ABOUT US

We are a small, traditional secondary school, with a high academic achievement, which is very fortunate to be located in an extremely attractive part of Lancashire. Our success is closely linked to our size as this allows a family atmosphere to pervade all aspects of school life. This clearly assists with primary to secondary transition, building relationships with our pupils, the monitoring of standards, good communication and enabling high quality learning and teaching to take place in a safe and caring environment. Clear and consistent boundaries are essential for pupils as they mature. Bowland places great emphasis on the very highest standards of behaviour, manners and uniform. The courtesy which our pupils demonstrate to each other and adults is exceptional.

The situation of the school, immediately opposite Pendle Hill, offers beautiful views in all directions and the extensive school grounds are equally attractive. Many parents/carers comment on the peaceful atmosphere of the school and there is no doubt that this contributes to learning.

Our one-acre nature reserve provides additional interest. As well as being a teaching resource, the nature reserve provides a welcome habitat for native plants and animals.

• Develop our pupils to their full potential, academically, socially and personally; to develop inquiring minds with an ability to work constructively as individuals and as part of a team.
• Equip our pupils with the fundamental skills of numeracy and literacy; the skills of oral, aural and visual communication; technological and physical skills; creative and aesthetic skills and the ability to make informed judgments in social, moral, spiritual and cultural matters.
• Develop an awareness and appreciation of our local community and the needs of its people.
• Help pupils to be aware of the wider community and society in general; this would include the appreciation and valuing of differences in people within this country, Europe and the wider world.
• Establish a concern for all aspects of equal opportunities. This includes recognition of responsibilities and respect for others.
• Provide pupils with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, values, attitudes, commitment and skills needed to protect the environment.

During the first three years pupils follow the National Curriculum. This is broad and balanced and covers all core and foundation subjects plus religious education. We are very pleased to offer a second foreign language at Key Stage 3. The curriculum is slightly different in year 7. Pupils have slightly less technology compensated for by one period of drama and one period of literacy/numeracy.

At the end of year 9 pupils have option choices. Once again being a small school means we can cater for most individual choices. The core subjects that all pupils study at GCSE level are: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science. Other compulsory subjects are: Religious Education, Physical Education, and Personal and Social Education, including Citizenship.

In addition, pupils can choose other subjects from: Information Technology, Expressive Art, French, History, Geography, Business Studies, Art, History, Dance, Music and PE. Technology subjects include Graphics, Resistant Materials, Food Technology and vocational GCSE in Engineering.

We feel strongly that extra curricular activities contribute to the development of the whole child. Upon appointment to the school all staff are expected to make some contribution to extra curricular activities enabling us to offer a wide range of activities.

Sporting activities include clubs in: soccer, dance, rugby, table tennis, netball, cricket, volleyball, cross country, basketball, aerobics, rounders, athletics, aerobics, hockey and gliding.

The school is represented in all local leagues with competitions against other schools and within school through society competitions. Highlights are the swimming competition in which the whole school is taken to Roefield swimming baths and the annual sports day. Of course, non-sporting extra curricular activities are just as important!