cottenham

2 0 1 1
village college
p r o s p e c t u s

X
 COLLEGE ADDRESS HEADTEACHER
Cottenham Village College Mr Tony Cooper

cottenham
High Street
DEPUTY HEADTEACHERS
Cottenham
Mrs Sue Raven
Cambridge
village college CB24 8UA
Mrs Chris Williams
Mrs Joy Hadley
Tel: 01954 288944 Mr Peter Marshall
Email: office@cvcweb.net
CHAIRMAN OF GOVERNORS
Website: www.cvcweb.net
Mr John Harradine

1 Letter of Welcome
2 Summary of Ofsted Inspection Report (2009)
4 The College and the Community
6 The Curriculum:

Applied Learning
Arts
Citizenship & PSHE
Design Technology
English
Humanities
ICT
Modern languages
Maths
PE
Science
Careers education
14 Support for Student Learning
17 Further Opportunities at the College
20 Information for New Students
24 New Teaching Facilities
28 Key Staff Contacts
Letter of Welcome
Dear Parents, carers and students
I am pleased to welcome you to
Cottenham Village College.
The excellent reputation of the college
is due to a highly professional, hard
working and caring staff, and facilities
for all ages, abilities and interests.
I hope that you will take every
opportunity to visit the college, meet the
teachers and have the chance to judge
at first hand the high quality of relationships that exist between
teachers and students.
I believe that a successful school involves partnership between
parents, students and teachers. It is this partnership that we at the
college are working to strengthen by providing an environment
where students feel secure, happy and able to develop all their
abilities to the full.
In June 2009 the college was inspected by Ofsted. The overall
judgement was that this is a good school with outstanding features.
As well as the high quality of teaching and learning, particular
strengths of the college are the care, guidance and support for
students. The Ofsted report also highlighted the effective support
for students of all abilities and the high standards that they achieve.
The curriculum was judged to be outstanding as was students’
enjoyment of their education.
The college now has an extremely wide range of courses, academic
and vocational, to suit the needs of all students.
I look forward to meeting you soon at our open evening. If, after your
visit, you should have any concern or query please do not hesitate to
contact the college to arrange a mutually convenient appointment to
discuss the matter.
Yours sincerely
1
 Summary of Ofsted
Inspection Report 2009
Cottenham Village College is a good school with outstanding features. Students’
development is good, both academically and personally. Attendance and behaviour
are good and students feel safe in school. They are taught well and benefit from an
outstanding curriculum.

In the GCSE results in 2008, taking students at all levels of ability into account, standards
and achievements are above average. The proportion who achieved five A* to C grades
including English and mathematics is also above the national average. Although the
standards reached by girls are higher than by boys, the difference is less than is found
nationally. Students who find learning more difficult and those with learning disabilities
make good progress.

2
The evidence seen in lessons and students’ work during the inspection
confirmed that students make good progress. They do so because they are
taught well and the data from the school’s regular formal assessments
are used well to check that students are making the progress they should
be. Teachers have good subject knowledge. There is a good variety of
teaching approaches. Students who find learning more difficult are well
supported. The result is that students are keen to learn, they behave well in
lessons and work at a good pace. Relationships between students and their
teachers are good.
Students are well cared for. They are particularly appreciative of the steps
taken to ensure that when they join in year 7 they settle quickly. This
includes their spending a week at the school in the term before they join.
Behaviour in lessons is good and students settle well to work. Around the
school behaviour is also good though with some occasional boisterousness.
Students report that there is some bullying but this is rare and is usually
quickly and effectively
dealt with.
Students are taught well about how to live healthy lifestyles, and they put
this into excellent practice. For example, a very high proportion take part
in sporting activities. Their awareness of how to look after themselves in
potentially perilous situations is also good, helped by the school’s teaching
and advice. A high proportion of the parents who sent inspectors their
views on the school speak positively of it and its commitment to students’
safety. They also agree that their child enjoys school.

Leadership and management are good and the school’s leaders show a
strong commitment to working with individual students to make sure that
they prosper. This extends to the curriculum which, in addition to having a
wide range of both academic and vocational subjects, has the flexibility to
provide for individual talents.

The curriculum is further enhanced by a large number of wide ranging

enrichment and extra-curricular activities. These are greatly appreciated by
students and contribute to their considerable enjoyment of school as well
as their sociability and cultural development, which are outstanding.

3
 Cottenham Village College
and the Community
The Local Area Partnership
The schools of Cottenham, Willingham and Waterbeach work closely together and
have formed the Local Schools Partnership. Collectively we celebrate the work and
achievements of our partnership in many ways, including joint training days for our
staff, events for students drawing together pupils from all the schools and through the
partnership’s website: www.localschoolspartnership.net.

4
Community Education
The community and family learning programme has developed over many
years to include a wide range of informal adult learning courses including
daytime, evening and weekend classes, a very successful Summer School in
August every year, and Family Learning in October. In total we provide part
time education, leisure and recreation for over 1000 adults.
For further details about this provision visit:
www.cvcweb.net
For young people there are many activities which run after school and in
the holidays. There is a Youth Centre at the college and youth clubs run in
Cottenham and Waterbeach throughout the year.
Sports Centre
Cottenham Sports Centre is a community facility located at the back of
Cottenham Village College. Facilities include a fitness suite, sports hall
(encompassing three badminton courts), gymnasium, air-conditioned
dance/aerobics studio, floodlit third generation all-weather pitch, floodlit
tennis/netball courts, indoor and outdoor cricket nets and grass pitches
(football, rugby and cricket).
The centre runs on a pay-as-you-play basis or monthly membership for
regular users, as well as offering block bookings for clubs or groups.
Outside school hours the college has an outdoor heated swimming pool
open to the public from May to September and the Sports Centre is open
evenings, weekends and holidays for use by the community throughout
the year.
Please visit the Sports Centre section of our website or ring 01954 288760
for further information.
Community Associations
There are community associations in the Fen Edge patch in Cottenham,
Waterbeach and Willingham. The Fen Edge Community Association is based
at the college and has more than 40 constituent groups, many of which use
the college for their regular meetings.
For more information please visit:
www.fenedge.co.uk.
5
 The Curriculum
Students in the College follow the National Curriculum and other courses. In their
first three years students study courses in Mathematics, Science, English, Design and
Technology, French or German, Humanities (Geography, History and Religious Education),
Arts (Art and Design, Drama and Music), Physical Education and ICT. Many students will
then take Spanish as a second language in their second year.

At the end of year 9 students can choose from a range of optional subjects leading to
GCSE and other national awards. All study English, English Literature, Mathematics,
Science, Physical Education, Citizenship and PSHE. Further details of the optional subjects
can be found on the website.

6
Arts
The arts faculty comprises art, music and drama with dance being run as
a pilot at GCSE. We have an overall philosophy of encouraging creativity,
originality and developing confidence through artistic performance.
In years 7 and 8, students have one lesson of each arts subject a week,
except art which has two lessons a week in year 7. In year 9 they focus on
two out of the three subjects. In years 10 and 11, most students pursue one
or more to GCSE.
We have two fully equipped drama studios, three art studios, a music studio
and a music technology suite equipped with apple macs. All students are
encouraged to explore creatively, developing an understanding of both
themselves and the arts disciplines.
Each year the arts faculty puts on a major school musical, involving students
in all the artistic disciplines. This includes instrumental, vocal performance,
acting and choreography alongside the technical aspects of designing and
stage management. This is in addition to a Christmas show and summer
concert held annually providing opportunities for pupils at all levels to be
involved in extra-curricular activities.
Citizenship and Personal, Social & Health Education
(PSHE)
Our personal development programme covers all aspects of PSHE and
citizenship, mainly through conference days when ordinary lessons are
replaced with a more flexible programme, which often includes theatre or
guest speakers. Health matters, drugs, relationships, team-building, first aid,
the law and young people, and finances are among the topics covered.
We provide sex and relationships education (SRE) for all students;
our programme encourages young people to have regard for moral
considerations and the value of family life. The programme uses materials
appropriate to the needs and ages of our students. Some aspects of it are
covered in science lessons in years 7 and 9 as well as during Key Stage 4
examination work in years 10 and 11. Further related topics are also studied
in areas of humanities, English and drama. Additionally, we organise visits
from trained individuals to give separate gender-specific talks with more
general mixed sessions. These take place during years 7 and 10 and include
focus on both biological and emotional matters.
7
Design Technology
The faculty of design and technology has nine rooms including three well-
equipped multi-material workshops and specialist rooms for food, textiles,
control technology and graphic design. It also has two new areas – one for
computer aided design & manufacture and an electronics room, both of
which are proving to be very popular with students. Students in years 7 and
8 experience all areas with the opportunity to choose two to continue with
in year 9.
In year 10 it is possible to take GCSE in one of three specialist topics, namely:
textile technology, graphic products and product design. There is a single
vocational option offered which is Hospitality and Catering.
Students experience a wide variety of materials across the DT curriculum
including both traditional and new smart materials. The design and
technology department has a strong focus on “design & creativity”. New
approaches to the manipulation of materials are combined with basic
traditional skills and these are both used to underpin this approach to the
subject. This enables our students to complete work to a high standard as
well as enriching and challenging them to develop creative solutions to a
wide variety of design problems, both individually and as part of a team.
These skills, along with the creative approaches to designing provide a
stimulating, challenging, interesting and importantly fun and engaging
design and technology experience for all students.
8
English
The English faculty has previously been awarded leading status in
recognition of the high quality of teaching and learning.
The passage from primary to secondary education is managed carefully
in English. The year 7 schemes of work build on those completed in
year 6 and information about students is passed on by primary teachers
so that students continue to make progress in Reading, Writing and
Speaking and Listening.
In year 7, some students are encouraged to take part in extra activities such
as Dragon’s Den in order to provide additional challenge. Students are
also encouraged, while at the college, to take part in a National Newsday
competition and mock trials at the Magistrates’ Court.
In year 7 students are taught in their mixed-ability form groups and, from
year 8 onwards, the groups are reorganised in order to meet the needs of
each individual year group. There may be a top set, a group comprising only
boys or a group to help those who have specific literacy difficulties. The
groupings remain as flexible as the timetable will allow.
The majority of students take GCSE English and English Literature and,
when appropriate, some are entered in year 10. There is special provision
made for those who would find GCSE unrealistic or too great a challenge.
Decisions about exam entries are made as late as possible so that all
students have the opportunity to be entered at a suitable level.
Humanities
Humanities includes geography, history and religious education. In years
7 and 8, students are taught by one teacher for the three humanities
subjects, allowing the links between knowledge, understanding and skills
to be developed. In year 9 students have discrete lessons of geography,
history and RE. In years 10 and 11 humanities offers a choice of GCSEs.
Students can choose from geography, history, humanities, religious
education and sociology.
Humanities subjects provide students with an essential cultural, social,
economic and political framework for understanding their world. They also
offer opportunities for students to explore their moral and social values, as
well as those of others. Opportunities for learning outside the classroom
are also exploited. These include visits to the First World War battlefields
and Berlin, and the use of the local area for field studies.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The college offers an excellent experience in ICT with every department
using it as part of its teaching. There are over 280 PCs in the school, more
than one for every four students, as well as laptops for all teachers.
As the amount of information available to us increases exponentially,
students need to be given strong information literacy skills to sift and sort
the deluge of data. We teach students to use ICT to find, explore, analyse,
exchange and present information responsibly and creatively. They learn
how to use computer technology to research facts and ideas from a wide
range of communities and cultures. Through years 7, 8 and 9 we help
students to become more independent users of the tools available, to
think about the quality and reliability of the information they find and the
limitations of the systems involved.
We believe that students should be confident and creative users of
technology so we try to ensure that ICT is an enjoyable subject as well as
one with clear academic rigour.
9
Modern Languages
The modern languages faculty at Cottenham Village College currently
offers French to students in year 7. Students who show a flair for language
learning will have the opportunity to study either German or Spanish as
a second language in year 8. At KS4, students will have a range of GCSE
choices covering French, German and Spanish.
Students in all years are taught to communicate through the four language
skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Many classes are privileged
to have regular contact with native speakers through the French and
German assistants, who provide a wealth of knowledge and cultural
understanding. ICT is used to good effect, with students undertaking
various ICT based projects each year.
Students studying French in year 7 are given the opportunity to participate
in a very popular day trip to Boulogne, where they can sample French
culture and bring their language learning to life. This year the modern
languages faculty has also reintroduced a German exchange for students in
year 9 which allowed them to experience family life and school in Germany.
There are trips to Paris, France and the Black Forest, Germany for year 10
students and a trip to Normandy for year 8 students in activities week.
We also hope to be able to introduce a trip to Spain for students
studying Spanish.
10
Maths
Having achieved specialist status in maths and computing in 2003 the
faculty have continued to achieve excellent results, consistently out-
performing specialist targets and continuing to improve year-on-year.
The faculty strives to develop and encourage students’ enjoyment of the
subject and to illustrate the relevance of maths in today’s world. The aim is
for students of all abilities to have achieved a qualification commensurate
with their potential ability.
Maths has a high profile both within the school, with many cross-curricular
links, and with other external educational establishments.
Highlights of the faculty include:
• Primary liaison which runs throughout the year, providing workshops and
master classes for our three main feeder primary schools.
• A strong emphasis on the enjoyment of learning mathematics and
encouraging students to do maths for fun.
• Interform competitions for Key Stage 3 year groups.
• A lunch time club called Mathletes
• Participation in the Edge Hill Maths challenge.
• UKMT challenges.
• Talented students in year 8 are invited to attend Royal Institution
Mathematics Workshops at Cambridge on Saturday mornings.
Physical Education (PE)
In recognition of the excellent teaching and learning in physical education,
the college has been awarded Sportsmark Gold and Activemark.
The facilities in the college are excellent; they include a sports hall, a
gymnasium, a fitness room and outdoor courts with floodlighting, as well
as extensive fields for outdoor games. More recently we were pleased to
open our new floodlit third generation rubber crumb astroturf pitch and
dance studio.
In year 7 all students experience a wide range of activities, including
rounders, rugby, netball, basketball, badminton, tennis, cricket, athletics and
gymnastics, together with dance and fitness. Although they are initially
taught in tutor groups they may be in mixed groups later in the year. In
years 8 and 9 students are able to make some choices about which sports
they wish to develop.
The faculty runs a full extra-curricular programme for all years, some of it
competitive and includes an inter-form competition which runs throughout
the year, ending in a top form group. There are a number of after-school
and evening sports clubs for both students and parents. The sports centre
is open to the community and is in frequent use, details of which can be
found on the website.
Science
There are seven well-equipped laboratories in the faculty. Our aim is
to challenge pupils while at the same time opening their eyes to the
fascination of science and its importance in everyday life. It is taught
to all year groups and includes practical work, research and discussion.
Our dedicated team of teachers are passionate about science and its
role in society.
We provide a number of different routes through KS4, offering courses that
reflect the students’ aspirations and abilities. Courses include GCSE Science,
GCSE Additional Science, GCSE Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
and BTEC Science.
We run a number of extra-curricular activities, including a year 7 science
club. Lower school teams take part in problem-solving competitions and
trips, such as the Swavesey challenge, lectures during science week and trips
to Cambridge University. We offer the opportunity for people to talk to real
scientists as often as possible, for example when undertaking coursework
in year 11.
11
Vocational Courses
The college was awarded a second specialism in Applied Learning in 2008
and has subsequently refreshed its approach to all forms of applied learning
and skills-based education. All subject areas have reviewed and enhanced
the proportion to applied learning within the curriculum. Many have
sought additional equipment, some have introduced additional trips and
visits, others have changed syllabus or created new options for students to
choose in year 10.
We have an extensive range of vocational options for students to choose
from including BTECs, OCR Nationals, Young Apprenticeship placements and
Diplomas - further details can be found in the Year 9 Options section (found
within Faculties) of the school’s website.
12
Careers Education and Guidance
Careers education provides a package of lessons and experiences that
helps students explore opportunities in learning and work and to consider
personal opportunities and choices. It can also help them to understand
the process of change and transition as they move through the school and
into post-16 pathways.
The programme is delivered on conference days and in citizenship
lessons. In addition, all students in year 11 take part in a two week work
experience programme.
Careers guidance supports young people to better understand themselves
and their needs and to develop strategies to improve their participation and
progression in learning. Guidance enables students to make well-informed
and realistic choices about pathways. Students will need impartial
guidance, which is relevant to their needs. Appointments with personal
advisers from the Connexions organisation, part of Children and Young
People’s Services, are available to offer information, advice and practical help
with all sorts of things that might be affecting students at school, college,
work or in their personal or family life.
At all stages of the process the role of the students’ form tutor is critical in
helping students to make decisions regarding their future plans.
Support for Student Learning
Student support staff include specialist teachers, student support assistants, educational welfare officers, educational
psychologists and a number of other support services including arts therapists (music and art), speech therapists,
physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Each faculty at the college aims to meet the needs of all students by providing them with an accessible and appropriate
curriculum. Some students will require additional support in lessons and work will be matched to students’ abilities
and aptitude. Diagnostic tests aid the development of appropriate programmes. During the summer term, primary
school teachers liaise with the college staff, other professionals and parents in order to assess the degree of support
which may be required, particularly for students with a statement of Special Educational Needs.

The emphasis is on working together in partnership to meet the individual needs of the students with an increasingly
wide range of ability.

A copy of our policy on Special Educational Needs is available from the college office.

13
Able Students Activities available as part of the school’s extended curriculum programme
include:
The college makes special provision for our most able children. We aim to
meet the needs of these students within the curriculum, as well as provide • music, concerts and participation in county orchestras
opportunities for enrichment beyond it. • mock trial and debating competitions
• school drama productions
In September 2011 we are introducing Latin into the year 7 curriculum. For • national “Newsday” challenge
able students the study of Latin gives linguistic challenge and a deeper • Dragon’s Den competition
understanding of the structure of English and other languages. • Question Time
• access visits to Cambridge University
Within the curriculum we offer:

• additional modern languages Library

• GCSE separate sciences: biology, chemistry and physics
• GCSE additional maths The library is a very important part of the college, widely used by everyone.
• AS maths in year 11 Students have access to a large range of books, but are also encouraged
• sports coaching awards to make use of other types of resource including the computers and our
growing collection of magazines and topic files. These can be used at
lunchtime or within lessons, when students can either go to the library
individually or with their class.

14
Hearing and Language Centres
The college hosts two specialist units on behalf of the local authority. The
centres, opened in 1994, cater for all secondary aged hearing or language
impaired students in the south Cambridgeshire area who, because of the
nature of their impairments, would find it difficult to go through secondary
school without the additional support that these specialist centres provide.
The Hearing Support Centre
Deaf students are supported in mainstream lessons with sign language
where appropriate in order to access the curriculum, but are withdrawn for
specialist sessions for speech and language therapy, language and literacy
development and tutorial work. This policy and ethos of inclusion and
access reflects the aims and philosophies of the college.

The aim of the centres is to support students, families and school, to
promote the most effective inclusion of these students into the life of the
village college, and eventually the outside world.
Students are transported from across the county to gain access to the
specialist teaching and support.
The centre is staffed by qualified teachers of the deaf, who also provide
outreach support for the local feeder primary schools. There is specialist
teaching for hearing impaired students. A wide range of teacher assistants
(TAs) make up the hearing impaired team. Speech and language therapy
is provided by the local Primary Healthcare Trust for students who are
attached to the centre.

The Speech and Language Centre

The speech and language centre (SLC) supports students with severe and
specific communication difficulties. Many of these students also have
Literacy difficulties and some have diagnosed Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
The support includes specialist teaching and speech and language therapy
as part of the students’ timetable. The team also includes specialist
teaching assistants working with SLI students within the main school.
The SLC at Cottenham Village College is the only specialist provision for
Speech, Language and Communication Impairment at secondary school age
in the county.

15
 Further Opportunities at Cottenham
Activities Week
Activities week is normally programmed for the final full week of the school year and
provides a wide range of educational visits for students in years 7 to 10. Most of the
visits available are residential and provide students with an opportunity to experience
something different. We believe that it is a vital part of each student’s education and
would encourage them all to undertake a residential trip every year. Through experience
we have found that students benefit from these activities in a number of ways. These
include helping to build self esteem, confidence and independence, as well as learning
to co-operate and work well in a group. Also, through the activities that they choose,
students will receive hands-on learning and learn to manage risk.

16
All of our educational visits incorporate these aspects, as well as following
other interests that the students may have including walking, water sports,
horse riding and outdoor pursuits. In previous years there has been a wide
choice of activities and we hope to increase this further over the next
few years. The opportunities we have offered in the past include walking
in Derbyshire and the Lake District, camping and outdoor activities in
Peterborough, a canal trip, outdoor pursuits in Yorkshire and residential trips
in France or Germany. For those students who do not wish to go away on
a residential visit, there is always the option to go on day trips. These still
provide similar experiences and real environments without staying away
from home.
These trips offer students once in a lifetime opportunities and we
encourage them to take advantage of the activities to help develop their
knowledge, skills and experiences. There is a hardship fund available to
help towards the cost of trips. Application forms are available from Mrs
Sue Ayling, the Headteacher’s Assistant. All applications will be dealt with
confidentially.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The college has a thriving Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group.
Students learn and experience all four sections of the award, namely:
service, expeditions, skills and physical recreation. Participants can develop
existing interests or try something new.
There are three levels: Bronze for those over 14, Silver for those over 15, Gold
for those over 16 – at the college we do the Bronze award.
The success of the award is based on a partnership between adults and
young people. For adults, the scheme provides an opportunity to share
their skills and experience with young people. This can lead to better
understanding between the young and the not-so-young, and strengthen
co-operation within the community.
The award is an invaluable opportunity to develop interpersonal and
leadership skills. It offers new challenges, adventure, a sense of achievement,
new friends, a highly valued award and FUN!
17
Lunchtime and after school activities
Students have the opportunity to become involved in a variety of sports
activities during the lunch period and after school. These include netball,
rugby, badminton, hockey, basketball, football, trampolining, cricket, tennis,
table-tennis, rounders, volleyball and athletics. A full list of clubs is put up in
the Sports Hall and tutor rooms at the beginning of each term.
Students in years 10 and 11 may use the time to develop their artistic
talents in the art studio and students of all ages enjoy working in design
and technology. The drama studio and music rooms are also in regular use
for rehearsals in preparation for college productions and the upper school
studio productions.
On Monday and Thursday after school, other areas are also open and fully
staffed. This includes the library for assistance with homework and GCSE
coursework. A number of other after school clubs are run by different
subject areas, sometimes on a seasonal basis.
Transport to Willingham and Waterbeach is available on Mondays and
Thursdays. Once a letter from home giving permission to stay for a club is
received, students will be able to sign up for a place on the minibus.
In addition to the above there are rehearsals for the college production on
Tuesdays; sports fixtures are usually on Wednesdays; tournaments are on
Tuesdays and Thursdays.

There are also clubs to encourage musical talents, with opportunities for
students to become members of the choir, string, woodwind, jazz and brass
groups.

The library and the ICT rooms are in constant use by all year groups.

On Monday and Thursday, from 15.15 – 16.30, the student centre is open for
pool, table tennis, playstation games, cooking, table football, board games,
art and craft.

18
International Education
The College provides a wide and varied opportunity for students to
experience other cultures and lifestyles, through both cross-curricular and
extra-curricular activities. The College holds the International School Award
for the International activities which take place both inside and outside the
classroom, all of which contribute to a wider understanding and experience
of becoming a global citizen within the current International context.
In 2006, we established a Global Partnership with Nalanda College in
Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Partnership has strengthened over the years and
we have developed strong links between the two Colleges through our
collaborative projects, which involve many staff and students. In year 7 the
main focus is on the environment, in particular focusing on sustainability,
one of the key global dimensions of International Education.
Fundraising
The college has a strong tradition of fundraising for charity. Comic
Relief and Children in Need, amongst other charitable organisations, are
supported by non-uniform days and other activities the students may wish
to organise. Students often put on an event to raise money for a charity of
their choice.
On Jeans for Genes Day students may wear jeans with their college
sweatshirts. All the money raised is donated to the named organisation.
We also run an annual sponsored walk as well as supporting the college’s
‘healthy living’ philosophy.

Through our links with Nalanda College students in other year groups
also experience the global dimensions of Diversity and Peace and Conflict.
Students are therefore exposed to the global dimensions and values of:

• communication skills
• participation and collaboration
• creative thinking
• reflection
• critical thinking

We hope to continue a student exchange programme in future following

the very successful inaugural visits this year.

19
 Information for New Students
Primary Liaison
The village college takes pride in the excellent relationship built up over the years with
our local primary schools. Whole-school and subject area meetings are held to ensure
continuity of the curriculum on transfer. The primary liaison co-ordinator is a regular
visitor to the schools, providing links with the college.

20
Primary week is held early in July. Students from each of the feeder schools,
together with other prospective students who will join the college in
September, along with primary staff, spend a week at the college. During
the week they take a full part in college life, meeting their new form tutors,
subject teachers and classmates, following a college-type day, travelling
by school bus and eating lunch at college. This week has proved highly
successful in introducing students gently to what can be a worrying major
change in their life and it has helped to ease the transition from primary to
secondary school.
Pattern of the Day
Registration and assembly 08.50 – 9.05
PERIOD 1 09.05 – 10.00
PERIOD 2 10.00 – 11.00
BREAK 11.00 – 11.20
PERIOD 3 11.20 – 12.20

Entry and Admission PERIOD 4 12.20 – 13.20

The college is non-selective and takes students of all abilities. We follow the LUNCH 13.20 – 14.00
Local Authority’s admissions policy and procedures (available on request).
Registration 14.00 – 14.10
Each year group has an experienced head of year who is responsible for the
welfare and progress of the children in that year. Form tutors and heads of PERIOD 5 14.10 – 15.10
year are available for consultation should you wish to discuss any aspect of
After school clubs and activities 15.30 – 16.30
your child’s education.

In year 7, students are placed in mixed-ability groups under the guidance of

a form tutor. This tutor and the form room provide a familiar base at a time
when your child is experiencing a much wider range of activities, subjects
and staff. The form meets with the tutor for registration twice a day. They
will deal with all routine matters and be available to help with any day-to-
day enquiries and problems.

21
College Uniform and Equipment Other equipment useful to students is listed below

We want students to develop a sense of appropriate dress and we expect Scientific calculator
all students to wear the school’s uniform. They may also be required to have Pocket dictionary
specialist clothing for some lessons. Items of everyday wear are listed below: Pocket bi-lingual dictionary (French or German)
A4 ringbound art sketchbook
• Grey or black skirt/trousers Tea towel
• White college polo shirt* USB memory stick
• Black college sweatshirt*
• Black shoes All of these items are available from the Library’s stationery shop.

* Polo shirts and sweatshirts should have the Cottenham Village College
logo and must be purchased from the college. (Order forms are available
Physical Education
from reception.) Students are required to wear a PE uniform in years 7, 8 and 9 which
comprises of:
In the interests of safety, cleanliness and protection your child must always
wear an apron in practical lessons. Students are asked to provide an apron • PE polo shirt*
for design and technology during workshop activities. However, we believe • Fleece or a rugby shirt*
it is important that a different apron should be worn when the student is • Blue or black shorts or skirt
dealing with food. All other safety equipment is provided by the college. • In winter, blue or black tracksuit bottoms
• Appropriate change of socks ie. football socks, white sports socks
Basic items needed by students at the college include:
Shin pads to be worn when playing competitive games such as football and
Pens (blue or black) Angle measurer (protractor)
hockey (by law)
Pencils (HB) Pie chart scale
Ruler Pair of compasses Appropriate footwear for the activity including training shoes suitable for
Eraser Notebook for rough work indoor use and a second pair of trainers or boots for outdoor use
Coloured pencils

22
* PE polo shirts should have the Cottenham Village College logo and must
be purchased from the college. (Order forms are available from reception.)
In years 10 and 11 students can wear clothing of their choice provided that it
is appropriate for the sport they are participating in.
Please ensure that all items of uniform are clearly labelled with the owner’s
name.
Please note that students are not allowed to wear their Cottenham Village
College polos or sweatshirts for their PE lessons.
Eating at the College
Our canteen facilities will have had a complete refit by the time this
prospectus is released (See artist’s impresssion above). Like many schools we
have reviewed our menus over the last two years to include a wider range of
healthy and tasty foods, which are popular and well thought of by staff and
students alike. This recent work will transform the dining experience for
pupils and will have created a pleasant, modern café styled environment.
The college cafeteria system entails a cash payment for the food purchased.
To avoid the need to carry cash every day, students may buy a supply of
tickets either for the week or the month. Children entitled to free meals are
given five tickets per week.
Snacks may be purchased from the cafeteria at break-time and can be eaten
in the college dining hall. You may decide to give your child a packed lunch
to bring to college and this can also be eaten in the dining hall.
Students living in Cottenham may go home at lunchtime but they must
obtain a lunch pass from the Headteacher. Any special arrangements for
those living in other villages must be made by parents on application to
the college.
Transport
If you wish your child to cycle to college please ensure that the bicycle is
roadworthy with adequate lights for dark or foggy conditions. Your child
should also wear a safety helmet.
Many students are transported by bus to the college from the surrounding
villages. All students travelling on these buses need a bus pass that is
issued by Shire Hall.
Additional transport facilities are provided for students with bus passes
who stay for after school activities on Mondays and Thursdays.
Absence
If your child is unable to attend school it is important that you telephone
the college on each morning your child is absent (01954 288762). (Notes
excusing your child from a physical education lesson should be sent to the
PE staff.)
23
 New Teaching Facilities
We are currently in the middle of a large building project that will be completed by March
2011. New facilities are being provided to enable the school to extend its current age range
from 11-16 to 11-18 (£5.7 million, YPLA funding) and to provide permanent facilities for our
specialist Hearing and Language units (£0.5 million, Local Authority funding).

24
The new facilities will add state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and
learning in all subjects, with specialist facilities for a range of academic and
practical subject areas including:
Classrooms for general teaching
ICT
Two dedicated ICT teaching rooms complemented by a further 5 suites in
other areas providing over 120 new workstations for student access
Hospitality and Catering
A fully equipped professional training kitchen capable of running a service
for 140 guests, a dedicated ICT based teaching room, inside and outside
dining facilities
Construction and the Built Environment
A separate building comprising a craft space, painting and decorating
booths, a sheltered bricklaying and outdoor crafts area, an ICT suite,
changing and storage facilities

Hair and Beauty

Creative and Media
A professional Hair and Beauty training salon with 8 cutting stations,
A fully equipped recording studio and media lab enabling project work of teaching station and four beds
all descriptions from the production and recording of a live performance
on stage to individual instrument recording and audio pod-casts; also Shared Resources
including 16 high-spec iMacs for multi-media production
Including a multi-functional cinema/stage/dining facility, a conference/
large group work facility, small group-working rooms, offices and outdoor
Sport and Leisure learning spaces
Enhanced teaching resources for Sports and Leisure courses complementing
the £1.2 million upgrade of outdoor facilities including the third-generation
all-weather pitch, re-surfaced tennis and ball-sports pitches and other
improvements

25
26
Specialist resources for our Hearing and Language
Units
• A shared reception and ICT work space
• Acoustically treated teaching and small group-working spaces for hearing
impaired students
• Teaching and small group working spaces for our Language unit which
also comprises a kitchen space for life skills work and a sensory garden for
secluded, quiet play

Funding for this project was awarded by the Young People’s Learning
Agency in recognition of the school’s High Performing Specialist Status and
its commitment to Applied Learning.

27
Key Staff Contacts
You are always welcome to contact us at any time. Please enquire at
reception if visiting in person during school hours, email us via office@
cvcweb.net or call on 01954 288944.

Primary Liaison Co-ordinator

Senior Leadership Team Mrs Alison Seru aseru@cvcweb.net
Mr Tony Cooper Head office@cvcweb.net Hearing Centre
Mrs Sue Raven Deputy Head sraven@cvcweb.net Mrs Pippa Wauthier pwauthier@cvcweb.net

Mrs Chris Williams Deputy Head cwilliams@cvcweb.net Language Centre

Mrs Sarah Spriggs sspriggs@cvcweb.net
Mr Peter Marshall Deputy Head pmarshall@cvcweb.net
Headteacher’s Assistant
Mrs Joy Hadley Deputy Head jhadley@cvcweb.net Mrs Sue Ayling office@cvcweb.net

A full list of staff is available on the school website:

www.cvcweb.net, in the parents area.

28
Plan of CVC

T1

New Teaching
Facilities
New Teaching
Facilities

RECEPTION

SPORTS HALL
ARTS
SH DR2 ST1 TEAM ST2
ROOM

FIRST FLOOR
MS1
ST3
YEAR 11
DT TEAM TOILETS
T5 ROOM YEAR 9/10
DR1 TOILETS

H1 H2 H3 E6 E3
E5
T6 COMMED

T7 T4 T3
H7 E4 E2
H6 H5 H4 LIBRARY
ICT2
HUMS TEAM
ROOM
L1 M1
T2
L2
MATHS
TEAM S3 ICT1 S6 E1
CENTRE LANGUAGE ROOM CAREERS
MOBILE 2 SUPPORT YEAR 7/8
TOILETS
C2 L3 M2
ICT TEAM
ROOM
SCIENCE
TEAM ROOM

MFL
TEAM M3 S2 S1 S5 S4
YEAR 7/8 C1
TOILETS
HEARING L4 M4 ICT3 STAFF
CENTRE UNIT SSU ROOM ICT SUPP
MOBILE 1
L5 M5 S7

MAIN LECTURE DR Drama studio

OFFICE ROOM
E English
Dep. Dep.
SITE GYMNASIUM HALL
Head Head H Humanities
THE CENTRE
OFFICE Interview
1st Aid L Modern Languages
G Room
M Maths
Mu Music
DINING HALL S Science
ST Art Studio
COMMED
OFFICE HEAD T Design Technology
COMMON First floor
KITCHEN RECEPTION ACCOUNTS ROOM
Second floor

29
 p
r
o
s
p

High Street, Cottenham Cambridge CB24 8UA

e

Tel: 01954 288944

c

Email: office@cvcweb.net
t
u
village college
s
cottenham

c v c w e b . n e t

Design by GDA 01223 833333 2 0 1 1