2020 SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS - ALLESTREE WOODLANDS SCHOOL - Allestree Woodlands ...
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“The thing I really like about being at Woodlands? We’re treated more like an adult which means it feels like a more grown up relationship between ourselves and the teachers.” 2
CONTENTS 4 Welcome 7 Introduction 8 Results 9 Location and Facilities 14 Case Study 16 Raising of the participation age 18 Entry Requirements 19 Commitment 20 Curriculum Core Teaching Student Destinations 20 Dress Code 26 Case Study 29 Application Process 3
WELCOME I am delighted that you are considering joining the Sixth Form at Woodlands. During Year 11 you will have to make very important decisions about your future. There is a great variety of courses and institutions available to you, but I believe that the Sixth Form at Woodlands is amongst the best. Part of our success depends upon ensuring you are on the right course before you start. The information contained within this brochure is the first stage of that process. The Sixth Form at Woodlands will offer you an adult environment where you will be continually encouraged and supported as you maximise your potential. We will have high expectations of you. You will have responsibilities and you will be helped to develop your personal skills and qualities. If you are not yet a member of the school, we would be proud to welcome you to become part of our community. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success for the future. Gemma Penny Headteacher ‘The conduct of students in the Sixth Form is outstanding. They are excellent ambassadors for the school. They value their learning and feel well supported in their ambitions for the future.’ Ofsted 4
We are justifiably extremely proud of our Sixth Formers at Woodlands and if you choose to join us, we are sure you will see why! Our Sixth Form is a happy, vibrant and thriving environment where every student is supported to achieve their goals. We believe passionately that Sixth Form should be exciting, interesting and rewarding, and at Woodlands we value your academic as much as your personal achievements. To this end we promise excellence in all that we do, with dedicated teaching and pastoral staff, a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities and fantastic new facilities. We have no doubt that you will enjoy being a part of Woodlands Sixth Form. If you think that this may be the place for you, then we would love to receive your application. We look forward to seeing you here! Catherine Mills Head of Sixth Form 5
‘Strong and effective leadership in the Sixth Form is ensuring even better achievement over time, as the proportion of A* and A grades continues to rise.’ Ofsted 6
INTRODUCTION Woodlands School offers a full time, dynamic and forward-thinking Sixth Form. It is a Sixth Form that is small enough for us to know and help you personally, but large enough to provide a broad range of courses. We will offer you an adult environment where you will be continually encouraged and supported as you maximise your potential. We will have high expectations of you. You will have responsibilities and you will be helped to develop your personal skills and qualities. The Sixth Form has a proven record of excellent examination success and, equally important, of students moving successfully to the next stage of their career. Each of our students has their own academic interests, their own academic requirements, their own extra-curricular pursuits, their own skills and talents. Woodlands will seek to make the most of these individual attributes; it is our mission to provide the best opportunity for our students to prepare thoroughly for their futures. 7
RESULTS We are proud to be a broad entry But this is only part sixth form and our goal is to ensure of the story. Last year every student achieves their goal – 52% of our students whether this be Oxford or travelling gained places at the world. Our students’ A level results university, with nearly in Summer 2019 demonstrated high one third moving on to levels of achievement across the full study at Russell Group range of subject areas, showing we are universities (the top 24 truly ensuring every student reaches or research led universities exceeds their own personal potential. in the country, including Oxford and Cambridge). A Level Grade Distribution table Our students are also very successful in A*– B % A* – C % A* – E % Art 45.5 54.5 100 securing highly sought Biology 18.8 43.8 100 after apprenticeships Business Studies 50 87.5 100 with companies such as Chemistry 43.5 69.6 100 Rolls Royce, Bombardier Computing 20 40 73.3 and Boots. We are D&T 18.2 36.4 90.9 committed to ensuring English Language 20.8 41.7 100 that our students are English Literature 29 61.3 100 fully supported as they Environmental Science 0 0 66.7 prepare to leave school, EPQ 70 80 100 providing each one with French 50 100 100 high quality, bespoke Further Mathematics 66.7 66.7 100 advice and guidance. Geography 27.3 66.7 100 Government & Politics 14.3 47.6 100 In 2019 80% History 37.5 71.9 100 of our students Mathematics 48.7 71.8 94.9 Music 0 0 100 gained places at PE 20 80 100 university,further Physics 37 44.4 77.8 education or Psychology 34.4 62.5 100 apprenticeships, RE 42.9 85.7 100 with the remaining Sociology 5.6 44.4 100 20% embarking Spanish 100 100 100 on employment Theatre Studies 0 37.5 100 or gap years. 8
LOCATION AND FACILITIES A beautiful and functional space for everyone joining Woodlands. In September 2016 we opened our brand new school buildings. Over 85% of the school was rebuilt and renewed. We now have wonderful facilities including science laboratories, specialist classrooms, a Learning Resource Centre, music rooms, drama studio, technology rooms and an Atrium with Café. All the classrooms are spacious with good natural light and equipped to a very high standard. Our priority is always to have a safe and secure school environment. To that end we have recently completed an enhanced security package with the intention to safeguard the student community. 9
LOCATION AND FACILITIES Sixth Form students have the luxury of enjoying purpose-built accommodation that is reserved for their use only. During study periods, they are able to use two large study rooms, (one silent and one for group work) which are fully equipped with computers and Wi-fi access if students wish to bring their own devices. In addition, our brand new ‘Atrium Café’ serves food and drinks to sixth form students throughout the day, as well as providing a large, informal study space where students can go in their study periods. At lunchtimes, this area is open only to Sixth Form and Year 11, providing a more adult offering of food from the usual ‘school dinners.’ Sixth formers also have full access throughout the day to our Learning Resource Centre, which houses more computer facilities, as well as our brand new library. 10
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LOCATION AND FACILITIES Our school is named Woodlands for a reason – we are surrounded by trees and green spaces. A high quality learning environment is very important to us and we strive to maintain our grounds, buildings and facilities to a high standard. In addition to our new facilities, we have a modern sports hall, fitness suite, swimming pool, two floodlit all- weather pitches, extensive sports fields and state-of-the-art meeting, dining & theatre facilities – all of which we also use to support our partner primary schools and the surrounding community. Our classroom facilities are excellent across all our curriculum areas and we are constantly upgrading our ICT provision. We further enhance our teaching and learning with a well-stocked library, manned by dedicated library staff within the new Learning Resource Centre. 12
Our modern refectory and student dining facilities are ably managed by a fully qualified chef who provides rich, varied and healthy food options each and every day of the school year. This expertise is also transferred to many of our students who enjoy studying catering and who increasingly provide splendid hospitality at many school events. Since its creation in 2011 the new school Theatre has been the scene of many musical triumphs from a gala concert to celebrate its opening, to ‘Woodland’s Got Talent’, ‘Songs from the Shows’ and ‘Les Miserables’, as well as several collaborative music concerts with local primary schools. Recently we have seen several imaginative curriculum innovations from off timetable sessions to allow students more in depth experience of healthy living options and the chance to explore many career aspirations. We are realising ‘anytime, anywhere learning’ through whole school wi-fi and a highly innovative staff and student tablet device programme. We certainly believe in developing the whole child, from the moment they join us as young 11 year olds, to the moment they leave us at 18 as confident young adults. There is no doubt that the facilities at Woodlands help to enhance the experience of our Sixth Form students to ensure that ready to take advantage of all that the world has to offer. 13
CASE STUDY “What was the best thing about being at Woodlands? Realising how well prepared I was to study at a top five university” Tom Lewsley, former Allestree Woodlands School and Sixth Form student, graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Politics from the University of Warwick. After leaving university Tom went to work for a Swiss Investment Bank in the City of London. He now works in their New York office in Manhattan. Why did you do your A Levels at Woodlands? a blank slate and a manageable time window In many ways, completing my A levels at to push myself and get the grades I needed to Woodlands was the obvious choice for me. I lived progress. Being in close proximity to Year 13s a short walk from school and had already studied was helpful in this respect; I was able to learn from in the main school for five years. Perhaps most them throughout the university application process. importantly though, I knew that with Woodlands This served me well when it was my turn the I would have access to knowledgeable teaching following year. staff, a solid support network, and a track record of sending students to good universities. I had seen What did you find difficult? older students make the step into A level studies I remember that the academic step up from GCSE successfully and this gave me a level of comfort that to AS Level was significant. Perhaps not so much I could follow a similar path. from a content perspective, but certainly in terms of working style and how you are expected to How was it different from the main school? contribute. The first term in Year 12 was all about Even as part of the main school I had a sense adjusting to smaller class sizes, contributing that A level students were treated differently. more actively in discussions and providing more Everybody enjoyed having more independence thoughtful and analytical written and verbal and being trusted to manage their ‘personal study responses. The good news is that all your peers are periods’, but in reality the changes are more going through the same process and collaborate fundamental. Class sizes are smaller and students actively to bring each other up to speed. The other have all opted into a small number of subjects key to overcoming these challenges is having a which they are passionate about. This creates smart and knowledgeable teacher who understands an atmosphere where students go beyond the your needs throughout the process. I can say with surface level of their subjects and begin to push confidence that the teaching staff at Woodlands each other academically. I found myself learning provide effective support, whilst continuing to push almost as much from my classmates as the you to the academic levels required. teaching staff, because we began to develop strong opinions which we proactively debated in class. How did Woodlands prepare you for university? The biggest difference for me personally though, After completing my A levels, I enrolled at the was that I found an immediate goal to focus on. University of Warwick to study a degree in Politics. With university only two years away, I felt like I had Given Warwick’s position as a top five University, 14
I always had a slight concern that I might end up being ‘bottom of the class’ in my new environment. Soon after joining however, these concerns vanished and I realized just how well prepared I was. I found that many of my peers at university had been taught the content required to pass their A level exams, rather than how to use a set of core problem solving skills to adapt to the task at hand. At Woodlands I was exposed to a balance between these approaches. Towards the end of Year 13, teachers often set us challenging problems that were ‘beyond the standard required for A level students’. I didn’t quite believe it until I first arrived at university to study a completely new subject. Without any content knowledge to fall back on, I realised just how important these core skills are for succeeding in unfamiliar environments. In this respect, Woodlands prepared me incredibly well. What was University like for you? Overall, a fantastic experience which has opened so many doors. Warwick is made up of 25% international students, so I met people from all over the world and from a wide range of backgrounds. After graduating, everybody spread out across the globe and I found myself with an amazing network of friends across geographies. Three years is too much to cover here, but I had an opportunity to test myself against intelligent people, to try new sports and societies and to work for a range of exciting companies. I can’t recommend it enough. What advice would you give the students of today? I think my advice would change depending on where you are in the process. For A levels, it’s all about working hard academically and focusing on the immediate goal of getting into a good university. Start looking at your options early on and work out what you need to achieve in order to succeed. You can’t aim too high, so don’t rule anything out in your first year. Once you’re at university, it becomes about getting involved in as much as possible. Meet people, build your network and apply for work experience and internship positions starting in your first year – otherwise you are already a year behind other proactive students. I found the easiest way was to find someone who had been through it all before and learn from their experience, these people always have helpful advice and offer a constant reminder that your goals are achievable. 15
RAISING OF THE PARTICIPATION AGE In the past, young people could leave education when they were 16 years old, but things have changed. All young people are now expected to stay in some form of learning until they are 18 years old. Why do students need to stay in education longer? The world of work is changing. New jobs are being created and many will be more complicated and demanding. Therefore, employers are looking for people with more skills, training and qualifications. ‘Academic The more training and qualifications young people have, the better their chances of getting a good job that standards are they enjoy in the future. Does this mean students high and students have got to stay at school until they’re 18? are very well prepared for Lots of students will choose to stay at school in September 2016. However, there will be lots of higher education other routes available as well being offered by employers, colleges and training providers, including apprenticeships, vocational courses, voluntary work and jobs with training. or employment.’ What does this mean? Ofsted It means that every student needs to start thinking about the type of learning or training they need to do, to get them where they want to be in the future. Applying to join the Sixth Form at Woodlands will ensure that every student makes the most of this opportunity to learn for longer. 16
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Within the ‘Sixth Form Student and School Agreement’, we at Woodlands offer a number of commitments and aims. In turn, all students have a role to play in the development of the partnership so that Sixth Form opportunities can be developed and extended in order to establish Woodlands as a place of challenge, high expectation and opportunity. The general entry requirement for those wishing to join our Sixth Form is 5 GCSEs including Maths and English Language at grade 5 or above. However, individual subjects have their own entry requirements, which you will find on page 25. In exceptional circumstance, the application of the above criteria is at the Head of Sixth Form’s discretion. ‘Teaching in the The following factors are used when assessing whether the above criteria have been met: Sixth Form is underpinned by 1 Evidence of a sustained and committed approach to study throughout Key Stage 4. 1 Academic Profile to date in relation to the cohort of applications received. expert subject 1 Predicted GCSE results. knowledge which 1 Quality of the student’s Progress File. 1 Pastoral and academic staff recommendations. enthuses and 1 Attendance/Punctuality record. 1 Performance at interview. motivates students Those students who are to continue into Year 13 through challenging will be expected to: questioning and 1 Have achieved at least 3 high E grades in their internal exams in year 12. 1 Be able to continue with at least three subjects detailed feedback.‘ in Year 13. Ofsted 1 Demonstrate the commitment necessary to study at A Level. 18
COMMITMENT School’s Commitment Students’ Commitment At Woodlands, we are committed to: In turn, we expect you to: 1 The promotion of the highest possible 1 Take responsibility for your own learning and standards of achievement and excellence personal and social development for all students – we maintain high quality 1 Be committed to your own academic study; educational provision within a challenging but working hard, meeting deadlines and ensuring caring and supportive environment an effective working relationship with your 1 Providing a purposeful and supportive subject teachers working environment 1 Make use of the study facilities when not 1 Supporting individual progress and the timetabled for lessons, balancing study with achievement of a high success rate for leisure time students in terms of qualifications achieved 1 Achieve excellent attendance and punctuality and opportunities created and follow the dress code 1 Providing individual care, support and guidance 1 Be a role model for all the students attending by an experienced team of personal tutors Woodlands School and make a contribution to and subject staff the school and wider community 1 Creating a secure transition for students to move successfully from GCSE to A Level study 19
CURRICULUM “I don’t feel flooded with information and there is loads of support when we don’t understand.” Students at Woodlands Sixth Form have the Sixth Form students will usually undertake the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects following programme of study: and we try to ensure that there is a pathway Year 12: 3 or 4 A Levels for all students who wish to study A Levels. + Core programme + EPQ (optional) Students at Woodlands, in line with the other sixth forms in the city, will take 3 A Level subjects, which Year 13: 3 or 4 A Levels will be assessed as at GCSE at the end of two + Core programme years. For those who wish to aim high, there will also be an option to study the Extended Project When selecting courses, students should Qualification, which is looked upon extremely highly take into account the career that they wish by universities and develops the independent work to follow, the subjects which they enjoy and and skills needed to study in Higher Education. are most confident in and, of course, the If students take Further Maths, they will leave subjects in which they are most successful. Year 13 with 4 A levels. The programme of study that each student chooses will become the foundation upon A high priority is also placed on offering students which they will build their post-18 plans and many opportunities to enhance and enrich their future career ambitions. education. As well as taking part in A Level courses, students participate in a core programme Students are able to select from the subjects on the of lessons, which encourage personal and social next page to develop their programme of study: development and forge links with our local community. These experiences are particularly important for students as they make their applications for university, apprenticeships or employment. 20
A Level Courses Specific Entry Requirements Art, Craft and Design General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Art and Design. Students who have not studied Art at GCSE will be required to submit a portfolio of work for consideration. Business Studies General plus GCSE Grade B in Business or GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics and English Language OR English Literature. Computer Science General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Computing or Grade 5 in Mathematics. Design and Technology General plus GCSE Grade B, from Textiles, Resistant Materials, – Product Design Product Design or Graphic Products. Drama and General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Drama and English Literature OR Language. Theatre Studies Students who have not studied Drama at GCSE but who can demonstrate a keen interest in the theatre may be considered. English – Language General plus GCSE Grade 6 in English Language. English – Literature General plus GCSE Grade 6 in English Literature. Geography General plus GCSE Grade 5 in Geography. Government and Politics General plus GCSE Grade 6 in English Language. History General plus GCSE Grade 5 in History. Languages – French General plus GCSE Grade 6 in French. Languages – German General plus GCSE Grade 6 in German. Mathematics General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics. Further Mathematics General plus GCSE Grade 7 in Mathematics and Mathematics A level as one of your other options. Music General plus GCSE Grade 5 in Music and theory grade 5. Physical Education General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Physical Education. Psychology General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics & English Language. Religious Studies General plus GCSE Grade 5 in Religious Studies. Science – Biology General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Biology or 6,6 in Double Science. Science – Chemistry General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Chemistry or 6,6 in Double Science and GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics. Science – Environmental General plus GCSE Grade 5,5 in Science. Science – Physics General plus GCSE Grade 6 in Physics or 6,6 in Double Science and GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics. Sociology General plus GCSE Grade 5 in English Language. Other Course Entry Requirements Extended Project Qualification Grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language plus 5 GCSEs at Grade 6/B and above. General = 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including English and Mathematics 21
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Woodlands has an impressive record of entry to the most challenging university degree programmes, with a significant number of students progressing to leading universities to study a wide range of courses from the Arts, Humanities, Business, ICT and Computing, Sciences, Medical disciplines, Sports Sciences, Engineering and Maths. However, we also recognise that university is not always the right choice for every student, and provide personalised guidance and support for students wishing to progress into employment or training, in the form of apprenticeships and combined employment and further education programmes. Core Tutorial Period: ‘Life Skills’ Tutor Programme All Sixth Form students become Prefects and many comprising 1 hour per week of support including take the opportunity to work as Ambassadors, lessons on transition to A Level learning, study delivering lessons to younger students as part of skills, exam preparation, citizenship, life skills, their PSHCEe programme. In addition, the school has next steps and HE applications, guidance and a Sixth Form Debating Society, a Rotary group and preparation for university and leaving home. plenty of opportunities to get involved with sports, Extra-Curricular Enrichment: Sixth Form creative arts and musical activities. students frequently have the opportunity to go on extra-curricular visits and trips to enhance Teaching their learning in their subjects. As part of our We are generous in the amount of hours we dedicate aim to develop the whole person, students are to each A Level. Each subject receives 5 hours per week expected to become involved in a range of regular teaching time. This only represents the essential core enrichment opportunities. All students in Year 12 teaching required for each subject and all students are commit to at least one hour a week of curriculum expected to build on this through private study, home support, working alongside younger students and study and additional tutorial arrangements. It is expected supporting them with their studies, whilst we that students will undertake at least one hour of also have very well established links with local independent study for each hour of teaching they primary schools through our ‘Buddy’ programmes, receive per subject per week. including Reading, Sport and Science. Student Destinations Our Head Student Team and House Captains Being a student at Woodlands Sixth Form provides work hard to ensure that the Sixth Form make students with an important bridge on their journey an invaluable contribution to the life of the whole between being a young person and becoming an adult. school. This involves planning regular events to We recognise that this is a critical time for students support our chosen charity each year, organising making important decisions about their futures teams of students to support open evenings, post-18 and so provide a structured programme of parents’ evenings and Healthy Living days, information, advice and guidance to ensure that they working with the school’s PFTA and arranging are well equipped to make wise choices and that tea parties to welcome the local community their transition from Sixth Form to Higher Education, into our school. apprenticeships or employment is successful. 23
DRESS CODE The Sixth Form dress code is designed to For both Males and Females reflect ‘business dress’, which is fundamental Dark/outdoor coat (no denim or leather). to the school’s ethos and culture, including the Formal shoes (no training shoes or boots). notion of standards, quality and responsibility. No visual body piercing, except for a single School dress should be fit for the purpose pair of ear studs. of study. No extreme hairstyles. To this end, the Sixth Form dress code This is a sensible, smart code and all students is as follows: should follow it. We will enforce it and, if a student is dressed inappropriately, we reserve Male the right to send the student home to change. Dark, tailored suit, including matching (material & colour) jacket and trousers. The Head of Sixth Form will make the final Formal shirt and tie. decision about what is appropriate. Female Dark tailored suit, including matching (material & colour) jacket and trousers or skirt (skirt must be appropriate length). Formal blouse (with sleeves, opaque and not from jersey type or woollen material). 24
‘Students reach above-average standards both at AS and A Level. The proportion of students gaining the highest grades of A* and A is above average.’ Ofsted 25
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CASE STUDY “What was the best thing about being at Woodlands? I knew I was getting the best possible opportunities to further my education” Cara Fox, former Allestree Woodlands School and Sixth Form student, graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Maths from Sheffield Hallam University. After completing PGCE – teacher training, Cara has started her first job as a Maths teacher. Why did you do your A Levels at Woodlands? My friends were going, I knew the school and I knew that the quality of teaching is really high so I would be able to make the most of the opportunity. How was it different? I was treated like an adult and the teachers became more sociable. You were able to lead the learning more yourself. You’re doing subjects you have chosen, so it was more enjoyable as you could really focus. I felt a lot more relaxed than when I was in the lower forms! What did you find difficult? The level of work is a lot higher but it’s worth it because once I got to University I was already able to work at the level they demand. It was definitely good preparation. What made you choose to go on to University? I wanted to pursue Maths a bit further, and had visited friends from the year above me who were already at University and could see what a good time they were having. How do you think going to Woodlands prepared you for University? Definitely my work ethic, as I was fully able to cope with the workload at University having tackled A Levels at Woodlands! Also life skills, because at Woodlands it’s a real sense of community and all about making strong supportive friendships, so I felt more able to do that once I got here. What would you say to anyone thinking of studying at Woodlands? If you want a place where you can work and learn in a friendly and supportive environment, I would definitely recommend Woodlands. I had a fantastic time. 27
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APPLICATION PROCESS Should you wish to apply for Sixth Form education at Woodlands please complete an application form and return it to the Head of Sixth Form. You will be contacted regarding your application as soon as the applications have all been processed and considered. Applicants who have met the Sixth Form entry criteria will be invited for an admissions interview in the Spring term. At this interview applicants will be asked to consider what they can offer the school, as well as what their intentions are once they leave Woodlands. Offers of a place will be made before the end of the Spring term. Successful applicants will be invited to an induction day at the end of Year 11 after their GCSE examinations. Students will be required to formally enrol upon confirmation of their GCSE grades in August. We look forward to receiving your application. 29
“The thing I really liked about being at Woodlands? It has a real sense of community. I genuinely loved being there.” Sally Bonsall – former student 30
Headteacher: Mrs G Penny Deputies: Mrs R Middleton-Lee Mr S Roe House Teams: Cedar: Miss L Colley and Mrs C McEntee Maple: Mrs E Pitter and Mr D Hammond Oak: Miss H Smith and Mr A Swift Rowan: Mrs H Curr and Mr M Kenny Assistant Headteacher/Head of Sixth Form: Miss C Mills Assistant Head of Sixth Form: Mr A Forsyth Chair of the Governing body: Mr R Travis The information given in this brochure is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Any changes will be reported to parents/carers in the school’s newsletter and published on our website. It should not however be assumed that there will not be any changes before, during or after the school year 2020– 2021. All images © Allestree Woodlands School, Hannah Fox and Lindsay Pilkington. © Allestree Woodlands School Designed and produced by foxcreate.com 31
Be part of the Woodlands community Go to the school’s website at www.woodlands.derby.sch.uk for information about the school, or for daily updates you can follow us on Twitter @woodlands_derby A L L E ST R E E WOO D L A N D S S C HOO L Blenheim Drive, Allestree, Derby DE22 2LW. Telephone: 01332 551921 Fax: 01332 553869 Email: the.office@woodlands.derby.sch.uk or headteacher@woodlands.derby.sch.uk
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