Linslade Prospectus - 16 pp - V10

LINSLADE
SCHOOL

‘Learning today, leading tomorrow.’

A very warm welcome to Linslade School

We are delighted that you are considering Linslade School.
The pupils and the staff at our school make it a fantastic
place to study and work. Our pupils are friendly and
confident and we strive to ensure the success they deserve.
Together we have created a thriving community.

At Linslade School we enjoy a proud heritage of moulding

Mark Gibbs positive and resilient learners. This, in turn, creates robust
results, sporting achievements to be proud of and positive
Headteacher
contributions to the Arts programme. We are keen to

invest our time into our local community, enabling our students to become leaders

and role models in today’s society.

We are working tirelessly to improve our standards, expectations, facilities and
opportunities for all in our community.

The reasons pupils thrive at Linslade are many, but particularly because staff are
passionate about learning and encouraging key values.

Ways we achieve this include:

WELCOME • Supporting them to try hard, to work hard, and to persevere, enabling them
to arrive at school every day willing to learn and more importantly to create an
enduring love for learning

• Encouraging our community, whether that be pupils, staff or parents; to notice
what we do well, offering praise regularly, consistently and specifically

• Highlighting that pupils can achieve regardless of background; showing them how
to achieve, but more significantly, offering the opportunity to achieve followed by
praise, reward and feedback

• Encourage them to READ, READ, READ; to develop confident readers amongst
their peers and adults. We want adults to encourage our students to read,
ultimately sharing a passion and love for reading

Pupils are also encouraged to aspire to be EPIC learners and EPIC leaders. This
means they will try to:

• Be organised and ready to learn
• Have high expectations for themselves as learners
• Be respectful to, and supportive of, other learners
• Take responsibility for extending their learning
• Persevere with their learning when it is challenging

We have an exciting future ahead of us; we do hope you can be part of it.

Mr Gibbs
Headteacher

2 ‘Learning today, leading tomorrow.’

CHILTERN LEARNING TRUST

together towards excellence ambition and inspiration

Linslade School is part of the Chiltern Learning Developing excellent attitudes to learning in its
Trust which is a multi-academy trust currently widest sense and fostering respect, courtesy,
comprising of eleven local secondary, middle and consideration and friendship are also central to
primary schools. the ethos of our school communities.

The Trust seeks to promote and celebrate the We also work extensively with other schools locally
individual and collective achievements of all the and nationally through the Chiltern Teaching
schools by providing the very best education School Alliance and Challenge Partners, a national
and qualifications for our learners in a pleasant, school improvement network.
happy and caring academic environment.
The practicalities of the Trust arrangement also
The Trust is led by a Board of Trustees which enable us to retain a strong central team
includes Adrian Rogers our Chief Executive. of specialists. Their expertise is in finance,
marketing, facilities management, staff training
The members of the board have extensive and development, technology for learning and
experience of education and corporate human resources. This helps to ensure that the
governance and a shared desire for high outstanding quality of teaching and learning is
standards and excellence in all that we do. mirrored in the day-to-day running of the schools.
Each school also has its own local governing body.

Although our schools retain their individual identity Our Schools within
and history, the desire for excellence and high Chiltern Learning Trust
achievement for all learners, regardless of their
background or ability, is the common underpinning
feature of them all.

We work together, using our very best teachers and
leaders to raise the outcomes and opportunities
for every child, sharing best practice and expertise
amongst staff to raise participation and narrow
gaps in achievement.

www.linsladeac.co.uk 3

JOIN US & SETTLE IN Starting middle school is a big step and and progressive. Our aim is to give
that is why we offer a full induction pupils the skills for enjoying learning
programme that aims to minimise any and putting their knowledge into
worries or anxieties and make this a practice in a variety of different ways.
happy transition for children as well
as parents. We consider parental involvement to
be of vital importance. We keep in close
We also recognise that transferring contact with parents through home
from lower school to Linslade School school communication, newsletters,
is a new experience for children and our website, regular progress checks,
one which needs to be handled with reports and social media as well as the
care. Some children adapt quickly, while pupil planner.
others take time to get used to their new
environment.

We aim to start building positive Pupils are polite, courteous and
relationships early ensuring that cooperate well with staff.
over time we know every pupil They enjoy coming to school.
well. This way we can provide them They display positive attitudes
with the right teaching, support and to school and most behave very
learning environment. We strongly well in lessons.
believe that every child can realise They are rightly proud of their
their potential, ensuring the curriculum work and their successes.
is exciting and engaging for all.
Ofsted 2016
We believe in creating an environment
for children where they feel safe and
happy so that their individual, group
and whole class learning journeys are
challenging but effective, productive

4 ‘Learning today, leading tomorrow.’

Improvements
in the quality
of pupils’ work
and in teachers’
expectations
of what pupils
can achieve are
evident. The
school’s records
of teaching and
pupils’ progress,
alongside the high-
quality work seen
by inspectors, show
that the majority
of pupils make
good progress and
achieve well.

Ofsted 2016

www.linsladeac.co.uk

CURRICULUM & LEARNING At Linslade School we are committed to outline the most effective learner.
providing an outstanding education for These are our EPIC learners where
all our pupils. We set high aspirations high expectations ensure progress
and in turn we expect our pupils to work and success.
hard and be committed to learning. All
our pupils are expected to behave in Our teachers have high quality training to
an exemplary fashion and we set clear keep them at the forefront of educational
expectations to support high quality knowledge and practice.
learning. Our pupils enjoy coming to
school and strive for personal excellence. Teachers encourage pupils to question
and develop independent thinking
The quality of teaching and breadth of and learning skills. Our pupils play an
curriculum ensures our pupils have every important role in leading others, this
opportunity to achieve their best. We ranges from pupil-led assemblies,
inspire our pupils to meet the challenges language leaders and sports based
we set which means they can fulfil activities with local lower schools.
our motto of ‘Learning today, leading
tomorrow’. In this we aim to equip our We treat our pupils with respect and they
pupils with lifelong skills that will enable respond positively to this approach. As a
them to compete in a global market. result, Linslade School is a collaborative
and constructive learning environment.
We have collaborated with our pupils
to design a set of characteristics which

6 ‘Learning today, leading tomorrow.’

Extra Curricular Clubs by ‘Inspiring Music’ as well as lessons ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
At Linslade we firmly believe that learning offered by independent instrumental
takes place in all aspects of school both teachers. Linslade offers a variety of extra-
within the school curriculum and during curricular experiences and performance
extra-curricular activities. The School opportunities including KS2 & KS3 choir,
offers an exceptional programme of orchestra, school productions and
activities outside of the classroom with a variety shows. We are also very excited
wide and diverse selection of clubs and to be developing a Linslade School radio
trips available. Our clubs’ timetable is station, run by Year 8 leaders.
published termly and is shared with both
pupils and parents. Pupil Voice
At Linslade we run a school council and
Visits an environmental group where pupils
Many visits are arranged for pupils both discuss current issues on improving
during and outside the school day. These school life. They have been instrumental
include residential trips, such as the year in the removal of one use plastic cups
8 children visiting France, as well as more in the dining hall thus reducing plastic
local trips to places such as Warwick waste across the school.
Castle as part of year 7 History scheme
of work. We also run fun reward trips to Links with the community
places such as Willen Lake at the end of At Linslade we see ourselves as very much
the academic year in recognition of all part of our local community. Throughout
those pupils who work hard and behave the year we contribute to a number of
well in school throughout the year. local events outside of school such as
taking part in the Remembrance service
Performing Arts and attending church for Christmas. We
At Linslade we fully recognise the role also invite the community into school
that performing arts has in academic to attend events like our senior citizens
progress and pupil wellbeing. In music Christmas afternoon tea.
we provide children with the opportunity
to take part in peripatetic music lessons The curriculum prepares
as well as running Orchestra and Choir
clubs. We also run gymnastics, dance and pupils well for the next
cheerleading clubs during the school year.
stages of their learning.
Music
Curriculum music lessons at Linslade are Pupils participate in, enjoy
highly practical and focus on the three
areas of music including: performing, and appreciate a range of
composing and listening. In addition,
pupils have the opportunity to participate subjects and extra-curricular
in individual and group lessons provided
activities and trips.

Ofsted 2016

www.linsladeac.co.uk 7

& EXTRA-CURRICULAR Sport We also have excellent relationships with
The PE department run a whole range of a wide variety of clubs outside of school,
sports and activities for children to take such as netball, rugby, football, tennis and
part in; these clubs take place before gymnastics. Having these links, allows us
school, at lunchtime and after school. to ensure that our pupils can continue to
There are the traditional clubs e.g. develop their skills and confidence.

. . .Football Netball Rugby Cricket
. .Rounders Dodgeball Futsal

We regularly play fixtures against
other schools and attend a number
of sport festivals throughout the
year. The PE department also has
sports leaders who work closely with
teachers to run events in school, at
local lower schools and external events.

Physical Education The range of additional
PE and school sports play a pivotal role activities, extra-curricular
within Linslade School. PE is used as clubs and school trips
a vehicle to drive our pupils towards are exemplary - helping
creating their positive attitude to learning develop pupils’ spiritual,
and success that is evident throughout moral, social and cultural
the school. Whether it be competing understanding and
in District Competitions, friendly team wellbeing.
fixtures or general lessons, the pupils
do so with intense pride, determination, Ofsted 2016
enjoyment and a willingness to learn. This
positive approach is then taken back into
the classroom and has a positive impact
on attendance and attitude to learning.

The overall aim of the Physical Education
programme is to ensure that all children
have a fun, high-quality physical
education curriculum that inspires all
pupils to succeed and excel at a chosen
sport.

In order to achieve this, we encourage
pupils to take part in as much curricular
and extra-curricular sporting activities
as possible.

8 ‘Learning today, leading tomorrow.’

Awards

School Games Platinum Mark Award | 2019-2020 The School Games
Mark is a Government led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated
by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment
to the development of competition across their school and into the

community.

School Games Award | Autumn 2019/Spring 2020 Recognised for
our support, commitment and engagement with the School
Games programme during the Autumn and Spring Terms.

School Games Virtual Award | Summer 2020 Recognised by School
Games for our support, commitment and engagement of virtual

programmes during the Summer Term.

www.linsladeac.co.uk 9

There has been a
dramatic shift in
classroom and school
culture driven by the
intent of the new
leadership team.
There are strong
relationships
between pupils
and staff.

CHALLENGE PARTNERS REVIEW

2020

Behaviour and attitudes Teachers adapt
are very positive in the teaching to
suit the learning
lessons and around the
school. There is a good style of the
rapport between pupils pupils.
and teachers. Pupils are
polite. They take a pride Teachers make very
good use of resources
in their work.
to aid learning and
engage pupils.

The new leadership
team has increased the
momentum of change
Teachers are engaging

pupils more in active
learning.

Pupils are respectful
of differences and
work together well.
They include their
peers in activities.

Leaders at all levels
work together very well

to build capacity and
develop the school.

The school offers a
coherent and ambitious
curriculum. It is broad
and balanced, providing
specialist teaching to all
year groups in a range of

subjects.

Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is
very well provided for within the curriculum. Assemblies,
external visitors, trips, and visits are used to make their studies
‘come to life. Ofsted 2016

12 ‘Learning today, leading tomorrow.’

Supported, Cared For and Valued SUPPORT & CARE
We are equally committed to the care and development of the whole child and have a
large and dedicated support team to augment the work of our tutors and year teams.

It is crucial that the partnership between staff, parents and pupils is a positive one and
visitors frequently comment on the warm and welcoming atmosphere within Linslade.

Our aim is to be a school in which each individual

is challenged to achieve to their full potential
sets the highest of personal standards in work and conduct
enjoys success, both individually and collectively
is encouraged to develop a wide range of talents and interests linking with our
extra-curricular opportunities and school trips
is valued, cared for and supported
feels safe and secure
is healthy and happy
is proud to be a member of the school community

The Heads of Key Stage, together with the form tutors, work with the pupils on a daily
basis, providing the support and encouragement necessary to succeed. We also work
with a range of other dedicated support professionals, including a family liaison worker
and links with other support agencies outside of the school . Together with the Learning
Support team, this ensures that we can support a specific pupil’s needs as they arise.

www.linsladeac.co.uk 13

SEND Many students will, at various stages in the learning journey, require additional support,
some more than others, and at Linslade we adhere to the national code of practice for
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to ensure that students’ individual
needs are always met. We do this effectively by ensuring the following:

Challenging the expectations of every child
A child-centred approach to support and interventions
Regular and thorough communication with all stakeholders, especially the child and
parents
Clear and precise identification of learning barriers and individualised strategies to
support students appropriately
Evidence based interventions run and reviewed by trained staff
Multi-agency approach to ensure specialist support is effectively deployed
Always taking in the consideration of the child’s voice and their opinion
Regular CPD involving all staff to continually develop understanding of SEND needs
Regular reviews of pupil’s SEND support plans

14 ‘Learning today, leading tomorrow.’

Admissions Policy ADMISSIONS
The school has an agreed admission number of 165 for entry to Year 5.
The Local Authority will apply the following criteria (in the rank order shown) to decide
the order in which places will be allocated. When there are more requests from parent/
carers than the number of places available, children with an Education, Health and
Care Plan (EHCP), naming the particular school, will be admitted before the following
over-subscription criteria applies:

1. Looked after children or children who were previously looked after but immediately
afterwards became subject to an adoption, child arrangements or special guardianship order

2. Children who appear to have been in state care outside of England and ceased to be
in state care as a result of being adopted

3. Children of staff currently employed at the school

4. Children with siblings at the school who will still be attending the school at the
proposed date of admission

5. Children who are currently attending Greenleas Lower School, Derwent Road site,
Linslade Lower School or Southcott Lower School

6. Children living closest to the school measured on straight line distance

Pupils say that reading
is important at Linslade
and that they enjoy a
variety of opportunities
to read.

Ofsted 2016

www.linsladeac.co.uk 15

Sophie Cooper Mark Gibbs Phil Stock Paul Edwards

Assistant Head Headteacher Deputy Head Assistant Head

S20E2N0IOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Tracey Walbank Emma Wassef Cat Parry Beatrix Jones

Head of Learning Head of KS2 and English SENDCO Head of Maths

‘Learning today, leading tomorrow.’

@linsladeschool Mentmore Road | Leighton Buzzard
Linslade School Bedfordshire LU7 2PA
@ChilternLT 01525 372640
Chiltern Learning Trust [email protected]

www.linsladeac.co.uk

LINSLADE

SCHOOL