2020 Hawthorn Prospectus

2020/21 PROSPECTUS

HEALTH HAPPINESS SUCCESS

Welcome to
Hawthorn High School

Dear Parents, As a school we are very proud of the to the academic support that the school
young people in our care and their provides for pupils of all abilities.
Choosing the best school for your child excellent levels of attendance, academic
is a vitally important decision. Parents and sporting successes and participation I hope that this prospectus provides all
need to be sure that, in addition to a in a wide range of extra- curricular the information you might need but we
sound education, pupils will be cared for activities. Our staff are dedicated to are always delighted to welcome visitors
in a happy and safe environment. In this helping each child achieve his or her into our school so, if you would like to
prospectus we offer you an insight into full potential and to this end work learn more about the life and work of
some of the opportunities available to tirelessly to promote the effective Hawthorn High School, please do not
your children at Hawthorn High School. partnerships that have been forged over hesitate to contact us.
many years amongst parents, teachers,
Here at Hawthorn, we believe we can children and the community we serve. Yours sincerely,
offer the opportunities and security Recent academic years have seen very
children need to achieve their best. significant increases in the percentage Mrs. H. Cook
Everything that we do is driven by our of our students achieving the gold Chair of Governor
commitment to provide your children standard of 5 or more GCSEs at C grade
with the highest standards of teaching or better (including English and Maths),
and learning. In return we have very those achieving at least 5 A*/As at GCSE
high expectations of student behaviour and Sixth form students being admitted
and their commitment to the learning to university places of their choosing
process. Teachers lead by providing a (including Yale and Russell Group
mature example so that mutual respect Universities); these results are testament
and tolerance are the cornerstones of
school life.

A Caring “ ”The first day I came I was “ ”Hawthorn High School is a
Transition worried that I wouldn’t fit caring, supportive community.
in but I was wrong. I’ve got It has an inclusive ethos that
Here at Hawthorn we understand that the loads of new friends. This is impacts strongly on pupils’
move to secondary school can be stressful a great school. wellbeing.
for parents and pupils alike so we do all we - Estyn 2020
can to reassure and support pupils, whilst - Year 7 Pupil
helping them to understand and respond to 1
new challenges and opportunities.

During their final year in primary school
Year 6 pupils spend several days with us
so that they can explore the school, meet
the relevant teaching and support staff
and enjoy a range of activities. When
they arrive in September they become
the responsibility of a specialised and
experienced transition team. This helps to
ensure a smooth transition for all pupils
joining us from primary school where
they have been used to a more intimate
environment.

In the Autumn term parents are invited
to chat to teachers and help to set targets
for future academic progress at a special
presentation evening where pupils deliver
presentations on the early progress that
they have made at Hawthorn High School.

Space for Learning

Hawthorn High School is an English All classrooms have digital projectors “ ”This is a great school
medium co-educational comprehensive and associated whiteboard equipment with loads of things to
school for 11-19 year olds. We see linked to an up-to-date school network get involved in.
ourselves as an English medium school which provides pupils with safe access
which is Welsh friendly. The school to broadband internet and a range of - Year 7 Pupil
stationery is bi-lingual and Welsh language industry standard software as well as
signs are visible throughout the school and specialist teaching software.
designated focus days, collective worship
themes and extracurricular activities
are incorporated to celebrate the
Welsh Culture.

Our school is situated on an expansive
green site alongside the river Taff where
pupils enjoy the benefits of vast natural
outdoor resources as well as a multi-use
astroturf pitch, tennis courts and fitness
and design suites. The school is on a single
site allowing easy movement between
lessons and the buildings continue to
undergo developments to provide new
facilities such as our multi-purpose
sports hall and recently refurbished
swimming pool. The site is split into lower
and upper school blocks so that pupils
can enjoy their own space and
separate lunchtimes.

2

Education
for Everyone

The Learning Resource Centre is open
throughout the day, including before
registration, at lunchtime and after school.
It is a comfortable place where children of
all ages can learn and study independently.

The school also boasts three serving
facilities where catering staff provide a
speedy service at breakfast, break and
lunchtimes. The main refectory serves
hot food and healthy options while the
Sub Central coffee and snack bar offers
pupils a selection of hot drinks and
continental coffees and hot and cold
snacks throughout the school day. Both
facilities benefit from a biometric finger
recognition system which has begun a
move towards a totally cashless system
for all pupils.

3

Teaching and Learning

All pupils at Hawthorn have access to a curriculum appropriate to pupils’ needs
broad, balanced and relevant range of with teaching styles that develop positive
subjects, combining new opportunities attitudes to learning, the understanding of
with more traditional subjects. It is school concepts and the acquisition of knowledge
policy to keep class sizes as small as and skills. Pupils need such an education
possible. to make their way in a rapidly changing
society and economy.
In English and Maths additional teachers
are provided to make classes even “ Teachers foster positive working
smaller and ensure that every child has relationships with pupils.
plenty of individual attention. Pupils They are patient and calm in their
with special educational needs will approach and know their pupils
have specialist teachers in our Learning well. These teachers have secure
Support Department but also share in the subject knowledge and prepare
full curriculum provided for all in ways useful resources. They offer
that match their individual needs and clear explanations and provide a
development. The school is also host to sequence of helpful activities that
the LEA’s Speech & Language Provision build effectively on each other and
as part of which a dedicated teacher and ”promote progress.
a team of support assistants provide - Estyn 2020
expert tuition and help the children
concerned integrate into mainstream
lessons. Admission to the centre is by LEA
Panel with pupil numbers being strictly
controlled. We provide our pupils with a
curriculum which seeks to educate the
‘whole person’ as well as in academic and
practical ways. We strive to make our

4

Inspection Report

We believe that recent successes in January 2020 Judgement
examination performance at the school are Inspection Area
due to the bespoke approach that we adopt
to each child’s curriculum and learning. Standards Good

Widespread weekly mentoring for pupils Wellbeing and attitudes Good
as they approach their GCSE exams is to learning Good
combined with close weekly communication
with parents, special study and revision Teaching and learning
weekends, and evening sessions to help experiences
parents support their children’s learning.
In many cases we provide one to one tuition Care, support and guidance Good
to support pupils with GCSE English and
Maths in our specialist Hub provisions. Leadership and Good
management

“ During their time at the school, 5
pupils make strong progress in
their knowledge, understanding
and skills, and achieve well in
external examinations. In many
lessons, pupils make strong
progress and have sound recall
”of prior learning.
- Estyn

Extra-Curricular Activities

At Hawthorn we are proud of the range of Frequent visits are organised to theatres,
activities available to our young people. military history sites, museums and other
Our Youth Engagement and Participation places of cultural interest. Students also
Service (YEPS) arrange a plethora of have many opportunities to travel abroad
exciting and stimulating clubs and events to practise language skills, go skiing and
to cater for every taste. The activities generally savour the delights of other
change each term and are bookable countries.
through the YEPS office. Students have
access to a gymnasium, fully equipped
dance, fitness and design studios, a
swimming pool, astro turf pitches, tennis
courts, sports hall and soccer and rugby
pitches. Pupils are actively encouraged
to use these facilities, not only in lesson
time, but also during an extensive extra
curricular programme which is available
to them.

Numerous pupils have gained
representation honours along with Welsh
honours in a variety of sports.
The school council is actively involved
in all areas of school life and the student
voice is given a high priority at all levels.

The School runs industry days, a variety
of musical and drama productions and
traditional events such as the Christmas
Carol Service and the Eisteddfod.

6

Performing Arts

The Drama and Music departments have Daniel Davies achieved national success
always had a strong reputation of excellence with his spectacular win of ‘The Voice
across a national platform. Notable Kids 2018’; a feat which was witnessed by
successes include the rock band “Funeral for millions of viewers around the world.This
a Friend”, Tom Richards, who is competing in theme of excellence is continued throughout
the 2018 X Factor, and several others who all aspects of both Departments’ work.
have gone on to forge careers in Musical Our Year 9 students consistently achieve
Theatre and Education. level 5 or better in Music and the
Departments encourage and support all
“ Pupils’ creative skills are a pupils to participate in drama, dance, music
strength. They demonstrate and song. Past students have won places
strong performance skills in at top Drama and Music Colleges including
drama and music, such as when East 15, UPA, Rose Bruford College, Royal
they sing with accurate pitch and Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal
timing in three-part harmony. Welsh College of Music and Drama. Drama
In art, pupils produce imaginative and Music lessons are timetabled for all
original artwork in the form of students throughout lower school and the
African masks and by producing School also offers peripatetic instrumental
work in the style of Arcimboldo. lessons for all interested pupils and employs
a specialist vocal coach to support those
”- Estyn pupils that demonstrate a talent in this
area. There are several major shows and
concerts each year in which everyone can
be involved whether on stage or behind the
scenes. Recent years have seen outstanding
productions of ‘High School Musical’, ‘The
Wizard of Oz’, ‘Oliver’ and ‘Grease’.

7

Sporting Success

The sports teams at Hawthorn regularly
compete at local, regional and national
level. The school runs teams in football,
rugby, netball, hockey, gymnastics,
athletics, cross country, rounders, tennis
and cricket. The sporting opportunities in
school cover the full range of the National
Curriculum and are also complemented
by a YEPS programme, Sports Days, Duke
of Edinburgh and Mountain Expeditions.
His role is split across teaching PE and
supporting the work of the WRU.
The department offers GCSE and Btec
qualifications for KS4 pupils to build
on and develop knowledge. The school
boasts a number of current internationals
in a range of sports.

8

Part of the Local
Community

Hawthorn High School has strong “ Pupils feel happy and valued
links with local, national and global in school. They thrive in the
communities. Improving education is warm and caring community.
our mission. Nothing is so essential as Most pupils feel that the school
universal access to, and acquisition responds well to any concerns
of, the experiences, knowledge and they raise. They are polite and
skills that our young people need for friendly to each other and
employment, lifelong learning and visitors, and develop good social
active citizenship. skills as they progress through
the school.
At Hawthorn High School we are
proactive in planning for the new ”- Estyn
Curriculum for Wales which is
underpinned by six key Global
Dimensions. Throughout the
curriculum there are a wide range of
opportunities for pupils to take part in
Community links.

We have strong links with industry,
higher education and other providers
which enable pupils to engage in a
range of extra curricular activities.
For example, Universities, STEM
providers, the Seren Hwb and work
experience placements.

9

Part of the
International
Community

Students at Hawthorn have the
opportunity to broaden their experience
as a result of the school’s strong
international focus.

The school plays host to visiting staff
from Nabumali School in Uganda and
is a key partner school for the British
Council refugee programme. Trips are
run regularly to a host of international
destinations including various European
ski resorts, the battlefields of Normandy,
Paris, Berlin and New York. The school has
undertaken educational research work
developing partnerships in Finland
and Virginia and our work with the Seren
Network also gives our most able
students access to top universities
in the UK and abroad; for example,
Morgan Cronin from our Sixth
Form studies at the world renowned Yale
University in the USA.

10

Key School Essential Information
Aims
Term Begins Half Term Ends
• To provide a pleasant, safe and attractive Autumn 1-9-20 18-12-20
learning and teaching environment. Spring 4-1-21 Begins Ends 26-3-21
Summer 12-4-21 20-7-21
• To ensure that students receive a high 26-10-20 30-10-20
quality education so that, regardless
of ability, they will achieve their true 15-2-21 19-2-21
potential.
31-5-21 4-6-21
• To treat learners as individuals,
promoting the well-being of students Times of School Day Team. Each year group has a
and staff, so that they grow in confidence The School day begins for pupils at designated Raising Standards
and contribute to the wider community. 8.30am and ends at 2.50pm. Leader who oversees their progress,
attainment and wellbeing. All pupils
• To provide a caring and respectful School Transport are placed into Form Groups with their
community for students and staff, A proportion of pupils travel to own designated Form Tutor.
encouraging a respect for individual Hawthorn High by bus. Transport is
differences and a developing social provided by the Local Authority of Attendance
conscience. Rhondda Cynon Taf. The school continues to figure
positively in the Local Authority and
• To promote the achievement and hard School Structure Welsh Government’s performance
work of students and staff so that the The Headteacher is Mrs C Crockett. data. We understand how critical good
community can be proud of its school. She is supported by a Senior attendance is to pupil progress and
Leadership team who are responsible strive to achieve excellent attendance
for specific areas of the school. figures throughout our school.

Pastoral contacts are: 11
The pastoral team is managed by a
member of the Senior Leadership

Essential Information

Admissions Policy Charging and Remissions Policy Pupil Performance, Examination Results
& Careers Education
The entry of children to schools is In principle, all education is provided
controlled and administered by an freely to all pupils. Any charges made by Governors are pleased to report that
‘Admissions Authority’. In respect of the school must meet the requirements the various performance criteria used
community schools such as Hawthorn of the most recent Education reform by the Local Authority, the School
High School, the Admissions Authority Act. A school activities, charging and Inspection team and Advisors on how
is recognised as being Rhondda Cynon remissions policy is available at the well the school is doing is available at the
Taf Council. Within the County Borough school. The school is conscious of the fact school and on the school web site in the
of RCT, each school has an area that that it can be di cult for parents to make form of the school’s Annual Report to
it serves – its catchment area. Most voluntary contributions for their children Governors. Information on Work Related
parents choose to send their child(ren) to take part in activities, and, where this Curriculum, Links with Industry and
to their ‘local’ schools within this is the case, the school would not want Basic Skills can be found in the Annual
‘catchment area’, however, they have to disadvantage a pupil and would make Report to Parents available at the school
the right to state a preference for their every e ort to ensure that the pupil can and on the school’s web site. Careers
child(ren) to attend any school. The participate. lessons form part of the PSE curriculum.
Authority and each school’s Governing The school provides a programme of
Body must comply with any parental Assertive Discipline Policy careers education following the Welsh
preference that is expressed, providing Government‘s framework for Careers
that there is room within the school. Hawthorn High School has an Assertive Education and Guidance.
At the beginning of the Academic Year Discipline Policy issuing a clear set of
there were 988 places available for the guidelines in order to achieve a high Personal and Social Education
admission of pupils aged 11-18 and no standard of behaviour and appropriate
appeals were made. Copies of RCT’s consequences if these standards are not The school provides a programme of
School’s Admission Policy are available met. There is also a reward system in support lessons aimed at strengthening
at the school. place for good behaviour of individuals pupils’ understanding of the world
and class groups. we live in. Topics covered across the
curriculum include: Health Education,
Community Issues, Sex Education and
Cultural diversity.

12

Religious Education and of whom have specific specialist training Classroom Rules
Collective Worship and who support pupils in mainstream
and small learning support groups. L Listen to and respect others,
Religious Education is available to all The school plays host to a dedicated especially your teacher
pupils and school assemblies meet the Speech and Language specialist unit
statutory requirements for collective funded by the Local Authority. E Enjoy learning! Don’t disrupt and
worship with weekly year assemblies keep mobiles out of sight
delivered by Senior Staff and Heads of School Policies and Information
Year and daily discussions during tutor A Arrive on time, in the correct
group time. Lessons do not reflect the Under the Freedom of Information Act uniform and ready to learn with
teachings of any particular religious 2004, the following school policies are outdoor wear removed
denomination but provide a backdrop available:
of broadly Christian values. Pupils are R Respect others, the environment
encouraged to play an active part in • Home to School Agreements and equipment
school assemblies. Parents/Guardians/ • School Complaints Procedures
Carers have the right to withdraw • Behaviour Policy N Now produce work to the best of
their children wholly or in part from • Religious Education and Worship your ability
the religious education and collective • Health & Safety at Work
worship within the school and alternative • Child Protection Parents/carers must complete an
provision can be made. Parents should • Equal Opportunities online application for a secondary place
contact the Headteacher to discuss • Ethnic Diversity Applying online is quick and easy.
their request. • Governing Body Minutes Visit: https://schooladmissions.
• ALN (SEN) rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/
Special Educational Needs • School Code of Conduct which
13
Pupils with special needs are assessed incorporates the School Uniform
prior to entry, in conjunction with Policy
their primary schools and parents for
necessary arrangements to be in place Information on School Security, Social
for a successful transfer. The SENCO Inclusion, Year 11 Mentoring are also
heads a team of experienced Special available from the school.
Needs Support Assistants (SNSA’s) many

Hawthorn High School HEALTH HAPPINESS SUCCESS
School Lane
Hawthorn
Pontypridd
CF37 5AL

Tel: 01443 841228
Fax: 01443 846464
Email: [email protected]

@HawthornHighSch

For further information visit the school website at:
www.hawthornhighschool.co.uk

Local Authority Details
Director of Eduation & Life Long Learning
Rhondda Cynon Taf
County Borough Council
Ty Trevithick
Abercynon
Mountain Ash
CF45 4UQ