The Community College Whitstable

History

In 1998, the name Sir William Nottidge was dropped and the school was relaunched as the Community College Whitstable along with the introduction of a new badge and re-introduction of the house system. The school joined Swale Academies Trust in 2016 which also includes Westlands School, Westlands Primary School, Regis Manor Primary School, Meopham School and Sittingbourne Community College.

School structure

The house system was established in 1952, when there were four houses: Coppens, Minters, Torrith and Sedberry, each of which had selected house prefects. The house colours were: red for Coppens, yellow for Minters, blue for Torrith and green for Sedberry.

The school is now divided into two houses and is based around two famous ships, Victory and Endeavour. The famous warship HMS Victory is best known as Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. HMS Endeavour was the British Royal Navy research vessel that Lieutenant James Cook commanded on his first voyage of discovery, to Australia and New Zealand, from 1769 to 1771. This house system provides pupils with the pastoral support, academic challenge and sense of belonging that are essential in developing our pupils into young adults.

Curriculum

The school year runs from September to July, split across three terms: the autumn term (September to December), spring term (January to April) and the summer term (April to July). Students receive two weeks off for Christmas and Easter, a six-week summer break, and three "half term" breaks.

The essential core skills of literacy and numeracy are developed daily through English and maths lessons. In addition, cross-curricular standards ensure these important elements are delivered in all subjects. The Community College Whitstable offers a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils so they can be confident and happy in school and find their area of excellence.

In Years 7 and 8 they offer a wide curriculum, yet focus more time on the core subjects. In Year 9 a further emphasis is placed upon the core subjects, complemented with Ebacc subject opportunities (languages, history, geography and/ or computer science). Year 9 also introduces an element of curriculum choice for pupils who can choose foundation subjects to provide engagement and broaden their horizons. These choices can be taken forward to Key Stage 4 giving pupils a head start on their examination subjects. At Key Stage 4 they offer the core subjects supported by the early work completed in Year 9 on the Ebacc subjects. Pupils complete their examination offer with foundation subjects. All courses are fully accredited and recognised for further study at Key Stage 5 and beyond.

Extra-curricular activities

The Community College Whitstable provides a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom that enrich pupils’ lives and their enjoyment of school. They have outstanding, modern facilities in all areas. Whether your child wishes to be centre stage in the modern theatre, creative in the arts, ascending the climbing wall or scoring the winning goal on the 3G pitch they have the facilities to match their ambitions. Alongside the sporting and creative opportunities, pupils benefit from a range of activities including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, ski trips and water sports trips abroad. They are also unique in the area for offering a Forest School. Forest School is an inspirational process, which offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment managed by The Community College Whitstable.