The virtual prospectus of Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School

headteacher’s welcome

I am very proud of our school, our Christian Ethos, strong values and high academic standards, all of which support the very highest expectations we have of our students. OFSTED judged us as ‘Good’ school in October 2021 and we are very proud of the positive trajectory we have in terms of our young people succeeding, achieving and thriving within our Boteler Family.

Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School was founded in 1526 and we became a Voluntary Aided Church of England High School in 2002. We serve the Diocese of Liverpool and Chester and have a Christian Ethos founded upon Anglican beliefs and practices. We are nationally recognised for putting our Christian values into action. We are a founder member of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) and lead on Faith, Ethics, Vision and Values across the Trust. We formally became an academy in June 2017.

We place our young people at the centre in all we do, investing in them so they feel encouraged and motivated to excel, through our belief in ‘High Expectations, High Aspirations, High Standards – You will succeed’.

Our vision, values and ethos underpin our Boteler Family and all aspects of school life because ‘Through God, We Care’. Our whole school community is relentless in the pursuit of excellence and is committed to raising standards so that every student reaches their full potential.

As ‘The Boteler family’ we cast all our care on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Inspired by the God of Hope, guided by the Compassion of Christ and empowered by the Endurance of the Holy Spirit, we aim to provide all our community with an outstanding educational provision in a supportive and inclusive Christian environment.

The strong moral purpose at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is to develop the whole child, both academically and pastorally. We equip students with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed for lifelong learning in an ever-changing society. We will inspire, support and challenge our students, ensuring they attain academic excellence.

Choosing the right school for your child is extremely important, and we hope that this virtual prospectus gives you an insight into our vibrant school community. More information, recent news and details of school events can be found on our website. Our door is always open, so please come and visit us during a working school day, as this is when you will be able to see us in action and to make an informed decision.

Together we will succeed.

Mrs Beverley Scott-Herron, Headteacher

Our mission statement: ‘through God, we care’

As ‘The Boteler family’ we cast all our care on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Inspired by the God of Hope, guided by the Compassion of Christ and empowered by the Endurance of the Holy Spirit, we aim to provide all our community with an outstanding educational provision in a supportive and inclusive Christian environment.

The School’s Distinctive Christian Character

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we aim to provide all our students with outstanding educational provision in a supportive and inclusive environment underpinned by our Christian Values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance. Students are at the heart of everything we do and no child will ever be left behind or forgotten.

All students receive an inspiring and balanced learning experience, which is delivered by dedicated and committed staff who go above and beyond to secure the best outcomes for each student.

Our school’s ethos is firmly based upon Christian beliefs, values and practices and this underpins all that we do. Each day there is an act of collective worship, which is Christian in nature and promotes spiritual and moral understanding. Religious Studies focuses on Christianity and the Anglican faith, but students also learn about other major world religions and we recognise and respect other faith groups within our community.

As part of the RS curriculum, students have the opportunity to take part in the nationally recognised Archbishop of York award scheme, which was founded here at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. Students following this course learn about what Jesus taught and will have the opportunity to put faith into practice through practical projects that aim to improve the lives of others.

The Curriculum

The fundamental aim of Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is to transform the life chances of our young people by focussing on removing barriers to learning and raising standards, particularly the basic life skills of literacy and numeracy as well as employability skills so that all of our students have the best possible start in life. We do this in an environment where students know they are loved and cared for. Our students are developed both academically and spiritually as we adopt a nurturing, supportive and bespoke approach to each individual child.

Our school mission statement of ‘Through God, We Care’ underpins every aspect of school life alongside our mantra of ‘High Expectations, High Aspirations and High Standards – You Will Succeed’.

Our curriculum model is the heart of our school and it enables each student to receive an integrated, coherent learning experience that contributes towards their personal, academic and professional development. We have an unrelenting desire to ensure our students achieve the results they need to succeed, instilling ambition to see students realise their potential and progress into their chosen career or next stage of education. It is also important that our students are well-rounded individuals and sensitive to the needs of others, responding positively in any way they can as good citizens. Our Christian values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance are fundamental to everything we do and we firmly believe that, if these are applied to all aspects of learning, our young people will have a strong moral compass which will serve them well in the future.

At Key Stage 3 our curriculum intent is to ensure that our students have the opportunity to develop a rich and full knowledge base which will act as a stepping stone, benefitting them in later years. The delivery of content in each subject area is carefully considered and sequenced to ensure that our students can know more and remember more. The implementation is based on the most recent research findings of cognitive science. Students will be exposed to the events, practices, research and characters that have shaped both their subjects studied and our society and beyond. This foundation of knowledge is the platform for gaining deeper, more fluent knowledge and application of skills in preparation for the challenge of Key Stage 4. We want our students to be lifelong learners and we will continually explore how our students learn best, to ensure they retain knowledge through the most effective teaching strategies.

 

Assessment and Reporting

Formal assessments take place three times a year towards the end of each term and assess students’ knowledge and understanding. The outcomes of these assessments are reported home. Key pieces of work are completed more frequently after each topic, in line with curriculum assessment maps, where students are actively involved in responding to teacher feedback. 

A dedicated feedback lesson called a RAP lesson (Reflect, Act, and Progress) immediately follows the lesson when the key piece of work was assessed. It is important that the students themselves know how they are doing in relation to expectations and what steps are needed to progress to the next level. 

In Years 10 and 11 our students complete formal assessments under examination conditions. Year 11 sit mock examinations in January and March, which are full GCSE examination papers. This helps our students to be fully prepared for the real GCSE examinations in the summer, which span over four weeks. Year 10 students sit sections of GCSE examination papers, building up to students sitting mock examinations at the end of the academic year in June. All assessments and PPEs are graded using mark schemes and published grade boundaries.

 

Special Educational Needs and disabilities

Our school has a highly inclusive approach, which aims to provide as many opportunities for our young people as possible through the removal of whatever barriers they may face. We pride ourselves on being creative in our approach and, as a result, have an excellent reputation for working with students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We work closely with parents and carers to ensure that a bespoke support programme is not only in place but that it is appropriate and has a positive impact on the student’s learning. 

Our parent/carer groups are very popular, with highly experienced and knowledgeable parents leading and supporting each other. This is complemented by a number of outside agencies including Educational psychologists, Speech and Language therapists and Specialist nurses (ASD/ ADHD/SpLD). 

Teaching assistants provide crucial support in a large number of ways, whether that is in-class support or, if appropriate, small group or one-to-one activities. This could include social skill groups, speech and language programmes, reading groups and maths intervention, depending on the specific needs of the students. This work is supported by our ongoing monitoring of students, which is overseen by our Specialist SEND teacher/assessor, Links Manager and SENDCo/Specialist SpLD teacher/assessor. 

The SEND Department also works closely with a large number of agencies, such as Social Services and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to ensure that every student receives the most appropriate support. This is complemented by our highly successful pastoral team and our CAMHS link worker, who is a Senior Mental Health/Systemic Family Practitioner.

 

designated provision for Cognition and Learning

Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School has a Local Authority Key Stage 3 and 4 Designated Provision for children with Cognition and Learning Needs. All of the students within the Designated Provision have an Education and Health Care Plan.

The students are taught in a calm, nurturing and welcoming self-contained environment. The students are incredibly proud of their workspace and would encourage you to visit us.

Within the Designated Provision the students follow a heavily tailored curriculum, personalised to support their specific needs. Key Stage 4 students where possible follow a GCSE/BTEC route (again this is based upon the individual capabilities of each student), whilst also working towards a range of Entry Level Certificates. The group as a cohort are regularly presented with AQA certificates, which celebrate both academic and life skills. We also follow the ASDAN programme where a range of invaluable life skills are worked upon, including teamwork, independent learning, coping with problems, and using maths, English and IT. We aim to challenge the children academically and, where possible, encourage students to access mainstream lessons. Our Year 11 students have all gone on to coallege and university, studying a variety of courses from plumbing, sport, cooking horticulture and animal management and games design.

There is a specific focus within the Designated Provision on speech and language development, social skills development and independence.

We have a very successful working relationship with Warrington Wolves. Their Ability Team joins the Designated Provision each week to work on team building skills, effective communication and problem solving.

Horticulture is used as an alternative therapy for Designated Provision students. Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School was awarded a £10,000 grant to improve the gardens. The students of the Designated Provision are so proud to be a part of the transformation. 

tHE pASTORAL sYSTEM

We pride ourselves on the pastoral care and guidance we provide for our students, with our success built on positive relationships between all members of our school community. We want all children to thrive in an environment where they feel happy, safe and secure. We passionately believe that every student deserves the same opportunities to succeed regardless of their personal circumstance. Each individual is uniquely valued and their talents and potential are nurtured and developed.

Our pastoral system uses the traditional horizontal system, where students are placed in tutor groups with peers from the same year group. Each student is cared for by a Head of Year, Form Tutor and an extended team, which includes our Attendance Officer, Safeguarding Officer and staff within our Progress Hub.

Great care is taken to ensure that new students settle in happily and that transitions are smooth. Form Tutors ease them into the routines of homework, organising their belongings, making new friends and moving safely and confidently around the school. Helped by our extensive transition programme, including workshops, lessons and Summer Camp, the students arrive extremely well prepared for the academic year.

The structures of the pastoral system and approaches to the personal development of all students mean that students can develop into confident, respectful and resilient young people. We believe in creating opportunities for students to gain the experience that will fully prepare them for the next stage of their education and public life as adults.

Students are also assigned to a House: Honoris (Honour), Molitiam (Resilience), Vritus (courage), Veritas (Truth), Viribus (Strength) and Arbitrium (Determination) There is a strong House identity in the school and students have the opportunity to represent their House at key events during the year, including Sports Day.

homework and independent learning 

Homework is an important part of school life. It helps to make learning more effective, encourages students to work independently and provides opportunities for learning to be further embedded in the long term memory. The use of student independent study packs containing all subject Knowledge Organisers are key in all supporting all aspects of Homework.

Homework is set using ‘Satchel One’. This is an online system where homework is set electronically. Students and parents/carers need to download the free app to their mobile device or log on a computer to see what has been set. Both parents/carers and students have login details issued to them. It is important that everyone uses the ‘Satchel One’ system. 

Students have many opportunities to use facilities in school to do homework. There is a breakfast club before school and the school library is open every lunchtime. Our Progress Hub provision may provide a more nurturing support environment if required.

Your Child’s Safety 

Safeguarding and Child Protection is everyone’s responsibility at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School and is treated with utmost importance. There is nothing more important that your child’s safety and wellbeing. 
We aim to ensure that: 
• Appropriate action is taken in a timely manner to safeguard and promote children’s welfare 
• All staff are aware of their statutory responsibilities with respect to safeguarding 
• Staff are trained in recognising and reporting safeguarding issues 
• Students receive an extensive personal development programme which supports them to stay healthy and safe from harm
 
Parents and carers say that their children feel safe at the school and students agree with this view. We have a Safeguarding Lead, a Deputy Safeguarding Lead and a Safeguarding Officer. We regularly survey students/parents/carers to ensure we are fully aware of any concerns or worries. The school’s policies and procedures ensuring child safety are often used as examples of best practice by other organisations.
 
Child Protection
Parents/carers should be aware that the school will take any reasonable action to ensure the safety of its students. Where there is reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, staff will, of course, follow Child Protection Procedures and inform Social Services of their concern.
 
Bullying
Bullying is not tolerated at our school. In Personal Development (PD) lessons and in assemblies we work at preventing bullying and we always encourage students and parents/carers to let us know of any such incidents so that prompt action may be taken. Ofsted commented that ‘bullying is not a problem and if it occurs students know who to report to and are confident that it will be treated seriously’. We have won prestigious awards in recognition for all the work we do on anti-bullying and we empower student leaders to become ambassadors in this area too. 
 
E-Safety
The internet is a powerful tool that can contribute to raising educational standards and help to promote achievement. It is an essential element in 21st century life. The school has a duty of care to provide all students with a safe and secure online learning environment, as well as educating them on all the different elements regarding staying safe online. We use a monitoring and filtering system, which is very effective in blocking inappropriate material and misuse of the internet. If a student abuses the system, the school will impose serious sanctions.

Equality and diversity

We believe in equal opportunities for everyone. We strive at all times to provide an environment that allows for every person in the community to develop strengths, talents and abilities to their full potential. We positively promote harmony and respect for others and we challenge all forms of racism, sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and bullying. 
Our culture is one of inclusion and diversity, in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in school life. We believe that diversity is a strength which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us.
 
In raising awareness of all strands of diversity, we eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and prepare our students to become outstanding citizens and to appreciate the diverse society in which we live. 
 
 

Lunch Arrangements and free school meals

The school offers an extensive cafeteria menu and the opportunity to dine in pleasant surroundings, both inside and within the outside quad area. The menu offers a range of healthy options and we encourage sensible choices to promote healthy eating. 
Our menu is displayed in the dining room and on the website. We operate a biometric ‘cashless’ system in the canteen to ensure our students are served efficiently. Parents and carers can use our ‘Ipay’ system to credit the account of their child. This will also give them the option of seeing what food is being purchased. We also use this system to pay for school visits and anything else that requires a payment to the school.  Those students entitled to Free School Meals have their account credited automatically to ensure discretion. 
 
There are facilities available to those young people who opt to bring a packed lunch. Students are not allowed to go home or off-site during lunchtime.
 
Free School Meals
 
If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, it is very important to register, not just to save money but to benefit the school too. Each child registered for Free School Meals brings more funding into the school. This funding is called the Pupil Premium.
 
Another advantage is that the school operates a scheme where we provide vouchers for the parents/carers of students registered for Free School Meals. The aim of the scheme is to make sure that these young people are not disadvantaged when it comes to their education. For example, the voucher can be used to buy revision guides, uniform and to pay for educational visits. Application forms are available from Warrington Borough Council’s Education Department or from the school’s Main Office, where staff will be happy to give help and advice.  

student voice and leadership

Student Leadership at our school is exceptional. We respect and value the views and opinions of all our young people, and we create a range of opportunities for them to make a difference to the school community and the lives of others.
Students can be part of a vibrant, effective and democratically elected School Council, Eco Council, Ethos Council, LGBTQ+ Council and TCAT Parliament, which all play an active part in policy making, fundraising and many other aspects of school life. Our student leaders have gained recognition at local, regional and national events.
 
The Student Leadership Body consists of a Senior Head Students, Head Students, Lead Ambassador, Lead Prefect, Head of Ethos, Head of Music, Head of Sport, Head of Well Being, Head of International Students, Head of Mental Health and the Heads of Houses. These young people have a major role to play within school and have an active voice. There is an effective prefect system, and the prefects have roles and responsibilities at break and lunchtimes.
 
Our popular Ambassador Programme is widely recognised and respected for the outstanding leaders it produces. Students have opportunities to develop their leadership skills and wider skills for their future through many different platforms and by taking responsible roles during our transition events.

sports and performance

The Sport and Performance department at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School prides itself on enabling students of all abilities to succeed. The department encompasses the teaching of Physical Education, Sport, Drama and Dance. 
Having close links with local and national external agencies and organisations allows students to engage with performance both on and off the playing field and stage. We provide a curriculum which is both broad and ambitious, enabling the application of skills, and is enhanced by learning outside the classroom which significantly contributes to developing the holistic child. We offer exceptional quality, striving for excellence, and provide opportunities for students achieve personal best and to enhance the talents and interests of our students as well as developing resilience, physical, social and mental wellbeing.
 
Within Drama and Dance we have a firm philosophy founded on preparing the minds of young people to cope with the outside world as well equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to immerse themselves in stage design, performance and even script writing. Students will be provided with many external opportunities to explore, research and analyse live theatre and the roles and responsibilities of the practitioners involved in creating that theatre.
 
We aim for all our young people to become successful, confident learners who enjoy learning, lead healthy, active lifestyles and make a positive contribution to their local and wider community. We develop and foster teamwork, concepts of fairness, respect and of personal and social responsibility, as well as improving a wide range of skills and tactical and strategic ideas to perform successfully. Striving to succeed, developing resilience and imagination are fundamental to our practice and approach to encourage the independent learner to prepare for the next stage, whether it is further education, training or employment.
 
A wide variety of extra-curricular options are available in performance; sports teams train regularly and we compete in local, regional and national competitions. Look out for our very own Rowing squads. Leadership opportunities are in abundance, as well as Drama productions and Dance clubs. Drama plays a huge part in the wider community of the school, with a number of productions and shows bringing the school stage to life.
 

music

We are recognised nationally and locally for our Music provision and results, which are judged outstanding every year.  We have a wide range of opportunities for students to enjoy and learn about music in a well-equipped, vibrant department. 
There are many extra-curricular opportunities for all abilities, which include bands, choirs, ensembles, school shows, etc. We are nationally recognised for our Samba Band (Samboteler) and our World Music programme. All our performers have the chance to perform at many prestigious events and venues around the UK.  
 

STEM: science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are hugely evolving areas that encompass skills that shape our world. STEM graduates and apprentices are massively in demand and the career opportunities in this area are vast.

We work to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they require to choose STEM careers. These skills are developed throughout our curriculum and beyond, in a range of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities across the key stages. These encourage our students to think critically, problem solve and to work collaboratively: gaining skills vital to STEM employers. All our students will feel that they are a STEM student.
 
With the introduction of the Gatsby benchmarks, STEM is now more important than ever. Within this, we give our students opportunities to link curriculum learning to careers through STEM days and opportunities to encounter employers through programmes such as the STEM Ambassadors scheme. Trips such as the Big Bang Fair put students at the very heart of STEM and give them the exposure to the wide range of career opportunities available to them through a STEM pathway.
 
Our Partnership within TCAT schools gives us excellent opportunities across the STEM curriculum. We participate in joint STEM days, which develop students’ STEM skills and gives students an awareness and insight into STEM careers. We also collaborate with STEM employers such as United Utilities in project-based learning and further education initiatives such as Oxplore to give insight and encourage our students to aspire to go on to pathways leading to STEM careers.
 
STEM club is an established part of the Science department where students meet weekly and work on different projects such as the CREST award – a nationally recognised certificate.
 

Educational Visits

It is important for students to broaden their educational experiences beyond the classroom. This helps them understand the wider community and they find out more about themselves. We have a varied menu of opportunities that students/parents/carers can select from.

Previous trips have included: The Houses of Parliament, Battlefields of WWI, New York, Iceland and skiing in Austria.
 
Sporting fixtures, day visits, rewards trips, fieldwork and investigations are all integral to our school life and happen at various points through the year. The sporting fixtures are weekly and we encourage students to participate fully in all the different opportunities offered.
 
Most visits will involve a charge, although students entitled to Free School Meals are eligible for a grant to offset the cost. If any parent/carer is having difficulty funding their child’s place on a trip, they are encouraged to contact the school and we will do our utmost to help.

the wider curriculum

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School we really value the wider curriculum. We believe in offering our students a deep, broad and balanced ‘whole’ curriculum that will allow them to have a wide range of academic, creative, practical, sporting and character-building experiences.

To ensure that each and every one of our students gets a complete educational experience, the wider curriculum is a substantial and vital part of the whole education of our students. The wider curriculum involves activities and learning experiences that take place beyond the formal curriculum of subjects that are taught, and in many cases take place outside the classroom – sometimes beyond the school. We see this area of the whole curriculum as being an essential part of every student’s learning entitlement, offering all our young people the opportunity to learn about life in its broadest context: its challenges and opportunities, and how to respond to its successes and occasional disappointments. Our emphasis on the wider curriculum indicates the importance that we place on extra-curricular and personal development activities within the ethos of our school, and the importance of achieving the right balance between academic focus and the development of wider knowledge, skills and qualities. We expect each and every one of our students to take an active role and to develop their skills, knowledge and qualities during their time with us.

boteler scholars programme

The Boteler Scholars Programme is a series of activities aimed at students in each year group, designed for them to experience new opportunities, embrace challenges and feel inspired. Instead of replacing the usual school curriculum, the Boteler Scholars Programme aims to further enrich students through opportunities outside of the classroom.

The purpose of our programme is to nurture potential in our students. We want to encourage students to develop and embrace their gifts in the company of teachers, students and other adults who share their passion and ambition.
 
We also seek to fully prepare students for university, including Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. Within TCAT, we work closely with Priestley College and their Graduate Programme, working alongside both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, supporting students in preparing and applying for highly competitive courses at the Russel Group of universities. We regularly have students who move on to study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and they always offer support to this programme as Alumni.
 
Oxplore programme
TCAT have been collaborating with Oxford University since 2018 on a research project aimed at raising pupils’ aspirations and attainment. Oxford and TCAT aspire to encourage more pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to aim high and consider studying at Russell Group Universities. TCAT teachers and Oxford Researchers from STEM and MFL departments work together to devise a programme of activities to stretch and challenge,  allowing our students to apply their curriculum knowledge as they consider the Oxplore big questions.  The project has been running in both Primary and Secondary schools and Oxford Researchers join our students in their classrooms to explore their knowledge. They also have the opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other TCAT schools in different locations. Follow the Oxplore link for more details https://oxplore.org/
 
ROAR programme
Russell Group Universities or Alternative Ready (ROAR) Programme is a project we run in school for Year 10 with Priestley College.
 
The ROAR Programme aims to introduce our students to the best possible educational opportunities available to them after 6th form/college.  The hope is that by the end of the process they will be aware of the great Russell Group Universities and other alternatives but also have the belief that these futures are for them.

post-16 pathways – careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

Our Post-16 Pathway programme is dedicated to ensuring that all our young people choose the career which is right for them. We ensure that our young people emerge from education with the skills and knowledge that enable them to critically participate in post-compulsory education and in working life, to become the workers, leaders, entrepreneurs and citizens of the future.

Our young people receive advice and guidance that is stable and delivered by individuals with the right skills and experiences. We create opportunities for our young people that they have not experienced before and therefore develop their aspirations and horizons. They will learn about the different educational routes available and the range of occupations and sectors that make up the labour market.
 
We have close relationships with all post-16 education providers in the area. We always ensure that our students have the correct information, advice and guidance to help them pursue the right course at the right institution for their needs. We strive to ensure all our students succeed at the highest level and fulfil their potential.

Chaplaincy

The school benefits from the services of our own Chaplain, Youth for Christ Worker and  Director of Collective Worship, who provide spiritual leadership for our collective worship programme, pastoral support for staff and students, and curriculum guidance on Christian faith and ethical issues. The school holds a weekly Eucharist service to which all students and staff are welcome. We also work in partnership with local churches where our Advent and Easter services are held and we help to prepare students for confirmation on a voluntary basis.

School Uniform and Standards

Our uniform, which includes our PE kit, creates our school identity and establishes a sense of pride and self-worth amongst the students. The uniform does not discriminate and ensures all learners have equal opportunities and shared expectations, regardless of background. 

The uniform is specially selected so that students feel part of our school community. It is expected that all students will come to the school every day in full, neat, clean uniform, giving the message that our students take pride in belonging to our school. This will continue to be the case until the student leaves the school and will also apply to the public examination period for all students. Year 11 students attend all examinations and revision sessions in full uniform until their last examination. The support of parents/carers is crucial in ensuring these high expectations. Staff are required to ensure these high standards are maintained at all times.