Peterchurch, HR2 0SG

"This is an outstanding school. At its last inspection, it was outstanding in all main categories. Since then it has significantly improved not just in respect of the areas for development identified in that inspection but also in terms of major developments to its educational provision for pupils and in the response that these have generated."
Ofsted, June 09

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Fairfield High School
Peterchurch
Herefordshire
HR2 0SG

Phone: 01 981 550 231

Email: admin@fairfield.hereford.sch.uk

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The information here, reproduced from the Prospectus, applies to the academic year 2009/10.  At the time of printing the details are correct but there may well be changes in subsequent years.

All parents are issued with a complete prospectus prior to their child’s admission.

A FORWARD-THINKING SCHOOL WITH TRADITIONAL VALUES
“This is an outstanding school.  At its last inspection, it was outstanding in all main categories.  Since then it has significantly improved.....”
OfSTED June 2009

Fairfield High School delivers an excellent quality of education and has been innovative in many areas to ensure that all pupils benefit from it.  It is a member of the Golden Valley Pyramid of Schools, a partnership between the High School and its feeder primary schools, in which there is a sharing of staff and material resources to provide the best opportunities for all pupils between the ages of 5 and 16.  The schools are part of the Extended Schools Initiative programme.  In recognition of three years as a successful Specialist Arts Status school, in 2008 Fairfield was also awarded Specialist Applied Learning Status and renewed Specialist Arts Status.  The school has also been recognized as a Leading Edge and a Consultant School which will enable us to broaden pupils’ experiences still further.

The School has established an important role in the life of the community and enjoys a close relationship with the wider community, local industry and commerce that support our pupils in many ways, including the provision of work experience placements for all its older students.  We hope Specialist Statuses will further develop this community work.

All pupils wear a school uniform and are happy to do so, being aware of the sense of identity and belonging it gives them.   Pupils are placed in houses when they join the School and this encourages both loyalty and team spirit. The approach used by staff is summed up as “Friendly but firm, open and orderly”.  There is a sense of discipline and purpose about the school as the community goes about its daily work.

THE SECURITY OF A CARING ENVIRONMENT
“The care, guidance and support they receive is also outstanding.”  OfSTED June 2009

Fairfield ensures that there is a welcoming, family-like atmosphere for its pupils.  Form tutors endeavour to learn about their form as individuals and to develop their trust and self-confidence.

Pupils are shown that the School is a community where they are safe and where all its members have a responsibility for each other.  Staff, pupils and governors have a shared sense of purpose, and relationships are very good between teachers and pupils.  Caring and sharing are not just words, but actions, at Fairfield: the staff have time for the pupils and are ready to provide the support and advice many pupils need as they grow into young adults. 

LOCATION IN A MAGNIFICENT SITUATION

Fairfield High School is situated in the Golden Valley, on the edge of the village of Peterchurch, 12 miles west of the City of Hereford.  It is close to the Black Mountains, 5 miles from the Welsh border and 9 miles from the well-known ‘book’ town of Hay-on-Wye.  Pupils from the 95 square miles of the Golden Valley attend the School, but parents from further afield seek admission for their children.

The main building of the school was originally a gentleman's private residence and is set in attractive grounds, providing a peaceful working environment. The school is well cared for and provides excellent accommodation for staff and pupils alike.  In addition to the normal range of classrooms and multi-purpose Hall, there are numerous specialist areas including Science laboratories, a Food and Textile Centre, Art and Design and Technology block, Music Suite and animal paddocks/housing.  There are spacious sports fields and the school grounds have been developed so that pupils can take advantage of the whole site.  

OUTSTANDING EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
“Pupils’ examination success shows that their progress is excellent, and this outstanding achievement is being consistently maintained year-on-year.  This progress is directly attributable to the quality of school provision.”                                                                   OfSTED June 2009

Excellent teaching by well-qualified staff, together with conscientious and disciplined work by pupils, has resulted in outstanding success at GCSE level in recent years.  Indeed, the external examination results can be compared with the best in the country.

Pupils are encouraged to experience a sense of achievement and enjoyment in everything they do and are urged to do their best at all times.  The atmosphere in school is both happy and hard working, fostering the will to succeed.

Letter from THE CHAIRMAN OF GOVERNORS

Dear Parent

I have been associated with Fairfield High School for over 30 years, as a parent with a son and daughter who attended the school, professionally and now as a Governor and grandfather with granddaughter currently at the school.  During this time I have seen the school develop into the friendly, caring and hard working establishment that it is today.  Staff and Governors work closely together to provide the best possible education for the pupils of Fairfield, meeting regularly to discuss matters connected with curriculum, finance, property and staffing of the school

Recent developments in education have presented many challenges to schools generally and Fairfield has, as always, proved itself equal to the task.  The school continues to meet the needs of its pupils and provides a broad and balanced curriculum taught by a highly motivated, dedicated and specialist staff.  This, I suggest, has been confirmed by the success that the school continually achieves in all aspects of its education.

As a parent I was always very much aware that Fairfield offered that special opportunity to all its pupils to develop their own skills and interests and encouraged excellence in all things.  That still exists and the caring family-like atmosphere within the school provides an excellent environment for the pupils to develop from children into respectable young adults.

Choosing a school for your son or daughter is a very important and often difficult task.  I can assure you that choosing Fairfield will provide the right experience and education for your child.  I was faced with that decision for both my son and daughter; I chose Fairfield, and neither I nor they have any regrets.

On behalf of the Governors, I welcome you as parents and look forward to meeting you in due course.  The Governors will, as always, work to support the best interests of the school in every way possible.

Yours sincerely

John Wilcox

Letter from THE FORMER senior prefect

I have enjoyed my experience thoroughly at Fairfield High School, and I know many people who would agree with me.  It’s not like any other school I know of, it has many unique aspects which should never be lost.  One of these aspects is the wonderful animals that are kept in the surrounding fields, which are all new to the school this year.  Have you ever come across a high school with alpacas, pigmy goats and pigs, sheep, parrots, rabbits, bearded dragons, salamanders and tortoises?   It’s not just your ordinary high school.
           
Members of staff throughout the school give a great atmosphere, showing dedication in everything they do.  The pupils respect them back and through this a student-teacher bond is made which other schools may not have.  But, of course, there are some occasional lapses.  The teachers make the school what it is and make it a pleasant place for all the students.   There are also a lot of extra curriculum subjects and sports that take place after school and are run by some of the teachers.    These include many sports, drama, music/orchestra, textiles, French and many others. 

Throughout the five years I have been at Fairfield High School I have visited many different places, abroad and in the UK; Llanrug, London, Belgium, France, Spain, Cyprus and soon Corsica.  All of these were amazing and they were such an experience that some schools don’t get the chance of.    I learnt a lot from all these trips, especially the Spanish exchange as I learnt much more about their culture and language and how very different it is from ours.

Fairfield is always changing; there is always something new that is happening.  First it was the art and DT block, then the size of the grounds expanded; the grass pitches above the school with the extended Arnott Trail.   The new summer uniform and now finally we have all these lovely animals.  It just doesn’t stop.  I’m sure Mr Barker has got something up his sleeve for the next few years, but who knows what it’s going to be.

Lastly, I would like to say that Fairfield has made my high school experience something that I won’t forget.  It’s been a pleasure being involved in all the activities throughout the past five years.  It is a school that should never be lost.  So I would like to thank the school and I hope everything goes well for the future.

Kim Phillips (formerly year 11)

Letter from the chair of the PTA

Dear Parent,

     On behalf of the PTA I wish you a warm welcome as a new member.  All parents are automatically members of the PTA and will have the opportunity of joining the committee at the AGM, normally held in October.  The committee meets approximately six to eight times a year to organise social and fund raising events and new members who are willing to help and support our activities are always very welcome.

      The objectives of the Parent Teacher Association are to advance the education of the pupils by providing, and helping to provide, facilities not provided by the LEA and which will enhance pupils' education at Fairfield, and also to promote contact and co-operation between parents and teaching staff.  New parents find that supporting our activities offers them the opportunity to meet and socialise with other parents as well as the teachers.

     I have been involved with the PTA for many years and have always found it a rewarding and enjoyable experience.  We raise several thousand pounds a year through quiz and bingo nights, grand draws, auctions and our not-to-be-missed barbeque and bands evening.  We also run a covenant scheme for those who wish to support the school financially through the PTA and details of this will be given to new parents.

     I look forward to meeting you at one of our events or meetings and I wish you and your child a happy and successful time at Fairfield.

 Janine Vaughan Winter

THE SCHOOL FUND

Many calls are made on the School Fund to purchase items or subsidise events where costs cannot be met from the allocation given by the Children’s Services.  However, the Fund is a voluntary one and consequently money-raising events organised by the School or by the Parent Teacher Association need the support of all parents.  The Fund is overseen by a senior member of the School Staff, its accounts being professionally audited annually and presented to the Governors for approval. 

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION, PARENT SURGERIES & REPORTS

It is clearly in the best interests of the pupils that there is close liaison and frequent contact between home and school. The school holds Parents’ Surgeries approximately every two to three weeks. Parents book fifteen minute appointments with individual members of staff via the School Secretary.  Parents are encouraged to book appointments to keep themselves well informed throughout the year about their child’s general progress as well as making appointments when there is a concern.  The process is two-way and the School also asks parents to come and see a particular member of staff who wishes to discuss their child.  There are also several opportunities during the year for staff and parents to meet in a more informal way and chat about a pupil's progress.  Parents are always welcome at the school and we are delighted to show the school in action and explain our ways of working.  Parents are asked to telephone the School Office so that a mutually convenient time can be arranged.

Continual assessment is carried out by teaching staff as an integral part of the curriculum in Lower and Upper School.  Pupils’ progress can often be seen through the work that they bring home but, towards the end of each school year, a full record of each pupil’s personal and academic achievements is sent to parents.  Pupils, subject teachers, form tutors and the headmaster all contribute to it.  Parents are also invited to add their comments to the report.  Parents of Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils also receive a brief interim report at the end of the Autumn or Spring Term.

On other occasions, special reports can be prepared and consultation takes place between the parents concerned and the appropriate head of pastoral care.  If it is felt necessary, pupils may be placed on daily, subject or weekly report so that a very close scrutiny of work or behaviour can be maintained.  Parents are informed before such a course of action is taken. 

An annual calendar is published early in the Autumn Term, which is also published and regularly updated on the school website, letting parents know of our dates for the year. Parents also receive a termly bulletin called ‘Comet’ containing articles, pupils’ work and information about forthcoming events and important dates.

Addresses for correspondence

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHOOL
“Teaching and learning are outstanding.  Every child truly matters.”              OfSTED June 2009

Fairfield High School exists to meet the needs and expectations of the local community and, in particular, of the young people who enroll here. The Headmaster is concerned to ensure that the School is a happy and ordered one, where everyone is able to work together to achieve their maximum potential in every way. The School's contribution is only part of an overall one in which many others are involved, particularly the feeder primary schools and colleges of further education and training organisations with whom the school works very closely.

More specifically, our aims are:

1. To develop and prepare the individual pupil for a role in society.
2. To develop skills, attitudes, understanding, adaptability and values to enable     pupils to make a positive contribution to the adult world.
3. To develop lively, enquiring minds in each pupil and to stretch each individual   pupil to his/her maximum potential.
4. To present pupils with challenges and encourage the will to succeed individually as a result of personal and team effort.
5. To ensure the material and manpower resources that are invested in the School    are used effectively.

These aims are achieved by presenting a ‘total curriculum’ suited to each pupil's capabilities and needs.  To this end we have the following in place:

1. A secular curriculum, authorised by the School’s Board of Governors, which is     broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated. (see Appendix 8)
2. A non-secular curriculum, again approved by the School's Board of Governors,     which seeks to heighten pupils’ awareness of the moral, ethical and spiritual       dimensions of life. (See Appendix 4)
3. A programme of other activities which supplements, augments and complements these, so that a ‘total curriculum’ reflecting the ethos of the School is available to all pupils, irrespective of age, circumstance, ability or sex.

This ‘total curriculum’ includes all objectives identified in a review of the curriculum which involved the whole teaching staff. It ensures that all pupils acquire basic knowledge, understanding and a range of mental and physical skills appropriate to their needs.

MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOL
“Leadership and management are outstanding.” “Strength of management is deep rooted throughout the school, with very self-critical evaluation and bold planning.” OfSTED June 2009

The Headmaster is responsible to the Board of Governors for the overall management of the School and is the main point of liaison with them, the Children’s Services and all other agencies. The post also involves the control of the School's resources, both physical and human, ensuring these are utilised to provide high quality education. The Headmaster also manages the curriculum.

The Senior Leadership Team works with the Headmaster to fulfill the school’s responsibilities.  Therefore members of the team frequently act on behalf of the Headmaster through supporting staff in their duties to ensure the school runs smoothly.  Each member of the team is a teacher and carries responsibilities in curriculum areas.  In addition, their major management responsibilities are:- 
                       
            Mr P R Brereton                     Deputy Head, Health & Safety Officer, Site Manager
            Miss A J Naylor                      Assistant Head, Head of Applied Learning & Pastoral Care
                                                           
However, the school is managed democratically and a number of staff members shoulder responsibilities.  Major decisions are always taken after appropriate discussion.  Decisions regarding curriculum and staffing of departments are agreed through regular Curriculum meetings with the Heads of Department and the Senior Leadership Team.  However, those meetings are open to all the teaching staff and they also attend regular staff meetings. 
       
SCHOOL UNIFORM

Uniform is important in creating a sense of identity and belonging and in setting a good standard of dress.  The school uniform for pupils at Fairfield has been chosen after consulting the PTA Committee and School Council.  It is practical, economical, attractive and sensible for everyday wear and, as a result, visitors frequently comment on the pupils’ neat appearance.  Uniform may be purchased from a supplier in Hereford. 

If, because of an unavoidable circumstance, a pupil is unable to wear part of the uniform on a particular day, a letter from the parent explaining the circumstances should be brought by the pupil and handed to the form tutor. It will be acknowledged and returned to the pupil, who will then be able to produce it on request by any other member of staff.  Full details of the uniform are given in Appendix 12.

Times of the school day

SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES