The Sweyne Park School Website


		Science is at the heart of the curriculum for all pupils in secondary school. The Sweyne Park School provides high quality science education for pupils and was awarded Specialist Science status in 2003. We were re-designated in 2007. In today's world, everyone is surrounded by science. We apply science and take it for granted, from the electricity we use every day to the medicines we use to improve and extend our active lives. Our vision as a science centre involves developing the scientific understanding of our current pupils, their families, the local community and the pupils who will join in the future. As a science centre we have established: An introductory Science in Society course for Year 7 High quality science teacher training International links and visits for teachers Scientifically based work experience and industrial contacts Debates that investigate current controversial scientific issues

		The Sweyne Park School was awarded Training School status by the DCSF in 2003 and again in 2007. This status recognises the school's excellent practice in the professional development of both teachers and support staff. We have an extensive programme which delivers training for support staff, beginning teachers and more experienced teachers who want to combine development of their teaching and their leadership skills.

		Artsmark is awarded to schools which show a commitment to the full range of arts – music, dance, drama and art & design. It is a national award scheme and is managed by Arts Council England. We first gained the Artsmark Award in 2001 and were re-awarded with the advanced Artsmark Silver award in 2005. In 2008 we gained Artsmark Gold Status for our outstanding arts provision within the curriculum.

		Our school is committed to encouraging pupils to look beyond their local environment. We first gained the International School Award in 2001 and this was re-awarded in 2005 and then again in 2008 for the quality of the ‘international dimension’ within our curriculum. The school has links with schools in Tanzania, Germany and France and members of our staff have visited schools in Australia, America, China and Africa. The International School Award is supported and funded by the DCSF and provides recognition for teachers and their schools working to instill a global dimension into the learning experiences of all children.

		We achieved the Healthy Schools Award in 2007 in recognition of our practice promoting awareness of healthy lifestyles in school. In 2008 we were asked to become a lead pilot school for the Local Authority.

		The Investors in People award was achieved in 1999 after a rigorous inspection of all the school's working practices. From office staff to teachers, it was shown that all employees were working as a team, efficiently and with excellent communication structures in place to benefit all the pupils at the Sweyne Park School. We have won three awards for outstanding practice in this area, and are one of only three schools nationally to have been awarded Investors in People Champion status (2007 - 2011).

		Investors in Excellence is a business standard covering all areas of an organisation’s activities and Sweyne Park became the first school in the country to gain this award in 2005/6. It is structured around nine principles: leadership; people; policy and strategy; partnerships and resources; customer results; society results and key performance results – and focuses on what an organisation does and achieves. The standard calls for a clear structure, good communication, high-quality staff development and appropriate training opportunities.

		London University places student teachers each term to Sweyne Park School for their school placements. The PGCE students are supported throughout their stay by our staff development team comprising several Advanced Skills teachers. We are a placement school for the Fast Track teacher scheme. We also offer leadership and management training in conjunction with London University's leadership centre.

		We are closely involved with the National College and provide training for school leaders/prospective headteachers.

		In 2008 we gained this award for our work on sustainability, in particular our work on environment issues.

		The Charter Standard Scheme is a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and participation for schools working with young people playing football. As a benchmark for quality, it will improve the playing experience for all.

		The Food for Life Partnership is a network of schools and communities across England committed to transforming food culture. Led by the Soil Association, the Food for Life Partnership brings together the practical expertise of the Focus on Food Campaign, Garden Organic and the Health Education Trust. We are currently working towards 'Gold' standard and are busily consulting with our S.N.A.G (school nutrition action group) to improve all areas that involve food at school.

		This award, organised by BT, has been created in response to the recognition that communication is a crucial life skill, and that dialogue is essential in putting the school at the heart of the community. The scheme provides an audit framework that allows schools to better understand their current situation, and to highlight areas of success and where there is a need for improvement. We have currently achieved the Silver award.

		In 2009 we were awarded the Next Generation Learning Charter by BECTA for our commitment to ICT. We have been recognised for improving pupil thinking and learning throughout the school and embracing new technologies to help pupils, parents and staff develop their learning for the future.

		The school’s History Department was awarded the prestigious Prince’s Teaching Institute Mark in November 2009 in recognition of their excellent work and commitment to keeping abreast of latest developments in History and cutting edge pedagogy. Details of our work can be found on the Prince’s Teaching Institute website.

		In recognition of our focus on high quality training and leadership, the Sweyne Park School received official confirmation of this award in December 2009.