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St Thomas à Becket Catholic School
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR Year 7 PARENTS
2013 – 2014
‘I AM
School Motto “ Esse Quam Videri “ We would like you to return the signed Home / School agreement Form by September 9th via your child’s tutor.
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Contents
3 Introduction from the Headteacher
3 Mission Statement and Aims
4 Home School Agreements
8 Day to Day – Contact with Parents
9 School Term Dates
10 Basic Standards
11 Attendance / Lost Learning Time
12 Equipment / Uniform
13 Code of Conduct on School Transport
14 Mobile Phones and electronic devices
15 Rewards
16 Hierarchy of Sanctions
17 Extra Support for your Child - CAF
18 Frequently Asked Questions
21 What the Most Successful Students say
22 What Contact can I expect from the School
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Introduction from the Headteacher
Headteacher John Rooney Every new year presents new challenges to our students. These are important milestones which, as they move up in the School, demand a new set of skills such as greater independent working and self-organisation. The aim of this booklet is to provide you and your child with the information you both need to ensure we continue to work effectively in partnership. The booklet makes clear our expectations regarding our basic standards; standards which are the cornerstones of effective learning and high achievement. Please go through this booklet together as soon as you can. We would like you to return the signed Home / School Agreement form by the 9th September via your child’s tutor. As we go from strength to strength we look forward to working with you to help your child fulfil their God-given potential.
MISSION STATEMENT
To develop the potential of every individual, by providing the best education through experience of a Catholic, Christian Community within which all members may grow in faith.
AIMS • To develop the faith of every member of the School Community by making prayer, worship, and liturgy
meaningful educational experiences.
• To be open and welcoming, and to build close working relationships with parents, parishes, primary schools and other partners in the education of our pupils.
• To ensure that our curriculum provides a Catholic, Christian framework within which every individual is encouraged to realise her or his full potential in preparation for adult life.
• To ensure that all relationships within the school provide each individual with experience of his or her dignity, value and uniqueness.
• To provide pastoral care for all members of the School Community based on Christ’s example.
• To raise standards of individual pupil, and whole-school, achievement.
“Growing together in Christ.”
“Living and learning in God’s love.”
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Parent Copy
St Thomas à Becket Catholic School Home School Agreement 2013/2014 St Thomas à Becket Catholic School needs the active support of you as a parent/guardian to fulfil its Mission of Care and Education for your child. Our school seeks to develop an effective partnership between home and school, based on mutual understanding and trust. This agreement provides a framework for the school, parents and pupils to achieve this goal.
Name of Pupil: _____________________________ Tutor Group: ________ We, the parents/guardians, will:
take responsibility for our child when travelling to and from the school and ensure that our child is aware of the need to travel in a safe and courteous manner;
ensure that our child arrives at school safely, on time, in full school uniform and with the correct
equipment each day;
in circumstances preventing attendance, notify the school on the same day, confirming the reasons in writing on the child’s return to school;
support the Catholic Christian values of the school as outlined in the school prospectus;
support the discipline and pastoral care of the school as outlined in the school prospectus and your child’s
pupil planner;
discuss any concerns or difficulties with staff by contacting school to make an appointment as appropriate;
support the pupil planner to aid our child’s progress, signing the respective record each week;
actively support and encourage our child with all homework set;
attend Parent Consultation Evenings and other occasional meetings wherever possible;
avoid keeping our child out of school in term time, (e.g. family holidays) apart from exceptional
circumstances such as illness and bereavement;
I, the pupil, will:
attend school punctually, in full school uniform and with the correct equipment each day;
travel to and from school in a safe and courteous way, treating fellow pupils and members of the public with respect;
treat staff and fellow pupils with respect, be honest and obedient, upholding the school rules at all times;
carry out school work, including homework, in a conscientious manner without disturbing the work of
other children;
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support the school’s Catholic Christian nature and participate in school liturgies as required;
maintain my pupil planner as agreed;
Treat all school property and equipment with care, and in such a way as not to endanger staff and fellow pupils.
We, the school, will:
welcome, value, teach and encourage the development of your child in accordance with the school’s Mission Statement;
keep you informed of your child’s progress and any issues and concerns by means of the pupil planner or
other appropriate means, signing the respective record each week;
ensure that your child is treated equally and fairly at all times, taking action where school rules are broken e.g. bullying and discrimination;
seek the best and most appropriate resources for your child in the context of the school’s and LEA’s
Special Needs Provision;
provide you with the opportunity to discuss concerns with appropriate staff by means of the telephone or an appointment at mutually convenient times;
promote good behaviour and standards from your child and all pupils in the school for example setting
and marking homework when and where appropriate;
provide a detailed annual report on your child’s achievements each academic year;
Maintain a safe environment where your child can study and develop and will feel secure on arriving at school, during the school day and as your child leaves the school.
Notify you during the first day of absence if the school has not been contacted already.
Signed: Signed: Parent/Guardian: ________________________ Pupil: _______________________________
Date: ___________________________________ Date: ________________________________ Head Teacher: ___________________________ Governor: ____________________________ Date ___________________________________ Date: ________________________________ Note: This document should be read in conjunction with the school’s prospectus and mission statement.
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School Copy
St Thomas à Becket Catholic School Home School Agreement 2013/2014 St Thomas à Becket Catholic School needs the active support of you as a parent/guardian to fulfil its Mission of Care and Education for your child. Our school seeks to develop an effective partnership between home and school, based on mutual understanding and trust. This agreement provides a framework for the school, parents and pupils to achieve this goal.
Name of Pupil: _____________________________ Tutor Group: ________ We, the parents/guardians, will:
take responsibility for our child when travelling to and from the school and ensure that our child is aware of the need to travel in a safe and courteous manner;
ensure that our child arrives at school safely, on time, in full school uniform and with the correct
equipment each day;
in circumstances preventing attendance, notify the school on the same day, confirming the reasons in writing on the child’s return to school;
support the Catholic Christian values of the school as outlined in the school prospectus;
support the discipline and pastoral care of the school as outlined in the school prospectus and your child’s
pupil planner;
discuss any concerns or difficulties with staff by contacting school to make an appointment as appropriate;
support the pupil planner to aid our child’s progress, signing the respective record each week;
actively support and encourage our child with all homework set;
attend Parent Consultation Evenings and other occasional meetings wherever possible;
avoid keeping our child out of school in term time, (e.g. family holidays) apart from exceptional
circumstances such as illness and bereavement;
I, the pupil, will:
attend school punctually, in full school uniform and with the correct equipment each day;
travel to and from school in a safe and courteous way, treating fellow pupils and members of the public with respect;
treat staff and fellow pupils with respect, be honest and obedient, upholding the school rules at all times;
carry out school work, including homework, in a conscientious manner without disturbing the work of
other children;
support the school’s Catholic Christian nature and participate in school liturgies as required;
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maintain my pupil planner as agreed;
Treat all school property and equipment with care, and in such a way as not to endanger staff and fellow pupils.
We, the school, will:
welcome, value, teach and encourage the development of your child in accordance with the school’s Mission Statement;
keep you informed of your child’s progress and any issues and concerns by means of the pupil planner or
other appropriate means, signing the respective record each week;
ensure that your child is treated equally and fairly at all times, taking action where school rules are broken e.g. bullying and discrimination;
seek the best and most appropriate resources for your child in the context of the school’s and LEA’s
Special Needs Provision;
provide you with the opportunity to discuss concerns with appropriate staff by means of the telephone or an appointment at mutually convenient times;
promote good behaviour and standards from your child and all pupils in the school for example setting
and marking homework when and where appropriate;
provide a detailed annual report on your child’s achievements each academic year;
Maintain a safe environment where your child can study and develop and will feel secure on arriving at school, during the school day and as your child leaves the school.
Notify you during the first day of absence if the school has not been contacted already.
Signed: Signed: Parent/Guardian: ________________________ Pupil: _______________________________
Date: ___________________________________ Date: ________________________________ Head Teacher: ___________________________ Governor: ____________________________ Date ___________________________________ Date: ________________________________ Note: This document should be read in conjunction with the school’s prospectus and mission statement.
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Day To Day Arrangements Who Do I Contact? Your child’s Form Tutor is the first point of contact. This can be done initially through the planner. The Achievement Leader also deals with individual issues but has a broader liaison role and has contact with outside agencies. The Key Stage Leader is a senior member of staff with responsibility for a key stage. Parents wishing to see members of staff should make an appointment first. Achievement Leaders Key Stage Leaders
• Year 7 Mr. P. Kiernan Key Stage 3 – Mr J. Firth • Year 8 Mr. J. Firth • Year 9 Mrs. L. Davies
• Year 10 Mrs V. Mason Key Stage 4 – Mr T. Whitney • Year 11 Mr. T. Whitney What are the timings for the school day?
The School Day We begin school with a warning bell at 9.35a.m. and registration at 8.40a.m. Assemblies will take place in morning registration time. Period 1: 8.55a.m. - 9.55a.m. Period 2: 9.55a.m. - 10.55a.m. BREAK: 10.55a.m. - 11.10a.m. Period 3: 11.10a.m. - 12.10p.m. Period 4: 12.10p.m. - 1.10p.m. LUNCH: 1.10p.m. - 1.50p.m. Period 5: 1.50p.m. - 2.55p.m.
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What are the term dates for the school year?
SCHOOL TERM DATES 2013/14
DATE Open to Years 7 and 11 only Tuesday 3rd September Open to all students Wednesday 4th September School Closes to students Friday 25th October Open to students Monday 4th November School Closes to students Friday 20th December (Christmas) Open to students Monday 6th January School Closes to students Friday 14th February Open to students Monday 24th February School Closes to students Friday 11th April (Easter) Open to students Monday 28th April Closed to students Monday 5th May (Bank Holiday) School Closes to students Friday 23rd May Open to students Monday 2nd June School Closes to students Friday 18th July
What are the important calendar dates for my child?
Key Dates for Parents 2013/14 Year 7
September: Thursday 5th – Start of Year Mass Monday 9th – CATS Test Week November: Thursday 7th – Parents Information Evening Friday 15th – ABC Launch December: Monday 2nd – Pastoral Review begins Wednesday 6th – Data Form Period Monday 9th – Interim Reports home Thursday 12th – Parents Evening Wednesday 19th – Advent Service 7pm March: Friday 21st – Data form period Monday 24th – Interim Reports home June: Monday 2nd June Y7 Summer Exams begin July: Friday 6th – Data form period Thursday 17th – Reports home
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What are the Basic Standards that apply to all students
Basic standards
The Classroom Code
• Arrive promptly and properly equipped to lessons • Listen to instructions the first time they are given. • Raise your hand before answering or speaking • Remain in your seat unless asked to move • Treat others, their work and equipment with respect
1. Punctuality Students arrive within 3 minutes of each other and are greeted by the teacher Late students are recorded but not challenged. The responsibility lies with students to show note in planner Lateness to registration will result in a 20 minute lunchtime detention the same day. Students go immediately to the detention enabling them to have their lunch afterwards. Two lates in a week results in an after school detention.
2. Equipment Students place planners, books & writing equipment on the desk. Bags are placed on the floor. Students are properly equipped – list – bag, planner, pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, a calculator Mp3 players and phones are not allowed in School. These should be handed in to the Matron for safekeeping. If they are seen, including headphones, they will be confiscated for five School days or can be collected at the end of the same day by a parent/carer. Students who refuse to hand items over will be excluded for 3 days 3. Organisation of learning Students sit in places determined by the teacher Remain in their seat unless asked to move Students are quickly engaged in the lesson and are clear about the learning objectives The register is taken within 10 minutes 4. Conduct Students listen to instructions the first time they are given. They treat others, their work and equipment with respect and use manners – such as “please, thank you, excuse me, pardon”. Students raise their hand before answering or speaking. Chewing gum is not allowed in School – this is recorded in the planner Keep to the left, use the one way system, do not run All students use their respective yards at breaktime and lunchtime. 5. Uniform Students wear full uniform correctly throughout the school day - Blazer, tie, shirt tucked in, no caps/hats. Ties must be worn at all times. Non-uniform items should be removed on entering classrooms. Only School approved badges may be worn on the blazer. Make up is allowed but will be judged appropriate by a designated staff member False nails are not allowed
• One pair of plain studs may be worn.
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Attendance Parents are primarily responsible for ensuring that their children attend, and stay at, school. It is the responsibility of the school to support attendance and to take seriously problems which may lead to non-attendance. Schools are now obliged to publish their statistics of all authorised and unauthorised absences. If your child has been absent you must:
1) Telephone the School on each day of your child’s absence; this information will be passed on to your child’s form tutor; the direct telephone number is 01924 303545 or email [email protected].
2) Write a note of explanation on the day s/he returns to School. 3) Give written advance notification that your child will be absent or late for legitimate reasons e.g.: medical or
dental treatment. 4) If School has not received a telephone call by 9.30a.m. on the first day of your child’s absence you will be
contacted by a representative of the School.
HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME Requests for ‘authorised absence’ in term time including Holiday requests. – Requests for ‘authorised absence’ in term time are strongly discouraged and will only be supported by the headteacher in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances do not include family holidays, and these will be routinely refused. If parents take children on holiday in term time the absence will be unauthorised. Taking holidays during term time will have an adverse effect on your child’s education and will affect his/her attendance record. How Good is 90% attendance?
That’s half a school day a week! 1 school year at 90% attendance = 4 whole weeks of lessons MISSED!!!
90% Attendance over 5 years of secondary school = ½ a school year missed!
How Good is that now? PUNCTUALITY The school day starts at 8.35a.m. Students arriving after this time are late. Students who arrive late will be given a late mark and a lunchtime detention on the same day. Two lates in one week means an after school detention too. Students who arrive after the registration period should report to the school attendance office and register with Mrs. B. Bannister. The time of their arrival will be recorded so that the daily school roll will be accurate.
LOST LEARNING TIME
Movement Bells 8.35am to form/assembly
11.10 to period 3 12.10 to period 4 1.45 to period 5
BE ON TIME TO LESSONS! IF YOUR CHILD IS LATE TO MORNING OR AFTERNOON SCHOOL, HE OR SHE WILL
BE PLACED IN LATE DETENTION. A student may not leave the School premises during the School day without a note from parent/guardian and signing out at reception or at the attendance office.
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EQUIPMENT: Every student is expected to provide the following basic items of equipment for every lesson: ESSENTIAL School bag (large enough to contain all essential equipment and overcoat if worn to travel to School) Black pen Pencil Plastic ruler 12"/30cm School Planner Recommended – AND MAY BE ESSENTIAL FOR SOME LESSONS Pencil eraser Coloured pencils/Fine fibre tips Pencil sharpener Calculator English dictionary French and Spanish dictionary A Reading book Tippex, other forms of liquid paper and permanent marker pens are not allowed in School and must not be used in any School work. An eraser pen may be used for mistakes. Text books and specialised equipment will be issued on loan and students will be required to pay for any loss or damage to these items of School property. UNIFORM Our pupils are expected to be smart and presentable at all times, and to wear the Becket’s uniform with pride. Black Blazers with the School Badge are compulsory for all years. Girls’ Uniform Black School Blazer with badge Charcoal, dark grey, grey or black Skirt (not hipster or fashion) Charcoal, dark grey or black, School Uniform Trousers or charcoal, dark grey or black trousers purchased from ASDA, BHS, Marks & Spencer or Trutex. Fashion trousers of any sort are unacceptable and the style of trouser is straight legged (not tight-fitting, flared or hipster). Jeans and trousers with sewn-in seams are unacceptable. Belts, if worn, should not be decorated or embellished. White Shirt (not fashion blouse) Grey or black socks or black tights Sensible, flat black shoes (not boots or trainers) *Appropriate House Tie *Food apron *CDT/Art apron *‘V’ Necked Pullover with School badge (Optional) Boys’ Uniform Black School Blazer with badge Charcoal, dark grey or black School Uniform trousers Fashion trousers of any sort are unacceptable and the style of trouser is straight legged (not tight-fitting, flared or hipster). Jeans and trousers with sewn-in seams are unacceptable. Belts, if worn, should not be decorated or embellished. Grey or black socks White Shirt Sensible black shoes (not boots or trainers) *Appropriate House Tie *Food apron *CDT/Art apron *‘V’ necked pullover with School badge (Optional) Items marked *: these items may only be purchased directly from the School. Hair Extremes of hairstyles are not permitted; these include Mohican, mullets, shaven head, number one, number two and unacceptable colouring. The latter is at the School’s discretion.
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Jewellery Watches may be worn and one pair of plain studs may be worn. No other item of jewellery is allowed to be worn in School. Due to obvious Health and Safety reasons, ear-rings and all other body-piercing jewellery is forbidden; covering these items with plaster is also not allowed. Nail extensions are not allowed. For P.E. the following kit is required:- Girls Boys White Airtex P.E. Blouse Black Shorts Trainers Tee Shirt (white) round neck plain *School Socks Trainers Football Boots Football Boots Black Leotard *School Rugby Shirt *Sweatshirt School design top *School Socks Black Shorts Shin Pads Black Track Suit (winter season only) Shin Pads Gum Shield *Items marked * may only be purchased directly from School CODE OF CONDUCT ON SCHOOL TRANSPORT. Students are expected to travel to and from School in full uniform and to demonstrate behaviour which reflects positively on themselves, their parents and the School. Students travelling on School special buses are expected to follow the School’s Transport Code of Conduct.
TRAVEL SAFELY, TRAVEL PROPERLY
• Always wear your full School uniform when coming to or going home from School. • Remember that you are representing the School at all times-do not let your fellow students
down. • Always queue for the bus sensibly, keeping away from the road, indicate clearly that you would
like the bus to stop. • Don’t push or rush towards the bus when it arrives. This dangerous, as you may push someone
into the path of the moving bus. • If you have a bus pass always take it with you and show it to the driver. On some services the
driver is not allowed to let you travel unless you have a valid pass. • If you pay a daily fare on the bus always make sure you have enough money with you and your
Younger Person’s or Scholar’s Metro Permit. The driver is not allowed to let you travel unless you pay the fare and will charge you full fare if you forget your permit.
• Show respect for the driver and follow instructions. Remember that lots of noise can disturb the driver and could cause an accident.
• Find a seat quickly without pushing and stay seated for the journey. If there are no seats make sure you can hold onto a rail. Do not stand next to the driver, near the doors, on the stairs or on the top deck. Do not stand or kneel on your seat.
• Never open emergency exits unless in a real emergency. This can be very dangerous. • Make sure that your bags do not block the gangway. • Do not smoke, eat or drink on the bus. • Always consider the needs of other passengers, whether they are students at your school or
members of the public. • When approaching your stop ring the bell once, if it has already been rung do not ring it again.
Wait until the bus has stopped before moving to the front to get off. • If you have to cross the road after you leave the bus, wait until the bus has moved off and you
can see that the road is clear both ways. Even better, go to the nearest available crossing. Note: Try very hard to keep to these guidelines; they are to help you to travel safely. Students who create problems on the buses can lose the privilege of travelling on them. Failure to follow the code could lead to the loss of your privilege to travel on the School buses.
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EVERY PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUS HAS CCTV CAMERAS. THESE WILL AND HAVE BEEN USED IN PROSECUTIONS.
Mobile Phones and electronic devices are banned from use in the School
Following a number of serious incidents involving the unauthorised taking of photographs using mobile phones both in and out of school, we would like to re-iterate our School policy re: mobile phones. Should any child be caught in possession of a mobile phone, either switched on or off, the following action will be taken; The student will hand the phone over immediately and it will be securely stored. The phone will be handed back personally to the named parent/carer by appointment. Phones will be returned to the student after five school days following the confiscation. The day of confiscation does not count towards this period. Should the student refuse to hand the phone over s/he will receive and automatic three day fixed term exclusion. Use of the phone to record images will result in a more serious sanction and may result in referral to the police. The abuse of mobile phone technology, is a threat to the privacy and safety of every member of the school community, and as such are data protection and child protection issues. Should a student wish to store a phone securely in school, s/he may do so by leaving it at the Medical Room by 8.45a.m. and collecting it at 2.55p.m. The safety of every member of the School is our primary concern, a concern we share with every parent and carer. Thank you for your support in this matter
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How will your child be rewarded for maintaining Basic Standards?
Rewards Stamps and the Rewards Hierarchy
Reward Stamps If you meet Basic Standards, come to class correctly equipped and contribute well to the lesson, you will receive a stamp in your planner. Each week, form reps will total the number of stamps awarded to you and to your form. These will be recorded on a chart in your form room. The form which has the highest number of stamps each week will become the Form of the Week and receive a certificate and a trophy. The form in each key stage which has the highest number of stamps over a half-term will earn a £50.00 prize
Subject rewards Subject rewards will be issued according to the Rewards Hierarchy Good and Very Good work, will be acknowledged by your teacher through words of encouragement, a note in your planner or a credit. In Years 9-11, you may also receive a postcard home in recognition of your efforts. Attendance League School will also maintain an Attendance League. Each half-term the form groups in KS3 and KS4 with the best attendance will earn a £50.00 prize.
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What sanctions are there for failing to follow the Basic Standards?
Hierarchy of Sanctions Quite simply any behaviour which disrupts the learning of other members of our School and/or do not follow our basic standards are deemed to be unacceptable. The sanctions are unfortunate but necessary. We ask all parents to support school fully in the implementation of this approach. We expect students to – (Co-operate, be on-time, punctual and properly equipped) - every lesson. We also have Classroom Expectations that are laid out clearly in planners and in every classroom. Consequences for failure to meet these expectations will follow a series of “steps” as described below: Step 1- Verbal Warning
If you do not then you will be given a verbal warning by your teacher. This might be a quiet word or your planner placed on the teacher’s desk.
Step 2 – Written Warning
If you continue to behave in an unacceptable manner you will be given a written warning in your planner.
Step 3 – Relocation and break or lunchtime detention
If your behaviour continues to disrupt your learning or that of other students then you will be told to move to another desk, or room, as directed by your teacher. This will be your third and final warning. Your teacher will ask you to stay behind after the lesson or return at break or lunch time for a detention to discuss your behaviour. If your behaviour continues to be unacceptable your teacher will send you to a ‘buddy teacher’. Your from tutor and achievement leader will be informed and a note written in your planner. If you continue to misbehave, you will be placed on immediate report by the SLT/AT ‘On-Call teacher / Behaviour Manager
Step 4 – Whole school detention
If you fail to attend this detention then you will complete a Whole school detention for 30 minutes on the day specified. You must give your detention slip to your parents and they will acknowledge the detention. This may be followed up with a phone call. In addition, a Whole school detention may be given:
o for any matter deemed serious by your teachers eg verbal abuse to students, dangerous behaviour, defiance to staff
Step 5 – Headteacher’s Detention
Students who fail to attend the Whole School Detention must attend a one hour Headteacher’s Detention on the next Friday. This detention can be set for other matters when deemed appropriate by Heads of Department or Academic Tutors.
Step 6– Internal Exclusion Unit
If your achievement leader is concerned about your behaviour, you will spend a day in the IEU. You will complete work on your own, have separate break and lunchtimes, arrive and leave school at different times and have no communication with other students. Your parents will be informed before this happens. This withdrawal will be for a minimum of one day. Students can be put into the IEU for:
o Serious fighting o Missing the Headteacher’s Detention o Bullying o any other matter for which Internal Exclusion is deemed appropriate
Step 7 – Contract
Any student who has been in the IEU for three days will be placed on a PSP or Behaviour Contract. There will be a formal meeting between parents and Academic Tutor. If you break this contract then you will go to Step 8.
Step 8 – Exclusion
Fixed term exclusions will be given for persistent defiance and disruption including failure to stick to the terms of the contract in Step 7. Also when deemed appropriate by the Headteacher.
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How do we put in extra support for your child? What is CAF? Your questions answered How will CAF help my family? Sometimes you and/or your child may need extra support. Services who work with your child want to find workable solutions quickly, so the situation does not get any worse. The Common Assessment Framework or CAF can help support your family and make sure you and your child are placed at the heart of decisions made about your child. It is your family and your CAF! The CAF process means you only need tell your story once and you should have one single point of contact. How does it happen? Someone who works with your child may suggest a CAF or you may ask for a CAF if you think your child could do with extra support. What happens? You will have a guided conversation with the worker completing the CAF form. Your worker, with your permission, may ask other people to contribute to completing the form. For example, they may talk to school, consultants or therapists who may work with your child. Where appropriate, these people will form part of the team, who will look to find solutions to support you and your child. Someone will be identified, or you may choose, who should be your “lead professional” or you may already have either a Keyworker or a Designated Keyworker. The lead professional or the Keyworker is the person who will co-ordinate the team of practitioners around you, to provide support and ensure the work is planned and co-ordinated to avoid duplication and prevent you from needing to re-tell your story to different people. Once the CAF form is completed you will be asked to sign it. So you know all that is in it and can agree this, you will also be able to decide who else the CAF is shared with. Sometimes a meeting may be called. This is known as a “CAF meeting”. We have one of these if more work is needed from the “team around the child”. This allows you and those involved a chance to discuss solutions and to help move things forward. At the end of the meeting there should be a “CAF Plan”. This outlines the actions that have been agreed, so you know what everyone has agreed to do, who is responsible and when they will do it. The lead professional or Keyworker will ensure the plan is delivered. Where appropriate children and young people may contribute to their CAF and may attend the CAF meeting. One of the most important things to remember is the CAF process is voluntary, you and your child can choose who is involved. For more information about CAF contact the CAF Team on o1977 722 331 or E-mail [email protected] or visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/caf
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Frequently asked questions? What if I’m being bullied? Top tips for students Stop to think if it is a one-off. If it is it’s unlikely to be bullying which is different from somebody saying an unkind thing. If it carries on then take action. We have an anti-bullying policy in school. We take it seriously. We are a telling school. If you feel like you are being bullied then you must tell an adult. It will then stop.
Tips for parents; Bullying can happen anywhere - Bullying is unacceptable and parents, teachers and others working with children all share responsibility for tackling it.
One of the most difficult times in a child's school life can be if they are bullied. Bullying can be defined as deliberately hurtful behaviour, repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves. The three main types of bullying are:
• physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, theft)
• verbal (e.g. name calling, racist remarks, being called a chicken)
• indirect (e.g. spreading rumours, excluding someone from social groups)
Signs to watch out for ; Parents and families are often the first to detect symptoms of bullying, though sometimes school nurses or doctors may first suspect that a child has been bullied. Common symptoms include headaches, stomach aches, anxiety and irritability. It can be helpful to ask questions about progress and friends at school; how break times and lunchtimes are spent; and whether your child is facing problems or difficulties at school. You should trust your instincts if your child is acting out of character at home and contact the school immediately.
School Anti Bullying Policy Bullying ‘Love your neighbour as you lover yourself’ Mark ch. 12 v. 28-34. A Charter of Pupil Rights and Responsibilities. As a member of St Thomas à Becket Catholic School you have the right
• To live your life in peace and safety • To be an individual and be proud of being different • Not to be bullied • To say NO firmly to anything you think is wrong • To Protect yourself by ignoring others or by walking away • To tell a member of staff, if someone is making you unhappy
As a member of St Thomas à Becket Catholic School, the school expects you:
• Not to put up with any form of bullying • To work with others to stop bullying • To inform a member of staff about any form of bullying • Not to be afraid of reporting any incidents • Not to put up with bullies in your group of friends • If you do nothing, it might suggest that you are supporting the bullying.
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2. What if I feel unsafe or know some-one who is feeling unsafe? If you have any concerns about your safety and well being in or out of School or the safety and well being of others in or out of School speak to:
• A friend • ABC Counsellor • Parent • Form Tutor • Academic Tutor • Any adult in school
Or one of the School’s Child Protection Team who are: • Mr Whitney • Mr Firth • Mr Kiernan • Mrs Tattersall • Mrs Jones
TELL SOMEONE
3. How do I cope with all the homework? Tips for students Use the homework timetable you will get. Ask for help – be clear on the task before the lesson ends. Record your homework fully in your planner , noting when it is due. Plan when you are going to complete it, spend time on it and don’t leave it to the last minute. Tick the done column in the planner, pack it and deliver it next day.
Tips for parents Agree a routine with your child for the successful completion of homework. This should include start times agreeing that TV, games, phone calls, internet will only be possible if homework is done. Our policy is based around a homework timetable – check that your child is getting what our policy says. If you have any concerns that either too much or too little is being set then let your child’s tutor know. Don’t let your child struggle on for hours on homework. Write a note explaining how much time was taken on the task. Spend some time making the routine work. It will be easier and more effective in the long run. 4. What if I can’t do the work? Tips for students The approach is a bit like the one for homework. Ask for help – be clear on the task before the lesson ends. Always try – never give up!
Tips for parents What do you think the marks or comments in the exercise book suggest? If you feel that your child is continuing to struggle contact the tutor who can liaise with the teacher. A check of grades against progress can always be made.
5. How do I make sure I have the right books and equipment? Tips for students Have a good system for keeping all your books and equipment together. Pack your bag the night before using your timetable in the planner.
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Let your parents know if you’re running short of equipment.
Tips for parents Organise a good workspace for your child well lit with storage. Equip them with all the necessary basic equipment – see page and match it at home too. Provide box files that have subject labels on them so all books can be kept in them. Teach a routine – emptying the bag, checking contents, do homework, re-pack. Have a regular clear out with your child. Conduct spot-checks against your timetable – link this to rewards! Check the planner – are there any notes for reminders or ingredients? You will want more than half an hour’s notice for Shark Fin soup! PLANNERS: All students are issued, free of charge, with a School Planner. This is not only a diary in which the student enters all homework set plus any useful information for parents. It also provides parents with an opportunity to communicate relevant information to School. The purpose of the Planner is to improve communication between School and home and to enable parents and staff to work together to monitor and encourage progress in all areas of School life. Parents are asked to sign the Planner at the end of each week. Planners will be checked by Lead and Link Tutors at least once a week. They will be formally checked by Senior staff too. Any planers which fail our standards check may need to be replaced. The cost of replacing a lost Planner or Prayer Book is £5.00. The best kept planners will be rewarded. 6. What if there’s a problem? Hopefully this booklet will provide suggested solutions for all other difficulties please contact the School. For both students and parents – please ask – we are here to work together to provide the best we can for your child. 7. How do I avoid getting into trouble? Tips for students Do what you do every day to the best of your ability; It’s about Basic Standards! Attend Be on time to school and every lesson Have the right attitude to your work and the people you work with Complete all work set to the best of your ability Tips for parents Support us in our stated aims. Challenge us if we fail to provide what we say we will
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What the most successful students say
The top ten tips for successful learning 1. Arrive on time to all lessons.
Punctuality – the ability to arrive on time, is valued very highly by your future employers and universities.
2. Come fully prepared for your lesson.
Have your books and a pen, pencil and ruler so that you can present your work in a neat and tidy manner.
3. Enter the classroom in an orderly manner. Sit where your teacher asks you to and have your
planner and equipment on the desk. This shows that you have the right attitude towards the lesson and that you are ready to learn.
4. Look at the whiteboard and make a note of the learning objectives for the lesson, so that you are
thinking about what you are going to learn. Your teacher may ask you to do an activity or starter to begin the lesson.
Make sure you start the lesson in with a positive attitude.
5. Make sure you are keeping up with the class. The pace or speed at which you work is vital to your success. Your teacher will often set you targets for the lesson. Make sure you work hard to meet these targets.
Meeting or exceeding targets will usually gain you a reward.
6. Never disrupt the learning of others. Most disruptive behaviour is due to a lack of concentration. Your job is to stay on task and improve your learning.
If you are not sure what do, wait until the teacher has finished talking to the class and put your hand up for help or ask someone who has been concentrating for help.
7. Ask questions to help you understand the learning in the lesson.
Try to answer lots of questions. This is a good way of showing how much you understand. Remember not to shout out though.
8. Keep up with your homework and hand it in on time.
Homework is often where you make the most improvement in your learning.
9. Make the most of the feedback from your teacher. This is designed to help you improve. Experience shows that students who put time and effort into their homework are the most successful.
10. At the end of the lesson, take time to think about what you have learned.
Always make a note in your planner or diary about homework or if there is no homework write ‘no homework’ in your planner.
Leave the class in an orderly way and get to your next lesson on time.
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As a parent what contact can I expect from the school? Home-school Agreement – Please sign and return on the first day of term in September. Planner – Daily and weekly – Please look at any comments, check homework and sign the planner. Your child’s tutor will do this every week too. Website – please check the website for regular updates and for the weekly newsletter GROUPCALL TEXTS - These may be issued as reminders of events but also in case of extreme weather. 2 Interim Reports – ETU These will be in the form of an A4 report summary and provide a snapshot of progress against nationally set targets. Annual Report – You will receive a full report in July. Year11 reports are issued in January following preliminary exams. Parent’s consultation meeting – There is at least one parents’ consultation event for each year group. Dates will be published in the School calendar, and reminder letters with a reply slip will be sent out near the date. An appointment system operates in order to minimize waiting. The Headteacher, or his representative, will be available on these occasions.
Appointments to discuss your child’s progress can, of course, be made at any time. Parent Focus Group - This meets six times a year with the Headteacher. Should you wish to join the group then please contact the Head's pa, Mrs Parker.
