The Phoenix Canberra Schools Federation
Foundation, mixed
Address and contact details
The Curve, London W12 0RQ
Tel: 020 8749 1141
Executive Headteacher: Sir William S Atkinson MA, FRSA
Email: phoenix.lbhf@lgfl.net
Website: phoenixhighschool.org LINK
Ofsted report: Phoenix Ofsted page
DfE number: 205-4314
2011 open days
Wednesday 14 September
6.30 to 8.30pm
Executive Headteacher will speak at 8pm
Tours of the school
12, 13, 14, 15, and 19, 20, 21 & 22 September
9.15am and 10.30am
Overview
Phoenix High School became a foundation school in July 2010 and has since federated with Canberra rimary school to become The Phoenix Canberra Schools Federation. The secondary school is for boys and girls aged 11-18. Sixth formers were taken in for the first time in September 2010 and are housed in a brand new state of the art building. The school is a specialist science college, with applied learning as its second specialism. It was judged to be ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in January 2008.
The Phoenix Canberra schools federation is a vibrant multicultural school which is committed to substantially enhancing the opportunities for its students, through high expectations and first class teaching and learning. Our students are well motivated and very keen to make progress in their studies. Phoenix high school aims to challenge and excite all our students by providing a flexible and dynamic learning environment. There has been a recent strong upward trend in our examination results. At the end of Key stage 4 our students' achievements are above the national expectation. We expect this trend to continue.
We seek to generate a positive atmosphere, where individuals are given every opportunity to develop their abilities, aptitudes and personalities to the full. Students are taught in groups according to attainment and all students are expected to strive for excellence in everything that they do. Our students enjoy working in an atmosphere that is characterised by high expectations, fairness, transparency and mutual respect. The school has been described by Ofsted as a school 'which cares deeply for its students. They are valued and supported well in developing their self-esteem and potential as learners'; 'Links with parents are hgihly effective and parental involvement has a good impact on the work of the school'.
Occupying an attractive ten-acre site, Phoenix high school has an extensive range of facilities. We are well resourced and in recent years have benefited from a range of national and local initiatives/projects:
- Specialist science college status and recently awarded applied learning as its second specialism
- 30 interactive whiteboards in classrooms
- Redevelopment of the Learning Resource Centre (library)
- Completely refurbished and re-equipped staff room
- New technology block, January 2006
- New swimming pool, 2006 (community)
- Fitness centre
- Refurbished dining facilities for all students
Major remodelling and refurbishment work is scheduled to begin in summer 2012, with work on our sixth form expansion expected to commence earlier.
The curriculum
We are a school that strives for excellence. We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, which is dynamic and challenging yet accessible to all. We consistently review the curriculum on offer to ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve academic and examination success. At GCSE, we provide a wide range of subjects, including work-related learning opportunities through the delivery of traditional and vocational qualifications.
Extra-curricular activities
Phoenix high school recognises the importance of enriching the curriculum and students are encouraged to participate in an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, again praised by Ofsted. Activities include chess and gardening clubs; music, drama and dance workshops; sporting activities and theatre visits. There are also opportunities to go on school visits. Saturday morning school is an important feature of our extra-curricular activities. This provides the opportunity for extra teaching to help prepare students for their forthcoming national tests and GCSE examinations. Our programme for ‘gifted and talented’ students provides a range of enrichment activities, including residential weeks at universities and masterclasses in a range of subjects.
The decision to admit children to this school is made by Hammersmith & Fulham Council in accordance with its admissions policy for the school.
Admissions
For September 2012 places will be allocated to those children whose parents or carers have expressed a preference for this school. Any child with a Statement of Special Educational Need that names this school must, by law, be admitted, without reference to the oversubscription criteria.
Admissions criteria
In accordance with the school’s published admission number, the school will admit 180 pupils in September 2012.
If there are more preferences expressed than places available, priority will be given in accordance with published oversubscription criteria in the following order:
- Children in public care (those looked after by a local authority under section 22 of the Children Act 1998).
- Children defined as being in priority need within the categories of need defined by the Children Act 1989 or as having an otherwise professionally supported exceptional education, medical or social need for a particular school. (*see note 1).
- Children who have a brother or sister already in the school and who would be in the school in September 2012 (*see note 2). If there are more children with siblings in the school than places available, places will be allocated to those children with siblings who live nearest to the school in terms of walking distance. (*see note 3).
- Children who live nearest to the school in terms of walking distance. (*see note 3).
Notes:
- If you think your child has an exceptional educational, social or medical need for a particular school, your case must be supported by documented evidence from a doctor, health visitor, social worker or other medical professional, which must be submitted at the time of your original application. You will need to show why your preferred school is the only school that meets your child’s social or medical need. The decision as to whether your child qualifies on medical or social grounds is made by the local authority.
- Sibling refers to brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or the child of the parent/carer’s partner where the child for whom the school place is sought is living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling.
- Distance will be measured by the shortest walking route, via public rights of way, from the ‘seed point’ (a central point) of the child’s home address (including flats) to the main entrance of the school, using the local authority’s computerised measuring system, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority.
Appeal arrangements
If you are refused a place at this school, you have the right in law to appeal against the decision to an independent panel. Parents should contact the school admissions section for more information on the appeal arrangements.
Preference information
413 parents ranked this school as one of their preferences for the September 2011 intake; 180 places were available.
How to find out more about the school:
- Write to or telephone the school to receive a detailed prospectus.
- Visit the school for a tour or an open evening in the autumn term.
- Visit the Ofsted website at www.ofsted.gov.uk
Page last updated: 24/08/2011
