High expectations mean that our students work hard. Well-structured lessons and a variety of teaching styles and activities cater to students' individual needs. Students are involved in constructive discussions to identify where they are in their learning, where they could be and what they need to do to improve. Our students tell us that they enjoy learning, and their enthusiasm contributes to a positive and productive learning environment.
Able, Gifted and Talented students
Early identification of able, gifted and talented students enables us to cater to their specific needs by providing challenging and varied ways of learning. A dedicated Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator works closely with Heads of Department to provide a programme of study which includes master classes and extra-curricular activities
Learning Support Department – we work alongside all departments and every year group, ensuring that students with Special Educational Need/Disabilities (SEND) are able to maximize their potential in school. Staff are given information regarding the needs of students in their classes and are offered training to ensure that they are able to meet the learning needs of every student in the school. Specialist support is accessed as necessary by a variety of outside agencies.
Key Stage 3
Transition to KS3
We work closely with the Head of Year 7 in supporting the transition of students with SEND from their Primary Schools. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) liaises directly with Primary Schools to ensure the individual students' needs are identified and communicated to the staff at Chipping Norton School to ensure a continuity of support.
Year 7, 8 & 9
Students with SEND are supported in a variety of ways depending on their individual needs, examples include:
- Literacy support – this is offered as a discrete provision in small groups, delivered by trained staff.
- In-class support is offered to those students who would benefit from extra help in lessons, however, we do encourage students to be independent learners and not to become over-reliant on Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)
- Curriculum Support Assistants are available in Maths, English, and Science.
- Behavior support is available from the Focus Room.
- Homework Club – an after-school facility to help students complete homework.
- Support during Y9 in making option choices.
Key Stage 4
Students with SEND continue to receive support as necessary in KS4. Additionally:
- Students with learning needs are assessed at the end of KS3 for exam concessions and supported in exams accordingly.
- A discrete provision called Foundation Learning is available to some students with SEND in KS4; some students have the option to attend a college course one day a week.
- During KS4, students with SEND are supported in making appropriate choices for further training or college courses when they leave school.
Key Stage 5 (AS and A2 Level)
As with KS4, students with SEND are supported according to their needs. Students who join us from other schools in KS5 are assessed for exam concessions and supported accordingly.