Walton Hall Academy
Walton Hall Academy (formerly Walton Hall Community Special School) is a mixed special school of approximately 150 pupils. The school is based in Eccleshall, Staffordshire. It is a Grade II listed building, and part of the Shaw Education Trust.
| Walton Hall Academy | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
Eccleshall, Staffordshire , United Kingdom | |
| Information | |
| Former names | Walton Hall Community Special School |
| School type | Special school; Academy |
| Motto | Confidence, Competence, Independence |
| Established | 1848 |
| Trust | Shaw Education Trust |
| Principal | Julie Wood |
| Staff | 75 |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 19 |
| Classrooms | 12 |
History
Walton Hall was an Italian style 19th-century country house which was built in 1848 for Henry Killick (d 1874), who was High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1862. It was later occupied by James Cadman DSC (1828-1947) a coal mining engineer, and brother of Baron Cadman who was High Sheriff in 1933 and Deputy Lieutenant.
The school has undergone significant renovations since it first opened. It was originally an all-girls school. The Cyril Jones Centre changed into the area for staff and students of Key Stage 4, which was originally in the same area as Key Stage 3. The science laboratory became the new Year 9 classroom in 2017.
Walton Hall had had several principals since it first opened. The first principal was Duncan Gorwood, who was fired in 2014 after missing an Ofsted inspection. The second principal was Pauline Carmichael, who left in 2017 after being diagnosed with cancer. The third principal was Amanda Cameron, who chose to retire in 2020. The fourth and current principal is Julie Wood.
In October 2014 the school converted to academy status as part of the Shaw Education Trust. the school was then renamed Walton Hall Academy.
The school also has its own YouTube channel, which was created in 2014. Another YouTube account for the school was created in 2017 after they forgot the password for the original one.
Facilities
The school's sites host a wide range of facilities. These include:
- Two Libraries
- Science Laboratory
- Kitchen
- Sensory Room
- Art Room
- Media Room
- Recording Studio
- Farm
- Gym
- Oasis Centre
- Garage
- Horticulture Area
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 students are currently divided into three year groups (Y7, Y8 and Y9) plus two mixed year group classes for students with more complex learning needs. The latter two classes benefit from the vertical pastoral setting and have a sensory or communication focussed curriculum. The school also has a small group of students in a highly staffed Oasis provision, who require a more specific curriculum.
When students arrive in Year 7 the focus is on completing the transition programme which started in Y6, settling them in and ensuring that they feel safe, happy and confident. This is the foundation for their secondary education. The main Y7, Y8 and Y9 students are divided among three teaching groups for Mathematics, English, and science. All other subjects are taught in tutor or peer groups which enables students the opportunity to work and learn together. This further develops their relationships, deepens friendships and develops empathy and the skills to support each other.
Students in Key Stage 3 have the opportunity to access a broad and balanced curriculum. All students across the Key Stage are taught maths, English, science, PSHE and ICT. Additional to these subjects, students also study history, geography, RE, PE (including swimming), cookery, music, drama and art & design. To support transition into Key Stage 4 students in year 9 also have the opportunity to select one vocational option from a selection identified in the option booklet.
Students have opportunities to experience sessions on the school farm and in the horticultural centre. This allows them to develop knowledge and skills that will help to inform their choices when selecting options in Key Stage 4 as well as underpinning the science curriculum.
Key Stage 4 (Coach Houses)
At Walton Hall, Key Stage 4 provision is located in a discreet area of the school – the Coach Houses. The area is situated adjacent to many of their vocational resources such as the farm, horticultural and motor vehicle department. For students with more complex needs, a personalised sensory curriculum is supported by a sensory room and bespoke recreation area. When students enter Key Stage 4, their curriculum opportunities widen to include further vocational options.
For maths and English, students follow a range of accreditation and courses depending on age and ability. Some of the course followed in these subjects include Pearson Functional Skills Curriculum across all levels of ability from Entry Level 1 to Level 2 where appropriate, Step up to English (for Entry Level 1 – 3) and where appropriate GCSE courses ensuring challenge for the most able. Examinations for these subjects are held under controlled conditions with windows of opportunity for assessment throughout the year.
In Science, students are ability set and BTEC Applied Science at Level 1. Science work is modular and students have use of a fully equipped science laboratory in addition to extensive resources readily available in the grounds of the academy.
In ICT, students access Functional Skills at a level appropriate to their ability. In addition to these core curriculum elements, students study humanities, PHSE, work skills and physical education. These courses are delivered to pastoral groups.
Students with more complex needs complete units in the Pearson Personal Progress Award Scheme in addition to intensive interaction, sensory therapy and a range of additional enrichment activities. Their curriculum is focussed around communication and strives to develop independence using a personal pathways route.
Learning across the whole key stage works specifically to meet all areas of need identified in student Education, Health and Care Plans.
Key Stage 5 (Post 16)
In Post 16, students are placed into four teaching groups depending on age and need. A KS5 group for students with more complex learning needs and where staffing ratios are higher to meet the needs of the students is based in the specialist room in the coach house. In all of these groups students will continue to build on skills in Literacy and Numeracy to the appropriate level from Pre-Entry through to Level 1/2 and GCSE. Those that are able to will complete GCSE examinations and Functional Skills accreditation, whilst others work on Personal Progress units that cover all core subjects. All work will incorporate adult based learning where skills can be applied to work and life situations.
Additional to this, students will complete courses in ICT, Personal and Social Development, Work Skills and Independent Living including Home Cooking Skills.
Work Experience
Completion of work experience is also a very important aspect of Post 16 whether this is through one day a week extended placements throughout the year, block placements or internal placements. The type and duration of work experience will depend on ability and the stage of learning they are at in Post 16.
Some students in their last year of Post 16 may also have the opportunity to complete a Supported Internship where they will go on work placement for 3 days and spend two days in school further developing their basic skills.
Options
In Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, students are required to do an "option" of their choice. Examples of some options are;
- Drama and Performing Arts
- Cookery
- Creative Media Technology
- Humanities
- Photography
Once a student completes their course in their chosen option, they are given a certificate and qualification.
Residence
Walton Hall's residential education was created to provide opportunities to experience an educationally supportive environment where the aim is to further develop social skills, independent living and support the general health and well-being of our students. Students in residents are given various tasks, such as cooking their dinners independently (but with supervision from staff if needed), making their own beds, etc. Additionally, they often visit various local areas (such as Standon Bowers and Tenpin Ltd).
In residence, students are given the choice to stay until 8PM, stay overnight, or stay overnight for two nights. Demand for a stay in residence can be high, therefore applications are presented to the school's admissions panel who take time to consider applications carefully before final approval is granted for an initial 6 month period.
Due to low funding, Residence was temporarily closed in 2019, however it was eventually brought back after the school received enough funds to keep it open.
Music Options
School Of Rock
During the 2010s, several bands were formed at Walton Hall, consisting of students from various key stages. These included;
- Project S.O.R.
- Absolute Chaos
- The G'zzz Girl Band
Project S.O.R. and Absolute Chaos performed original compositions, whereas The G'zzz Girl Band sang cover songs. Project S.O.R.'s performed rock, Absolute Chaos performed hip-hop, and The G'zzz Girl Band performed covers of pop songs (such as Sweet but Psycho and Someone You Loved). Although The G'zzz was formed as a girl band, it had two male members, one of which was the boyfriend of someone in the band.
Shine On Choir
Unlike the school of rock groups which usually contained students from one key stage, The Shine On Choir features students from all three key stages. The Choir has performed at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on several occasions.
School Uniform Policy
At Walton Hall, Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students are required to wear a school uniform. Post 16 students are not required to wear school uniform.
Recommended items of clothing are as follows:
Boys
- White Shirt/White or Black Polo Shirt
- Black Sweatshirt embroidered with the school log
- Black Trousers
- Black School Shoes or black trainers
Girls
- White Shirt/White or Black Polo Shirt
- Black Sweatshirt or Cardigan embroidered with the school logo
- Black Trousers or Skirt
- Black School Shoes or black trainers
PE Kits
- White or black Polo Top
- Black Tracksuit or shorts
- Plimsolls/Outdoor Trainers/Football Boots
Despite the school's requirement of students wearing black jumpers, there have been a few cases where students have disobeyed the rules by wearing blue jumpers instead. One student attempted to fix this by alerting teachers about it, but was instead told to "let it go".
Events
Arts Week
Every year, Walton Hall has an arts week, in which the students and staff do a variety of different things about a specific topic. Examples of the themes of some of the arts weeks include space, music from different decades, and Indian culture. Although the themes of arts week are always different each year, each one usually contains a fashion show.
Performing Arts Plays
Walton Hall often puts on plays, performed by students in performing arts. These plays are typically parodies of existing movies and musicals, and their titles are often edited to avoid copyright. Examples of some of Walton Hall's plays include;
Christmas CDs
Each Christmas, Walton Hall releases a Christmas themed CD which costs £5. The CDs feature different classes singing traditional Christmas songs, along with a song sung by the members of staff.
Trips Out
In Walton Hall, students are rewarded with trips out towards the end of a term (typically before the summer holidays). Some examples of places Walton Hall students have gone to on trips out include Alton Towers, Drayton Manor Theme Park, and Water World. Students who receive 100% attendance are able to go to Warwick Castle.
Meme culture
In the 2010s, there were several notable memes that were popular in Walton Hall. Examples of some of these memes are found below.
Peter Griffin
From 2011 to 2019, a student named Peter attended Walton Hall. Due to his first name being Peter, other students called him Peter Griffin. While it was a relatively small meme and was only a nickname, it blew up in 2018 after Peter dated a girl whose last name was Griffin. This relationship inspired a ship between the two, which was also called Peter Griffin.
Christmas CD
An advertisement for the 2016 Christmas CD was released on the school's YouTube channel in November 2016. In the video, a student says "Christmas CD!", which is repeated several times. This student caused the CDs to became a meme within the school in 2017, and Walton Hall's 2017 Christmas production "The Power of Christmas" frequently referred this meme.
Highly Illogical
Highly Illogical was a YouTube channel created by Peter Tagg in 2014, which was named after the Leonard Nimoy single "Highly Illogical". The channel featured memes based on the official school's YouTube channel, along with memes that referenced events that occurred in the school (e.g. the song A Million Dreams being sung really loud by a student).
Reception
Walton Hall's reception is mixed. While some students and parents have praised the school, others have been more negative. On Google Reviews, Walton Hall has 2 and a half stars, making it the lowest rated school in Staffordshire.
In the early 2010s, Walton Hall had an issue with bullying, with several students being bullied without anything really being done about it. Most notably, one student was bullied so much, he had to leave and go to Stafford College instead.
Several students in Walton Hall have gone through depression. One student with depression found out his father had cancer in 2018, so he didn't participate in the Macmillan Coffee Morning due to finding the topic of cancer too sensitive at the time. The student was yelled at by the teacher who ran the coffee morning, who claimed the student was using his father's illness as "an excuse". Disgusted by the actions of this teacher, the parents of this student had a meeting with the teacher.
In recent years, there have been more Year 11 students leaving the school rather than staying on in Post 16.