Prospectus

Welcome

Welcome to the Community Science College @ Thornhill, a centre of excellence in Science and Mathematics.

We strive for excellence and aim to help all our students to achieve their full potential. The College is a happy, vibrant place where students work hard in their academic studies and are involved in a wide range of sporting, creative, practical and social activities. Our status as a specialist college for Science and Mathematics is bringing exciting developments, enabling us to offer enhanced teaching, a wider range of subjects and extensive new facilities.

We are also proud to have achieved the Artsmark Silver award, reflecting our high-quality provision in this area. Our achievement of the Healthy School award is significant in recognising our on-going commitment to the promotion of healthy lifestyles and wellbeing of all our staff and students.

We encourage all prospective students and their parents to visit us, and you are assured of a very warm welcome.

Opportunities for all

We aim to ensure that all our students are successful and leave College fully prepared for the future. Our most able students are challenged to gain the highest possible qualifications. Students with special needs are encouraged and supported to develop their skills and overcome their challenges. Students whose first language is not English are supported to ensure that they are able to access everything our College has to offer.

Quality facilities and resources

The College benefits from a modern, well-equipped learning environment, which is the result of a complete refurbishment programme. The excellent facilities include a fully equipped Library Resource Centre, state-of-the-art information-technology suites and a Sports Hall complex. The Sports Hall extends the sporting opportunities available to students and members of the local community. Outside, there is a floodlit all-weather pitch.

A supportive environment

A College that cares

Before children join us they spend time with their future form tutor and take part in activities to ease the process of changing schools. Students are placed in all-ability form groups, which become friendly and familiar places. Form tutors monitor the progress of students and are always available to give help and advice. Early in Year 7, students are put in sets according to their ability in most subjects. Regular assessment enables us to set challenging yet realistic targets for all our students.

We give regular feedback, and targets are reviewed so that students know what is needed to attain higher standards.

We recognise and provide for the needs of all students who have special educational requirements. There are good links with external support agencies and students are taught, as far as possible, in mainstream classes with the support of specialist staff.

A partnership for success

We believe that a close partnership between parents, students and ourselves is essential to ensure that life at College is successful and rewarding. This is reinforced by our Home College Agreement. We value the support given by parents and are keen to keep you fully informed of your child’s progress through regular reports, parents’ evenings and the student planner. Parents are encouraged to contact us if they have any concerns.

Responsibility and respect

We encourage tolerance, consideration and respect for others, and students understand the need to take care of their College environment. Expectations of our students are high and we encourage them to follow our Positive Discipline policy and maintain high standards of appearance.

We are proud to celebrate and reward excellent behaviour, effort and attainment, as well as contributions to College life. Students take responsibility by helping younger children and organising activities, and our prefects play an important role.

High-quality teaching and learning

A broad and balanced curriculum

At Key Stage 3, we guide our students through a broad, balanced curriculum that meets statutory guidelines. At Key Stage 4, students have a degree of choice in the subjects they study, including a wide range of academic and vocational subjects. Student choice is further extended through our participation in the Kirklees Collegiate programme, which offers a number of specialist subjects at various local colleges and training centres.

Specialist status

As a specialist college in Science and Mathematics, we are able to offer the very best teaching and learning experiences in a centre of excellence. High-quality enhanced staffing in the specialist areas leads to innovative teaching, and good practice is shared throughout the College. We have developed new and improved partnerships with our immediate community, which includes our family of schools, local businesses and community groups. These partnerships create exciting opportunities for our students to extend and enrich their learning experiences.

Regular homework

Homework is set regularly. It is a vital part of College work and provides essential preparation for important tests. We rely on parents to support us by encouraging their child to work conscientiously and by providing a calm and quiet area where homework can be completed.

Preparing for success

Professional careers advisers help our students to make well-informed decisions about careers, education and training. We also hold careers information events, a highly acclaimed annual Industry Day and arrange mock interviews.

All Key Stage 4 students complete a work-experience placement with a local employer. A report, completed by the student and the employer, forms an important part of each individual’s final Student Portfolio.

Most of our students continue their education at one of the local Sixth Form colleges.

Beyond the curriculum

Extra-curricular opportunities

Our extra-curricular activities are varied and plentiful. Clubs and activities take place at lunchtime and after College, and all students are encouraged to participate. Activities include a range of sports, dance and performance opportunities, music, ICT, homework club and revision classes.
The College is committed to running trips and visits that offer a variety of experiences to all students. These include theatre trips, days out at museums and galleries, and international visits.

Support for charities

Fundraising is another important aspect of College life. Students regularly raise money for a range of charities, including Children in Need, Comic Relief and Fair Trade organisations.