Common Statement

Aldersley High School, Smestow High School, Highfields Science Specialist School and The Kings High School work in partnership to provide a comprehensive range of high quality courses for students who wish to participate in education at a Post-16 level. Through such collaboration we are able to provide Post 16 students at all four schools with academic and vocational courses at A Level, AVCE and GNVQ levels, and with other opportunities with nationally recognised levels of accreditation. The partnership is also part of a wider co-ordinated Sixth Form provision within the Local Education Authority.

For the significant majority of students within this consortium, a full programme of study will be available at their home school. For some students the subjects they choose, the popularity of some courses, together with the level of courses chosen, will mean that it is simply not possible to create a suitable provision in one school alone. If there were no consortium arrangements, students would have to change schools completely, change their course choices, or seek employment. The consortium arrangements enable students to access a programme of study that meets their needs and fully supports their career aspirations.

To ensure that the Post-16 arrangements work effectively, the four schools have agreed the following strategies :-

·There are regular meetings of Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers to discuss consortium issues.

· Post-16 co-ordinators meet frequently and communicate with each other on a weekly basis.

· A full induction programme is in place at each school to fully prepare students for the courses they have chosen.

· Transport arrangements are fully co-ordinated and free to all students.

The arrangements described above are recognised in the city as a model practice. We believe that the consortium provides all Post 16 students at Aldersley High School, Smestow High School, Highfields Science Specialist School and The Kings High School with the opportunity to complete the courses they see as important to their future. We believe that the arrangements provide high quality tuition and support for all students. Through the consortium, Post 16 students should secure the knowledge, skills and understanding to successfully make the next step forward in their lives, whether this is a move into Higher Education or employment in their chosen vocation.