THE CURRICULUM

Pupils study a wide range of subjects, including the complete range of National Curriculum subjects which are English, Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), History, Geography, Modern Languages (French, German), Technology (Art and Design, Craft and Design, Graphics, Food Technology and Information Technology), Drama, Music, Physical Education and Religious Education. There is also a Personal and Social Education course delivered by Form Tutors

In these examination years, the following GCSE courses are currently studied, including the core of compulsory subjects :

English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Double Science (Combined Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Design Technology (to include : Food, Construction Materials, Graphics or Combined D & T and Art) a Modern Language (French, German) and a Social Science (History, Geography, Religious Studies).

Pupils complete the range of nine GCSE subjects by selecting three from a number of options which may vary from year to year according to the needs of the pupils. Individual option choice is guided by tutors and career staff to ensure that each pupil is assured of her National Curriculum entitlement. Currently the options available are : a second Modern Language, a second Social Science, Art and Design, Drama, Information Systems, Music, Religious Studies and Physical Education.

Non-examination courses are also offered to provide a balanced curriculum : Physical Education, Religious Education and Personal, Social, Health and Careers Education.

A wide range of subjects is available for 'A' level, GCSE and commercial examinations. Choice of subjects is arranged so as to allow sensibly grouped but flexible options (normally, but not exclusively, either Arts or Science combination of subjects). Some of the choices at GCE 'A' level will normally include :

English Literature; Theatre Studies; Sports Studies; Music; Pure Mathematics with Statistics; Pure Mathematics; Mechanics; French; German; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Archaeology; History; Geography; Classical Civilisation; Politics; Sociology; Art & Design; Computer Science; Design Technology; Home Economics.

Additional GCSE subjects not taught in Year Ten and Eleven are currently offered. These include Archaeology, Combined Science, and Russian. Typewriting (LCCI) is also offered.

All students follow a course of Personal and Social Education in tutorial lessons which develops themes encountered in previous years. In addition, there is a General Studies course which includes Driverability, Employment, Health Education, Information Technology, Moral Issues, Sport and a comprehensive Careers programme.

This important area of the curriculum is delivered throughout the students time at Highsted, mainly taught through the Personal and Social Education Programme and to a limited extent across the other areas of the curriculum. The topic of human reproduction is covered in Science. The PSE programme covers aspects in context of the population explosion, social responsibility, moral and responsible relationships between men and women and methods of contraception. Further information about the nature and content of the course is available to parents on request, and parents who may wish to do so are welcome to discuss this area of the curriculum with the Head. There is a legal provision for parents to withdraw pupils from the Sex Education programme, and they are informed in writing of the School’s policy when their daughter is admitted to the school.

Highsted School is not affiliated to any religious denomination. Religious Education is taught by law and therefore is a compulsory part of the curriculum and follows the agreed aims and objectives as laid down by Kent Local Education Authority. Each day starts with an assembly in either Form, Year or School Group. These assemblies may contain both moral and religious content aimed at enhancing the individual's responsibility and relationship to the community.

There is also a legal provision for parents who may wish to withdraw, upon written request, pupils from religious worship and/or Religious Education on grounds of conscience or principles. Every effort is made to minimise any attention being focused on any pupil so withdrawn.

It is the policy of Highsted School to meet the needs of each pupil, however, it is recognised that some pupils have special educational needs. Therefore the commitment is made to identify and assess pupils with special educational needs as early and efficiently as possible in order to address the pupils needs, which may take a wide variety of forms.

The policy ensures that the pupil has the greatest possible access to the whole curriculum (including the National Curriculum). The Special Education Needs Co-ordinator and other staff work in partnership with parents and take into account the views of the pupil.

Detailed information about Highsted School’s Special Education Needs Policy and processes is available from the school, and parents who wish to discuss these issues may phone Mrs Wybar (Evaluation and Pastoral Manager, Deputy Head) at the School.

Homework is compulsory at Highsted and we ask for the support of all parents in helping to create the time and situation for the girls to complete this during the weekdays. All pupils will be given a homework timetable during the first two weeks of the Autumn Term so that both pupils and parents can plan ahead for the year and Homework Diaries are supplied to facilitate this planning.

We have a very gentle policy for starting homework: fairly light to begin with, pupils reaching a workload suitable for a grammar school gradually (and painlessly!). What they are given to do at home should not be a strain and parents are encouraged to let us know if it appears to be so in order for us to sort out any problems.

Time needed to complete assignments will vary according to ability, speed of working and interest of the pupil concerned. For an 'average Highsted pupil' homework in Year Seven ought to take twenty minutes in September, increasing to thirty minutes per subject with two subjects per night and three at weekends. In Year Nine, there will usually be three subjects per night, taking approximately 30 minutes per subject.

School is a place of work similar to any environment the students may move into when they leave Highsted. To this end we feel it is important to create the right atmosphere to help this process. Staff have a consistent and high standard of expectation of behaviour from their students, but in keeping with the nature of the school this is maintained by an attitude of mutual respect and very often an element of humour. Above all we expect all students to treat each other and their environment responsibly.

Pupils admitted age 11+ will be those who have been judged suitable for grammar school education under P.E.S.E. procedure. The School accepts at 11+ three forms of entry. Provision is also made to allow for further entries at 13+ from Sheppey Middle Schools.

In the event of more pupils applying for places than it was possible to admit, preference will be given as follows:-

The school provides a comprehensive induction programme covering various activities with their Form Tutors and Form Prefects under the guidance of the Head of Lower School, in order to facilitate the settling-in process.

Pupils transferring from other areas to Sittingbourne and who are judged suitable for a grammar school place have a right of entry. Suitability for a grammar school place is decided by:-

Pupils transferring from Sheppey Middle Schools and who are judged suitable for a grammar school place will be admitted into Year 9 so as to bring Year 9 totals up to the equivalent of 4 Forms of Entry. Suitability for a grammar school place is decided by:-

In the event of there being more applications than places, the following would be taken into consideration:-

There is a tradition of Open Entry into the Senior School and each application is given individual consideration. The criteria for entry are that the courses available to and chosen by the student are judged to be such that she will truly benefit educationally from following the course and that reports from her previous school indicate a record of steady progression/ application to study.

Whilst five GCSE A* to C Grade passes including one B grade, are required for entry, there are, however, specified grades which must be obtained at GCSE in order to embark on an Advanced Level course in that subject. All students, too, must be in possession of GCSE passes in English, Mathematics and Science, or be prepared and considered able to undertake a course leading to these qualifications alongside their other choices.

For entry to one year courses there are no specified qualifications and each application is considered on its merits according to the criteria for entry outlined in the first paragraph. Students in the Senior School often follow a one-year course, for example, Typewriting to supplement or complement their main A-Level subjects.

For girls considering a future career, it has been shown that they are much more likely to achieve their goals and acquire a far-reaching education in a single sex environment which is academically challenging. Current levels of employment make the most appropriate education more important than ever.

No. Due to the availability of public and private transport into and around the school, your daughter will meet many girls from outside the Sittingbourne area, for example Rainham, Faversham and Sheppey.

Our pupils settle very quickly: we can see new friendship groups blossoming in the first few days. Your daughter will meet with some of the most intelligent of her friends from her present school and be able to widen her circle among similar girls from other schools.

It is essential, particularly in the present economic climate, that everyone be educated to the highest point of which they are capable.

A course at Highsted in an atmosphere where pupils are gradually led toward self-discipline and study can lead to multiple career opportunities, rather than just a job: a large number of our girls are enabled to equip themselves for Higher Education at Universities or Colleges of Further or Higher Education - in Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Social Sciences, Languages, etc., and for those who prefer to enter employment immediately after 'A' levels there are exciting prospects in Commerce and Industry as well as the more traditional areas of banking, nursing, physiotherapy, etc. Those few who do leave after GCSE are also greatly sought after by local employers.

Prices can be checked at Forster's, the school outfitters, but many items can be purchased from several outlets. Example prices for September 1998 were:

Skirt from £ 18.99 Shorts from £ 8.99

Blouses from £ 5.99 Sports Blouse from £ 5.99

Blazer from £ 28.99 Science Overall £ 18.99

Sports Skirt £ 8.99 Pullover from £ 12.99

Prospective parents and pupils are always welcome to view the school : appointments may be made by telephoning the School Office (Telephone : 01795 424223) but parents of girls moving into the area should also get in touch with the District Schools Officer, East Kent Education Office, Clover House, John Wilson Business Park, Thanet Way, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3QZ Telephone: 0l227-772992

Parents of girls attending East Kent Area Primary and Middle Schools should consult with their present Head regarding procedure for admission to Highsted School into Year 7 or Year 9. (Some details are contained in the East Kent Area Booklet : Opportunities in Secondary Education). Arrangements for the annual meeting of transferees and their parents for both 11+ and 13+ transfers are notified via the present school. Those in private education or needing extra advice are welcome to contact Highsted School direct.

Visits by pupils wishing to transfer at 11+, 13+ or 16+ may be arranged : you may look around the school in the company of a Senior School Student. Details of admission for courses to the Senior School are included on a separate page. For those considering the possibility of studying in Highsted's Senior School but who are not really sure, there is an opportunity of an initial advisory interview to see whether the courses and the atmosphere are what they want - Sittingbourne 424223 - ask for Mrs Highwood.

Monday 6 September to Friday 17 December

Half Term Monday, 25 October - Friday, 29 October

Tuesday 4 January to Tuesday 11 April

Half Term Monday, 21 February - Friday, 25 February

Wednesday 26 April to Tuesday 25 July

Half Term Monday, 29 May - Friday, 2 June

Note : The first day of the Autumn Term and an additional four days of the above terms will be non-contact days for teachers when the school will be closed to pupils (Staff Development Days)

The morning session starts from 8.40 to 1.05 pm. This time incorporates a break between lessons. The afternoon session is from 2.15 to 3.30 pm.

Your daughter will be taught for marginally less than twenty-five hours per week, excluding assemblies, registration, breaks and lunchtime.

At present there are 767 pupils altogether, of whom 209 are Senior School students (Sixth Form).

Recent legislation makes it easier to rename all the years. What parents used to know as the Sixth Form has become Years Twelve and Thirteen, so we have named it 'Senior School'.

In September 1998 there were 109 girls in Year Seven )

103 girls in Year Eight ) Lower School

108 girls in Year Nine )

126 girls in Year Ten )

112 girls in Year Eleven ) Middle School

96 girls in Year Twelve )

113 girls in Year Thirteen ) Senior School

Figures for the Academic Year 1997/98 were :

Authorised absences : 4.7%

Unauthorised absences : 0.01%

If you are unhappy about what is happening in school, you should first discuss the matter with your daughter's form tutor and/or Head of Year or School and, if necessary, the Headteacher. In the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with the outcome, then the next step would be to consult the Chairman of Governors. The matter could be referred to the Area Education Office and finally the Secretary of State for Education. However, most, if not all, problems can be quickly sorted by a telephone call or a visit to the school. Where appropriate, parents are welcome to write to the school, if they find this more convenient.

Mr. M. Bradley

Highsted School

Highsted Road

Sittingbourne

Kent ME10 4PT

Mr N Henwood

Strategic Director

Education & Libraries

Kent County Council

Education Department

Springfield

Maidstone

Kent ME14 2LJ

Mrs M Gregory

East Kent Education Office

Clover House

John Wilson Business Park

Thanet Way

Whitstable

Kent CT5 3QZ

Last updated 25th March 1999, maintained by M J Smith