Loxford School of Science and Technology
Loxford School of Science and Technology is a school in its 11th year as a specialist Technology College. The success of our students has enabled us to be judged as a High Performing Specialist School. We are both a Technology College, a Language College, and from April we have been chosen to take on a third specialism & Training School status. We were the first county school to achieve Technology College status in the whole of Greater London. No other school has achieved more through the Specialist schools programme.
We provide a specialist education in Science, Technology, Mathematics, Information Technology and Modern Foreign Languages, whilst still being committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum for all. It is our belief that the future of the country and of our students in particular, lies in the development of skills which will prepare young people for the competitive scientific and technological demands of the new century. Our students are taught within a ‘Can do’ culture enabling them to achieve more in the belief that success is possible through individual study and teamwork
We serve a deprived and diverse multi-cultural community based in East London. We have a student population with 45% FSM, 68 languages are spoken, and over 80% of our students have English as an Additional language.
We are proud of continual increase in our students’ achievements, especially over our third phase as a specialist school. 63.5% of students gaining 5 or more A*-C’s, 98% five A*-G’s. The 2005 performance tables show 61%. Our school has been commended for its high valued added scores. We were described as a ‘Very good school with a number of outstanding features’ (Ofsted 2003). Our current strengths are the CPD of staff, LIG/SSAT Hub leadership and inclusion.
We aim to create a safe, secure and rigorous learning environment in which all members of the school community can achieve their best.
We believe in teamwork, collaboration and respect for others. We are committed to enabling all students to acquire knowledge and skills in an atmosphere where all contributions are equally valued.
We seek to provide learning experiences, which challenge students, build self-esteem and confidence and enable them to take up their responsibilities as adults, members of the community and in the world of work. Above all, we are a school focused on achievement: we demand that every student does their very best.
We are a large school, with over 1500 students, including approximately 300 in the Sixth Form. We are pleased that we have a balanced intake of boys and girls and that we are genuinely a comprehensive with the full range of abilities. Many of our students speak more than one language. They bring a wealth of experience and culture to the school, which enriches the education of all our students.
We have a Code of Conduct and a detailed set of expectations for behaviour in class and around the school, which are rigorously enforced.
Facilities
We have unrivalled facilities in our specialist areas of Science, Technology, Mathematics and Information Technology. For Science we have a suite of ten laboratories equipped with wireless lap-tops, multi-media computers, including specialist ‘A’ Level labs. For Technology, we have an integrated suite of new workshops equipped with computer-controlled machinery and high quality computer graphics equipment. The school has interactive white boards in all subject areas.
We see the use of computers as being central to our aim of supporting achievement across all subjects. As well as a specialist block of six networked computer rooms, we have extended the school’s PC network to every single teaching room in the school, providing instant access to CD-ROM, the Internet and other software from anywhere in the building.
We have a showcase Library equipped with state of the art multi-media PCs with access to CD-ROMs, the Internet and the latest books. This allows us to offer after school clubs with our community.
We have excellent general facilities including an Art suite with darkroom facilities. The buildings are modern and include a Sports Hall, a Swimming Pool and extensive playing fields.
Curriculum
We aim for a broad, balanced relevant learning programme for all students. In years 7-9 all students follow courses in Art and Design, English, Drama, French or Spanish, Technology, Mathematics, History, Geography, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Science, PSCE: Personal and Social Citizenship Education. There is a special course in Years 7-9 to reinforce students’ computer skills and introduce them to the world of business and finance. There is support within lessons for second language learners and students with special needs.
In Year 10 and 11 all students study for GCSEs. The compulsory subjects are English (double GCSE including English Literature), Mathematics and Science. All students also study for a GCSE in Modern Languages and are offered a choice of GCSE courses in other areas.
The other subjects are: Technology, History, Geography, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Information Technology, Art, Religious Studies, Business Studies and Media Studies. Time is also allocated for Physical Education, Careers Guidance, Religious Studies and PSCE. All students have work experience as part of their programme: the school sees preparation for a working life as something all students should experience.
The Sixth Form
We offer a full range of ‘A’ Level courses and applied advanced courses in Business, Science and ICT. There are also BTec and National Certificate courses. Our specialities are within the areas of Business and Finance, Information Technology and Science. Our Sixth Form Centre has computer network rooms including a private study area as well as a large common room.
Homework
Homework is set regularly for all students, according to a published timetable. All students are issued with Homework Diaries and parents are asked to support their children with homework.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is part of our system to support learning. Each student belongs to a tutor group and the tutor oversees the progress and welfare of this group. Tutors work in year teams led by a Head of Year who contacts parents when necessary. There are regular parents’ evenings and reports. The Tutor, the Head of Year, the Head Teacher and Deputies are all happy to meet parents by appointment.
School Uniform
The school colours are predominantly black and white with a compulsory blue blazer. The uniform is easily obtained and we expect all students to wear it as a sign that they are proud of belonging to our school community. It is also a sign that they are ready to take part in all aspects of school life.
Parent Participation
We encourage parents to take part in the life of the school. We believe that a three-way partnership between students, parents and teachers is the best foundation for a successful school life.
Extra Curricular Activities
A large number of activities take place outside regular school hours. This reflects the enthusiasm of staff and students. There are regular day trips to support classroom learning as well as longer field trips. There are also school journeys, which promote outdoor pursuits, and allow our students to experience education beyond the classroom. The Sixth Form takes part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and in community service. There are many clubs at lunchtime and after school. There are also opportunities to represent the school in sporting activities, both as individuals and as members of the school teams.
