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John Ferneley College is a very special place. Visitors comment on the warmth of the welcome and the culture of learning, caring and achieving. This is a college where people matter and we are proud of our tradition of supporting young people as they grow towards adulthood.
We are a happy, disciplined and successful community and in our prospectus we have tried to communicate some of the excitement of the John Ferneley experience. However, the best way to really get to know John Ferneley is to visit the college.
If you would like to visit, please contact my personal assistant Tracy Feekins on 01664 565901 or at generalenquiries@johnferneley.org.uk. You can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome.
Chris Robinson
Principal
WHAT FACILITIES DOES THE COLLEGE OFFER?
In April 2010, the college has moved into a brand new building within our campus.
A key aim of the building is to provide the caring and supportive environment which has always been the hallmark of John Ferneley. The five zones are arranged around a single, light and airy street.
WHAT DO STUDENTS LEARN?
At Key Stage 3 (11-14) all students are taught the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- PSHCE (personal, social, health and careers education)
- French/Spanish
- Geography
- History
- Religious Education
- ICT
- Business Studies
- Technology
- Art
- Dance
- Drama
- Music
- Physical Education
The most able linguists in Years 8 and 9 are taught Spanish and French.
The Key Stage 4 & Key Stage 5 curriculum, including vocational diplomas, is clarified in our specialist option booklet.
HOW ARE STUDENTS GROUPED FOR LESSONS?
Soon after students arrive at college they are assessed and this information, along with Key Stage 2 test results and additional data provided by the primary schools, informs the process of grouping students. Students are placed in ability sets for English, mathematics, science and Modern Languages.
ARE STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES HELPED?
Students with learning difficulties are given special attention. This takes the form of:
- Individual Education Plans
- Extra support in the classroom
- Small group tuition
ARE GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS GIVEN ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES?
We are committed to providing an environment in which all students achieve their full potential. This clearly includes students with special gifts and talents.
The college will keep a register of gifted and talented students and opportunities for extension and enrichment will be built into all schemes of work.
HOW ARE STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO DO THEIR VERY BEST IN CLASS?
The college operates a highly successful Merit and Excellence Award Scheme. Merit and Excellence stickers are awarded for good work measured against the student’s own ability. All students can achieve a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Excellence Award provided they work hard. These awards are presented at special celebration assemblies during the last week of each term.
ARE STUDENTS EXPECTED TO DO HOMEWORK?
Homework is important and every student is expected to do between 1 and 2 hours homework each night of the week, depending on their age and ability.
Each student has a homework timetable printed on the pages of his/her own John Ferneley Personal Organiser and can be found on the college’s web site. Parents are asked to check their child’s homework and to sign the homework section of the organiser each week.
HOW WILL I BE INFORMED OF MY CHILD’S PROGRESS?
You will receive three reports each year, one each term. Two progress reports, identifying high achievement and under achievement, and a full school report, recognizing attainment and identifying ways of making further progress.
Parents’ evenings take place twice a year for Year 7 students and once a year for students in all other years. These evenings are opportunities to meet with teachers in order to discuss progress and to set targets.
If you have any concerns about your child’s progress you can ask for an interim report at any time during the year.
HOW WILL STUDENTS BE CARED FOR?
All students have particular needs and strengths. It is the purpose of John Ferneley College to provide for these needs and to develop these strengths. In order to achieve this goal, the college offers support and guidance to ensure that all our students learn to cope with the challenge of everyday life, whilst encouraging the growth of maturity.
Self-confidence, consideration for others and a feeling of self-worth are qualities fostered by the college. We encourage students to help each other, to think for themselves and to take responsibility for their actions.
An important aspect of the college’s caring approach is the way in which we carefully monitor and record each student’s progress and encourage all students to evaluate their own performance.
Parents wishing to discuss their child’s progress should, in the first instance, contact their tutor. This is the person who will know most about them, personally and academically. A second important point of contact for both parents and children is the Zone Director.
DOES THE COLLEGE BELIEVE IN DISCIPLINE?
We believe an ordered, disciplined atmosphere is the best environment for learning. Students are encouraged to exercise self-discipline within a context of rights, responsibilities and respect. These are identified in The John Ferneley Charter.
Parents play an important part in supporting discipline in the college. They will be informed of concerns about their child and we expect them to support The John Ferneley Charter.
DOES THE COLLEGE HAVE A UNIFORM?
At John Ferneley we believe that a uniform serves several important functions:
- It is an expression of community spirit
- It helps to develop pride in the college
- It is a practical and relatively inexpensive way of clothing a child for college
The college uniform consists of a black blazer with embroidered JFC logo; a plain white shirt or white blouse; a JFC tie, black or charcoal grey trousers or skirt and black shoes (not trainers). The wearing of jewellery is not encouraged at college and should be kept to a discreet minimum. If you have pierced ears you are permitted to wear either studs or sleepers.
DOES THE COLLEGE PROVIDE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION?
All students have religious education lessons and each zone has assembly time. Our approach is broadly Christian in character although other major religions are discussed. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education lessons and assembly.
DOES THE COLLEGE PROVIDE SEX EDUCATION?
The college’s sex education policy has been agreed by the Governors and is taught as part of the PSHCE programme. Emphasis is placed on good relationships and preparation for parenthood and family life. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from sex education lessons.
ARE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AN IMPORTANT PART OF COLLEGE LIFE?
Students have the opportunity to participate in an exceptionally wide variety of musical, artistic, sporting and theatrical activities.
Each year the college stages a number of highly acclaimed dance, drama and musical events.
The sporting side of the college is extremely strong. Our teams are renowned for their competitive approach and we are used to winning!
The college has an excellent reputation for offering residential and outdoor pursuit opportunities. This year we will be offering:
- A cultural visit to Normandy
- A ski trip
- The London Theatre trip
HOW ARE STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THE RUNNING OF THE COLLEGE?
Students are involved through the work of the Student Committee. This body is composed of representatives from every tutor group (a boy and a girl from each group). The views of these representatives are listened to very carefully. Through the Student Committee, students have a real voice in the running of the school.
IS THERE A GOOD BUS SERVICE?
Buses bring students to college from Melton Mowbray and the outlying villages. For students who are within the college’s catchment area and have to travel at least three miles, free passes are issued yearly. The bus service operates from the college car park. Please refer to the additional information booklet for further details.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE MY CHILD FOR TRANSFER FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL?
You and your child will be invited to attend a number of open events. These events begin in late September and include an open Saturday morning, open evening and three open mornings during which you and your child will have the chance to view the college in action.
The choice of your child’s secondary education will be confirmed by the Local Authority in March.
Between December and March it is important to allow your child to focus on their Key Stage 2 studies. Consequently our induction schedule starts in late May. The programme starts with a visit to your child’s primary school by a senior member of staff.
In early July all new students have the opportunity to spend two days at John Ferneley. During this time they will meet their tutor and experience life in the college including experiencing new subjects.
Following the induction days we have a parents’ evening for new students. This is the chance for you to meet your child’s tutor, ask any questions and order your child’s college uniform.
HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED IN THE COLLEGE AS A PARENT?
The college is keen to develop a close working relationship with parents.
We have a particularly active parent teacher association, the Friends of Ferneley, which organises a wide variety of social and fund raising activities.
You will receive regular contact from the college including a newsletter each term and the college website has been designed with the purpose of enhancing this communication. In this way we aim to keep you informed of forthcoming events, as well as college developments.
Every two years we hold a comprehensive parental survey. This survey helps to shape our college development plan.
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