The Westgate is a community of learners where partnerships inspire success for all: learning together - achieving excellence School Prospectus
As a thriving and highly successful learning community, The Westgate is founded on a tradition of high academic achievement and exemplary pupil support. At the heart of our success is the strength of partnership that exists between pupils, adults in school and, their families. We believe that every young person should feel a sense of belonging in our school community and enjoy their learning. As a result of this, individuals will leave with the skills and resources to take the next step in their lives, confident in their strengths and prepared to meet the challenges of the future. As Hampshire’s first all-through school, The Westgate is uniquely placed to understand the learning journey from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to GCSE. We have strong links between the phases in our school and in particular, in Physical Education, the Arts, Modern Foreign Languages and in Mathematics. Colleagues bring a wealth of experience and knowledge about how pupils learn and are always actively seeking ways to extend, challenge and support pupils in their learning. Welcome ...
We enjoy a close relationship with our linked primaries, sharing their values and allowing us to plan for a smooth transition as pupils move from the primary phase on to the secondary phase at The Westgate. Our strong partnership with local schools, working together for the benefit of pupils in our community, is something of which we are proud. We invite you to be part of our success. Visitors are most welcome and if you would like to arrange a visit then please email contact@westgate.hants.sch.uk or contact the School Office. Mrs Fae-Anna Dean Headteacher B.A. (Hons), PGCE, M.A. (Ed.), NPQH, MCCT
Learning Together - Achi
A Community of Learning... Being a high achieving, successful learning community only happens as a result of genuine collaboration. Every young person is unique and so we seek to provide a range of different learning opportunities in which every individual can excel. The Early Years Foundation Stage is framed around the characteristics of effective learning: • playing • exploring • active learning • creating • thinking critically These provide a foundation for learning upon which our curriculum in the Primary and Secondary Schools are built. Our central purpose is for children to develop into young people who are happy and effective learners. We achieve this by being a community of learning where adults and pupils alike are committed to this central aim and work in strong partnership with parents to inspire success for all. Adults working with children and young people in our school use a process of observation, assessment and planning to identify the learning and developmental needs of each child and young person. Alongside knowledge of individual interests, we plan opportunities for learning that are stimulating and engaging, leading to strong progress right from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 11. In addition to the specified curriculum, pupils in The Westgate will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities that enhance and enrich the curriculum. The all-through setting provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn from their peers and through the teaching of younger pupils. This powerful model for learning is one that permeates our culture and further enriches the community of learning. ...Achieving Excellence. Based on the principles of a growth mindset, the practice of teaching and learning at The Westgate School encourages children and young people to be led by their curiosity and to be prepared to use mistakes as the best opportunities for learning. This begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage where pupils are encouraged to make decisions about how to do things, to explain their thinking and to be resilient in their efforts. This theme continues through our practice in the Primary and Secondary Phases where teaching colleagues will encourage pupils to verbalise the decision making process, explaining how they reached a particular conclusion or why they chose a specific method for doing something in order that they gain even better control over their learning and can apply skills to new situations. A golden thread throughout learning in all subjects and stages at The Westgate is the development of Literacy and Mathematical skills which are a foundation for learning in all disciplines and lead to strong outcomes at examination level and for post-16 learning. At The Westgate, we believe that through our exemplary partnerships with parents and young people, we can inspire a love of learning - something that is intrinsically linked to the development of individual self-esteem and motivation. In our school, there is no separation between our commitment to academic success and the wellbeing of the children and young people in our community. eving Excellence
A Curriculum for Learning Primary Phase (Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2) Our Primary Phase curriculum is uniquely shaped by the breadth and depth of expertise available in our all-through setting and, by our vision for learning in the primary years. There are golden threads that run through the curriculum and inform Westgate’s teaching and learning. In particular, pupils are encouraged to adopt a Growth Mindset: to understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and learning, and persistence. Pupils are encouraged to have high expectations of themselves and to develop resilience in their learning. At The Westgate School, we believe that a strong foundation in the Early Years Foundation Stage includes an early mastery of the basic skills in Year R, enabling all pupils to successfully access the wider curriculum as they progress through the primary years and beyond. Initial reading and writing skills are taught in Reception and KS1 classes through Letters and Sounds programme, providing pupils with a rigorous and thorough grounding. Handwriting skills are taught with the aim of enabling all pupils to write with a confident, joined and fluent script. The Early Years Foundation Stage provision at The Westgate School - Year R Children are nurtured within a play based curriculum which is broad, planned and balanced using indoors and outdoors spaces with both adult led and child initiated learning. The play is enjoyable, devised to promote thinking and problem solving, improve language competence and encourages the exploration and investigation of materials. In the Early Years Foundation Stage at The Westgate School, we aim to develop and nurture the Characteristics of Effective Learning in all our children. These characteristics are: playing and exploring, active learning, creating and, thinking critically; together they enable children to become happy and effective learners. Our specialist Early Years Foundation Stage Leader oversees provision in our Primary Phase and liasies with pre-school and nursery settings.
Through our maths curriculum, we aim to develop pupils’ early mastery of maths skills together with a deep understanding and real enjoyment of mathematics. Pupils are provided with regular opportunities to apply their maths skills in a range of contexts. Pupils are taught using a concrete, pictorial, abstract approach in order to develop a deep understanding. Pupils are given opportunities to reason and apply their skills. Planned around half-termly topics, the curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn subject-specific knowledge and understanding, explore links across subject areas and practise their writing. Each topic begins with an enrichment activity such as an educational visit or special event that captures the children’s interest and imagination and builds towards a showcase event such as an exhibition or assembly where children’s learning can be shared and celebrated. Our curriculum includes discrete teaching in the foundation subjects, specifically Spanish, PE, Music and Computing are planned and co-taught by subject specialists from Year 3. As pupils progress through the Primary Phase they will receive a breadth of subject specialist teaching using specialist facilities in a range of subject areas including Science, Design and Technology and, Computing. Pupils’ confident and assured use of new technology is developed through its application across the curriculum. Discrete skills in coding and programming are taught over the primary years which culminates in a programming project in Year 6 led by a specialist teacher of computing. The RE curriculum follows Hampshire’s syllabus, ‘Living Difference’, reflecting mainly Christian traditions of Great Britain whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. Relationships, Sex and Health Education is taught through our Personal Development Curriculum by each class teacher. Throughout pupils’ learning journey in the primary phases, input from subject specialists will be part of discrete teaching in subjects such as History, Geography and Art.
Secondary Phase - Year 7 and 8 (Key Stage 3) The curriculum at Westgate’s Secondary Phase is uniquely shaped by the breadth and depth of expertise available in its all-through setting. We believe that the curriculum should enable all pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for a successful future therefore, it is designed to provide learners with a rich experience of different subjects and learning opportunities. In Years 7 and 8 (Key Stage 3) pupils follow a balanced curriculum including the core subjects of English, Maths and Science alongside a wide range of Foundation subjects. In English and Maths the curriculum builds on the core skills that pupils will have learnt at Primary school, extending their experience and application of these skills to a deeper level in readiness for the challenges of Key Stage 4 (Years 9 to 11). In Science, the focus is on enquiry led learning, linking scientific exploration with real world examples and drawing together a number of strands in scientific thinking from biology, chemistry and physics that enables learners to see the relevance to every day life. Strong partnerships with our linked primary schools mean that all pupils, regardless of where they attended primary education, will experience a curriculum in these core subjects that builds on their prior learning to ensure that rapid and sustained progress is made throughout Key Stage 3. High quality teaching means that at The Westgate, we recognise that young people’s talents and challenges vary across subjects and therefore, whether an individual needs individual support or greater extension, we are able to respond to this through our curriculum design and delivery. In addition to the core subjects, our curriculum includes discrete teaching in History, Geography and RE. Relationships, Sex and Health Education is taught in discrete lessons in Year 7 and through the Personal Development Curriculum in tutor times, supported by a rich assembly programme and termly small group/1:1 mentoring and discussion sessions. The Personal Development Curriculum comprises of 4 key areas: Relationships, Sex and Health Education; Perspectives - Equalities and Diversity; Social, Moral, spiritual and Cultural Development; The Westgate Challenge and, Personal, Social and Health Education - including careers. Languages, the Arts, Technology, Computing and Physical Education are all part of the weekly timetable and delivered in purposefully designed teaching areas that maximise learning opportunities. We have specialist teachers in all subject areas whose enthusiasm for their subject resonates through the schemes of learning that pupils experience in Key Stage 3. More details about our curriculum can be found on our website: https://www.westgate.hants.sch.uk/secondary-phase-curriculum A Curriculum for Learning
Secondary Phase – Year 9 (Greater Depth, Breadth and Extension) In recognition of the strong progress made by pupils at The Westgate throughout Key Stage 3, we begin our Key Stage 4 curriculum from Year 9. Careful planning of the timetable and curriculum allows us to increase the range of subjects from which pupils can choose for Year 9 according to the individual’s strengths, interests, and - in consultation with parents. The Year 9 curriculum is characterised by broader opportunities and greater depth: pupils can experience new subjects such as Photography, Media Studies and Religious Education as discrete option subjects whilst continuing with core national curriculum. Most pupils in Year 9 will also experience an introduction to Latin through the English Curriculum. Meanwhile, it is expected that the great majority of pupils will continue their learning in Humanities, MFL and Arts subjects beyond Year 9 to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum is experienced. The school takes a varied approach to the organisation of teaching groups to ensure that the challenges of learning in different disciplines are effectively met. Pupils in Year 9 continue to receive a discrete lesson in computing as part of their core provision. More experienced learners in maths who would like to pursue the subject beyond Key Stage 4 also have the opportunity to take a Level 2 qualification in Further Maths (subject to uptake/course availability). By the end of Year 9, pupils will have a second opportunity to focus their learning as they choose their subjects for examination entry. Again, we strongly encourage all pupils to continue with a second Language and a subject in Humanities because alongside a range of other subject disciplines, qualifications in these disciplines are a sound foundation for post-16 learning. Years 10 and 11 (GCSE) In Years 9 to 11, the core subjects of English, Maths and Science will focus on the GCSE syllabi and a choice of either Double or Triple Sciences. Nearly all pupils will take GCSE English and Literature in our school as part of their core provision. Where pupils have particular interests in music or sport, the school provides ample opportunities for them to pursue their interests even if not taken as an examination subject. We actively promote these opportunities in our school and are keen to celebrate the achievements of our pupils in their participation of these additional learning opportunities. As a flagship school for Hampshire Music Service, our thriving extra-curricular music and sports programmes in which a great majority of pupils participate, are a key part of the all-through school provision,facilitating rich learning opportunities where younger and older pupils are working in partnership and learning together. In addition to the core subjects, our Key Stage 4 curriculum includes discrete teaching in RE (from which parents may withdraw their child). Relationships, Sex and Health Education is taught in discrete lessons in Year 10 and through the Personal Development Curriculum in tutor times, supported by a rich assembly programme and termly small group/1:1 mentoring and discussion sessions. The Personal Development Curriculum comprises of 4 key areas: Relationships, Sex and Health Education; Perspectives - Equalities and Diversity; Social, Moral, spiritual and Cultural Development; the Westgate Challenge and, Personal, Social and Health Education - including careers. Curriculum for LearninSecondary Phase
Enhancing the Curriculum Partnerships… Home Learning and Preparation Young people need opportunities to practise their learning in a variety of situations and ways therefore, learning beyond the classroom is varied and reflect the opportunities outside of the formal classroom environment. This is not distinct to the Primary and Secondary Phases, but begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage where the continuity of learning between Nursery and home enables children to make good progress. In the Primary and Secondary Phases, we expect colleagues to set home learning that reflects the wider environment and encourages pupils to be inspired by the world around them – just as they are in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our bespoke Handbooks for Learning are structured to support the different types of learning so that as pupils move through Key Stage 3 and in to Key Stage 4, they are able to make effective decisions about planning their home learning time. We use MS Teams and EduLink to supplement the recording of home learning. We value the opportunity for young people to engage with project work and therefore, in Years 7 and 8, pupils may participate in cross-curricular home learning projects. These projects are set by Humanities, the Arts and Technology according to their curriculum plans – offering pupils the chance to demonstrate commitment to a longer assignment and show their skills in a variety of ways, unique to their own talents. In addition to the formal home learning tasks, time is also taken into account for pupils’ participation in enrichment activities which are valued highly in our learning community. In Key Stage Four, pupils will receive discrete home learning tasks in all of their subjects on a weekly basis.
Inspiring... Deep Learning Days & Days of Culture At The Westgate School we believe that deep learning is the key to success: children and young pupils must have opportunities to spend extended amounts of time practising their skills and gaining knowledge on a deep and conceptual level. To that end, our school year is punctuated by days when the timetable will be adjusted to allow pupils to spend a whole day in a specific area of learning that may be linked to their GCSE option choices or indeed, may follow a whole school theme. During Deep Learning Days, it is not unusual to see older pupils working with younger pupils or indeed, learning in different settings and benefitting from the rich learning environment that our setting has to offer. As part of our Perspectives programme, all pupils are involved in learning about different cultures as part of deep learning days. Literacy for Learning Being able to read and write with confidence is a fundamental right and one that we are passionate about in our all-through school. Even before formal schooling begins in Year R, children will be experiencing the language and communication skills which are the building blocks for future learning. In Year R, a programme of phonics (Letters and Sounds) is taught alongside reading and handwriting which quickly enables children to become confident in these skills – the early stages of which will have already begun at home. As part of our partnership with parents, we offer events to share techniques for teaching reading and writing which enable parents to support learning at home. This focus on communication skills continues throughout the Primary and Secondary Phases where all colleagues, regardless of their subject specialism, are teachers of literacy and communication skills. Pupils’ Handbooks for Learning provide a helpful reference for pupils and parents when completing home learning. Because we believe so strongly in the importance of these skills, teaching colleagues identify individuals who may need additional support and refer them to our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator who works with a team of highly skilled Learning Support colleagues to meet individual needs. All Teaching Assistants in our school actively promote Literacy for Learning in every lesson and in partnership with classroom teachers. Maths Across the Curriculum In our school, Maths is considered to be a core basic skill. Although increasingly taught as a discrete subject throughout the Primary and Secondary Phases, the fundamentals of Maths underpin many subjects across the curriculum and for this reason, we ask all teachers to consider it as part of their daily practice. In Music, pupils will need to apply their maths skills when composing or indeed, talking about rhythm and structure; in Physical Education, spatial awareness is key if pupils are to judge the distance for throwing a ball or indeed, planning their next move on the football pitch. In Photography, pupils need to judge the angle and distance of their pictures for particular effect and similarly in history, understanding the chronology of events requires mathematical skills. These are just a few examples of where learning in this core subject is applicable across the curriculum, to all ages of pupil and something to which we are committed in our school.
Success… Success at The Westgate takes a number of forms. We pride ourselves on excellent outcomes at each Key Stage as well as exceptional GCSE results which manifest from the expertise of teaching colleagues as well as productive partnerships across our whole learning community. However, success takes different forms for individuals and whilst we celebrate skills and talents of your child as an individual during their journey through our school, we are equally committed to supporting them in their progression from The Westgate to post-16 choices. The Westgate works closely with local colleges and offers one-to-one advice to all pupils on pathways to education, training and employment once they leave us. It is testament to the success that young people feel having been part of our learning community, that many of them choose to stay in touch and support our school in later life. Key to our success is the strength of pupil leadership in our school. In Key Stage 4 we have a team of prefects, ably led by Senior Prefects and our Head Boy, Head Girl, Head Pupil all-through who take responsibility for a number of events throughout the school year; they also support adults in school by leading duties as well as working with younger pupils. We welcome your attendance at our open mornings which are led by prefects and supported by pupils from our wider school community who will look forward to showing you around our school. In addition to prefects, we also have pupils who support the school community and partnerships with adults through their charity work, operating as a team for a common cause beyond our own immediate needs. Pupil leaders are also invited to contribute to the reviewing and writing of school policies as appropriate. The school has a Pupil Support Team working closely with teaching colleagues in school as well as having expert knowledge of sources of support beyond our learning community. Together, these colleagues ensure that where a young person face challenges, they have access to additional support and guidance complementing our tutoring model and helping individuals continue on their pathway to success. Every pupil in the Secondary Phase has at least one half - termly mentoring session with their Tutor who is responsible for delivering the programme for Personal Development.
Learning Together… Field Work, Visits and The Arts Teaching colleagues are passionate about making learning in their subject applicable to life outside of school. At the Westgate School, pupils will have opportunities to participate in planned enrichment activities that are integral to the way in which our curriculum is taught. Examples of this might include field work in Geography, outdoor learning in the primary phase and regular theatre visits to enrich pupils’ learning in Drama. Learning outside of the classroom begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage where the concept of free-flow, children moving their learning to different settings, is encouraged and supported through the design of our fantastic buildings. Similarly, we encourage pupils to learn together through enrichment activities such as participating in our regular music concerts. Our musical groups and choirs are varied and represent a range of experience. It is also not unusual to see adult members of our school community participating in musical events – another example of our community of learning in practice. In the Primary Phase, pupils will take part in music and drama, supported by older pupils and specialist teachers. A highlight of our school calendar is our carol concert in Winchester Cathedral which sees performances representative of all members of our learning community, including the participation of all pupils in Year 7. The Westgate School is a flagship school for Hampshire Music Service with whom we enjoy close partnership to the benefit of our young musicians. In addition to structured enrichment activities, the School has a wide range of clubs that support learning and foster enthusiasm for a subject. Pupils can choose to attend Art or Humanities clubs where they are immersed in extended learning and are supported informally by specialist teaching colleagues. Our Home Learning Club offers additional support where pupils can enjoy working in our Learning Resource Centre with other pupils providing support or, with the help of older pupils. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a nationally recognised scheme designed to extend the life experiences of young people. We are the biggest DofE school centre in Hampshire. Participants choose to support our school community through volunteering to read with Primary Phase pupils or, by helping at after school clubs. We work with pupils in planning their routes, choosing and cooking their foods and how to pack and carry their loads over the two day journey. Throughout the whole adventure our large number of trained colleagues are on hand to guide and support. All pupils participate in The Westgate Community Challenge which is modelled on the D of E Award. Enriching the Curriculum
…Achieving Excellence. The Westgate has a long history of academic excellence; enrichment activities are not only part of this, but are central to our School’s ethos. As a member of The Westgate community, excellence is both about achieving good results and, demonstrating excellent learning skills. We celebrate this not only through academic results, but through participation; our annual Sports Presentation Evening the School’s Honours Evening recognise individual journeys to excellence in a wide range of learning experiences. Each year we mark the achievements of our Year 11 pupils with a Presentation Evening - a very proud evening for our school.
We are delighted to be able to offer a broad range of extra-curricular activities that pupils are able to participate in. Our trips provide pupils the opportunity to learn together in new environments and also, with pupils of different age groups. All trips are designed to enrich pupils’ understanding of the subjects they are learning as well as supporting their development in skills such as team work. We include just a few examples of our programme but many others will take place during the school year. As an inclusive school, we ensure that pupils don’t have barriers to participation and therefore, are happy to discuss with any parent how we might support in joining a trip. The Ardeche & Other Residentials Our annual water sports trip and other residentials take place throughout the year, starting with a Year 7 residential in the autumn term. The Ardeche (usually offered in Year 8) is a twin centre setting – the Mimosa Centre in the Mediterranean and the Domaine de Segries activity centre in the Ardeche. As well as a three day exhilarating canoe descent of the Ardeche gorge, pupils will also experience windsurfing, kayaking and sailing to name but a few. Fully qualified instructions lead all activities, supervised by colleagues from The Westgate. This trip is a fantastic opportunity for pupils in Key Stage 3 to learn in a different setting and in partnership with adults and each other. Ski-Trip The School often runs a ski-trip that is open to pupils in the Secondary Phase. Pupils of all abilities and experience with skiing are welcome to participate on this trip which is led by qualified ski instructors in partnership with colleagues from our school. Whether a beginner or experienced skier, this trip supports pupils in learning valuable skills of determination and learning together. Learning Together…Discovery Days & Days of Culture These are scheduled events for deeper learning in our school calendar, taking place throughout the year and involving all pupils. A menu of activities is open to pupils across the age groups and working within a flexible timescale. The timetable is suspended for a day and pupils will be immersed in a range of activities appropriate to their age and stage; these include: learning about money and finance; spending additional time on a KS4 project; learning about different cultures or, being immersed in a creative activity. Partnerships...our House and Year Teams The Westgate has House teams that span all year groups in addition to Year teams. Pupils are members of either Fire, Air, Water or Earth Houses, which are central to our learning as an all-through school. Events throughout the year give pupils the opportunity to earn points for their Houses as well as celebrate their talents and skills in a range of activities. Regular House assemblies are held and House teams, led by House Leaders, are also linked closely to our annual Day of Sports. Pupils collect stamps towards for their House and a healthy sense of competition builds team spirit across the year groups. FIRE AIR WATER EARTH
…Beyond the Classroom The Westgate Community Challenge All pupils are part of The Westgate Community Challenge which is linked to our house system, all-through. When joining our school, pupils are members of a class/tutor group as well as a vertical house structure. Throughout the year pupils participate in whole school activities – such as sports day – as well as contribute through pupil leadership groups and by participating in extra-curricular music or opportunities such as the debating club. Pupils earn points for their house through our daily stamps (secondary phase – reported to parents through EduLink) as well as receiving additional merits in recognition for exceptional contribution, effort or achievement. The Duke of Edinburgh Award This is a nationally recognised scheme designed to extend the life experiences of young people. We are the biggest DofE school centre in Hampshire. Participants choose to support our school community through volunteering to read with Primary Phase pupils or, by helping at after school clubs. Others look further afield and volunteer in our local communities. Pupils are required to engage in a range of skills that may include: producing art, musical compositions or learning a new sport. Perhaps the most exciting section is the Expedition. We work with pupils in planning their routes, choosing and cooking their foods and how to pack and carry their loads over the two day journey. We start small, with pupils walking for a day with small day sacks, then progress to carrying and cooking food outdoors before the Practice and Assessed Expeditions which are taken in the New Forest. Throughout the whole adventure our large number of trained colleagues are on hand to guide and support. Parents are also helped: for many, it is the first time that they have had to let their child lead the way - but it’s a wonderful opportunity for young people and something that we are proud to offer in our school.
Facilities for LearningPrimary Phase Our contemporary Primary Phase building provides a state of the art environment for learning with light and airy spaces equipped with interactive whiteboards for teaching. Flexible spaces provide ample opportunities for creative teaching and learning, affording teaching colleagues the opportunity to team-teach as well as using break-out spaces for more focused small group work. Secondary Phase pupils and children from our Nursery use the Primary School in a variety of ways, including for some timetabled lessons. A central area on our school site, known as The Village Green, links the Secondary and Primary Phases and benefits from an all-weather surface. Pupils in our Primary Phase benefit from the use of dedicated teaching spaces in the Secondary Phase and in particular, for the teaching of Upper Key Stage 2 Science in a laboratory. Sports Facilities We are fortunate to have a high quality sports hall that is used for a range of sports – including some less formal activities such as our staff versus pupil basketball matches! The recently refurbished dance studio is an excellent space for gymnastics and the health and fitness suite hosts a range of up-to-date equipment that is used by pupils as part of the formal teaching programme as well as at other times of the school day. Finally, we have an Astro-turf in each of our primary and our secondary phases, which affords the opportunity for a range of sports throughout the year giving pupils a menu of opportunities for physical education in our school.
Information Technology and Digital Citizenship Throughout the school pupils have access to computers and there are areas where pupils and adults are able to work together using IT. Ipads are used in some lessons to support pupils with reflection on their own learning, particularly in PE and Music where recording an activity enables them to assess their practice and plan for improvement. The School has a Designated Leader for Online Safety and digital citizenship is a curriculum for Personal Development all - through. The Arts Our school has a vibrant arts culture that involves a great majority of pupils in our school. It spans the age ranges and is very much part of our ethos. Dedicated practice rooms for music are used by pupils during lessons, as well as hosting our peripatetic music teachers who work closely in partnership with colleagues in school to support regular musical events. We have a dedicated Art facility, housing Art, Sculpture and Photography. We are also fortunate to have good IT facilities that enable pupils to take Photography and Media Studies to GCSE level. Our newly refurbished Art Centre also houses the Pupil Support Team.
…Partnerships Inspiring Success. We are proud of the strong relationship the School has with parents and carers and never take this for granted. As a parent, you can expect to receive timely information about your child’s progress whether they are learning in our Nursery, Primary or Secondary Schools. Throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage parents will receive regular updates on learning – including photographs of key milestones which we look forward to celebrating with you. Similarly, in the Primary and Secondary Phases, regular reports provide detailed information about your child’s progress across the curriculum, with information about how their learning can be moved forwards. Primary Phase and Nursery colleagues are available for informal discussions on a daily basis whilst Secondary Phase colleagues can easily be reached via email. In the Secondary Phase, your child will have a Tutor, Year, and House Leader responsible for the co-ordination of their care and learning; these colleagues are key points of contact for you. We are grateful to our Parent Staff Association for their enthusiastic support of our school. Over recent years, their fundraising activities have made a significant contribution to our learning including through the purchase of a high quality grand piano for our Secondary Phase hall on which many pupils have the pleasure of performing. The PSA also supports rewards for pupils in school as well as other projects agreed annually. Your support would be much appreciated and even if you aren’t able to commit to joining the PSA, there are regular and enjoyable events at which you would be most welcome including: our Year 7 Family Evening, quiz nights, our staff versus parents cricket match and, the Christmas Fair. If you would like to know more, our contact details are included in the supplementary page at the back of this prospectus.
Main Round Admissions (Year R and Year 7) The school adhers to the Hampshire County Council Admissions Policy for Community Secondary Schools. This can be viewed on our website, under ‘Policies’ or, on the Hampshire County Council website : https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions General Key dates for admissions (these are a guide only and may vary on a yearly basis): Starting school - Year R: Application round opens - 1 November Closing date for applications - 15 January Notification date for on-time applications - 16 April Transfer to secondary school - Year 7: Application round opens - 11 September Closing date for applications - 31 October Notification date for on-time applications - 1 March In Year Admissions (Year R - Year 11) Applications can be made on line from Hampshire’s website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educatio-nandlearning/admissions. Proof of address is required before your application can be officially accepted. Waiting lists are administered by criteria and not the length of time you have been on the list. To be added to our waiting-list, please complete a formal application. Please visit the Hampshire County Council website and click on ‘Apply for a School place’. For futher guidance, please see https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions/guidance Supplementary Information Further information is available on our website or alternatively, please contact the School office: contact@westgate.hants.sch.uk Assessment and Reporting Curriculum Examination Results Open Events Policies PSA Pupil Premium Safeguarding Term Dates Uniform Wraparound Admissions Policy Admissions
How to find us: The Westgate School Winchester 4 - 16 ‘All Through’ School Cheriton Road Winchester SO22 5AZ tel: 01962 854757 Email: contact@westgate.hants.sch.uk Website: www.westgate.hants.sch.uk Learning Together - Achieving Excellence