Pupil Premium Context The Durham County Council Index

Pupil Premium

Context The Durham County Council Index of Deprivation Report 2010 identified East Durham as being one of the most deprived areas in the county.

It is one thing to recognise the various barriers to learning that may exist and a school would be neglectful if it failed to do so. But such obstacles must not be seen as being insurmountable.

Change the mind set

Staffing • increased staffing in core subjects of Maths and English to reduce class sizes. • enhanced provision of teaching and learning in the core subjects through employment of Lead Teachers, SLE's and consultants. • learning mentors to support catch up • creation of new post Curriculum Technical Support Assistants in Science, Art, Technology and P. E to replace traditional LSA.

Staffing • appointment of school counsellor and school nurse • appointment of school attendance officer who now works full time within the school • use of non teaching 'Heads of Year'.

Curriculum • KS 4 choices are based on individual needs. There are no pathways or option blocks • there is a commitment to smaller class sizes at KS 4. • the nurture group was established for students who, due to low attainment on entry, were unable to access the KS 3 curriculum • college courses available to targeted students

Resources • students are provided with a pack of basic equipment • the school has a fund to provide uniform and PE kit for disadvantaged students • the school provides all basic ingredients for Food Technology • the school has purchased a stock of musical instruments and employs additional tutors to provide instrumental lessons and voice coaching which is free of charge • revision guides are purchased for students as requested by departments • a free after school bus is provided

Intervention • the homework club is staffed by LSA'S and provides equipment and access to ICT • additional Maths classes • an extensive revision schedule runs after school from Monday to Friday and also during lunchtimes • extra sessions take place for all subjects during holidays • there are weekend classes prior to all key exams • all students are provided with individualised revision timetables for sessions delivered in school prior to final examinations

Extracurricular and enrichment • all activities are subsidised by the school. A donation is requested but students who are disadvantaged are not expected to contribute. • Activities Week was introduced to widen students' experiences and was deliberately created so that disadvantaged students would be able to access all activities. • the academy has funded numerous activities to enhance curriculum provision • a careful record is maintained of all students taking part in extracurricular activities to ensure that disadvantaged students are accessing the provision available

There are no quick fixes

If you look after each individual child then the results and headlines will take care of themselves