John Taylor High School PROSPECTUS
Welcome TO JOHN TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL “The school is an inclusive community where pupils are nurtured and cared for.” OFSTED 2025
3 John Taylor High School is at the centre of the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust, and as a Teaching School Hub and Research School, this provides us with access to a wide range of opportunities, all of which keep us at the forefront of innovation and most recent developments in teaching and learning. This continually enables us to develop classroom practice to ensure that our students have the best possible learning experience. We are fully committed to preparing our young people to be thoughtful, capable, responsible citizens of the future. We believe in educating the whole child, and if you choose John Taylor High School for the next step in your child’s educational journey, we will support them to leave school equipped for the opportunities and challenges of the fast-changing world. We look forward to welcoming you to John Taylor High School. Mr J Blanchenot Headteacher ‘Turn up, work hard, be nice’ is the motto that underpins everything that happens at this school.All staff have the highest expectations of and aspirations for pupils. These are routinely realised because staff help pupils to reach their true potential. Consequently, pupils flourish and achieve strong outcomes.’ (Ofsted, 2025). Our motto here at John Taylor High School is ‘Turn up, work hard, be nice’, which we feel encapsulates, in simple terms, what we expect from our students. We have high expectations of all members of our community, expecting them ‘turn up’ to school on time every day so they do not miss out on valuable learning opportunities. We expect them to ‘work hard’, always doing their very best in everything that they do, showing perseverance to achieve their personal excellence. Finally, we expect them to ‘be nice’ to all members of the community, showing kindness and respect at all times. They will learn that through displaying our school values, not least integrity – doing the right thing, even when no-one else is watching – they will have the best chance of succeeding in whatever it is they choose to pursue in their future. Dear Parents and Carers, It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to John Taylor High School. We are extremely proud of our whole school vision, which is ‘One community, striving for personal excellence’. This is at the heart of our school and reflects the great importance of having a strong and inclusive community where all individuals are valued equally. We work hard to support our students to achieve their personal excellence in all areas of their school life. Our vision is underpinned by our four core values of respect, kindness, integrity and perseverance. We have a proven track record of providing a high-quality education for our young people, and we value and celebrate their academic and personal achievements. We are never complacent and share a great ambition for the future of the school and our students. Our recent Ofsted report stated that ‘students are immensely proud of their school’ and that ‘staff are proud to work here’. We truly believe that there should be nowhere better for our students and staff to be and strive to continually develop to ensure this is the reality.
Welcome ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNORS Governors are proud of this school and strive to challenge and support the Headteacher, the Senior Leadership Team and staff in aspiring to excellence. We have an enthusiasm for continual improvement of teaching and learning and delivering the best quality of education for all of our learners. As a governing body, we are well established and know the school well. We also embody ‘new blood’ regularly to ensure that we neither become insular or complacent. As governors, we accept that we are under a huge obligation to deliver good governance and we have high expectations of our own performance. However, we do not let this detract us from the core purpose of the school. We are confident that the young people within this school will enjoy being part of the school community and have access to a wide range of experiences. They will be supported at every point in their school career to achieve as well as they are able within a safe and nurturing environment. Mr D Martin Chair of the Governing Body 4 Our Mission Statement • To offer highly valuable and memorable experiences within and beyond the classroom that enhance personal development and academic excellence. • To create an inclusive school culture where strong relationships are built on mutual respect, kindness and acceptance of others. • To encourage all to engage positively in the school and wider community, acting with integrity and taking responsibility for our choices and achievements. • To work together to secure success for all members of our community. Deliver effective, research-informed lessons that challenge and motivate students to work hard, persevere and achieve. Vision and Values Our Vision One community, striving for personal excellence. Our Values RESPECT – to be thoughtful of the feelings, wishes, or rights of others. It also means looking after our environment. KINDNESS – to treat everyone the best that you can. No matter who they are or how you feel about them, you treat them with fairness and respect. INTEGRITY – a person’s commitment to honesty and a willingness to do what’s right. PERSEVERANCE – is not giving up. It is persistence and tenacity, the effort required to do something and keep doing it until the end, even if it’s hard.
5 John Taylor is a high achieving school. Our pupils are hard-working and motivated and they want to do well. We aim to ensure that they all build on their achievement at primary school, whatever their ability. In recent years we have managed to do this, as our exam results at all levels show. More importantly, government valueadded measures show that our pupils do better than predicted, even taking into account their good results at primary school. We have high expectations of both pupils and teachers. Be the Best You Can Be We pride ourselves in being a comprehensive school, doing the best we can for children of all abilities. We judge them according to their potential and value achievements of all kinds. All pupils are valued equally and will be supported so that they fulfil their individual potential. Whatever their ability, we want all of our pupils to enjoy learning and to aim high. We expect a high proportion to want to stay on to join our very successful Sixth Form, which is one of the greatest attractions of the school. Most will gain places at university after achieving their A levels; others will enter the world of work or take up an apprenticeship, but we hope that all will want to continue learning of some sort on leaving us and to go on to a fulfilling career. Each year many pupils go to Oxford, Cambridge and other prestigious institutions to study highly sought-after courses. We place a great deal of effort into preparing Sixth Formers for university entrance, wherever they apply, and the overwhelming majority are successful. Enjoy Learning and Aim High We provide a broad, balanced, and increasingly personalised curriculum. In addition to a traditional ‘core curriculum’ (see further information), we offer an extensive array of academic and vocational courses taught at differing levels and at differing ‘pace’ to suit the diversity of our learners’ needs. We constantly look to improve our curriculum offering, seeking the best subjects, courses and syllabuses to ensure we send youngsters to higher education and employment with high quality and relevant accreditation. A Positive Ethos and Equal Opportunities We strive for a positive learning environment, believing that pupils learn best when they are well-motivated and interested. We always look to praise and encourage good work and behaviour, using rewards as often as possible. To engender confidence, intellectual curiosity, and pride in achievement are fundamental goals of the school. We also believe that all children are entitled to engage actively in school life, whatever their ability, disability, age, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. High Expectations
Teaching and Learning At John Taylor High School, we offer a broad and balanced curriculum that enables students to develop a wide range of essential skills and make informed decisions, preparing them for life in a rapidly evolving global society. This is evidenced by a track record of outstanding progress and results at Key Stage 4 and 5. The School Day The timing of each day is as follows: 09:00 Assembly/Registration 09:30 Period 1 10:20 Period 2 11:10 Break 11:30 Period 3 12:20 Period 4 13:00 Lunch 14:00 Period 5 14:50 Period 6 15:40 End of Lessons Teachers and Teaching Assistants thoroughly plan relevant, challenging, and thoughtprovoking lessons, with the individual needs of all learners at the forefront of their minds. We encourage our highly skilled subject-specialist teachers to be creative and experimental to design and deliver highly effective learning experiences for our students, basing their practices on research and evidence of what the most effective teachers in the world do. “Memory is the residue of thought” (Daniel Willingham). Therefore, we design our curriculum to activate deep and purposeful thinking through its careful structure and sequencing, the clarity of our explanations and modelling, the precision of the feedback we give, and the deliberate development of students’ metacognitive skills. Our teachers, as subject experts, skilfully adapt the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of every class, ensuring that all students can think hard, remember more, and make sustained progress. Students regularly receive high-quality and thorough feedback. This helps them to celebrate their successes, be proud of their work and understand where and how to improve their work further, developing a determination to be the best they can be. In addition, we have a number of staff who assess for GCSE and A-level awarding bodies and are well-placed to offer the best specific feedback, advice and guidance in relation to study skills and exam technique for formal qualifications. 6
7 Professional Learning At John Taylor High School, we see ourselves as learners too. Teachers and support staff are committed to their own professional development and engage in a wider range of professional learning. Our staff also have the opportunity to benefit from the exceptional range and quality of CPD opportunities offered by the John Taylor Teaching School Hub and Staffordshire Research School, which is based on the John Taylor High School campus. Furthermore, we operate an effective succession planning and talent management programme to nurture and retain talent in our Framework for Teacher Career Development (below). From School Experience to Senior and System Leadership, we have all career stages covered and are serious about investing in our staff to ensure we have the best teachers for your children. Research School In partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation, from September 2019, John Taylor High School holds designated Research School status, as one of only 32 Research Schools in the country and the lead school in Staffordshire Research School. We lead the way in professional development across the Midlands through working in partnership with local trusts, local authorities, teaching school hubs and curriculum hubs, by sharing the latest research and evidence-informed practices with school leaders and teachers, enabling them and us to enhance our teaching expertise for the benefit of students at JTHS, across JTMAT and beyond. SCHOOL EXPERIENCE INITIAL BEGINNING DEVELOPING LEADING LEARNING MIDDLE LEADERSHIP SENIOR LEADERSHIP SYSTEM LEADERSHIP OUR VISION is to train new entrants to the profession, support newly qualified teachers to become outstanding practitioners and then develop them to become our inspirational leaders of the future. We recognise the importance of nurturing and retaining talent and have developed a framework for career progression that ensures that all staff have access to high quality CPD and development opportunities that will provide them with opportunities to support their individual career aspirations. OUR RATIONALE is that effective succession planning and talent management is essential for JTMAT to ensure that a steady supply of future leaders, managers and outstanding classroom practitioners are equipped to secure the best possible outcomes for young people across our local area and family of schools. CLASSROOM PRACTITIONER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY TO LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME “What really matters is that leaders are able to create enthusiasm, empower their people, instill confidence and be inspiring to the people around them.” Peter Handal JTMAT Framework for Teacher Career Development PAGE 2 A FRAMEWORK FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPING LEADING LEARNING MIDDLE LEADERSHIP SENIOR LEADERSHIP SYSTEM LEADERSHIP support newly qualified teachers to become outstanding practitioners and then develop We recognise the importance of nurturing and retaining talent and have developed a have access to high quality CPD and development opportunities that will provide them ions. ng hat ng est nd PATHWAY TO LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME “What really matters is that leaders are able to create enthusiasm, empower their people, instill confidence and be inspiring to the people around them.” Peter Handal JTMAT Framework for Teacher Career Development PAGE 2 K FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT TEACHING HUB
Our Curriculum We take pride at John Taylor High School in having a rich, broad, and balanced curriculum which meets the needs of our students. The acquisition of knowledge across a range of academic and vocational subjects ensures that they can make sense of the world around them, gaining access to further and higher education, employment or training. Our aspirations for our students are extremely high; we want them to reach their potential and make a positive contribution in the wider world. Being an 11 – 19 school, John Taylor High School provides learning at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. At each level, we seek to provide a robust curriculum which fully prepares the students for the next stage of their learning. Beginning in Year 7, our Key Stage 3 is a three-year programme which is structured to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the new, more rigorous GCSEs. In Year 7, our students are taught a full range of traditional subjects as well as our Employability Skills curriculum which was conceived at, and is bespoke to, John Taylor High School. Employability Skills is our vehicle through which key life skills are introduced and developed through a knowledge-rich, thematic approach to learning across a number of subjects. “The school is highly ambitious and aspirational for its pupils. The main driver to realise these ambitions is the curriculum.” OFSTED 2025 8
9 Employability Skills Employability Skills are essential as they equip our pupils with the abilities needed to succeed in their future pathway and navigate the complexity of the workplace. As a school, we have identified six employability skills that will be embedded across the curriculum. These skills were identified by the Stoke and Staffordshire Careers Hub. Employability Skills will be delivered through a registration session once a week for all year groups, throughout the curriculum and through extracurricular activities. Employability skills are essential to life long learning and thriving in future career pathways. Our curriculum continues with specific subjects taught in Years 7, 8 and 9, to include: As students enter Year 9, they receive up to date advice regarding their Key Stage 4 options. Students are placed on a learning pathway, specific to their ability and potential to achieve. This is a carefully considered process with The six skills that we focus on are: possible options of triple award Science, two Modern Foreign Languages, and some vocational subjects. This ensures that John Taylor High School students have a personalised approach to ensure that they achieve the best that they can. In fulfilling our statutory entitlement, all students are taught Physical Education, Religious Education and Relationships and Sex Education. These are specifically planned for each age group and are based on best practice. These subjects are taught across each Key Stage. Post 16 is the culmination of a student’s 7-year journey at John Taylor High School. Students can study a variety of high value subjects as well as vocational qualifications that lead our students onto Higher Level Apprenticeships, University or employment opportunities. Subjects are delivered by highly skilled staff who have a passion for their subjects. Details of each subject can be viewed on the school website: www.jths.co.uk 9 Religious Education Design & Technology Physical Education Computer Science Languages French & German Some students have the opportunity to study both. Art Music History Geography English Maths Drama Science
10 Personal Development The personal development of students is a priority and underpins the enrichment opportunities that we offer at John Taylor High School. We ensure that the curriculum extends beyond the academic and provides learners with opportunities to develop and discover their interests and talents. Wider enrichment activities encourage students to develop their skills by ensuring our activities challenges their resilience, confidence and independence, supporting students to become confident and active members of their community. Personal development at John Taylor High School is delivered through: · Our school values – Kindness, Respect, Perseverance and Integrity being at the heart of all we do. · Personal development curriculum covering personal, social, health, economic, relationships and sex education, taking place one lesson per week. · Pastoral programme across registration and assemblies. · Employability skills. · House and Student Leadership opportunities. · Extra-curricular activities and trips. · External speakers. We are pleased to offer a varied programme of activities that run alongside our curriculum. The specific offer does vary each year and we ensure that there are extensive opportunities to take learning beyond the taught lessons in music, sports and drama. Ideas and contributions for new clubs from students are encouraged and supported to ensure our provision meets all passions and interests. Currently students enjoy enrichment activities such as Science Club, Activity Club, Debate Club, Retro Games Club and Homework Club alongside other opportunities that occur over the course of the year. We readily welcome all students to be actively involved in the different clubs and opportunities available.
11 At John Taylor High School we are fortunate that many staff are dedicated to supporting our students in a wealth of activities. We offer a comprehensive approach to extending students’ learning beyond the classroom in a range of visits of varying duration to a range of local, national and international destinations. Costs of visits vary. At John Taylor High School we strive to ensure inclusivity for all. Year Group & Focus Example Visit Year 7: Skill Acquisition All students will have the opportunity to access a Year 7 bonding day and the first school residential linked to developing Employability Skills. Focus: Meta-cognition, making friends, teamwork and listening Bonding Day National Space Centre Year 8: Skill Development Students will extend skills from Year 7 in a different setting of PGL. Focus: Skill development, interdependence and relationships UK: PGL Year 9: Skill Consolidating Students will begin to become more independent through remote supervision of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and the first opportunity to take part in an international trip with PGL. Focus: Consolidation of skills, relationship building and abstract situations Austria Ski Trip Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Year 10 & 11: Skill Application Students may be expected to apply their learning of specific GCSE related information into examinations. E.g.- Geography Fieldwork Focus: Subject specific for GCSE studies. Accuracy, application and description. Geography GCSE Field trip Belgium: Battlefields Iceland: Mission Explore Kenilworth Castle Duke of Edinburgh Silver Sixth Form: Skill Mastery Students will be starting to think independently through their studies. Extended Project Qualification or non-examination assessments. Focus: Subject specific for A Level and BTEC studies. Independence, accuracy, efficiency and reflection. Geography A Level Field trip Biology A Level Field trip Duke of Edinburgh Gold Outlook Expeditions or World Challenge Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Care, Guidance and Support The Pastoral System At John Taylor High School, we have a horizontal pastoral system that sits within a Lower and Upper School structure, finally leading to our Post 16 offering. All students join a horizontal tutor group. Each tutor group consists of approximately 30 students belonging to the same year group. All students meet with their form tutor each morning for 30 minutes registration and for one lesson each week. Registration and tutor period run on a structured programme that is tailored to the needs of students in different Year groups. Form tutors will register attendance and will monitor your child’s progress throughout their time at John Taylor High School. Your child’s tutor is your first point of contact with the school. All students are looked after by their own form tutor and Head of Year. These members of staff get to know the students really well, encouraging them to do their best, monitoring their progress, listening to their concerns and celebrating their successes. Head of Lower School Head of Year Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Pastoral Support Assistant Head of Upper School Head of Year Year 10 Year 11 Pastoral Support Assistant Director of Post 16 Head of Year Year 12 Year 13 Progress Leader Students and their parents will have the opportunity to attend a welcome evening by each school office, eg. Lower, Upper, Sixth Form, at the start of their time with them. This will cover all procedures and activities related to their key stage. Progress Reports At John Taylor High School, student progress is reported to parents in a different way each term. During one term, a summary report is published in Go4Schools with summary progress data and an attitude to learning score for each subject. This report will also contain attendance and behaviour information. In a second term, a parents evening will be organised with summary progress data and an attitude score to whereby parents can make appointments to discuss progress with subject teachers. Finally, in a third term, a full progress report will be published in Go4Schoolswhich will have summary progress data and attitude to learning scores but in addition will contain teacher feedback comments. Parents evenings and summary/full reports will be organised differently for each year group and will not necessarily follow the same pattern. As a school, we make use of Go4Schools which displays live progress data for all students. It also shows homework tasks. We encourage parents to check this regularly and download the Go4Schools app. 12
13 The House System All students at John Taylor High school belong to a House. This promotes a community ethos with students of all years being split into one of four houses: Kingstone, Marchington, Needwood or Sherwood. Each house has its own colour, which depicts the colour of your blazer pin. Students engage with their house in various and regular events, with contribution expected across all Year groups. This may take many forms which may consist of a number of opportunities, from being an active member of the House Council, taking part in House competitions or representing their House on Sports Day. KINGSTONE NEEDWOOD MARCHINGTON SHERWOOD Student Leadership At John Taylor High School, we believe in developing experiences and skills that complement the academic pursuits of our students. Student Leadership opportunities are an important aspect of our offering which we encourage our young people to embrace at all stages of their time with us. Such opportunities equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and personal attributes to become successful individuals, through working within the school and wider community. Student Leadership at John Taylor High School takes various forms, with the aim to provide Leadership roles appropriate to many interests. Examples include; Year Group Head Students, School Council, Sports Ambassadors, Peer Mentoring, House Leaders, Reader Leaders, Anti-Bullying Committee (ABC) and Learning Resource Centre Assistants. “The school’s efforts to enhance pupils’ character and personal development are excellent.” OFSTED 2025
School Uniform John Taylor High School is a ‘uniformed’ school. Therefore, there is a clear expectation that students attending John Taylor High School will wear the full uniform, will wear it appropriately and that this expectation will be supported by parents. Our policy is based on the notion that a school uniform: • Promotes a sense of pride in the school. • Engenders a feeling of community and belonging. • Is practical and smart. • Identifies the children with the school. • Is not distracting in class (as fashion clothes might be). • Students do not experience any differentiation to their peers in terms of appearance and financial circumstances. Uniform is worn by students in Years 7-11. 14 Please ensure you refer to the full policy and guidance when purchasing uniform. The full Uniform Policy and Guidance is available on our website, www.jths.co.uk/key-information/uniform
15 PE Kit The PE Department takes pride in the kit that the students wear; it provides a clear identity and ensures that there are no health and safety concerns. It is advised that students name their kit. No fashionable PE clothing should be worn. Please visit www.jths.co.uk/key-information/uniform for PE Kit guidance.
“Turn Up, Work Hard, Be Nice” At John Taylor High School, we are committed to creating an environment where positive and respectful behaviour underpins everything that we do. We believe that teachers should create consistent and supportive learning environments where students are recognised for showing commitment to our three key expectations of ‘Turn up, Work Hard, Be Nice’. Turn Up Attend every day and arrive to school and lessons on time. Work Hard Complete all work to the best of your ability, with full focus and concentration and making positive contributions. Be Nice Treat all members of our community with kindness and respect. Our aim is to have a school that students are proud to attend, where all individuals show and are shown the utmost respect and can enjoy their learning. Recognition At John Taylor High School, we want to recognise the successes of our students in school and as part of the wider community. We use merits, praise postcards and WOW! Emails to acknowledge the students who go over and above our expectations. We also run celebratory events including weekly hot chocolate with our Headteacher and Celebration of Achievement assemblies, focusing on our key expectations, vision and values. Safeguarding At John Taylor High School, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We have a safeguarding procedure in place which can be accessed on our website; this sets out how our Local Governing Body discharges its statutory responsibilities relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children who attend John Taylor High School. Our procedure applies to all staff- paid and unpaid, working in the school, including Governors. It is consistent and in line with the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures. We also utilise our Curriculum to ensure the effective teaching of key safeguarding messages to ensure children and young people can make effective decisions in order to keep themselves safe. 16
17 Sixth Form “Students are immensely proud of their school, and one spoke for many when they described the sixth form as ‘where the magic happens.” OFSTED 2025
Thank you for taking the time to look at our Sixth Form. We are a community of over 350 students. The majority of our Year 11 students choose to remain in our Sixth Form; they are joined by a number of students from other schools who choose to join us for their Post 16 studies. Choosing where and what to study after Year 11 can shape the course of your life. It is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Your Sixth Form education will be a personal journey of self-discovery and make you focused, independent and qualified to grasp future opportunities confidently. At John Taylor High School we offer an exciting and stimulating curriculum, a supportive pastoral system and a wide range of enrichment opportunities for students before they make that leap to Higher Education, an apprenticeship or employment. Years 12 and 13 can be a daunting period of change with a focus on examinations and exam results. However, here at John Taylor we support students both academically and in their personal development, so they leave prepared to take the opportunities our increasingly globalised world has to offer. All our students are allocated a tutor, who in addition to providing pastoral support, provides one-to-one guidance with Post 18 applications. We provide personalised academic and pastoral interventions and encourage students to undertake their own independent academic research projects. Our students have access to a dedicated careers team and a wealth of enrichment opportunities. We also work to develop the outstanding communication and leadership skills needed by students for success in all areas of their future lives. Welcome TO JOHN TAYLOR SIXTH FORM At John Taylor High School, students excel academically because of high expectations, outstanding teaching and encouragement from staff. Learning at this level and making decisions about the future, is challenging for both students and parents. Success is a result of the collaboration between school, students and parents, so as well as providing support for students, we have a regular programme of events so that parents know how best to support their son or daughter through Sixth Form. We offer a broad range of subjects, with both academic and vocational course options. Students are provided with excellent information, advice and guidance and as a result, students go onto secure a range of Post 18 destinations including university study, apprenticeships and employment. All our students are encouraged to participate fully in Sixth Form life and play an active role in the school and wider community. Every student has the opportunity to become a leader of the future by applying for a range of roles including Head Students, House Leaders, Student Inclusion Ambassadors and Mentors. These opportunities provide students with experience of holding positions of responsibility and being a positive role model to younger students. We look forward to receiving your application to join our Sixth Form and to challenging you to achieve what you never thought was possible. Mr W Legood Assistant Headteacher - Director of Post 16 18 More information can be found at jths.co.uk/welcome-to-sixth-form.
19 The Sixth Form Centre Facilities The Sixth Form Centre provides both a working and social environment. It comprises of a study suite and an eating area. There are canteen facilities available each day. However, during lesson time it is expected that students develop a working ethos to study in the Sixth Form Centre. The Resource Centre is also available during study periods if extra space is required. Student Leadership There are opportunities in the Sixth Form to hold the prestigious position of Head student or House Team Leader. These students undergo a rigorous application process with a formal interview. When selected, they represent the school on many occasions and hold specific roles within the School and Sixth Form. There is a strong Sixth Form Committee which meets regularly and is the driving force behind events such as the Sixth Form Show. The Sixth Form Team are keen to take on board ideas and suggestions from Sixth Form students and do so via the ‘Student Voice’ – this involves students completing questionnaires and thus giving an opportunity to express their views.
Post 16 Enrichment Activities John Taylor High School prides itself on the wide range of enrichment activities offered. We encourage students to participate in the many activities on offer. Some of these activities are outlined on the next page. Simply ask if there is something you want to do, and it’s not listed here. Extended Project Qualification The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a major piece of individual research in which students have an opportunity to explore a topic or a question that is of particular interest to them. This could relate to future studies or career or just an area of interest. They are able to extend their knowledge and showcase their skills especially planning, research, critical thinking and evaluation. Full details of this course can be found in the Course Information section of the Prospectus. Student Investor Challenge This National competition involves teams investing virtual money on the London Stock Exchange. You will need to keep your portfolios healthy by following the ups and downs of the market, judging when to buy and sell in order to make a profit. First prize is a trip to New York! Mentoring Many of our sixth form students take on the role as a Mentor. Some are Academic Mentors supporting students with their studies, whilst others will mentor younger students who need some additional support. Sports Leadership Qualification This course is designed for sixth form students who wish to develop their leadership skills and qualities through sport. Students are expected to independently plan, lead, and deliver a variety of lesson plans tailored to different target groups, including children, women and girls, and individuals with disabilities. As part of the course requirements, students must commit their time to PE lessons and extracurricular clubs—both within and outside of school—and complete a total of 14 hours of practical leadership experience. We have established strong links with Burton Albion and several local primary schools, offering students the opportunity to take part in short placements that allow them to work directly with a range of community groups. The course is divided into both practical and theoretical components. Students are required to complete a leadership workbook, which showcases their understanding of key topics such as leadership qualities, community engagement, and the impact of global campaigns on participation in sport. Written work is assessed by the course tutor and moderated by Sports Leaders UK. This course is an excellent stepping stone for any student with a passion for leading others and developing essential leadership attributes through sport. 20
21 Expeditions Students raise money to fund an expedition abroad with the aim of making a difference. Planning the expedition begins between 12 to 18 months prior to embarking on this life enriching experience. These expeditions help students to tap into their own potential, whether it’s within the group or leading it (usually both), with a focus on leadership, resilience and teamwork. Students will experience a world of challenges, from venturing out into barren landscapes, boldly tackling treks, handling budgets, booking accommodation, taking care of logistics right through to contributing to community led initiatives These are the kinds of life changing experiences that students walk away from with a enriched view of self and a new found confidence to take on the world. Bar Mock Trial Competition This is a unique opportunity for students in Years 11 – 13 to gain an insight into the criminal justice system. The competition immerses students in all aspects of a criminal trial, as they take on the role of barristers, witnesses, clerks, ushers and jury members. Students appear in real crown courts in front of real judges. There is no need to be taking law (although this is welcome); the skills we need are logical reasoning, clear communication and teamwork. It’s a great experience and will look great on your CV ICAEW BASE Competition BASE is ICAEW’s National Business and Accounting competition for students. A unique and exciting experience, students are able to engage in business challenges that enable them to develop key employability skills and understand what it’s like to be an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Past groups have been National finalists. Holocaust Trust Each year two students are invited by the Holocaust Education Trust to take part in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” course. This is a powerful learning opportunity for the students who then share their experiences with the rest of the school. Medsoc – The Medical Society Medsoc is an exciting medical society which supports everybody interested in the field of medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or anyone simply interested in the world of health care and its topical discussions. For our 6th form students we aim to provide a community of support. Students are taken through the application processes, admissions exams, and are motivated to find work experience and volunteering opportunities. The society benefits from guest speakers who instigate detailed debates and fill students in on what to expect in their professions. This helps to ease pressures and increase confidence for our students’ applications to university.
CIPFA Sixth Form Management Games This competition gives students an opportunity to experience the world of work in the Public Sector. Each game takes a full day and is an excellent introduction to the world of work and a way of developing and strengthening teamwork, leadership, management and organisational skills. Teams from John Taylor have an excellent record of success in this competition and it is a great way to network. House Activities There is a wide variety of House activities and we are encouraging Sixth Form students to take an active part in these. Sports teams continue into the Sixth Form. Student Investor Challenge This national competition involves teams investing virtual money on the London Stock Exchange. You will need to keep your portfolios healthy by following the ups and downs of the market, judging when to buy and sell in order to make a profit. First prize is a trip to New York! School Productions Every year there are lots of opportunities to get involved in a school production. Sixth Form students have the opportunity to show off their talents whether it is on stage or behind the scenes. Rotary Youth Leadership Award Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. What are the benefits? Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to: • Build communication and problem-solving skills. • Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in your school or community. • Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors. • Unlock your potential to turn motivation into action. • Have fun and form lasting friendships. What’s involved? RYLA events are organised locally by Rotary clubs. RYLA may take the form of a one-day seminar, a three-day retreat, or a week-long camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics. The Sixth Form Show Students have an opportunity to run their own show. In the past, this event has been described as a talent show! You are guaranteed to have fun and escape from the stress of daily life. 22 “Students in the sixth form are a delight. They are ambassadors for the school and act as impeccable role models to younger peers.” OFSTED 2025
23 School Productions Every year there are lots of opportunities to get involved in a school production. Sixth Form students have the opportunity to show off their talents whether it is on stage or behind the scenes. The Sixth Form Show Students have an opportunity to run their own show. In the past, this event has been described as a talent show! You are guaranteed to have fun and escape from the stress of daily life. Educational Visits Educational visits are an integral part of many Vocational and Advanced Level subjects and these include residential trips. Other visits combine education and recreational travel. Recent destinations have included Italy and Aberystwyth. Duke of Edinburgh The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) is a fun adventure and challenge activity that leads to the achievement of an award. It includes a wide range of activities that support our students’ development – pushing personal boundaries, gaining new skills and enhancing their CVs and university applications. House Activities There is a wide variety of house activities and we are encouraging Sixth Form students to take an active part in these. Sports teams continue into the Sixth Form. Reading Workshops This is an opportunity to give something back to school by helping lower school pupils with their reading. Paired work such as this helps them to make rapid progress. CIPFA Sixth Form Management Games This competition gives students an opportunity to experience the world of work in the Public Sector. Each game takes a full day and is an excellent introduction to the world of work and a way of developing and strengthening teamwork, leadership, management and organisational skills. Teams from John Taylor have an excellent record of success in this competition and it is a great way to network. Homework Club The homework club gives lower school students somewhere quiet to go at lunchtime and do their work with help from Sixth Formers when needed.
Ready to join JTHS? John Taylor High School is a popular and over subscribed school. It has a published admissions number (PAN) of 240 students in each year group Yr.7-11. We have an admissions policy and catchment area map which is available on the school website - www.jths.co.uk For admissions into Year 7, we welcome applications from students outside of our catchment area and each year we do offer places to a number of students. Our annual open evening takes place each year in the Autumn term, please contact the school for the date. This evening is an opportunity for you to visit the school, meet the staff and students, who will be displaying examples of their work and talking to you about the school and the John Taylor High school community. If you would like to speak to the admissions team at John Taylor High School or if you wish to arrange a tour at John Taylor High School, please email admissions@jths.co.uk jths.co.uk/key-information/statutory-information/year-7admissions/ Admissions
25 Headteacher: J Blanchenot Chair of Governors: D Martin Dunstall Rd, Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire DE13 8AZ Telephone: 01283 247800 Dedicated Absence Line: 01283 247858 Fax: 01283 247799 www.jths.co.uk office@jths.co.uk Instagram: johntaylorhighschoolnews Facebook: John Taylor High School Newsfeed
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTAwNzk=