The High School provids excellent facilities, including Hall/Gymnasium, Dining Room, Office/Reception, Library Science Laboritory and additional basic amenities. Further developments for the schools developement include a Swimming Pool, Sports Hall and Residential Block. Within every classroom is housed a computer. The School also has its own Internet/ICT suit, with 30 computers and 12 Laptops.

The Phoenix building, with its 12 classrooms and additional communal facilities was built in June 2003. This included our new IT suite, Music suite, Art room and many other excellent facilities.

The Overstone Park High School offers the best in education. Priority is given to high academic standards and the building of confidence and self-esteem.

Pupils are encouraged to be helpful and caring members of the community, with good manners and etiquette, with self-respect towards others, being promoted in all aspects of school life. The Christian ethos is promoted.

The school is committed to the pursuit of excellence. This is achieved by most pupils in small, well equipped classes. The staff pupil ratio within the school is 1:12.

Mathematics

Goldfinches to Magpies: A sound understanding of basic skills and mathematical concepts is developed with emphasis on the four rules of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. New technological ideas and the use of computers in the teaching of maths are incorporated in the curriculum. Modern and traditional mathematical concepts work in harmony to build self-confidence in each pupil. Pupils are encouraged to be inquisitive and investigative in their solving of mathematical problems. Regular maths tests aid a concrete and sound learning.

Falcons to Phoenix: The course concentrates on preparing pupils for a successful outcome in GCSE mathematics. There are four major targets - using and applying mathematics, number work, number and algebra, shape, space and handling data. In each area, pupils develop knowledge and skills in depth. The school is presently using the Cambridge Maths Scheme SMP.

Science

Goldfinches to Magpies: All pupils are taught combined science (physics, chemistry and biology) by specialist teachers. A well equipped science department ensures that all pupils achieve their best in each of the disciplines.

Falcons to Phoenix: Both the Combined Science: (Double Award) and single sciences are taught in the GCSE years. Listed below are the main areas studied within the Double award scheme:

Scientific Experiments

Many practical experiments are conducted to reinforce theory learning. Science is taught to relate to everyday life, at a level pupils will understand. Graded questions at the end of each section and extension work with questions are given to develop the skills required for GCSE.

Modern Foreign Languages

Senior 7 - Senior 9: French is introduced at the age of 4 years in the Preparatory School. Pupils progressing through into the High School continue French to GCSE level. Spanish is introduced in Senior 8 at age 11-12 years.

Senior 10 - Senior 11: French and Spanish are offered to GCSE level. The school organises school trips abroad. Places already visited include Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Holland.

An appreciation of the culture, customs and way of life of the French and Spanish is promoted in modern language classes. Computers and videos are used along with speaking, writing and the development of the grammatical structure of the language.

Religious Studies

Senior 7 - Senior 9: Religious studies is a compulsory subject taught throughout the Preparatory and High School, to GCSE level. It is taught in a ‘real life’ way, where the Bible is used to help us in our understanding of the world as we know it. Pupils are taught Christian doctrines and principles.

Other major religions and philosophies are looked at from Senior 7 to Senior 11. Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism are some of the major religions studied. Ancient trends and more modern trends such as race, law and order, drugs, home and the family, work in harmony in our lessons to teach pupils to investigate and to be analytical in their approach to religion. Emphasis is placed on the Christian faith, however, pupils are taught to be objective in their attitude to other religions.

Music

Music lies at the heart of the School ethos, it permeates all classes throughout the Preparatory Department and within the High School. Pupils of all ages are encouraged to be performers and composers. An appreciation of a variety of music is encouraged. This manifests itself in mini symphonies and orchestras within the Senior School. Many instruments are offered. Pupils may have private tuition with their chosen instrument if requested. All pupils in the Senior School are taught the recorder and an instrument of their choice.

Live music from a wide range of musicians and from many different cultures, is introduced early. The School organises concerts and musicals throughout the academic year. The School Choir has many enthusiastic members. They perform regularly.

A wide range of musical instruments and equipment is used in School. The musical aptitude of each pupil is developed to the full.

Senior 10 - Senior 11: Pupils taking music to GCSE level will study three areas:

Listening - being aware of musical styles and techniques.

Performance - Playing and singing prepared musical work. This will involve sight reading and aural tests. Pupils may perform as soloists or in an ensemble.

Composition - Composing or arranging music in a traditional or modern style.

Pupils are encouraged to specialise in at least one instrument to Grade 4 standard before commencement of the course.

Art, Design and Technology

Pupils of all ages explore drawing, painting and photography, pottery, design in wood, metals and plastics. Pupils are introduced to a wide variety of materials. The use of the computer in Art, Design and Technology is essential.

Design Technology also incorporates Home Economics which involves practical and theoretical food studies. General hygiene and body hygiene are also studied in this subject. Keeping healthy and healthy eating are topics studied in Home Economics.

Senior 10 and Senior 11: Pupils may take Art to GCSE level. Areas of study include painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles and photography. Information and Communication Technology

This discipline is integrated throughout the Curriculum in all subjects. From an early age pupils have hands on experience of the computer. Pupils acquire the language and value of the new ‘information age’ mostly through the media. Information and Communication Technology plays a crucial role in developing learning and processes at all levels of the Curriculum. We have an Internet Room and over 30 computers.

Geography

Geography is studied in all years within the High School.

The areas studied are geographical skills, knowledge and understanding of places, Physical Geography, Human and Environmental Geography. Many field trips are organised inland and abroad to enhance knowledge and experience.

Senior 10 and Senior 11: For GCSE the emphasis is placed upon Physical and Human Geography. Pupils learn how to draw and use maps, diagrams, graphs and tables. Local and regional surveys are conducted. Pupils also have discussions and debates on local and world problems.

History

The teaching of History consists of the knowledge and understanding of History, the interpretation of History and the use of historical sources. Pupils study many varied and interesting topics such as The Roman Empire, Tudors and Stuarts, Victorian Britain, Ancient Greece and World War I and II.

At GCSE level, the following areas are covered:

International relations since the First World War

Russia 1917 - 1941

Germany 1919 - 1945.

Candidates should be able:
*to recall, select and deploy knowledge and communicate in a clear and coherent form;
*to demonstrate understanding of historical terminology and concepts (cause and consequence, change and continuity, similarity and difference)
*to reveal empathy with individuals and societies in their historical setting;
*to interpret and evaluate a wide range of historical sources and their use as evidence, viz:
 *to comprehend
 *to locate and extract relevant information;
 *to distinguish between fact, opinion and judgement;
 *to indicate deficiencies, such as gaps and inconsistencies;
 *to detect bias;
   *to compare and contrast a range of sources and to reach conclusions based upon their use as evidence.

Drama and Performing/Theatre Arts

Speech and Drama is encouraged throughout the Preparatory School. In High School all pupils participate in drama and the performing arts to encourage the building of confidence and self esteem. Drama is expressed through English Literature, with reading of set texts such as Macbeth, Arthur Millers A Death of A Salesma and many more. Stage Productions, Musicals and adaptations such as ‘Oliver’, West Side Story, Mathilda, Aladin and many others are also performed throughout the academic year.

 The School has its own stage lighting and PA system and there are at least three productions held each year throughout the high school. Pupils are encouraged to take part in all productions, with open auditions held for each.

Performance and Theatre arts encourages the development of public speaking, which is essential to most chosen careers and for life in general. This subject is offered to GCSE level. Components offered are Drama, Music, Dance, Performing and Theatre Studies.

Art and Design

Childcare, Learning and Development

Buisness Studies

Performing Arts

The country environment enables pupils to develop and strengthen physically and acquire a spirit of adventure and exploration.

Sport and Games are important aspects of our school life. A wide range of sporting activities are offered in many acres of open countryside and playing fields:

An annual Sports Day is held in the Summer term for pupils, teachers, parents, families and friends.

 

Optional Lessons

Optional lessons are taught by qualified and experienced visiting teachers and instructors:

Clubs & Extra Curricula Activities

Pupils are encouraged to develop their own programme of school activities.

Multi-Cultural Education

"Some people have white hands, Others have brown, They come from different lands And different towns, But what does it matter what Colour you are? It doesn’t make you better if you are white or black as tar."

Multi-Cultural Education is represented through the School’s curriculum in many ways towards the development of each pupil’s self esteem. The most effective way has been the respect, interest and admiration, shown by both staff and pupils alike at a variety of cultural backgrounds.

This is encouraged through Art, whereby pupils are to depict pictorially each others’ features and skin tones through the use of paints, chalk and crayons.

They are also encouraged to appreciate different geographical locations and represent them through Art.

Through Home Economics, pupils are encouraged to prepare and cook foods from other cultures, therefore the aromas of Indian, Caribbean and Greek and other cuisines can be smelt in our School Kitchen!

Music, from Beethoven to Reggae, is listened to, the rhythms of many different cultures are created in music.

Multi-Cultural Education is reflected in all subject areas throughout the School.

Equipment and Resources

A vast range of equipment can be found in all departments that are well equipped with excellent resources. A variety of modern and traditional teaching aids ensure that our pupils have the correct facilities to prepare them successfully in all subject areas; in order that they may achieve good GCSE results.

The School Libraries

There is a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books for readers of all ages and abilities. Pupils are encouraged to use the library as a quiet reading area.

Books are catalogued using a colour code (one colour representing a reading age) therefore enabling all pupils to be independent users of the library from an early age.

The library is also equipped with several volumes of encyclopaedias such as Britannica and World Books

Pupils are encouraged to borrow books from the Library for home reading.

GCSE class sizes may be as small as 5 pupils per subject and no more than 15 pupils in each class. Every pupil is given individual care and attention to ensure that they achieve their best potential.

Decision-making through action plans:

When pupils arrive in Year 7, an induction task helps them decide realistic targets for their early years in the school. Pupils go on to review their own progress regularly, and tutors encourage them to consider the outcomes of earlier decisions.

In year 9, Personal Social Education lessons are used to help pupils develop their decision-making skills in an industrial context. In year 10, tutors support regular target-setting for homework and the development of study skills, including time management. Tutors and PSE teachers help pupils to select work experience placements and develop action plans to make the most of their time with the company.

In Year 11, Personal Social Education lessons are used to prepare pupils for their careers interviews, and tutorial lessons are used for work on the National Record of Achievement. Tutors and subject teachers support students through regular reviews of progress, to monitor education and help them to prepare for decisions about further education or employment.

Internal Examinations and Assessment

Written and oral examinations are held at the end of each term for all pupils from Preparatory Class One onwards. Continual assessment and frequent guidance from a form tutor ensures that positive progress is achieved by all pupils.

Internal academic records, reflecting progress in all subjects are held on each pupil. Frequent reading tests encourage a good reading style and appreciation of literature.

Reports

After each written and oral test, a report is completed at the end of each term. This gives a detailed account of each pupil’s work in every subject for the term. Reports are graded from A - E to assist parents. A general comment is given in each section of the report. Parents are invited to discuss their child’s report. A more detailed and lengthy end of year report is handed out at the end of the academic year, in July.

Special Educational Support

Pupils with Special Needs are given extra tuition by qualified and experienced Special Needs teachers.

The whole Curriculum and timetable of the pupil reflects his or her special needs, to ensure that the difficulty is addressed consistently, throughout the School Day.

Pupils are treated equally and are not made to feel that they are different. The building of confidence and self esteem is greatly encouraged, to develop within each pupil a positive feeling of self-worth and self-achievement; armed with this positive approach most Special Needs pupils achieve their true potential.

Children with special educational needs receive extra tuition on an individual basis or within small teaching groups. Similarly, gifted pupils are encouraged to sit exams a year early where this is deemed appropriate. An average class size of approximately 15 assists children of all abilities to fulfil their potential.

Assessments are conducted by our Specialist Educational Psychologist group, Independent Child Psychology Services (I.C.P.S). They work with teachers to identify areas of needs in the pupil’s learning. We are also supported by the Peterborough Dyslexic Institute.

School Houses

The High School is divided into four houses. Each house is lead by a Teacher and it is captained by a Senior School pupil.

The houses are:    

CEDAR   WILLOW   SYCAMORE   OAK

Pupils are allocated a House when joining The High School. This encourages each new pupil to have a sense of belonging in their Houses. House assemblies and House Meetings encourage teamwork and co-operation between pupils; these are on Thursday mornings.

Houses compete in a variety of ways within the School. In Sport activities, Chess and Drama. There are a variety of Inter-House competitions.

Pupils achieve House Points by displaying good manners, good behaviour and excellent work. They are positively encouraged to do their best and the giving of House Points acts as an incentive to build self esteem and to develop a positive attitude towards teamwork.

Prefects and Monitors

Prefects and monitors are appointed from the senior members of each class. They are democratically elected by their peers.

Pastoral and Social Care

The pastoral care of all pupils is the responsibility of all teachers. Pupils are encouraged to be active, caring members within the School community at large.

To ensure positive self development academically, socially and emotionally, pupils are assigned a tutor at the beginning of their High School life in Senior 7 (Goldfinches). The tutor meets with the pupil at least once weekly. The tutor keeps a watchful eye on his/her pupil and gives pastoral advice and care on a one to one basis when it is required. The tutor also give guidance when pupils reach the end of Senior 9 (Magpies) and GCSE options are chosen. Career guidance is also given at this time.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award
Personal experience is extended and social skills enhanced by outdoor pursuits within the Community. Pupils are encouraged to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme in Senior 9, 10 and 11.

Pupils can strive to reach national standards in a skill or a hobby, or they can be actively involved in community service or an expedition.

Assemblies

School assemblies is held on a daily basis. All pupils participate in Assembly. Assembly themes are traditional and modern; reflecting basic Christian principles such as; love, kindness, respect, caring, sharing and forgiving.

The School welcomes special visitors into School Assemblies, such as: doctors, firemen, nurses, policemen.

Pupils are encouraged to endeavour to contribute positively to the life of their community. Pupils of all cultures and denominations participate harmoniously in Assemblies. No pupil is excluded from Assembly.

Pupils are put into small groups regularly, on an informal basis, where they are given the opportunity to discuss any personal difficulties or worries that they might encounter. During these sessions, guidance is given in the area of Sex Education, to all Senior School pupils. Pupils are encouraged to speak privately to their Form Tutor or to the Principal, if they have a problem.

Personal, Social, Healthand emotional  Education/Citizenship

PSHE lessons are tailored not only to the age but also to the understanding of pupils. The aim being to present fact in an objective, balanced and sensible manner, within a clear framework of values. Pupils are encouraged to understand the need for dignity and respect for themselves and for others.

Discipline

The School encourages good manners and etiquette in all pupils. A discipline code, listing basic school rules, encourages consistent disciplinary methods throughout the school. Such methods are firm but caring. Pupils are always fairly disciplined, to promote positive and caring behaviour. A discipline code is available to parents.

Health & Safety

The school adheres to the Health & Safety regulations. The School Nurse service is used within the School.

Your Child’s Safety is our Priority

Meeting with Parents

Parents and guardians are required to sign and adhere to the Home/School Partnership enclosed. There are regular meetings with parents to discuss the academic and social progress of a pupil. The Principal can be contacted at any time to discuss your child’s development in any aspect of school life. We believe that in order to give our pupils an excellent education, a good partnership must exist between home and the School. Parents evenings are held at the end of each term.

Homework

Homework is given from the beginning of Pre-Preparatory School life (from age 3 years) and throughout the High School.

This acts as a good communication link between home and school. Parents can be completely involved in their child’s work. Homework also acts as an excellent way of reinforcing new skills and academic progress. Pupils are encouraged to complete tasks and to meet deadlines.

General Information, Admission and Entrance Requirements

For all Departments of the School, parents are recommended to register prospective pupils at an early age. The School intake periods are in January, April and September. A pupil may join the School at any time throughout the year, if there is a place available.

Entrance to the High School is by an examination and assessment.

Parents are requested to visit the School by appointment, before completion of the enrolment form. A place is conditional upon satisfying the appropriate entry requirements.