NEW TO NEWBRIDGE INFORMATION HANDBOOK 2005-2006 2016—2017 www.newbridgesch.uk
0
Specialist Sports College
PARENTS EVENINGS 2016/2017 New Parents evening
Thursday 7th July 2016 Groups 6N,6E,6W 5.00pm start Groups 6B,6R,6G 5.30pm start
Meet with your child’s Tutor, Pastoral manager and pick up uniform, equipment etc. Learn from the Head Teacher his plans for your child’s success
Drop in for Year 7 Parents
Wednesday 10th October 2016
Informal in the Diner to meet with SENCo*, senior staff and Tutors. A chance to share any concerns, tell the staff more about your child with ‘drop ins’ available with the technical team too Meet with subject teachers for help to decide options to choose for GCSE. Careers Advisor and staff from KEVII will be present Meet the tutor for an overview of how your child is doing. The SENCo , Pastoral manager and senior staff also available
(Newbridge tea)
Year 9 Options Evening
Thursday 10th November 2016
Tutor/Parent Evenings
Thursday 1stDecember 2016
Parent Evenings Year 7
Tuesday 6thDecember 2016 Thursday 19thJanuary 2017
Parents Evening Year 8
Tuesday 24th January 2017
Invitation Parents Evenings
Tuesday 2nd May 2017
Meet Subject teachers after receiving the school report before Christmas. Talk to individual teachers about any issues Meet Subject teachers after receiving the school report before Christmas. Talk to individual teachers about any issues Tutors will invite parents where there are concerns about a child following receipt of the Spring school report
Parents /Carers can e.mail or ring school at any time to request a discussion or meeting. Guidance on who the best person to contact is in the planner
[email protected]
01530 831561
SENCo = Special needs co-ordinator
1
Forest Road, Coalville, Leicester LE67 3SJ Tel: 01530 831561 Fax: 01530 276440 Email:
[email protected] www.newbridgesch.uk Dear Parents I am delighted to be able to welcome you to Newbridge High School. As your child’s Headteacher, you’ll forgive me if I don’t know everyone’s name on the first day. But make no mistake, from the very beginning of the new school year, I care about your child and the many ways in which they will achieve, grow and develop during their time with us. I want your children to enjoy their time here, to thrive and to build for themselves a bright future! Newbridge is a very successful school. Its success depends upon the quality of the relationships between the people within it and yourselves as parents and carers. In partnership we can all work together to help your child aim higher and achieve more. The length of this booklet is perhaps a little daunting, but better to have all the information you need in one place. Go through it a little at a time with your child. If there is anything you don’t understand or wish to know about don’t hesitate to contact us. Your child’s tutor will usually be the first point of contact in the future, but I will be happy to hear of anything you wish to discuss with me personally. I look forward to an excellent year for your child and our school. Yours sincerely
Stewart Goacher Headteacher
Emergencies I need to contact my child urgently: Phone the school office (01530 831561) I think the school is closed: Page 24 My child has lost property or money: Page 34 My child has missed the bus: Phone the office – 01530 831561 My child needs to leave school early: Phone the office – 01530 831561 NB: The PARENTS section on the school website will hopefully help
0
CONTENTS Page Aim of the school ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Activities out of Lessons……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Additional Curriculum ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Attendance and notification of absence …………………………………………………………………………… Banned Items ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Behaviour……………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………. Bullying (Anti-bullying Policy)………………………………………………………………………………………………… Care and guidance - The tutor/pastoral care …………………………………………… - The Newbridge Planner ……………….……………………………. - Problems …………………………………………………………………………. Charging for school activities and costs …………………………………………………………………………… Child Protection ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Communications with school and reporting on progress (includes assessment) ……….. Concerns ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... Curriculum ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Data (the data school collects) …………………………………………………………………………………………… Discipline (Assertive) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - Newbridge Rules …………………………………………………………… - Rewards ………………………………………………………………………….. - Consequences ………………………………………………………………… Emergency school closure……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Equipment required…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Fire Alarms/Evacuation………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. First Aid ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Food and Drink …………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………….. Health and Safety ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Holidays ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Homework ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Inclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… IPads ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Leaving the premises at lunchtime ……………………………………………………………………………………… Literacy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Lost Property ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Medication ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Mobile Phones ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Movement around the building …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Payments …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Photographs and Images ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Property and banned items …………………………………………………………………………………………………… Raising money for good causes ……………………………………………………………………………………………. The School day including lunchtimes……………………………………..……………………………………………. Staff at Newbridge ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Travelling to and from school/access ………………………………………………………………………………… Uniform …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Policies are summarised on our website and full copies can be obtained from the school office. See back of this booklet for the timetable and calendar for the year www.newbridgesch.uk
0
1 2 3 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 28 29 30 31 31 32 32 32 33 34 34 34 36/37 38 39
NEWBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL AIMING HIGHER, ACHIEVING MORE AIM OF THE SCHOOL In order to educate students who can think independently, behave responsibly and continue to learn successfully, we are committed to: Developing positive attitudes to learning by
providing effective teaching demanding high standards of us all offering a wide range of learning opportunities and support ensuring continuity of education recognising and valuing individual talents, interests and achievements encouraging self-confidence in our ability to learn and progress developing quality interactions between all people supporting full attendance
Creating a secure learning environment by
providing equal opportunities for all treating each other with respect fostering a safe fair secure place to be making learning interesting, stimulating and active supplying the best facilities and resources we can afford maintaining a discipline system that demands high standards, with clear expectations of everyone’s behaviour and attitude promoting good communication and dialogue between all partners creating opportunities for all stakeholders to be heard and to offer suggestions for continuous improvement
Providing opportunities to release personal academic potential by offering a broad and balanced curriculum providing and sharing clear objectives for learning differentiating resources, techniques and tasks according to individual need offering the chance to work independently and with others giving individual praise through the reward system encouraging self-evaluation, commitment and setting realistic targets informing students and parents regularly about progress being made encouraging creativity and ambition raising self esteem
Encouraging development physically, emotionally, socially, morally and spiritually by
involving students in an interactive pastoral curriculum to foster self awareness, confidence, responsibility and independence encouraging everyone to be happy, honest and tolerant in their relationships with others offering a wide range of extra curricular activities modelling positive behaviour by all adults in the school raising awareness of a worldwide range of cultures, beliefs, practices and opportunities valuing the contributions of all preparing students for life in an inclusive society teaching students the vocabulary to express their feelings successfully promoting healthy life style choices ensuring regular exercise for all advocating healthy meals/snacks enabling well informed decision making
May 2015 1
ACTIVITIES OUT OF LESSONS There are many sports, clubs and activities at lunchtime and after school in addition to the library, common room (PA), and drop ins. Days, times and rooms are posted on the tutor room notice boards and the main students’ information board every week. Here is a sample: Adventure Playground Aerobics Art Workshops and Art Club Athletics Badminton Band Basketball Book Club Choir Computer Club (lunchtimes) Cricket practice (Girls and Boys) Dance Design Club Drama Club Drama workshops Film Club English revision classes Football Gymnastics Hall for food and table top games Homework Club House Rep meetings Interform competitions Maths homework club Maths master classes Maths revision classes Media Club Pantomime Performance workshop (school show) School Council meetings Science drop-in Skipping Trampolining 3G Football with qualified coach
2
ADDITIONAL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES WEEK Activities Week in June provides an opportunity for extended trips and visits further afield when interests can be built upon and new discoveries made. Activities on offer have ranged from continental travel and cooking to stable management and dance. We believe that a residential experience is a powerful way of allowing children to develop responsibility and independence. We hope that all our students are able to take advantage of such an activity during their three years at Newbridge. By collecting most of these activities into one week, disruption of the curriculum at other times of the year can be kept to a minimum. Choices are made early in the year to give parents ample time to pay for the more expensive options, making weekly payments. COCO DAY (COMMUNITY COHESION DAY) On CoCo Day in March each year students find out about our local community and history by visiting landmarks in the local area, consider what creates a supportive community and explore common values around the world. They study responsibilities that protect human rights and learn from events of the past and present when human rights are not protected.
CURRICULUM THEME DAYS Once a term we enrich our curriculum with a special theme for the day, e.g. Awe and Wonder Day or Environment Day. These enable students to learn thoroughly and actively through a theme, often meeting visiting speakers. In the Autumn this usually involves visits to places of worship in Leicester for year 7 and local community groups for year 8s.
SCHOOL COUNCIL All tutor groups elect a representative and deputy to be a voice for their views about school life. All students can apply. The Newbridge School Council is very active. The minutes of their meetings are published for all. Every year things change prompted by council lobbying and many hundreds of pounds are raised for the charities that the students choose to support. The council runs a School travel plan group and for the last few years a Year 9 Prom group.
SPECIAL NEEDS Students who would benefit from extra support receive small group teaching, support in lessons and specialist intervention. Extra transition arrangements are made. For more information see the website or contact our SENCo. (See Interventions including Learning Support page 10).
TRIPS/VISITS/OUTINGS To enhance the curriculum and make learning even more stimulating, students have the opportunity to go on visits and trips. You will be informed about these by letter.
3
WORLD OF WORK DAY Every year in the Summer Term all Year 8 students take part in an action packed PLT* day that shows them the skills employers and learning centres want young people to develop. Students practise these skills and learn about study and learning styles used during courses, and at work. On the same day Year 9 spend the day shadowing a parent or trusted relative at work. Year 7 students remain in school and experience a careers theme event, involving over 40 visitors and interactive workshops about the world of work. This day operates as part of the Careers Education Curriculum.
*PLTs = Personal Learning and Thinking Skills( See website) VISITORS We are fortunate at Newbridge to welcome a number of visitors to enrich the learning experience. Students learn from the people who are actually involved in the work/field and often the subject is important to health and safety learning. e.g. school nurse confidential drop-ins and health advice local police danger of replica firearms and community policing youth leader drugs education fire fighter dangers of playing with fire and many more
VOCATIONAL AND TASTER COURSES/MASTER CLASSES Students who show interest and ability are invited to enjoy short courses (usually afternoons or a single day) at Leicester College, De Montfort, Leicester and Loughborough Universities. These sessions have, in the past, been funded by Government and were most appreciated by those taking part. Now school still works with Universities to provide the experiences but we have to ask for contributions towards transportation.
“The standards reached are above those seen in most school for pupils of the same age” “Teacher assessments place the school consistently in the top quarter of all schools overall for progress” Ofsted – May 2013
4
ATTENDANCE AND NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE
Newbridge operates a “first day call” system for attendance. This means that if your child is away from school and we do not have contact from home, the office will call you automatically to check. It is much better if parents call us first on 01530 831561. The first call system alerts parents early if students are not in school as a matter of child safety. We appreciate it when parents/carers keep us fully informed by phoning school first thing in the morning, keeping us updated by letter or phone calls about prolonged absence. Students should aim for 100% attendance to be in school to learn. Attendance of below 95% automatically triggers investigations from the Attendance Improvement Officer. Should a student’s attendance continue to give cause for concern following intervention by the Attendance Improvement Officer, further steps will follow. This could mean referral to the Legal Department at County Hall, with the possibility of legal proceedings and prosecution. All absences other than illness should be explained in advance if possible on the above number. Before or after a medical appointment please present a medical note to the office. Absence for medical appointments should generally be for either a morning or afternoon session, not all day. It has been proven that lower than 95% attendance (more than 10 days off a year) affects achievement. Holidays must not be taken during school time. We strongly recommend at least 95% attendance, and reward good attendance in our praise and rewards systems. On rare occasions usually when a child slips into class after the register is taken or between sessions a student is recorded as absent when they are in fact in school. Our procedures include checking first but occasionally parents may get a text saying their child is absent when in fact they are in school. We regret the anxiety this causes and we will act as quickly as possible to correct the matter and reassure parents, but we believe the system works well to ensure parents are informed as soon as possible if the registers are taken in all classes across the school.
BANNED ITEMS See Page 36.
5
BEHAVIOUR All students are expected to behave well and responsibly at all times. Students are taught our expectations in their first week, and regularly throughout the year. All members of the Newbridge community are expected to have respect for each other, take care in the use of language and to consider other people by being sensible, polite and responsible. We call this “Respect and Courtesy always”. We expect students to be kind to each other. (See Assertive Discipline plan page 16)
BULLYING
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY See Website for Policy.
“Pupils have positive attitudes to their learning, work hard in lessons and feel happy, safe and free from bullying” “Relationships are positive and warm” “All pupils report that they feel well cared for” Ofsted – May 2013
6
CARE AND GUIDANCE THE TUTOR At the beginning of Year 7 students are allocated to a tutor group, and will usually remain with that member of staff for three years. The tutor monitors the academic progress and pastoral care of the students in their group and will also try to be an encouraging and steadying influence throughout their time at Newbridge. Every effort is made to maintain continuity across the three years, including the Year team of tutors working closely together with the Pastoral Manager who looks after the pastoral well-being of the year group. Occasionally it may be necessary to move a child from one tutor group to another. The tutor spends over 2 hours with their group per week and will probably be the person who knows them best.
MENTORS Some students will be offered a mentor to be a regular contact for them. The mentor is neither teacher nor tutor, but will be supportive and helpful in times of stress or difficulty – or indeed just be someone to go and talk to on a one-to-one basis.
PASTORAL MANAGER’S ROLE (YEAR HEAD) Pastoral Managers oversee the personal and social development of all students in their year group alongside the team of tutors. They join curriculum leaders to ensure the progress of each child is tracked across the curriculum. They are quick to pick up and check out any concerns staff or parents might have about individual students, and liaise with parents on issues beyond the tutor's remit. They have a crucial role in decisions made about students, for example, whether a Tutor Group move is advisable. On particularly serious or delicate matters, parents may wish to speak directly to the Pastoral Manager. For Year 7 starting in September 2016 Misss Sharon Burder is the Pastoral Manager (
[email protected]) The pastoral team helps students to get the best from their time at Newbridge, trying to remove any barriers to learning and offering interventions that will help individuals.
INTERVENTIONS INCLUDING LEARNING SUPPORT The Learning Support department continuously monitors progress and provides appropriate interventions to improve learning. Some students follow an intensive reading and spelling programme (Fresh Start), use ICT packages or occupational motor skill programme (Smart Movers). We provide support groups for dyslexia and those needing more confidence and skills with their speech and language development, as well as offering specialised individual support within the classroom. Small group teaching and a small tutor group provides close attention and support for those lacking confidence and self-esteem. Also our Pastoral Team provides intensive monitoring, guidance and counsel/interventions for those who struggle with their behaviour or anger. Special alternative programmes run to meet particular needs.
7
CAREERS INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE As well as having access to a planned Careers education curriculum from Year 7, students are able to access independent and impartial advice through a special computer based package (JED) and can access 1:1 advice from ‘Prospects’ advisers. An impartial careers advisor offers a drop-in and appointments at the Year 9 Options Evening in November.
COUNSELLOR The school’s counsellor meets with certain students weekly. Meetings are arranged through the Pastoral Team. She can offer bereavement counselling too. Any student can ask for her support through an email and drop-in service twice a week.
SCHOOL NURSE Our school nurse visits school every week for appointments, when students can seek advice. Appointments can be booked through the Pastoral Office.
GRIEF COUNSELLOR Two trained grief counsellors on our staff are there to help anyone in the school community who want to meet.
THE NEWBRIDGE PLANNER
All students will receive a Planner to help them be organised for the whole year. The Planner is valued as very important by all members of the school community. The Planner contains 26 pages of useful Newbridge information including the timetable, homework, who’s who page and problem page. Also included are advice pages devised by our Curriculum Leader of English that help students tackle classwork and homework in all subjects, supporting literacy across the curriculum. These pages are really useful for parents helping students with homework. Parents/carers are asked to sign the Planner every weekend so that students recognise the partnership between school and home. It is a useful means of communication and enables parents to support students with their homework commitments. Teachers sometimes write messages to parents and vice versa. Students are regularly rewarded for proper use of the Planner, which will show they are proud of doing well at Newbridge. Planners are checked weekly by tutors and Pastoral Managers.
ASSEMBLIES Students attend at least two assemblies each week. Students regularly participate in assemblies. Assemblies are required to be “of a broadly Christian nature”, although not distinctive to any particular denomination. Other religious beliefs are shared and assemblies take a clear moral stance encouraging students to think about their role in our multi-cultural society. Students are asked to reflect during ‘current affairs’ sessions in tutor time, and a "thought for the day".
8
PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL In the Newbridge Planner all students receive details about what to do if they have a problem. This section is called:
“What to do if _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ?”
Also, students have a list of staff names and their subjects/responsibilities in the planner. Newbridge is a small secondary school with only three year groups of students. None of the students stay long enough to forget how they felt in their first week. They are all encouraged to be as helpful as possible, especially to new students. As a school, we have been recognised for many years as being approachable and providing a "family" style atmosphere.
CHARGING FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES/COSTS The school may have to ask for contributions from parents for: a school trip or visit that is run in school time a special event in school where we have invited “experts” to work with students. The school will ask for contributions from parents for:
trips, outings, journeys away from school.(sometimes only a contribution to transport costs.) repair or replacement of items damaged by a child at school as a result of mischief, carelessness or deliberate damage. items in ADT (see separate letter) music instrument or voice tuition (school will pay towards this)
All students can, if they wish, hire a locker. A £5 deposit is requested and £2.50 will be returned at the end of year if all is well. Students in school council organise non-uniform days six times a year to raise funds for the good causes they choose, learn about and publicise. The days are voluntary and ask for a £1 minimum contribution. Activities Week once a year in June offers outstanding alternative opportunities, such as a residential abroad, learning to sail etc. Parents are given lots of notice of costs. If you need to query a bill, contact the school Office on 01530 831561.
9
We are always willing to discuss problems concerning money (or anything else) and we sometimes give support where difficulties exist and families are in receipt of benefit. If you object in principle to making any of the above contributions, we ask that you let us know at the start of Year 7 as money owing stops students enjoying certain privileges such as end of year trips. Students will not be able to go on certain trips if any money, resource or equipment is owed to the school. We find this encourages items to be returned quickly.
CHILD PROTECTION Newbridge has excellent systems for protecting children and safeguarding their welfare. This means staff are alert to possible concerns about every student, and report concerns in a proper fashion. Safer recruitment is rigorous. All staff are fully trained. The Safeguarding/Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. A special area of the website is particularly useful “Staying safe online”.
COMMUNICATION AND REPORTING ON PROGRESS (Please see the PARENTS section on the website) NEWBRIDGE NEWS A newsletter full of news and useful information is posted on the website. It goes live just before a school holiday twice per term.
REPORTS Reports are issued once a term for parents to view their child’s progress, attitude, behaviour and effort. Parents are invited to make comment after viewing the report. Please. At the end of the year there is a summative report written by the tutor.
ASSESSMENT Regular assessments take place in school to keep students, teachers and tutors informed about students’ performance across all subjects. Self, peer and teacher assessment takes place to set expectations, communicate next steps for progress and understanding. Subject teachers, tutors and Pastoral Managers keep records, tracking grids and data bases monitoring the progress of all students using pathways. The Pathway model is used in all Ashby and Coalville secondary schools. (See website).
10
Achievement is recorded for all subjects and subject leaders and teachers use this information to track in case of underachievement. A number of interventions are put in place to support students, where required. In English, Maths and Science regular exams take place in formal conditions, including some GCSE courses and exams taking place in Year 9. All subjects start GCSE curriculum content and testing in Year 9. A formal end of year summative assessment takes place for all students in all subjects in May/June and is common to all Coalville and Ashby Schools.
PARENTS’ EVENINGS Parents’ evenings take place every term. Parents can of course contact the school at any time. If there is concern about a student’s progress, staff will ask students to make parents’ evening appointments so that home and school can work together to get attainment back on track. Dates of parents evenings can be found on the school website. (See page 1)
CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS At Newbridge we aim to create good relationships with parents/carers, neighbours and our community. We are always striving to improve, and welcome comments and suggestions that help us to do so. Parents, visitors and other members of our community often compliment us, but at other times may want to bring to our attention a concern about a specific matter. We will try to deal with a concern or complaint as quickly as possible, but ask you to be mindful of the fact that most of our teachers are in class all day. Making contact with the right person first should help. Absence
Office Staff
Personal Matter
Alcohol/Substances
Pastoral Manager
Progress / Grades
Bullying
Tutor or Pastoral Manager
Punishments issued Safety Issue
Classwork Friendships
Teacher Tutor
Lost Property
Office
Medical Matter
Office Staff
Money
Office Staff
Serious Matter Vandalism
11
Tutor or Pastoral Manager Teacher or subject leader Teacher or Pastoral Manager Deputy or Assistant Headteacher Headteacher Business Manager
If you still have concerns or you are not satisfied with an outcome, contacting the Headteacher is the next step.
The Headteacher records complaints and the outcome of actions taken to resolve them. These records are monitored by school governors. Complaints can be made directly to the Chair of Governors via the school office. If further information is needed the full policy is available in reception and on the school website.
CURRICULUM Descriptions of the Newbridge curriculum are published on the school website www.newbridgesch.uk
DATA THE SCHOOL COLLECTS Individual details and academic data is transferred electronically from primary schools to Newbridge and from Newbridge to upper schools. Specific performance data and information from teachers helps in the grouping of students and in the target setting, monitoring process. The following is used: Attendance End of module tests and assessments Student Support Plans (some students) Individual Learning Plans (written by students) Progress Files/ROA compiled by students Reading Scores Records of formal rewards and sanctions Reports of incidents or concerns Spelling test results Targets set by and with students Test scores Tracking grids Year 6 results Year 9 Exam results Student passports (some students) Boxall (some students) 12
ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN AND THE REWARD SYSTEM ASSERTIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN “Assertive Discipline” is the system used at Newbridge to encourage everyone to behave well and achieve their best. It aims to make students responsible for their own behaviour and is based very heavily on praise and rewards for good behaviour. Assertive Discipline is a long established programme of behaviour management. It is designed to help teachers increase their effectiveness in the classroom. It also aims to empower children with the skills that will become the foundation for their self-esteem, self-discipline, and future success. Assertive Discipline is applied calmly and firmly following a clear agreed set of rules. It means that all teachers and students assert their rights to have an undisrupted learning environment. Both teachers and students can enjoy lessons more when the atmosphere is relaxed but purposeful, and when they have a sense of achievement at the end of lessons. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ANYONE DISRUPTING OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WE WILL NOT ACCEPT BULLYING OF ANY KIND The key elements of the Assertive Discipline system at Newbridge are:
a set of shared expectations and classroom rules (C.L.E.A.R)
these expectations and rules being taught regularly
a system of positive recognition, or rewards, that students will receive for following the rules including the motivation of Reward points leading to House Rewards, gifts and recognition, praise, star of the month and Book of Excellence.
a set of consequences, or sanctions, that will result when students choose not to follow the rules, (this ensures fairness for all).
NEWBRIDGE RULES CLEAR – Students will: C
Co-operate by following instructions and working together
L
Listen in silence to anyone addressing the class
E
Effort – try their hardest to work and learn
A
Arrive on time and equipped to learn
R
Respect others’ rights to teach and learn
GUM IS NOT ALLOWED IN SCHOOL 13
PLAYFIGHTING AND ‘PILE ON’ TYPE GAMES ARE BANNED WATER, BUT NOT SQUASH/JUICE, IS PERMITTED IN MOST CLASSROOMS DENIM, LEGGINGS, AND JEANS ARE NOT PERMITTED MOBILE PHONES AND VALUABLES MUST BE HANDED IN AT THE OFFICE
PROUD – staff will: P
Praise students at every opportunity
R
Recognise students’ efforts and achievements
O
Be open to students’ ideas and to helping them to learn
U
Be understanding and take an interest in students
D
Be dependable to be fair and consistent
The following are not permitted:
Cans and glass bottles
High sugar and high caffeine drinks e.g. Monster and Red Bull
Aerosols
Offensive logos/messages
Sharp or dangerous items (includes metal combs)
NB:
Students should not argue when they get a stage but use the stage as it is intended
– an opportunity for them to choose to refocus on their work and get on with their education. NB: A set seating plan arranged by staff is often used by the teacher as a reward or a means to ensure no disruptions. Students must not argue with this decision which is a teacher led strategy for managing the learning.
PRAISE AND REWARD Verbal praise and Reward points Praise is the most important reward given. Staff take every opportunity to give praise wherever and whenever it is due. Staff attempt to ‘catch students being good’ and to praise them for doing what is asked of them; praise is not reserved solely for “special” efforts, behaviour etc. Students who are on task and well behaved will be given praise and Reward points when they:
Line up for classes correctly
Enter the classroom calmly
Are being considerate
Bring the correct equipment
Present work neatly
Help others
Listen attentively
Are polite
Answer questions
Record homework correctly
Arrive on time
14
Take care with homework Hand in homework on time Act sensibly Follow instructions Act safely Work hard Complete work to the required standard Respond to questions and activities properly in class Encourage others Participate
Display Work is often chosen for display to motivate other students, help students to learn and to celebrate success. Displays of students’ work are a regular feature both around school and within classrooms and allow everyone to see and celebrate each other’s work. Students often contribute articles to "Newbridge News".
Merits and reward points Merits and reward points are issued by staff when students:
act as a guide to a school visitor
participate in a positive manner
show positive initiative
demonstrate a good attitude
demonstrate good citizenship
take part in sports practices /training
attend homework club
wear smart and correct uniform regularly
attend school 100% each week
adopt the role of ‘friend’ to a new student
host at a parents’ evening
have good attendance (one every week)
well-equipped for lessons
smart uniform (one every week)
help others to resolve conflict calmly
work really hard
produce work of a high standard a higher standard than usual and make great progress
lead other students’ learning
achieve great results
A class can receive class reward points for working well as a whole group or for continuing to behave respectfully around school, keeping to the code of conduct. Staff may also use group targets for merits and house points or offer a small reward if the target is met within a specified time, to foster peer group pressure to meet expectations. These common school recognition systems are used by all members of staff in all areas.
15
Reward points lead to other rewards Students are rewarded for gathering reward points. When students reach key thresholds in each block they will be issued with a voucher to choose a small gift of their choice e.g. a Newbridge pen,ear phones,snack.The tutor group with the most points will be given a treat - being able to go into the Diner a little early for lunch. Tutor groups in all 3 years with the most points will be rewarded with an end of year trip To encourage pride in good behaviour all students who behave well in lessons can enjoy a free non-uniform day every 6 weeks(no removes) even if they have not reached winning thresholds for points gifts (75/100/150/200). Extra points are given every time to boost good behaviours such as 100% attendance.
Headteacher’s book of excellence Students who produce excellent work or who make an excellent effort are asked by their teachers to present their work to the Headteacher. Presentations are recorded in the Headteacher’s Book of Excellence, celebrated in achievement assemblies and videos are shown around school. Other outstanding achievements and efforts are recognised in this way too.
Other rewards Other rewards include:
Inclusion in News from Newbridge Album
Sports certificates, log book and wall of fame
Star awards and Star of the month recognition
Achievement board
Achievement assemblies
Class trips
Newbridge record of achievement/Progress file Students are encouraged to recognise and celebrate their achievements . At least twice a year students set targets with their tutor in a student support session. (A copy of their target and action plan is copied into the Planner to share with parents.) Students regularly review and record achievements, as well as practise presenting themselves to others. This becomes a record of their achievement both in and out of school and records examples of work they are proud of from each year. It will be taken home at the end of 16
Year 9 and becomes a valuable record of their educational and personal success at Newbridge, including the skills they have developed. Achievement and interests out of school are just as important and students are encouraged to record evidence in their Progress File CONSEQUENCES To maintain Newbridge as a disciplined learning environment, everyone must be prepared to act according to the Newbridge expectations. Anyone who chooses not to do so will find that defined consequences result from such behaviour. If a student has to be reminded to get on with their work, empty their mouth, sit in a suitable place to learn, remove their coat, stop talking, stop using unsuitable language, etc. this will be interpreted as behaviour that stops learning. Certain behaviours are unacceptable such as:
Pushing, barging, throwing, tripping and messing about with furniture and resources.
Name calling, bullying of any kind, unkind words and taking of belongings.
Messing about and silliness during learning time.
Wandering around, leaving seat or leaving the class without permission.
Rudeness, verbal abuse, swearing.
Intimidation
The following set of consequences or sanctions will be applied in the event of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour during a lesson (breaking the C.L.E.A.R rules).
STAGES Stage 1
Formal warning given by the teacher. (Name is usually written on the board.) (It is best if the student does not argue at this point as this may lead to further stages. They should talk to the teacher politely at the end of the lesson if they believe they should not have received the stage.)
Stage 2
Student is often asked to sit apart from the class or change seat. (A line is usually drawn through the student's name on the board). Students must not break another rule or they will be removed.
Stage 3
Student is sent to the Remove Room with a purple stage 3 Remove Slip so that details can be recorded and parents informed. An hour’s after-school detention must be served (usually the next day) In most cases they will be sent to their middle leader first so they are aware.
17
Parents/carers will receive a message to state the date and time of the detention. Students who do not serve their detentions will not be permitted to attend trips or after school matches. Students sometimes do community service during the after school detention e.g. putting away chairs, or collecting litter. Gum is not permitted in school and in technical areas of school water could cause costly damage. An instant Stage 3 is given for the following:
A student acting in a way that compromises health and safety of self and/or others/or property.
Threatening, violent or out of control behaviour
A student eating or drinking in a PC Suite, Music Room or Science Lab (includes gum).
NB: Drinking water from a plastic bottle is permitted in normal classrooms.
Systematic/Repeated Poor Behaviour When three Stage 3s are reached in a 6 week period, students must meet with their Pastoral Manager and it is likely they will go onto contract (report). If the Stage 3s are in one department area the contract will be for 3 lessons in that area, supervised by the Middle Leader of that subject area. Students can go onto report (contract) in one or more subject areas. If the Stage 3’s are from different subject areas the student will have to meet their tutor and go onto green contract. Further Stage 3s will lead to a request for parents/carers to visit school to discuss how behaviour can improve. The student will go onto Amber Contract to the Pastoral Manager. Further Stage 3s lead to isolation and can lead to exclusion. This is a serious stage to reach as an exclusion will always stay on the student’s school record. Students must work while they are excluded from school and catch up all class work and homework. After exclusion, a week on re-entry contract with the Headteacher is served to monitor behaviour and attitude (Red Contract), reward improved behaviour and serve consequences for any lapses. This lets students demonstrate how they can get back on track.
Stage Four (for seriously unacceptable behaviour e.g. fighting or lack of co-operation at stage 3). 18
Referred to Leadership Team. The student will be isolated and parents contacted. The incident is dealt with at senior level (Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher/Assistant Headteacher). The after school detention will still need to be served.
Drop Down Student starts a lesson on a Stage 1 or 2 for a period of time because of regular poor behaviour. The student should be notified in advance before the next lesson if possible. This aims to prevent repeated low level disruption that hinders learning and progress. Often at this stage, teachers will set a new seating plan, or may have already done so. A whole class should not be placed on drop down unless every single child in the group has misbehaved.
On Contract/On Report
A period on report monitored by either Tutor, Curriculum Leader, Pastoral Manager or member of the leadership team. This helps for a short period when students can show how well behaved they can be, and receive extra praise.
Parents can request a contract for their child after discussion with the tutor or Pastoral Manager if they need a boost (usually peach contract)
Peach
Orange
Blue
White
Green
Amber
Red
Lilac
A5
A5
A5
A4
A5
A5
A5
A5
Tutor or
Tutor
Tutor
Department
Tutor
PM
Headteacher
SLT
Uniform
Attendance
3 Removes
3 Removes
6 Removes
Return from
Serious
Or
in one
across
timekeeping
subject
school
mentor Positive comments
exclusion
Within a 6 week period
Out Of Classroom/Poor Behaviour
(Blue Slips)
A blue slip detention is given for inappropriate/unacceptable behaviour outside the classroom. Again, our ethos is to praise and reward students being good, if possible, so an initial warning is often used. A blue slip detention is served at Lunchtime for half an hour in S4. If students behave badly during lunchtime they will join the S4 detention and remain there till the end of the session.
Other sanctions Verbal reprimands, written tasks, staying in at break to complete work, community service e.g. helping in the Diner are used at times. Staff have the authority to maintain high standards of discipline in their areas and can use their own methods to do so provided the child is still allowed to eat their lunch at some point and records are kept. 19
Loss of Privileges We do not use taking away privileges i.e we do not take away house points that have been gained through good behaviour. We do not remove the opportunity to wear non-uniform or own clothes days etc. but keep the sanctions separate. Occasionally a student will be removed from a school trip if recent behaviour means that the trip leader does not believe it is safe to take them (when the risk assessment is created), due to their lack of selfcontrol or inability to follow instructions. Arguing or Lack of Respect for Authority Students are taught to recognise the “stages” as a chance to choose to re-focus, get on with work and behave well. They should not argue. If they want to discuss an incident/stage they should be patient and ask to see the teacher at break/lunch/after school. They should not go to their tutor/pastoral manager to moan about their situation, although these people will be very happy to give advice on strategies to keep calm and behave well. Alternative curriculum and specialist interventions If a student is unable to respond to the discipline system and persists in disrupting the learning of others there is sometimes an underlying reason. The SENCo will conduct assessments and consult with staff calling special meetings and will decide if a period of time away from the class is needed. Therapeutic and specialist interventions such as 1:1 emotional literacy sessions, anger management and alternative curriculum may be organised. The student may have their name referred to the Ashby and Coalville schools Learning and Inclusion Partnership (L.I.P) where decisions are made about offsite curriculum for students who are close to permanent exclusion. Exclusion Exclusions always remain on a student's file and are reported by the school to the Local Authority. At times exclusion is the only option available in response to incidents or as a result of persistent disruption. When students return to school following exclusion they must attend (with their parents) a ‘return to school’ meeting with a member of the senior leadership team, in order to discuss the way forward and to show a commitment to improvement. A week on re-entry contract is served to monitor behaviour and attitude and to enable students to show that they have learnt from the experience. From September 2007, a legal requirement was set in place so that parents are required to take responsibility for ensuring their excluded child works at home during the school day on tasks provided by the school. Parents may be subject to a fine if this regulation is not adhered to 20
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE When there is absolutely no alternative, a decision to close the school will be made by the Chair of Governors and the Headteacher. Students will be informed and given a letter the day before, if possible, to take home, and announcements will be made on local radio, Oak (107 FM), Radio Leicester (104.9 FM) and Leicester Sound (105.4 FM) the same day, and on the morning of the closure. The school will do everything possible to avoid sending students home. Please do not phone school as the lines become jammed, listen to the radio. School will try to get a message onto the website.
“Teachers have good subject knowledge and subjects are taught by specialists and make sure that pupils of all abilities and backgrounds make good progress, including the more able” “Pupils achieve well and reach the standards of which they are capable” Ofsted – May 2013
21
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED Newbridge Planner Bag Pencil Case containing: o Biros or fountain pen o Pencils o Ruler o Pencil Crayons o Eraser
Reading Book (some students will also do paired reading) Calculator CHECK EVERYDAY, YOU MAY NEED:
A4 Ringbinder and plastic wallets to hold work/homework Small dictionary Protractor, compasses Books for that particular day PE kit Kit for games or activity Money for lunch, trips, books etc. French/English dictionary
MONEY AND OTHER VALUABLES MUST NOT BE LEFT IN COATS OR BAGS Other issues Students will be asked to tie long hair back in Science, PE and Technology subjects to ensure safety. Students will be asked to remove nail varnish and jewellery before cooking. Any piercings must be very small with no connectives. Students will have to remove piercings and jewellery for PE and if they have any piercings that are difficult to take out these will have to be taped over. Jewellery must be discreet e.g. a bracelet needs to be no wider than a finger width and a chain should be fine. Earrings must be small studs or rings with no earring longer than a 1p piece in any direction.
22
FIRE ALARMS/EVACUATIONS
Pavilion
On their first day at school, all students will learn the correct exit and route for all their classrooms and routes through the school. Every fire bell is treated as if it is a real emergency. The fire alarm is a non-stop siren. On hearing the alarm everyone must leave the building through the correct exit. Students must not take bags or coats. The teacher is the last person to leave the room. Students should hurry but not run to their tutor group’s assembly point on the hard standing area next to the Music Room. All students must assemble in register order to be checked off and stand silently. When instructed to do so, students must face the Science block remaining in line and silent. Students must not move until senior staff dismiss them. Students then walk to their teaching room and must line up outside the room until their teacher returns.
9G 9R 9B 9W 9E 9N 8G 8R 8B 8W 8E 8N 7G 7R 7B 7W 7E 7N A
A
Z
Z
Music Room Store
P.E. Store
P.E. Store
Staff other than tutors
Science
23
FIRST AID First Aid is the initial assistance or treatment given to a casualty for an injury or sudden illness. Students should go to the pastoral office or Science prep room for first aid. Our first aiders are not qualified doctors/nurses, therefore cannot diagnose illness. First Aiders cannot help with: Headaches, sickness, tummy aches, colds, sore throats, period pains, minor scratches and grazes, aching limbs, toothaches, earaches, rashes and deep splinters. It is not the school's responsibility to deal with results of incidents that have occurred out of school the day before. First
Aiders can help with: injuries resulting from accidents during school time bleeding which needs attending to grazes which need cleaning asthma attacks bumps on the head eye injury ‘something’ in the eye Nosebleeds.
If your child is ill please do not send them to school, there is nothing we can do for them which is distressing for everyone. They can bring a single dose of painkillers to school with them to take at lunchtimes if they need to.
24
FOOD AND DRINK Chewing gum and aluminium canned drinks are not allowed in school. Glass bottles and high caffeine/sugar drinks are also banned e.g. Monster/Red Bull Students are encouraged to bring water in a plastic bottle which can be filled at our fresh water fountain. Water and other drinks can be used outside but food cannot be eaten outside except in the Quad. Newbridge operates a biometric cashless system to purchase food. Students can either put cash into one of the automatic cash ‘revaluation’ terminals which puts money onto their account or parents can pay cheques to Newbridge to pay for a term, month or week at a time. Parents can also credit their child’s Diner account online using ParentPay, our online payment system. ParentPay allows parents to monitor their child’s purchases (see page 35) Students must have enough money in their accounts to purchase food or drink and balances can be checked using the revaluation terminal. Students should know their balance and not depend on asking while queuing which slows down service in the Diner for everyone.
BREAKFAST From 8.00 to 8.40 a.m. a breakfast club offers cereals, drinks, toast and cooked breakfasts in the Diner. It is warm, friendly and popular. Free breakfasts are provided for certain students who qualify.
AT BREAK The Diner is open to buy a selection of hot and cold food items, snacks and drinks. These must be eaten in the Diner if they have been bought there. Snacks from home can be eaten in the Diner or the Quad. Service stops after the first bell goes. Staff will only sell water to students who are in the queue when the bell goes.
AT LUNCH TIME At Newbridge we employ our own staff and design our own menus meeting all food standards. We all work hard to promote and enable healthy value for money eating and have a fair queuing system. When the queues are finished a hand bell is rung. Year 7 have a designated queue and servery. The food and good relationships in our Diner and Hall have been praised by Ofsted and the Healthy Schools Award. The Diner runs a multi-station system providing a wide selection, and a snack service is available in the, community lounge and via a hatch to the outdoor dining area. The "Meal Deal" is a carefully balanced two course lunch costing £2.50. It consists of a main course with vegetables/salad and a pudding or drink. Packed lunches may also be brought from home. Year 7 will be released from lessons early at the beginning of the Autumn term, before the older students, to give them a chance to get used to the system. 25
All the menus are posted outside the Diner and on the school website. Students are not allowed to eat in classrooms at lunchtime unless supervised. Students need to show respect and courtesy which includes clearing up after their meal and stacking used crockery carefully. If students are rude or badly behaved they will receive a Blue Slip detention. If bad behaviour continues they will be placed on Diner report or banned completely. Ten minutes before the bell goes the catering staff will stop serving slush and ice pops as they take a long time to eat.
DRINKS Jugs of water are always available (free) at lunchtime in the Diner. Three water fountains are available around school where students re-fill their plastic bottles from home. Most classrooms allow drinking in class for optimum learning. Fresh juices, hot chocolate, milk and bottled water are also for sale in the Diner. We ask that only water is drunk in class in case of accidental spillage. PC Suites, Music, Library,ADT and Science labs cannot permit water for health and safety reasons.
HEALTH & SAFETY (See also travelling to and from school) Newbridge has a health & safety policy which can be read in full by parents and visitors. As with all school policies a copy is available in the school office and on the website The school takes all steps within its powers to prevent injury, health hazards and damage to property. Risk Assessments: these are carried out for all activities in accordance with Health and Safety at Work Regulations and checked annually or if needs change. Transport: only County approved coaches are used with seatbelts. Trips and Visits: the group leader carefully plans the trip or visit, conducting risk assessments prior, during and after any activity. All high risk activities such as climbing and skiing are carefully regulated in accordance with legislation (Young Persons Safety Act 1995). All trips and visits have to be approved by the Governor’s Health and Safety Sub-Committee, who often delegate to named senior staff operationally. Assessing risk is a routine part of our operations and sometimes leads to new rules that students are expected to follow e.g. no play fighting. These rules are well publicised.
26
HOLIDAYS Holidays should not be taken during term time as stated by the Department of Education legislation since 1st September 2013. The Headteacher has the discretion to allow a number of days absence per year but only in exceptional circumstances such as a family crisis or if there is a bereavement. Governors have looked in detail at the effects of absence on student achievement and have found that it has a serious affect on a child’s educational progress. (See www.newbridgesch.uk) The school provides well for the personal development of pupils” “School leaders and managers check that the many opportunities that the school provides are available for all pupils” Ofsted – May 2013
HOMEWORK Students can expect to be completing homework for two subjects each night which will take approximately 20 minutes each in Year 7, and 30 - 40 minutes in Year 8 and Year 9. Working independently in this way is an important part of their education and develops study and problem solving skills. When no homework is set students are asked to write “no homework set” into their planners. Tips for Students Always write homework in your planner, and write if you haven’t got any. If you don't understand the homework - tell the teacher (you won't be the only one). Do your homework as soon as you get home in a quiet place. If this is not possible, use the homework rooms at lunchtimes, or the library. You can also use the library for half an hour after school, and homework club runs after school Mondays-Thursdays. Don’t leave homework to the last minute. Always hand homework in on time. If you are struggling, talk to the teacher, get help or ask for an extension. Pack your bag for school the night before. If you need to print homework off and have no printer either, send it to the teacher’s postbox or put on a memory stick to print off at school. Also, most teachers are happy for homework to be e-mailed to them. There is a homework section on our website that may be helpful to families. (www.newbridgesch.uk) If students are placed in homework detention it runs on Fridays after school (see Planner) Those who do not attend must do the detention the following Wednesday. Parents will receive a text. 27
INCLUSION Our accessibility and disability policies explain how we enable all students and staff to access learning. All except one subject area is fully accessible for wheelchair use. Our curriculum is broad and for some very flexible, to meet individual needs.
iPADS AND DIGITAL LEARNING At Newbridge we encourage students to make use of new technologies to widen and deepen their learning. We believe that online learning motivates most learners. iPads make learning more exciting though the use of educational apps. Students can access their work at any time through WiFi, so that learning can continue at home. Access to learning online takes place through the school website. In the first two days of the school year, students will be given their login and password to access all their online folders. Having their own, personal iPad allows students many advantages:
You can access your work in school all the time
You can access your work at home through WiFi all the time
You can take advantage of the school apps which support learning
You gain instant access to the online world to answer questions, research, present work and communicate with teachers
iPad Leasing Scheme For these reasons we offer to all a subsidised leasing scheme through which all students can have their own iPad. For a small deposit and monthly payment, students will be able to start Year 7 with a brand new iPad, protective case, full warranty and insurance against breakage. This will remain with them throughout their 3 years at Newbridge and will be theirs to take with them at the end of Year 9. If you wish to take advantage of this scheme,Please look at the school website – go to Parents/Students ipads. Use of home-owned ipads Students are able to use ipads leased through the school. They may only bring to school and use their own device if: 1. The model of own iPad used is no older than two models previous to that being deployed to students by the school
28
2. That sufficient space is always available on the device for education use and that education is a priority use 3. The parent accepts that a school owned and configured MDM profile would need to be installed on the device 4. The school accepts absolutely no responsibility for the device in or out of school. Phones or other tablets are not allowed in to school and should be handed in to the school office by 8.45 and collected after 3.15 (2.45 Fridays).
ITEMS OF VALUE Students should not bring items of value into school. If it is necessary they should hand them in at the office for safe keeping. Money should be put into the machines as soon as possible.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL AT LUNCHTIME Students must stay on the school premises during the day. If parents/carers wish for their son/daughter to go home or go to an approved house for lunch this must be arranged and signed for on the data base form provided by the Primary School. This arrangement must be a regular one i.e. every day the same. Students will be issued with a green lunch pass which they should keep with them in case they are challenged by police truancy patrols. They need to sign out and sign in again at the office to ensure safety e.g. fire alarm. Students must leave and return through the visitor entrance past the office, returning on time. Any changes to students’ lunchtime arrangements must be communicated in writing to the Deputy Headteacher, Mrs. Warren, so that we are always be sure of arrangements. Students can collect a green letter from Mrs Warren that makes it easier to communicate new arrangements. Students need to be going home or staying at school, not chopping and changing. Safety is paramount.
29
LITERACY WHAT CAN BE DONE AT HOME TO SUPPORT LITERACY? Together we need to build upon work done in your child’s Primary School. Speaking and Listening This is a major focus for us this year, both in school and by the Government. You can support your child by: Encouraging good listening skills. Encouraging them to use language respectfully. Encouraging them to use formal language in formal situations. Discussing current affairs and watching the news to broaden their horizons. Reading There are very clear links between reading ability and exam results. You can support your child by: Encouraging them to enjoy reading books – 30 minutes each evening not only encourages enjoyment but aids progress in spelling too. Ensuring that they read regularly—use the school library and public libraries. Encouraging them to read a variety of texts e.g. fiction, Non-fiction, newspapers, magazines, internet. Reading yourself and showing that you enjoy it! Writing You can support you child’s writing in the following ways: Ensure that your child has not rushed his/her homework and has included sufficient detail. Make sure they check work carefully before handing it in for marking. Are spellings correct? Make sure that work is well presented and that handwriting is neat. Check that the writing is written in proper sentences. Has it been written in paragraphs? Is the punctuation correct? Check that they have written using who, what, where, when and why to provide quality. Use planners/dictionaries to check spellings and structures. Help your child to learn spellings. Take an interest in their homework. Ensure that homework is handed in on time. ACCELLERATED READER All students across the school take part in the accelerated reader programme The Accelerated Reader program is a computerized program that tests reading comprehension. Students select books on their reading level, read independently, and take an independent comprehension test on the computer. Each book is worth a certain number of points based on its length and reading level.
30
LOST PROPERTY PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT ARE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE STUDENT’S NAME. We will then be able to identify them. Students should go to the premises office to enquire after lost property. We dispose of unclaimed items of clothing at the end of each term, donating them to charity. However, we do our best to encourage students to reclaim items by putting them on display near the end of each term.
MEDICATION If students have an on-going condition e.g. epilepsy, the school will securely store medication for them, which they can come for at an agreed time. Staff are trained regularly on how to administer an epipen for those students with a severe allergy. The school nurse can also give advice. Parents will need to complete a consent form in these circumstances. Staff are not allowed to give medication of any kind to students. If students require medication e.g. antibiotics, this should be taken before or after school. If students need to take medication e.g. a pain killer during school hours they must bring only one tablet and are responsible for keeping and taking it sensibly with their parent’s consent, or for storing it at the office. The school has an asthma policy which involves secure storage of spare inhalers (named and labelled) at the office. A child suffering from asthma in Year 6 should receive a letter from us soon after starting Newbridge. If this is not the case please contact us, because we ask that you complete a card that we use for swift response when students need it. There are always exceptional circumstances; we will do all we can to help. Parents should contact the school office with enquiries. (NB: our Asthma policy can be downloaded from our website)
31
MOBILE PHONES
If parents believe a mobile phone is essential for the journey to and from school it must be labelled with the child's name and students must hand it in at the office for safe keeping at 8.40, and collect it at the end of the day. If students are found to have their mobile phone/IPod or valuable item with them during the school day, it will be confiscated and will need to be collected by a parent. (The same applies to other banned or dangerous items e.g. cigarettes). Senior staff will search for phones and other banned items if they need to in order to keep good order and to keep students/property safe. They will be confiscated and have to be picked up by an adult (see Behaviour Policy)
MOVEMENT AROUND THE BUILDING Movement around school needs to be calm and orderly with students keeping bags down by their sides and keeping to the RIGHT in corridors. To keep people safe, our staircases are ONE WAY. Children go UP the Maths stairs and DOWN the Humanities stairs; and pupils leaving Language 1 go down the outer stairs. Stairs are clearly labelled. Students are permitted to go both ways along the Maths corridor e.g. from H4 M1. NB: Occasionally staff may have to go the wrong way down stairs to ensure they can supervise classes promptly. Students are understanding about this and do not view it as unfair.
PAYMENTS ParentPay is our online payment service. ParentPay will allow you to pay for school items including dinner money, trips and Activities Week etc. This is done using a very secure website called ParentPay. You will receive a unique activation username and password during the summer holidays which will allow you to activate your account before your child starts in September. We are actively encouraging parents to use ParentPay where possible.
32
PHOTOGRAPHS AND IMAGES Photographs and video film parents/carers take at school events Parents and relatives of students should note that any photographs or video film they take at school events are likely to contain images of other children whose parents may not have given permission for them to be filmed or photographed. Such images should not be circulated more widely than the family, i.e. they should just be for the family's use. Our advice is that any manipulation or distribution of images of children could result in prosecution. Students involved in a school show will be told at the event the arrangements for photography but usually photographers are asked to wait until after the show to avoid interruption. Photographs used around school and on the website Newbridge is a Progress File school. We believe strongly in celebrating achievement extensively to help maintain our ethos of attainment and care. This includes photos in Newbridge News (posted on the Newbridge website) photographs on screens around the school with regular Tweets on other social media platforms. Names and photos may be posted online together unless parents ask the school not to do so. Team Photos Usually members of school teams enjoy the publicity they receive when they represent the school in sporting competitions (especially if they win!). It is appropriate for names to be identified with photos in these circumstances. If parents prefer their child not to be involved or named, staff will deal with this sensitively so that others are not affected but vulnerable students are protected. Please let your child know your views so that they can talk to staff a the time. Portrait Photography In Year 7 and Year 9 staff invite professional photographers into school. This is carefully supervised and parents informed. The contract is between parents and the photographer. The school Website and Prospectus The school always asks parents' permission before images of children are used in promotional material. We do not use names with these images if they go onto the website. We are very careful about the images selected considering student safety at all times. Your wishes If you do not wish your child to have their photograph taken please write or contact the school to let us know ASAP.
33
PROPERTY AND BANNED ITEMS
Students must not bring valuable items of property to school without permission. This includes items such as I Pods and cash if more than £20. Such items, if discovered, will be confiscated and held by the school until the end of the day to keep them safe. A confiscated mobile phone must be collected by a parent/carer. Students should never carry large sums of money around with them during the school day. Money for trips etc. should be given to the school office. If it is essential that a student has more than £20 with them, they should hand it to the office for safe keeping and collect it at the end of the day. Payments for Activities Week or other activities are made on well published specified dates at the office, and best paid using ParentPay. Aerosols can be dangerous. They are not permitted in school. (Roll-on deodorant/anti-perspirants can be used in PE but no cans) Drink cans are also banned, following a near accident on the school field years ago a can was shredded by the grass cutters into dangerous shards. All sharp, potentially dangerous items e.g. metal combs, penknives, BB guns are, of course, banned from school, with the exception of a pair of compasses if kept in a pencil case. For safeguarding reasons any devices that access the internet that do not go through our filtering systems are also not permitted. Eg SMART watches Senior staff will search for banned items if they have reason to believe students are storing them in bags or on their person. Banned items will be confiscated by staff and can be collected by parents/carers from the school office.
RAISING MONEY FOR GOOD CAUSES Twice a term students are asked to support good causes with a non-uniform day (£1 contribution or more). Students are all consulted through their School Council rep to decide the good causes to be supported. Displays and assemblies tell students how their donations will be used. Sometimes students ask for another money raising day e.g. Red Nose Day/to fund the Prom.
THE SCHOOL DAY INCLUDING LUNCHTIME
If students are going to be late or are absent from school parents/carers need to phone school before 9.15 a.m. (Tel: 01530 831561) 34
Students are supervised at school from 8.35am-3.25pm. (Breakfast club from 8am) Certain after school clubs and homework clubs operate after 3.25pm. The school opens at 8.40 a.m. when a bell is rung. Morning registration is at 8.45 a.m. (Students arriving late will serve a lunchtime detention). Students arriving after 8.50 a.m. must sign in at the school office. (This is very important in case of fire or similar emergency and because the school’s attendance officer will phone home when students are not registered and the reason is unknown). At Break, classrooms are out of bounds. Students should be outside or can visit the Diner. Some areas are out of bounds at all times of day e.g. behind the Pavilion. Tutors will explain to students which areas are out of bounds and why. There are many clubs, workshops, sports, practices, etc. available at lunchtimes as well as the school library, study centre and a computer club. No areas of the school building may be used at lunchtime unless a member of staff is present. Members of staff are on duty at break, before school and after school. At Lunchtime the students are supervised by a variety of staff, a manager and a senior leader. Boards show whether the field is open or closed at lunchtime. First half of Lunchtime (12.55-1.20) “EAT or SPORT” - Sport in the Sports hall (PE staff) - Football on the 3G pitch (Football coach) - Table tennis - Snacks in the Hall (queue in bike sheds) - Main meals in Diner (queue at entrance or in outside eating area) - Outside dining in the outdoor area (served through a hatch) - Students who bring their own lunch can eat in any of the above areas, the Quad and outside blue tables. Second half of Lunchtime (1.15-1.40) “Activities” - Various clubs run by teachers and support staff (see page 2) - Football on 3G pitch - Organised play on the playground - Adventure playground - Field or MUGA - PA “Common Room” - Hall “Games Room” includes Ipad use. - Table Tennis - Food available in the Diner until 1.35 - Drop ins to the school counsellor in L3 - Quiet play in the interventions room - Special discussion sessions once a week in the interventions room - Library
35
Staff at Newbridge High School: KEY STAFF Headteacher: Deputy Headteacher: Assistant Headteachers:
Mr Stewart Goacher Mrs Judi Warren Mrs Katrina Farragher Ms Natalie Fox
Business Manager: Pastoral Managers:
Ms Maxine Adams Year 7 = Misss Sharon Burder Year 8 = Ms Trish Richardson Year 9 = Mrs Sally Vallance
ADMIN STAFF
Mrs Kirste Thompson Miss Gemma Bradley-Stevenson Mrs Heather Docksey Ms Donna Hudson-Bennett Mrs Julie Murray Mrs Christine Sharpe Ms Surenne Zake
Admin and Finance Manager Admin Assistant Admin Assistant HR and Communication Officer Admin/Facilities Officer Admin/Data Officer Library and Resources Assistant
STAFF IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER Ms Maxine Adams Mrs Sally Allen Mrs Karen Allen Mr John Baker Miss Claire Barker Mrs Dawn Barrs Mrs Tina Berry Miss Sam Billington Mrs Sue Birch Mr Daniel Birt Mrs Donna Blount Mr Michael Boulton Mrs Louise Bowles Mrs Sarah Brookes Mr Carl Brown Ms Mandy Brown Ms Sharon Burder Mrs Yu Chappell Mr Martin Concannon Miss Laura Drakeley Mrs Heather Docksey Miss Samantha Ede Mrs Michelle Fairbrother Mrs Katrina Farragher Ms Gillian Fisher Mrs Jane Forrester Ms Natalie Fox Mr Jonathan Francis Mr Stewart Goacher Miss Abby Grant
Business Manager Student Support/Housekeeping Catering and Hospitality Assistant Kitchen Porter Science Teacher, Tutor Catering and Hospitality Assistant Student Support Modern Languages Teacher, Tutor and House Co-ordinator English Teacher, Tutor PE and Careers Teacher, Curriculum leader of HCC Student Support ICT Technician/Mentor Food Technology Teacher, Tutor Clerk to Governors Facilities and Premises Technician Housekeeping Staff Pastoral Manager – Year 9 Housekeeping Staff Facilities and Premises Technician Curriculum Leader of Humanities, Geography and Careers Teacher, Tutor Admin Assistant Student Support Student Technical Support Assistant Head Teacher, Special Needs Co-ordinator, English Teacher Student Support Catering and Hospitality Assistant Assistant Head Teacher, Curriculum Leader of Modern Languages, Modern Languages Teacher Science Teacher, Tutor Headteacher and Citizenship Teacher Student Support
36
Mrs Kelly Greene Ms Gilly Haines Mrs Liz Haynes Mr Joel Henry Mrs Tuesday Hewkins Ms Sharon Higham Miss Emma Hollingsworth Mr Richard Hollis Miss Claire Hudson Ms Donna Hudson-Bennett Mrs Lorraine Hughes Mr Ben Little Miss Sophie Marlow Mrs Kirsty Milner Miss Amy Moran Mrs Julie Murray Miss Laura Murray Mrs Sarah Nash Mr Paul Osborne Mr David Read Mrs Julie Richardson Ms Trish Richardson Mrs Christine Sharpe Mrs Dy Shepherd Miss Danielle Sheppard Mrs Lisa Smith Mrs Tina Smith Mr Tim Solley Mrs Deb Taylor Mrs Kirste Thompson Mrs Vicky Udall Mrs Sally Vallance Mr Keith Walters Mrs Judi Warren Miss Helen Watkins Miss Louise Watkins Miss Chloe Whitham Mrs Sally Williams Mrs Joanna Williamson Mr Josh Wilson Mrs Joanne Wilton Miss Sara Yates Mrs Tracey York Mrs Surenne Zake
Curriculum Leader of P.E., PE Teacher, Citizenship and Careers Education Teacher, Tutor, Co-ordinator of ICT across the Curriculum Pastoral Advisor, Art Teacher/Tutor Student Support Curriculum Leader of ADT, ICT Teacher, Tutor English and Drama Teacher, Tutor Student Support Maths Teacher, Tutor History teacher,Tutor Student Support HR and Communications Officer Catering and Hospitality Assistant Curriculum Leader of Performing Arts, Music and Citizenship Teacher, Tutor Maths and PE teacher ,Tutor Product Design and Media Teacher, Tutor and Enrichment Humanities Teacher Admin/Facilities Officer Facilities and Premises Technician Catering and Hospitality Manager Premises Officer Facilities and Premises Technician Catering and Hospitality Assistant, Housekeeping Staff Pastoral Manager – Year 8 Admin/Data Officer Curriculum Leader of Science, Science Teacher, Co-Tutor Dance Teacher and Student support Curriculum Leader of Maths, Numeracy Co-ordinator, Maths Teacher and Tutor Assistant Premises Officer Student Support Road Safety Patrol and Assistant Premises Officer Admin and Finance Manager Assistant Cook Pastoral Manager – Year 9 Maths Teacher, Tutor Deputy Headteacher, Food Technology Teacher, DSL Housekeeping Staff Student Support English Teacher, Tutor, Curriculum Leader of English, Literacy Co-ordinator Student Technical Support Student Support Network Manager School Counsellor Maths Teacher, Tutor English Teacher,Tutor Student Support, Librarian and Resources Assistant
37
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL/ACCESS WALKING TO SCHOOL Students may live near enough to walk. They should use the small gates and pathways at the entrance or exit points. If they need to cross the road they should do so in a safe and sensible way at the crossing where we have a person to patrol traffic. The School Travel Plan Team encourages students to walk to school.
CYCLING TO SCHOOL/SCOOTER USE If a student wishes to cycle or scooter to school, they should ask at the office for a cycle/scooter safety consent form. When completed, it must be returned to Mrs Vallance before the cycle/scooter is used. Students will need to produce their Cycling Proficiency Certificate or a letter from home giving permission to ride on the road. The bike/scooter needs to be maintained in good condition and a lock used to keep it safe at school. Bike racks are provided outside the front door of school. A helmet is strongly recommended. The Travel Plan Team encourages students to cycle to school. Students can store their cycle helmet in a locker costing £2.50 to rent per year. An initial payment of £5 is required and at the end of Year 9, £2.50 is returned upon safe receipt of the key/lock. No cycling or scootering is allowed anywhere inside the gates. Cyclists should push their bike or scooter and use the crossing so that they are safe. Cycle training can be arranged with officers from the transport department. Our cycle rack is supervised using a CCTV system.
TRAVELLING BY BUS A private bus company operates the school run contracted by County Hall. A letter giving information about the bus system, together with bus passes, will be given out either at the end of term at Primary School or sent to the home address in the holidays from County Hall. If you experience difficulties obtaining a bus pass and have not received one by mid-August contact the travel helpline on 0116 3057055. If the family lives more than 3 miles from school it may be possible to get a bus pass by ringing County Hall on 0116 3057055 (Travel Helpline). It is important students know where the bus bringing them to school will pick them up, and what time it will be there. If the bus is late, they should not go home but wait for a reasonable time especially in poor weather. If they miss the bus at the end of school they must go back into school and tell a teacher who will arrange for them to phone home. Any problems regarding buses should be directed to the County Hall Helpline 0116 3057055.
38
If a child forgets their bus pass in the morning they will be allowed to travel but must request a temporary pass for the journey home (they should go to the office at break or lunchtime and not wait until the end of school). Behaviour on the bus is expected to be excellent: Sit down at all times the bus is moving. Always wear a seatbelt. Only get up to exit the bus once it has totally stopped. Bags and equipment must remain with students at all times. Moving, throwing or not following reasonable behaviour expectations will result in: o School warning o Local Authority warning o Withdrawal of bus pass and use of bus Students in the School Travel Plan Team encourage car sharing where walking or cycling is not possible.
DISABLED ACCESS The school is almost completely accessible. The school keeps access under review in order to best meet the needs of all uses. There are disabled parking spaces outside reception and next to the sports hall.
SEAT BELTS AND BOOSTER SEATS All children and adults must use seat belts where they are fitted, (see above). All children under 12 must be provided with a booster seat if they are under 135cms tall. We keep a seat in the staffroom to be loaned out if needed.
UNIFORM School uniform and PE kit is available to order through the school. costs £55 or £61 and contains the following:
The complete package
1 Black Sweatshirt with Newbridge Logo 1 White Polo Shirt with Newbridge Logo (plain white polo shirt will be accepted) PE Kit 1 Navy PE Hooded Sweatshirt with student’s initial and surname printed on back 1 Navy PE Polo Shirt with student’s initial and surname printed on back 1 Black Shorts 1 Black Football Socks (long) (Rain Jackets and plain black (no logo) cardigans are an optional extra and not included in the package) Items can be purchased separately and stock is held at the school throughout the year. Students can collect order forms from the Reprographics Department. The Newbridge style of trousers and skirt is clearly shown on the website. Cheques should be made payable to Liss Sport. Students also need plain black tailored trousers or skirt which need to be smart, made from tailored fabric and must not be leggings or jeans. Skirts must be no shorter than just above the knee and must not be made of elasticated fabric. 39
FOOTWEAR Strong, smart plain black footwear with sensible heels (not sandals). School shoes are best. If students wear trainer style shoes or baseball style they must be all black and they must have a change of trainers for PE. White stripes for example will need to be blacked out. Trainers and 3G approved football boots for PE
OUTDOOR WEAR Students need a coat (preferably waterproof). Denim and Leather is not permitted. Boots must not be worn with a skirt and need to be tucked under trousers so trousers will need to be wide enough to allow for this.
JEWELLERY AND MAKE-UP Small, neat, simple jewellery (e.g. a thin chain, a plain ring) Simple stud or small ring earrings (no larger than 1p piece horizontally or vertically) Very discrete make-up Very small piercing studs with no connectives Discrete hair colouring
NOT PERMITTED Clothing with violent or offensive images Denim of any sort Tracksuit tops or bottoms (except for use in P.E.). T-shirts (except for PE) Large, long, pointed or dangling earrings (larger than a 1p piece) Earrings or nose rings with connections from one point to another
NOT IN UNIFORM? If a student has to come to school without the set uniform for some reason they should bring a note of explanation from home, e.g. occasionally for medical reasons students may have to wear loose fitting clothing. Students should show their note or message to their tutor at 8.40 a.m. to be issued with a green slip. Students with no note from home, who are not in correct uniform, will be sent to the Pastoral Office to be issued with black pumps or loan items such as trousers that we keep in stock, or will be sent home to change, making up missed time in lunchtime detention. Parents will be contacted if students are regularly not in school uniform. Students who refuse to borrow loan items will be placed in isolation for the day. (For more information see the school website) Please mark all items clearly with student's name For more general information see www.gov.uk/school-uniform “The Headteacher can discipline your child for not wearing the school uniform. Your child can only be suspended or expelled if they repeatedly ignore the uniform rules”. The website always gives advice on financial help form the local council. “School leaders and managers, together with the governing body have ambition for the continuing success of the school. Their focus is on academic excellence whilst developing wider opportunities and experiences for pupils in preparation for adult life” Ofsted – May 2013 40
41
ACADEMIC YEAR 2016-17 AUTUMN TERM Schools Open Mid Term Break Schools Close
Tuesday 30th August 2016 Friday 14th to Friday 21rd October 2016 inclusive Friday evening 16th December 2016
SPRING TERM Schools Opens Mid Term Break Schools Closes
Wednesday 4th January 2017 Monday 13th to Friday 17th February 2017 inclusive Friday evening 7th April 2017
SUMMER TERM Schools Opens May Day (closed) Mid Term Break Schools Closes
Monday 24th April 2017 Monday 1st May 2017 Monday 29th May to Friday 2nd June 2017 inclusive Friday afternoon 14th July 2017
24th/25th/26th August 2016 14th October 2016 3rd January 2016
Closed for staff training days =
ACADEMIC YEAR 2017-18 AUTUMN TERM Schools Open Mid Term Break Schools Close
Tuesday 29th August 2017 Friday 13th to Friday 20th October 2017 inclusive Friday evening 22nd December 2017
SPRING TERM Schools Opens Mid Term Break Schools Closes
Wednesday 9th January 2018 Monday 12th to Friday 16th February 2018 inclusive Friday evening 23rd March 2018
SUMMER TERM Schools Opens May Day (closed) Mid Term Break Schools Closes
Monday 9th April 2018 Monday 7th May 2018 Monday 28th May to Friday 1st June 2018 inclusive Thursday 12th July 2018
Plus closed for 5 training days . Dates to be confirmed 42
