Outreach
AGSB Horizons
In 2019, AGSB launched an exciting new Outreach project called Horizons. The aim of Horizons is to substantially increase the number of pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium and Looked After Children who sit our entrance examination and secure a place here.
Horizons Y5 Exam Familiarisation Course
We offer an Exam Familiarisation Course to help Year 5 students in receipt of Pupil Premium prepare for our entrance exam. This means that Year 5 pupils who are Looked After Children, Previously Looked After Children or who have been eligible for means-tested Free School Meals at any point in the last 6 years are eligible to attend, if they are nominated by their Trafford Primary School.
During the course, we offer a tour of the school, opportunities to meet staff and current students, weekly enrichment activities which showcase our school facilities and support with literacy and numeracy. Participants also gain access to online support materials to help them prepare beyond the course. Prospective parents and carers are offered guidance on our admissions process and given opportunities to find out more about our fantastic school community. The course is designed to provide all participants with a fun and memorable flavour of life at AGSB, regardless of whichever secondary school they eventually opt to attend.
| TESTIMONIAL | |
|---|---|
| Year 5 testimonial | “The course made me know lots about AGSB and the entrance exam, which made me feel more comfortable on the day. I got to meet some teachers and had a tour of the school. It helped me to know what to expect in the exam, it showed me how to approach questions in the right way and how long I should take on them, which I found really helpful. I really enjoyed it and I hope other boys will find it as useful and enjoyable as I did in the future.” |
| Parent/carer testimonial | “The information and support you receive from the AGSB team is invaluable. They help you to understand the selection process and how the pupil premium children fit into it, giving you a greater understanding of what you’re about to be part of. They were always there to help and answer any questions. My son loved the course, it gave him confidence when sitting the exam. Particularly as he found the surroundings familiar, and he knew what to expect. I would highly recommend the course to any parent on Pupil Premium.” |
Horizons Y4 Activities Day
We also offer a Y4 Activities Day to children at Trafford primary schools who receive Pupil Premium support. This takes place in July and involves a carousel of exciting and enriching activities which give Y4s a flavour of secondary school life.
The Horizons Promise
At AGSB we use our Pupil Premium funding to ensure that our school is accessible and inclusive for all students. Any AGSB students who are eligible for Pupil Premium will be entitled to:
1. Full discretion/confidentiality
2. A comprehensive uniform bundle which includes a blazer, house tie and two PE kits
3. Free essential equipment such as calculators and revision guides
4. Free curriculum trips
5. Substantial support with extra-curricular trips and activities
Further Information and Support
For more information on our entrance criteria for Looked After Children and pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium, please see our Admissions Policy.
For more information on how we use Pupil Premium funding, please see here: Pupil Premium page of the website.
In 2019 AGSB expanded to 7 form entry in line with the Selective School Expansion Fund. Please find use this link to the AGSB Fair access and partnership plan summary (FAAP).
For more information about Horizons, please contact Alison Cathcart, Assistant Head: Inclusion, at acathcart@agsb.co.uk or 0161 928 0858.