Kingsbury School: New Intake Information

New Intake Information

2020-21

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Terms and Holidays 2020-2021

TERM

TERM DATES

TEACHER DAYS

Autumn

Term

Year 7: Thursday 3

September 2020 to Friday 18

December 2020 (12:30pm for students; 3:10pm for staff)

Years 8-11: Monday 7

September 2020 to Friday 18

December 2020 (12:30pm for students; 3:10pm for staff)

Wednesday 2

September

2020

Thursday 22

and Friday 23

October 2020

Half Term Break

Monday 26

October 2020 to Friday 30

October 2020

Christmas Holiday

Monday 21

December 2020 to Friday 1

January 2021

Spring

Term

Monday 4

January 2021 to Thursday 1

April 2021

Monday 25

January 2021

Subject to change

Half Term Break

Monday 15

February 2021 to Friday 19

February 2021

Good Friday

Friday 2

April 2021

Easter Holiday

Monday 5

April 2021 to Friday 16

April 2021

Summer

Term

Year 11: Monday 19

April 2021

Years 7-10: Tuesday 20

April 2021 to Thursday 22

July

2021 (12.15pm finish for students)

Friday 2

July 2021

May Day Holiday

Monday 3

May 2021

Half Term Break

Monday 31

May 2021 to Friday 4

June 2021

Summer Holiday

Thursday 22

July 2021 (12:15pm for students; 3:10pm for

staff)

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Uniform Expectations

At Kingsbury School we pride ourselves on our high expectations. Uniform is no exception. Kingsbury School is first and

foremost, a place of learning and our uniform promotes the responsibility and discipline in students that contribute to their

success. With that in mind, students are expected to follow the guidelines below. Parental/carer support is essential in

ensuring our focus is on learning and achievement; for this reason, your support is anticipated and greatly appreciated.

This document provides a helpful reminder of our uniform expectations.

Boys’ Uniform

 Black blazer with school badge

 Plain black school trousers

 Optional plain black V-necked jumper (October to

March)

 Plain white shirt with collar and sleeves (short or long

sleeves)

 Plain black socks

 Tie

o Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 school tie

o Year 11 may wear a plain black tie

 Black shoes (see additional guidance)

 A suitable dark waterproof coat for colder/wet weather

(no denim, leather or ‘hoodies’ may be worn)

 No cardigans

Boys’ PE Kit

 Black and gold school rugby shirt

 Black and gold school PE Polo shirt

 Black and gold school PE Shorts

 Black and gold school PE Socks

 Football boots with studs

 Shin-pads

 Training shoes (for PE only)

 Swimming trunks or shorts

 Towel

 Plain black tracksuit bottoms

Girls’ Uniform

 Black blazer with school badge

 Plain black branded (with logo) school trousers fitted to

waist (provided by our approved suppliers)

plain black branded (with logo) knee length skirt

(provided by our approved suppliers)

 Optional plain black V-necked jumper (October to

March)

 Plain white shirt with collar and sleeves (short or long

sleeves)

 Tie

o Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 school tie

o Year 11 may wear a plain black tie

 Plain black or white socks or plain natural, grey or black

tights

 Flat-heeled black shoes (see additional guidance)

 A suitable dark waterproof coat for colder/wet weather

(no denim, leather or ‘hoodies’ may be worn)

 No cardigans

Girls’ PE Kit

 Black and gold school polo shirt

 Black and gold school PE Hooded sweatshirt

 Black and gold school PE Shorts/skort

 Black and gold school PE socks

 Training shoes (for PE only)

 Swimming costume

 Swimming hat

 Towel

 Plain black tracksuit bottoms

Uniform suppliers

Match Fit Kit (Nuneaton)

Match Fit Kit provide an online ordering facility with the option of a payment scheme.

Call: 02476 350630

Online: www.matchfitkit.com (click on Kingsbury School). Password is: MFK234KIN

Clothing4

Call: 01827 50395

Online: www.clothing4schools.com

Location: Clothing4 Ltd., 11 Lower Gungate, Tamworth, B79 7BA

SK School Uniforms (open Monday-Saturday 7:30am-8:30pm and Sunday 8:00am-8:00pm)

Call: 07540 525003

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Online: www.skschooluniforms.co.uk

Location: 44-46 Chartwell, Riverside, Tamworth, B79 7UG

The school PE kit, tie, badge and girls trouser/skirt are of a specific make and are available from our uniform suppliers. All other

items can be purchased from a range of specialist suppliers as well as local supermarkets and other retail outlets.

Parents are asked to contact the school if in doubt before purchasing uniform.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING ARE CLEARLY NAMED. STAFF WILL INDICATE THE KIT REQUIRED FOR PE

ACTIVITIES.

Students may be sent home if their appearance is deemed inappropriate. The school reserves the right to decide whether

any individual’s choice of clothing is acceptable.

All too often, students arrive in school wearing inappropriate trousers or shoes which they have purchased from uniform

sections of high street stores but which are not in line with our uniform policy. We want to avoid parents having to replace

these items to meet our expectations and so the following information has been produced to assist in making appropriate

choices first time. GIRLS TROUSERS/SKIRTS MUST BE LOGOED AND PURCHASED FROM ONE OF OUR APPROVED SUPPLIERS.

Shoes and boots (additional guidance)

Shoes/boots should be entirely black, flat-heeled (no higher than 2.5cm) and leather or leather style in appearance. They should

not have any logos or writing on them. Plain, ankle-height, black leather or leather-look boots are permitted. Shoes and

boots should be worn with trousers covering ankles and have only black laces.

Unacceptable items include: canvas, fabric or suede trainers or trainers with visible logos, high heels, suede, pumps, canvas,

boots that are above ankle-height, and coloured or multi-coloured laces.

Trousers and Skirts (additional guidance)

Boys: Plain black, tailored and suitable for business wear. Unacceptable items include: cords, cotton or denim and trousers that

are skin-tight.

Girls: Our uniform suppliers provide a range of trousers and skirts in different styles. Trousers and skirts should be logoed, plain

black (keen length) and from one of our approved uniform suppliers. Unacceptable items include: trousers or skirts that are

do not have a logo and which are not purchased from one of our approved suppliers. Hipsters, cargo style, skin-tight

trousers, leggings, jeggings, stretch trousers, denim, shiny fabrics and any coloured external labelling are not permitted.

Jewellery

 No jewellery other than a watch, school badges and one small, plain ear stud per ear may be worn. The school will not

accept liability for these items. The wearing of other jewellery and body piercings is not allowed for health and safety

reasons e.g. rings, nose studs, tongue studs, eyebrow and navel rings, and necklace chains.

 Items of jewellery and wrist watches should not be worn in PE, Games and Swimming lessons.

 PLEASE NOTE: it is not an acceptable excuse for a student to ask to wear unapproved jewellery to prevent a pierced ear or

nose from closing up. Covering piercings with a plaster or other item is also not acceptable. In these circumstances, a

student refusing to remove an item of jewellery will be placed in isolation and parents/carers contacted.

Makeup/Hair styles

 Year 7 and 8 girls are not allowed to wear makeup. Year 9, 10 and 11 girls can wear a discrete amount of makeup (i.e.

almost unnoticeable). The school reserves the right to decide whether any individual’s use of makeup is acceptable.

 Year 9, 10 and 11 girls can wear discrete nail varnish that must be neutral in colour (i.e. non-bold colours and non-

decorative). False nails are not permitted. Refusal to remove nail varnish will result in isolation and parents/carers

contacted.

 The school reserves the right to decide whether a hairstyle is ‘extreme’ in either style or colour. Colouring that stands out

and is obviously different from the student’s natural hair colour (e.g. pink, blue, green, red etc.), tramlines, shaved areas

that leave hair at different lengths and hair shaped into patterns are not acceptable.

 PLEASE NOTE: Hair dyes take several days to wash out and tramlines/shaved areas take several days to grow back. Please

save experimentation for the six week summer holiday.

Equipment

 A set of basic writing equipment (to include pens, red pen, pencils, ruler, eraser, sharpener and protractor)

 A calculator

 An appropriately sized school bag suitable for carrying school equipment and essential personal items (not handbags)

 The following items should not be brought into school: Tippex, chewing gum, expensive personal items, an excessive

amount of money and make up.

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Go4Schools Information

Go4Schools is an online data system that allows you to access today's assessment, attendance and behaviour

information as well as your child's timetable and progress reports. You will have everything you need in one place

and, crucially, what you see is in step with the latest information available within our school – not just a progress

report from 6 weeks ago.

As a parent/carer you will receive the following key benefits:

 24/7 access to today's information about your child's education, including progress and attendance statistics.

 Access to real-time, subject-specific assessment information with formative assessment and course

descriptions.

 Access to real-time behaviour information including positive and negative behaviour points received.

 Access to progress reports online, either as web pages or as PDFs that you can print at home.

 Access to your child’s timetable online.

 The facility to notify the school of changes to your contact details.

How to access Go4Schools

1. Using any online device, visit http://www.go4schools.com.

2. Select the ‘Parents’ icon on the top right-hand corner of the screen.

3. Use the ‘first-time User’ section of the webpage to generate a password so that you can login to Go4Schools in

the future (please note that we must hold your current email address on our school system).

We also have available the Go4Schools Mobile App as part of our drive to further improve communication with

parents. Using the GO 4 Schools App will enable you to view on your smartphone or tablet the following information

on your child:

Timetable

 Summary of current lesson and the next lesson

 More detailed information on your child’s daily timetable including timings and teachers

Homework

 New tasks set

 Tasks due today

 Tasks due tomorrow

 Tasks due within 7 days

We are committed to improving our communication with parents/carers and hope that you find Go4Schools a useful

mechanism for keeping up-to-date with your child’s progress in school. In addition, please do not hesitate to contact

your child’s progress tutor if you require any further information or if you have any concerns about progress,

attendance, behaviour or welfare.

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Home-School Agreement

By attending Kingsbury School, you are agreeing to our Home School Agreement.

The School will:

 Provide a balanced curriculum and endeavour to meet the individual needs of your son/daughter.

 Do its best to ensure that your son/daughter flourishes, as a valued member of the school community.

 Set homework in accordance with the school’s policy on homework.

 Achieve high standards of work and behaviour through building good relationships and developing a sense of

responsibility.

 Keep you informed about your son/daughter’s progress through Go4Schools and one subject/parent

consultation evening.

 Care for your son/daughter’s safety and happiness, and if necessary consult with outside agencies.

 Keep you informed about general school matters including important dates such as Parents’ Evening.

 Make arrangements for parents to have access to appropriate members of staff if they wish to discuss matters

of concern.

 Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The Student will:

 Always complete work to the best of my ability and take pride in my work.

 Attend school unless unwell, on time, fully equipped and in full school uniform.

 Follow the School’s Behaviour expectations including treating everyone in our community with kindness and

respect.

 Respect the school environment and the local community.

 Work to their full potential and allow others to work to theirs.

 Do all my classwork and homework as well as I can.

 Be polite and helpful to others.

 Ensure mobile phones are used appropriately and only in the designated ‘phone zones’ or with the express

permission of your teacher to assist with your learning.

 Abide by the school’s computer, internet and email policy.

The Parents/Carers will:

 Ensure that your son/daughter attends school unless ill, maintaining an attendance rate above 95%.

 Notify the school promptly with reasons for any absence.

 Ensure that son/daughter is punctual and properly equipped for learning.

 Support the school’s policies and guidelines for promoting good behaviour.

 Endeavour not to take family holidays in term time.

 Ensure that my son/daughter completes homework tasks

 Attend Parent’s Evenings and discussions about my son/daughter’s progress.

 Take note of communications from school and record important dates such as Parent’s Evenings and

examinations.

 Inform School of any concerns or problems that might affect your son/daughter’s work or behaviour.

 Ensure that your son/daughter attends school in the correct uniform.

 Endeavour to use Go4Schools to track my child’s attendance, progress and behaviour on a regular basis.

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FAQS: Holiday and authorised absence

The new restrictions placed on Head teachers, regarding absence from school, continue to present challenges for

schools and parents. The following document therefore sets out answers to the most often asked questions in this

area.

Can I take my child out of school for a family holiday?

NO. Head teachers are unable to authorise absence for a family holiday unless there are exceptional circumstances.

If you feel you have an exceptional circumstance you must speak to the Head teacher prior to making any

arrangements or taking any absence. Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their children receive education in

accordance to with section 7 of the Education Act 1996 and if on a school roll that they regularly attend school.

Please note:

 Head teachers cannot authorise absences if they believe it will impact negatively on a child’s education.

 Requests for absence during the following periods are likely to be refused:

1. The first half term of any academic year (applies to all students)

2. School or external examination periods

3. Options time (for students in year 9/10 and 11)

4. Anytime during years 10 and 11 (for all students in these year groups)

5. Other times where significant school events are taking place (ie: Work Experience week- Y10)

 The following are not exceptional circumstances:

1. A family holiday requested in term time for financial reasons

2. A holiday in term time organised or paid for by a relative or friend

3. A holiday arranged to fit in with availability of accommodation or flights.

4. A weekend sporting or music event where students are travelling to a venue.

5. Absence in term time where the reason given is:

i. School holiday work commitments of a parent being more substantial.

ii. Work experience (Unless agreed with the school prior to the date)

6. Absences which reoccur (Other than medical or similar health related appointments)

This list is not exhaustive and provided for illustration only.

What is an absence from school for exceptional circumstances?

Exceptional circumstances could include:

1. Where an absence from school is recommended by a health professional as part of a parent or child’s

rehabilitation from a medical or emotional issue.

2. The death or terminal illness of a family member

3. To attend a wedding or a funeral of a family member

4. International or national sporting commitments

5. Where there is an exceptional or unforeseen circumstance which the Head teacher is confident adheres to the

following principles:

a. The absence is highly unlikely to ever reoccur.

b. The Head teacher is convinced that absence from school is the only option

c. The absence does not negatively impact on the education of the student.

Please note: Evidence would be required in each case and must be submitted at the time of your request. We advise

that you do not plan for your child to be absent from school without gaining prior agreement from the school first.

Headteachers cannot retrospectively authorise absence from school under any circumstances.

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How do I request authorisation from the Head teacher to take my child out of school?

In order to acquire authorisation for you to remove your child from school you will need to fill in a request form and

then either post or take it into school for the attention of the Head teacher. The Head teacher then has to make a

decision based on the information provided in the authorisation form, in addition to the evidence you have provided.

What evidence is needed?

The evidence you will need to provide depends entirely on what type of leave from school you are applying for:

 A wedding abroad needs evidence of the event and can include invitations and evidence of

travel/accommodation reservations.

 Enforced holiday weeks (i.e. work closure fortnights) would require a letter from an employer.

 Sporting commitments would require a letter from the sport’s governing body or letters of invitation to a national

or international competition.

 Attendance at a school or college interview (or other) would require an invitation letter.

If my request is authorised what are my responsibilities?

If your request is authorised, you are required to:

 Ensure your child catches up on any missed school work. This is your responsibility and school are not obliged to

provide work for your child to complete.

 Ensure your child returns to school on the agreed date. Failure to return as agreed will result in absences being

unauthorised. This may result in legal proceedings against you either through a Penalty Notice or the Magistrates

Court.

What are the penalties for unauthorised or poor attendance?

Penalty Notices

This includes students caught on truancy sweeps, persistent late arrival after the close of registration or unauthorised

absence that has not been authorised as an absence from school for exceptional circumstances.

In these cases, the warning is given on the absence request form, detailed within this information leaflet and

accompanying letter; no further written warning will be given. Fines can be issued for unauthorised absence of 5 or

more days and each school day is divided into 2 registration periods.

If you ignore a declined request

If your request is declined, and you still take your child out of school, each parent within your household will be issued

with a £60 penalty notice for each child you have taken out of school.

If a penalty notice remains unpaid for 21 days, it will increase to £120. If after 28 days it remains unpaid, you may be

summonsed and you may be liable for a fine of up to £1000.

Support and guidance on attendance is always reliable and if you have any questions about this, or if you need help to

achieve an improvement, then please contact the school.

Please note: We advise that you do not plan for your child to be absent from school without gaining prior agreement

from their school first. Headteachers cannot retrospectively authorise absence from school under any circumstances.

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Clare Bacciochi Scholarships

Kingsbury School has for some time benefitted from access to the Clare Bacciochi Fund. The charity fund was set up

in memory of Clare, who attended Kingsbury School and was sadly killed in the Lockerbie disaster along with the 243

passengers and 16 crew members of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988. The fund, operated by trustees connected to the

school, has for many years given young people from Kingsbury School access to opportunities which they would not

otherwise have had such as:

 Funding for international and national school visits.

 Hardship fund for uniform and school equipment costs

 Access to external training/coaching.

In the past the fund has been accessed where students have found it difficult to pay for these activities. The trustees

however feel that the fund should be more than a hardship fund and should impact on all students at Kingsbury

regardless of financial situation. As a result, 6 Scholarships will be offered for 2020/21 which we would encourage all

students to consider applying for:

 2 Academic Scholarships

 2 Sporting Scholarships

 2 Arts Scholarships

The purpose and scope of each of the scholarships are as follows:

Academic Scholarship

An academic scholarship is designed to support a student in Yr7-11 in making the most of their educational

opportunities. The fund makes provision for the following to be purchased/undertaken:

 Individual student net-book or supporting educational device, full payment of school organised trips for

2020/21 or other educational opportunities, as agreed by the trustees, which support further academic

achievement.

 Academic Scholarships will be issued on the condition that students attend revision/primary transition and

support events where required.

Scholarship

A sporting scholarship is designed to support a student in Yr7-11 who is making the most of their talent in this area.

The fund makes provision for the following to be purchased/undertaken:

 A one-year subscription and costs of an external club (eg. KA, Old Salt’s, Dosthill Colts, Pony club), purchase of

specialist sporting equipment, full payment of school organised trips in this area, other purchases as agreed

by the trustees.

 Sporting Scholarships will be issued on the condition that students contribute significantly to school

teams/activities.

Arts Scholarship

An Arts scholarship is designed to support a student in Yr7-11 who is making the most of their talent in this area. The

fund makes provision for the following to be purchased/undertaken:

 Payment for a years’ worth of music lessons, individual student instrument/electronic device which supports

these activities, specialist art equipment, full payment of school organised trips in this area, other purchases

as agreed by the trustees.

 Arts Scholarships will be issued on the condition that students contribute significantly to school drama, music

or arts activities.

All Scholarships have an initial limit of £500, with students being able to make further representations to the fund if

successful, for additional cost to be covered (i.e. to cover expensive specialist equipment or trips).

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Conditions of award

Students making an application for a Scholarship award must:

1. Be a student of Kingsbury School on September 3

2020.

2. Remain a student of Kingsbury School throughout the academic year 2020/21.

3. Have not benefitted from a Clare Bacciochi scholarship before.

4. Have good attendance

5. Demonstrate behaviour in keeping with the school’s code of conduct.

6. Students must satisfy the trustees in their letter of application that they meet the application criteria and

conditions of the award outlined in this letter.

7. The trustees retain the right to withdraw the scholarship offer at any time, before, during or after award

should the award conditions be broken.

8. The trustees retain the right to dis-apply applicants from the scholarship, if they feel they have not applied

within the conditions/criteria for the award or in the spirit of learning/advancement in which the scholarship

is offered.

9. All purchases made as part of the scholarship must be completed through Kingsbury School – Neither

cash/cheque nor other form of personal financial transfer can or will be made to scholarship winners.

Application

Prospective scholarship students should by letter address the following in their request for consideration:

 Conditions 1-5 outlined above.

 What activities they are already involved in which support their application (e.g. Swimming club, school sports

teams, art club, music\drama events, science club, GCSE subject choice).

 What they would hope to use the scholarship for.

 How they believe the scholarship would help enhance their learning or promote their

achievement/development.

 Identify two referees who can support their application

i. One member of Kingsbury teaching staff (Or for Yr 6 students previous teacher/Headteacher)

ii. One directly related to the activity being undertaken (i.e. Coach, Teacher)

 Applications must be made by Friday 27

November 2020.

Applications will be considered by a selected panel of trustees from the Clare Bacciochi Fund; information from

provided references may be considered as part of their decision making process. We hope that all students will

consider making an application for a scholarship and look forward to announcing recipients during the course of next

term.

Photograph/Image Permission

During your child’s time at Kingsbury School, we may take photographs of activities that involve your child. The

photographs may be used for displays, publications (including local newspapers) and on a website by us, or by the

Castle Phoenix Academy Trust. Images will always be approved by the school first.

Photography or filming will only take place with the permission of the Headteacher and under appropriate supervision.

When filming or photography is carried out by the news media, students will only be named if there is a particular

reason to do so (e.g. they have won a prize or celebrating their achievements) and home addresses will never be given

out.

Before taking any photographs of your child, we need your permission. A consent form is enclosed in Kingsbury

School’s Intake Pack.

You can ask to see images of your child, held by Kingsbury School and may withdraw your consent in writing at any

time. You can inform us via email at [email protected] or via letter addressed to school. We have one

month to comply with your withdrawal request.

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Cashless Biometric System Information

Kingsbury School uses fingerprint biometrics in our cashless catering service. By measuring an individual’s physical

features in an authentication inquiry and comparing this data with stored biometric reference data, the identity of a

specific user is determined. There are many different biometric features that can be used for authentication purposes,

these include fingerprint, signature iris, retina, DNA or any other unique characteristic. Once a characteristic has been

chosen, the next stage in the Biometric process is authentication. A biometric feature is saved on to a database. Once

a characteristic has been chosen, the next stage in the Biometric process is authentication. A biometric feature is saved

on to a database. Once the data has been stored, a new scanning of the biometric feature is taken. If the comparison

is positive, access to the appropriate application is granted.

Biometric and Security – students and parents can rest assure that the fingerprint images cannot be used by any other

source for identification purposes. The system uses an image of the fingerprint to create a mathematical algorithm

and then discards the finger print; only the numbers remain and these cannot be reinterpreted back into a fingerprint

image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need to take my child’s fingerprint?

By taking an image of your child’s fingerprint, we can turn this information into a digital signature.

Can fingerprints be used by any other agency?

No, the software we use turns your child’s fingerprint in to a mathematical algorithm. The image of the fingerprint is

then discarded. The information that is stored cannot be used to recreate an image of the child’s fingerprint.

What happens when my child leaves Kingsbury School?

When a student leaves school, all data can be deleted very easily.

How does it work?

When the child places his/her finger on the scanner, the software matches their fingerprint with the unique digital

signature held in the database.

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Rules for Responsible Internet and Email Use

Kingsbury School has installed computers and Internet access to support learning. Students must adhere to these

guidelines to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

When using the Internet, students must the follow these guidelines:

 I will only use my own login and password, which I will keep secret

 I will not access other people’s files

 I will use the computer for schoolwork and homework only

 I will not bring USB sticks into school without permission

 I will ask permission, from a member of staff, before using the Internet

 I will only e-mail people I know, or my teacher has approved

 I understand that access to social network sites (such as Facebook and Twitter) in school are prohibited unless

directed by a teacher for academic purposes.

 The messages that I send will be polite and sensible

 I will not give my personal details e.g. home address or phone number, or arrange to meet someone

 I will not give out information about any other person unless my teacher has approved it

 I will help to protect other students and myself, I will tell a teacher if I see anything I am unhappy with or I

receive a message I do not like.

 I will not access or try to access inappropriate websites or perform inappropriate searches

 I will not download inappropriate material

 I understand that school can check my computer files and the Internet sites that I visit

 I will not attempt to bypass the School filtering system

 I must ensure that I am logged out of all services and programmes on any devices in order to protect my data.

When using email accounts, students must follow these guidelines:

 I understand that the email account is the property of Kingsbury School and can be withdrawn at any time

 I will not reveal my password to anyone. If my password is changed or forgotten, my email account will need

to be deleted and re-create, hence all work will be lost

 I will only hold work in my email area for as short a time as possible. It is my responsibility to back up or keep

hard copies of data that I deem to be important

 I understand that my account should only be used for transferring/sharing data between school and students

and it must be applicable to assigned work tasks. I should not use my account for personal use, other than

those outlined above.

 I understand that school implements an anti-virus policy and all data sent is virus scanned. I understand that

Kingsbury School cannot be held responsible for any damage that may be caused through the transmission of

any virus/spyware or other malicious software through the assigned email account. It is the users responsibility

to ensure that their computers are adequately protected.

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Lines of communication

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Headteacher

Mr M Clarke

Deputy Headteacher

Mrs M Carrick

Assistant Headteacher

Mr C Collis

Assistant Headteacher

Miss D Hart

Assistant Headteacher

Miss C Duffty

PASTORAL SUPPORT

Assistant Headteacher, Behaviour

and Welfare

Miss D Hart

Behaviour Intervention Officer

Mrs V Bancroft

Student Welfare Officer

Mrs J Bagley

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mr M Martin, Associate Assistant

Headteacher

FACULTY LEADERS

Mrs Moores, English and

French (includes Media studies and

Film Studies)

Mrs Sevellec, Mathematics

Mr Stubley, Science (includes

Astronomy)

Mrs R Carey, The Arts & Sport

(Music, PE and Drama)

Miss Whitehouse, Humanities

(Geography, History, RE, Psychology,

Sociology and Citizenship)

Miss Mason, Technology

(Product Design, Technology,

Computer Science, Child

Development, Hospitality and

Catering, Art Textiles and Art)

PLEASE NOTE THAT EMAIL

CONTACTS ARE ON THE SCHOOL

WEBSITE

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Mobile Phones

Students are only allowed to use mobile phones in designated areas. We also appreciate that parents may prefer their

children to have access to a phone as they travel. However, we encourage parents to:

• Communicate via the school office if they urgently need contact with their child

• Ensure any mobile phones are switched off and are in bags during the school day, except in designated areas

during social time.

Due to the difficulties posed by social media sites (Facebook, Twitter etc.) and the increasing number of phone

cameras, phones will be confiscated by staff if students are seen to be using them at any time during the school day

where they are not permitted.

School Fund

In common with other schools, we ask parents to make a contribution to the school fund. The money is used to buy

items which cannot be provided for our budget. These are for the benefit of students and include subject awards and

trophies. We ask for a ‘one off’ contribution of £10.00 for your child. We are constantly looking for ways in which we

can raise funds for the benefit of our students and do appreciate your support with school fund. We would also

welcome any additional ideas for fund raising which you may have.

Additional learning materials

In line with our charging policy we will not charge you for any items which students require to effectively access the

school curriculum.

Throughout your child’s school career there will be books/other items which would enhance learning/understanding.

We may encourage you therefore to purchase:

• Individual copies of English texts

• Revision guides

• Art sketchbooks

Where we believe these items will benefit your children, we will contact you to explain the benefits and where

possible, offer discounts for bulk purchase through school.

Lunchtime arrangements

The care of your child is extremely important to us. For this reason, we require that all students, Years 7-11 inclusive,

remain on the school site at lunchtime. This means that they are in a safe, supervised environment. Students are

expected to stay on the school site once they have disembarked from school transport and public bus services.

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Advice for Parents: Social Media

Three things to know:

 Research shows that high use of social media is linked to poor mental health. One recent study shows that

young adults who used social media heavily were three times more likely to be depressed than occasional

users. Another study discovered that young people who exceeded two hours of social media use per day were

more likely to claim that their mental health was ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than occasional users.

 Sleep is crucial for productive engagement and well-being. Research has shown that social media and screen

time in general is linked to lower quality of sleep.

 Each social media site is able to decide how it protects their users; there is no agreed set of child safety rules

to protect young people from the risks. Each site will have its own age ratings – for example Whatsapp has

recently set its minimum age to 16 years old. Even YouTube has a minimum age requirement, which is 18, but

from 13 years old a child can sign up as long as they have a guardian’s permission.

Three things you could do:

 Talk to your child about the positives and negatives of social media. Most young people are very aware of

these and know that there are changes they could make to use the internet in general in a healthier way. Being

upfront about our own habits (even any unhealthy ones!) and setting goals together can sometimes help to

avoid making it a source of conflict. One key aspect of this is discussing how social media can affect our

reputation through the digital footprint we create for anyone to access.

 Encourage screen-free time before bed. If possible, having a family-wide screen-free curfew could help model

good use of screens and place value on everyone caring for their wellbeing through winding down activities

and better quality of sleep.

 Help your child to spend more time on activities they enjoy and which make them feel good. Perhaps

encourage them to re-join a sports team they used to like, take up a hobby that they’ve expressed an interest

in, or spend time as a family doing things together: family movie time using films your child has recommended,

trips out etc.

Advice for Parents: Screen time

Three things to know:

 Battles over screen time and devices have become a depressing part of family life. Recent research has

revealed that it’s not so much the length, but the nature of the screen time that matters. What is important is

that whatever young people are watching, playing and reading is high-quality, age-appropriate and safe.

 The University of Oxford examined 120,000 UK 15-year-olds in 2017 and found that among those teenagers

who were the lightest tech-users, it was found that increasing the time spent using technology was linked to

improved wellbeing - possibly because it was important for keeping up friendships. In contrast, among the

heaviest users of technology, any increase in time was linked to lower levels of wellbeing.

 Further research has shown that more than two hours of smartphone use on a weekday, and more than four

hours on a weekend day, was linked to lower wellbeing. Several other studies suggest that higher levels of

screen use in children and adolescents is associated with reduced physical activity, increased risk of

depression, and lower wellbeing.

Three things you could do:

 The British Psychological Society recommends that parents and carers use technology alongside children and

engage them in discussions about media use. Help your child get into a screen-free bedtime routine. Screen

time in the evening is especially bad for sleep patterns.

 Set limits like no screens during meal times or no screens after a certain time. Suggest having one day a week

with no screen time like Screen-Free Sundays. If they have a smartphone, encourage them to turn off as many

notifications as possible and to turn on flight mode when they’re with friends and family.

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 Encourage your child to do new physical activities instead of screen-based inactivity. This could be new

hobbies, going for a walk, playing sport, being creative or joining a youth group. Role-model good behaviour

by being mindful of your own screen time.

Advice for Parents: Transition into secondary

school

Three things to know:

• The move to secondary school brings lots of change, such as different classrooms, different teachers for each

subject, bigger buildings, new travel arrangements, unfamiliar environments and mixing with new students.

Studies suggest that if students aren’t supported properly, transition can lead to an increased risk of poorer

attendance, lower grades, school disengagement, reduced confidence and self-esteem, and increased

symptoms of anxiety. Mentally healthy schools. 2018 (www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk)

Research suggests that students’ concerns about transition to secondary school generally involve issues such

as:

 Losing old friends.

 The size of their new school and getting lost.

 Rules, discipline and detention.

 Finding their way around.

• Research highlights that children who kept the same best friend during the transition period between primary

to secondary school tend to do better. Supporting and encouraging friendships during the transition period

and beyond may help students to improve attainment and behaviour.

• Research shows that the transition to secondary school can potentially be as difficult for parents as it is for

their children.

Three things you could do:

• New experiences coupled with your feelings about leaving your child in a new place can be a stressful time in

a family’s life. It is normal and acceptable to feel anxious as a parent/carer, but it is important not to pass

these feelings on to your child. Support your child and encourage them to keep in touch with their group of

friends.

• Talk about up and coming change with your child and approach transitions in a positive and exciting way. Help

your child express their feelings, worries and emotions about the change and acknowledge their feelings.

• Have a look at and discuss the video from Young Minds on YouTube with your son or daughter. It reassures

children that they’re not alone when it comes to their worries about secondary school, that there are ways to

cope with change and there are people to talk to when things get difficult: https://youtube/xT6ctrk3pVQ