ABOUT US

Heysham High School is a positive, safe environment where staff and students aim high and learn together, so that everyone has the chance to be the best they can be.

The 29-acre site is located adjacent to the King George V playing fields and open countryside, on the border of Heysham and Morecambe.

• a purpose built Mathematics Block which was opened April 2006
• a state of the art Astroturf pitch and extended changing facilities
• a £1m DfES-financed modernisation of the Main Block
• extended music facilities
• refurbishment of all science laboratories
• refurbished English classrooms
• refurbished Food Technology room
• a Learning Support Centre
• extended ICT facilities
• two lifts and several ramps in order provide disabled access to all areas

Key Stage 3

In Years 7, 8 and 9, for most subjects, students are grouped according to their abilities.

In Year 7, students are put into three ability bands. The placing of students into the appropriate bands is based on the Key Stage 2 SATs. In Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 a student might be in different sets for different subjects, according to individual strengths and weaknesses. (Because of their special nature, Arts subjects are taught in mixed ability groups throughout the school.)

Teaching groups are reviewed regularly, and we move students if we feel that they would make better progress in a different group.

The curriculum 11 - 16

Students have 50 one-hour lessons per fortnightly timetable cycle. The table shows the amount of time given to each subject.

In Key Stage 4, all students take a “core” made up of English, Mathematics, Science, (which includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science), RE, PSHE and PE. The pupil’s timetable is completed by a selection from an extensive options programme which is designed to allow all students to work to their own individual strengths and interests. Almost all students take the equivalent of at least 9 full GCSEs, plus a half-GCSE in RE.

Students can choose from a wide range of activities which broaden and extend the academic curriculum of the school. We believe that taking part in these “extras” helps our students to derive extra benefit from school, and reinforces their sense of membership of a successful, working community.

Many members of staff give freely and generously of their time in providing this enrichment of our students’ experience.

Virtually all of the students in Heysham High School at the end of KS4 go into further education or training, with a large proportion taking advantage of the Sixth Form in the school. The students see that there are a variety of subjects available at a range of levels. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are one of the few post 16 providers to offer a wide range of level 2 (GCSE) courses as well as a wide range of level 3 courses. The choice open to the students is astounding. They are able to mix the vocational applied A levels, with a National Certificate or Diploma, with the more traditional A level. It is this personalised curriculum that has allowed the sixth form to expand greatly over recent years and put Heysham High School at the forefront of post 16 education. Such is the choice that we have compiled a dedicated post 16 prospectus which is available on request.

We at Heysham High School believe that the Sixth Form is not just about academic achievement, although we put this high on our agenda. We feel that the development of the whole person is an important aim, where students are prepared to embrace an ever changing society, and to achieve a fulfilling life. It is for this reason that we place a lot of importance on the ‘enriched curriculum’ where students are given the opportunity to work on recreational activities, both within the school environment and beyond. Further details of all the courses and the enriched activities are available in the post 16 prospectus or by making an appointment with the Director of Sixth Form Studies, who will be happy to discuss your individual requirements.