About Somerton Middle School

Beliefs and Values

We believe that every individual at Somerton should have the opportunity to achieve to the very highest that their potential will allow

We value all people in our school
- as individuals
- in families
- within communities

We believe that education and learning should be available and accessible to
every member of our school community

We value collaboration, creativity and innovation

We believe in equal opportunities for all - recognising different starting points

We value feedback, honesty and openness, courtesy and integrity

Care

Somerton is described as a caring school by the LEA and the quality of relationships and attitudes of pupils were seen as a strength of the school during the Ofsted inspection (January 2003). All pupils have a class teacher who registers them and is their first point of contact. All classes are organised in teams where the Year Leader has a pastoral and academic overview of the pupils. Rewards for good behaviour - merits and green slips are highly prized. Behaviour entries and pink slips are also treated seriously if a pupil has caused problems for themselves or others.
The school has a Behaviour Management Policy and an Anti-Bullying Policy.
As a supplementary part of this pupils are often counselled when they are experiencing particular difficulties in their lives which have an impact on their attitudes to school.
The school promotes positive behaviour management but when all other avenues are exhausted pupils are excluded for serious breaches of the school's expectations and standards.
All parents sign a Home School Agreement when a pupil enters the school which sets out the terms of the partnership between pupils, parents and Somerton.

Special Needs

All pupils have individual needs and all teachers are teachers of Special Needs. Somerton meets the Special Needs Code of Practice and provides additional support for pupils within the classroom, in smaller groups, during lunchtime and after school. (A summary of the school's approach is included in the prospectus).

Gifted and Talented Pupils

A Gifted and Talented Register of pupils is kept in all subject areas and these pupils are encouraged to take advantage of extension and enrichment activities which take place within subject areas and outside school. Activities include

• Team sports
• Master-classes in problem solving activities
• Writing weekends
• Visits from authors
• Gifted and Talented opportunities in Art, Design and Technology and Geography

Assemblies and arrangements for collective worship

Somerton values its pupils from all backgrounds, religions and cultures. Assemblies take place every day. These have a strong moral theme to their messages, complying with the school's philosophy and guidance from the DfES.
If a parent wishes their child to opt out from these assemblies then they have the right to do so and should contact the head-teacher to discuss alternative arrangements which can be made for the child during those times.

The Parent Teacher Association (Friends of Somerton)

All parents belong to this group and they work very hard to support the pupils in school. Winter and Summer Fayres are their main fundraising events and this helps pupils and parents work together for the good of the school. Parents have the chance to express their views in this forum and your involvement is welcomed.