Pupil Premium
In April 2011 the Government introduced the Pupil Premium. This additional funding was allocated to the school to spend on children from low-income families who were known to be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) in both mainstream and non-mainstream settings and children who had been in Local Authority Care continuously for more than six months.
The Government believes that the Pupil Premium is the best way to address the current underlying inequalities between children eligible for Free School Meals and others by ensuring that funding to tackle disadvantage reaches the students who need it most.
Here at Roundwood Park School, we are passionate about ensuring all of our students have the full range of opportunities and educational experiences in their time with us, regardless of their background or financial status. Below are summaries of some of the key ways in which we achieve this:
Academic Support
Curiosity Club (Year 7)
Meeting once per week for breakfast, this club facilitates the transition from primary to secondary school for a select group of students. The club develops the students academically in a number of ways, including through the delivery of some aspects of the super-curriculum, and also encourages participation in the wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities at the school. Recognised at county level for its positive impact, students attending this club go on to achieve highly in Year 7 and beyond.
The Brilliant Club
Usually in Years 8 or 9, select students will get the opportunity to participate in this excellent programme led by an external charity. Students get to visit two highly selective universities and complete an academic project led by a PhD tutor. Students participating in this programme go on to have higher aspirations for higher education and develop their academic ability significantly.
Academic Tutoring
One to one tutoring is offered to students, free of charge, if they are struggling academically in a certain subject. This is delivered by a team of tutors, hired by the school, who are fully trained (including safeguarding).
Priority access to parent consultation evening appointments
Parents of students entitled to Pupil Premium funding will be contacted before consultation evenings to ensure they are able to secure bookings with their child’s teachers.
Study Enrichment Programme (Year 11)
Aprogramme of academic support is put on by teaching staff, ahead of their summer examinations. The focus of this programme is to develop the student’s mindset and skillset towards preparing for their examinations, and it does not substitute their own private study.
Numeracy and Literacy coordinators
Research has shown that some of the most fundamental barriers to academic success are low numeracy and literacy, our coordinators ensure that an exceptionally strong curriculum if offered to all of our students, with support in place for those who require a bit extra.
Teaching Assistants
Where needed, Teaching Assistants will be available to support our students in the classroom, helping them overcome whatever barriers they have to their learning.
Financial Support
We are able to provide full, or part, funding for the below items. Although this is not a complete list so please do get in touch if you are unsure on anything.
- Revision and text books for subjects studied
- School trips and visits
- Cooking ingredients
- Materials for practical subjects such as Art and Technology
- Chromebooks to be used in our blended learning teaching and learning strategy
- School uniform
- Stationary (including what is needed for examinations)
- Additional music lessons
Emotional and Social Support
Champions Programme
Selected students receive a staff champion who will meet them each week and help mentor them on their education journey through the school. They will celebrate their achievements, discuss their setbacks, and encourage them to make the most of the extra-curricular clubs on offer.
School Counsellor
We have an in-house counsellor who will meet with students to discuss a range of topics, enabling them to improve their self-esteem and confidence and be in a place where they can learn at their best.
Small group interventions
A variety of workshops that help to improve language and social skills and promote good learning habits. The exact nature of these varies depending on the needs of our students at the time.
Achievement Mentors
Two permanent members of staff work with selected students who may require a bit of extra support. Their strategies will be tailored to each individual student and will range from support in specific aspects of their learning through to cognitive behaviour therapies.
Summer School (Year 6 into 7)
Selected students will be invited to attend this initiative, which allows them early access to the school site to familiarise themselves with it, meet key members of staff, and carry out fun but important initiatives that will help smooth the journey from primary to secondary school.
