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  Specialist Status

  Technology College Status

  "The school's specialist status has been used very effectively to expand the curriculum in Science, Language and Technology" - OFSTED 2009

  The Chase has had Technology status since 1999, in which time it has benefited hugely from the extra funding provided by DCSF. Key features include:

  ◦   Funding for major new building developments;

  ◦   Major focus on ICT, initially developing extensive central resources and latterly extending ICT provision and expertise into departments;

  ◦   A major programme of staff training;

  ◦   Creation of a multi-media drop in centre and a high-tech engineering suite linking physics and technology;

  ◦   Impact on academic achievement in the sciences and technologies and across other subject areas;

  ◦   Students working with local industries including QinetiQ and Malvern Science Park.

  In 2006 The Chase was invited by DCSF to apply for a second specialism in Languages. The school was granted Language College status in April 2006. This has enabled the school to:

  ◦   provide outstanding support for all the primary schools in the local area;

  ◦   maintain and extend language learning opportunities, eg. Spanish, Latin, Japanese and Italian in addition to French and German;

  ◦   maintain and extend participation rates in languages across the school.

  We were delighted to achieve a Leading Aspect Award for promoting Languages Learning at Primary and Secondary levels in 2009.

  We seek to place creativity at the heart of our school (Leading Aspect Award for Creativity across the Curriculum). The School has achieved Artsmark Gold, Sportsmark Gold and Healthy Schools Award.

  The school was awarded a third specialism in Science in April 2008. This has enabled the school to:

  ◦   strengthen its separate Science provision across all key stages;

  ◦   develop science related enrichment opportunities;

  ◦   maintain and extend work with primary schools and the local community;

  ◦   to attract well qualified science teachers.

  Specialist status has enabled the school to forge very strong links with primary schools and local businesses. The extensive links with the Family of Schools are improving learning opportunities for KS2 pupils and supporting their preparation for secondary education. Specialist status has also enabled an expansion of curriculum provision in Science, Language and Technology leading to improved performance and the successful meeting of targets.

  Various working groups develop and monitor the progress of the three specialisms. A Specialisms Management Group (chaired by Mike Fieldhouse, Assistant Headteacher) comprising governors, parents and local business sponsors oversees general developments and community aspects; a Family of Schools Development Group (chaired by Annie Williams, Deputy Headteacher) looks at ways in which children in the whole Malvern school community can share in the benefits, and the school's Leadership Group and Curriculum Development Group address curriculum, teaching and learning, and staff training issues.

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  Healthy School Status

  The Chase achieved Healthy School Status in July 2006. As a Healthy School we promote the health and well being of both our students and staff. We do this for students by using a well planned, well taught curriculum that is delivered in a physical and emotional environment that promotes learning and healthy lifestyles choices.

  Being a Healthy School has real benefits as evidence shows that healthy students achieve well in school:

  ◦   Students improve faster in terms of achievement in national tests and healthy lifestyle than those in other schools.

  ◦   Students report a range of positive behaviours, from being less afraid of bullying to being less likely to try illegal drugs.

  ◦   Healthy Schools are more inclusive.

  ◦   There is more effective liaison with students, parents or carers and with external agencies.

  We have used a Whole School approach to become a Healthy School in order to bring about a sustained improvement.