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I hope this prospectus will give you an indication of the tremendous opportunities on offer at King Alfred School. Academic success is our top priority but achievement in the arts and sport is also very important. Children come to school to learn and they should do so in an atmosphere where they can feel secure and happy. Working in partnership with parents is the most effective way of ensuring that every child's full potential is reached. Nothing but the best is good enough for each student here. We have high expectations of King Alfred students because we value them and cherish their future. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. Together, we can make a difference! Yours sincerely, Mr A Owen (Headteacher)
 Please click the link to download a copy of our prospectus (KAS prospectus.pdf) OUR VALUES
* Successful learning is the best gift which we can give to all our students.
* We are committed to developing the “whole person” - in particular to building confidence and self esteem for both pupils and staff.
* We are all entitled to a sense of dignity. Relationships should encourage a sense of trust and mutual respect, within school and beyond.
* High and consistent expectations regarding effort and behaviour are the bedrock of progress and need to be maintained.
The school day
The school day is based upon 6 x 50 minute periods per day.
Registration ... ... ... 08.45 - 09.00
Period 1 ... ... ... ... 09.00 - 09.50
Period 2 ... ... ... ... 09.50 - 10.40
Morning Break ... ... ... 10.40 - 11.05
Period 3 ... ... ... ... 11.05 - 11.55
Period 4 ... ... ... ... 11.55 - 12.45
Lunch ... ... ... ... 12.45 - 13.25
Period 5 inc. registration 13.25 - 14.20
Period 6 ... ... ... ... 14.20 - 15.10
The school library is open until 4.10pm Monday - Thursday for any students who would like to do homework or research. Lunchtime Arrangements
Suitable classrooms are open for pupils to use at lunchtimes. There are numerous activities offered for pupils to be involved in, eg sports activities. The school is fortunate in having an excellent canteen supplying food of a very high standard. Pupils are able to have a school lunch or bring a packed lunch from home. Pupils who wish to leave the school premises at lunch time will be issued with a ‘lunch pass’ provided that we receive written permission from home. Once pupils are off site they become the responsibility of their parents. We would prefer students to stay on the school premises at lunchtime.
Joining Us
The designated feeder schools for King Alfred School are as follows :-
St Andrew’s C of E School
St Joseph’s R C School
Berrow C of E School
Brent Knoll C of E School
East Huntspill School
St John’s C of E School
Pawlett Primary School
West Huntspill Primary School Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school at any time. For pupils transferring from primary school to secondary school we aim to make the transition as smooth as possible. For example, all ‘new’ Year 7 pupils spend a couple of days at King Alfred’s in July prior to joining us in September. Meetings are also held with parents. Each student becomes a member of a ‘tutor group’ of not more than 30 students. The tutor stays with this group for five years and becomes the natural contact point between home and school. Somerset Local Authority is the admission authority for this school and places are allocated in accordance with their published arrangements. The Curriclum
The curriculum is based upon the the requirements of the National Curriculum. The subjects are as follows:-
Key Stage 3 Years 7 and 8 English, Mathematics, Science, French, German, Technology, History, Geography, Religious Education, Physical Education, Drama, Music, Art, Information and Communications Technology Key Stage 4 Years 9, 10 and 11 Students undertake their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) courses. The compulsory curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Personal and Social Development. There is a degree of choice from a full range of subjects. Sex Education
Sex Education will be provided for all pupils as part of the normal curriculum in a manner appropriate to their age and development. It will be presented as part of a wider teaching programme, mainly in the areas of Personal and Social Development and Science. There will be an emphasis on the importance of family life, personal relationships and responsibilities.
Sport
Our sporting aim is to provide a broad, balanced programme of activities which will enable pupils to continue with an active, healthy life style. Activities taught include gymnastics, dance, athletics, badminton, basketball, tennis and volleyball, as well as the more traditional games such as hockey, football, netball, rugby and cricket.
The school has excellent on-site facilities including an astro-turf pitch, tennis courts and fully equipped sports hall with squash courts and a fitness room. The Mission Statement for Sports colleges
Sports Colleges will raise standards of achievement in physical education and sports for all their students across the ability range.They will be regional focal points for Excellence in PE and community sport, extending links between families of schools, sportsbodies and communities, sharing resources and developing and spreading good practice, helping to provide a structure through which young people can progress to careers in sport and PE. Sports Colleges will increase participation in physiacal education and sport for pre and post 16 year olds and develop the potential of talented performers.
Religious Education
Religious Education follows the agreed Somerset syllabus. Religious Education and collective worship will be broadly Christian in character but will take into account the teaching and practices of other principal religions. Parents who wish their children to be excused from either Religious Education or the daily act of collective worship should make their request in writing to the Headteacher.
Careers Education
Careers education forms part of the Personal and Social Education curriculum from Year 9 onwards. Students have access to careers teachers and intervews with staff from ‘Somerset Connexions’. All students in Year 10 undertake work experience.
Homework
Homework encourages pupils to work on their own and to extend and develop learning from lessons during the school day. It is set in all years, increasing in amount as the pupil progresses through the school.
In the Lower School, homework is set to supplement work done in the classroom and to promote good work habits. Once the students are on external examination courses homework becomes essential and it is doubtful they will achieve their full potential regarding external examination qualifications unless work is undertaken outside of school. Homework is recorded in the School Diary and parents are requested to sign this weekly. School Uniform
A uniform creates a sense of belonging. It helps students to develop a sense of pride in themselves and in their school. School uniform is therefore compulsory in Years 7-11. We do not accept facial jewellery or inappropiate hairstyles. Although there is no uniform for sixth form students we reserve the right to insist on appropriate dress.
Black Shoes - not trainers
Black Trousers/Skirt - conventional design
*Conventional white shirt/blouse with logo
*Burgundy V-Neck Sweat Shirt
*These items are only available from the school.
Physical Education Girls Boys Scarlet Polo Shirt Scarlet Polo Shirt
Navy Shorts Navy Shorts
Scarlet Socks Scarlet Rugby Shirt (reversible)
Towel Scarlet Socks
Training Shoes Football Boots
Navy Tracksuit Trousers Training Shoes
Towel
NB Cycling shorts are not permitted. Discipline and Sanctions
The King Alfred School has high expectations when it comes to the behaviour of our students. These are summarised in our Code of Conduct.
Code of Conduct
Respect Others
At all times respect other people - fellow pupils, teachers and others who help us in our school.
Respect Property
Respect your own and other people’s property.
On the Move
When moving around the school keep to the left in corridors and on stairs and behave sensibly.
School Environment
Take care of our school environment and help keep it attractive, clean and tidy.
Punctuality / Appearance / Equipment
Be on time for school lessons, properly dressed in school uniform and with the books and personal possessions needed for the day.
A happy school is one where high standards of behaviour are maintained and the support of parents is invaluable in helping us to achieve this aim. The school uses a variety of sanctions including after school detention. Parents will be given 24 hours notice of our intention to detain a pupil at the end of the school day. If problems persist the school will always make contact with parents and work in partnership to help resolve the situation. Bullying is a problem found in every school. King Alfred School takes bullying seriously, although its incidence is quite low. Our anti-bullying code is outlined below: Anti-Bullying Code
1. Every pupil at KAS has the right to live their lives at school free from fear and intimidation.- 2. Everyone in this school has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Unkind actions or remarks are not tolerated.
- 3. Any unkind action or comment which causes upset to another will be called bullying.
- 4. We are a ‘telling’ school - bullying is too important not to report.
- 5. No one deserves to be bullied. This school takes bullying seriously. Every reported incident of bullying will be followed up and appropriate action will be taken.
IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS BEING BULLIED THEN: TELL SOMEONE (YOUR TUTOR, TEACHER, YOUR PARENTS) School Visits
The King Alfred School is outward looking in its approach to the educational provision for its pupils. The school is committed to learning through experience and as such organises field trips, theatre visits, sporting fixtures, social and ‘educational’ activities. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is well established in the school. If these visits are an essential part of the curriculum then no charge is made. However most of these enrichment activties do require a contribution
Special Educational Needs
A number of students at The King Alfred School have additional or special education needs which may be of a permanent or temporary nature. These students are fully integrated into mainstream classes and have access to the whole curriculum. The Learning Support Department consists of specially trained and experienced teachers who support pupils with special needs both inside and outside the classroom.
The Sixth Form
The King Alfred School has an ‘open’ Sixth Form with no academic bar on entry. There are, however, certain minimum qualifications that are necessary for entrance to certain courses. It is clear that young people with skills and qualifications are and will continue to be highly sought. This need for qualifications is perhaps one of the most logical reasons for continuing in education beyond 16. The King Alfred Sixth Form has a sound record of preparing young adults to enter employment, training and institutions of higher education.
A Focus on Achievement
We believe that rewarding children for their achievements helps to motivate them to do even better. ‘Merits’, certificates and prizes are all part of our reward system.
AND FINALLY...... If this prospectus does not contain something that you wish to know about please do not hesitate to contact the school
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Prospectus 
