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Rugby Free Secondary Meet the Team Prospectus Admissions Equal Opportunities Free School Meals Attendance Standards and Expectations Useful Information Policies Parents & Carers Anchor 1 Student Support Year 7 Transition SEND Teaching & Learning Safeguarding Local Accountability Board (LAB) Calendar & Events Parent Login Homework

< Back Sami Bryant Assistant Head Teacher sami.bryant@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk sami.bryant@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

< Back Peter Allington peter.allington@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk peter.allington@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

< Back Lucy Clancy Director of Learning - PSHE and Health and Social Care lucy.clancy@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk lucy.clancy@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

< Back Laura Edmonds Assistant Head Teacher laura.edmonds@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk laura.edmonds@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

< Back Sharon Large Learning Support Assistant sharon.large@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk sharon.large@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

Local Accountability Board (LAB) Rugby Free Primary School is primarily governed by Triumph Learning Trust. However, in addition to the Trust, we have an advisory board called the Local Accountability Board (LAB). The LAB is a group of parents/carers and community members who meet with the school's leadership team in order to challenge and support them about a range of school issues - Curriculum, teaching and learning, behaviour and attitudes and community engagement. As a school we provide effective and efficient communications to ensure that parents and carers are involved in all aspects of school life. We use parent mail as our main method of contact but also provide monthly newsletters and updates via social media platforms. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Parents & Carers We strive to develop well rounded individuals who are respectful, curious and resilient. Who is part of LAB and what do they do? The LAB is a group of parents/carers and community members who meet with the school's leadership team in order to challenge and support them about a range of school issues - Curriculum, teaching and learning, behaviour and attitudes and community engagement. We aim to have parents/carers from different year groups so that we get a broad and balanced view of parents' opinions. LAB members will be expected to attend 5 meetings a year (or at least 4) and also come in to school at least twice in the year to meet with staff members regarding their area of responsibility e.g. English. If you are interested in becoming a LAB member, please email the school office and we would love to have a chat with you about the role. Although we have no vacancies at present, we may do in the future. Our January 2025 LAB Links are below Click here to download our Local Accountability Board Constitution, which sets out the governance structure for our Local Accountability Boards (LABs) which support Triumph Learning Trust’s governance arrangements. LAB Chair: Leanne Crick-Hughes LAB Vice-Chair: Alexandra Rigler LAB 2024/2025 Attendance 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.

HIGH PRIOR ATTAINERS Rugby Free Secondary School is committed to providing a positive and engaging learning experience for all students. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Parents & Carers Inclusive education is essential because school is enhanced by inclusion, diminshed without it. Should you require further advice and guidance in addition to the information below, please contact Mrs Edmonds on laura.edmonds@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk "Great teachers understand that every student, especially those with higher abilities, deserve tailored strategies that challenge their potential. By nurturing their unique strengths and encouraging intellectual growth, teachers light the path to remarkable achievements and lifelong success." What is a High Prior Attainer? When students start Secondary school, their SATs Scaled Score dictates whether they are a Low Prior Attainer (LPA), Mid Prior Attainer (MPA), or a High Prior Attainer (HPA). HPA students enter Secondary school with a Key Stage 2 scaled score of 107 upwards. This means that these students should achieve at least Grade 7s at GCSE, if they achieve in line with their expected flight path. Evidence shows that HPA children generally face additional challenges in reaching their potential at school, and this is linked to sometimes being seen as more ‘invisible’, whilst some students suffer from heightened levels of stress and anxiety due to internal and external pressures and expectations. HPA at RFSS: At Rugby Free Secondary School, we aim to ensure that our HPA students receive learning opportunities that allow them to fulfil their potential and excel in all aspects of the curriculum. Consequently, we understand that all students need to receive an appropriate level of stretch and challenge in their lessons, and of course this is particularly important for our HPA students. Strategies for providing this challenge in lessons include adaptive teaching, provision of challenge activities, Bloom’s for greater depth, and bespoke extra-curricular sessions. We currently have xxxxx students classified as Higher Prior Attainers across the whole school, which accounts for xxxx% of the overall Year 7 – Year 11 cohort. However, we also recognise that some students flourish later than Key Stage 2 data suggests, and therefore our internal register is fluid. The percentage of students who are High Prior Attainers at RFSS lower than the picture across Warwickshire. Some of this is due to being within an area that operates with Grammar Schools and 11 Plus examinations. RFSS Year Group data can be found below: Additionally, there are some students in Year 12 and Year 13 who are classified as Sixth Form HPA students: In recent times, we have experienced more HPA students joining RFSS, due to parental choice. This is because of our strong reputation for developing the whole child, and for the good work that we do here. However, this brings different pressures and expectations from parents and carers, who may have chosen Rugby Free Secondary School as their school of choice, ahead of the local Grammar and Public Schools. This change has made our demographic slightly more polarised than in previous academic years. The numbers for each of these sub-groups linked to HPA are below: = Ofsted’s Research: Ofsted’s research into HPA provision (2019) states that: Most able students should not be placed in groups where the teaching does not challenge them Most able students should be prepared for GCSE and A-Level exams from the outset of secondary school There must be high expectations of the most able students and their families Flexibility in curriculum implementation, allowing the most able students to be challenged and extended Expert teaching, supported by effective formative and summative assessment Effective training and cooperative practice, ensuring that teachers learnt from best practice Regular checks on the progress of the most able students so that any slippage was identified early and acted on, both in terms of hard and soft data An effective programme that encourages and supported the most able students to apply to our most prestigious universities This research, coupled with recent changes to our demographic means that HPA provision is a priority for RFSS, students at RFSS, and that strategies have to be interwoven through quality-first provision for all, not just bolt-ons. Wave 1 HPA strategies can be seen below: Further Research: EEF https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/within-class-attainment-grouping Summary: What & How We Have Implemented at RFSS: 2. The Sutton Trust https://www.suttontrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PotentialForSuccess.pdf Summary: What & How We Have Implemented at RFSS: Key Statistics (2023-24): Attendance (HPA v Non HPA): Suspensions (HPA v Non HPA): Permanent Exclusions (HPA v Non HPA):

< Back Simon Goodwin Head of House - Attenborough simon.goodwin@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk simon.goodwin@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

Enrichment Enrichment is a huge part of school life. This is often some of the experiences we remember the most and can provide students with fantastic opportunities, these experiences push us out of our comfort zone and equip us with skills we can transfer into further learning and outside of the school environment. The staff at RFSS offer a wide variety of different opportunities ranging from Duke of Edinburgh Awards to STEM clubs, Equality club to learning sign language with a wide variety of clubs in-between. Staff also offer homework clubs and interventions to support our student’s academic progression as well as developing wider skills. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Curriculum At RFSS we believe that learning should extend beyond the classroom. Clubs are offered throughout the week both at lunch time and after school. Please speak to the staff involved for more information. The timetable is reviewed each term to ensure that we are offering a wide variety of clubs. We have a proud history of entering both local, regional and national competitions and we have had some great success in sporting events and Robotics, where we have represented the region at national fixtures. Our termly Music concerts and recitals have always been well supported by students and parents showcasing the diverse skills that our students (and staff) possess. All of the clubs hit our six core values of Endeavour, Respect, Kindness, Collaboration, Resilience and Curiosity. We also value the place that Enrichment sits within our curriculum, with all subjects planning within their schemes of learning opportunities for Enriching their curriculum so that all students’ experiences make their time at RFSS a time to remember. 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.

< Back Haseeb Khan Teacher of Maths haseeb.khan@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk haseeb.khan@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

Equal Opportunities and Diversity We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students. All students, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, language, religion or sexual identity, have equal rights to protection. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect, exploitation or radicalisation and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. Anchor 1 Back to Our School Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Our Objectives We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. To improve students knowledge and understanding of the ethnic diversity of the UK To improve rate of attendance for students with SEND To narrow the gap in progress rates between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged students Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy Warwickshire Schools SEND Charter

< Back Josh O'Brien Teacher of English josh.obrien@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk josh.obrien@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

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 FAO: Hazel Kelly or Jane Sergeant 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.

'punishment should be public, immediate and necessary; the least possible in cases given; proportionate to the seriousness of the crime' Beccaria on classical criminology Criminology The Rugby Free Secondary Criminology curriculum explores the criminal justice system and ensures students have an awareness of current affairs and the issues that society faces today both locally and nationally. Students will leave RFSS with an ability to write extended reports that will support them in further education if they wish to pursue it. As well as this they will be able to critically evaluate sources of information, and have an awareness of crime in a local and national context. Anchor 1 Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Subjects Criminology Department - Overarching Curriculum Intent (September 2024) 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. Criminology Curriculum in Context: The Rugby Free Secondary Criminology curriculum explores the criminal justice system and ensures students have an awareness of current affairs and the issues that society faces today both locally and nationally. Our students live in an area where the cost of living is higher than the national average, yet some come from areas that are in the 20% most deprived in the UK. The relative deprivation and marginalization that students from these communities will experience is much higher than average and we therefore need to be aware that crime will be a very real issue in some of their lives. Furthermore, organised crime is a large issue locally, gaining a better understanding of the reasons people join these groups, tactics used and the sentencing that they receive should act as a deterrent to our students who may otherwise find themselves exploited. The course allows them to gain a deep understanding of roles within the criminal justice system as well, ensuring that they are aware of skills needed to complete the jobs effectively. Students are equipped with complex criminological terminology that will allow them to access challenging reports and make objective decisions about the usefulness of documents and findings in criminal cases. By studying recent case studies and examples we can ensure all students are aware of the contemporary issues facing the CJS now, but also promote curiosity and a love of learning. Our cohorts tend to reflect the wider school with high numbers of SEN, EAL and in particular disadvantaged students, by ensuring our curriculum is balanced and broad and continually updated with the most recent cases we strive to ensure all students are able to access the knowledge and see the purpose of it, while also challenging some to stretch themselves further through the exploration of historic laws, cases and studies. Curriculum Aims: Our curriculum aims to: Promote mastery, but encourage students to be curious, resilient learners who can work independently on large tasks such as controlled assessments and in groups when applying real world application in lessons. Develop students ability to analyse and evaluate through the exploration of different Biological, Psychological, Sociological Perspectives and ensure they are critical of bias within print media when doing so Ensure all students can make good progress by mastering core vocabulary, identifying trends in data and having a sound understanding of key concepts. Greater understand the Criminal Justice System and the crimes investigated, changes to laws and roles within it, using a range of evidence and studies to support their findings and conclusions. 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 in a logical way. Promoting curiosity, collaboration and resilience through independent and interdependent activities such as independently researching cases and extra-curricular trips. Exploring key themes throughout the course, such as definitions of crime, campaigns for change, different theoretical perspectives on crime and evaluating the effectiveness of policies. Introducing students to policies, campaigns and studies that have changed the criminal justice system and are accessible to all, with additional examples to challenge the most able. Participating in debates where they evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different criminological views, collect evidence to support their arguments and accept that people have different opinions. Our curriculum is focused on the development of communication, character and cultural capital of each individual student, so they become: Resilient Learners who can investigate and evaluate complex cases that may be hard-hitting too. Empathetic to the experiences of professionals, victims and offenders in the criminal justice system, understanding that there are often many factors impacting the actions of all the individuals. Hard-working individuals who understand the importance of deadlines and the importance of flexible working within the Public Service Sector. Curriculum Outcome: As a result of our curriculum, students will leave RFSS with an ability to write extended reports that will support them in further education if they wish to pursue it. As well as this they will be able to critically evaluate sources of information, and have an awareness of crime in a local and national context. This will empower them to ensure that all those who have to use the criminal justice system have as positive an experience as possible if they choose to pursue careers within or with links to the criminal justice system. 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.

Learn a little more about Attenborough House Attenborough House Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Back to Our School Learn a little more about Attenborough House Attenborough House derives its name from the esteemed Sir David Attenborough, a distinguished naturalist, broadcaster, and environmentalist, who devotes himself to raising awareness about the exquisite yet fragile nature of our planet. As the head of Attenborough House, one of my priorities is to foster inclusivity among all House members, irrespective of their abilities or prior experiences. Attenborough House stands as a symbol of collaboration, where we join forces as a united House to enhance the RFSS community. In our inaugural year, Attenborough House achieved great success including fundraising over £150 for our designated charity, Warwickshire Air Ambulance, and emerging victorious in the Inter-House games tournament. Above all, I take immense pride in the fact that Attenborough House secured the highest average of positive behavior points during each half-term last year. As we embark on the journey of 2023/24, let us strive to surpass Pankhurst and claim the top position among the Houses.

< Back Neil Taylor Teacher of Science neil.taylor@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk neil.taylor@rugbyfreesecondary.co.uk

Rugby Free Secondary Meet the Team Prospectus Admissions Equal Opportunities Free School Meals Attendance Standards and Expectations Useful Information Policies Staff Intranet Anchor 1 PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LOGIN TO STAFF INTRANET

Admissions At Rugby Free Secondary School, we recognise the importance of a smooth, positive transition from primary school to secondary school. We understand that this may be a stressful time for both students and parents. Therefore we work very closely with students, parents and our feeder primary schools to ensure that the process is as stress free as possible. Deciding where to send your child to secondary school is a huge decision and one which must be taken early on. Anchor 1 Back to Our School Anchor 2 core_values2 kind2 endeav3 core_values2 1/18 Why don't you come and visit us? We ensure that the transition process is as stress free as possible. In order to help you make the decision whether RFSS is right for you, we invite all parents of, and students in, Year 6 to visit us for our Open Evening, held at the beginning of each academic year. During our Open Evening you will have the chance to meet the leadership team, teaching staff and support staff, and discuss aspects of school life which interest you. You can visit our excellent facilities and see examples of students’ work. If you would like to arrange a viewing of the school or have any questions regarding RFSS, please do get in touch with us. Admissions Policy 2021-22 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.

Rugby Free Secondary Meet the Team Prospectus Admissions Equal Opportunities Free School Meals Attendance Standards and Expectations Useful Information Policies Year 13 Head Students Anchor 1 Sharon Adebisi - Head Student Bradley Abbott - Head Student Head Students 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 peers and staff, after a leadership campaign, during which they must demonstrate their vision for and commitment to the school community. Our Head Students are role models for all students in the school, illustrating a strong academic skill set, alongside a compassion for the wellbeing of all students and staff at RFSS. They challenge all students to hold themselves to high standards, and coordinate and inspire the whole Student Leadership Team to do likewise. They play a key role in promotional events for the school and are a vital link for communication and collaboration between staff and students. We look forward to them becoming a central part of our new and growing alumni community.