Head of Dept: Mr N Vallender – [email protected]

We are Team English. Firstly, we would like to introduce you to our team, Mr Vallender is our Head of English, the rest of our amazing team consists of:  Mrs Hough; Ms Cunningham; Mrs Woodcock; Miss Brown and Miss Ward. You may have met some of the English department before as we have been involved in many of the Year 5 and Year 6 taster days and evenings. We are a fun department who like to make English enjoyable and exciting: active learning is a big part of our department and we like to get you really involved in your lessons. Team English have organised several exciting school trips, including visiting the cinema, local colleges and the theatre (where we were privileged to attend a Royal performance of Blood Brothers with HRH Prince Edward!). We like to go to local sixth form colleges and we have great links to Priestley College and many local primary schools who we like to visit in the summer term. Team English look forward to meeting you soon.

Head of Dept: Mr R Allen – [email protected]

Our fantastic team consists of Mr Allen who is Head of Maths; Miss Isaac; Miss Black; Mr Sutcliffe, Miss Matthews and Mrs Messenger. We are passionate about Mathematics, and our aim is that all students will share that passion through studying a knowledge-rich, engaging and challenging curriculum. We believe that all students are capable of understanding, doing and improving at Maths and we work carefully with our students to help them to achieve this. In addition to an engaging curriculum, we offer several extra-curricular opportunities including a Puzzle Club, Maths Homework Help, GCSE Maths Revision and Further Maths. We look forward to welcoming you to Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. 

Head of Dept: Miss J Baggaley – [email protected]

Religious Studies is the cornerstone of our educational provision and we are proud that it is taught exclusively by subject specialists. Our intention is to spark students’ curiosity, deepen their spiritual awareness, and inspire all students to lead lives of integrity and purpose, rooted in the values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance. Excellence within Religious Studies would mean that each student will discover more about religion and worldviews by being young theologians, philosophers, sociologists, readers and interpreters in order to think critically and make sense of the bigger picture of a multi-religious and multi-secular world.

The KS3 curriculum follows the Diocesan’s ‘Illuminating Pathways’ syllabus. Students will begin to explore central beliefs, values and practices of Christianity and other religions and worldviews. The KS4 curriculum follows the AQA Religious Studies (Specification A) syllabus. All students have Religious Studies five hours per fortnight and will sit the full course GCSE examination at the end of Year 11. In Year 10, students will develop a deep knowledge of Christianity and Judaism. They will examine diverse beliefs and key practices within these religions including their contributions in supporting local and world-wide communities. In Year 11 students apply their knowledge of Christianity and Judaism to four contemporary ethical themes: Religion and families – Religion and life – Religion, peace and conflict – Religion, crime and punishment.

Head of Dept: Mr A Davies – [email protected]

We believe Science is an extension of everyone’s natural curiosity and is important for everyone in understanding the world around them. We teach active and engaging lessons providing opportunities for students to carry out scientific experiments enhancing their analytical and investigative skills.

Our team of specialists: Mr Davies (Head of Science); Mr Caine (2nd in Science and STEM coordinator); Mrs Rowlands (KS4 Lead); Mr Daly; Miss Byrne and Mr White, provide expertise in each field ensuring students can achieve their potential and flourish in Scientific careers should they wish to.

We provide a range of extra-curricular opportunities for our students including visits to places of scientific interest such as Bangor University School of Ocean Sciences and Daresbury Laboratories. We are currently developing links with Oxplore, United Utilities and TCAT to provide exclusive STEM opportunities for our students. We also run a regular STEM club for KS3 and a marine biology course for KS4.

We look forward to welcoming you to our laboratories here at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School.

Head of Dept: Mrs U Morris – [email protected]

Pablo Picasso boasted, “Every child is an Artist”. The Art team don’t just know this to be true, we make it our mission to remind our young artists, daily.  We encourage creative risk, self-expression and exploration through a range of 2D and 3D materials, from paint to clay. We create endless opportunities for our artists to build confidence as well as a sense of individual identity.

Every child really does matter in Art. With Key Stage 3 themes of ‘Myself’, ‘My world’ and ‘My future’, we bolster the unique power of art to explore studio practice, develop critical thinking and hone the ability to interpret, connect and challenge the world around us. 

We pride ourselves on the great power of our subject. We know art can support wellbeing and improve health and happiness. We want you to experience the art studio as a haven; a safe place to be mindful and successful. We understand learning through, and about art, enriches the experience of school, as well as preparing you for life long after Boteler.

With a range of teacher specialisms, support, expertise, and clubs within the department, paired with a passion for meeting the needs of, and celebrating, every child; We are ready! Are you?

Head of Dept: Mr A Robinson – [email protected]

Product Design

In KS3 students follow a curriculum aimed at giving them high level skills and knowledge whilst designing and manufacturing quality products with a real ‘take home’ value. Students are very proud of their achievements. We are very fortunate to have a fully equipped workshop with both traditional and modern technology capacity. We also very proud of our IT suite for research, development and coursework. It is no surprise that Design Technology has the highest take up of any option subject in the school and regularly gets some of the highest grades at KS4. We offer a calm learning environment where students feel welcome, this in turn allows them to achieve their true potential. We welcome you to our subject.

Graphic Design

The Graphic design department offers students the opportunity to explore the diverse nature of graphic design, a knowledge rich curriculum is designed to enable both critical and creative thinking. Students learn a variety of design skills from drawing and presentation techniques to computer aided design and model making. Both KS3 and KS4 design, develop and model visual concepts using professional level computer software and by hand, this culminates in the production of high quality, considered and creative products. We have a large design studio complete with a laser cutter and full IT suite. Our students can progress to a number of post-16 option routes including graphics, architecture, interior design, computer games design and animation at level 3, A Level, T Level and apprenticeships. A very warm welcome to the Graphic Design department.

Food and Hospitality

In our food department, we have three members of staff, Mrs Llewellyn and two highly skilled food technicians. As a team, we enjoy teaching in two fully equipped kitchens / classrooms, which have a range of catering equipment. Our student’s thoroughly enjoy working in these on a daily basis. At KS3, our students prepare and produce highly skilled dishes to take home. At KS4, our Hospitality and catering students take on much wider responsibilities across the school providing food and catering services to the wider community. This gives our students the opportunity to allow them to experience career pathways within the food and Hospitality industry. You are always welcome in our department.

Mrs. C. Leatherbarrow and Miss. H. Barnes

Welcome to the Geography department at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. We believe in delivering lessons which inspire our students to think about many of the dominant issues that make up the nightly news; ranging from decision- making exercises on whether or not to protect the rainforests, role plays about attitudes to coastal management or creating a home-made volcano complete with explosions!

The curriculum in Year 7-9 helps to engage and inspire students, with many of them opting to take the subject at GCSE. Numbers of pupils taking geography at GCSE have increased in recent years as the subject becomes more and more relevant in an ever-changing world.

The study of geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. It helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on students’ own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global.

The geography department uses fieldwork to enhance learning outside of the classroom. These trips have been a vital part of the curriculum and enjoyed by all, especially splashing in the River Bollin and mountain biking in Delamere Forest.

Head of History: Mr McDonald – [email protected]

Welcome to the History Department! Under the leadership of Mr McDonald, alongside Ms Barrow and Ms Jones, we are a passionate team committed to bringing the past to life for all our students. Our department believes in creating an exciting and thought-provoking learning environment, where every student can engage with history in meaningful ways. We encourage our students to ask questions, challenge ideas, and develop critical thinking skills through dynamic and interactive lessons. Whether you’re unravelling the mysteries of ancient civilisations or exploring the world-changing events of the 20th century, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and foster a lifelong love for history.

At Key Stage 3, students explore a broad spectrum of historical periods, from medieval Britain to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, setting the foundations for a deeper understanding of the modern world. At Key Stage 4, our GCSE programme takes a more in-depth approach, focusing on topics such as Medicine Through Time, Elizabethan England, the Cold War, and the development of the USA. We have taken various groups to the Empire Theatre, the Imperial War Museum North, The Battlefields of WW1 in Belgium and hosted several visits from holocaust survivors. We are passionate about preparing students for the rigours of high achievement at GCSE whilst also making lessons accessible and exciting for students of all abilities. Please visit us in Room 10 and Room 11 to find out more.

Curriculum Leader: Mr B Gorman – [email protected]

Computing is taught by Mr Gorman and Mr Daly. The computing department is committed to providing an inclusive, challenging and engaging curriculum where students can become confident, independent users of computing equipment. We want students to develop a love of learning for the subject and for them to become digitally literate in an ever-changing world. Students in Years 7 – 9 will learn to become informed, safe and responsible users of computers, gaining transferable skills they can flexibly use across their schooling and beyond. In Years 10 & 11 students have the option to choose a more focused route and study GCSE Computer Science; becoming expert programmers and delving deeper into topics such as algorithms, computer hardware and cyber-security. 

Head of Dept: Mrs O Ward – [email protected]

Bonjour. Hola. Bonjour! In the languages department there are three teachers: Mrs Ward, Mrs Hesford and Miss Porteous. You will have the opportunity to continue learning the language you studied at Primary School and you can opt for either French or Spanish.  We will continue to build upon all the hard work you have done so far.  Knowledge of a language will be a massive benefit to you now and later in life. Not only does it help a great deal on holiday but languages are much sought after by universities and employers alike. In the language department we concentrate on the four skills of reading, writing, listening and most importantly speaking. We learn grammar and vocabulary through playing language games, interactive activities and songs. We also learn about French and Spanish culture and develop a love of both the language and the countries in which they are spoken.

Head of Dept: Miss R Bridge – [email protected]

The music department is a vibrant and lively area of the school where students have the opportunity to develop both their individual musical skills and collective musicianship. 

We have consistently achieved 100% Pass-Distinction* at KS4 over the past several years and have been nationally recognised for student achievement. Music lessons are dynamic, offering students a chance to hone their performance, composition, and listening skills in various ways – whether through playing African drums, bucket drumming, keyboards, or the ukulele. 

There are several music clubs students can join, including Samboteler, a group that has previously performed for the Queen and during the arrival of the Olympic flame. We also offer singing groups for all abilities, such as The Collectives, who have performed at the Parr Hall and Chester Cathedral, and The Botelertonix, who performed at Westminster Hall during a National Conference – an honour awarded to only three schools, making it a superb achievement. 

For instrumentalists, we run activities such as Guitar Club, the Woodwind & Brass Ensemble, and various band groups in genres ranging from pop and rock. These bands are provided rehearsal spaces to collaborate and perform with peers, with ongoing support and guidance. 

We also produce an annual school show, involving students both on stage and behind the scenes. Everyone is always welcome to join the music department, get involved, create music, and achieve success. 

PD Lead: Mrs L Butcher – [email protected]

As a Church School, Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School prides itself on the development of the ‘whole child’. Our Personal Development curriculum is designed to support students to become confident, healthy, resilient and respectful citizens, who are fully prepared for life and work and are ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

PD is a varied and interesting subject that connects all curriculum areas. Students receive a PD lesson once a fortnight, as well as during Form Time through the INSPIRE programme. It is fully embedded into all subject areas and the ethos of our school. All Boteler Wider Curriculum activities and trips help our students to become confident citizens, through building resilience and social skills. We work closely with ‘Skills Builder’ to develop students essential skills to ensure they have a successful future. Students cover specific units relating to Living in the Wider World, Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Sex Education. They can discuss and learn about these issues in a safe environment, with a strong teaching team who can share a wealth of experience.

Head of Dept: Mr C Burbidge – [email protected]

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, dance and drama and has close links with external agencies and organisations, allowing students to engage with performance both on and off the playing field and stage. We believe that a broad and challenging curriculum that is enhanced by learning outside the classroom during our extensive enrichment programme will develop all the other life skills students need to succeed. We offer a pathway of study for every student and have the expertise to deliver GCSE PE, GCSE Drama as well as vocational routes including Cambridge National Sport Science, BTEC Dance and BTEC Acting.

Our vision is to ensure that all students at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School have the opportunity to participate in performance activities throughout their time at the school. Within performance we want to inspire young people to participate in and enjoy a variety of activities and to recognise the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle. We will instil this through effective teaching and learning that is constantly looking to move forward, providing opportunities for students to assume responsibility for their learning, to engage inquisitive minds and provide those students with a high standard of learning that should be expected by them in every lesson. A wide variety of extra-curricular options are available in performance; sports teams (even a Rowing Club!) and leadership opportunities are in abundance, as well as drama productions, and dance clubs. Drama and dance play a huge part in the wider community of the school with an annual National Theatre Connections production and various dance showcases which bring the school stage to life.

DofE Co-ordinator: Miss H Barnes – [email protected]

The Duke of Edinburgh award has been established in our school for some years now. The Bronze award is offered to Year 9 students and Silver to those in Year 10. The most famous part of the Award is the expedition – one or two nights (depending on the level) of self-sufficient camping and a challenging hike are the culmination of a year of hard work. This will push students out of their comfort zone! You will be encouraged to mix with new people, learn new skills, how to operate as a team, to be a leader and so much more… more importantly it can be fun!

The Award isn’t just about hiking and expeditions, students will also need to complete three separate sections – developing a skill, taking part in a physical activity and volunteering. Look on www.Dofe.org.uk for more inspiration.

In our school The Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator is Miss H Barnes and our integral support team is Ms L Williams and Mrs J Guttridge.

Director of Collective Worship: Mrs E Hoey – [email protected]

Collective Worship is an integral aspect of daily life at Sir. Thomas Boteler Church of England High School and forms part of our ‘Inspire Programme’ alongside Personal Development and Literacy.

Collective worship provides students with time outside the curriculum to discuss things that are happening around the world. An opportunity to reflect on spiritual and moral issues that impact our lives by discussing how we can live better our lives and the lives of others. Through weekly scripture focused on our Christian values of Hope, Thankfulness, Endurance, Humility, Compassion and Friendship; students are able to reflect on themselves, others, the beauty of the World and their understanding of God. We have a popular Ethos council which runs inspiring activities throughout the school year and an enthusiastic team of Worship Ambassadors who plan and deliver student-led Collective Worship.    

Leader: Kim Wellens – [email protected]

Kim is a youth worker from local charity Warrington Youth For Christ and she is in school every Tuesday and Friday for any student to chat to. She offers mentoring and wellbeing support, helps out with RE lessons and Collective Worship, has a school singing worship group, and also runs the Christian Union after school club called “Fresh” every Friday. Fresh is a safe space full of fun, food, faith and friendship. All are welcome!