Teaching Approach
Teachers at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School are encouraged to use their professional judgement to choose ‘the right tool for the job’. We do not insist that teachers use a particular style although we do make recommendations based on best practice.
Our definition of an outstanding teacher is simple: one whose students make outstanding progress towards achieving their potential both academically and as potential contributors to their families and communities. Our very best teachers;
- Personalise for the particular young people in front of them, using all available data to assess which students need which kind of help
- Use a range of strategies to develop students’ skills and understanding
- Give helpful, thoughtful feedback and ensure that students act on it
- Ensure that our ever more independent students do most of the work during lessons; thinking, leading, planning, theorising, concluding, mapping, guessing, calculating, evaluating, etc.
- Constantly check on how much each student has actually grasped and use this information to change to tack as appropriate
- Refuse to give up until students have met or surpassed their high expectations
- Prepare students to thrive in the world as literate, numerate, resilient, considerate and versatile members of their community
Expectations
We are very conscious that the education of young people is a shared enterprise between families, school and the student. Here at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School we aim to provide a secure and caring environment where the intellectual, physical, moral and spiritual development of our students may flourish. We hope to provide a pleasant atmosphere for learning which is relaxed but purposeful and which will strike you, if you decide to visit the school, as being a true community of endeavour.
We intend to build on our reputation as a caring and successful school where students work conscientiously and co-operatively with staff and with one another. For our part we will make sure that lessons are purposeful and challenging and that they maintain high expectations of all children. We will ensure that the curriculum in the school is appropriate to the individual needs of all students regardless of their background or ability. Our code of conduct is designed to foster respect and tolerance for others and to encourage positive achievement. It will be applied appropriately, consistently and fairly.
Your son or daughter will be given opportunities to develop individual strengths, abilities and aptitudes. There will be opportunities available to all students to experience success. Each student is entitled to a quality experience of the world of work, residential experience and careers education and guidance, as well as the very best educational resources in a safe and orderly environment. All students should be able to develop their personal skills and an understanding and appreciation of the world in which they live.
You will appreciate that we have set ourselves challenging targets so that we can succeed in making a good school even better. What do we expect in return?
We want your son or daughter to understand that there is no substitute for hard work. We want him/her to get the very best out of school and to strive for the very highest goals. We insist that everyone shows the highest standard of respect towards all members of staff, towards one another and towards other people’s property.
By working together as partners in the educational process we will make a reality of the Mission Statement we have set ourselves at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School:
Success with care
I hope you will support us in achieving our educational goals.
Mr M J Cooper
Headteacher
Ensuring your child’s success at DHFS
In particular, we ask our parents / carers to do the following:
- Ensure that your child attends school punctually every day, properly equipped and wearing full school uniform
- Make school aware of any concerns that might affect my child’s work or behaviour
- Monitor your child’s use of the internet at home, especially the use of social network sites like Facebook and MSN and intervene when appropriate
- Support the school’s policies and guidelines for behaviour
- Support your child in homework and other opportunities for home-learning, including checking and signing the School Planner each week
- Attend parents’ consultation evenings and discussions about your child’s progress
- Get to know your child’s life at the school
- Inform school, before 9:30am on the first day of illness
What to do if you have concerns
If you have any concerns regarding your son / daughter please make immediate contact with the following people:
- Subject specific concerns – contact Heads of Faculty
- Behaviour and attendance concerns – contact House Support Managers
- Academic progress concerns – contact House Progress Leaders or contact House Academic Mentors
- If your son / daughter has additional needs – contact the Learning Support Manager
Homework
Homework is an integral part of the learning process here at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School. To support you and your child in the accessibility, standard and completion of homework, we offer a variety of support:
Homework clubs (general)
- General homework club is open to all students on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, afterschool from 3:30-4:30pm, with the support from teaching assistants. This takes place in D1.
- Learning Resource Centre is open throughout the school day (see specific opening times).
- Electronic Learning Centre is open during lunch break (see specific opening times).
Subject specific homework support
Subject-specific support is offered across all faculties.
Please always seek the help of your class teacher if you have any problems with your homework.
NOTE: Support sessions can also be arranged by speaking to your teacher directly
We ask that all parents and carers take a positive approach in supporting students homework.
All homework can be seen within your son / daughters planner.
Please refer to our Homework Policy on the Policies page for further information.