Most people reading this prospectus will be making the important choice of school for their children.
At Lavington we understand the need to ensure a smooth transition from primary to a safe and caring secondary school. There is a strong sense of community at our school, where students feel valued and are given opportunities to develop as empowered learners.
The positive relationships which exist between students and staff are a real strength at Lavington. This allows children to develop into young men and women who are able to work independently and collaboratively, to make their own decisions and to take responsibility for themselves and others.
Secondary education comes at a crucial phase in life-preparation, and all our staff delight in helping students fulfil their potential. We provide challenge and support for all learners, and believe in praise, reward, encouragement and the celebration of success.
Working in partnership with parents and the wider community, we believe Lavington provides the best preparation for our students to move on to the next stage of their education and development.
Martin Watson
Headteacher
“I’ve really enjoyed coming to Lavington. It’s brilliant and I’ve made lots of new friends.” (Connor, Year 7)
“One of the greatest features of Lavington is the trust they put in you. I am a prefect, a paired reader, a peer mentor and a form representative, and served on committees, and I’m not even in my final year!” (Rob, Year 10)
“The teachers at Lavington School showed me respect, believed in me and showed me where to go. Now after give years, I can respect myself, believe in myself and know exactly where I’m going and how to get there.” (Katie, Year 11)
We are a popular, successful 11 – 16 mixed comprehensive. Students, parents, staff and governors are proud of their school.
“The school is very effective. By the time pupils leave the school they have done much better than others in similar schools. This is partly because of the quality of teaching, which is very good for the oldest pupils and good for the younger ones, but is also because of the way the school works hard to establish very good attitudes to learning in all year groups. This means that pupils and teachers are working together to make standards as high as possible. The school’s costs are low for its size and location, so it provides excellent value for money”. (Ofsted)
Our school has always enjoyed a good reputation, but we never allow ourselves to become complacent. We strive to maintain and improve standards, review the education we provide and introduce syustems, structures and approaches to teaching which will further improve learning. We aim to provide challenging learning activities through well-planned lessons, using a wide range of teaching methods.
“Lavington School has given me many opportunities to reach my full potential and to give back to the school what it gave to me”. (Chloe, Year 10)
We are a specialise Mathematics and Computing School, through which we develop expertise and opportunities in these subjects for the benefit of all students, partner primary schools and the wider community. Importantly, all subject areas within school benefit from our specialist status.
“Lavington School provides an encouraging and stimulating atmosphere to help us learn and enjoy ourselves.” (Joe, Year 10)
“Links with feeder primary schools are very good, and so new pupils are enthusiastic about coming to Lavington School” (Ofsted)
Working closely with primary schools, we provide a smooth transition to secondary education. Through our links with colleges, sixth forms and the careers service, we provide the comprehensive guidance to all students in year 11 to allow them to make an informed choice about their future when they leave us.
“After a week I felt I totally belonged. It wasn’t a big step like your parents say. For me it felt like a small shuffle.” (Elena, Year 7)
At Lavington we know that our students [progress well, develop fully and achieve most by staff working closely with you, the parents. Staff are always willing to discuss individual concerns and to provide support and advice for you. We are fortunate that our parents recognise the value of a partnership between home and school.
“Parents have very positive views of the school. They are very clear that their children are expected to work hard and are encouraged to become mature and responsible.” (Ofsted)
Teaching in year 7, is mainly in mixed-ability groups with setting, according to ability, in Mathematics, Science and English within a month or so of the start of the year. Setting is based on information from primary schools, KS3 SAT results, Cognitive Ability Tests and our own assessment. When students join the school in Year 7 they are able to study French as their main language. The advice of their teachers in primary school is sought before students are allocated to tutor groups and we always do our best to keep friends together where this is likely to be constructive.
When students move into Years 8 and 9, they will tend to be taught with peers of similar ability. Our timetabling structure demands the creation of some agreed setting according to their demonstrated ability and potential but subjects are set independently as much as possible. The Arts, Design and Technology continue to be taught in mixed ability groups.
As students move through year 9, they will be formally considering their career aspirations and will be able to make informed decisions about their choices of optional GCSE courses towards the end of the spring term. Parents are encouraged to attend the ‘Options Evening’ to find out more about the courses and choices available. Students will complete their study of some subjects at the end of Year 9.
“Lavington School is a great environment for learning. The staff are especially great when it comes to options at the end of Year 9 and have great guidance.” (Laura, Year 9)
In Years 10 and 11, students will follow a core course of National Curriculum subjects along with their chosen ‘optional courses’. Most students will follow most courses to GCSE level and Entry Levels are taken by students for whom GCSE is not appropriate. (A list of courses offered appears in curriculum section).
The more able, gifted and talented students are given opportunities to stretch themselves, within lessons and beyond the normal curriculum.
“The quality of education is good. Teachers have high expectations of work and behaviour to which pupils respond”. (Ofsted)
A Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship Programme forms the basis of the tutorial work from year 7 through to Year 11. This course includes, amongst other aspects, Health Education, Careers Education, Citizenship, Study Skills, Education for Personal Relationships, Drugs Education and Sex Education.
“Pupils’ personal qualities, including their spiritual moral, social and cultural development are very good”. (Ofsted)
Support for those students with Special Educational Needs is provided throughout the school, with particular efforts being concentrated in years 7, 8 and 9, and with Teaching Assistants providing help within normal lessons. Some may be withdrawn from certain lessons, or from assemblies, to work individually or in small groups. (Please refer to our policy)
“The curriculum provides very well for pupils with special educational needs, with teaching assistants making a significant contribution”. (Ofsted)
A variety of clubs are organised at lunchtime and after school by students and staff. Such clubs have included drama, music, chess, computing, art, a variety of sports and even advanced theoretical physics!
“You can do lots of sports and meet NEW FRIENDS AND THE TEACHERS ARE SO NICE!" (Ryan, Year 7)
Teams compete against other schools in many sports, and we have inter-form competitions throughout the year.
“I walked in hating PE . . . I ran out representing Wiltshire!” (Jo, Year 11)
Every year there are opportunities for students to perform in drama productions and musical concerts. Music and drama groups meet to practise during lunchtime and after school and a very large number take the opportunity to learn instruments with visiting teachers.
There are numerous educational field visits to support most aspects of the curriculum such as Geography to Lulworth Cove and Devizes, History to castles, the Big Pit and the First World War Battlefields of Belgium, Art to galleries, here and abroad, Science to museums and many, many more.
There are also opportunities to go to France and Germany on both study and recreational visits.
We make full use of the Wiltshire County Council Outdoor Centre in the Brecon Beacons. Students from Year 9 have the opportunity to spend a week there canoeing, climbing, caving and walking.
In Years 10 and 11, students are able to join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme that attracts around 50 of our students for bronze and silver awards. A ski trip runs alternate years.
“The curriculum is good and there is a good range of opportunities for enrichment.” (Ofsted)
Students are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for themselves and others, as buddies, form representatives, sports captains, student council members, peer mentors, prefects . . .
“As a prefect and a sports captain, I have found that the school is extremely supportive and very caring. Everyone always looks out for each other at Lavington.” (Kate, Year 11)
“In our school you feel free to ask any staff about your problems.” (Ryan, Year 9)
“Lavington School is a friendly environment where students feel safe to ask questions about their work.” (Tom, year 9)
Students are allocated to a tutor group, and the tutor moves with them as they progress up the school. This enables them to establish a strong supportive relationship with the students and their parents. Pastoral Leaders have the expertise for advice and guidance at different stages in the school and so remain with Lower School (Year 7 and Primary Liaison), Middle School (Years 8 and i) and Upper School (Years 10 and 11).
“Pupils who have difficulties, whether to do with learning or behaviour, are very well provided for and cared for throughout the school.” (Ofsted)
Additional support and guidance is provided by our Pastoral Support Managers and a variety of external agencies as and when required.
In Year 7, 8 and 9 parents have two opportunities to discuss their child’s progress; once with the tutor and once with subject teachers. In Year 10 and Year 11, the subject consultation evenings are used to discuss GCSE progress and levels of entry. A report is written for parents every year for each subject. In addition, Interim Reports provide a snapshot of achievement and effort during the year. The ‘School Year’ section of this prospectus describes the present pattern of meetings.
“I really love the friendly and positive atmosphere at Lavington School. It encourages you to learn willingly.” (Megan, year 9)
Information about the curriculum, and how parents can help, is provided via curriculum booklets issued in the autumn to Year 7, 8 and 9 students. Information about GCSE courses is given via meetings and booklets during Year 9 and at the beginning of Year 10. Advice on revising and examination technique is provided for students and parents early in year 11.
“Students’ achievement is very good overall. The quality of education is good. Teaching is good.” (Ofsted)
“The whole school made me feel good.” (Yusuf, Year 7)
Lavington School,
Devizes,
Wiltshire,
SN10 4EB
Tel: 01380 812352
Fax: 01380 818492
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