The School Organisation

The pupils in the primary department (Foundation, Key Stages 1 and 2) are aged between five and eleven and are grouped according to age.

At Key Stages 3 and 4, the pupils in the secondary department are organised into tutor groups according to age and ability. The department offers a range of subjects and, in addition to external examinations, pupils build up a personal portfolio in which all aspects of their school life can be recorded.

The Staff

We have an enthusiastic and committed staff who offer a range of experience and expertise. All staff are fully qualified in their own field. The majority of full time teaching staff are trained as Teachers of the Deaf and residential care staff hold NVQ qualifications in Caring for Children and Young People. All teaching staff, teaching assistants, care staff and administrative staff study for CACDP Level 1 and 2 in British Sign Language. There is a full time Speech and Language Therapist.

In addition all staff members are subject to CRB checks to ensure their suitability to work with children.

The Trustees and Governors

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the arrangements and financial control of the charity and company which own the school. The Board of Governors is responsible for the delivery of education and care within the school and has representatives from parents/carers and staff. Both Boards meet termly. Sub-committees also meet during each term to consider the curriculum, care, finance and premises and an annual report from the Governors is produced and sent to parents/carers at the end of the summer term.

The members of the governing body are drawn from the local community, parents/carers and Local Authorities. They visit the school on a regular basis and can be contacted via the school. For further information please see under 'Governing Body'.

The Curriculum

 Hamilton Lodge School offers a broad and balanced curriculum based upon the National Curriculum Programmes of Study  and delivered by specialist teaching in small groupings.

The Primary curriculum has a particular emphasis upon developing language and mathematical skills. The literacy and numeracy strategy is used, with careful assessment and recording of individual pupils' needs and progress. Additionally, the Primary curriculum includes PE, Geography, History, Social, Personal and Citizenship Education (SPACE) and Deaf Studies which focuses on raising pupils' confidence and self esteem in relation to their identity as a Deaf person.

Examinations

Pupils take part in National Curriculum Assessments at the end of each Key Stage and these results are reported to parents.

In the secondary department pupils can take a range of public examinations leading to accreditation at both GCSE and Entry Level.

To download 2008 school leaver exam results click here

 To download 2009 school leaver exam results click here

To download National Curriculum Assessment School Results for end of KS2 2009 click here  

To download National Curriculum Assessment School Results for end of KS3 2009 click here

Homework

All pupils are given some homework which they record in their homework diaries and complete during the evening or weekends, either at home or at school.

Religious Education and Collective Worship

Religious Education is taught as part of the curriculum and examines a range of beliefs and religions. Assemblies offer the chance for us to meet together for an act of collective worship and form an important part of the school day. Parents/carers who do not wish their children to take part in either RE lessons or assemblies are entitled to withdraw them and are askeld to contact the Head Teacher.

Careers

From an early age, pupils are encouraged to think about different careers and future options and we often have visiting speakers from different backgrounds, including ex-pupils of the school. From Year 9, we make contact with the local careers service (Connexions). We also participate in a number of joint activities with other schools in the area to extend opportunities and general career awareness.

Pastoral Care

Class teachers and form tutors, in conjunction with subject co-ordinators, have responsibility for overseeing the welfare and guidance of the pupils and there is a regular liaison between members of staff to ensure that there is a consistency of approach and support.

For residential pupils, a keyworker has particular responsibility for care and for liaising with parents/carers and class teachers.

There is a school council where pupil representatives from each class discuss their views and make sugestions for the running of the school. House points are awarded for good work or behaviour. There are a few school rules but we do expect all members of the school to behave with courtesy and to show respect for others.