Intake Information 2010

Intake Information 2010

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians

The choice of school at age 11 can be very daunting. It is difficult to compare different schools and to decide what would best suit your own child. Therefore, in addition to the information contained within the prospectus, Ercall Wood prepares a range of literature to help you make an informed choice.

The school is popular and traditionally does well in examinations. In 2009 we beat previous GCSE records, and we are confident of even greater success in 2010.

The school is set in extensive grounds and enjoys the benefits of having access to other facilities in the immediate vicinity. We also have specialist college status in Technology, which provides a huge amount of investment over the last ten years. However, the underlying principle of the school is that all subject areas should be well equipped and be good places to teach and learn in. Ranging from English Literature to Vocational Studies, we offer a curriculum that is broad in its range of subjects and differentiated to suit the needs of all our students.

We have taken on the ethos of Specialist College status and tried to spread it right through everything we do. Ercall Wood is one of few Technology Colleges in the area but we know that a school is not just about the number of computers it has or excellence in examinations. In order to be successful students and staff alike need to want to come to school. The pastoral care for students and the opportunities that they can take advantage of are outstanding; this is the beating heart of the school with students in most cases being taken from Year 7 to Year 11 by a single form tutor and a head of year which remains with them from Year 8 to Year 11. The vast majority of students here at Ercall Wood do well and go onto success in later life.

The school is special and it is different. It is a busy, purposeful institution that looks to the future whilst preserving traditional and diverse values which our community cherish. We will continue to promote excellence through challenge and initiative.

Chay Davis
Headteacher

COLLEGE INFORMATION

Address:
GOLF LINKS LANE
WELLINGTON
TELFORD
SHROPSHIRE
TF1 2DT

Telephone: 01952 – 387300
Fax: 01952 – 387301
E-Mail: admin@admin.ercall-online.co.uk
Website: www.ercall-online.co.uk

Type of school:
A DfES DESIGNATED SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE with VOCATIONAL STATUS
A Foundation School
Leading Edge

Number of Year 7 places available at the College in September 2009: 180

Acting Headteacher:
Mr C Davis

Chair of Governors:
Mr K. Wagstaffe

Clerk to the Governing Board:
Mrs F. Barnett
c/o Ercall Wood Technology College

THE ETHOS OF ERCALL WOOD

The College believes that all students should enjoy equal access to a full range of educational opportunity during the compulsory years of schooling.

We believe that our students should:

  • develop their talents and abilities to the full,
  • appreciate the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life,
  • develop lively, enquiring minds and the ability to argue rationally,
  • acquire the self-discipline to apply themselves to tasks,
  • understand other people and respect their beliefs and their ways of life.

We promote an ethos of “excellence through challenge and initiative” and endeavour to meet this maxim in all aspects of college life.

Relationships are based on mutual respect and care for one another. Within this supportive framework our students are encouraged to work together positively and co-operatively.

We place a strong emphasis on achievements and success.

A clear disciplinary structure is in place and understood by all. We expect good behaviour of our students but where sanctions are necessary we involve parents at an early stage. Individual guidance is a key feature of our approach.

Students know that bullying is unacceptable. At Ercall Wood students are encouraged to report any incidents they see and so such incidents are rare.

We have an elected Student Council that meets regularly with senior staff.

SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE WITH VOCATIONAL STATUS

Ercall Wood is unique in Telford in being designated as both a Technology and Vocational Education College.

These are Government initiatives to promote high standards in Science, Maths, Design & Technology and Information Technology, and also provide a broad curriculum at Key Stage 4. This requires the College to continue to meet demanding targets in these areas.

The school holds many accolades. These include;

  • Investors in People
  • Investors in Careers
  • The Arts Mark
  • High Performing Specialist Schools Status

Parents will note the high level of provision in I.C.T. and the distinctive nature of our curriculum which aims to prepare pupils for life in the 21st century.

All subject areas benefit from investment in I.T. and our cross curricular links and strong partnerships with local industry enable us to offer a curriculum and ethos that drives pupils to higher achievement and stimulates their learning.

We are immensely proud of our Technology & Vocation College Status and the progress we have made under this scheme. Parents wishing to know more should discuss the benefits of our unique status with the Headteacher or any member of staff or Governing Body.

OFSTED INSPECTION

The College has been subject to the OFSTED Inspection process on three occasions in recent years. A OFSTED Inspectors, in September 2000 noted “Ercall Wood Technology College is a very effective school”, and in March 2006 observed, ‘Pupils’ achievement is good overall,’ and ‘Pupils enjoy coming to school and have positive attitudes towards learning’. In our most recent inspection in June 2009 OFSTED made the following observations;

  • ‘This is a good school’
  • ‘Good teaching can be seen throughout all departments’
  • ‘Students receive good quality care and guidance’
  • ‘Students’ personal development and well-being are good’
  • ‘Students feel safe’
  • ‘Students enjoy their lessons’
  • ‘Students are well informed about their future options for education and careers and the school liases well with other agencies’
  • ‘The Headteacher and senior leadership team are very effective in promoting school improvement at all levels’

A copy of the inspection report is available from the College. It can also be obtained from the OFSTED web site.

Charles Clarke, when he was Secretary of State for Education and Skills, singled out the College as one of the best in the country. He said:

“We applaud specialist schools with exceptional results. Ercall Wood Technology College has key stage three results which put it into the top one percent of all secondary schools based on student progress”.

“It is also in the top five percent for adding value at key stage four. This is excellent”.

Intake Programme
Leading to entry in September 2010

The purpose of these days and evenings is to provide information on:-

  • Teaching & Learning at Ercall Wood
  • The Pastoral System and student care
  • Facilities & opportunities available for students
  • The admission process for Academic Year beginning September 2010-01-26
  • Questions and discussions with the Acting Headteacher, Mr Chay Davis, Transition Co-ordinator and Head of Year 7, Mrs Sally McGlynn, and senior staff
  • Forming social and working relationships prior to September start.

We value these meetings with parents as they provide an opportunity for face-to-face discussion between teachers and prospective parents.

From May onwards the Head of Year 7, the Educational Welfare Officer, the Year 7 Learning Mentor and the Year 10 Peer Mentors will visit all feeder schools.

Our Learning Support department will liaise closely with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator in the primary schools.

Remember, you are welcome to visit Ercall Wood on any day of your choice. Experiencing the school on a normal working day is something all prospective parents are invited to do, please contact the school to arrange a suitable time.

Ercall Wood Technology College Uniform

College uniform is compulsory for all students. Keeping to the dress code helps to avoid conflict arising from students identifying with particular groups and also minimises any pressure to students from economic pressures. The emphasis is on a neat and tidy appearance so that students reflect credit on themselves and the college. All items of uniform should be clearly marked with the student’s name.

In the interest of safety, students travelling in the dark are advised to wear fluorescent armbands or sashes and all cyclists must wear a safety helmet.

COLLEGE UNIFORM

  • College blazer (Years 7, 8, 9 & 10),
  • Blue shirt,
  • Ercall Wood tie,
  • Black knee-length formal style skirt, or formal style trousers, for girls,
  • Black trousers for boys,
  • Black v-necked sweatshirt with college logo,
  • Black or white socks,
  • Black, flat sensible shoes.

To maintain this tidy appearance:

  • No trainers, no sweatshirts, no leather or denim jackets, no hoodies, fashion jackets or tracksuit tops,
  • No make up. Jewellery should be limited to a single stud in each ear and a watch,
  • There should be no other facial piercing,
  • No extremes of fashion or hairstyles including patterns cut into hair,
  • No radios or personal entertainment equipment
  • Mobile phones are allowed but must be switched off and stored safely during lesson hours

If in doubt check with school first!

Under Health & Safety Guidance the college will not accept students who wish to wear nose studs, eyebrow or other facial or body piercing.