Rodborough Technology College

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Part of the Beacon School Initiative 1998 and 2001 School Achievement Award 2002

School website with more information

Rodborough Technology College is an 11 - 16 mixed Community Technology College catering for 930 pupils of all abilities. The school’s last Ofsted Report (January 2007) says “Pupils enjoy their education and demonstrate this through their positive attitudes to learning and their contribution to the school community…” Pupils behave well….” “They value the rewards system and say it encourages them to do well.” “Pupils are welcoming and show respect for each other and for the adults they work with.” The school is affiliated to the Specialist Schools Trust as a Technology College and are presently awaiting news about redesignation (March 2007). The school is oversubscribed enjoying a high reputation in the locality, both for the broad educational opportunities available and for the high level of examination success.

The school has approximately 18% of its pupils with Special Educational Needs which is around the national average. Pupil attendance is good at about 92% overall. The school is organised on a departmental basis with Heads of Year in charge of the pupil support system. Pupils are expected to make a significant contribution to the life of the school through their participation and commitment to the full range of activities. Initially, pupils are placed in mixed ability tutor groups and are in academic sets in English, Mathematics and Science, History, Geography and Modern Languages. Most other subjects are taught in mixed ability groups. The Upper School curriculum (National Curriculum Key Stage 4) has been developed in line with current "Best Practice". We are accrediting pupils in a variety of appropriate ways in addition to GCSE. At Key Stage 4 we are skilled in delivering Applied GCSE programmes. We deliver a vocational programme of Applied GCSEs including Leisure and Tourism and the Health & Social Care courses. In addition to the 'core' programme, all pupils are able to select a broad programme of study, including such courses as three separate sciences or two foreign languages. The school's range of curriculum activities was a strength in the latest Ofsted report. Subjects on offer are Drama, Science, Religious Education / Philosophy & Ethics, Art, Textiles, Food Technology, Mathematics, History, Geography, Music, French, German, English Language, English Literature, Graphics, ICT, Design & Technology, Physical Education, Health & Social Care, Business Studies, Social Studies, Careers, PSHE, Systems & Controls, Resistant Materials and Vocational Studies.

When Rodborough was granted Technology College status in September 2002 we introduced new programmes of study – Textiles and Systems & Control. The school is an active participant in the Waverley Federation (a group of four secondary schools, a special school and the local sixth form college). Through this we are developing a effective 14 –1 9 vocational programme. Rodborough has a substantial Learning Resource Centre block containing four large computer rooms and a well stocked library. This forms part of our commitment to expanding Information and Communications Technology (ICT) throughout the curriculum. The demand for access to ICT and its effective curricular contribution to learning are major initiatives in the school. These ICT facilities are available to all departments. Staff at the school offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities, which include several dance, drama and art groups, choirs and an orchestra, as well as bands. We maintain a busy schedule of theatre visits, trips abroad, work experience in the UK and Europe as well as school matches in many sports. The drama department usually put on a production in the summer term, which many pupils contribute in not only acting but backstage.

The school has a very effective Friends of Rodborough Association with significant links with local industry and commerce. The school has a partner school that we support in India and we also raise money for several other charities and local causes.