Ravens Wood School

Committed To Excellence &Innovation

Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent, BR2 8HP

Tel. 01689 856050 | Fax. 01689 869948
office@rws.uk.net | www.ravenswood.bromley.sch.uk

Ravens Wood School

Committed To Excellence &Innovation

Committed To Excellence &Innovation

Ravens Wood School

RAVENS WOOD
LEARNING TRUST
Ravens Wood School is a member of Ravens Wood Learning Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust that has the full
backing of the Department of Education.
As members of the Multi-Academy Trust, Addington High School and Ravens Wood School work together
with others to ensure that education remains at the core of everything we do. We stand for traditional
values, quality teaching, high standards of pupil behaviour, and state-of-the-art learning environments.
Each school within the Ravens Wood Learning Trust will be at the centre of its community, raising aspirations
and achievement. It will do this in two ways: firstly, through the excellent teaching of an extended and
balanced curriculum, which ignites curiosity, unlocks talent and raises potential; and secondly, by exercising
high-quality care, guidance and support that assures the personal development and welfare of each child
and young person.
Centrally-run services will reduce the time-consuming administrative tasks which many Academies find
difficult to manage, while providing the expertise and support to concentrate on educational performance.
Both schools within the Trust will work with students, and will seek to provide them with a rich and varied
extra-curricular programme.

Ravens Wood School

Committed To Excellence &Innovation

RAVENS WOOD

welcomes you

We are very proud to welcome you to Ravens Wood School. Choosing a

school for your son is not easy, but we hope that by reading this prospectus
and attending the Open Days you will see for yourself that the School has
much to offer.
OUR VISION:
Our vision at Ravens Wood is to be a community that
provides an outstanding education for our students so that
they can make a valued contribution as citizens of the world.
OUR AIMS:
In order to achieve this vision we aim to:
Develop pupils and staff as leaders, learners and ladies
and gentleman of Ravens Wood School
Deliver an outstanding education that leads to high
academic performance
Foster involvement and performance in a wide range of
enrichment activities
Prepare the community for the demands of the
knowledge age

The School sees itself as a community, committed to

excellence and innovation. Participation is encouraged in
a wide range of educational and life enriching activities
celebrating success in many varied ways. The ultimate aim
is to help students prepare to take maximum advantage
of lifelong learning experiences in further education and
careers, establishing themselves as responsible members of
the community.
This prospectus can only give you a flavour of what life is like
at Ravens Wood. Therefore we invite you to join us on our
Open Days, where you will have the opportunity to meet
our community in a friendly working environment.

Enhance the skills for a lifetime of learning.

EXCELLENCE

in our curriculum

Ravens Wood prides itself on the broad and balanced curriculum it offers its students.
Monitoring and evaluating our students progress is one of
the keys to our success and we set challenging but realistic
targets for our pupils throughout their school career. Your
son will engage in English, Maths, Science, a Modern Foreign
Language, History, Geography, RS, Art, Music, Drama, PE,
Design Technology and ICT.
Years 7, 8 & 9 (Key Stage 3)
In July of Year 6, we meet parents and carers with their sons.
Here we agree a common ethos; the 3 Ls. These are: to be
a Learner, a Leader and a (Lady or) Gentleman of Ravens
Wood. The curriculum allows us to develop all three Ls. At
the beginning of Year 7 there is an induction period during the
first six weeks. We believe that the most efficient and fairest
way of grouping pupils is setting by ability, using nationally
generated data alongside our own assessments of general
intelligence and baseline tests in core subjects to ensure that
students have been placed in the appropriate set. These tests
also contribute to an indication of future performance up
to GCSE level and allow us to track progress from the start.

Every student is set separately in English, Mathematics and

Science. We operate a flexible system with regard to setting
and use the review system to make set adjustments at
the beginning and middle of each academic year. Key Stage 3 is
the launchpad for excellence in Key Stage 4.
Years 10 & 11 (Key Stage 4)
In Years 10 and 11 the majority of students study a core
of traditional academic subjects that make up the English
Baccalaureate (EBAC): English, Maths, Modern Foreign
Languages, Science, History or Geography. Design
Technology is compulsory for all. Beyond the core, they can
then select a variety of GCSE qualifications. The wide choice of
GCSE subjects is published in a separate information booklet
available to students during Year 9. The curriculum allows
all to achieve excellently and to progress to the next Key
Stage effectively. A modified curriculum is provided for a
small number of students.

Years 12 & 13 (Key Stage 5)

There are over 400 students in our Sixth Form, where we
also admit young ladies. A separate Sixth Form Prospectus,
updated annually, sets out the full range of A Level subjects
on offer. Our Enrichment courses include opportunities to
study, among others: conversational Italian, the Extended
Project, Young Enterprise, Leadership and Coaching. Students
are also invited to audition/trial to be members of the Rugby,
Football, Performing Arts (RAPA) or Music Academies.
Students progress is monitored carefully to ensure that each
has the opportunity to achieve their objectives for Post-18.
The vast majority of our students go on to Higher and Further
Education. The 6th Form curriculum prepares all for the postRavens Wood future!
Commitment from students both in class and in homework is
essential in developing self-discipline and independent study,
resulting in academic success. In support of this, homework is
set for all students in accordance with the School Governors
homework policy. A copy of the policy is available via the
school website.

owe it to our students

We
to provide them with every

opportunity to produce the

best exam results of which
they are capable.

believe that the pastoral

We
care of each individual in
the school community is of
greatest importance.

PASTORAL CARE
opportunity to care

We believe that the pastoral care of each individual in the school community
is of the greatest importance. Therefore we have a highly developed pastoral
system to ensure that every students progress towards becoming a well-rounded
individual is closely monitored.
The responsibility for the pastoral care lies with the Form
Tutor, assisted by the Heads of Year.
We provide various avenues for students to confide in
someone if they have concerns or worries. In most instances
the student will approach his Form Tutor who is central to
his life at the school. The relationship between Form Tutor
and student is developed through daily contact in the Personal
and Social Health Education and Citizenship lessons and during
morning Registration and on Action Days.
Parents will also have the opportunity to build relationships
with the Form Tutor through parents evenings, contact by
telephone, email or letter or via the students contact book.
In addition to this we have a student adviser who may be
consulted by students who have problems which they wish to
discuss in confidence.
Rewards and Discipline
Our emphasis is on encouragement, praise and the display
of an active interest in the personal and academic progress
of students. We uphold values of respect and pride in our
school and in ourselves. This is encapsulated in the ethos of

the Lady and Gentleman of Ravens Wood. Therefore we

expect students to address members of staff and each other
with courtesy. We encourage and expect good behaviour. We
have established, firm boundaries, which students know and
understand. Inevitably incidents occur. On those occasions we
do not shrink from firm action. A series of sanctions of varying
degrees of severity exists, designed to match the seriousness
of the incident. In some instances it may be necessary to
involve parents. Students may be detained after school for
varying lengths of time if their misconduct merits, this can
be as long as 1 hour but we do give 24 hours notice of such
detentions. To be placed on school detention is seen as a very
serious punishment.
We expect school uniform to be worn. Details about the
uniform can be found in the Appendix.
Students should not bring valuable personal possessions to
school. This includes expensive watches, mobile phones, MP3
players etc. The school takes no responsibility for such items
should they get damaged, lost or stolen. During PE lessons,
any valuables that have been brought into school should be
given in to PE staff, who will lock items away.

OPPORTUNITY

in enrichment activities

Ravens Woods extra curricular opportunities are truly extensive.

There really is something for everyone.
A large majority of Ravens Wood students are currently
learning to play a musical instrument. Regular concerts in
school and opportunities to participate in competitions
allow students to perform and develop their skill and selfconfidence. Students gain entry to music colleges and
National Ensembles on a regular basis. The quality of our
dance and drama productions is outstanding. All students
have the opportunity to take part in small and large-scale
performances. As a school we have students who have
successfully performed in central London theatres and many
go on to study at professional performance establishments.
Creative and talented art students have an opportunity to
display their work at our annual art exhibition. Sport also plays
a key part in the success of the school. Through enrichment
activities, the PE Department aims to achieve excellence
and inclusion. There is a strong commitment to providing
competitive opportunities in all major sports. Students take
part in competitions at local, national and international level.
Individuals as well as teams have won and continue to win
county and national competitions.

Departments run clubs at lunchtime, and before and after

school. These allow students to fulfil their individual hobbies
and interests, or may act as part of their wider education.
It would take too long to list them all but to give an idea
of the diversity of the clubs available they range from
chess to photography and archery to martial arts; over 115
opportunities at the last count!
In addition to all of the above we offer the opportunity for
students to take part in a host of educational school trips and
holidays each year, both in the UK and abroad. The trips are
supported by the school Governors and have proven to be
both educational and enjoyable. The holidays are offered
to Years 713 and are generally activity based. They are
advertised well in advance so you can pay for the trip over a
number of months. Staff ensure that the companies used are
registered with ABTA and have an excellent track record in
the schools holiday market.

Wood not only

Ravens
prides itself on its academic

achievement but we place

emphasis on providing extra
curricular opportunities.

willingness to share knowledge and

The
skills within our community is one of our

fundamental moral values. It creates a climate

of openness, collectiveness and trust.

EXCELLENCE

in the quality of staff

The excellence of Ravens Wood School is determined by and dependent upon

the quality of its teaching and learning. As such, we aim to ensure that high
quality staff are consistently recruited to, and retained by, our school.
They are developed by focusing upon the following areas:
The promotion of Learning Partnerships an approach
introduced to improve the knowledge and skills of staff, which
is then reflected in the wider opportunities for students.
An emphasis upon Teaching and Learning the observation
of lessons to identify good practice and then share this
with others.

Provision of professional development opportunities

regular training courses run by staff and Advanced Skills
Teachers within the school to assist colleagues in key areas
in order to enhance skills.
The development of non-teaching staff by ensuring nonteaching colleagues receive and have access to training and
development and are thus fully integrated into the school.
Use of sophisticated Pupil Information Systems using
robust reporting and monitoring systems to support
student progress.

progress of the pupils is

The
monitored carefully throughout their
time here and we communicate with
parents on a regular basis.

10

COMMITTED TO
equality of opportunity

Assemblies and Collective Worship

School assemblies are of a broadly Christian nature. Senior
staff together with visiting speakers lead these activities on
carefully chosen themes. Parents can withdraw their child from
collective worship, either in whole or in part, in which case
individual arrangements will be made.

The support given varies according to the individual needs of

each student and is delivered in a variety of ways. Students
progress is monitored carefully throughout their time here
and we communicate with parents on a regular basis. The
school policy incorporates all the requirements of the SEN
Code of Practice.

Religious Studies
Religious Studies aims to promote an enquiring and
sympathetic approach to the study of religion by introducing
students to the challenging and varied nature of religion,
religious experience, beliefs and practice. Students are
encouraged to identify and explore questions about the
meaning of life, to reflect on moral issues and to recognise
and appreciate the contribution of religion to the richness and
diversity of life. Once again, parents can withdraw their child
from Religious Studies, either in whole or in part, in which
case individual arrangements will be made.

We continue to review our provision for all students and ensure

that accessibility to the curriculum and the site is progressively
reviewed and improved.

Special Educational Needs

We are concerned that all students, whether they are
exceptionally gifted, have learning difficulties or other
disabilities, should be full members of the school and benefit
from the whole curriculum. Additional support and attention
is provided by the Pupil Development team, in conjunction
with classroom teachers throughout the curriculum. External
support agencies are called upon where necessary.

Child Protection
This is given a high profile at Ravens Wood School. The
school has a policy in place, updated annually, in line with
Educational Guidelines. We work within the framework of
the Local Authority and liaise with the appropriate agencies
to support students.
There is a designated person within the school who takes
responsibility for this area. A senior leader supervises all cases
of referral and a school governor is also in place to help and
support if required.
All staff are trained in this area of sensitivity and are aware
of the correct process of referral should an issue arise. If any
additional information is required, please do not hesitate to
contact the school office.

11

ADMISSIONS

to Year 7 and appeals

The number of students Ravens Wood School proposes to

admit in each year group from years 7 11 is 224. The published
admission number is inclusive of students with a statement of
special educational needs that are admitted to the school
pursuant to the school being named in part 4 of their statement.

12

3. Children of staff at the school: Ravens Wood will give

priority regarding oversubscription criteria to children of
staff in either or both of the following circumstances:
a) Where the member of staff has been employed at
the school for two or more years at the time at which
the application for admission to the school is made, and/or

Admission to Year 7
Applications must be made in writing to The London Borough
of Bromley Admissions using the appropriate Common
Application Form.

b) The member of staff is recruited to fill a vacant post for

which there is a demonstrable skill shortage.

Criteria
Should the number of applications exceed the number of
places available, places will be allocated using the following
criteria listed in order of priority:

4. Proximity: children who live nearest to the school when

measured in a straight line from the front door of home
to the Schools front entrance using the Local Authoritys
computerised measuring system.

1. Children in care (Children in public care).

Students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs

Students with a statement of Special Educational Needs are
dealt with under a separate process and the Governing Body
will admit those students whose statements name Ravens
Wood School after this process has been completed.

2. Siblings: a boy whose elder brother, (or sister in the Sixth

Form), half-brother (or half-sister in the Sixth Form),
adopted brother (or adopted sister in the Sixth Form),
step brother (or step sister in the Sixth Form) or the child
of the parent/carers partner is attending the School at the
time of proposed entry. Sibling applications will only be
accepted for siblings of students in Years 7 to 10; siblings
of Year 11 whose parents have confirmed in writing their
commitment to the student continuing into Year 12 and
siblings of Year 12 students who are attending a two year
course. However, siblings of Year 13 students will not be
accepted. In every case the child should be living in the
same family unit at the same address.

Timetable
Ravens Wood School will comply with the timetable and
procedures laid down in the Local Authoritys Co-ordinated
Admissions Scheme.
Home Address
This is the address at which the student lives permanently
and full-time as his principal residence. Documentary proof
of residence is required. Permanent address does not include
short-term rental or lease. Permanent Address comes
into force from the date of occupation and relinquishing of
previous address (documentary proof is required).
Waiting List
Any child not offered a place will be placed on a waiting list
and will have the statutory right of appeal. Those wishing to
appeal should register their intention of doing so by sending a
letter, addressed to the Chair of Governors, c/o Ravens Wood
School, within 14 days of being informed that their child has
not been allocated a place. The waiting list for year 7 will be
maintained in the order of the over subscription criteria.
However, children directed via the Fair Access Protocol will
take precedence over any child already on the waiting list and
this includes admitting children over the published number.

RAVENS WOOD
LEARNING TRUST
Ravens Wood School is a member of Ravens Wood Learning Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust that has the full
backing of the Department of Education.
As members of the Multi-Academy Trust, Addington High School and Ravens Wood School work together
with others to ensure that education remains at the core of everything we do. We stand for traditional
values, quality teaching, high standards of pupil behaviour, and state-of-the-art learning environments.
Each school within the Ravens Wood Learning Trust will be at the centre of its community, raising aspirations
and achievement. It will do this in two ways: firstly, through the excellent teaching of an extended and
balanced curriculum, which ignites curiosity, unlocks talent and raises potential; and secondly, by exercising
high-quality care, guidance and support that assures the personal development and welfare of each child
and young person.
Centrally-run services will reduce the time-consuming administrative tasks which many Academies find
difficult to manage, while providing the expertise and support to concentrate on educational performance.
Both schools within the Trust will work with students, and will seek to provide them with a rich and varied
extra-curricular programme.

Ravens Wood School

Committed To Excellence &Innovation

Ravens Wood School

Committed To Excellence &Innovation

Oakley Road, Bromley, Kent, BR2 8HP

Tel. 01689 856050 | Fax. 01689 869948
office@rws.uk.net | www.ravenswood.bromley.sch.uk

Ravens Wood School

Committed To Excellence &Innovation

Committed To Excellence &Innovation

Ravens Wood School