HECC

Student learning and development is at the centre of all we do at HECC. We provide a safe environment, where all children can flourish and grow into responsible, health conscious members of our community. At HECC, we are moving towards a more skills based curriculum in Year 7 with learning to learn, working with others and learning independently being the major foci. We will complete a Key Stage 3 (Year 7 to 9) Curriculum Review in 2007/08 taking into account the views of students, parents, staff and governors. At Key Stage 4 we already offer amazing variety. We have successfully piloted the Young Apprenticeships model for Bristol. We offer academic choices, vocational choices, college link options and mixtures of different courses.

Our students will also be able to take advantage of offers from South of Bristol Partnership in Key Stage 4 giving them even greater choice across schools. This is personalised learning at its best.

We provide a rich and diverse extra curricular provision in sport, drama and music, in 'state of the art' Sports Hall, Gymnastics Centre and Performing Arts workshops - using our Third Session from 2.35 pm each day to support all our students and to ensure our most gifted students are stretched and supported in developing their talents. We have a programme of planned visits throughout the College and students will have the opportunity to visit a European country, and we have a developing programme of foreign sporting visits including skiing. We have forged a strong link with a school in the Caribbean Island of St Lucia, which enriches our provision.

Supporting Learning for All

A sense of achievement for all is a key focus at Hartcliffe Engineering Community College and we take pride in working with families and education experts to gain 'Success for All' and improve on our previous best.

We see all students as unique and will work with families to support learning needs. We are fortunate to have Learning Mentors working in school - adults who are not teachers but who are trained to overcome barriers to learning.

Clear Behaviour Guidelines to Support Learning

All students are issued with a guide to good behaviour, in class, in corridors and in the playground/social areas. This enables students to know what is expected of them and to help them play their part in maintaining the warm, supportive environment which allows everyone to learn and participate in a positive manner.

The Home College Agreement is an important element in supporting progress and is signed annually by the College, student and parents.

We are continually our rewards and sanctions policies. Student Dialogue Days each term linked with Student Council work give students an important voice in this.

Our Student Support System

We pride ourselves on the support we give young people on their learning journey through the school. The Headteacher and others visit each partner primary school to check on the needs and aspirations of each pupil. Careful selection into a balanced tutor group, a tutor and a Director of Study who stay with the group for the five years ensures that each student is supported and nurtured. We have experts who oversee the transition from primary school and the move to Post 16 opportunities, ensuring that a skilled practitioner has a crucial input at these key transfer moments.

Education with Character

School is more than the sum of subjects and at Hartcliffe Engineering Community College we pride ourselves on the range of activities that keeps growing. Not only modern foreign language visits and trips to support curriculum learning, but a range of activities in a dedicated summer term Engineering Week which enable all students to enrich their life experiences.

Sport is a key element of our after school opportunities and in our new purpose built drama and music suite we have the facilities to expand our provision, both in the day and as extra curricula events.

As the college moves forward we are developing an increasing number of 'Third Session' activities, harnessing the talents of each young person, and by extending learning we develop skills and experiences that engage young people to become lifelong learners. We are privileged to be supported in these activities by adults from the community who wish to give something back to the education.

Ofsted Quotes

• "The College is setting increasingly ambitious targets for future attainment"
• "There is a broad and balanced curriculum at both key stages, which is being increasingly tailored to a wider range of learning needs of students"
• "A noticeable feature is the pride both students and staff now have in the College community"
• "Students feel safe in College and appreciate that staff are approachable if they have a problem."