LORD WILLIAMS S UPPER SCHOOL

The range of extra-curricular opportunity is considerable and we encourage all students to participate and take advantage of opportunities in all areas. On the sports field we encourage competitive sport, team spirit and participation by everyone. All year groups have access to an extensive range of visits and exchanges, home and abroad. Outdoor education is promoted through the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and World Challenge. Art exhibitions, musical events, drama and dance productions ensure a rich diversity of participation in the arts.

We pride ourselves on the pastoral care of our students. We help children to have a sense of belonging and we respect their individuality. They in turn are encouraged to have a respect and a care for others and to value the environment in which we all live.

All of this is underpinned by our strong partnership with parents, staff, students, governors, the local community and the local education authority.

The school is a vibrant learning community where expectations are high and there are ways for all to achieve success. Teachers are bold and imaginative in their teaching so that students enjoy learning that is challenging, varied and rigorous.

Many teachers are involved in research projects related to learning. We collaborate with higher education and research institutions on joint projects: the Assessment for Learning project focuses on the quality of teachers’ questioning techniques and on the quality of students’ thinking skills. These strategies have become embedded in our approached to teaching and learning.

The school has excellent teaching facilities on both sites with accommodation that is suited to the demands of the curriculum.

We continue to invest in premises and facilities to support and enrich the curriculum. Recent developments include re-furbished classrooms, an art gallery, science laboratories, a classroom for vocational courses and an all-weather sports pitch.