Forrester High School

Welcome

This prospectus is your guide to Forrester High School and to our vision for our school community.

We are committed to establishing the school as a centre of excellence within our community and seek to challenge all of our young people to make the most of the learning and extra-curricular opportunities available to them.

We aim to provide the highest quality learning experiences in a supportive and caring environment. We want to make every students’ experience unique and one which is tailored to individual students needs enabling them to achieve their full potential.

This is a school at the heart of its community and we want to draw on the rich resources available to all of us to ensure young people have a stimulating, rewarding, challenging and enjoyable time at school. We want to work in partnership with you to ensure that together we develop young people who are fully equipped to deal with the challenges they face when they leave school and have the motivation and determination to succeed in their chosen path in life.

I am sure your son/daughter will have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience at Forrester High School and I look forward to getting to know all of our new students in due course.

Derek CurranHeadteacher

Forrester High School

School Aims

Achievement and AttainmentTo ensure that all students are able to realise their potential through the promotion and recognition of achievement and excellence.

Learning and TeachingTo provide the highest quality of learning and teaching experiences that motivate students and encourage them to develop positive attitudes towards learning.

Support for StudentsTo provide effective support systems for all students which promote personal and social development and underpin academic achievement.

EthosTo provide a welcoming, healthy, safe and caring environment in which each student is valued and supported.

Learning EnvironmentTo ensure that all students are able to experience a calm, healthy, positive and purposeful learning environment that promotes good behaviour, self-discipline and respect for others.

Values and CitizenshipTo prepare students for responsible citizenship by developing values, beliefs and attitudes compatible with living in a modern, democratic and multicultural society.

Social InclusionTo ensure that every student enjoys quality of access to educational opportunities, regardless of social or economic background.

Forrester High School

Accommodation and FacilitiesForrester High School relocated to new accommodation in January 2010. Part of a multi-million pound development the site incorporates a purpose built combined Physical Education/Community facility.

Corridors are wide and spacious which is important for student safety and movement around the school. This also provides a very nice open feel to the spaces we use to move around in. There is sufficient indoor space to accommodate all students when the weather is inclement.

The school offers leading edge learning facilities including interactive white boards in all classrooms, Library/Resource Centre, fully equipped theatre and drama studio, and excellent Cafeteria.

There is a new Drama studio and the Music department offers direct access to ‘state of the art’ equipment, including specially designed practice rooms for all musical instruments. Recording studio facilities are available to all students.

Subject departments use computers in their normal classroom work and the school is well-equipped in the field of information technology, including computer rooms, electronic office and computer suites for whole-school use.

Specialist facilities• Craft and Design Workshops• Computer suites• Hall/Theatre• Drama studio• Recording facilities• Science Laboraties• Modern Language Suites• Expressive Arts• Library/Resource Centre

Sports facilities• Indoor 25 metre swimming pool• Games hall• Gym hall• Fitness suite• 2G and 3G synthetic pitches• Multi Utility Games Arena• Football pitch• Rugby pitch• Athletics track and field

Forrester High School

CurriculumGeneral AimsThe Forrester curriculum aims to ensure that every student makes the most of their abilities, in terms of both academic achievement and personal and social development. Teaching styles, course design and curricular materials are constantly under review so that there is continuous improvement aimed at raising standards and students’ levels of achievement.

The school has a responsibility, in partnership with parents, to make sure that young people are fully prepared for their entry to the world of work or further education. Along the way, we trust that all students, irrespective of ability, will be motivated and challenged by their studies and experiences.

Students are expected to become more responsible for their own learning. They are trained in skills and shown how to use resources relevant to a particular task. They are encouraged to find out for themselves, but never without the necessary instruction, help and encouragement from the teacher.

Examination success continues to be a very important target for many students, but it is important to achieve this through courses which are in themselves meaningful and stimulating. Work is done at a pace which is best for each individual student - the less able are not forced to attempt tasks which are beyond them, and the more able can proceed at a faster rate without waiting for others to catch up.

We believe that a curriculum delivered in this way will bring out the best in all our students.

Primary School LiaisonForrester High School has a long tradition of close links with our local associated primary schools and we sustain a programme of visits by Forrester staff to teach Primary students.

There are also opportunities for Primary students to visit Forrester to enjoy the facilities of our practical subjects such as Science, Craft Design & Technology and Physical Education.

Curriculum For ExcellenceCurriculum for Excellence aims to achieve a transformation in education in Scotland by providing an improved, more flexible and enriched curriculum for all children and young people from 3-18. The curriculum includes all of the experiences which are planned for children and young people through their education, wherever they are being educated.

Forrester High School

Curriculum for excellence is underpinned by the values inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament - wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity. The purpose of Curriculum for Excellence is encapsulated in the four capacities – to enable each child or young person to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and effective contributor.

There are eight curriculum areas within Curriculum for Excellence;

Expressive Arts Religious and Moral EducationHealth and Well Being SciencesLanguages (literacy) Social StudiesMathematics (numeracy) Technologies

Literacy and Numeracy are given added importance because these skills are so vital in everyday life.

In S1-S3, students will follow courses based on levels 3 and 4 of the new curriculum. These lead directly to national qualifications at 16 and beyond.

In the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth years, a wide choice of updated courses will be available so that each student can attain the qualifications essential for entry into a chosen career or course of Further/Higher Education.

Forrester has close links with nearby Stevenson College, where students are offered a wide range of vocational courses. Some courses are also offered in conjunction with other local secondary school, to extend further the provision for all students.

How will my child be assessed?There will be new ways of assessing each child’s progress to make sure that their potential

is achieved. New qualifications are being developed:-

Literacy and Numeracy Tests (at the end on S3) • from 2012/13National 4 and 5 qualifications from 2013/14• Access, Highers and Advanced Highers to be • updated to reflect Curriculum for Excellence.

Course ChoiceImportant course choices are made when a student is moving from S1 to S2 and again into S4-S6. At these stages, parents receive information on the range and content of available courses. Careers advice is also made available. Parents’ Evenings are organised in advance of the choices being made and staff make careful recommendations about the most suitable courses for each student, and parents are invited to discuss these with the appropriate teachers.

Such recommendations should be considered carefully before final decisions are made. Students also have an opportunity to discuss their choices with senior staff, and parents are welcome to attend these interviews.

Home StudyIn the first two years of secondary school, formal homework is set to complement class work. The amount and nature of the homework may vary from department to department. Students may be asked to continue their investigations at home, or to do background reading or some exercises.

As students move up the school, certificate courses demand that more time be spent on homework. Such individual work plays an important part in encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning. Principal Teachers are always pleased to answer queries and give advice about homework.

Parental interest in homework and its completion greatly helps both students’ progress and the aims of the school. Therefore, the teaching staff ask for such cooperation from parents and are very appreciative of it. It is clear that parental involvement in such activity, by showing interest,

Forrester High School

and ensuring that homework is done efficiently, thoroughly and regularly, helps create good habits in our young people.

Library Resource CentreThe Library Resource Centre (LRC) is a bright and lively area. It provides support for both students and staff, and houses a wide range of books, on-line resources, CD’s, Newspapers and a computer suite.

Students use the LRC as part of the timetabled curriculum with their classes. They may also use the LRC independently before school, at lunchtime and after school. It’s a great place to meet friends, finish homework, study for exams, check email and learn about career opportunities and higher education.

The LRC promotes reading for pleasure and independent learning. Using computer software such as Accelerated Reader we promote continuity from Primary School to Secondary, and in liaison with Primary Schools, can assess individual learning and reading needs before students start their new school. Using this software in both schools gives a sense of familiarity to new S1’s in the critical transition period.

Equality and InclusionForrester High School is committed to opposing and eradicating racism and other forms of discrimination. We aim to achieve this by promoting understanding and equality of opportunity for all.

All members of staff, both teaching and support, have a responsibility to promote this school policy and to challenge and correct prejudicial attitudes and behaviour whenever and wherever they may occur.

Forrester High School

Support for StudentsAimsOur Support for Students staff work to provide a caring and supportive environment for students. This team is concerned with the overall development of the individual student - physical health, educational attainment, character development, the acquisition of personal and social skills and the improvement of future career prospects. Wherever possible, each student will have the same Support for Students teacher throughout their school days - someone to turn to when in need of advice or help.

Meeting with Parents and StudentsIn addition to responding to students’ enquiries, Support for Students staff have a regular programme of student interviews, both individually and in small groups. They monitor students’ punctuality, attendance, behaviour and educational attainment, and keep parents informed if problems occur. They are also available to see parents on request. Parents should, whenever possible, contact the school in advance to arrange an appointment.

Working with OthersSupport for Student teachers keep in close touch with the many staff from outside agencies who can assist our students - the School Doctor/Nurse, Child Guidance, Education Welfare Officers, Social Workers, Children’s Panel and Community Workers. In addition, contact is maintained with the Careers Officers, Further Education Colleges, University and potential employers. Indeed, the provision of a reference is often the last, but not least, of the many ways in which the Support for Students system assist students.

Support For LearningAt Forrester we have a policy of positive integration. This means that those students who have learning difficulties or special needs are taught in mainstream classes if it can be managed. Students with significant special needs are sometimes placed in Forrester, with additional support offered by the Education Authority in the form of Support for Learning Assistants (SLA’s) or teaching staff.

Support for Learning staff have the remit of supporting staff and students so that as many students as possible can remain in mainstream classes and receive an appropriate

education. Support for Learning teachers are involved in helping all children, stretching the very able and ensuring that the less able can cope. They work with individual children, small groups or full classes.

Support for Learning staff play an advisory role in the writing and development of courses, in collaboration with subject teachers, to provide a suitable level of work for the whole range of ability. This affects not only the content of courses, but also the teaching approaches most suited to given situations.

Occasionally, students can be extracted from classes to receive individual support in the Learning Support Base.

CareersForrester aims to provide effective Career Education and Guidance in a variety of ways, placing individual students at the centre of the process. It forms an important part of the Personal and Social Education programme from S1 through to S6.

Students in S3 attend Edinburgh’s Telford College of Heriot Watt University for a taster day while in S4 they can gain a valuable insight into possible career ideas through the “Work Experience” module. Many S5/6 students spend their Personal Development Time investigating future career plans and career conferences are held throughout the year, covering a range of post school options. Students are also encouraged to self help and research their ideas by using the well stocked Careers Library.

At crucial times in a student’s school career (for example towards the end of S1 when choosing new courses), expert advice is on hand from our careers adviser. One to one interviews help students move forward with their career plans, class groups teach career planning skills and supports students with their own research.

In S5 and S6, Careers Conventions are held for those looking towards employment and Further Education. It is very important that teachers and employers work together to help bridge the gap between school and working life.

Forrester High School

Extra Curricular ActivitiesForrester is committed to providing students with a variety of valuable and relevant educational experiences. An important part of this is the provision extra–curricular activities and excursions in which students are encouraged to take part.

There is a long tradition of offering such opportunities and it has always been considered an important element of student education and personal development. We are proud of the wide range of activities enjoyed by students in our school.

These currently include: Rugby Choir Dance Club Table Tennis Swim Club Football Flute Group Badminton Gymnastics Guitar Club Basketball Wind Band Netball Fitness Jazz Band Recorder Group 5-a-side Clarinet Group Racquets String Group These may vary from year to year depending on the changing expertise and interests of staff and students.

Sponsored WalkThis is organised every two years and students and staff raised £16,000 in September 2010. This was donated to Cancer Research and Forrester’s partner school in South Africa; Amaoti No3 in Inanda near Durban.

Foreign TripsWe have regular foreign trips run by a variety of departments to European destinations and beyond.

Sixth Year ActivitiesS6 are involved in the organisation of many voluntary activities during the session.

These include such activities as:-S6 Aids Awareness Day Jeans for Genes FundraisingChristmas Parcels to Senior Citizens Pastoral PrefectsSenior Citizens’ Coffee Morning Departmental PrefectsChildren in Need Fund-raising. Red Nose Day Fundraising

Student CouncilWe have an established Student Council created by class and year elections held before the October break. The Council consists of one representative from each class. These representatives act as a link between students and the Council.

The Council’s purpose is to respond to issues raised by fellow students, raise such issues with the Headteacher and receive a response, and to make proposals for the improvement of the school.