Prospectus

 

Welcome to the Duke’s Middle School

Moving from one school to another can be an anxious time. We work very hard to make sure that our new pupils settle in very quickly when they arrive and that they make the best possible progress whilst they are here - in a safe and friendly school community.

I hope this prospectus helps you to get a ’feel’ for our school and its unique learning environment and I hope it makes you want to come and visit us, to see at first hand if it is the right school for your child.

Mrs D. Morton, Head Teacher.

 

The History of
THE DUKE'S MIDDLE SCHOOL

We are privileged to be housed in a unique and impressive Grade 11 listed building. The original Duke's School was founded in 1810 by Hugh, 2nd Duke of Northumberland in commemoration of the jubilee year of George III's reign.

The foundation stone in Green Batt was laid on 25th October 1810 and on 12th August 1811 the building, which comprised of one school room with a school house attached, was opened for the enrolment of scholars.

When the present building was opened in July 1904, the school in Green Batt was retained as a preparatory school which would feed its pupils into The Duke's School for Boys.

In September 1977, following the re-organisation of education throughout Northumberland to a three tier system, the school changed to a co-educational middle school.

Since that time the buildings have undergone significant change enabling the development of a modern 21st century learning environment for pupils of the middle school age group.The School Hall with its magnificent stained glass memorial window designed by CE Kempe & Co and fine wooden panelling, continues to be a unique setting for school assemblies and functions.

OUR AIMS AT THE DUKE’S MIDDLE SCHOOL ARE VERY SIMPLE. THEY ARE:

To encourage a real enjoyment of learning.

To enable our pupils and staff to develop their full potential by providing the highest standards we can in education and training.

To expect a high level of personal responsibility, cooperation and respect for each other.

To provide a warm, welcoming and attractive learning environment in which every member of our school community feels valued and has role to play.

HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THESE AIMS?

THE PEOPLE

Our Staff
Our school is welcoming and successful because we have a teaching and support staff team who are highly motivated to provide the best learning environment and experiences that we can for our pupils—inside and outside the classroom.

Our weekly Continual Professional Development programme ensures that all staff have the opportunity to develop classroom practice that impacts directly on learning. Successful learning strategies developed from our CPD sessions now in place in our lessons include:

• Philosophy for Children
• Thinking For Learning
• Assessment for Learning
• Circle time

These all contribute to a creative and enjoyable learning experience for our pupils.

“Pupils strong desires to learn and succeed are a real credit to all the adults who work with them.”
(OFSTED 2006)

Our Pupils
We believe strongly that our young people need to feel fundamentally secure and happy to gain the most from their learning and to reach their full potential. At the Duke’s School we believe that our pupils personal development is key to their academic success. Successive OFSTED inspections have highlighted our Personal and Social Development programme as a great strength of the school’s provision. This caring culture is effectively underpinned by our positive behaviour policy and rewards system.
“During his time at the Duke’s we have watched David’s academic and personal development go from strength to strength. He has flourished into a happy, maturing, confident young man who really enjoys school. Thank you!” Y8 Parent.

We value feedback from our pupils on the learning experience that we provide for them and give many opportunities for this to happen, for example:

• The Pupil Council process
• Weekly form period discussions
• Circle of Friends
• Thinking For Learning
• Input into new staff appointments
• Evaluating teaching and learning.

“Pupils’ personal development is outstanding and the key to the success that they have in their academic studies.” (OFSTED 2006)

Our Parents
We believe that a strong and trusting partnership between home and school is essential to achieving our aim of developing the full potential of our pupils. Our parents are encouraged to take a full part in their child’s education and to work closely with their child’s teachers to resolve any problems that may arise. Regular Parents Evenings are held throughout the year to keep parents informed about their child’s progress, to inform them of key initiatives, or to help parents support their child’s learning at home. We invite feedback from our parents on how well the school is doing in various ways, including our annual Parent Questionnaire. We strongly encourage parents to contact the school immediately to resolve any developing problems.

Our PTFA
Our Parent, Teacher and Friends Association continues to be very successful in its efforts to raise funds to purchase extra equipment and resources for our pupils. Please contact the school office if you would like to become involved with this important aspect of our school improvement work.

Our Office Staff
These key members of our school community provide valuable support to staff and pupils and are a key point of contact for parents requiring information about the school.

Our Governors

Our Governors play a key role in the self evaluation of the school and are committed to ensuring that our pupils are provided with the best quality learning opportunities and resources. If you would like to join this group to continue the strong ‘parent voice’ at our termly Governors meetings, please contact the school office.

Our ‘Investors In People’ award truly reflects our aim to encourage everybody in our school community to feel valued and know that their role is important in the education of our young people.

OUR CURRICULUM

People are the most important asset to effective learning, but they work better with a stimulating curriculum and good facilities. To encourage enjoyment and motivation for learning, we maintain a broad and balanced curriculum for our pupils, based on National Curriculum requirements.

All year groups are set for Numeracy and Literacy and some practical subjects are taught in smaller groups.

In Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6) most teaching is class-based with increasing input from subject specialists for Maths, Science, Music, French, Physical Education, and Design Technology. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) most lessons are taught by our subject specialists.

Peripatetic music lessons are provide by our LEA music service. Information on how to enrol your child on this scheme can be obtained from the school Office Manager.

Gifted & Talented
We have many pupils at the Duke’s School who are gifted or talented in a variety of subject areas and we pride ourselves in ensuring that we provide challenging tasks and activities -both inside and outside the classroom to encourage the development of their full potential. These include:
Differentiated classroom activities for our more able pupils
Enquiry based learning activities
Entry into local and national competitions such as the UK Maths Challenge, Mock Magistrates Court, Northumbria In Bloom painting competitions and local council debating sessions.
Activities organised by the National Academy for Gifted & Talented Youth, such as our recent ‘Euro Marche’ event where our pupils took part in an activity speaking french, at the Newcastle Grainger Market.
Competitive sporting fixtures at inter-house, inter-school and inter-area levels leading ultimately to county and national standards.

Special Needs Provision (Provision Management)

In our school every child is treated as an individual with needs of their own. At times they need additional support in school—either academically or emotionally. The needs of our pupils and the provision they receive are monitored by a system called ‘Provision Management.’ It is an approach that supports inclusive practice. Our pupils needs are reviewed regularly with staff and parents. The school works closely with external agencies who are called upon to offer specialist support when appropriate. Our school’s Parent Support Partner is an invaluable link between home and school.

“The curriculum is carefully planned so that all groups of pupils, including those with learning difficulties and those who are gifted and talented, can make good progress.” (OFSTED 2006)

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT

We are very keen to celebrate and reward achievement of all kinds on a regular basis in school. Parents are invited to our half termly Badge Assemblies, when we present certificates and badges—from merit to gold and occasionally the ultimate - Headteacher’s Pin! These are awarded for the number of individual house points collected by our pupils. We also hold our annual Prize Giving Ceremony in July to which we invite a guest speaker to present the prizes.
Displays around the school are another visual reminder of the excellent standards achieved by our pupils.

OUR HOMEWORK POLICY

The pupils can expect to receive an increasing amount of homework as they move higher up the school.

At Key Stage 2, in Years 5 and 6, the homework will normally be related to specific work in English and Mathematics, e.g. spelling, tables etc., and some basic research in other subjects. Pupils are also encouraged to read regularly at home.

At Key Stage 3, in Years 7 and 8, the amount of homework will vary from subject to subject and will be increasingly geared toward time management, i.e. project work over a given period of time, which will need to be researched before being written up. This will include both lesson time and homework.
As a guideline to teaching staff, it is expected that all homework will be relevant to the work being carried out in the classroom and as such forms a significant part of the learning programme.
It is hoped that pupils and parents will see the importance of homework and make every effort to ensure it is completed properly and on time.

SCHOOL DIARIES

School Diaries are issued at the beginning of the school year to enable pupils to record what homework is given and when it is required to be completed. It also serves as a very useful means of communication for both parents and teaching staff on any issues that require further information or investigation on a daily basis.
Parents are asked to sign their child’s diary every week.

 

OUR EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROVISION

We believe strongly in the importance of extra-curricular activities. They are enjoyable, enriching and fulfilling in their own right. A young person who is happy and fulfilled outside the classroom is much more likely to perform well within it.

We pride ourselves on the range of extra curricular activities that take place at the Duke’s Middle School. Our teaching and support staff work hard to ensure that the skills and interests of our pupils are catered for. Here is a sample of some of these activities:

• Performing Arts – developing these important communication skills has always been a strong feature of the Duke’s School. Many past school productions have brought together the strengths of the drama, dance and music skills of our staff and pupils. We also organise visits to various theatre productions and to the Sage Gateshead. Our thriving music department encourages a real enjoyment of - and participation in - music of all kinds. It boasts a strong school choir, a school Ceilidh band and Rhythm Club that performs both in school and in the local community.

• Art & Design – Our pupils are encouraged to enter local and national art and design competitions such as the ‘Northumbria In Bloom’ and the ‘Google Doodle’ website logo design competitions, with some recent notable successes. Our pupils visit and work with professional artists at local galleries such as the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

• Sports & Recreation - We are justly proud of our wide range of health promoting sporting activities reflected in the ‘Active Mark’ awarded to the school in 2004. In addition to our established curriculum these include kick-boxing, cycling, basketball and dance. Pupils who wish to extend their learning opportunities can take part in competitive fixtures at inter-house, inter-school and inter-area levels leading ultimately to county and national standards. Pupils are also encouraged to join local sports teams and clubs so as to increase the sporting opportunities available to them.

• Outdoor Activities - we have a number of regular visits to outdoor adventure centres such as Keswick and Whickham Thornes. Our annual Ski trip to France is always over subscribed.

• Lunchtime Clubs and Activities - as many of our pupils commute from villages outside of Alnwick, we offer most of our extra-curricular activities during the lunchtimes. These include: School Choir; Drama Club; Rhythm Club; Basketball; Rugby; Netball; Assistant Coaching Certificate; Homework Club; Art; Duke’s Ceilidh Band; Cheer Leaders Group and Badminton.

“ Thank you so much for all the fantastic things you give to our children—the enthusiasm, the commitment and the gift of learning.” Y6 Parent.

OUR FACILITIES

The school provides excellent teaching and learning facilities for our pupils and staff including:

• A fully equipped ICT Suite
• A fully networked portable laptop resource, for use in all areas of the school
• Interactive whiteboard facilities in all teaching areas, including the Gym
• Design & Food Technology rooms
• Large Music Studio with practice rooms
• Extensive open playing field and tennis court
• Fully equipped Science laboratory
• A Learning Centre for staff, pupils and the local community.
• 
  

HOW DO WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS?

(National Test) “Results represent good achievement for all groups of pupils, male and female, including those with learning difficulties and/or those with disabilities and those who are particularly gifted and talented.”
(OFSTED 2006).

As the whole school community works extremely hard to raise standards, the Leadership Group and Governors are very keen to monitor and evaluate the success of our efforts and how they impact on learning in the classroom. Parents can access our Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 results on our annual on-line School Profile report.
Parents are kept well informed of their child’s academic progress through termly progress reports and Parents evenings. Any potential underachievement is identified early and dealt with promptly through individual support for parents and their children.

It is not just a matter of academic results however, our overriding aim is to broaden the experiences of our pupils beyond the requirements of the National Curriculum to develop the whole person—their confidence and self esteem. A measure of this is the consistently positive feedback we receive from parents, visitors to the school and members of the local community who have worked with our pupils.

“Pupils speak enthusiastically about the multitude of opportunities they have to make contributions to the wider community.These are celebrated by the excellent displays.”  (OFSTED 2006)

 

OUR ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY POLICY

Another measure of our success is our high attendance rate which is well above the national average. Our pupils enjoy coming to school and are encouraged to be punctual.

We ask that parents do not to take their children out of school for holidays during term time as this does disrupt both their academic and social development.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

ACCIDENTS OR ILLNESS
If children are ill parents/carers are contacted. In cases of serious accident or illness we take the children to the casualty unit at Alnwick Infirmary and inform parents immediately.

SCHOOL HOURS:
8. 50am - 8.55am Lining up
8.55 am - 9.05 am Registration
9.05 am - 10.00 am Lesson 1
10.00 am - 10.55 am Lesson 2
10.55 am - 11.10 am Assembly
11.10 am - 11.25 am Break
11.25 am - 12.20 pm Lesson 3
12.20 pm - 1.20 pm Lunch
1.20 pm - 1.25 pm Registration
1.25 pm - 2.25 pm Lesson 4
2.25 pm - 3.25 pm Lesson 5

SCHOOL UNIFORM

We are justly proud of our uniform and have high expectations of our pupils in maintaining its smart appearance. The Duke's School uniform list is attached separately. We would appreciate parental support in following uniform guidelines:

• School uniform should be worn at all times. A letter or a note in the pupil’s diary will be expected from parents if problems arise with this.

• All (black) shoes should have heels low enough to be safe for movement around the school building. We have many stairs.

• Training shoes should not be worn except during games/PE lessons.

• Trousers should be smart black dress trousers. A plain black belt should be worn, if required. Please ensure for safety reasons that trouser lengths are not excessive.

Jewellery should not be worn by children in school. Pupils who wear jewellery may expose themselves and others to risk of serious injury, particularly during practical lessons where machinery or apparatus is used and also during physical education and games activities.

Reasonable exceptions to the rule that jewellery should not be worn might include the wearing of inexpensive watches and the use of plain gold or silver "sleepers" by children who have pierced ears. However,both these items must be removed during physical education and games activities.

• No make-up or nail varnish should be worn.
• Extreme hairstyles and colours are discouraged.
• Hair bands should be of school colours only.

All uniform should be named.

*Mobile phones should not be brought into school, unless there is a good reason. Requests should be put in writing to the Head Teacher.

 

OUR HEALTHY EATING POLICY

Our school has achieved ‘Healthy Schools’ status in recognition of the very high standard of Personal, Social and Health education we provide for our pupils.
An important part of this programme is to encourage our youngsters to develop healthy eating habits.
Pupils bring their own water bottles into school. Sweets are not allowed. We encourage the bringing of fruit into school to eat at break times.
We have an excellent Healthy School Lunch menu, with a cafeteria system. Everything is freshly made on the premises. Parents are invited to try it for themselves! We ask that parents ensure that packed lunches are a healthy alternative.

EQUIPMENT LIST FOR PUPILS

Parents often ask for guidance with regard to what the school feels would be helpful for pupils to have available for them to use at home and at school. The following suggestions might be helpful:

Internet access and printer
A pocket dictionary.
Thesaurus.
Pencil case with spare pencils and pens (black)
A rubber and a ruler
Colouring pencils
A tin of sketching pencils.
A strong plastic folder for exercise books etc.
A sketch pad with a spiral wire binding:
A4 size for KS2 and A3 size for KS3.

 

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Having received our school prospectus, you are cordially invited to a take a tour of the school with one of our Year 8 pupil ambassadors and to discuss any matters with the Head Teacher or a member of the Leadership Group. All you need to do is to contact the school Office Manager and make an appointment.

An application form to enrol your child at the Duke’s Middle School can be obtained from Northumberland County Council’s Admission Department. (Tel: 01670 533000—School Admissions).

ANNUAL TRANSFER ARRANGEMENTS FOR OUR NEW PUPILS & THEIR PARENTS

The Duke’s school has a strong liason programme with it’s feeder first schools, which includes visits by our KS2 staff to teach alongside their 1st school colleagues. Our annual Sports Festival is an opportunity for all our first school pupils and their parents to enjoy the excellent outdoor games facilities we have. Our young musicians are invited to our feeder first schools to take part in assemblies and Year 4 pupils are invited to our annual music/drama productions.
Once the new intake is known, all new pupils will be invited to take part in our Transfer Day that provides plenty of fun learning opportunities, designed to familiarise them with their new school. This usually takes place in early July. During the same week the parents of our new pupils will also be invited to attend an Open Evening hosted by the Head Teacher and other key members of staff. Parents will then have the opportunity to look around the school itself and see the excellent work produced by our pupils and staff. They will also have the opportunity to meet on an informal basis, all members of staff who will be teaching their children and have a friendly chat and refreshments with our Parent, Teacher and Friends Association.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Transport is available for those children who live outside a three mile radius of Alnwick, providing they live in the catchment area. Applications should be made to Northumberland County Council’s School Transport Department, who will issue your child with a transport pass.