SOMERVALESCHOOL

An Arts College specialising in English, Music and Media

The Partnership with Norton Hill has brought benefi ts too, with a wider range of subjects available and joint working on the extra-curricular programme providing greater opportunities. As Headteacher of both schools, I am delighted that our joint work is bringing so much benefi t to all the children in our community and that the two schools fl ourish in their own right.

As a small school, Somervale off ers greater opportunities for pupils to be involved and to lead activities. Its size allows all pupils to be known and valued. Visitors are impressed with how quiet and purposeful the school is and they remark on how friendly it seems. Pupils have the chance to work in our media facilities – TV and radio – which are unrivalled in the area. They can work with our Beautiful Futures Team on a range of horticulture projects which have won acclaim regionally.

The Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership – a partnership between Norton Hill and Somervale – is committed to examination

courses which benefi t the students, so they secure the best jobs and places at the best Universities. Thus Somervale’s GCSE results (which exclude “equivalent” courses often not widely recognised) as well as the results in the English Baccalaureate, put the school above many local schools as well as being well above national averages.

In 2011 a new Sixth Form Centre will be built at the front of the school and the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form will come into being. With huge recent improvements and exciting developments ahead Somervale is the place to be.

Mr Peter Beaven

Headteacher

Somervale School

This last year has been a remarkable year for Somervale. Examination results hit record levels in 2010 and will again this summer. The school’s attendance and behaviour has been held up as an example for other schools in the South West to follow. Major rebuilding projects have been completed, including a TV studio and radio studio, a new library, a refurbished Hall and Dining Hall, a new IT network and new bike park – and there are more improvements underway with a new Sixth Form Centre to be completed by 2012. In October 2010 the school became an Academy under the Government’s rules for “outstanding” schools. The school has been transformed.

WelcomeTo SOMERVALE SCHOOL

“The Headteacher provides the school with high quality leadership; he is very well supported by other members of the senior team.”Ofsted Inspector (2010)

“Students have good attitudes to learning. They are

enthusiastic about school and learning. They collaborate

well together and enjoy working more independently.”

Ofsted Inspector (2010)

“A particularly large proportion of parents and carers feel their children

enjoy school.”Ofsted Questionnaire (2010)

Somervale is committed to:Inspirational Education• We aim to raise academic achievement and career ambition for

all students

• We off er a broad and rich curriculum drawing on the expertise and resources of both Partnership schools to meet the aspirations and needs of all students

• We promote inspired learning and inspirational teaching

• We off er qualifi cations that universities and employers expect and value so that our students can progress to the best jobs and universities

A Strong Ethos• We will develop the personal and social qualities needed to get on

• We emphasise traditional values of courtesy and good manners

• We are people centred and ambitious and promote teamwork, communication and leadership

• We promote contributing to the community and engaging with the wider world

Two Schools, One Vision• Each Partnership School has its unique fl avour, character

and traditions

• Each has its own areas of expertise

• There is a shared philosophy and expectation of excellence

• There is a shared commitment to providing the best and broadest possible education for all the young people in our community

• Two excellent schools of similar quality but with diff erent strengths - providing parents with a real choice

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“This is a calm, happy and friendly school. The students understand and appreciate the benefi ts that being part of a small school community bring.”Ofsted Inspector (2010)

Becoming a Somervale StudentSomervale School extends a welcome to parents and friends who are free to visit us at any time. Visitors need to report to the school reception. We are particularly pleased to welcome visitors to see the school at work.

“My child’s transition from primary school was handled in a very sensitive and professional manner and there was a great deal of interaction leading up to the big day. As a result, she has had an excellent start to her secondary education, her confi dence has grown considerably and we are delighted with her progress.”Parent of a Year 7 Student

2Somervale School Prospectus

“Prospective parents should feel confi dent that whether their children are A* pupils or on the SEN register, Somervale will guide, support and help them to achieve the very best they possibly can.”Parent of a Year 11 Student

A Smooth Transition to SomervaleEvery Autumn we hold an Open Evening when children from primary schools are invited to come with their parents to Somervale to meet students and teachers. Our students act as guides and hosts for the evening, concluding with an address by the Headteacher.

There are lots of activities which help make the transition from primary school to Somervale as smooth and successful as possible. These activities include master classes, competitions and activity days such as:

• Science• Sport• Music• TV production

Pastoral staff visit all Year 6 students coming to Somervale during the summer term. They also speak to Year 6 teachers at the primary schools.

We hold an Induction Day in July where students get a chance to experience new lessons and begin the process of making new friends.

This is followed by an Information Evening for students and parents.

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Our curriculum is broad, balanced and varied, securing core skills and fundamental academic disciplines across all subjects at Key Stage 3. At Key Stage 4, academic and vocational courses are available as appropriate to stretch all students. We build our curriculum around courses that students need to prepare them for the careers they aspire to.

We create a learning environment that is exciting and contemporary. Our Media Arts Specialism allows the students to access 21st century resources simply not available in most schools, such as TV and Radio studios and fi lm and music technology digital editing suites.

Work is regularly assessed and individual feedback is given to students to help them improve. Where appropriate, a range of intervention strategies are used to help students make the most of their ability, whether it is through catching up with literacy or numeracy in Year 7 or through support with fi nal exam workshops in Year 11.

The school works in close partnership with parents and regular reviews and reports form the basis of discussion about further progress.

Inspirational TeachingAt Somervale we value teacher expertise and teachers’ ability to nurture an enthusiasm for their subject in the students they teach. We encourage students to ask questions and develop their intellectual curiosity through well planned lessons that make them think.

academic ambition...

4Somervale School Prospectus

“The curriculum, supported by the school’s links with its partner school and a number of other local schools and colleges, gives students access to a good range of courses and opportunities. Teaching has improved a lot in the past year... much more is now good and outstanding.”Ofsted Inspector (2010)

Somervale has always had a very strong pastoral system which ensures we care for each and every individual. All students belong to a tutor group and are supported by their pastoral team.

Our ValuesWe work tirelessly to develop the personal and social qualities of students that are valued by society. We promote and model traditional values of courtesy and respect supported by simple rules, consistent rewards, sanctions and high expectations of behaviour.

Student ResponsibilitiesSomervale students play a key role in decision making on school matters and in the running of the school. They are represented through the School Council and many older students act as mentors to younger ones. A large number of Year 10/11 students help with additional responsibilities around the school e.g. through the senior students scheme and coaching and offi ciating in sport within the Junior Sports Leader Programme.

Special Educational NeedsAdditional support for students with learning or social needs is provided by a team of well qualifi ed, experienced staff . Support is given for reading and writing - individual support for social needs is also a great strength of the team. Our special needs suite is a warm, welcoming environment. Students can use interactive ICT facilities to ensure high-quality, individualised learning. Daily lunchtime clubs also off er support with homework and social needs.

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Care, Guidance & Support

“Good arrangements for care, guidance and support

make a strong contribution to students’ wider outcomes.”

Ofsted Inspector (2010)

“My son has matured into a delightful young man

of which I am extremely proud. I’m sure he wouldn’t

have achieved as much as he has, both personally or academically, without the

continued support from all the staff at Somervale.”Parent of a Year 11 Student

Students have access to:• A radio recording studio• An audio recording studio• A TV recording studio• Two video editing suites• A media computer suite using the latest digital i-Mac computers• Class sets of video camcorders

Our students have the opportunity to:• Take a Creative & Media BTEC at Key Stage 4 from 14/16 and A level Media Studies• Use media equipment and expertise in a wide range of subjects such as Science, Geography and Religious Education

Media ArtsSomervale School became a Media Arts College in September 2000 and was re-designated as a Media Arts College for a third time in July 2010. In September 2010, the school benefi ted from a further £250,000 of capital and resource investment in its Specialism. From January 2009 the school became host to Somer Valley FM, our own community radio station broadcasting on 97.5FM.

6Somervale School Prospectus

We have a cinema quality screen, digital projector and sound system in the main hall which we use to show fi lms and media work created by the students. We extend our media arts expertise to the wider community too. Many students in our partner primary schools and Fosseway Special School have enjoyed working with Somer Valley FM through our community outreach projects.

MusicThe Music Department at Somervale has a lot to off er all students of all musical abilities. The department has a Yamaha Keyboard suite and a Music Technology suite with mini-Macs which is used to provide specifi c curriculum provision across all

Key Stages.

In Key Stage 3, students receive three lessons a fortnight which are divided between developing their keyboard skills and music technology skills. This enables students to learn about a wide range of musical styles and techniques within the National Curriculum.

All students are encouraged to develop their musical talents in and out of the classroom and we off er a wide range of peripatetic lessons, for example, fl ute, clarinet, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar, vocals, keyboard, piano, drums, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and DJ-ing.

The department organises a variety of performances throughout the year in school and within the local community. Students strongly support the extra-curricular activities available during lunchtimes which are teacher and student led.

Yamaha Music School We have secured an extra £50,000 of investment from the Yamaha Music School to run a new Drum School, Keyboard School and Guitar School which is open to students and members of the community after school. Yamaha’s music course enables learners to develop solo and band skills on top quality instruments, learning a wide range of popular music.

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“Somervale is a hub school for the Creative & Media Diploma. This is popular

and attracting new students. Somer Valley FM, is going

from strength to strength and is having a positive impact on

the local community.”Ofsted Inspector (2010)

8Somervale School Prospectus

Able, Gifted and Talented StudentsStudents at Somervale are identifi ed on our Able, Gifted and Talented register in all Key Stages. Our identifi cation process includes, staff , students and parents and is monitored throughout the year, identifying progress in and out of school. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities which supports students to develop academically and socially.

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Great OpportunitiesWe provide a wide range of additional opportunities for Able, Gifted and Talented students at Somervale School. These include:

• Early entry at GCSE in Maths & English and Triple Science at KS4• Personalised mentoring• A wide variety of extra-curricular activities including school productions • Participation in our ‘Beautiful Future Team’ • Author visits• Maths Challenge• The Eco Island Challenge• Guest speakers across all years• Instrumental lessons• Bath Spa mentoring including the Sixth Form• Junior Sports Leaders Award• Ten Tors• Duke of Edinburgh• Aim Higher University visits

Many Somervale students are members of the National Association for Gifted and Talented Youth.

Learning to Lead Students participate in student led activities through our Learning to Lead Programme. This encourages students to actively take responsibility within teams, developing their leadership, communication and participation skills.

Through this programme, we are the fi rst secondary school in B&NES to achieve an Eco-Green Flag Award, through students developing a range of teams, for example; The Beautiful Future Team, Gardening Team, Potting Team, Recycling Team, Energy Team, Healthy Awareness Team, Student Supporters Team and Transport Team which recently, successfully, raised funds for a new bike park. This programme has become bigger and bigger each year and we look forward to developing new projects throughout the next year.

“Enrichment opportunities are a strength, especially for such a small school, and include a wide range of clubs and after-school activities.” Ofsted Inspector (2010)

Arts Extra Students in Key Stage 3 are given the opportunity, every fortnight, to work in mixed year groups completing Arts and Sports activities. The activities available rotate three times per year and students are able to choose from a range of activities, for example, Cushions, Come Dine with Me, Sculpture, Radio and TV Production, Trampolining, Football, Hockey, Rugby and Team Building. The Drama and Music group work towards the school production at the end of the year and is a fi xed group throughout. This stage not age activity enables students to develop their communication and participation skills.

Tutoring and Mentoring Programme

Whilst KS3 students participate in Arts Extra, Year 10 students complete a mentoring and PSHE programme in groups with trained mentors and Year 11 students attend tutoring sessions based on the core subjects to enable students to receive subject specifi c guidance and intervention.

School Council We have a strongly developed School Council which has been working with the Children’s Society, piloting the Children’s Charter Award, in which we recently achieved Silver

Award. Two students in each tutor group are elected to the School Council and are given the opportunity to discuss and raise issues important to them. Within the School Council, students have the opportunity to have roles of responsibility; Chair Student, Vice Chair Student, Administrator, Advertising and Publicity Co-ordinator, Fund raising Co-ordinator and Sustainability Co-ordinator.

The School Council supports and organises whole school events and successfully fund raises annually for Children in Need and Comic Relief/Sports Relief. All students have voted in the Youth Parliament Elections throughout the last few years and some have participated in the Youth Parliament Day and the Climate Change Conference at Bath University.

Enrichment Days and Activities Week Throughout the last week of Term 6, students have the opportunity to participate in educational visits and school based activities. We off er students a wealth of activities in school and out of school, including foreign visits and residential experiences.

Beyond the ClassroomSomervale has a long tradition of providing outdoor activities and cultural experiences for its students. These range from a nearly 50 year long tradition of Golden Cap Camp to foreign trips. The school, through its Partnership links, provides real challenges for outdoor enthusiasts such as the Ten Tors Challenge and the Duke of Edinburgh Award up to Gold standard. Within the curriculum, there is Geography and History fi eldwork, as well as activities in Science Week.

10Somervale School Prospectus

“Opportunities are very wide and include over a third of students trained and working as sports leaders, work in the school’s successful market garden and many students’ involvement with Somervale’s radio station.”Ofsted Inspector (2010)

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Sport is particularly strong at Somervale School. In Years 7 to 9, students enjoy a wide range of sports in PE lessons including Netball, Football, Rugby, Athletics, Basketball, Trampolining, Tennis, Cricket, Rounders, Table Tennis and health related exercise. This continues into Years 10 to 13 where students can also study PE to GCSE and A level. The school makes extensive use of sports coaches, for example from Bath Rugby Club.

A Wide Range of Sporting ActivitiesThere is a very wide range of sporting extra-curricular activities and Somervale School has an enviable record in winning numerous leagues and competitions.

There are regular inter tutor competitions. The school was awarded the prestigious Sports England Sportsmark Award in 2010 in recognition of the very wide range of activities on off er and the high standards achieved. The PE Department also looks to develop students through leadership programmes. For example, 40% of Year 10 students, this year, are involved in the Junior Sports Leader Award. Somervale students also help organise festivals and run training sessions for children from local primary schools. Our School Sports Co-ordinator runs numerous festivals and competitions with our partner primary schools.

Sporting Excellence “My son is very happy at Somervale and is always

keen to go to school in the morning. He enjoys

all aspects of school life especially the after school

sports clubs.”Parent of a Year 9 Student

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12Somervale School Prospectus

The Sixth Form students have the opportunity to experience the greater freedom and opportunities of Sixth Form life as well as a wide range of over 40 courses at both the Somervale and Norton Hill sites. They can also take advantage of excellent facilities across both sites, such as the fantastic media suite and new Sixth Form library on our Somervale site, and our Sixth Form Centre and extensive new ICT facilities on our Norton Hill site. Students can also participate in a wide variety of social and educational trips, such as Thorpe Park, Bournemouth, and Berlin.

Each year, a number of students will choose to join us from other institutions for their Sixth Form study. We off er 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. Our partnership with Corpus Christi and the University College Cambridge helps to maximise students’ chances of successful applications.

Cambridge Pre-U DiplomaFrom September 2009, Norton Hill became the fi rst state school in the area to be approved to run the Cambridge Pre-U course. The Midsomer

Norton Sixth Form is still the only centre for this course in B&NES. This course is designed to off er students a linear approach to study with opportunities for more in-depth analysis. The programme has been identifi ed by the top Russell Group of Universities as the ideal preparation for study at their institutions.

Business Career AcademyStudents who are interested in a career in Business can enrol in the Career Academy. This is a national programme and Midsomer Norton Sixth Form is the only Sixth Form 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.

The majority of students choose to stay at the school to continue their Post-16 studies across the Partnership at the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form.

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“The way in which students make a positive contribution to the life of the school and the wider community is a considerable strength.”Ofsted Inspector (2010)

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SOMERVALESCHOOL

Somervale SchoolRedfi eld Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2JDTelephone: 01761 414276 | Fax: 01761 410613 Email: headssec@somervaleschool.comwww.somervaleschool.com

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Somervale SchoolRedfi eld Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2JD

Telephone: 01761 414276 | Fax: 01761 410613 | Email: headssec@somervaleschool.comwww.somervaleschool.com

Headteacher: Peter Beaven B.A., M.B.A.