us at the beginning of Year 7. Students can be both nervous and excited so we work hard to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Our Primary Liaison Team are Mrs Appel

(SENCO), Miss Mulgrew (Assistant Head -

Pastoral System) and Mr Turner (Assistant

Head – Year 7 and Community). They will

visit every student in their primary school

during the term before they start with us.

This ensures each Year 6 is happy with the

arrangements for transition and gives them

an opportunity to discuss any concerns they

may have.

All the new intake attend a taster day in

July where they meet their Form Tutor,

House staff and the other members of their

Tutor Group. They will be able to explore

the school and have an introduction to

some lessons.

Parents are also invited to visit the school

one evening to meet the Form Tutor, Head

of House and Senior Staff. There will be

an opportunity to ask questions of the

Headteacher, as well as a display of school

uniform. Our intention is to make sure the

transition process is smooth and comfortable

for parents too!

The Tutor Groups are carefully drawn up to

ensure a balance of gender and ability. We

also try to put each child with a named

friend or friends (and avoid undesirable

combinations too).

A number of our students take part in the

extended activities we offer during the

summer break to help them get to know

the school. This includes Languages Week,

Sports Activities and small group or one-to-

one support for specific individuals.

If there are concerns at any point, parents

are free to contact the Tutor, House staff

or Senior Team. We want problems and

worries to be identified and addressed

whenever they arise.

Thank you for making my son’s transition so easy. Every day he has come home buzzing with excitement and with much more confidence.

Parent of a Year 7 student

““

Transition Timeline:

23rd September 2010

Open Evening

Sept – Oct 2010

Parental Tours

31st October 2010

Deadline for applications to LA

1st March 2011

Letter from LA offering places

May/June 2011

School liaison team visit all students in their primary schools

July 2011

Induction Day & New Parents’ Evening

July/August 2011

Optional Languages Week/transition events for Year 6 students

September 2011

New Year 7 intake start full time

Individual Care

House System 3

House System

Although Norton Hill may seem a large school to many parents, we

ensure every student is known and valued through our House system.

It is organised to make sure that every student’s personal and academic

growth and happiness are closely monitored.

When a student joins Year 7 they work closely with their Form Tutor who

they will see twice a day. The Form Tutor is the first point of contact for

the student and parents if worries arise or for information on progress or

welfare. The Form Tutor will normally stay with the Tutor Group from

Year 7 through to Year 11. This allows students, parents and the Tutor

to build the positive relationship which underpins academic success.

Each of the five Houses contains two Tutor Groups from each year and

has its own distinctive tie and House area. Students are rightly proud of

their House’s identity and take an active role in the running of the House

through a myriad of inter-House competitions, the House Council and

charity events.

Each House is managed by a Head of House who is supported by an

Assistant Head of House who does not teach. This ensures they are

easily accessible for both students and parents. The Houses are each

based around an academic area and provide an area where the students

from the House can relax at break and lunchtime.

An environment based on traditional values, genuine care and concern is at the heart of student achievement.

House Staff (Pastoral Leaders):

Blackdown - Purple TieHouse Head - Mr D McGilloway

Assistant House Head - Mrs M McDermott

Cotswold - Yellow TieHouse Head - Mr D Wiltshire

Assistant House Head - Mr S Perkins

Exmoor - Blue TieHouse Head - Mr C Elstob

Assistant House Head - Miss R Burling

Mendip - Red TieHouse Head - Mr G Green

Assistant House Head - Mrs S Graham

Quantock - Green TieHouse Head - Miss R Lilley/

Mrs K Truscott

Assistant House Head - Mr S Broadway

The Pastoral Team, led by Miss Mulgrew

(Assistant Headteacher), meets regularly to

ensure a consistent approach to its work. The

Pastoral Team works with Tutors and other

agencies to ensure that each of the students in

the House reaches their full potential.

Monitoring Progress4

Monitoring Progress of StudentsWe aim to ensure each student is supported and encouraged to reach the highest standard they are capable of, both in their academic and personal development.

At the core of this are our monitoring

systems and three-way working relationship

between students, parents and school staff.

Students’ progress and well-being are

continually monitored by both subject staff

and the Tutor. Students receive regular

mentoring from their Tutor allowing early

intervention where necessary if students are

not reaching their full potential. Parents are

kept fully informed of their child’s progress

and can contact the House or subject staff at

any point if they have concerns.

Each term, every student is set challenging

target levels and grades based on their prior

attainment. Their progress towards these

is regularly fed back to parents through the

progress reports, Parents’ Evening and an

annual Full School Report.

Additionally we have an Academic Review

in December when the Tutor meets with the

student and their parents to give an overview

of progress, strengths and weaknesses.

During this meeting an action plan is agreed

to help the student progress further.

As students move through the school

there are additional events/evenings where

required, eg Options Evenings.

Links with HomeWe rely on our close partnerships with

parents to maintain the high standards and

happy atmosphere the students are proud of.

As you would expect, we ask parents to be

actively involved in, and support, their child’s

progress in school. To this end we stress

that parents are always welcome to contact

and visit the school.

We have a Home-School Agreement which

the student, parents and school sign. This

outlines the commitment each will make to

ensure students attain the highest possible

progress during their time at Norton Hill.

Individual Care

My teachers were really supportive during my exam preparation. They knew how to break the subject down into parts to revise and were always willing to offer help after school.

Sophie, Year 11

““

5

Curriculum Information6

Curriculum InformationThe innovative curriculum at Norton Hill provides the range of skills and qualifications young people need.

Norton Hill works with all students, whatever their ability, to help

them achieve their full potential. Students study a broad and balanced

curriculum which enables them to:

• Achieve the highest standards they are capable of

• Develop skills and qualifications that enable them to function

effectively in the future, and which are valued by employers and

Higher Education institutions

• Develop open and creative minds

• Possess an awareness of the problems facing society on a local,

national and global scale

• Become confident and self reliant in their relationships whilst

developing a respect for others and an ability to work with them.

High Quality Teaching Norton Hill is recognised at both national and international level for

the quality of teaching at the school. Lessons are delivered by highly

qualified subject specialists who both inspire and support students of

all ability levels.

Curriculum StructureThe school day has six lessons, each lasting 50 minutes. In some

subjects there are double lessons allowing time for practical activities.

The school operates a two-week timetable.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)The curriculum at Key Stage 3 provides students with a wide range

of learning experiences that give them a balanced preparation for

future study. When entering the school, students are placed in a Tutor

Group in one of the five Houses. The Tutor Groups have students from

across the ability range. Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability

groups for the Arts and PE/Games. Students are grouped by ability for

Mathematics, English, The Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages

and Science.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)During Year 9 pupils select their examination courses for the following

two years. The curriculum is designed so that students follow rigorous

courses which provide them with the best opportunities for their

futures. Their choice of subjects is made after considerable guidance

at school and discussion with parents.

In 2010-2011 at Key Stage 4 all pupils take:• English Language, Science & Mathematics GCSEs

• Short course GCSE in Philosophy & Belief and a short course

GCSE in ICT

• Physical Education and Games

• Personal and Social Health Education

• A Modern Foreign Language

They then choose three further options from a wide range of over

twenty subjects.

Inspirational Teaching

There is no doubt in our minds that Norton Hill School has set our children on a firm footing, from which they can progress through adulthood.

Parent of ex-Year 13 student

““

Post-16 7

Post-16The majority of students choose to stay at Norton Hill to continue their Post-16 studies.

Each year a number of students will choose to join us from other

institutions for their Sixth Form study. We offer a wide range of

courses and have outstanding levels of achievement. There is a strong

tradition of students entering Higher Education including regular

success at Oxbridge.

As part of the Post-16 programme, students participate in a Careers

and Higher Education programme which ensures they receive

preparation and support with university applications and when

entering the world of work. Additionally, as part of our work as the

Gifted and Talented Lead School, students can opt to take part in a

separate Oxbridge preparation process. Our partnership with Corpus

Christi and the University College Cambridge helps to maximise

students’ chances of successful applications.

Cambridge Pre-U DiplomaFrom September 2009 we have become the first state

school in the area to be approved to run the Cambridge

Pre-U course. This course is designed to offer students

a linear approach to study with opportunities for more in-depth

analysis. The programme has been identified by the top Russell Group

of Universities as the ideal preparation for study at their institutions.

Extended ProjectPost-16 students have the option of completing an Extended Project.

This allows them to produce an in-depth analysis of an area that

particularly interests or inspires them. It allows students to develop

the independent learning and research skills that Higher Education

institutions and employers desire. The Extended Project gives the

UCAS equivalent of an AS-level.

Business Career AcademyStudents who are interested in a career in Business can enrol in the

Career Academy. This is a national programme and Norton Hill is the

only school in the area approved to be a Business Career Academy. As

part of their preparation to be the business leaders of the future they

receive master classes from local and national business leaders. They

also have a mentor from the business world who meets them regularly.

The jewel in the crown of the programme is the paid internship during

the summer of Year 12. Students spend six weeks on a placement

developing their skills in a real-life business environment.

Wide Ranging CurriculumWith over 40 subjects on offer Post-16, Norton Hill provides a wide

range of courses for all its Sixth Form students. Sixth Form students

also have access to a range of curricular and extra-curricular

opportunities to add breath to their learning.

I’ve really enjoyed my time in the Sixth Form at Norton Hill. There is a really positive relationship between students and teachers and I’ve been able to develop my creativity. I really don’t want to leave!

Paris, Year 13

““

Outstanding Achievement8

Outstanding AchievementNorton Hill is one of the highest performing schools in the country, with students of all abilities making outstanding progress.

Excellence for AllResults at Norton Hill have

been consistently high over

a long period of time. In Year

9, results are outstanding, with students

making excellent progress in their first three

years. At GCSE we are amongst the top 5%

of all schools nationally for “value-added”

between Years 7 and 11. A-level results are

the highest in the area.

Individual ProgressThese excellent results are in part due to

the imaginative curriculum which caters

for the needs of all learners at each stage

of their education and development. The

more able are stretched with accelerated

courses and programmes to support Gifted &

Talented students. We are equally proud of

the success of those who find learning more

challenging. We invest considerably in

additional support for those who need it,

with programmes to boost literacy and

numeracy and life-skills courses across all

year groups.

All students have targets which are regularly

reviewed to ensure they are making good

progress. Assessments and marking help

students to understand what they need to do

to move to the next level or grade.

Sixth FormOur Sixth Form is one of the highest

performing in the local area, with nearly all

students exceeding their official government

predictions. Norton Hill students go on to

attend prestigious universities, including

Oxford and Cambridge.

Outstanding Achievement

Facilities & Specialisms 9

Facilities & SpecialismsThe school is organised into distinct faculty areas which are well equipped to provide specialist accommodation.

Our Facilities Include:• Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Multi-activity room, Astroturf pitch,

seven tennis courts and a number of grass pitches

• Drama and Dance Studios

• Ten fully equipped Science Laboratories

• Music practice rooms with Recording Studio

• New Business area housing the Business Academy

• Numerous ICT teaching rooms with the most up-to-date hardware

and software, including a brand new ICT block open this year

• Newly refurbished dining facilities

SpecialismsAs a nationally recognised high-performing school Norton Hill has

been given additional specialisms. These provide additional resources

and allow the school to offer a wider breadth to its curriculum than

most other schools.

Gifted and TalentedNorton Hill is the Lead School in Bath and North East Somerset for

Gifted and Talented Education. Students who are identified as having

a talent in a particular curriculum area have access to an individual

support programme to ensure they reach the highest standards

possible. This extends to the Sixth Form to the Cambridge Pre-U

course and Oxbridge preparation programme.

Maths and ComputingAs a specialist Maths and Computing school Norton Hill is recognised

for the quality of support it offers students in developing their

mathematical skills at all levels. Students’ ICT skills are developed

through both discrete lessons and across subjects. The extensive

ICT facilities allow students to access a range of ways to learn and

additional support outside the classroom.

Languages CollegeWe are also a specialist Language College. This allows students

to develop the communication skills that are so valued in business

and further study. All students study two languages at Key Stage

3 and will follow at least one language to GCSE. The school is also

recognised for the work it does in preparing students to be part of the

global community. Norton Hill is one of only a handful of schools to

have received the International School Award from the British Council

on three occasions.

Leading Edge and Training SchoolNorton Hill is designated with these additional specialisms due to the

recognised quality of teaching at the school and its innovative use of

new technology to support students’ learning.

Facilities & Specialisms

Standards are consistently high. Outstanding progress is made by all groups of learners.

OFSTED

“

“

Student Leadership10

Student LeadershipStudents at Norton Hill play an active role in the life of the school community at all levels. They are encouraged to develop their individual leadership skills through a range of opportunities available to them.

House CouncilEach House has its own representative body

made up of two students from each Tutor

Group. Students are voted onto the House

Council each year by their peers. The House

Council meets regularly as a group with the

Head of House. They take an active role in

organising charity events and Inter-House

sporting competitions. The House Council

representatives are also available to other

students in the House who want to raise

issues to go to the School Council. Year 11

students in each House can also apply to

become House and Sports Captains. These

students take a lead in organising many of

the activities and in helping the new Year 7

students in their House settle in.

School CouncilThe School Council is made up of

representatives from the House Councils

and the Head Boy and Head Girl from the

Sixth Form. The School Council provides a

forum for students to develop whole-school

initiatives. They also work with other local

organisations to develop the work of students

in the community.

Outdoor EducationA large number of students participate in

the Outdoor Education programme. These

activities provide an excellent opportunity for

students to demonstrate both their teamwork

and leadership skills as they take on a

variety of roles within a group.

Junior Leadership AwardsStudents have the opportunity to take part

in either the Junior Sports Leadership Award

(JSLA) or the Language Leaders Award.

This involves developing and delivering a

programme of activities to younger students

and the students work closely with local

Primary Schools to deliver this.

Being in a House makes you part of a group as soon as you join the school. The older students help the younger ones settle in and there are lots of chances to celebrate success together.

Charlotte, Year 11 Mendip House Captain

““

Student Leadership

Norton Hill School Prospectus 1

Traditional Values

High ExpectationsWe have the highest expectations of our students’ behaviour. In lessons

we have an ethos of learning and OFSTED noted that our students “have

very positive attitudes towards their work”. Relationships between staff

and students are excellent, and visitors to the school remark on how

courteous and trustworthy Norton Hill students are.

At Norton Hill we believe that it is important to reward effort,

achievement and community spirit. We operate a system of merits

throughout the school for good work or good behaviour. We use “Time

Out” to deal with any student who disrupts a lesson to ensure that

nobody can interfere with the learning of other students.

Student InvolvementStudents play a central part in the life of the school and are directly

involved in many aspects of the management of the school. Each Tutor

Group elects a tutor representative who is part of the House and School

Council. As well as raising money for charities of their own choosing, the

students organise sporting competitions and numerous projects around

the school. The School Council has an important role in shaping school

policies and activities.

Norton Hill School dates back to 1911 and we are proud to have provided nearly a hundred years of state education. At the heart of the Norton Hill philosophy is a belief in the highest standards and an expectation that everybody will do their best.

Traditional Values

Traditional Values 11

Learning Beyond the Classroom12

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Duke of Edinburgh award is a fantastic experience. You really get to know your team mates and test your own skills.

Ellie, Year 11

““

We firmly believe that high academic achievement goes along with encouraging young people to develop their skills, attitudes and interests. Thanks to the considerable energy and commitment of our staff we are able to offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

At the start of each academic year students are sent a programme

listing all the extra opportunities available. The new Year 7 intake

also take part in a ‘Freshers Fair’ where they have a chance to find out

more about the activities on offer and speak to students who currently

take part in them. To allow as many of the students as possible to

participate, we provide a late bus to most of the outlying villages in

BANES that our students come from.

The types of opportunities available can be broadly grouped into:

The Arts We have a strong tradition of excellence in the Arts and students are

encouraged to develop these skills through:

• Individual/group musical tuition

• Musical groups

• Musical performances

• Music Summer School - a week long residential culminating in a

performance

• Annual Lower and Upper School Drama productions

• Dance performances including the annual Gym and Dance display

• Art club

• Participation in local and national Art competitions and displays

SportsAll students are encouraged to take part in representative and House

sports and we have very high levels of participation. Through the

highly qualified PE staff and use of external coaches we can offer a

wide variety of sporting activities at a range of levels. Many students

(and parents!) also make use of the Sports Facilities at evenings and

weekends through the Community Sports Programme. We have

extensive playing fields which accommodate rugby, football, hockey

and cricket as well as athletics. We have seven tennis courts and a full

size Astroturf with floodlights. Indoor facilities include a Sports Hall,

fitness activity room and a gymnasium.

Students can participate in extra curricular sport through:

• A wide variety of clubs and school sports teams including

boys’ and girls’ football, boys’ and girls’ rugby, netball, hockey,

rounders, cross-country, athletics, tennis, cricket, basketball,

dance and golf

• School sports teams

• Inter-House competitions

• School Sports Day

• County and National representative teams (we currently have

students in athletics and canoeing competing for the England

School teams)

Life Changing Experiences

Learning Beyond the Classroom 13

Study CentreOur well equipped and spacious Library and ICT facilities are open and

staffed at lunchtimes and after school for students to use for study,

research, doing homework or improving their ICT skills. Students can

also take part in an animation club.

Specific support for students approaching examinations is offered in all

subjects after school and also during the Easter holidays.

Outdoor PursuitsNorton Hill is recognised as having the largest outdoor pursuits

programme in the area and we are proud of the number of students

and staff who take part each year. These activities build student

confidence and leadership skills and are highly valued when students

leave the school for Higher Education or the workplace. Outdoor

activities available to students include:

• Year 8 Forest of Dean Residential visit

• School Camp

• Ten Tors

• Kielder Challenge

• Duke of Edinburgh Award

• One-day Year 9 Outdoor Skills training

This year we have over 150 students (and 30 staff!) taking part in

the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. This involves three elements:

Service (contribution to wider community); Skill (further developing

a skill or hobby) and a two day expedition. Many students then go

on to complete the Silver and Gold Award in Year 11 and Year 12. To

support these activities we have a range of staff with outdoor activity

qualifications, including the Mountain Leader Award.

Education VisitsThere are many opportunities both within the curriculum and during

Activities Week for students to participate in off-site visits which

enhance their learning. For example, students can opt to spend a

week in France, Spain or Germany to develop their language skills.

They can learn to ski in the French Alps or participate in water sports

in the Ardeche. In 2008 Norton Hill received the International School

Award for the third time from the British Council, reflecting its links

and exchanges with other cultures.

Activities Week

One of the curriculum highlights is the Activities Week which takes

place during the final week of the Summer Term. This offers an

extended learning opportunity for students to develop their skills in a

particular area of interest to them. During this week Music Summer

School, School Camp and the Languages visits to Europe take place.

Other students are involved in work with community organisations,

Sports week, Arts week, a residential visit to Ironbridge, the Real

Game and even Murder, Mystery and Mayhem (Maths based problem

solving with a forensic theme!). All of these offer the students a

chance to develop their knowledge in a different way.

Community Values14

Working together with other students during our charity week helped me develop my teamwork skills.

Sam, Year 9

““

Community Values

Community ValuesAt Norton Hill we recognise that as well as personal and academic success it is important we make sure students are equipped to make a positive contribution to their local and wider communities. Students are given a range of opportunities to take part in community activities both through the curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities. These include:

House and Student Leadership

Each House develops their own community action projects led by the

House Council. Each year each House produces a presentation of their

community work to a panel which award points to the House deemed

to have made the greatest contribution. Students of all ages are

involved in the activities, for example each House runs a charity week

when they raise money for the school charities.

Eco-SchoolsThe school runs a student Eco-Schools group who take a lead on

sustainability issues in the school and local community. For example,

students help lead and publicise the country wide Zero-Waste week.

Curriculum ProjectsStudents have the chance to experience working with students

of different ages through link projects with other secondary and

primary schools. Visits to and from the school for local, national and

international activities allow our students to work with people from a

range of cultures and ages.

Activities WeekStudents can choose to take part in ‘Make a Difference’ during our

annual activities week. This is a week spent working with local

organisations on activities aimed at improving the local area and

helping vulnerable groups.

VolunteeringA large number of our Key Stage 4 students are involved in

volunteering activities through the Duke of Edinburgh and Applied

Learning schemes. Students are able to log and accredit their activities

to provide evidence of their work for future employment and Higher

Education applications.

15

Ofsted Inspection16

Ofsted Inspection

Key to judgements: grade 1 is outstanding, grade 2 good, grade 3 satisfactory, and grade 4 inadequate.

School Overall Sixth Form

1

1

1

1

Achievement and Standards

1

1

1

How well do learners achieve?

The standards reached by learners

How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners

How well learners with learning difficulties and disabilities make progress

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Personal development and well-being

1How good is the overall personal development and well-being of the learners?

The extent of learners’ spiritual, moral and social cultural development

The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles

The extent to which learners adopt safe practices

How well learners enjoy their education

The attendance of learners

The behaviour of learners

The extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the community

How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

1

1

1

The quality of provision

How effective are teaching and learning in meeting the full range of learners’ needs?

How well do the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of learners?

How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

1

1

1

Ofsted Inspection - Outstanding in all Categories

School CommunityThe school stands on the B&NES border to the south of Midsomer Norton and Radstock (10 miles from Bath and 12 miles from Bristol).

Norton Hill SchoolCharlton RoadMidsomer NortonBA3 4AD

Tel: 01761 412557Fax: 01761 410622Email: headspa@nortonhillschool.comWeb: www.nortonhillschool.com

Headteacher: Mr Peter Beaven BA, MBA

The Somerset villages of Chewton Mendip, Ston Easton, Chilcompton, Gurney Slade, Binegar, Stoke St Michael, Coleford, Oakhill, Holcombe, Stratton-on-the-Fosse and Kilmersdon are within 15 minutes drive of the school, as are Peasedown St John, Wellow, Shoscombe, Camerton, Timsbury and Paulton which are in B&NES.

School coach transport is provided by B&NES from Farmborough, High Littleton, Clutton, Temple Cloud, Hallatrow, Farrington Gurney and Paulton. Somerset County Council also provides school coach transport from Coleford and Holcombe.

www.nortonhillschool.comNorton Hill School

Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 4ADTel: 01761 412557, Fax: 01761 410622, Email: headspa@nortonhillschool.com