Parents' Guide to Ailwyn Community School

Return to Main Menu

WELCOME TO AILWYN SCHOOL
BY THE PRINCIPAL, DAVID WALLWORK

It is not my intention to use it to publicise the strengths and attractive features of Ailwyn Community School, but merely to portray guidelines about the way in which the school operates.

The quality of educational provision is enhanced by an effective partnership between parents, pupils, teachers and governors. I hope this partnership will be a successful and happy one. In order to achieve such a co-ordinated effort we will always be willing to discuss matters of concern with parents. It is important to make an appointment to ensure the member of staff required is available - failure to do this can cause delay and frustration. '

D. Wallwork BSc  MA

ABOUT AILWYN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

Ailwyn Community School is an 11-14 comprehensive, named after one of the founders of the Abbey at Ramsey whose effigy may be seen in the Abbey Gatehouse.

The school opened as a secondary modern in 1955, serving Ramsey and the surrounding villages. It took its present form on secondary reorganisation in 1970 and was designated a Community School in 1975. It was incorporated as a self-governing grant maintained state school on 1st April 1993.

Pupils transfer to Ailwyn Community School from primary schools in Ramsey,  Ashbeach School,  Bury,  Earith, Upwood, Warboys, Somersham, Bluntisham and several other schools from outside the immediate area. Pupils move directly from Ailwyn Community School to Ramsey Abbey School , a voluntary controlled comprehensive school, immediately adjacent to Ailwyn, catering for the 14-18 age group. Close liaison with the Abbey in matters of curriculum and procedure ensures smooth transfer and that pupils derive maximum benefit from this arrangement.

The original building of the Ailwyn Community School consisted of an assembly hall, a library, a gymnasium, Science laboratories, a Craft area, Mathematics rooms and administration offices. In 1962/3 Art and Pottery rooms, a Music suite, further classrooms for History, Geography and English, and a community centre were added. A further teaching block was built in 1978, including a reprographics room and a recently enlarged learning resources library area. A new building,which includes music and drama facilities, was opened in January 1997.

The sports hall and indoor swimming pool are managed by the Huntingdonshire District Council and are used primarily during the day by the two secondary schools and by local primary feeder schools. Both schools enjoy the additional benefit of extensive playing fields.

The current number of pupils at the Ailwyn Community School is 990. For administrative purposes pupils are divided by age into three Year Groups. The three Year Groups are described using the National Curriculum nomenclature,  that is Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9.

SECONDARY EDUCATION IN  RAMSEY

Ailwyn Community School and Ramsey Abbey are independent establishments with different age ranges. Each school has its own particular character and ethos and this individuality is reflected in the aims and objectives of both. However, the two schools work very closely together in order to ensure a continuous and unified experience of secondary education for all their pupils. This joint working is greatly facilitated by the sharing of many values.

 

Transfer to Ramsey Abbey

 

The Ailwyn and Abbey schools liaise to ensure that the transition from Year 9 to 10 goes smoothly.

 

During Year 9 the pupils are given information on career options and the opportunity to familiarise themselves more with the world of work. Towards the end of the Spring Term they are asked to select subjects to be studied in years 10 and 11 at the Abbey School.

 

A series of consultation evenings is held in both schools, at which parents are given an opportunity to discuss their child‘s progress and to obtain information which will help them to make these choices.

 

During the Spring Term year 9 pupils take two examinations in Science, set jointly by staff from both schools. Results of these determine which Science course pupils will follow at Ramsey Abbey.

 

During the summer term post SATS year 10 courses are started in a number of subjects.

AIMS OF AILWYN SCHOOL

• To provide people with facilities and opportunities for self-motivated learning throughout their lives.  

• To enable individuals to develop their intellectual, social and emotional understanding of themselves and their community.

• To enable people to live their lives effectively and contribute to the well being and development of their community.

• To provide a happy, caring, stable and orderly environment in which the best quality of teaching, learning and development can take place.

• To promote the pursuit of individual and corporate excellence.

• To provide a curriculum that is suited to the differing needs of people of all abilities and that is broad, balanced and relevant to the concerns and issues of everyday life.

CONDUCT OF THE SCHOOL

Our overall policy is to encourage and reinforce good behaviour, attitudes and work by praising and rewarding pupils. We actively discourage unacceptable behaviour, work and attitudes through a system of sanctions and punishments. We encourage parents to support us in a ”let the punishment fit the crime• approach to sanctions for anti-social behaviour.

 

We believe in maintaining a controlled environment in which the best quality of learning can be achieved. Our efforts to praise and reward pupils in formal and informal ways help to foster such an atmosphere.

 

The school has regular acts of collective worship. Parents who do not wish their children to take part in this should contact the Principal.

CURRICULUM

The formal programme is based on a twenty-five period week with lessons in English, History, Mathematics, Science, Geography, French, Music, Religious Education, Physical Education, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Drama and Personal and Social Education. This is common for all pupils in Years 7 and 8 but in Year 9 pupils have the opportunity to study a second language, German, or to further their studies in Art, PE, Music, Drama, Design and Technology or Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

National Curriculum programmes of study are followed as prescribed in legislation with courses within each subject area being part of an 11-16 all-through curriculum, prepared jointly between Ailwyn and Abbey teachers. All pupils are expected to take a full and active part in all areas of the curriculum unless special circumstances preclude participation.

Homework is an essential part of the curriculum and it is set to a published timetable. The time that this takes will vary according to the age, activities and needs of individual pupils. The work aims to develop self-reliance, self-control, initiative and independent study skills as well as extending the timescale spent on lesson tasks. Letters about the school homework policy are issued each year in early September.

Every pupil has a log book. This is used to record achievement, note down homework and record dates on which letters are sent home. It is a crucial means of communication between school and home. Parents are asked to read and sign the log book regularly.

Religious Education

Religious Education is provided, under the terms of the relevant Education Acts, for all pupils. The subject is taught in accordance with the County Agreed Syllabus and takes account of the six major world faiths represented in Great Britain. Parents may wish to withdraw their children from these lessons on grounds of conscience, in which case they should contact the Principal.

 

Sex Education

This is delivered predominantly during Science and Personal and Social Education sessions. We aim to provide information and to foster the skills and attitudes pupils need to develop responsible relationships. Copies of the Governors‘ policy on sex education are available from the school. Parents who wish to discuss matters relating to the provision of sex education should contact the Principal. Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from some aspects of the programme and should contact the Principal in the first instance.

 

Tutor Groups

 

The school maintains close liaison with contributory primary schools and before children enter the school there is a programme of preparatory visits. On entry pupils are placed in a mixed ability tutor group with an assigned teacher (Group Tutor) who will be responsible for their day to day welfare. This Group Tutor will usually be the most appropriate initial contact for parents.

 

Gold and Purple Bands and Teaching Groups

Gold and Purple bands are two parallel blocks of mixed ability Tutor Groups which are initially taught together for a large proportion of the week. The pupils in each block, about 165 in number, are then set by ability in some subject areas. This system allows for maximum flexibility within each subject and allows every child the opportunity to develop at an appropriate rate and to realise his or her full potential. Pupils in Year 7 this year will be taught in 3 blocks of 4 sets for some subjects because of the large numbers involved.

 

Assessment Reporting and Parents' Evenings

 

Appropriate arrangements within each subject area mean that assessments are made continuously throughout all three years. These are reported to parents annually and are followed by a formal consultation evening. Parents are always welcome, by prior appointment, to come into school to discuss the progress of their children. The assessment process is intended to create a dialogue between parents, pupils and teachers with the intention of providing regular feedback and setting future targets.

 

Special Education Needs

The school endeavours to cater for the needs of all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs whether they have a statement or not. Teachers plan, set and mark work which is appropriate and relevant to the individual needs of pupils. The school has adopted the five stage model of support as outlined in the National Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Pupils with Special Educational Needs. A copy of the Special Educational Needs Policy is available on request from the special needs co-ordinator.

 

If you have any concern or complaint about the special education provision for your child or about issues of policy, please contact the Principal or the Chairman of the Governing Body.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A wide range of activities is available to pupils. The kind of activities may vary from year to year according to the interests of participants and teachers.

 

Computer Activities

 

The computer room is available at lunchtime and offers a wide range of opportunities for children of all levels of competence to complete school assignments or to develop their own interests. Pupils may also ask permission to use the computers after school.

Music

 

A wide range of activities is provided, including choir, recorder group, wind ensembles and bands. Instrumentalists are expected to join the Ailwyn Band or the Senior Wind Band organised jointly with Ramsey Abbey School. Music groups take part in several concerts and performances in the community during the school year.

Art, Craft & Design

 

This is an informal group which allows pupils to pursue projects which may supplement their interests in these fields.

Resource Centre

As well as providing a wide range of library books and other resource materials, the recently extended Resource Centre contains a suite of Acorn and IBM computers which students can use to prepare and to present their work, and to gain access to educational software and information held on CD-ROM. Our computerised catalogue provides a quick and efficient means of locating resources, and all students are expected to use it as a matter of course.

Students are encouraged to use the Resource Centre as a study area during breaks and lunch times and are given opportunities during lessons to learn and develop the information skills which will be so essential in higher education and employment. The Resource Centre remains open from 3 p.m. on a Thursday to cater for students who wish to do homework or engage in more extended research after school. As a school, we put a strong emphasis on reading for pleasure, something the Resource Centre supports by providing a range of good quality fiction.

 

In co-operation with the Cambridgeshire Careers Service, we pride ourselves on being able to offer Year 9 students up-to-the-minute information about career opportunities.

 

Physical Education

 

The PE department offers all pupils the opportunity to participate in a wide range of after-school clubs including athletics, football, cricket, netball, tennis, basketball, hockey and rugby. The aim of these clubs is to extend the skills and knowledge learned in lesson time. It is from these clubs that teams are selected to represent the school in inter-school matches. School teams are very successful in district and county competitions and many pupils win representative honours at district and county level. Team members are expected to give priority to inter-school fixtures.

 

Performing Arts

 

Evening visits to the theatre and concerts are arranged for interested groups. Companies are also encouraged to perform in school when this can be arranged.

 

Study Visits

 

Visits are arrranged, when possible, both abroad and in the British Isles to give pupils the opportunity to experience different environments and learning situations and to enjoy themselves.

 

Drama Club

 

This provides opportunities for enthusiastic pupils to expand their interest in Drama and to participate in dramatic performances.

 

Penrose Club

This group meets weekly to extend mathematics for the more able pupils.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Ailwyn Abbey Association

Originally formed in 1980, the then Ailwyn Association, run by parents and staff, gave many thousands of pounds to a variety of school projects. Now run jointly to the equal benefit of both schools, the Association also enables parents to be better informed about developments in education. All parents are automatically members. The Committee is always pleased to hear from anyone who can find a little time to help. For further information about Ailwyn Abbey Association  click here or contact school.

 

School Meals

 

Children may either bring a packed lunch or use the cash cafeteria. A standard meal can be obtained for approximately £1.50. All food should be consumed in the dining room or in the designated outside areas. Pupils who receive a free meal will be issued with a pass. Applications for free meals should be made to the school. These will be considered in strict confidence.

 

School Detentions

One sanction we use for pupils who fail to meet our expectations is after-school detention. If we wish to keep your child after school, then you will receive a letter in advance providing the background information, including the date of the detention. You are asked to acknowledge receipt of this by returning the tear-off slip as soon as possible and so preventing any unnecessary delay in the completion of the detention.

Lost Property

 

EVERY ITEM WORN or BROUGHT to school should be clearly NAMED in some way. ALL NAMED items that are lost and handed in as Lost Property are returned to the owners.

Children who have lost anything should complete a lost property slip held in Reception. If the item is found it will be returned via the group tutor.

 

Educational Equipment

 

All children are asked to write with an ink pen or similar, not a ball-point pen. Children are asked to supply their own pens and cartridges. It is extremely useful if pupils can be fully equipped with a Mathematical set comprising of ruler, rubber, protractor, set square, compasses, pencils, sharpener and coloured pencils or felt tip pens. These need not be expensive and should last a long time. Such a set will be found useful in many subject areas. Failure to come fully equipped can lead to teaching time being wasted. Calculators are an essential part of the mathematics syllabus, but tables and computation skills still feature very strongly. It would be helpful if pupils have a calculator of their own so that they gain confidence using it. However, the school has a small supply which the pupils may borrow.

 

Lockers

 

All pupils have a locker where bulky outside bags can be stored - smaller waterproof bags are available from the school for carrying material between lessons. Replacement keys are available at a cost of £2.. The lockers were partly funded by the Ailwyn Abbey Association. Pupil Information Pupil information is stored on a computer database and when this has been entered you will receive a copy to check for accuracy. We ask you to inform us of any changes that we need to make to our records. Parents‘ rights of access to this and other information kept in pupils‘ files are governed by the Data Protection Act 1984. Requests for access to the information should be made to the Principal at the school.

Charging for School Activities

 

In the 1988 Education Act, it states clearly that any activity which takes place in school time, or mainly in school time, must be free (except for any board and lodging costs), but there is no ban on requesting voluntary contributions. For many years this school has arranged field trips and other activities for pupils which, though not essential, are desirable parts of their education. No funds exist to subsidise these activities and therefore they can only take place if parents of participating pupils are prepared voluntarily to meet transport costs. Similarly the provision of ingredients and materials for certain practical lessons, or payment for materials used, are voluntary. We hope and trust that parents will recognise the worth and importance of these activities to the balanced education of their children and will continue to contribute voluntarily as appropriate.

 

(Anyone in receipt of Family Credit or Income Support is entitled to exemption from payment of any board and lodging cost and should contact the Principal who will treat the matter in strictest confidence.)

 

Talking In Confidence (T.I.C.)

Talking In Confidence is a listening service provided by trained volunteer pupils in Year 9. It is a service which can be used by all pupils at Ailwyn. It offers the opportunity for those pupils who find it difficult to talk to adults a chance to air their concerns. The service complements the Pastoral system of the school.

 

Uniform

 

All pupils wear the very smart uniform. Full details and notes for guidance for parents are to be found later in this handbook. Parents are requested to have uniform cleaned regularly as a matter of hygiene and consideration for others.

 

Lunch time arrangements

 

Children are only allowed off the premises at lunch time if they are going home to lunch or have a genuine reason for wishing to go. In each case a note from parents is requested so that a close check on pupils can be maintained. If the pupil is to go home to lunch regularly, a letter to this effect at the start of each term is sufficient. For occasional requests, parents are asked to send a letter with the child, confirming the reason, on the day in question.

 

Telephone

A payphone telephone, which only accepts coins, is available for use at approved times in the entrance hall.

 

Parental Help

 

We value help from parents in school and during educational visits. We check the background of all adults who work with children in this way. If you would like to be added to our list of willing volunteers, please contact the Principal.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE SCHOOL

Pupil Information

 

Pupil information is stored on a computer database and when this has been entered you will receive a copy to check for accuracy.  We ask you to inform us of any changes that we need to make to our records.  Parents' right of access to this and other information kept in pupils' files are governed by the Data Protection Act 1984.  Requests for access to the information should be made to the Principal of the school.

 

Correspondence

 

The school keeps parents informed of special events and arrangements for school activities (such as parents‘ evenings) in letters which pupils are asked to take home. Details are entered in logbooks and a reply slip is sometimes included on the letters. We would appreciate the co-operation of parents in signing and returning slips promptly as it enables school to make appropriate arrangements, for example about numbers attending.

All letters to the school are dealt with as swiftly as possible. Should acknowledgement of a letter requiring a response not be received, please follow it up after 48 hours have elapsed.

Absence

 

Parents are asked to explain each and every absence by letter.

 

Absence notes should be dated and sent directly to the Group Tutor on the day of return. We are required to publish our non-authorised absence figures and absence notes are needed to help us to comply with this regulation.

Due to the difficulties in establishing authenticity, it is necessary to accompany any emails informing of absence with a written letter when your child returns to school.

Requests for leave of absence for family holidays should be made to the Principal at the school. Leave can only be granted for a maximum of ten school days in any school year.

National Curriculum tests for all Year 9 pupils will be held during the week 4th-11th May.

Please avoid this period when booking holidays.

Health

It is extremely helpful to the school staff to know of any medical problems which may affect a child whilst at school. Soon after each pupil enters the school, parents are asked to complete a sheet which will enable us to respond to any foreseeable situation. (There are qualified First-Aiders on the premises). Should this information need to be updated, we would appreciate it if parents would let us know.

 

P.E. staff require a note if parents wish a child to be excused a physical activity for any reason.

 

Please inform the Group Tutor if a child needs to bring medicine or tablets to school so that appropriate arrangements can be made for them to be taken. Medication may not be dispensed by school personnel, unless prescribed by a doctor.

AILWYN SCHOOL CODE

• Be polite and friendly at all times
• Say please and thank you
• Be in the right place at the right time in the right frame of mind, with the right equipment.
• Be willing to help
• Carry out instructions promptly and willingly
• Address adults as "Sir" or "Madam "or their proper name
• Be punctual
• Respect yourself and others
• Be honest
• Always behave in a way which will make your family and friends proud to know you
• Take a pride in your work
• Have a high regard for your appearance and personal hygiene, it will help your confidence
• Have the courage to say NO when others are trying to force you to do things that you know are not right
• Always think about your safety and the safety of others
• Move about quietly and sensibly
• Keep left on the stairs and in the corridors
• Bring nothing dangerous or valuable to school
• Obey special safety rules for practical lessons and when travelling to and from school
• If you arrive late report to Reception before joining your class
• If you need to leave school during the day collect an exeat slip from your Group Tutor and hand it in to Reception before you leave
• Report to Reception when you return
• Look after the environment
• Help to keep the school and grounds looking good
• Keep the place free of litter and use the bins
• Look after the furniture and buildings
• Report any damage immediately
• Leave chewing gum at home

TRAVELTO AND FROM SCHOOL

The following information is given to all pupils for their safety. Regular reminders are given in assemblies, Tutor Group time and in lessons. As a general rule pupils should not be in school before 8.30a.m.

 

Pedestrians

 

Always keep to the footpath. Cross the road with care in an appropriate place. Do not play on the pavement or anywhere near the road. Do not walk or run beside a cyclist.

 

Cyclists

 

Pupils who cycle to school must be familiar with the Highway Code and preferably have passed the Cycling Proficiency Test. We hope parents will encourage their children to wear safety helmets.

 

All cyclists must follow these instructions:

a.  Dismount when leaving school at the junction of Abbey Road and Hollow Lane. If the road is clear push your cycle across.

b. Treat the ”Give Way" sign at the end of Hollow Lane as a ”Stop" sign.

c. Always give a clear and correct hand signal to let others know what you are going to do.

 

d. Never ride your bicycle alongside a pedestrian or ride on the footpaths.

e. Do not carry anything in your hand or on your handlebars which might prevent you from using your brakes or throw you off balance.

 

f. Ride in single file in Hollow Lane and High Street.

g. Dismount on reaching the gym and wheel your bicycle to the racks.

 

h. Always maintain your bicyle in a roadworthy condition with two efficient brakes and correct lights in winter time.

 

Buses

Be ready to leave when dismissed at the end of the day. Do not go back for non-essential items you may have forgotten. There is no need to run. Follow the rules for leaving school which are designed to make it as safe as possible. Make sure (politely!) that any member of staff who wishes to see you at 3. pm knows that you have a bus to catch.

 

Board the bus, numbered on your pass, at the turnaround. To use another bus without permission will contravene insurance regulations. The school cannot issue temporary bus passes for casual visits to friends‘ homes.

If, for any reason, your bus is not there, stay on the path and wait sensibly.

 

Should you miss your bus at 3. pm do not attempt to walk or hitch a lift. Report to a member of staff on duty and we will arrange to get you home. There is no real excuse for missing your bus and, although we will not be too pleased with you should you do so, we will be extremely angry should you attempt to walk or hitch a lift.

 

Should your bus break down on the way to or from school, you must stay with it. NEVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE YOUR WAY HOME ALONE. A relief bus will be sent to pick you up. If a bus fails to arrive in the morning you should wait half an hour before going home. This may not be practical in severe weather. In the event of a bus not arriving in the morning we ask parents to contact the school to alert us that their children are safely at home. In an emergency a different bus may pick you up.

 

Bus passes must be looked after. Make sure you have one. If you lose it report the fact to your group tutor. A replacement pass costs £7.50 and is available through: Sue Eagle, Shire Hall, Cambridge. (Tel: 01223 317746). Forms for obtaining these are available from school.

 

Remember if you are travelling free on a school bus this is a privilege. Let your behaviour show that you appreciate it. Remember that your school is judged by your behaviour. Should your journey be made uncomfortable by the persistent bad behaviour of others, you should report this to your group tutor.

 

Cars

 

Parents bringing and collecting pupils by car are asked to be particularly cautious in the Abbey Road and car park areas, especially at the end of the school day when the area is extremely congested. Cars are expected to give way to buses moving in and out of school and not to park on the bus turnaround when delivering or collecting pupils.

 

Please observe the traffic flow arrows and speed regulation and do not park directly in front of the school exits or alongside the footpath from the bus turnaround as this obstructs the movement of pupils and could be a danger.

AILWYN COMMUNITY SCHOOL UNIFORM

Girls

Purple Blazer
School Badge
School Tie - purple & gold
Either: plain grey or black tailored trousers
or plain grey or black knee-length skirt
not tight fitting or button through
Plain white blouse
Plain dark brown, black or grey shoes
Medium grey plain pullover or cardigan
Plain grey, black or white socks, or tights
Hair should be short or tied away from the face
and be a single natural colour.

Girls PE

Plain white T-shirt
Sky blue reversible rugby jersey
Royal blue shorts
Royal blue pleated games skirt
Sky blue knee length socks
White ankle socks
Trainers
Football boots
Track suit (optional, but must be blue or black)
One piece swimsuit
Towel

Boys

Purple Blazer
School Badge
School Tie - purple & gold
Plain grey or plain white shirt
Charcoal grey or black trousers
Grey, black or white socks
Plain black, dark brown or grey shoes
Medium grey plain pullover
Hair should be short or tied away from the face
and be a single natural colour

Boys PE

Plain white T-shirt
Sky blue reversible rugby jersey
Plain white shorts - 2 pairs if possible
Sky blue knee length socks
White ankle socks Trainers
Football boots
Track suit (optional but must be blue or black)
Swimming trunks
Towel

Notes for guidance

 

Plain white polo shirts may be worn in the Summer Term when pupils have been given permission to remove their ties.

Jewellery must not be worn, except ear studs. PE staff request the removal or covering of new studs with plasters prior to all activities. Only one stud may be worn in each ear by pupils with pierced ears.

A stud is only allowed in the nose if it is covered with a plaster throughout the school day.

Hair decorations, if worn, should be purple, gold, black, white or brown.

Make-up of any kind is not allowed.

Thanks to the co-operation of all parents, every pupil has a full school uniform.

The suppliers authorised by the School Governors are:-

G.B. Hyde & Son, High Street, Ramsey

or

John Lewis Partnership,Queensgate, Peterborough.

Some parents may qualify for a clothing grant. Requests for information and applications should be made to the school during the Summer Term.

Only those items of clothing on the accompanying Uniform List should be worn to school. The following points, taken in conjunction with the list, may be helpful to parents both in making choices of school garments for their children and in understanding the approach taken by the school on how uniform should be worn.

 

Trousers and Skirts - Should be the correct plain colour and style. Corduroys or denims are not permitted.

Belts - Should be part of the trousers or skirt and match them in colour.

 

Shirts and Blouses - Should be the correct colour with no pattern or decoration. They should be tucked into the waistband of trousers or skirts. Patterned T-shirts should not be visible through the shirt or blouse. If no tie is worn, no undergarment should be visible at the neck.

Blazers - The blazer, with an Ailwyn badge on the breast pocket is an essential part of the school uniform, to be worn at all times in school unless a teacher gives permission to remove it. In lessons like P.E. and Home Economics, when blazers are removed, arrangements are made with staff to keep valuables locked away.

 

Socks - Should be the correct, plain colour. Girls may wear plain ankle socks throughout the year if they so wish. At all times of the year socks or tights must be worn.

Shoes - Trainers should not be worn to or around school except for P.E. or with special permission. Shoes should be plain in style and colour and suitable for school wear. Girls shoes should be low heeled.  Stiletto type heels, sandals or ”sling-backs" are not acceptable.

Outdoor Wear - Coats and anoraks should not be worn in classrooms or the dining hall. They should never be worn instead of blazers. Football scarves and hats (or similar) should not be worn. Scarves should not be worn inside the building and should be in school colours or plain.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Community Education is organised in ”Patches"  The East Huntingdonshire Patch is almost identical to the catchment area of Ailwyn Community School. It includes the parishes of Bluntisham, Earith, Colne, Woodhurst, Somersham, Oldhurst, Pidley, Warboys, Wistow, Bury, Ramsey, Upwood and Woodwalton. We are involved with classes, activities and programmes throughout the whole of this area.  

 

The aims of the school emphasise education in the context of life. The school curriculum responds by relating what is happening in the classroom to the world outside and by building up skills, knowledge and learning attitudes which will help young people to develop throughout their lives. Community Education supports these processes, through the community programmes.

 

Youth Club Programme

 

This provides protected social settings for young people to meet in, develop social skills, discuss social issues, meet other young people and take part in informal activities. We also support a number of village clubs and are always open to ideas from parents and young people for new ventures. Youth Clubs are run at Somersham, Warboys and Ramsey, and voluntary clubs at Forty Foot and Earith receive support. For more details see the Community Education brochure or ask at the Community Office for exact age ranges on the different nights.

 

Youth Activities Programme

 

We have a wide range of classes and activities for young people. They vary from informal activities with a weekly fee and relaxed atmosphere to quite formal instruction, although always with the interest of the child in mind. We hope by these activities to expand children‘s horizons, help them to acquire skills and to get them into the habit of taking charge of their own learning.

Activities have included Judo, French and Computers at Ramsey, Art at Earith, Mixed Sports at Warboys and Swimming at Bluntisham. The ages of those involved range from 5 to 16 years. Our youth activities also include residential opportunities in this country and abroad and the chance to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh‘s Award Scheme.

 

We are also involved with the Gauntlet Motorcycle Project, which aims to provide off-road motorcycle opportunities for young people as a means of preventing crime and improving road safety.

 

Please make suggestions; we are always looking for new ideas. Look out for the Community Education brochures.

Adult Programme

 

We provide a whole range of classes aimed at adults in which many young people over the age of 15 take part. We also run a Flexible Home Study Programme of G.C.S.Es. Details are given in our main brochure during the summer.

 

Community Support Programme

 

We try to support individuals, groups and organisations in the community in a variety of ways. The programme is managed by a committee of the Governing Body of the School which includes representatives from across the area. The process involves wide consultation which allows a programme to be developed which meets the educational needs of all the different communities.

 

At present we are involved in several joint ventures, including working with the Somersham Victory Hall Committee and with agencies running the Warboys Resource Centre and the Rainbow Resource Centre in Ramsey.

Ramsey Ailwyn Community Association

 

R.A.C.A., which has some 70 local groups affiliated is the focus of support in the Ramsey area. Working with the Association, we have established the following services.

 

Community Minibus

 

The Community Minibus is available to affiliated groups at rates much less than the commercial rates. Drivers need to pass a County Council approved test, which can be arranged by the Community Education Office, in order to drive the bus.

 

Community Library

 

We have a small library of books relating to work with young people and the running of community groups and activities. These are available on free loan from the Community Office.

 

Ramsey Sports Centre

 

This facility is run by Huntingdonshire District Council. The telephone number is Ramsey (01487) 710275