Teaching and Learning Resources

 Every classroom at Stratford upon Avon High School has the capacity for data projection linked with IT, VCR, DVD, interactive whiteboard, and at least one networked computer. Most classrooms have a minimum of 12 network points, and we have also installed a wireless ICT network system.
Each classroom will have a data projector installed by September 2005.                    

Linked with the enhancement of these state of the art facilities is the continuation of our programme of staff training and professional development in order to maximise benefits to students.

We value our staff and invest wisely in their training and wellbeing, in order to maximise the benefit to our pupils.

 Teaching Accommodation Summary

• 10 science labs, including specialist VI form physics and chemistry labs
• 5 art studios, including a VI form studio, and an ICT room for art use.
• 7 technology rooms - 2 workshops,  a graphics room, 1 textiles, 2 food technology,  1 multi-purpose room (food technology, catering, textiles, product design).
• 6 ICT rooms including a training room
  
  3 drama studios and a Green Room
• 2 music rooms plus 3 good-sized practice rooms
• A sports hall and gymnasium, plus PE classroom
• 2 Learning Support classrooms
• 26 General classrooms (non-practical) plus 7 post-16 classrooms (of which 1 is designated for private study)
• A large well-equipped Learning Resource Centre, incorporating sixth form study space

The school also boasts a staff resource base for every subject and preparation areas in art, science and technology. 

 There is a very large hall with adjacent dining hall, which can be used as one large space to seat in excess of 600. The two areas can also be separated by a movable acoustic wall when required. The hall is complemented by a stage area, a grand piano, demountable raked seating and performance sound and lighting.

Science 

Science is taught in a suite of 10 well-equipped labs over two floors. They include specialist labs for physics, chemistry and biology, and general labs which can be used across the sciences. Specialist equipment, such as fume cupboards and   physics beams are built-in. The department is served by a resource base and 2 very large prep rooms, one having a secure chemical store. We have 4 experienced technicians supporting the work of the department. 

Art 

The art department has 4 large studios for 11-16 art, and a good-sized studio for post-16, allowing both potential exhibition space and for work in progress to be securely stored. Three of the studios have glazed double doors opening out directly onto a paved area, enhancing the light quality in the studios, and offering an external resource if required. There is an adjoining ICT area which offers flexible use, including digital photography work. A resource base and large store and technician’s working space complete the departmental resources. 

Technology 

A dedicated technology ‘block’ offers suited accommodation for each branch of technology. The rooms are superbly fitted with high quality machinery and benches in the two workshops, a brazing hearth and chip forge and extraction systems, 2 CAM machines and CAD technology.  A large delivery and preparation area allows for storage of prepared materials to give efficient support to lessons.

 Textiles is taught in a specialist room, fitted with angled worktops designed for sewing machine use by students without the need for them to have their backs to the teacher. A wet area is included for dyeing and experimental work.

 Food Technology is taught in large light airy rooms, equipped with state of the art equipment, including gas and electric cookers, a gas range cooker and industrial Hobart mixer. Specific provision for pupils with a physical disability is made in one of the food rooms (with adjustable height benching, hob and sink) and both workshops, where wheelchair access to benches and vices is assured. Two experienced technicians support the work of this department. 

ICT 

ICT is a taught subject for all pupils in the school.  The ICT suite offers 4 air-conditioned classrooms, two with 30 computers each, and two with 16 computers each, used primarily by the sixth form.

 ICT Provision 

An extensive network comprises circa 300 clients and 5 main file servers.  Recent enhancements have included the installation of a complete wireless infrastructure across the school along with the purchase of 32 wireless laptops for use by pupils during lessons anywhere in school.

The Learning Resource Centre has 20 computers available to promote indpendent learning by pupils, and allows them to complete tasks set by their teacher.  The community computer room opens in autumn 2004, and will be available to other schools and groups in our local community, as well as our own staff.  this room is being equipped with video conferencing.

During 2004-2005 the reamining classrooms will be equipped with multimedia projectors to allow for a variety of teaching styles to be used, and by September 2005 these classrooms will have tablet PCs with access to the latest ICT software and internet resources.  Staff are provided with a laptop which can be connected to the wireless network.

The ICT infrastructure is developed and maintained by a Network Manager and a team of 3 ICT technicians.  

Drama 

Two large studios plus a sixth form studio located adjacent to the hall bring the drama department together in a purpose built suited area. The central studio opens up into the hall by way of a movable acoustic wall (one of two in the school), to give a superb stage area, augmented by a new portable staging system. As well as excellent teaching space, the department has access to a lighting and sound system, custom-designed and installed by specialists.
 
An induction loop system in the hall is also installed. The ‘Green Room’ is used as changing space by pupils and performers alike.  The drama department benefits from having its own dedicated technician. 

Music

 We offer 2 large music rooms, with one being designated as a recital room, where an induction loop is installed. The spacious facilities offer opportunities for exciting learning enhancements, both traditionally instrument-based and using ICT to aid composition and appreciation.  In addition a smaller room is equipped to teach Music Technology.

There are 3 practice rooms, one particularly large to take a bigger group or a drum kit. All have angled walls, to promote sound diffusion and preclude standing waves and flutter echoes.

A well-fitted temperature-controlled music store forms part of the suite, where students can store their instruments on the days of their lessons.

Sports Facilities 

Full details of sport at the school are in Sport at Stratford High School, but, briefly, facilities include a large four badminton court sports hall, with basketball matchplay and practice goals and cricket nets, plus a well-equipped modern gymnasium. There is a large classroom / community room, used for PE theory lessons at Keystage 4, AS level and beyond.  It, like other classrooms, is equipped with data projection facilities.  There are 4 changing rooms, a medical room, and other out-offices within the sports hall.  The All Weather Pitch was opened in January 2002, and is widely acclaimed as an excellent hockey-playing surface; other facilities include 4 netball courts, 4 tennis courts, an all-weather cricket pitch, grass pitches for football, rugby, rounders, and so on, plus the new all-weather 400 metre athletics track. 

                            
Learning Support 

The Learning Support suite is centrally located on the ground floor, close to the Student Services Reception.

It comprises a large group room, to accommodate up to 12 students, and a second classroom for smaller groups and one to one work and support.  In addition to offices for the Special Needs Co-ordinator, and resources base for the department, there is a second office for visiting advisors who regularly spend time in school (e.g. the School Health Advisor and Educational Social Worker), plus a large room equipped for disabled pupils, with toilet and shower and storage for personal items.  

Learning Resource Centre (LRC) 

This is a light, attractive resource, double-height with an aspect looking across the building frontage to Alcester Road.  It houses a range of resources including a library of books and an expanding range of multi-media resources.  It encompasses an ICT centre, with internet access, and the Connexions base.

The area is very ably staffed by the Learning Centre Manager and LRC Assistant, and has developed into a real hub of learning, with expansion of networked computer access to faciliate independent learning, supported also by the Virtual Learning Assistant.  Generous funds have been allocated this year for extension of learning resources.  As far as administration is concerned, we have installed a security system, new library software, and a library card which doubles up as each pupil’s lunch card.  

Sixth Form Centre 

The Sixth Form have their base on the second floor of the science block, close to the Learning Resource Centre, and with a lift close by.  Entering from the front of the block, they have a large social area /common room with a kitchen, a separate exam and study room, ICT suite, sixth form office and post-16 classrooms on this and the floor below.  We are very grateful to Barclays Bank for their financial assistance in furnishing and equipping the sixth form centre.  AS and A2 teaching takes place in post-16 classrooms, for the non-practical subjects such as Maths, English, Sociology, French etc. Sixth form toilets are adjacent to the centre, at the front of the science block. Practical lessons will usually take place in the appropriate subject suites, in designated, well-equipped rooms, including Art, ICT, Drama, Physics and Chemistry.

Other Resources for Pupils 

This site can give only a brief description of the range of facilities and resources available, but the following are those of particular note: 

Dining Room

The dining room is adjacent to the kitchen, from where high quality meals are provided by Kite Food Services.  A cashless (swipe card) system operates, further details of which will be given to those attending the school.  The school is working with Kite to further develop our Healthy Eating policy.

Lockers

There is a locker for every pupil, where they are able to leave bags and possessions, removing the need to carry heavy and cumbersome bags around the school.  We supply a lightweight folder for transporting books and equipment to lessons.

Toilets

Toilets are designated to particular year groups, and are generally adjacent or close to the locker positions for each year.

Lifts

There are 2 lifts, available for disabled pupils, staff and visitors, one by the main entrance, the other by the technology centre.

Radio Station

This student run facility is managed by the sixth form and operates before school and at lunchtime.

Water

Pupils have easy access to fresh water via drinking fountains, and chilled water dispensers throughout the building including the dining room, the sixth form centre, circulation spaces and the sports centre.

Student Services

This facility was a new development when we opened the school in November 2002, and has proved to be an enormous success, providing a focal point for pupil support and as an information source.  The student services reception is the first port of call for pupils who need assistance in many ways, including first aid, lost locker keys, to load their lunchtime swipe cards, transport and bus pass queries, lost property, signing the late book, and much more besides.  It is an information centre too for such as dining room price lists, uniform lists, school holiday dates, schedules of extra-curricular trips, visits and clubs, school maps etc.  Pupils come here to purchase school ties, badges and a selection of stationery and the like.  It is managed by two experienced staff, who know most of the pupils by name.  Pupils can be assured of a sympathetic ear and appropriate action should they report any sensitive worries.