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Foreword
A first-class education is one of the greatest gifts that we can give our children. At Altrincham Grammar School for Boys we strive to provide an education in the following ways:
· We offer an environment which is both intellectually challenging and academically rigorous.
· We have a long tradition of academic excellence which we seek to maintain and even
improve upon.
· We try to discover individual talents and to encourage imaginative appreciation.
· We provide a rich variety of physical and cultural extra-curricular activities.
· We value self-discipline and prize integrity, tolerance and respect for others.
· We are a disciplined community which is at the same time friendly and supportive.
· We offer a broad curriculum which both retains the traditional grammar school subjects and includes the new technological disciplines.
· We seek to promote spiritual development by offering opportunities to reflect upon the
human condition.
· We value highly parental interest, co-operation and support.
· We maintain links with industry and other fields in the adult world of work for which we are preparing our pupils.
In short, we seek to educate the 'whole man' and try to make school an exciting and stimulating place in which to grow up. This prospectus will provide much of the information you may wish to know but no prospectus can communicate the atmosphere of a school.
Therefore, I hope you will visit us on our Open Day, or during the school day, if that is what you prefer, when I shall be delighted to meet your and discuss the balanced and challenging education that Altrincham Grammar School can offer your son.
T.J.Gartside, Head Master.
The Altrincham County High School for Boys, as it was originally called, was founded in 1912 as a direct result of the Balfour Education Act to provide secondary education (partly fee paying) for an area which stretched from Sale to Knutsford and beyond.
It opened with only 57 pupils and 3 staff (a Headmaster, a Deputy and one other!), housed in the distinctively decorated red brick building which still forms the central block of the school today. The South Wing and the assembly hall were added in 1938 and the present science block, gymnasium and workshops in 1964.
A rolling programme of school refurbishment and extension is presently in progress which will result in greatly improved facilities in a number of areas of the school.
In 1974, the School passed from Cheshire's control to the newly formed Trafford Metropolitan Borough and remained so until 1st January 1996 when it became Grant Maintained. It was granted a new Coat of Arms by the Royal College of Arms. In 1999, the School became a
Foundation School when Grant Maintained status was abolished.
The number of boys in the school has been rising steadily in recent years as the popularity of the school, so that the school has had five form entry for several years. These five forms
include many pupils from outside the traditional catchment area of the school, although we are committed to being Altrincham's "grammar school".
The School places great store on academic achievement and has a long and continuing record of success. It also offers a wide variety of out of school activities, providing an outlet for many boys to pursue cherished games and interests or to start new ones.
You will be most welcome to attend our Open Evening for prospective new pupils and their
parents which takes place in the Autumn Term.
This wil give you the opportunity to look around the school, to sense the community feeling and the caring supportive atmosphere, and to gain an appreciation of the broad range of activities that take place, both inside and outside the classroom.
You will be able to meet the staff and some of the boys, and to see the school in action, as far as it possible.
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The Governing Body (Click here to visit the Governing Body webpage)
The Governing Body are a group of loyal and hardworking "volunteers" who oversee the development of the school. They represent a range of interests and opinions united in one common purpose - the school and its staff and pupils. A full list of the current governors is available from the School Office.
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Due to the demands of the National Curriculum and roll numbers and staffing levels permitting, the curriculum will broadly follow the scheme outlined below. However, changes have occurred frequently in the past and curriculum matters are by no means settled.
We operate a two week, 50 period timetable with 5 one hour lessons per day.
Year 7
In their first year pupils follow a common curriculum in mixed ability forms. This normally consists of Maths, Science, English, Technology, Geography, History, Music, Art, French or German, R.E., Classical Studies, ICT, P.E., Games and Personal and Social Education.
Year 8
The curriculum for Year 8 is basically the same as that for Year 7, except for the introduction of a second foreign language for all pupils - German or French, Spanish or Latin, instead of Classical Studies.
Year 9
Year 9 marks the final year in Key Stage 3, and towards the end of the year all Year 9 pupils take the National Curriculum Tests in specified subjects. The results of these tests are reported to pupils and parents , and are also published.
Years 10 & 11
In the two years leading to GCSE all boys take subjects which for the most part are taught in mixed ability goups.
All boys take Maths, English, a Foreign Language, Double Award Science, or separate Sciences (see below), Technology and three other option subjects from Art & Design, Business & Information Studies, Economics, French, Geography, History, Latin, Music, P.E. for GCSE, Information & Communication Technology, and Separate Sciences. P.E., Games, R.E., and a combination of Personal and Social Education make up their allocation. These subjects may be added to as required.
Option choices are made after the Year 9 Parents' Evening has provided the opportunity for consultation between staff and parents as well as boys.
A GCSE booklet is provided containing information about courses, as well as the type of examination and assignments involved in each subject.
Each year the majority of our Upper Sixth boys go on to study a wide variety of courses at University or other Colleges of Higher Education.
A booklet containing detailed information about the course in each 'A' Level subject on offer is available each year. The option scheme varies each year according to demand, but a wide variety of combinations from the list above is possible.
In addition to the AS Levels in Year 12, boys follow a common course of key skills and in Year 13, General Studies. They are also encouraged to take some of the range of other options that can include an extra language qualification, as well as a number of non-examination options. The Sixth Form are encouraged to participate in the Community Service programme.
Suitable candidates are prepared for admission to Oxford and Cambridge each year.
Sex Education
The physiological aspects of human reproduction are covered by the Science Department in Years 7-9 and pertinent moral and social issues are discussed in the Personal and Social Education programme, particularly in Years 9 and 10.
Assembly & R.E. Lessons
Assemblies are broadly Christian and moral based, but where parents wish to exercise their right to withdraw their son from collective acts of worship or Religious Education lessons, the pupils are permitted to do private study under supervision.
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AGSB enjoys a variety of extra curricular activities, spread throughout the year.
Sport
The School has 16 acres of attractive playing fields and staff give generously of their own time to run, coach and referee a wide variety of sporting activities.
The major sports are soccer, rugby and cricket and we have teams representing the school in each of them at different levels, playing in inter-school matches on most Saturday mornings throughout the year. The standard is high and a number of pupils are selected to play for national, regional or county teams every season.
We also run representative teams in cross-country, athletics, tennis and basketball as well as several clubs which cater for the more specialist enthusiasms of badminton and table tennis. There is an annual Sports Day which takes place in July.
Chess
Playing chess at AGSB is a long established tradition, and the School produces strong teams at all levels which compete in the Manchester League. We also enter a team in the Times National Knock-out competition. The Chess Club is open every lunchtime and has a large membership.
Music
Music plays an increasingly important part in the life of the school. Instrumental lessons are provided at school by visiting tutors on Flute, Clarinet, Saxaphone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Cello, Orchestral Percussion, Guitar, Keyboard, and Drum Kit. Lessons are timetabled throughout the school day and fees are paid half-termly in advance to each tutor. Boys are prepared for the Associated Board Examinations where an appropriate standard is reached.
Members of the Orchestras, Swing Band, Choir and Brass and Guitar Ensembles is encouraged and regarded as an integral part of the course for those who have reached a sufficiently high standard. The various concerts held throughout the course of the year provide an opportunity for our musicians to perform in front of an audience.
Information & Communication Technology
(click here to visit the ICT Dept webpages)
The ICT rooms are in constant use for curricular and extra-curricular activities. Increasingly all departments are equipped to take advantage of school networked facilities and have access to the Internet.
The ICT facilities are open at lunchtime and after school on several days each week for students to pursue their own interests or further their classwork/coursework. A website Design Club and Games Programming Clubs run on evenings after School.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme attracts about thirty Year 10 pupils each year who work towards the Bronze Award. The expedition phase, undertaken in the summer term, consists of a practice expedition just south of Chester and a qualifying expedition around the Peckforton area.
Opportunities to complete the other three sections of the award (service, physical recreation, skills) are provided throughout the school, although most pupils complete these, by themselves, in the wider community.
The opportunity to work towards Silver and Gold Awards us provided in the Sixth Form.
Trips Abroad
There is an annual ski course open to all boys and over the years, groups of between 40 and 50 boys have spent a week, either at the February half-term or Easter at resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy or Canada.
The Modern Languages and Classics departments also arrange visits to the continent almost every year and for several years now we have run a history trip to the sites of some of the First World War battlefields on the Somme.
Expeditions further afield as possible as is evidenced by a recent trip to Venezuela!
Clubs and Societies
A whole range of clubs and socities exist at any time, limited only by pupil enthusiasm and staff expertise. If a club or society does not exist then, usually, it can be created. Major ones currently include.…
Amnesty International (Click here to visit the AGSB Amnesty International webpages)
There is a thriving Amnesty International group in the school which is supported by boys from all years and staff.
Weekly meetings involve discussion and the watching of videos on different aspects of human rights, organising fund raising events and writing letters on behalf of prisoners of conscience.
Occasionally guest speakers are invited. Boys regularly give assemblies about current campaigns on human rights.
Science Club
The Science Club meets after school. Its range of activites includes making up electronic circuits and devices and scientific models. Throughout the year a number of talks and visits are arranged for its members.
Drama
Drama exists in both a curricular and extra-curricular context.
The annual production of the play in December is a major school event and has been since 1915. In recent years we have staged plays by Stoppard, Bleasdale, Bolt, Shaw, Woody Allen, Feydeau and Jeffrey Archer. We are extremely well served by a large stage with a proscenium arch and two green rooms. Anyone can audition for the play and the cast rehearses at length to reach the required standard. We have a small but dedicated staff and in recent years the play has received generous sponsorship.
The School Library
The School has an attractive and well-used library which is steadily being improved through the efforts of the Librarian and the substantial support which has been given to it by the Parents' Association and other donations. Boys are encouraged to make extensive use of it both for reading and reference purposes. The multimedia annexe with Internet access has greatly helped with this. The library is also available as a study area during lunch-times and after school.
Links with Industry
Each year the Lower Sixth take part in a two day "Challenge of Industry" conference which is organised for us by the Industrial Society and generously sponsored by industry. This is followed at the end of the summer term by a week of "work shadowing" which we organise ourselves. Its aim is to give the Lower Sixth experience of the professions and careers they have ambitions to pursue, hopefully in a managerial capacity.
Placements for the "work experience" week for Year 10 (which again takes place at the end of the summer term,) are for the most part found for us by the Trafford Business Partnership with whom we have strong links.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is part of the curriculum in the lower school science course and in Biology, Geography and Geology. It ranges from activities near school to areas such as the coast or the Peak District and residential fieldwork for the Sixth Form, which can occupy several days.
The Environment
The School is proud of its splendid situation in over 16 acres of playing fields. We like to think they are the cleanest acres of Trafford - we work hard to make them so.
At the South East corner of the site is a wilderness area and a pond which makes an invaluable study area for Science, Geography and the more contemplative arts.
Language Day
It has become the custom to hold a "Language Day" for Year 7 towards the end of the summer term, when the Modern Language teachers, aided by Sixth Formers, man the shops and the Customs desk for an occasion when only French or German is spoken. It is enjoyable and useful for those boys who expect to travel and "use" their language.
Community Service Activites
The boys in the Lower Sixth are offered a community service option during their Wednesday afternoon games periods or at other times when they do not have lessons timetabled. Many of them take to the idea with real enthusiam and as a result we are able to maintain our links with several old folks homes and feeder Primary Schools. Our aim is to help others and so to broaden our own experience of the world and its problems.
Charities
The school has a proud record of charitable work. A major part of our commitment is in fund raising, particularly for Imperial Cancer Research Fund, NSPCC, RNLI and Childline.More locally, we have made donations to the Childrens' Adventure Farm at Millington and Family Contact Line. All boys play their part but the bulk of the load is carried by the Sixth Form especially with collections in the town. At an international level we have sponsored wells in Uganda, given to famine relief in Ethiopia and donated to the Indian Earthquake Appeal.
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The following information is also available on request from the School Office.
Pastoral System
Each Year 7 boy is placed in a form, usually with his former primary school classmate, under the guidance of one of our team of Year 7 Form Teachers. The class is taught as a whole form for most subjects, but as it progresses from Year 8, it fragments increasingly as some subjects are settled and individual options are chosen. However, continuity is maintained by retaining a secure form base. Problems are initially dealt with by the Form Teacher or by the Heads of Lower School, Upper School or the Head of Sixth Form. For the most serious matters, the two Deputies and the Headmaster are always accessible.
Medical Matters
It is always helpful if parents could inform us in confidence of any special family or medical problems which may affect their son's performance. It is also important that we should have details of telephone numbers where parents can be contacted in school time should the need arise.
Child Protection Procedures
Parents should be aware that the School will take any
reasonable action to ensure the safety of its pupils.
In cases where the School has reason to be concerned that a child may be suffering ill-treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, staff have no alternative but to follow the Local Authority Child Protection Procedures: "Caring for Children", and inform the Social Services Department of their concerns.
Charging Policy
In order to offer support for as many extra curricular activities as possible and to help to defray the costs of the School Magazine, the School finds it necessary to ask parents for a voluntary contribution to the "School Fund" which finances all of this.
Other trips and visits do take place from time to time and parents are asked for additional voluntary contributions to cover these. Full details of the school policy on charging is available at the School.
Absence
In endeavouring to inculcate good habits we take punctual arrival at school very seriously, both in the morning and for afternoon registration.
In the case of absence we request that parents contact the school as soon as possible, usually by telephone, and that a note be brought addressed to the Form Teacher at the conclusion of a period of absence.
If a pupil is unable to take part in a P.E./Games lesson, this should be covered by a note of explanation.
Sanctions
In order to maintain a happy, caring and orderly community, the School reserves the right to use sanctions in accordance with the policy laid down in our published document on discipline. This document is available for viewing by parents at any time. A very grave view is taken of any misdemeanour committed in the town and on public transport. Equally we strive to safeguard good relations with our immediate neighbours around the school grounds. Boys who create difficuluties for the Prefects will also be published - often by loss of free time. Whenever it is felt necessary to detail boys after school for a more sustained punishment then 24 hours notice will be given.
Internal Examinations
Internal examinations take place currently at the end of November/December and in January, and at the end of the Summer Term. The November/December examinations are for years 7 and 12, January examinations are for Year 11, although other forms or sets can be included at the request of subject teachers. The July examinations involve all year groups except, of course, those engaged in GCSE, 'AS' and 'A' Levels. Any changes will be communicated to parents.
Parents' Evenings
Parents' Evenings are arranged for each year group in the term in which they do not have a full report, i.e. currently....Autumn Term: for Years 11 and 13. Spring Term: for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12.
Parents are given notice of the actual date in the School Calendar and in a letter prior to their son's Evening.
Reports to Parents
The School has a system for reporting to parents which aims not just to inform on pupils' academic progress but also to acknowledge other contributions they may make to school life and even to celebrate their special achievements outside the School.
Each year group receives at least one full written report each academic year as well as shorter progress reports at the end of each term.
Each report gives grades for achievement as well as marks for effort for each subject. In addition, the full written report contains details of extra-curricular activities, any special achievements and also appropriate exam results and National Curriculum levels. Form Tutors give an overall view of a pupil's academic progress and also comment on personal qualities,
behaviour and attendance.
The time in the year when the full reports are sent home depends on the year group and when it takes exams - these dates are given in the school calendar.
In addition, the Bulletin, which is a half termly information sheet, is sent out to parents giving up to date details of topical school issues.
School Dress
School uniform for Years 7-11 consists of a tie and blazer in school colours, grey trousers, a plain white or grey shirt, dark socks, and black or brown shoes. School uniform may be obtained from Messers. Taylor and Cross of Stamford New Road. The rule for dress in the Sixth Form is somewhat more flexible but basically consist of a school time, sober sports jacket and trousers or suit, and reasonable shoes - "business dress".
Dress for P.E. and Games As P.E. and Games are a compulsory part of the curriculum, it is important that all pupils dress correctly for lessons to obtain maximum benefit from them.
Homework
During the first week of the academic year a homework schedule for each form below the Sixth Form is sent to parents who are asked to keep it for reference purposes throughout the year, and to acknowledge receipt with a return slip. Inevitably the work set and the time spent on it by boys will vary, but as a rough guide we would expect Year 7 pupils to spend about 40 minutes on homework each evening.
In Year 8 this will increase to about an hour, in Year 9 to about an hour and a half, and to approximately two hours for Years 10 and 11. In some cases it may be that the subject teacher concerned does not consider it to be appropriate to set a homework on a particular evening, but in general it will be our aim to set homework regularly without making it too burdensome.
All homework is monitored so that, if necessary, parents can check with the school on what has been set.
Clearly the main purposes of homework are to reinforce material taught in class and to develop good study habits and we would ask parents to do all they can to encourage good homework practice, for example, by trying to ensure that their son has the proper facilities away from distractions and by checking to see that the work has been done with sufficient care and effort.
Lunch Time Arrangements
Lunchtime is a very busy time for the catering staff. They prepare and serve over 500 meals each day as well as providing a breakfast and mid-morning service.
The dining room is run on a cashless cafeteria system. The whole operation, lunch queue and eating, is fully supervised by members of staff. On the menu there is always 'standard fare' of burgers, pizzas, salads, jacket potatoes and chips, plus a selection of speciality items such as lasagne, curry, flans, pasties, sweets and drinks and a set "meal of the day". When boys join the school, parents are asked to choose between school lunch, packed lunch or providing lunch at home for their sons.
A request to change this arrangement can be made subsequently by parental letter. Throughout lunch time boys below the Sixth Form are expected to stay on the premises (unless going home for lunch). Written passes can be obtained from the Deputy Heads for unavoidable forays into town: written permission from parents will normally be expected for this. The prefects clear the school buildings and supervise them at lunchtime. Only boys with special club passes are allowed inside.
The Arts Society (Click here to visit the Arts Society webpages)
Another recent and successful innovation is the Arts Society, based at the school and open to the community. It runs a full programme of "artistic and cultural" events of a diverse nature throughout the year. The programme is designed to appeal to as wide a range of interests as possible. For full details of how to become a member and the current programme, please contact the school or visit the Art' Society page on the School Website.
Complaints Procedure
In the first instance it is hoped that cases of dissatisfaction will be settled through amicable discussions between the parents and the Headmaster and the teaching staff. Where satisfaction is not obtained the complainant should set out the complaint in writing to the Headmaster. Thereafter it wil be dealt with in accordance with the Governors ' "Procedure for the consideration of complaints about the school curriculum and related matters".
This has been approved by the Secretary of State as part of the Education Reform Act 1988 (Section 23).
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Careers guidance is seen as a vitally important part of the education provided by the school. The ultimate aim is to provide a springboard from which young men can enter the world of work and follow a satisfying career.
Advice about careers is principally in the hands of the Head of Careers. Information about many aspects of careers is available in the school Careers Library which is open most days to assist with vocational guidance.
Careers education takes place at all levels throughout the school In Years 7-8 careers matters are included as part of PSE lessons. Talks and advice are offered to Year 9 pupils before they make their GCSE option choices and their parents have the opportunity of speaking to careers staff at the Year 9 Parents' Evening.
In Years 9-11 careers lessons are included in the curriculum; in addition Year 10 pupils have the experience of discussing possible careers with trainee careers officers from Manchester which is aimed at broadening their knowledge and understanding of occupations and professions.
Every pupil in Year 10 has an interview with the Careers Officer and at least one week of work experience.
Boys who continue their education into the sixth form have a week of work shadowing to give them first hand experience and insight into careers in management, medicine, engineering etc. Every assistance and advice is given to those making applications for employment or to institutions of Higher Education and every year we hold a 'UCAS Evening' which gives advice on applications for Higher Education and employment issues.
Liaison officers from the Armed Forces visit school on a regular basis to address those considering a Service career.
In addition, representatives of professional bodies and industrial organisations address groups of boys, providing information and answering questions.
Any parents wishing to discuss careers matters with members of staff are welcome to telephone for an appointment.
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Parents and Friends Association
(click here to visit the PFA webpage)
The Association plays a vital role in the life of the school. Since its founding in 1957, it has gone from strength to strength, organising a wide range of social events and funding all aspects of school life.
When a boy enters the school, his parents are invited to become members of the Association.
Many parents are actively involved in the committe organising a wide range of social events. There are one or two major fund-raising events in the year - the proceeds of which are which are put at the disposal of the school to benefit all departments. The list opposite gives you some idea fo the larger items provided by the Association over the years.
Elections of the General Committee take place at the Annual General Meeting in September. There are approximately 24 parent members and 2 staff members on the committee. All parents are eligible to stand. The President is the Headmaster. The PTA meetings are chaired by the elected Chairman.
Altrincham Grammar School Developments Established in 1998, this company, with charitable status, is charged with raising and holding money for the "development of the school", mainly large capital projects. Since 1998 over £200,000 has been raised and spent on capital developments including the Stamford Hall, new classrooms, new reception and offices and new laboratories. The next major project is hoped to raise in excess of £500,000 for a Sixth Form Centre.
Parents and others are encouraged to contribute regularly via gift aid donation (formerly covenants). Further details about the company, which is a completely independent body, are available from the school, or by visiting the AGSD Website.