Mount Grace High School

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Mount Grace High School
Welcome to
A Specialist Science College
www.mountgrace.leics.sch.uk
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2010 - 2011
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Contents

• Mount Grace Staff
• The Teaching Staff
• The Associate Staff
• List of Governors
• The List of Governors
• The School Day
• Times of the Day
• School Meals Service
• Health Welfare
• Attendance
• Visits / Admissions
• School Security

• Uniform Equipment Continued
• Uniform
• Girls Uniform
• Boys Uniform
• Supplier
• Girls PE Kit
• Boys PE Kit
• Activities Finance
• Activities Finance
• Charging Policy
• The School Curriculum
• Health, Careers Relationship Issues
• Community
• Department Overviews

• Special Educational Needs
• Special Educational Needs
• Assessments Reports
• Assessment Reporting System
• Homework
• Key Stage 3 Teacher Assessments
• Calendar Dates
• Calendar Dates 2010-2011
• Calendar Dates 2011-2012
• Further Information
• Further Information

Contents
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The Teaching Staff
Mrs J Ashby Catering Assistant Mrs Y
Bauld Catering Assistant Mrs B Bennett Food
Textiles Technician Miss M Bennett Receptionist Mi
ss M Bennett Catering Assistant Mrs N
Boulton Reprographics / Library Mrs S
Cation Catering Assistant Mrs P Cliffe Senior
Laboratory Technician Mrs L Collidge Life Skills
Administrator Mrs R Crisp Librarian Mr C
Davies Cover Supervisor Mrs D Dixon Lunchtime
Manager Miss G Durrant LSA - Behaviour Support Ms
A Egan Heads Personal Assistant Mrs T Elliott PE
Department Technician Mrs J Emery Lunchtime
Supervisor Miss J Finn Learning Support
Assistant Mrs E Gardiner HLTA - Behaviour
Support Mrs S Geary Lunchtime Supervisor Mrs M
Hardman Learning Support Assistant Mrs A
Harris Catering Assistant Mrs W Hopwood Cover
Supervisor Mrs S Inman Higher Level Teaching
Assistant Mrs M Jeyes Higher Level Teaching
Assistant Mr S Jordan Site Manager Mrs D
Kovarovic Network Manager Mrs W Marlow Catering
Manager Mrs K Mason School Liaison Officer Mrs P
Mason Lunchtime Supervisor Mr A Payne LSA -
Behaviour Support Mrs J Pickering Lunchtime
Supervisor Mr I Ratheram Data Manager Mr D
Reeves Premises Officer Mrs S Sarson Learning
Support Assistant Mrs K Shaw Higher Level
Teaching Assistant Mr D Statham ICT Technician Mr
P Stevens Lab Technician Mrs J Stock Lunchtime
Supervisor Mrs A Stothard Lunchtime Supervisor Mr
S Taylor Design / ICT Technician Mrs P
Wainwright Bursar Mrs G Warne Lunchtime
Supervisor Mrs S Widdows Catering Assistant Mrs
L Swain School Nurse
Mr J Thomas Headteacher Mrs S Stokes Deputy
Head Mr J Bevan Assistant Headteacher / Director
of Science Specialism / Curriculum Assessment
Manager Mrs E Chamberlain Assistant Headteacher /
Behaviour Support Manager / SENCO Mr T
Dunne Assistant Headteacher / Pastoral Team
Manager / Humanities Mrs C Aguilar English Mr A
Barnacle Curriculum Leader - Boys PE Miss L
Beale Curriculum Leader - History /
Humanities Mrs V Brightmore Head of Year /
Science Mr P Bup Curriculum Leader - ICT Mr D
Collins Curriculum Leader - Music Mrs J
Crone Maths Mr A Curtis-Lowe Art, Design
Technology Mr M Deathe Special Educational
Needs Mrs J Francis English Ms B
Gill Humanities Mr G Hack Curriculum Leader -
Geography / Citizenship Co-ord. Mrs L Harris Art,
Design Technology (until Christmas 2009) Mrs C
Hewison Head of Year / Science / Choices
Co-ordinator Mrs R Howden Art, Design
Technology Mrs C Hughes Curriculum Leader -
Religious Education Mr M Jackson Physical
Education Mrs L Lee Science Mr T Looby Music Mrs
L Lyon Science Mrs A Matley Curriculum Leader -
Modern Languages Ms K McGovern Humanities Mr D
Oaten Curriculum Leader - English Mr J
OGara Maths Mrs J Payne Head of Year / Modern
Languages Mrs K Rooney Curriculum Leader -
English Language Mrs J Sawkings Curriculum Leader
- Girls PE Mrs J Smith Curriculum Leader -
Maths Mrs H Speake Modern Languages Mr J
Stilgoe Curriculum Leader - Design Technology Mrs
R Sulley History Mrs J Wilson Art, Design
Technology (from January 2010) Mrs H
Youd Curriculum Leader - Art
Mount Grace Staff
Mount Grace Staff
Associate Staff
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List of Governors
The school day starts at 8.30 am with
registration taken by the Form Tutor in the form
room. The daily times are as follows
Registration / Assembly 08.30 am 08.50 am
Lesson 1 08.50 am 09.50 am Lesson 2 09.50
am 10.50 am Break 10.50 am 11.15 am
Lesson 3 11.15 am 12.15 pm Lesson 4 12.15
pm 13.15 pm Lunch 13.15 pm 14.05 pm
Lesson 5 14.05 pm 15.05 pm Pupils will be
involved in full school assemblies, year
assemblies and collective acts of worship. The
character of this collective worship will be
mainly Christian. Parents may wish to exercise
their right to withdraw their children. Before
doing so they are asked to arrange an appointment
with the Headteacher. The hours spent on
teaching each week, excluding registration,
assemblies and breaks adds up to 25
hours. School Meals Service At Mount Grace we
are very proud of our own independent Catering
Service. Our Catering Manager, Wendy Marlow, and
her team provide a varied range of breaktime
snacks and hot meals that are cooked on the
premises. Any small profits made are reinvested
into improving the quality of the service as well
as contributing to wider school projects. The
service is committed to offering a wide range of
healthy options. Only those pupils who are
actually going home for lunch are permitted to
leave the school premises at lunchtime. Parents
should notify the school in writing at the start
of each year if their child is to go home for
lunch and will become their responsibility.
LA Representatives Mr J Herbert (Chair)
Mr K Bray Mrs C Robson Mrs S
Wykes Parent Governors Mr P Brown Mrs
S Andrews Mr C Davies Mrs C
Jackson Community Governors Mr J
Leigh (Vice-Chair) Mr I Baker Staff
Governors Mr S Jordan Headteacher Mr
J Thomas Clerk to Governors Mrs P
Wainwright
The School Day
List of Governors
Applications for free meals should be made
to Education Welfare Department County
Hall Glenfield Leicester LE3 8RF
The School Day
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Health Welfare
Visits/Admissions Parents are welcome to view
the school at any time during the year and
appointments can be made through the school
office. School Security The Governors Health
and Safety Committee has reviewed safety and
security issues at Mount Grace. The Governors
policy of vigilance and raising awareness of
everybody on the site to strangers enhances
security. Some alterations to the school
building are being made to improve security.
Governors will continue to monitor the
situation. Disabled Pupils The suitability of
the Mount Grace buildings for disabled pupils
will depend on the nature of the disability.
However, alterations to the building have been
undertaken to allow access for the disabled and
to provide appropriate facilities where possible.
The school does not, however, have disabled lift
access to its 2nd and 3rd floor teaching
areas. School Nurse The School Nurse is
available for consultation with parents, staff
and students. Please contact her through the
school or on [phone]/614806.

• Attendance
• Attendance throughout the term is compulsory. The
  only valid reasons for absence are pupils own
  illness or parental holidays. School attendance
  regulations permit only 10 days' additional
  holiday in a full year. Holiday request
  application forms are available from the School
  Office and our website and must be approved by
  the Headteacher.
• A child who has been absent from school must, on
  return, bring a note explaining the absence this
  helps to ensure that no pupil can be absent
  without the knowledge of parents.
• If a child is expected to be absent for more than
  three days, it would be helpful if parents would
  let us know at once rather than waiting for the
  child's return to school.
• Our Educational Welfare Officer visits us on a
  weekly basis to review attendance records.
• The school undertakes to follow up any
  unexplained absence as quickly as possible and
  the co-operation of parents is greatly
  appreciated.
• In line with Government regulations
• The total number of pupils on roll for
  2008/2009 was 625

Health Welfare
Pupil Absence Line 01455 636030
Health Welfare
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Health Welfare Continued..
If there is a breach of school rules we reserve
the right to punish pupils. This can take the
form of either extra work, removal of privileges,
detention during or after school, relocation to
different classes, internal or external
exclusion. These have been discussed with the
Governing Body and have its approval. The actual
punishment is determined by the nature of the
offence, the surrounding circumstances, the
frequency of a pupils involvement in such
activities and, most importantly, the nature and
character of the child. Parents are always
informed in advance of after school detentions
and are involved in the disciplinary process.
Co-operation between home and school is of prime
importance but the Governing Body and the LA are
kept informed of all major disciplinary
issues. Rewards The school operates numerous
systems to reward pupils for a range of
achievements. Pupils collect merit cards from
individual teachers. These are recorded at school
and then returned to pupils to bring home. Awards
are presented at the end of the school year. In
addition pupils may receive Well Done
postcards, Positive Pupil notifications and
within each department there are a wide range of
incentives. Insurance     The County Council
does not carry Personal Accident Insurance Cover
for the benefit of pupils injured during school
activity. A Personal Accident Insurance scheme
for pupils has been arranged by the LA through
Zurich Municipal. The annual cost per pupil is
12 payable by parents. Should you wish to
receive details of this scheme, please contact
Mrs Wainwright, School Bursar.   Code of
Conduct PUPILS OF MOUNT GRACE HIGH SCHOOL
WILL Be polite and well mannered Listen
carefully and do what staff ask Arrive on time
with all that is needed Walk safely in corridors
and keep to the left on stairs Respect other
peoples property Complete classwork and
homework on time Hurt nobody by word or action
Getting to School School buses are provided by
Leicestershire County Council for children
travelling from Sapcote. Your child will receive
a bus pass and details of times and pick-up
points during the summer holidays 2010. If you
have any queries please telephone the School
Transport Helpline on 0116 305 8777 for general
advice or 0116 305 6630 for advice on entitlement
to transport. Children who live in Hinckley
either walk, cycle or catch a service bus to
school. We hope parents will support us in our
efforts to ensure their safety and their good
behaviour. As both cyclists and pedestrians we
expect that children will know and take notice of
the Highway Code, respecting other road
users. We would also expect cycles to be in good
working order. If a bicycle is found to be unsafe
or the rider has behaved irresponsibly on the way
to or from the school, parents will be informed
and requested not to allow their child to come to
school on a cycle. The school positively
encourages the wearing of cycling helmets. All
bicycles should be securely locked during the
school day. Discipline We take a positive
approach to discipline. Ofsted said that Pupils
behaviour is good and in lessons it is very good.
Pupils clearly know right from wrong and are
responsive to the schools Code of Conduct.
Relationships between pupils, and between pupils
and staff, are friendly and positive. In matters
of behaviour we encourage pupils to show thought
and care for people and property. Sensible
behaviour and active participation in the
maintenance of high standards are our
aims. Clearly we have rules but these are kept
to a minimum and are based on common sense. We
expect pupils to be prompt, neat in appearance
and polite in speech, to move sensibly and with
purpose in school and to bring nothing into
school that could be harmful to themselves or
others. There is a Code of Conduct (see
opposite) which children have helped to
formulate. This is updated annually and is upheld
by everyone in the building. Additionally, the
school has a Bullying Policy (see next page). We
do not experience many instances of bullying but
it is important that parents, staff and children
know what to do should an incident occur.
Health Welfare
Health Welfare
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Health Welfare Continued..
Safeguarding/Child Protection Policy (July
2007) Mount Grace High School fully recognises
the contribution it can make to protect children
and support pupils in school. The Schools policy
aims to safeguard and promote pupil welfare,
safety and health by fostering an honest, open,
caring and supportive climate.
Bullying Policy We believe that all members of
Mount Grace High School should be able to
participate in school activities without fear or
constant anxiety.     It is our agreed policy
that no-one within the school should tolerate
bullying or bullies. Bullying is defined as one
or more people deliberately causing suffering to
another by action, word or threat.   Responses
of people involved in an act of Bullying     a)
If you have been bullied     1 Don't
feel guilty - it is not your fault.   2
Tell a friend you trust about the incident.  
3 Tell a teacher or another adult.     b)
If you are a friend     1 Listen
carefully and sympathetically to what you are
being told.   2 Treat the incident
seriously.   3 Encourage your friend to
tell an adult. c) If you are an adult    
1 Listen carefully and sympathetically to
what you are being told.   2 Treat the
incident seriously.   3 Deal with the
matter or contact the appropriate member of
staff.   4 Investigate thoroughly -
collect written evidence.   5 Decide on
the most appropriate form of action. This may
include   (i) Instigating an
appropriate punishment.   (ii)
Contacting parents of Bully and Bullied Person.
  (iii) Putting things right between
Bully and Bullied Person  
(apologies, replacing or mending broken or torn
items and/or making up for
the hurt caused)   (iv) Recommending
to the Headteacher that external agencies be
contacted. In cases of repeated or
constant acts of bullying, parents will be
invited into school to discuss their
son/daughter's future behaviour and be made aware
of any further action the school might take
(Behaviour Contracts, Temporary Suspension,
Governors' Disciplinary Sub-Committee,Permanent
Exclusion).
Safety In School To ensure the safety of your
child while at school, please note the following
    PE - Unsuitable clothing and/or footwear can
be hazardous.     Design - Goggles/Aprons are
provided when required.     Science - Children
must wear goggles supplied by the school when
instructed to do so by teachers.     In both
Design and Science it is essential that long hair
is tied back and loose or trailing
clothing secured.     NB In the interests of the
health and safety of all who work or visit the
school, Mount Grace has a Safety Policy which
encompasses all the requirements of recent
legislation. Copies of the Policy are obtainable
from the school office. Equipment At Mount
Grace your child will be supported with a wide
range of books and equipment. We hope children
will take full advantage of the facilities and
look after them. If they are lost or damaged,
pupils will be asked to pay the cost of
replacement.     To help them in their work the
school expects children to have basic equipment
of their own eg a pen, pencil, ruler and coloured
pencils.     The school provides all children
with a school planner.  
Uniform Equipment
Health Welfare
Uniform Equipment
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Uniform Equipment Continued..
Valuables All articles of clothing and other
personal belongings must be clearly marked with
the child's name. Children should not bring
valuables or wear jewellery to school, other than
ear studs or watches. If they have to bring money
to school it should be paid in promptly or given
to a member of the office staff for safe-keeping.
Parents should note that the school cannot accept
liability for the loss or damage of personal
property of any kind as Leicestershire County
Council disclaims all liability for any such loss
howsoever caused on the premises. Mobile
Phones Whilst mobile phones are allowed into
school, they are not to be used at all between
8.20am and 3.05pm and are to be kept out of view
and switched off. Pupils who wish to make urgent
calls are able to use the school office phone.
Any pupils who are unable to follow this code
will have their phone stored in the school
office. Office staff will inform parents who will
be asked to collect the phone. Uniform The
school policy supported by the governors and
parents is that full school uniform is worn.
    It is helpful in generating corporate
responsibilities and is a relatively inexpensive
and practical outfit. Sending your child to
school in uniform sets a standard in appearance
of which both parents and the school can be
proud.     Anyone whose personal circumstances
make the purchase of uniform difficult should
contact the school.     Please note that clothing
with a logo other than the school badge is not
acceptable.
Girls Uniform   Navy / Black Skirt or Trousers
(Not Jeans, Cords or Fashion Cuts)     White
School Polo Shirt with school badge     Navy
Sweatshirt with school badge     Plain Black
Footwear Boys Uniform   Charcoal / Black
School Trousers     White School Polo Shirt with
school badge     Navy Sweatshirt with school
badge     Plain Black Footwear       In PE
lessons between October March, pupils are
permitted to wear plain black tracksuit bottoms
and sweatshirts. Those pupils wishing to purchase
specific Mount Grace training tops may do so from
the school itself.     Supplier   J R Swift
Ltd, Parsons Lane, Hinckley
Uniform Equipment
Uniform Equipment
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Uniform Equipment Continued..
Activities Finance     In addition to a full
daily programme of lessons pupils are encouraged
to participate in activities organised by
teaching staff during the lunchtime and after
school.     We have strong sporting, dramatic and
musical traditions. There are teams for football,
rugby, basketball, hockey, netball, cricket,
athletics and swimming. Over the past three years
we have won Area and County trophies galore in
rugby, hockey, netball, soccer and athletics.
    The orchestra and dance and drama groups
perform regularly. Past successes have included
'Bugsy Malone', 'Joseph', 'A Christmas Carol',
'Dracula Spectacula' and 'Oliver!'.     The
Christian Fellowship meets weekly and is open to
all pupils. The Library and computer network are
available at lunchtime.     We offer a wide range
of visits throughout the year. Recently the
following took place     Year 7 Space Centre in
Leicester, Tamworth Castle, Twycross Zoo, Globe
Theatre in London and Places of Worship.     Year
8 Aberglaslyn Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Places of
Worship and Heights of Abraham.     Year
9 Disneyland Paris (Maths), Holocaust Centre,
Northamptonshire History Day, Leicester New Walk
Museum and Leicester University (Science).
    There was also a Year 7 Medieval Day, Year 8
Civil War Day, Ski Trip to Italy and various
Drama / Music Productions     Charging
Policy   The Governors support the policy that,
within the resources available, education should
be free and to that end will use available funds
to the full, particularly to support the
disadvantaged.     We hope that parents will
continue to support the work of the school where
funds are not readily available from normal
channels, for example, for some extra curricular
activities, as without parents' support
activities will not take place.     Families who
are in receipt of certain benefits should contact
the school for information about the further
support that is available to them.
Girls PE Kit    White/Red School Polo
Shirt   Black Skorts (Skirt with Shorts)
    Black/Red Reversible Games Shirt    White
Ankle Socks   Black Hockey Socks     Trainers
with non-marking soles   Hockey or Soccer
Boots   Shin Pads     Black Tracksuit
(Optional) Black Gym Skirt (Optional)  
  Boys PE Kit   White/Red School Polo
Shirt   Black Shorts (Not Cycling Shorts)
    Black Football Socks     Black/Red Reversible
Games Shirt   Shin pads     White Ankle Socks
    Rugby / Soccer Boots     Trainers or
Plimsolls with non-marking soles     Black
Tracksuit (Optional) NB Shin Pads are
necessary for both Football Hockey
Activities Finance
Uniform Equipment
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The School Curriculum

• The normal timetable is sometimes changed to
  offer additional curricular opportunities, e.g.
  fieldwork, educational visits, visitors to the
  school, theme days or weeks, school productions
  and workshops with other schools.
• The school is happy to answer individual
  questions at any time and positively welcomes
  parental participation in the progress of each
  child.
• Health, Careers and Relationship Issues
• Good health is actively promoted in all years
  with modules based around eating well, looking
  after your body and general wellbeing. Pupils
  will be encouraged to recognise and discuss the
  implications of current social concerns including
  sex and drugs education. The areas covered in sex
  education in Year 9 are relationships,
  contraception, STDs and AIDS. This work promotes
  lasting, loving relationships and is underpinned
  by the following policy, ratified by the
  Governors

The following descriptions are accurate at the
moment and include the developments required by
the GCSE examinations and the National
Curriculum. Mathematics is taught in sets from
Year 7, whilst Science, English and French sets
are established from Year 8 onwards. Other
subjects are taught in mixed ability classes,
although a number of subjects operate flexible
groups, based on ability, at various times during
the three years. The school curriculum is
based, for all years, on a 25 period week
timetable. Students study the following subjects
The careful use of setting helps meet pupils
varying learning needs
Ofsted 2007
The School Curriculum
The Governors believe that sex education is an
important aspect of a childs development. At
this school sex education is introduced not
merely from a biological viewpoint but also
within a moral framework. Relations between the
sexes are shown with full regard to the moral and
legal aspects of decision-making. It is not
taught in isolation but within the framework of a
personal development programme dealing with many
aspects of growing up. Parents wishing to know
more about this aspect of their childs education
should contact the school for further information.
Select a subject from the table below to find out
more..
English Maths Science Art Design
Technology French Geography History ICT Music
Physical Education Religious Education Life
Skills
The School Curriculum
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The School Curriculum - English

• The Department aims  
•  
• To develop the spoken and written language
  capabilities of all pupils
•  To encourage the evaluation and appreciation of
  language in the environment and literature
• To educate the imagination through ideas
  expressed in literature, discussion and written
  work
• To enable pupils to cope effectively with the
  requirements of the National Curriculum and GCSE
   
•  
•  
• These aims are achieved through the following
  National Curriculum Attainment Targets  
•  
•  
• Speaking and Listening  
•  
• a) Learning to share and explore ideas - to talk
  and listen to discussion about their own and
  others' work  
•  
• b) Formal discussion - informed talks, debates,
  etc  

The School Curriculum
The School Curriculum
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Curriculum Index
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The School Curriculum - Maths

• The aims of the Mathematics Department are that
  all children should
• Enjoy Mathematics
• Achieve success, commensurate with their
  ability
• Extend their knowledge through exploration
• Understand the application of Mathematics in
  other subject areas
• The National Curriculum forms the basis of our
  work but each child is provided with materials
  designed
• to cater for their own learning needs and
  mathematical ability.
• Our core text books are National Framework
  Mathematics and Maths Frameworking but we
  supplement these with appropriate sections from
  National Curriculum Mathematics, Maths in Action,
  Letts Key Stage 3 Maths and activity practice.
• Our attention to children as individuals ensures
  that those of very high ability and those who may
  need extra help are engaged in work which is of
  an appropriate level, reinforcing, extending and
  stretching their mathematical capabilities to the
  utmost.
• The children are encouraged to practise and apply
  skills by carrying out investigations and
  problem-solving exercises based on their real
  experience of mathematics. Pupils are continually
  encouraged to make self-assessments of their own
  progress as part of the learning process.

The School Curriculum
The School Curriculum
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The School Curriculum - Science
The Science Department offers all pupils the
opportunity to develop an intensive knowledge
and understanding of the many and varied topics
that are found under the umbrella of
Science. Many new exciting initiatives will be
introduced this year, as a result of our
newly-acquired Specialist Science Status, such
as the introduction of a Year 7 Science
Club.   We are adapting the QCA Schemes of Work
to meet the challenges of the new curriculum
in particular the aspects of How Science
Works.   Within the new curriculum we are
introducing level-assessed tasks throughout
Year 7, which enables pupils to work out which
level they are working at and what steps they can
take to reach the next level. End of topic tests
also contribute to the overall level that pupils
achieve.   We have a big emphasis on practical
work where pupils work in pairs.   As pupils
advance to Year 8 they are put into sets based on
their overall performance in Year 7. In this
year, and in Year 9, each group is taught the
three Science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry
and Physics one lesson per week by specialist
teachers. The course aims to show pupils what an
important part Science has to play in their
lives, and we hope to open their eyes to its
'everyday' applications. This is supported by
visits to current exhibitions and places of
scientific interest. After undertaking this
Science scheme, pupils have an excellent basis on
which to build as they continue their Science
studies at GCSE level at the Upper School.
The School Curriculum
The School Curriculum
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The School Curriculum - Art
Art and Design aims to stimulate creativity and
imagination. We encourage our pupils to explore
visual, sensory and tactile experiences,
developing their knowledge and understanding of
contemporary art and also from different times
and cultures.     Our pupils use colour, form,
texture, pattern and a range of materials and
processes to communicate what they see, feel and
think.     Through art, craft and design
activities, our pupils learn to make informed
judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions.
They explore ideas and meanings in the work of
artists, craftspeople and designers.
    Throughout the Key Stage 3 experience, pupils
are encouraged to use sketchbooks and are taught
to use a broad range of media to create two and
three dimensional work.     Year 7     The
emphasis is on improving and developing
observation and drawing skills using a range of
materials. Pupils produce work that is two and
three dimensional.     Year 8     Pupils explore
the work of artists and craftspeople, developing
their knowledge of colour, texture, shape and
form. They are able to construct three
dimensional forms using traditional and
contemporary techniques and are encouraged to
consider the aesthetics of their finished work.
They learn how to manipulate images through the
use of ICT, producing stimulating and expressive
pieces of art. Perspective drawing enables
pupils to develop further their observational
skills.     Year 9     Year 9 pupils create both
two and three dimensional pieces of work,
researching a variety of artists and art
movements. They experiment using a range of
techniques, exploring surface and repeat
patterns, increasing their knowledge of applied
decoration. They are taught the skills to
produce ceramic forms and through experimentation
they are able to gain a sound knowledge of
decorative and embellishment processes, which
will enhance their work. They are encouraged to
work independently, exploring their own ideas.  
The School Curriculum
The School Curriculum
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The School Curriculum - Design Technology
Design and Technology makes a unique contribution
to the Mount Grace curriculum by helping pupils
prepare to cope with rapidly changing
technology. This is achieved by 1) Teaching
creative thinking skills and giving pupils
opportunities to apply them to real
situations. 2) Teaching them to actively look
for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to
them, as creative problem solvers, with ideas,
products and systems. 3) Giving them the chance
to see how practising designers work and how
products evolve. 4) Teaching the balance and
compromise that takes place between appearance,
function, social and environmental impacts and
industrial practice when things are designed and
made. 5) Teaching about the impact of historical
changes in technology and how past technology
still influences our lives today. 6) Giving
pupils access to high tech equipment to enable
them to produce high quality products. 7) The
importance of the phrase WHAT IF? Pupils are
given the opportunity to use a balance of old and
new technology to create increasingly
sophisticated, high quality products, combining
materials and outcomes across different
specialist areas. Pupils should enjoy the
experience as they make discoveries about what
has gone before and about what is now open to
them.
The School Curriculum
The School Curriculum
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Curriculum Index
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The School Curriculum - French

• The Department aims
• To encourage positive attitudes towards
  speakers of foreign languages and a sympathetic
• approach towards other cultures and
  civilisations as well as towards foreign language
  learning
• in general.
• To build a sound foundation for those who will
  take examinations at 16 and beyond.
• This year we have introduced a new language
  course. As well as the use of a text book, pupils
  will have the opportunity of using interactive
  material containing a variety of learning
  activities. Listening, speaking, reading and
  writing, games, songs and other ICT tasks will
  soon be available on the school network. Pupils
  will also have the opportunity of doing
  assessments interactively through the network.
• Furthermore, we are considering the possibility
  of pupils accessing this material by internet at
  home.
• Pupils will be given an individual workbook and
  CD with audio material for them to work through
  at home at their own pace and to encourage
  parents to join pupils in the fun of learning
  French.

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The School Curriculum - Geography
The Geography Department aims to provide a course
that is relevant, varied and interesting. The
content of the course is governed by the National
Curriculum.     The children learn a wide range
of skills and use a variety of resources
throughout their time at Mount Grace. The
content of the course is governed by the National
Curriculum.     Year 7     In Year 7 pupils
experience an intensive course in map
interpretation using different scales. The local
region and, more particularly, the urban area of
Hinckley are investigated in detail and are
compared with settlements and their patterns
elsewhere in Britain. Year 7 concludes with a
scientific study of weather recording and
interpretation, leisure in the Midlands and a
comparison of different forms of transport.
    Year 8     In Year 8 the emphasis shifts
initially to the global scale. Pupils are taught
major elements of natural regions and are
introduced to the concept of ecosystems. Many
themes concerning the European Union and Great
Britain are also investigated during this year.
Furthermore, there is a strong element of
Environmental Geography with respect to National
Parks and tourism in areas of considerable
ecological importance (eg Skiing in the Alps).
    Year 9     Year 9 pupils investigate some of
the main elements of physical geography including
rock types, volcanoes, earthquakes, river
patterns and their characteristics. Later, the
main types of industry are studied in detail by
citing specific examples. Economically developing
countries and communications are two further
themes covered in this year.       Children are
provided with the opportunity to create and
interrogate computer databases and spreadsheets.
Fieldwork is undertaken within lesson time.
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The School Curriculum - History

• Our History course covers some of the key people
  and events from the last 1000 years.  
•  
• In Year 7 pupils will gain key skills for
  learning about History. They will undertake an
  in-depth
• study of the medieval period, including the
  Norman invasion, knights and castles, a peasants
  
• life and the importance of the church. We also
  cover some aspects of local history, including
• the Battle of Bosworth.  
•  
• In Year 8, we start by exploring Henry VIII,
  looking beyond his wives to the enormous changes
  he made in England. We cover other famous people
  including Elizabeth I, Charles I and Oliver
  Cromwell. We finish the year by exploring
  Britains Industrial Revolution.  
•  
• Year 9 includes a study of slavery and the Black
  Peoples of the Americas, both world wars and
  Womens history. We also examine the Holocaust
  and consider how the dropping of the atom bomb
  has changed world politics.  
•  
• During their 3 years with us, we hope to develop
  pupils understanding of  
•  
• cause and effect
• diversity
• historical significance
• bias and reliability of source material  
•  
• We do this using a variety of teaching methods
  that encourage pupils to think for themselves. We
  aim to give them the confidence to construct and
  communicate their ideas in a range of ways
  including extended writing tasks, presentations,
  role plays and poster activities.  

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The School Curriculum - ICT
The ICT National Strategy is taught to Year 7, 8
and 9 pupils for one lesson per week. Throughout
the year pupils will be given opportunities to
develop an independent approach to learning
especially via the proactive use of the school
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE
empowers learners by giving them more choices,
making learning and teaching resources more
accessible in and out of school without the
limitations of time and space. Pupils
understanding and application of various
software titles such as Microsoft PowerPoint,
Excel, Publisher and Word is developed. They are
encouraged to consider the limitations and
capabilities of ICT by evaluating the impact of
ICT in society. Raising pupils awareness of the
dangers of online communication is also a key
part of the ICT programme to help them to be
safe, recognise danger and be responsible
online.   ICT Suites are the key resources and
platform for supporting the discrete ICT
curriculum and ICT across the curriculum. There
are three computer suites, a Music computer suite
and laptops within departments along with
computers within the Access Room and Library. The
school actively promotes the use of ICT across
all subjects. There is internet access in all
classrooms via LAN (Local Area Network) or
wireless.   There is a lunchtime ICT club (3T) on
Wednesdays that supports students to develop
their ICT skills in specific areas of their
choice web design, cartoon animation, computer
hardware, computer graphics, movie maker, paint,
Microsoft package etc. The ICT club encourages
students to explore, share their talents and
support each other. Pupils are also encouraged to
use the Science ICT suite and Access room at
lunchtimes for research and homework.   The East
Midlands Broadband Consortium (EMBC) is the
broadband internet provider for the Mount Grace
High School network. Provision is carefully
monitored and there are regular spot checks of
individual pupils use of the facilities. All
pupils are required to sign our agreement
policies and breaches of these are taken
seriously.    
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The School Curriculum - Music
Music at Mount Grace introduces and helps our
students learn about music from  different times,
places and cultures through practical
involvement. Listening, performing and composing
encourages pupils to learn and develop their
musical abilities, using a wide variety of
traditional and modern approaches.
  Opportunities to play and compose music using
electronic keyboards, guitars, percussion and
singing in addition to using our newly installed
computer facilities and specialist music software
will enable all students to enjoy creating new
and original music fit for the 21st century and
beyond! Music facilities are available every day
at lunchtimes, allowing students the
opportunities to expand their experience,
practise or to just enjoy playing with music as a
creative art.   Instrumental lessons are provided
through Leicestershire Arts. If your child wishes
to begin learning an instrument when they start
at Mount Grace, you will need to contact them
towards the end of the Summer term, ready for
September. Leicestershire Arts can be contacted
on 0116 2700850.   Extra-curricular activities,
open to all, include various groups and happen
throughout the week during lunchtimes.   Please
don't hesitate to contact Mr Collins should you
have any queries, require advice on learning an
instrument or would like to come and see what a
21st century music department looks like!   Mr
David Collins Head of Music
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The School Curriculum - Physical Education
The PE Department at Mount Grace is committed to
a challenging, varied curriculum that develops
children of all abilities to their full
potential. It is the policy of the department to
provide extra- curricular clubs and teams to
promote the development of excellence in a
variety of major team games, whilst still
offering a "sport for all" approach via equality
of opportunity. Mount Grace completed over 800
competitive fixtures in the academic year
2008/09. The PE department offers a wide range
of indoor and outdoor activities using facilities
at school, on playing fields adjacent to John
Cleveland College and Hinckley Leisure
Centre. The focus during lessons is on
delivering the National Curriculum key processes
through a range of activities including Outwitti
ng opponents in invasion games. Accurate
replication in gymnastics. Exploring
communicating ideas through dance. Performing at
maximum levels in athletics. Identifying and
solving problems through striking fielding
activities. Exercising safely effectively in
Health Related Fitness. Coach Education. To
supplement the PE programme a wide variety of
extra-curricular activities are offered including
intra inter-school fixtures and Area/County
competitions, as well as other outdoor pursuits.
The past few years has seen Mount Grace teams
achieve unprecedented success in a wide range of
sports including Football, Rugby, Basketball,
Hockey, Netball, Cricket and Athletics. Mount
Grace actively encourages pupils to join local
sports clubs and have close links with several
local clubs. The Mount Grace PE curriculum in
the academic year 2008/09 yielded fantastic Key
Stage 3 results with 100 Level 5s and 75 Level
6s. Mount Grace also has a well developed Gifted
Talented programme that has continually
produced Level 7 and exceptional performance
grades.
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The School Curriculum - Religious Education

• The teaching of Religious Education at Mount
  Grace follows the guidance of the LAs Agreed
• Syllabus and the QCA's non-statutory guidance for
  RE.
• The aim of Religious Education is to encourage
  and to help all pupils to explore and express
  their
• own response to the spiritual and religious
  approaches to life by enabling them
• To acquire a basic knowledge and understanding
  of the different religious beliefs and practices
  to understand
• and respect how religious beliefs and values
  affect ways of living.
• To develop a reflective and caring approach to
  life.
• To gain an awareness of the spiritual
  dimension of life.
• This is done by studying a variety of themes such
  as holy books, celebration, ideas of God, meaning
  purpose in life and death, prejudice
  discrimination, war violence. The principal
  religion studied is Christianity but other major
  religions are also studied to reflect the
  multi-cultural nature of our country.
• Through visits to different places of worship,
  use of artefacts and by meeting believers of
  different faiths, the pupils' experience and
  understanding will be broadened.
• Pupils receive one lesson per week and are taught
  in tutor groups. The work is differentiated to
  cater for all ability levels.

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The School Curriculum - Life Skills
The Life Skills curriculum aims to bring together
a number of areas which are not "traditional"
subjects in themselves but have a major impact
on all areas of learning.     Life Skills focuses
on individual pupil progress and target setting,
as well as introducing pupils to a very wide
range of topics.     By the end of Year 9 they
will have undertaken modules in the following
    gt Target Setting   gt Career Planning   gt
'Amazing Brain'   gt Global Environment   gt
Government Democracy   gt Healthy Lifestyles   gt
Finance Budgeting   gt Respect   gt Law Order
  gt Applied Literacy   gt Enterprise   gt
Relationships   gt Dealing with Drugs   gt Survival
  gt Being a Young Leader     Life Skills modules
are designed to help pupils develop
self-confidence, extend their range of thinking
about the opportunities in life and work
generally, and prepare them to make informed
decisions.     Many of the modules relate to the
Citizenship programme of study and pupils are
given the opportunity to discuss a range of
issues which promote spiritual, moral, social and
cultural development. It is our hope that pupils
are given the knowledge, skills and understanding
to play an effective role in society at local,
national and international levels. We feel that
our Life Skills programme helps pupils to become
informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens who
are aware of their duties and rights.  
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Special Educational Needs

• Any pupil may have a specific need at some point
  in their education career. At Mount Grace we aim
  to ensure full entitlement and access for SEN
  pupils to a broad, balanced and relevant
  curriculum. This is achieved by
• Educating pupils with SEN alongside their
  peers within the normal
• curriculum.
• Stimulating their interests and enjoyment in
  their own education.
• Enabling them to become familiar with a body
  of skills, principles and
• vocabulary to help them fulfill their
  potential.
• Identifying and assessing pupils with SEN as
  early and thoroughly as is
• possible and necessary.
• Involving parents and pupils in the
  identification of SEN.
• Meeting their needs by offering continual and
  appropriate forms of
• educational provision by the most efficient
  use of all available resources.
• Enlisting the aid of outside agencies whenever
  necessary.

Assessment Reporting System Over the last few
years staff have spent a great deal of time
discussing our assessment and reporting methods.
Assessments are made in line with National
Curriculum requirements and much effort is made
to ensure that we are providing accurate
information for pupils and parents. Pupils are
regularly assessed, both through formalised tests
and informal questioning and observation. In all
subject areas pupils are working towards the
National Curriculum statements. These will be
assessed by teachers at the end of the Key Stage,
in Year 9. Pupils will bring reports home once
per term so that, as parents, you can monitor
current levels of achievement. There will also be
a formal consultation evening each year. Year 8
and 9 pupils will be set target levels to achieve
based on prior achievement. Where concern is
expressed by individual subject teachers in a
termly report, an appointment will be made for
you to meet with us to discuss your childs
progress. Homework Shortly after the start of
the term your child will be given a Personal
Planner. This contains information regarding
Mount Grace as well as pages for recording
homework, memos and achievements. Each subject
area will provide pupils with details of homework
expectations. We request your co-operation in
ensuring that homework is done.
Assessments Reports
Special Educational Needs
Assessments Reports
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Assessments Reports Continued..
Results of National Curriculum Assessments at the
end of Key Stage 3 Summary of National
Curriculum Assessment Results of pupils in the
School (2009) and Nationally (2007, last
published data) at the end of Key Stage 3 as a
of those eligible for assessment. Teacher
Assessments Percentage at each
level Key Dis -
Disapplied under sections 92/93 of the 2002
Education Act Abs - Absent What do the
results mean? By the age of 11 most pupils
should have reached level 4 and at the age of 14,
levels 5 or 6. Only the most exceptional child
would reach level 7 in English and Science and
level 7 and level 8 in Maths. The level your
child reaches may give you a good idea of how he
or she is measuring up to the National targets.
It may also tell you how your child is doing
compared to other children of the same age.
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Calendar Dates 2010-2011
Autumn Term School Opens Thursday 2nd September
2010 Mid Term Break Monday 18th - Friday 22nd
October 2010 School Closes Tuesday 21st December
2010 Spring Term School Opens Thursday 6th
January 2011 Mid Term Break Monday 21st - Friday
25th February 2011 School Closes Friday 15th
April 2011 Summer Term May Day Monday 2nd
May 2011 School Opens Tuesday 3rd May 2011 Mid
Term Break Monday 30th May - Friday 3rd June
2011 School Closes Friday 15th July 2011
Autumn Term School Opens Thursday 1st September
2011 Mid Term Break Monday 17th - Friday 21st
October 2011 School Closes Friday 22nd December
2011 Spring Term School Opens Monday 9th
January 2012 Mid Term Break Monday 13th - Friday
17th February 2012 School Closes Friday 30th
March 2012 Summer Term School Opens Monday
16th April 2012 May Day Monday 7th May 2012 Mid
Term Break Monday 28th May - Friday 1st June
2012 School Closes Friday 13th July 2012
Calendar Dates
Calendar Dates
Calendar Dates 2011-2012
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Further Information
The information in this presentation was correct
at time of publication. It was prepared for the
academic year 2010-2011. It is hoped that no
fundamental changes will take place either prior
to or during this academic year but these cannot
be predicted. The Open Evening for Year 6
Parents and Children is on Thursday 1st October
2009 7pm - 9pm
Further Information
Further Information
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