At South we give high priority to the quality of support and guidance we provide for our students as they progress through the school. We recognise that all students need the support of adults and their peers. Through high quality teaching across the curriculum and through effective systems of pastoral guidance our school will provide that support . Students play their part in supporting one another through care, cooperation cooperative and shared learning and celebrating the achievements of others.

New Students

Even before coming to South your son or daughter will have met their tutor on a visit to the school in the Summer Term. Parents will also have attended a new parent’s evening . Students will spend time with their tutor on the first day becoming familiar with procedures, the school layout and their timetable. Teachers and their tutor will ensure that they quickly become confident in the new environment and make new friends as well as keeping their old acquaintances. There will always be both adults and students who will help your son or daughter to settle in and answer any queries as they arise.

Before your child joins the school you will be able to purchase their uniform . A full uniform and equipment list is included with this prospectus.

Religious Education

Religious Education is taught to all students at Key Stages 3 and 4 and follows Local Authority guidelines. The course is taught by specialists in an enthusiastic and well organised department.

At Key Stage 3 the aim is to give students knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other faiths found in the UK. These include Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.

At Key Stage 4 students follow the Religious Education GCSE Short Course . The course followed is Thinking About God and Morality. This course gives students the opportunity to gain a GCSE grade in Religious Studies and serves as a useful introduction to the A Level course.Please note that parents have the right to withdraw their child from assemblies , religious education and sex education.

Careers Education and Guidance

Students in the school benefit from an extensive careers programme which helps them:
 

Work Experience

As part of their preparation for the world of work towards the end of year 10 all students take part in work experience and tutors and other teachers will visit students on work placements to discuss their progress.

Students staying in the sixth form are offered the same opportunity in year 12. Students in years 10 and 11 are offered careers interviews with the County Careers service and there is an extensive careers section available to all students in the Resource Centre. An annual Careers Convention is organised by the careers service.

Special Educational Needs

At South we believe that all students should achieve their potential and have access to the support and enrichment which will allow them to do this.

Gifted and Talented

Whilst we recognise that enrichment to the curriculum is important for all students we also believe there is a need to give special support to the most able students. For this reason the school has a Personalised Learning coordinator whose role is to identify the most able students in particular subject areas and offer a range of opportunities for those students to develop skills and qualities which will allow them to achieve their true potential in later life.