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safeguarding team Karen%20Grant%20SLT%20and%20safeguarding Roberts,Samirah,1657906_COL_square safeguarding team 1/12 Safeguarding Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering, or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes child protection procedures which detail how to respond to concerns about a child. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Parents & Carers Joedie Bradgate Deput y Designated Safeguarding Leader Bethan Austen Deput y Designated Safeguarding Leader Mandy Milsom Desi gnated Safeguarding Leader Karen Lewis Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader RFSS is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people. protecting children from abuse and maltreatment preventing harm to children’s health or development ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes ​Safeguarding at RFSS ​RFSS is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The safety and welfare of our staff and students is of paramount importance to all those involved in education. We have a team of Designated Safeguarding Leads who are responsible for leading on safeguarding. However, students can, and do, form positive relationships with school staff, and will at times view them as significant and trustworthy adults. We encourage students to talk to staff about anything that worries them, and staff will always act in the best interests of students. How children can be harmed If you have a safeguarding concern about a child or adult, please follow the instructions below for reporting your concern; During Schools Hours-Contact the Designated safeguarding lead, to share your concerns. RFSS Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy LT2 Code of Conduct Coping with self harm information Safeline Parent Workshops Safeguarding Newsletter What do I do if I have a safeguarding concern? Anchor 3 Click the above file to view Keeping children safe in education 2023 Safeguarding Autumn 2023 Contact Out of school hours; Contact Warwickshire multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) on 01926 414144 or contact 101 .

Digital Communications -Creative iMedia Creative iMedia will equip students with a range of creative media skills and provide opportunities to develop, in context, desirable, transferable skills such as research, planning, and review, working with others and communicating creative concepts effectively. Using these skills, students will ultimately be creating fit-for-purpose creative media products. Creative iMedia will also challenge all learners, including high attaining learners, by introducing them to demanding material and techniques; encouraging independence and creativity and providing tasks that engage with the most taxing aspects of the National Curriculum. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Subjects If we all work together there is no telling how we can change the world through the impact of promoting positivity online. Germany Kent Digital Communication - Overarching Curriculum Intent (September 2023) RFSS Curriculum Vision Statement: To build an inclusive curriculum which is aspirational for all and empowers our students to make outstanding academic and personal progress. Digital Communication Curriculum in Context: As we recover from the impact of COVID-19 we have built a curriculum that both bridges the gaps in student understanding of basic digital communication tools as well as developing the skills and attributes needed to be a success long term in their computing, business and media fields. There has been a societal move away from using desktop PC’s and their associated programs and onto hand-held devices whilst the world of work in corporates such devices the traditional use of programs such as MS Office, Photoshop and Python remain the dominate methods of input and task completion. We have developed a broad curriculum that aims to meet these long-term requirements on citizens whilst enthusing and inspiring students to take up careers and interests in our subject suite. Curriculum Aims: Fully support students that are happy, healthy and safe in the modern world. We want students to enjoy our lessons and look forward to the next one. Empower our students to know more, remember more and be able to do more: Understand a range of programs and their features Remember more about techniques used to create outstanding projects Do more by applying the skills demonstrated in lessons to advance the quality of their work Inspire our students to strive for excellence and success throughout their lives: We want students to develop their skills like acorns, to study our subjects at University, in Apprenticeships and in their careers as they become mighty Oaks Prepare our students to be both digitally literate, aware of the environment in which their digital selves operate but also to create new content Our broad and balanced curriculum concentrates on developing our students’ key knowledge and skills, and enhances their understanding of the world around them. ​ We do this by: Stimulating intellectual curiosity and independence to explore ideas, programs and inspiring students’ creativity Facilitating collaboration, students will share new techniques, be self-critical and supportive peers Promoting challenge for all, irrespective of starting points by scaffolding knowledge and understanding allowing students to develop their skills and maximise their potential. Enabling creativity, students have broad choices to develop their own pathway through united and interpretation of briefs. Sequencing learning to ensure logical progression, both horizontally and vertically. Content and skills are revisited across the key stages and across our suite of subjects to develop confident learners Revisiting previous learning, key vocabulary, ideas and concepts to support the transfer to long-term memory. Our curriculum is focused on the development of communication, character and cultural capital of each individual student, so they become: ​ Empathetic citizens who contribute positively to society in a respectful manner, who understand the power of the tools we use and the responsibility they have to use these tools correctly Reflective learners who are resilient enough to problem solve, reason, evaluate and debate as well as become critical of their outcomes to develop skills for the future. Articulate individuals who can verbalise their own thoughts, ideas and emotions. We support creativity and encourage all to express their ideas regardless of starting points. Hard-working and empathetic young people who are aware of how their learning links to real-world situations and can forge these links independently. Curriculum Outcome: As a consequence of our curriculum, students who leave RFSS will be equipped with the academic qualifications and personal qualities to progress into further education and employment. Our students will have a positive outlook and a commitment to achieving their personal best, being creative, enterprising and innovative through a love of life-long learning. Please view or download our 'Sequence Overview' document for Creative iMedia Kindness We regularly give ‘shout outs’ for staff who have gone above and beyond and demonstrated an exceptional display of one of our values We encourage and try to support flexible working requests and promote ‘family values’ as something that makes the workforce distinctive. We try to ensure staff have the opportunity to attend personal events or celebrations when requested and within agreed time frame. Collaboration We have an active Staff Wellbeing committee who meet regularly to discuss staff wellbeing and workload. We provide all new staff with a ‘buddy’ to provide support and advice. We plan a variety of staff social events across the year. We provide staff with a free lunch on the day of their duty. We have regular staff breakfasts, provide food on all CPD days and occasional treats such as Pizza! Curiosity We invest heavily in staff CPD and both promote and support opportunities to develop staff. We provide opportunities for all staff to network and visit other schools to improve their practice and share great ideas. Respect We have a Staff Room, where staff can meet, work and even socialise Each faculty has its own staff work room We have regular appraisal conversations to discuss career progression Resilience We promote resilience through our reflective CPD pathways. We have an area in the staff room dedicated to wellbeing which is used to promote health and wellbeing. We share weekly health and wellbeing information. Endeavour Promote a work life balance by being considerate when sending emails and holding meetings. We will endeavor to celebrate our staff and their achievements on a regular basis, for example; a black tie celebration evening.

Meet Mitch Chadwick Anchor 1 Back to Our School Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Learn a little more about Mitch Chadwick Mitch has been a qualified teacher for 12 years and has taught in Secondary schools in Leicester, Coventry and Warwickshire. Mitch is a PE teacher, former Head of PE and has worked in several different leadership roles including leading on teaching and learning, as well as transition and careers. Over the past 7 years, Mitch has specialised in Sixth Form leadership, running Sixth Forms in three extremely different settings, including a large Sixth Form in Leicester, which has been rated as ‘Good’ by OFSTED in its last 2 inspections and is also in the top 20% of providers nationally for student outcomes. He joined RFSS in 2021 to take on the challenge of building a brand new Sixth Form from the ground up, and is dedicated to ensuring that it is suitable for the local community and that it provides progression routes for all students, no matter their background or academic ability. Outside of school life, he is a keen sportsman, with cricket and kickboxing being his two main sports. He lives in Leicester, with his wife, who is a primary school teacher and their Labradoodle named Bella.

Turing House Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Our School Learn a little more about Turing House Welcome to Turing House, what a busy and successful year it has been for us! Thinking back to the start of the year, our Turing students have shown great enthusiasm to the House system at RFSS. We started with the naming of our House, which was widely voted for as ‘Turing’, named after Alan Turing, who was incredibly influential in cracking the code which resulted in the end of WW2. As well as this, Alan Turing was very resilient as he continued to be himself in a world that did not accept him for who he was at the time. We have been incredibly successful this year and have so many achievements to boast! These include winning the Dodgeball and Rounders tournaments, winning the Bake-off competition and raising the highest amount of money for our voted charity ‘Fred Bennett’s - Don’t Look Down’ which looks to raise awareness for children’s cancer treatment, making the side effects of treatment kinder to children. Turing House raised a total of £319.00 which is phenomenal in such a short period of time – we can’t wait for this figure to rise again next year in our next fundraising events! A final highlight to note is the incredible success on Sports Day, where Turing House led by 56 points to claim victory and lift the first ever RFSS Sports Day Cup – this will now be engraved and have yellow ribbon all year, what an achievement and long may it continue! As a result, Turing secured 2nd place overall, coming 2nd to Pankhurst with 1125 points! Miss Vella would like to take the opportunity to congratulate and thank all students who have promoted and taken part in the house competitions this year. It is clear to see that Miss Vella’s competitive nature is spreading throughout Turing House and she looks forward to this continuing in September. Let’s start 2023/2024 strong, Turing! The House Cup is in sight already!

Student Support: Year 9 ​ Being in Year 9 at Rugby Free offers an exciting and dynamic experience for students. Your child will find themselves immersed in a vibrant and supportive environment that emphasises both academic achievement and personal development. At this stage, students will be encouraged to explore a new range of subjects by choosing their GCSE options at Easter, enabling them to discover their own passions and interests. The school's commitment to students will foster resilience, respect and a sense of collaboration among students. Year 9 provides opportunities for individual growth, with engaging lessons and a supportive network of teachers. Your child will be encouraged to take on new challenges, develop critical thinking skills, and expand their knowledge across various subjects. At RFSS, Year 9 is a pivotal stage where students can thrive academically and personally, building a solid foundation for their future endeavours. Brandon Hallmark HEAD OF YEAR 9 Brandon.hallmark@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk STUART BRAMBELL ASSISTANT HEAD OF YEAR 9 Stuart.brambell@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk Meet the Head of Y9 - Mr Hallmark Mr Hallmark has been a member of staff at RFSS for 4 years. He is a specialist in Science and has interests in sports, fashion, fitness and mental health and well-being. Working within the pastoral team has always been a real passion of his. To this end, Brandon has also supported students in improving attendance, working specifically with male students to improve attainment and is in the process of creating a social mental health mentoring group within school. ​ ​ To further enhance his leadership skills, Brandon has recently completed an NPQ in leading behaviour and culture, demonstrating a commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive school environment. Dealing with the challenges that students face and being able to support their safeguarding needs has been a privilege and a responsibility he has truly enjoyed.

Standards and Expectations We are committed to providing a warm, caring and friendly environment, where students are engaged in their learning. This is achieved by positive relationships, great teaching and clear boundaries. We insist that all members of the RFSS community show kindness and respect for others at all times. At RFSS we have the highest possible expectations of our staff and students. Every student is expected to meet our high standards of behaviour, attendance, punctuality and uniform. Anchor 1 Back to Our School Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Relationships for Learning We promote and reward positive behaviour and use a restorative approach if things go wrong. Relationships for learning are at the heart of the school. We promote and reward positive behaviour and use a restorative approach if things go wrong. We encourage students to reflect on their behaviour and learn from their mistakes whilst ensuring staff are fair, consistent and positive. Attendance and Punctuality We encourage students to take pride in both themselves and the school and try their best. High levels of attendance and punctuality are expected. We believe that by attending school regularly and punctually, students will be able to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them. Uniform The school uniform can be purchased from Webb Ellis Limited in Rugby. All other compulsory items can be purchased from high street retailers. ​ Please click here for a full list of compulsory main school uniform items ​ Please click here for our PE Kit Essentials ​ ​

Meet Seb Cooper Anchor 1 Back to Our School Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Learn a little more about Seb Cooper Seb joined Rugby Free Secondary School as a qualified Physics Teacher in September 2019, experienced with teaching students age 11 - 18. Born and raised in London, Seb has also spent his formative teaching years in the Lake District before settling back with family in the Midlands. Coming into his teaching career with a degree in 'Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology', he has found great success as a teacher of Physics, Head of Subject, Head of Year and Whole School Assessment Lead. Naturally, he will be progressing up to his new role as Associate Assistant Headteacher in September 2023, with a specific focus on our MIS system, Timetabling, Assessment and Cover. As a result, Seb will be at the core of the work we perform daily. Utilising his great working relationships with the rest of the staff body and his knowledge of both pastoral and subejct pedagogy, he is building on the achievements of his predecessors to carry us forward to 'Outstanding' in the future. Transitioning Seb into the senior leadership team has been a natural and easy step to take, having spent the past year in close collaboration with all our current members. He passed his NPQSL qualification in 2022, writing about his pastoral achievements and further highlighted his attention to detail with data and how to use data to boost school improvement from a behaviour perspective. Throughout his career at RFSS, he has been able to not only support our teachers, but also form effective relationships with our parents and students. Outside of RFSS, Seb spends his time being the greatest dad in the world to his daughter Ada, born in January 2023, and husband to his wife Abi. He is a self-certified 'geek' who builds computers and loves using technology to be creative with Art, Music and more. Looking ahead, he simply can not wait to teach his daughter how to play the guitar.

Art and Design The Art & Design curriculum is vibrant and dynamic, and is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to continue to study the subject at A-Level and beyond. The curriculum is broad, enabling students to explore different disciplines within Art, Crafts and Design. Students can expect to learn about the formal elements of Art, drawing techniques, science illustration, wire sculpture, pottery, ceramic clay techniques, print making, portraiture and architecture, as well as how to create a personal response in a sustained project. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. Edgar Degas Back to Subjects Art Department - Overarching Curriculum Intent (September 2023) RFSS Curriculum Vision Statement: To build an inclusive curriculum which is aspirational for all and empowers our students to make outstanding academic and personal progress. ​ Art Curriculum in Context: At Rugby Free Secondary School, our Art curriculum endeavours to deliver a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience, incorporating a blend of traditional and contemporary activities, culminating in students' independent and personal artistic outcomes. We firmly acknowledge that art encompasses a journey of exploration, experimentation, inquiry into various sources, and personal interpretation. It encompasses the development of students' confidence and resilience, enabling them to respond to artistic challenges with imaginative and independent thinking. We recognize that students enter secondary school with varying levels of knowledge and skill, and thus, during their initial term in Year 7 at RFSS, we prioritize the cultivation of drawing, painting, and ceramic techniques. Additionally, we focus on enhancing students' art vocabulary and literacy skills. These foundational skills continue to be nurtured and refined throughout their artistic journey within the comprehensive Art curriculum. In line with the findings presented in Ofsted's report, "Drawing together," which emphasizes the thriving of boys when given opportunities to engage with three-dimensional artwork, our Art department ensures that all genders can derive fulfilment and flourish in their Art lessons. Complementing the aforementioned core skills, students undertake an assortment of stimulating three-dimensional projects, including clay and wire work. Within our Art department, we foster an environment that encourages students to take artistic risks, experiment with diverse techniques, and venture into unfamiliar artistic territories. Thought-provoking assignments, constructive feedback, and engaging projects serve as catalysts for students to surpass their perceived limitations and achieve personal artistic breakthroughs. In alignment with our commitment to ensuring that all students feel capable of achieving success in the realm of Art, we have opted for students to study GCSE and A-Level AQA Art, Crafts, and Design rather than Fine Art. This choice reflects our dedication to providing an inclusive and supportive Art curriculum that accommodates diverse talents and aspirations. Overall, at Rugby Free Secondary School, our Art department strives to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment where students are empowered to explore their artistic potential, challenge themselves, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the transformative power of art. ​ Curriculum Aims: ​ Our curriculum aims to: • Offer a broad and balanced Art curriculum incorporating traditional and contemporary activities for independent personal outcomes. • Foster students' holistic artistic journey, promoting discovery, experimentation, investigation, and personal responses. • Develop foundational skills in drawing, painting, and clay, while enhancing art vocabulary and literacy during Year 7. • Create opportunities for all students, including boys, to thrive in three-dimensional artwork through projects like clay and wire work. • Encourage artistic risk-taking, diverse technique exploration, and personal breakthroughs through thought-provoking assignments, constructive feedback, and engaging projects ​ Our broad and balanced curriculum concentrates on developing our students’ key knowledge and skills and enhances their understanding of the world around them. ​ We do this by: • Provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful artistic experiences that foster communication skills. • Creating activities that encourage independence, resilience, nurturing students' character development. • Exposing students to a wide range of artistic traditions, styles, and techniques from various cultures and historical periods. • Creating problem-solving tasks that challenge students to think critically, analyse artistic concepts, and develop innovative solutions. • By creating and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to take risks, express themselves freely, and embrace their individuality. ​ Our curriculum is focused on the development of communication, character and cultural capital of each individual student, so they become: ​ • Effective Communicators: Students will develop strong communication skills, utilizing various mediums and forms of expression to convey their ideas and emotions confidently and effectively. • Resilient Individuals of Character: Our curriculum aims to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and discipline, instilling in students the qualities necessary for personal growth, adaptability, and success in their future endeavours. • Culturally Aware and Appreciative: Through the exploration of diverse artistic traditions, students will develop a deep appreciation for different cultures, fostering empathy, respect, and a global perspective. • Creative Problem-Solvers: Our curriculum encourages creative thinking and problem solving, nurturing students' ability to think critically, approach challenges with innovation, and seek solutions from multiple angles. • Confident and Self-Expressive: Students will gain self-confidence and a strong sense of self-identity through artistic exploration, empowering them to embrace their uniqueness, take risks, and express themselves authentically ​ Curriculum Outcome: Upon leaving Rugby Free Secondary, students will emerge as confident and resilience communicators who are culturally aware individuals. They will have diverse artistic experiences, problem-solving abilities, and a strong sense of self-expression. All of these attributes will equip them for success in their future endeavours and personal growth. Please view or download our 'Sequence Overview' document for Art Kindness We regularly give ‘shout outs’ for staff who have gone above and beyond and demonstrated an exceptional display of one of our values We encourage and try to support flexible working requests and promote ‘family values’ as something that makes the workforce distinctive. We try to ensure staff have the opportunity to attend personal events or celebrations when requested and within agreed time frame. Collaboration We have an active Staff Wellbeing committee who meet regularly to discuss staff wellbeing and workload. We provide all new staff with a ‘buddy’ to provide support and advice. We plan a variety of staff social events across the year. We provide staff with a free lunch on the day of their duty. We have regular staff breakfasts, provide food on all CPD days and occasional treats such as Pizza! Curiosity We invest heavily in staff CPD and both promote and support opportunities to develop staff. We provide opportunities for all staff to network and visit other schools to improve their practice and share great ideas. Respect We have a Staff Room, where staff can meet, work and even socialise Each faculty has its own staff work room We have regular appraisal conversations to discuss career progression Resilience We promote resilience through our reflective CPD pathways. We have an area in the staff room dedicated to wellbeing which is used to promote health and wellbeing. We share weekly health and wellbeing information. Endeavour Promote a work life balance by being considerate when sending emails and holding meetings. We will endeavor to celebrate our staff and their achievements on a regular basis, for example; a black tie celebration evening.

Useful Information Anchor 1 Back to Our School Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 For all enquiries please contact us on the below telephone or email: 01788 222060 info@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk Rugby Free Secondary School Anderson Avenue Rugby, CV22 5PE ​ Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm Sat – Sun: CLOSED We strive to develop well rounded individuals who are respectful, curious and resilient. Current Dinner Menu Kindness We regularly give ‘shout outs’ for staff who have gone above and beyond and demonstrated an exceptional display of one of our values We encourage and try to support flexible working requests and promote ‘family values’ as something that makes the workforce distinctive. We try to ensure staff have the opportunity to attend personal events or celebrations when requested and within agreed time frame. Collaboration We have an active Staff Wellbeing committee who meet regularly to discuss staff wellbeing and workload. We provide all new staff with a ‘buddy’ to provide support and advice. We plan a variety of staff social events across the year. We provide staff with a free lunch on the day of their duty. We have regular staff breakfasts, provide food on all CPD days and occasional treats such as Pizza! Curiosity We invest heavily in staff CPD and both promote and support opportunities to develop staff. We provide opportunities for all staff to network and visit other schools to improve their practice and share great ideas. Respect We have a Staff Room, where staff can meet, work and even socialise Each faculty has its own staff work room We have regular appraisal conversations to discuss career progression Resilience We promote resilience through our reflective CPD pathways. We have an area in the staff room dedicated to wellbeing which is used to promote health and wellbeing. We share weekly health and wellbeing information. Endeavour Promote a work life balance by being considerate when sending emails and holding meetings. We will endeavor to celebrate our staff and their achievements on a regular basis, for example; a black tie celebration evening. Enquiry Form If you would like to request paper copies of any of the documents within this website, please state in the above box. Submit Thanks for submitting!

Curriculum at RFSS Our values-driven curriculum enables students to leave school with a combination of both academic qualifications, and crucial life-skills, allowing our students to open doors to the world that we live in. We passionately believe that positive relationships and learning go hand-in-hand, and it is through these connections that lifelong learners are created and established. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Curriculum The curriculum at RFSS places a significant emphasis on enabling academic, cultural, mental and moral growth. Curriculum Vision Statement: To build an inclusive curriculum which is aspirational for all and empowers our students to make outstanding academic and personal progress. Curriculum in Context: We are a proud member of the Learning Today Leading Tomorrow (LT2) Trust, which encompasses Rugby Free Secondary School and Rugby Free Primary School. The local context of Rugby heavily influences our curriculum intent and implementation, with the contextual landscape foregrounding the notion that students need to be successful, due to the higher-than-national-average cost of living in the region. Our curriculum offer is driven by the diverse and multicultural nature of our student body, which is something we proudly celebrate. We enthusiastically support a multitude of sub-groups, with curriculum amendments assisting the high numbers of SEND, EAL and Disadvantaged students at RFSS whilst also supporting HPA students to flourish and thrive in a truly holistic environment that is removed from the Grammar School system. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do here, and our warm-strict approach makes RFSS a unique, special and fulfilling place to learn, work and grow. Curriculum Aims: Our curriculum aims to: Fully support our students to be happy, healthy and safe in the modern world Empower our students to know more, remember more, and be able to do more Inspire our students to strive for excellence and success throughout their lives Prepare our students to be both literate and numerate Our broad and balanced curriculum concentrates on developing our students’ key knowledge and skills, and enhances their understanding of the world around them. We do this by: Stimulating intellectual curiosity and independence Facilitating collaboration Promoting challenge for all, irrespective of starting points Enabling creativity Sequencing learning to ensure logical progression, both horizontally and vertically Revisiting previous learning to support the transfer to long-term memory Our curriculum is focused on the development of communication, character and cultural capital of each individual student, so they become: Kind, caring citizens who contribute positively to society in a respectful manner Reflective learners who are resilient enough to problem-solve, reason, evaluate and debate Articulate individuals who can verbalise their own thoughts, ideas and emotions Hard-working and empathetic young people who are aware of how their learning links to real-world situations Curriculum Outcome: As a consequence of our curriculum, students who leave RFSS will be equipped with the academic qualifications and personal qualities to progress into further education or employment. Our students will have a positive outlook and a commitment to achieving their personal best, through a love of life-long learning.

Welcome to RFSS We are at the start of a very exciting journey and have worked extremely hard over the last year to create a culture of high expectations across the school, supported every step of the way by our Trust. An ambitious culture has been achieved through the development of strong and positive relationships with staff, students, parents and carers. Our reflective approach means we are always striving to improve in all that we do and believe that mistakes are only an opportunity to learn. Anchor 1 Back to Home Page Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Welcome to Rugby Free Secondary School - an inclusive and forward-thinking school that promotes everything that is good in the world. Our school was judged by Ofsted to be ‘Good’ in July 2021 - an achievement we are all proud of. ​ At Rugby Free Secondary School, we aim to foster kindness and pride, whilst maximising our academic and personal potential. We believe that all of our students should be happy and safe, whilst demonstrating the limitless endeavour and resilience required to succeed by striving for excellence. To achieve these goals, our school ethos is underpinned by the foundations of mutual respect, positive relationships and genuine curiosity. ​ This is encompassed in our educational philosophy of creating more articulate, organised and progressive learners, and the desire to create both independent and collaborative learners who are proud to be educated here. Achievement in all forms: artistic, academic, social, cultural, sporting and intellectual, are equally valued. Our wide-ranging curriculum gives scope for students to express preferences and enhance their abilities. ​ As a consequence of this, we focus on broadening our students’ core subject knowledge and understanding of the wider world. We not only prepare students to be ‘examination ready’, but place real value on ensuring that students are 'set for life’, and can access the world outside of our school buildings. To that end, we continually support students to develop a love of learning to help them become learners for life, in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills that they will need in the real-world. ​ Our students are encouraged to use their thinking skills to build on existing knowledge, generate their own ideas and opinion, and to solve problems effectively, both individually and in collaboration with their peers. ​ I look forward to working in partnership with you and I am committed to the success of our school. ​ Mr Iain Green Our Core Values Kindness The quality of friendliness, generosity, consideration, honesty Collaboration The belief that working and learning with others will lead to greater success Curiosity A strong desire to know and learn Respect To appreciate the importance of understanding and admiration for others and self Resilience The ability to recover quickly and learn from the difficulties we face Endeavour The belief that hard work is needed to achieve something we can be proud of We strive to develop well rounded individuals who are respectful, curious and resilient. Ofsted Click the icon for our latest report

OFSTED & OUTCOMES Anchor 1 Click the icon for our latest Ofsted report Ofsted Report Pupil Premium Performance Information SEND Information Report and Policy Self Evaluation and School Improvement Plan Key Stage 4 & 5 Provisional Outcomes 2023

Our School Anchor 1 Meet the Team Attendance Prospectus Standards & Expectations Admissions Useful Information Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policies Free School Meals Data Protection and Freedom of Information

Student Leadership Team Anchor 1 Year 13 Head Students Attenborough House Leaders Year 11 Head Students Pankhurst House Leaders Student Leaders Turing House Leaders Ali House Leaders

Ali House Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Our School Learn a little more about Ali House Named after Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, charismatic activist, and cultural icon who fought for civil rights and social justice. In Ali House we promote the school values of endeavour, respect and resilience, during our first year as a house all of students have promoted our values with positivity and determination. We stood out in the House Christmas video competition having the most house members participate and we came first highlighting our endeavour to work as a team. Another highlight was the Christmas Hamper Appeal in which each House was asked to bring in items to create food hampers for members of our school and local community who needed help over the festive period. Ali House fully committed to this appeal, and I would like to say a huge thank you to all Ali House members and huge shout out to our students in year 7 and sixth form who really did go above and beyond in bringing in more than one item. We have been successful in coming first place with the Maths Challenge and the Christmas and Easter Egg card design competition. I am immensely proud of the resilience that our house promotes, as we may have lost some house competitions this year, but we always come back with a winning attitude ready for the next competition. Ali House 23/24 this will be our year and as Muhammed Ali himself once said “Don’t count the days; make the days count” we will endeavour to make every day as an Ali House member count. We’ve got this! Head of House Mrs Cassidy-Smyth

Physical Education At RFSS, GCSE PE gives students the opportunity to dig deeper into sport performance at its best. To learn the physiology and biomechanics behind the human body in sport, is to understand why it can perform skills required in different sports. We learn how our bodies systems work together to protect, nourish, move, recover and train for all sports. We learn about the psychology behind the perfect game or the perfect execution of a skill and how our mental state impacts what we do. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Subjects To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep the mind strong and clear. Buddha Physical Education [PE] Department - Overarching Curriculum Intent (September 2023) RFSS Curriculum Vision Statement: To build an inclusive curriculum which is aspirational for all and empowers our students to make outstanding academic and personal progress. PE Curriculum in Context: Our intention is to deliver an ambitious, inclusive and challenging curriculum that will stimulate students physically, socially and cognitively within PE lessons. It will inspire our students to be confident, independent and inquisitive learners. Our aim is to promote a healthy active lifestyle focusing on enjoyment, a love of sport, physical activity and the importance of well-being. With the increased use of modern technology, social media and the impact of Covid 19, research has shown that fundamental movement skills are lacking in our young people. Social skills are also a concern. PE at Rugby Free strives to fill in the gaps as well as improve these skills for all students. Communication, leadership and teamwork skills are developed, increasing students’ physical as well as mental health and well-being. We will provide the students of the Rugby area with a broad, inspirational curriculum that allows for opportunities to participate in competitive sport (team and individual) whilst ‘Physically Educating’ pupils, in an inclusive environment regardless of sporting ability. The department will continually push the importance of sporting values, such as, fairness and respect along with core British values. These will form the heart of the curriculum and will continually be revisited, along with opportunities to build character and resilience in pupils at every opportunity. Curriculum Aims: Our curriculum aims to: Instill and develop fundamental movement skills to give students the best chance of establishing and maintaining physically active lives both across a broad range of activities and in the long term. Give students full access to the National Curriculum for PE which is differentiated to meet students’ learning needs and styles. Implement the national curriculum for PE to ensure that all pupils: develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities. are physically active for sustained periods of time. engage in competitive sports and activities. lead healthy, active lives. Explore and develop the students’ physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills as well as promoting literacy and numeracy skills. Allow success to be experienced and exhibited for all students to encourage inclusion and independence. Provide students with the opportunity to express themselves physically, challenge themselves and others, experience different environments and activities, work together and release energy which will benefit the students’ mental health and lower anxiety levels. Allow students to achieve success in a variety of roles in PE such as leadership and officiating, not just practically. This will enhance their social and communication skills, self-belief as well as developing independent learners. Develop a healthy life-long love of sport and physical activity. Our broad and balanced curriculum concentrates on developing our students’ key knowledge and skills, and enhances their understanding of the world around them. We do this by: Providing fun and engaging PE lessons that are enjoyable, challenging, socially supportive and accessible to all. Exposing students to a variety of sports [both team and individual], physical activities and roles supported by passionate staff in lessons and after school during extra-curricular provision. Educating students into the mental benefits as well as the physical benefits of PE. Ensuring lessons are fully inclusive, nurturing students, promoting positive values, encouraging participation, as well as promoting excellence. Encouraging academic and personal progress through regular monitoring and assessment. Incorporating literacy and numeracy into PE lessons for cross curricular links and exploring new initiatives to get students more active. Our curriculum is focused on the development of communication, character and cultural capital of each individual student, so they become: Students who demonstrate the values of teamwork, passion, respect, determination, self-belief and honesty. Enthusiastic students who are motivated to take part in a wide variety of sports and physical activities both in and out of school. Hard-working students who are committed to fully developing and exploring their ideas. Resilient learners who reflect on their work, and the work of others in order to make progress. Physically and mentally aware students who understand the importance of being physically active and how to regulate their own mental health through physical activity. Ethically conscious students with values and morals. Moral traits such as kindness, respect, fairness, honesty and an appreciation of others. Curriculum Outcome: As a result of our curriculum, students will leave RFSS with a strong knowledge of a wide range of sports along with health and fitness ideas, on how to maintain a lifelong healthy and active lifestyle. They will leave wanting to be physically active, maintaining a lifelong involvement in sports and physical activity through participation, leadership or officiating. They will also leave knowing the importance of being physically active to their mental as well as physical health and with the social and communication skills combined with the self-confidence and independence needed to be successful in the future. Students who take the academic route through sport have an ability to gain employment within sport and gain access to Colleges/Universities. This will give them the opportunity to further study sport related courses and to supplement their understanding of the human mind and body and how it reacts to physical activity. Please view or download our 'Sequence Overview' document for PE Kindness We regularly give ‘shout outs’ for staff who have gone above and beyond and demonstrated an exceptional display of one of our values We encourage and try to support flexible working requests and promote ‘family values’ as something that makes the workforce distinctive. We try to ensure staff have the opportunity to attend personal events or celebrations when requested and within agreed time frame. Collaboration We have an active Staff Wellbeing committee who meet regularly to discuss staff wellbeing and workload. We provide all new staff with a ‘buddy’ to provide support and advice. We plan a variety of staff social events across the year. We provide staff with a free lunch on the day of their duty. We have regular staff breakfasts, provide food on all CPD days and occasional treats such as Pizza! Curiosity We invest heavily in staff CPD and both promote and support opportunities to develop staff. We provide opportunities for all staff to network and visit other schools to improve their practice and share great ideas. Respect We have a Staff Room, where staff can meet, work and even socialise Each faculty has its own staff work room We have regular appraisal conversations to discuss career progression Resilience We promote resilience through our reflective CPD pathways. We have an area in the staff room dedicated to wellbeing which is used to promote health and wellbeing. We share weekly health and wellbeing information. Endeavour Promote a work life balance by being considerate when sending emails and holding meetings. We will endeavor to celebrate our staff and their achievements on a regular basis, for example; a black tie celebration evening. A Level Specification

Sports Studies Sport studies is an excellent course for students who wish to develop their knowledge on a variety of sports-based topics. This is a developmental course which requires students to study, and be assessed, in a variety of ways. Over the duration of the course, students will cover 4 different topics: Contemporary Issues in Sport (theory), Developing Sports Skills (practical), Sports Leadership (practical and theory) and Sport in the Media (theory). All these units will allow students to be introduced to topics and issues that will allow them to grasp these key areas. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Subjects Do your best when no one is looking. If you do that, then you can be successful at anything you put your mind to. Bob Cousy All of these units will allow progressions to further education in the sports field in areas students may not have realised were possible, or even existed. This is a step up from core PE due to the theoretical content and nature of the course. Students will be coached, taught and guided along the way, to reach their potential in this course. With 3 coursework units and 1 exam unit, this is an excellent course for students who prefer opportunities to be assessed over a period of time rather than in 1 exam period. Kindness We regularly give ‘shout outs’ for staff who have gone above and beyond and demonstrated an exceptional display of one of our values We encourage and try to support flexible working requests and promote ‘family values’ as something that makes the workforce distinctive. We try to ensure staff have the opportunity to attend personal events or celebrations when requested and within agreed time frame. Collaboration We have an active Staff Wellbeing committee who meet regularly to discuss staff wellbeing and workload. We provide all new staff with a ‘buddy’ to provide support and advice. We plan a variety of staff social events across the year. We provide staff with a free lunch on the day of their duty. We have regular staff breakfasts, provide food on all CPD days and occasional treats such as Pizza! Curiosity We invest heavily in staff CPD and both promote and support opportunities to develop staff. We provide opportunities for all staff to network and visit other schools to improve their practice and share great ideas. Respect We have a Staff Room, where staff can meet, work and even socialise Each faculty has its own staff work room We have regular appraisal conversations to discuss career progression Resilience We promote resilience through our reflective CPD pathways. We have an area in the staff room dedicated to wellbeing which is used to promote health and wellbeing. We share weekly health and wellbeing information. Endeavour Promote a work life balance by being considerate when sending emails and holding meetings. We will endeavor to celebrate our staff and their achievements on a regular basis, for example; a black tie celebration evening. Level 3 Diploma Level 3 Extended Certificate

Sociology The Rugby Free Secondary sociology curriculum allows students to develop an understanding of the world around them and how different social structures, processes and issues impact their day to day lives, as well as the lives of others. This gives students an opportunity to delve deeper into the many areas of their life that will shape their behaviour, identity and beliefs, while respecting those with different experiences. This knowledge and skill set will equip them for further study, as well as ensuring they never view the world in the same way again. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Subjects You don't retire from sociology any more than you retire from life. Laurie Taylor (BBC Radio 4 presenter) Sociology Department - Overarching Curriculum Intent (September 2023 ) RFSS Curriculum Vision Statement: To build an inclusive curriculum which is aspirational for all and empowers our students to make outstanding academic and personal progress. Sociology Curriculum in Context: We live in an ever-changing world, where the impact of globalisation has led to greater diversity, less economic security and more technological change than ever before. These changes in wider society can be felt in schools too. They have led to wider gaps in achievement of groups such as the disadvantaged, ethnic minorities and students with additional needs within schools nationally and have also limited their access to other areas of society as well. Often these students are drawn to Social Science subjects, with A Level Sociology drawing in the more disadvantaged students than any other subject according to the Fischer Family Trust (2022). Often this is to make sense of their position in society, our curriculum has been designed to not only meet their needs and encourage inclusivity, but also allow these students to understand why these changes are happening through the exploration of current events and more recent studies. This has led to a focus on vocabulary throughout Key Stage Four and Key Stage Five to ensure that students have a secure understanding of key terminology that they are often introduced to for the first time in the subject. The elaborate vocabulary and concepts that students are introduced to can also be used in other subjects to show an enhanced understanding, with the 2019 AQA Paper 2 English Language Examiners report quoting that the strongest responses demonstrated an ability to engage with “’the big ideas’: politics, economics, gender, aesthetics, class, morality, psychology, even philosophy”. Throughout the RFSS Sociology curriculum, students will explore the different perspectives views of society and evaluate whether they are still relevant now. The curriculum allows students to explore contemporary issues, ensuring they are aware of political, economic, cultural and social changes that are occurring in society nowadays and can confidently apply them not just within the Social Science subjects, but the wider curriculum too. The curriculum also allows for students' personal development, giving students an opportunity to delve deeper into the many areas of their life that will shape their behaviour, identity and beliefs, while respecting that those with different experiences will likely hold different perspectives from them because of this. They will learn how sociologists strive to improve their society, making it a more equal place for all, but do so from different viewpoints and show resilience when others critique them because of this. Our intent is that our students will be offered a curriculum which is academically rigorous but also helps them to develop into curious and well-rounded young people, who will never view the world in the same way again. Curriculum Aims: Our curriculum aims to: Promote mastery, while encouraging students to be curious, resilient learners who can work independently and in groups to employ research skills that will be used into Higher Education and beyond. Develop students ability to analyse and evaluate through the exploration of different sociological perspectives. Ensure all students can make good progress by mastering core vocabulary, identifying trends in data and having a sound understanding of key concepts. Support students to understand their social world and experiences through the study key texts associated with some of the leading sociologists of the 20th century Our broad and balanced curriculum concentrates on developing our students’ key knowledge and skills, and enhances their understanding of the world around them. ​ We do this by: Sequencing learning in a way that allows knowledge to be built upon so that students can make synoptic links across topics. Promoting curiosity, collaboration and resilience through independent and interdependent activities such as research projects and extra-curricular trips. Exploring key themes throughout the course, such as Gender, Social Class, Ethnicity, Age, Power, Wealth, the Media and Inequality, linking these with historical and current events. Introducing students to challenging terms and concepts through the study of twenty-five key texts that have shaped Sociological thinking. Participating in debates to improve oracy and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different sociological views, collect evidence to support their arguments and accept that people have different opinions. Promoting challenge for all through the use of additional studies and evaluative points. Our curriculum is focused on the development of communication, character and cultural capital of each individual student, so they become: ​ Curious about their position in society and the ways that they can improve upon it Empathetic to the experiences of others and aware of how inequalities within society may effect their position Effective communicators who are able to see both sides of an argument and consider alternative perspectives. Critical thinkers who are able to evaluate alternative viewpoints and support their views with statistics and academic studies. Confident students who can apply their sociological imagination to other curriculum areas around the school. ​ ​ Curriculum Outcome: ​ Students studying Sociology will leave RFSS as empathetic students who no longer take the interactions that they view on a daily basis on face value. They will forevermore apply sociological perspectives to the most simple events in their lives, will be fully equipped to employ skills desired by further education providers and employers alike, such as critical thinking, planning research and extended writing. Please view or download our 'Sequence Overview' document for Sociology Kindness We regularly give ‘shout outs’ for staff who have gone above and beyond and demonstrated an exceptional display of one of our values We encourage and try to support flexible working requests and promote ‘family values’ as something that makes the workforce distinctive. We try to ensure staff have the opportunity to attend personal events or celebrations when requested and within agreed time frame. Collaboration We have an active Staff Wellbeing committee who meet regularly to discuss staff wellbeing and workload. We provide all new staff with a ‘buddy’ to provide support and advice. We plan a variety of staff social events across the year. We provide staff with a free lunch on the day of their duty. We have regular staff breakfasts, provide food on all CPD days and occasional treats such as Pizza! Curiosity We invest heavily in staff CPD and both promote and support opportunities to develop staff. We provide opportunities for all staff to network and visit other schools to improve their practice and share great ideas. Respect We have a Staff Room, where staff can meet, work and even socialise Each faculty has its own staff work room We have regular appraisal conversations to discuss career progression Resilience We promote resilience through our reflective CPD pathways. We have an area in the staff room dedicated to wellbeing which is used to promote health and wellbeing. We share weekly health and wellbeing information. Endeavour Promote a work life balance by being considerate when sending emails and holding meetings. We will endeavor to celebrate our staff and their achievements on a regular basis, for example; a black tie celebration evening.

Vacancies at RFSS Anchor 1 All candidates are expected to read all relevant documents below prior to interview: RFSS Main School Prospectus 2020-21 RFSS Sixth Form Prospectus 2020-21 RFSS Sixth Form Course Guides LT2 Code of Conduct Policy RFSS Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy LT2 Data Protection Policy

Student Leaders Anchor 1 Student Leaders at RFSS encapsulate our six core values at all times. They have aspirations to become leaders in their adult lives and are passionate about using their voices to empower change among the student body of our school. They are elected democratically by their tutor groups after a short presentation. ​ Students Leaders are representatives for their form and support staff with ensuring the smooth running of multiple school events. ​ We look forward to them becoming a central part of our new and growing community. Year 7 Student Leaders 7.1 Seb Kallah, Josh Murphy 7.2 Sienna Smyth, Penny Hobson 7.3 Mara Baesu, David Szulc 7.4 Freya Walker, Ruby Clarke 7.5 Amara Brassey, Malachi Chambati 7.6 Rebecca Coltan, Khwezi Moyo 7.7 Willow Palmer, Sofiya Shadiq Year 8 Student Leaders 8.1 Keira Cossar, Evan Gravell 8.2 Theo Muller, Dorrit Davies 8.3 Hala Al Tourn, Shub Vaja 8.4 Stefan Manea, Lydia Wu 8.5 Abraham Jarju, Ellie Patrick 8.6 Sofia Bates, Jessica Charlton Year 9 Student Leaders 9.1 Freddie Green, Kiefer Teasdale 9.2 Lauren Wilkins, William Barlow 9.3 Aquila Dulco, Zack Lowe 9.4 Cianan Evans, Hidaya Ahmed 9.5 Junior Kabeya, Angelo Laye Year 11 Student Leaders 11.1 Jacob Green, Emine Das 11.2 Nicole Finnegan, William Carvell 11.3 Hemali Mistry, Hazel Jennings 11.4 Ella Trainer, Harrishan Sivaraj 11.5 Toby. O, Anastasia. G 11.6 Muhammad Salman, Elijah T 11.7 Gabriel Stroe, Nicole Nolberczak Year 12 Student Leaders Denise Veiga, Petala Dulco Lexi Issitt, Zoe Dredge Cameron Sheepy, Melissa Maron Brogan Flowers, Freddie Ouattara Richie Ford Alvin Leung Year 13 Student Leaders Drew Moore, Jack McCulloch Lauren Gibbons, Harriet Pryor Tsunguari Chirumba, Joe Torrance Matthew Sanders