Graham SchoolA Specialist Science, Arts & Enterprise College

Small School CareBig School Opportunity

Thank you for your interest in Graham School. We hope that this prospectus and the enclosed parents’ information will help you to understand the values and principles which drive and guide us.

The recent expansion of our school has enabled us to develop a new and unique place for learning. The creation of a Lower School (Years 7 and 8) and an adjacent Upper School (Years 9, 10 and 11) creates two distinct learning areas, each tailored to the individual age and needs of our students.

We provide ‘Small School’ care with ‘Big School’ opportunities. Graham School is a friendly and caring community School where students play an essential and increasing role in our development. We believe that wherever your child’s talents lie; whatever their needs; they will succeed with us.

We would be delighted to meet you and to show you the School at work.

Mr Garry HancockHeadteacher

WELCOME FROM THE HEADTEACHER

We place a great deal of emphasis on really getting to know our students and their families. We start building this relationship in Year 6, via a series of transition activities that involve staff and students visiting primary schools to run a range of activities that focus on us getting to know the students. The Lower School gives students the opportunity to settle into Secondary School in a small School setting before moving to Upper School in Year 9. The tutor group meets each day to provide a daily opportunity for each child’s welfare and progress to be supported by their form tutor.

Our curriculum adapts to the needs and aptitudes of all our learners. We ensure that the needs of every student are met. All students receive individually tailored support, including those who are gifted and talented or have special educational needs. As an Enhanced Mainstream School for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), our skilled staff also support students and staff from 57 local schools.

We believe that success can only come through team work; working partnerships between supportive families, dedicated staff, motivated learners, and a committed Governing Body. Add to this mix partnerships between local, national and global businesses that work with us to prepare our students to succeed, not only within a learning environment but also to equip our students with the personal skills and experiences to become confident, resourceful and independent members of our community.

Small School Care

Every Child Matters

Working in Partnership

‘Students are well looked after in the school and appreciate that there is always someone to turn to if they need help’ - Ofsted

‘Students feel safe in School and their behaviour is good’ - Ofsted

Our first class facilities enhance the learning experience of our students. New Science, Maths, Art and Food Technology classrooms sit alongside our impressive Performing Arts Suite, complete with Dance and Drama Studios and newly refurbished theatre. State-of-the-art ICT and Media Suites offer students the latest digital resources and Virtual Learning Environments, which can also be accessed from home.

Our extensive sports facilities include a multi-purpose Sports Hall, Table-Tennis Centre, Gymnasium, playing fields and hard courts.

Graham School holds specialisms in Science, the Arts and Business & Enterprise. We share our expertise in these subjects with our wider community of schools and develop opportunities to engage in partnership work with industry, business and community bodies. We regularly bring inspirational speakers into school to share their insights and experiences in the wider world.

The Science specialism links with Maths and ICT. This has enabled us to raise standards by improving facilities and resources. We develop and share new teaching practice and our Science outreach programme is always oversubscribed. We build upon a sound curriculum base and run a series of additional events throughout the year including the very popular Science week.

First Class Facilities

Specialisms

Science

‘Specialist Science status has had a significant impact on raising standards.’ - Ofsted

The Arts specialism breathes life and soul into the school and has enabled us to develop a creatively designed theatre with Performing Arts Suites on both sites. We are proud of our excellent reputation for the Arts. Our dance, drama and music events are integral to school life; all students can take part in a variety of exciting productions and performances.

The Business & Enterprise specialism provides our learners with a link to the wider world and the community. We want our students to develop their entrepreneurial skills to try ideas and to develop their confidence to adapt to the ‘world of work’. All our students in all year groups will have the opportunity to experience work related learning.

Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in a wide and varied range of enrichment activities. Students compete in a series of team and individual sports. As well as helping to improve overall fitness and skills, this also promotes a healthy sense of competition that encourages students to achieve their personal best.

The annual Ski trip, London theatre tour, excursions to France and numerous other cultural visits, activity days and a whole raft of lunchtime and after school clubs, provide opportunities for students to develop not only academic skills, but also communication and social skills that are vital for success.

The Arts

Business & Enterprise

Enrichment: Be Your Best

‘Congratulations on a wonderful evening – there is obviously a lot of talent in the School which was beautifully on display. The Little Shop of Horrors was fantastic and I look forward to the next production’ - Parent

We encourage students to be sensitive to the needs of others and to show tolerance and respect for a diverse range of cultures and beliefs. This includes playing a constructive and rewarding role in school and also within our local, national and global communities. Students are our finest ambassadors and enjoy a diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities which range from school, year and form representation to caring for the environment and positions as library monitors, receptionists and junior sports leaders. Links with local business help to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. Our partner schools in Europe and Africa allow our students to learn first-hand about other cultures whilst developing worldwide friendships.

Traditional values underpin our aspirations for all students. Success is based on high expectations, high standards and first class teaching and learning. Big School opportunity provides the facilities, the broad curriculum and the specialist staffing that will enable your child to progress and succeed at Graham School and in life.

We expect the very best for our students and the very best from them. Working together we will help our students to develop the skills and qualities they need for a successful future.

Community

Big School Opportunity

Leavers’ Prom 2012

‘Students enjoy coming to School and are making good progress in their learning’- Ofsted

HAPPY TO HELPShould you require further information or an opportunity to visit our school, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also find additional information on our school website, which is updated regularly.

Tel: 01723 366451

Web: www.grahamschool.co.ukEmail: admin@grahamschool.co.uk

Graham SchoolLower Site

Lady Edith’s DriveScarborough

YO12 5RL

Graham SchoolUpper Site

Woodlands DriveScarborough

YO12 6QW

Partnership working is a strength of the school, both in liaising with agencies to support students’ wellbeing and in links with other schools and colleges to develop provision- Ofsted