PHILIPS HIGH SCHOOL

Parent & Pupil Guide

2019

2

3

THE SCHOOL DAY Warning Bell 8.35 Registration/Assembly 8.40 - 9.00 Lesson 1 9.00 - 10.00 Lesson 2 10.00 - 11.00 BREAK 11.00 - 11.15 Lesson 3 11.15 - 12.15 Lesson 4 12.15 - 1.15 LUNCH 1.15 - 1.50 Registration 1.50 - 2.00 Lesson 5 2.00 - 3.00 End of School Day 3.00 Pupil registration takes place at the start of every lesson.

Staff Training TERM HOLIDAY CLOSE ON RE-OPEN Days Monday 02.09.19

Half – term Thursday 17.10.19 Monday 28.10.19 Friday AUTUMN 18.10.19 2019 Christmas Wednesday 18.12.19 Tuesday 07.01.20 Thurs 19.12.19 Fri 20.12.19 & Mon 06.01.20 Half-Term Friday 14.02.20 Monday 24.02.20 SPRING 2020 Spring Close Friday 03.04.20 Monday 20.04.20

May Day Friday 01.05.20 Tuesday 05.05.20 SUMMER 2020 Half-term Friday 22.05.20 Monday 01.06.20

Summer Friday 17.07.20 Mon 20.07.20 ATTENDANCE

Aim for Excellence 100% Attendance

Grades are affected if attendance is below 96% Punctuality It is important that pupils arrive at registration and lessons on time. If pupils are late they will receive a late mark on the register and a strike on their Gold Standards card.

If they receive five strikes for lateness they will lose their Gold Card Non Uniform reward4 and receive a C3 detention after school.

CURRICULUM

In Years 7 and 8 pupils study English, Mathematics, French, Science, History, Geography, Religious Education, Design & Technology, Information Technology, Art, Music, Drama and . In each year all pupils take part in Life Skills Drop Down days.

In Year 9, pupils will select their GCSE options. Pupils are placed in one of the following pathways; Aspire, Inspire, Explore and Thrive. These are devised in such a way as to allow a broad range of subjects to be followed, whilst enabling pupils to specialise according to their abilities, interests and career intentions. Parents will be fully involved in discussions with teaching staff about which courses are most appropriate to their child’s needs. Courses are offered in all the main subjects to external examination standard.

Examinations

Pupils are prepared for the examinations which the school considers most suitable for them, bearing in mind their ability and attitude to work.

The school enters all pupils for GCSE examinations wherever possible. However, alternative courses are offered where appropriate.

Our aim is always to achieve the highest level of success for each individual. To this end, we use a variety of examination boards in order to find the most suitable courses for our pupils’ needs.

Music Lessons

At present the school takes advantage of the services offered by Bury Music Service. We have visiting peripatetic staff offering lessons in all orchestral instruments and guitar. Details and charges are available from the Music Centre, Tel: 0161 796 9910.

Learning to play an instrument has become very popular at this school and there is a waiting list for some instruments. Tuition is given on a weekly basis, in term time, lessons are rotated so that there is the minimum of interference with the normal lesson timetable. Children who wish to learn an instrument, e.g. violin, viola, ‘cello, double bass, guitar, flute, oboe saxophone, or any brass instrument, should inform their class Music Teacher during the first fortnight of the school year.

Careers Education

Careers advice is always available and particular opportunities are created from time to time, with the assistance of the Realistic Choices service, for the provision of appropriate information. Careers Education is followed at appropriate times during the pupils’ school life.

Religious Education

The school is not affiliated to any particular religious denomination. Religious Education and assemblies are carried out within the framework of DfES guidelines together with those of the L.E.A.’s Religious Education policy.

Learning Support

A number of pupils with learning, physical, emotional and behavioural difficulties benefit from small-group work and support. A diverse team of staff with a variety of skills, led by the SENCO Mrs F Cooper, is involved here. They work with other teaching staff to ensure that the best possible provision is made for pupils with learning or other difficulties. Parents are always closely involved in any decisions about the provision of extra help.

Organisation 5

In classroom work, pupils will be taught according to their needs and abilities. A system has been designed to allow subjects to decide on whether they wish to put pupils in sets, or mixed ability groups. Setting is used from Year 7 onwards in most subjects. In order to bring together pupils of all backgrounds and ability, forms of mixed ability are the basis of the school’s pastoral system.

Homework

The school uses ShowMyHomework, an online system for homework setting and support. New pupils and parents will be provided with log in details. Both parents and pupils can access homework via the open calendar, which can be seen by clicking on the ShowMyHomework icon on the school website.

If a pupil is unable to do his or her homework, a written explanation from a parent should be sent to the school

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HOMEWORK CLUB 15:00 to 16:00 Library All pupils

DEBATE CLUB (debates ethical Lunch Room 30 All pupils issues, current events & philosophical topics) 15:00 t0 16:00 Room 10 All pupils MONDAY THEATRE CLUB 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall TRAINING/MATCHES 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall Y9 & 10

FOOTBALL 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall Y7, 8, 9

NETBALL 15:00 to 16:00 Room 11 GCSE only

MUSIC GCSE (composition & 15:00 to 16:00 Room 12 All Pupils performance)

BRASS ACADEMY (£3pw)

HOMEWORK CLUB 15:00 TO 16:00 Library All pupils

TUESDAY BASKETBALL TRAINING 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall All pupils

KEYBOARD PRACTICE Lunch Room 12 All pupils

HOMEWORK CLUB 15:00 to 16:45 Library All pupils

ART CLUB 15:00 to 16:00 RM14/15 Y7, 8, 9

BASKETBALL 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall Y8 & 9

FOOTBALL 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall Y7

WEDNESDAY 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall All pupils HOCKEY

On rota Room 12 All pupils GUITAR ACADEMBY (£3 pw) Lunch Room 12 All pupils KEYBOARD 15:00 to 16:00 Room 11 GCSE Exam Pupils MUSIC THEORY GCSE

CHESS CLUB (beginners welcome) Lunch & 15:00 Library All pupils

HOMEWORK CLUB 15:00 to 16:45 Library All pupils

TED TALKS Lunch Room 3 Y7, 8, 9

THURSDAY BASKETBALL MATCHES/TRAINING 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall

6

15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall Y7, 8, 9 GIRLS FOOTBALL 15:00 to 16:00 Sports Hall Y10 & Y11 Lunch Room 11 All Pupils PHS CHOIR

PHILIPS SINGERS Lunch Room 12 By invitation FRIDAY MUSIC GCSE (practice & recording) 15:00 to 16:00 Room 11 GCSE Exam pupils

BREAKFAST CLUB 08:00 to 08:35 Canteen All pupils EVERY DAY HOMEWORK CLUB Lunch Room 7 & 8 All pupils

The school runs the full range of school teams in the major sports and also competes in some area events. In recent years our teams have been very successful.

From time to time there are opportunities for pupils to take part in dramatic and musical productions of a high standard.

Trips and excursions are arranged on occasions. There are regular educational holidays to continental destinations.

Children are encouraged to participate to the full in any opportunities for activities which can be offered.

PLEASE NOTE: Whilst we are delighted at the quality of our sports facilities, it has to be recognised that they cause us a problem before and after school when pupils use them on an informal basis. The school wishes to make parents aware that prior to 8.40 a.m. and after 3.00 p.m. it cannot accept responsibility for pupils playing on the pitches other than for official practices. This is because we cannot guarantee to have assistance on the site. Pupils playing before and after these times do so at their own risk. Pupils who attend school in incorrect uniform will be sent home to change.

SCHOOL UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT

YEARS 7– 11 BOYS YEARS 7 – 11 GIRLS Blue shirt (no ‘button-down’ collars) Blue open neck shirt Clip on school tie – only available from school Navy blue blazer with school badge Navy blue blazer with school badge Navy blue ‘v’ necked pullover (optional) Navy blue plain ‘v’ necked pullover (optional) - not sweatshirts - not sweatshirts Plain black smart ‘suit style’ trousers Plain black smart ‘suit style’ trousers (Not leggings/jeggings etc). Plain navy blue or black socks Plain navy blue or black socks Plain all black “business like” shoes. Plain all black “business like” shoes. All pupils are requested to wear a plain outdoor garment

YEAR 11 BOYS YEAR 11 GIRLS As above – except As above - except White shirt (no ‘button-down’ collars) White shirt (no ‘button-down’ collars) Year 11 tie Year 11 tie

UNIFORM STOCKISTS (all stock both girls’ and boys’ uniform) 7

PT Schoolwear 14 Market Parade, Bury 0161 PT Schoolwear 7 New Road Radcliffe 0161 723 761 1365 0991 Top Form by Monkhouse 116 The Rock Bury Pyramid Sports. 243 Bury Old Road, Prestwich. 0161 764 4320 0161 798 7448

Football scarves, hooded tops and hats are not to be worn to school. Jewellery, except wristwatches, should not be worn to school. This includes any form of piercings.

Pupils should not wear any form of make-up – including fake tan, eyelashes, coloured or acrylic nails. Extreme hair styles or colours are unacceptable. Hair should be tied back using plain bands or slides.

Any form of Headdress worn for religious purposes must be in plain blue/black material.

The Headteacher will have the final decision on all uniform issues. It is important that all items of uniform are named.

In addition, all pupils must have a white, cotton protective workshop apron for practical work in Design Technology. This can be bought from any outlet. Also to comply with hygiene and food safety regulations, all pupils must have a blue school apron for all practical Food Technology lessons. This can only be purchased from school to maintain uniformity, at a cost of £5.00. Pupils should bring the money to their first Food Technology lesson. In Art lessons pupils may be asked to wear an old shirt to protect their uniform.

Pupils also need a suitable bag in which to carry books to and from school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Participation in a varied programme of physical activity requires a varied amount of sporting clothing and equipment at Philips High School. Pupils must bring PE kit to every lesson even if they are injured or excused. Lessons are adapted to suit each individual case and pupils will be involved in the lesson in some way other than performing.

If you have any questions regarding your child’s Physical Education programme, do not hesitate to contact the department. We are always pleased to see you and discuss with you any aspect of Physical Education at Philips High. Boys Kit Girls Kit Football boots Training shoes – no canvas shoes or high Training shoes-no canvas shoes or high top trainers top trainers Gum shield – for rugby Gum shield – advised to wear for hockey Shin pads Shin pads No boxer shorts to be work as underwear

Macron Girls PE Uniform 1a 1b 2b 2a 3 4 5 (Optional)

8

15% off when purchased in June and July only. PRICES FROM DISCOUNTED PRICE 1a. DRACO Polo Shirt (Unisex Fit) £15.50 £13.20 1b. DESI Polo Shirt (Ladies Fit) £18.50 £15.75 2a. MESA Short £10.00 £ 8.50 2b. RUNNING Leggings £15.00 £12.75 3. RAYON Socks £5.00 £4.25 4. FIXED Socks £4.50 £3.85 5. Optional Sweatshirt for winter £14.00 £11.90

Macron Boys PE Uniform 1 2 3 4 5

6 (Optional) 7 (Optional) 8 (Optional)

15% off when purchased in June and July only. PRICES FROM DISCOUNTED PRICE 1. RIGEL Shirt Short Sleeve £13.75 £11.70 2. RIGEL Shirt Long Sleeve £13.75 £11.70 3. MESA Short £10.00 £8.50 4. RAYON Socks £5.00 £4.25 5. FIXED Socks £4.50 £3.85 6. Optional IGUAZU 1/4 Zip Top £15.00 £12.75 7. Optional IGUAZU Pant £13.00 £11.05 8. Optional Base Layer Top £12.00 £10.20

STUDENT INITIALS CAN BE APPLIED FREE OF CHARGE *One week lead time for orders with initials subject to stock. All items except socks have school badge and name on them (not shown in pictures) HOW TO ORDER: PLACE ORDER ONLINE VIA THE LINK BELOW: WWW.MACRONSTOREMANCHESTER.CO.UK > SCHOOL WEAR > HIGH SCHOOL > PHILIPS > GENERAL PE

ADDRESS :UNIT 1A. OFF BRIGHT STREET. BURY. BL9 6AQ TURN ONTO BRIGHT STREET FROM BELL LANE & TAKE IMMEDIATE LEFT INTO CUL-DE-SAC TEL : 07479 110 700 - EMAIL : [email protected] WEBSITE : WWW.MACRONSTOREMANCHESTER.CO.UK MON - FRI : 10:00 - 17:00 (CLOSED WED) SATURDAY : 09:00 - 12:00 SUNDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS : CLOSED

(If you are having financial difficulties in purchasing the PE kit then please contact the school).

9

CALCULATORS AND MATHEMATICAL EQUIPMENT

The Mathematics Faculty believes that mental methods ought to be used as a first resort in calculations, but encourages the sensible use of calculators as an aid to understanding. Each pupil must have their own calculator and a geometry set. The calculator which we recommend is the Aurora AX-582BL. This will be a suitable calculator for all five years at Philips High School. The calculators and geometry sets are available to buy in school from the Mathematics Faculty. The calculator costs £4.00 and the geometry set costs £1.00. Our staff will also be selling both of these items to parents of the New Year 7 pupils at the Induction Evening in the summer term.

CARE AND GUIDANCE

Each pupil has a Form Tutor who attends to the child’s overall behaviour and well being in school. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities within the tutor group and contribute to form assemblies. All staff are involved in and take a close interest in this aspect of school life. Reports on each pupil’s progress are issued to parents at regular intervals and at least once a year there is an opportunity for parents to meet staff in order to discuss the progress of their son or daughter. In addition, the Headteacher, Deputy and Assistant Headteachers are available to discuss parents’ worries or questions at any stage during the year. An appointment should be made by contacting the school office and outlining the problem.

Please note that due to teaching and other commitments it will not be possible to see parents who arrive at school without an appointment.

MEDICINE

Philips High School follow guidelines supplied from the Local Authority with regards to medication. Under no circumstances should pupils carry any medication around school (except agreed emergency medication). Medication can only be taken in or brought into school if:  Your child has been prescribed medicine by a doctor/hospital to take during the day. The office will take care of it providing a letter is received or form is completed by you absolving the office of any responsibility and the medicine is clearly marked.

 If your child suffers from asthma or migraine, but only occasionally have an attack, some medication can be kept in school providing it is prescribed medication and all relevant forms have been completed.

 If you need medication for emergency purposes providing a meeting has been held in school regarding the emergency procedures and the relating forms have been completed.

DROP IN CENTRE

The school nurse is available on a ‘drop in’ basis every Monday lunchtime in the small room opposite the staff room. You may speak to her in confidence* on any issues regarding your health or relationships.

* The school nurse may have to pass on issues if she feels either you or others are suffering, or are likely to suffer significant harm.

10

LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS

The school is committed to Healthy Eating.

Our school kitchen makes available, each day, a range of good value meals, both hot and cold. Pupils are registered on the biometric data print system to pay for meals. Full details of this system are explained to the pupils on joining the school.

Pupils must remain within the school grounds unless permission to go out is obtained from the Headteacher beforehand. On wet days, arrangements are made for pupils to stay within the building.

N.B. In the event of extreme misbehaviour during lunch-time, the school reserves the right to refuse to supervise a pupil, thus depriving him/her of the privilege of taking school meals.

SWIPE CARDS

Pupils are issued a “swipe card” for security entry to the building – a fee of £3 is charged for lost cards.

PLANNERS

Pupils are issued with a planner at the beginning of the school year – a fee of £2 is charged for lost planners.

Information for parents of Philips High School pupils On behalf of Bury Contract Services Catering Division

Philips High School operates a cashless system for the catering service. Our desire is to provide and improve on the quality of the school meal service at your school. We are sure you will appreciate the advantages that this system offers the parents and pupils of the school. The system also enables us to deliver a more efficient, service and to continue to provide wholesome, healthy and enjoyable meals at the lowest cost. The school operates a biometric data system, to which pupils are registered on entry to the school, and trained on how to use the system. No cash can be accepted at the food counter “till point”.

For your convenience, and to assist us in our administration of the service, a method of payment by cheque has been introduced. Your cheque should be made out to Bury MBC, and placed in the box provided – please write the full name of the pupil, and class reference on the back of the cheque.

Cash notes can also be placed into an envelope and posted in this post box – please write pupils name and form reference on the envelope – this is absolutely vital.

Any amount of money can be paid into your meals account within this system – money spent on food will be deducted as it is spent, and a check can always be made on remaining balances at the revaluation terminals.

The school is also able to provide you with a report detailing each item of food served, each credit made to the system, for any time period, and show a current balance. There is a daily spend limit programmed into the system of £5 – this can be increased or decreased for an individual pupil by making a written request to the school kitchen.

However, should you wish your child to continue to bring “dinner money” each day, the system will accept daily cash payments – please note that all cash will have to be entered into the system by using the automatic cash terminals as no cash will be 11 accepted at the tills to purchase food or drinks. You may use £2 - £1 – 50p – 20p – 10p coins.

You should notify school of any Food Allergies your child has, on entry. They will then be recorded against the pupil’s card, and will thus prevent the purchase of “forbidden” foods.

Benefits of the cashless system

 Convenient way of paying for school meals – no more looking for change every morning.

 Discourages the misuse of school dinner money through spending in shops outside of the school grounds.

 Alleviates many of the associated problems with the use of cash in school – loss, theft and bullying.

 Specific food allergy ingredients can be barred automatically.

 Healthy eating is encouraged.

 Queuing times are reduced through increased speed of service.

 Automatic free meal allocation with the pupil remaining anonymous.

 Detailed reports to analyse all aspects of the use of the system.

 Having control of personal account teaches important life skills.

 A more efficient delivery of service

DISCIPLINE AND GOOD ORDER

The school has a Behaviour, Attendance & Homework Policy as legally required, which is displayed on the school website

High standards of work and behaviour are expected and discipline is clear and firm.

Pupils who break the rules or fail to do as they should, are punished by being kept behind after school or at lunch-time, by being given extra work or by having to do useful chores.

The support of parents in the maintenance of good standards is expected.

General Behaviour and Conduct

Courtesy and consideration together with orderly conduct is expected at all times.

Pupils should behave in a restrained and sensible manner on their way to and from school and especially in bus queues and on public transport. Pupils are also expected to wear full school uniform to and from school.

Before 8.35 a.m. pupils should wait in the canteen or playground.

Pupils should keep to the left on corridors and in single file on the staircases and stand outside their classrooms when the bell goes, until told to enter by their teacher.

 All classrooms must be vacated at break and lunch time.  Snacks at break must be eaten in the canteen.  At lunch time pupils may go outside and provision is made to stay within the building if it is wet.

12

 Use of the gymnastic apparatus is only allowed when Physical Education staff are present.

The safety and welfare of the pupils are of prime concern to the Headteacher and Staff at all times.

Absence

Legislation does not give any entitlement to parents to take their child on holiday during term time. Any application for leave must be in exceptional circumstances and the Headteacher must be satisfied that the circumstances warrant the granting of leave.

Books and Property

All property belonging to the school must be treated with respect. Any pupil who accidentally damages property is expected to report it at once to his or her Form Teacher. Any text books belonging to the school must be covered when received and any which are lost or damaged must be replaced by the borrower.

A case, or sports bag, is advisable for carrying books and equipment to and from school. The name of the owner must be written fully (not initials) in or on every article brought into the School. No pupils should borrow books or other articles belonging to another pupil. Money must either be carried in a purse containing the owner’s name or kept in pockets. It must on no account be left in the locker, school bag or in a blazer pocket when this is not actually being worn. Large sums of money should only be brought to school when absolutely necessary and should be given to the main office for safe keeping until the end of the day.

All pupils have lockers available in his or her form room or a locker nearby in which books may be kept.

Cigarettes, matches, cigarette lighters, alcohol, drinks and chewing gum may not be brought to school at all.

The school does not accept responsibility for articles brought into school

If a pupil is found using a mobile phone inside school in lesson time it will be confiscated and kept until a parent collects it. In cases of real emergency a phone can be left at the Office and collected at the end of the day. Please see out mobile phone policy on the school website.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the security of pupils’ property, the ultimate responsibility rests with individual pupils. Neither the Local Authority, nor school, can accept liability for loss or damage to property whilst it is on the school premises. Many parents take the sensible precaution of extending their household contents insurance to cover losses on school premises.

Uniform

The School Uniform Policy must be adhered to at all times.

Detention

There are three main types of detention: a C3 which is for 30 minutes and C4 which is for 45 minutes. If a pupil fails to attend C4 detention, they will be issued with a C5 detention which is for one hour. It should be noted that in the event of a child being absent on the day that they are expected to do a detention, a future date will be arranged. Detentions can be issued without prior notice. 13

LETTERS FROM SCHOOL

Text is a preferred method of communication but on occasion letters will be sent home with pupils. Please read any such communication carefully, and sign and return any reply slips promptly. General letters for parents/carers are also available to view via the school website.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Change of address or of work telephone numbers should be reported to the School Office and to the Form Tutor immediately, as it is important that the school should be able to contact parents in an emergency, such as a child’s sudden illness or an accident. We require at least two emergency contact numbers at all times.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Parents who are in need of financial assistance, e.g. free school meals, should contact Housing Benefits, 7 Whittaker Street, Radcliffe. Tel: 0161 253 5858.

Pupils who live over three miles from the school may be entitled to free bus passes. These can be obtained by application to the address given above.

The Headteacher will be pleased to give advice when parents have financial problems related to school.

SCHOOL POLICIES

The school has policies in respect of various matters. These have to be approved by the Governing Body and are reviewed on a regular basis. Copies are available on the school website for parents to read if required.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONs

We want you to:  Listen to and follow instructions given by the teacher without questioning.  Listen to others and don’t talk when they speak.

We will not accept:  Distracting others while working in lessons.  Shouting out or disrupting others’ learning.  Answering back or arguing with staff.  Making inappropriate comments.

THE RULE OF THREE When you enter your lesson or form, remember the rule of three.

1. Stand behind your desk. 2. Get your equipment out. 3. Sit down and prepare to work.

First Impressions

This article was written by a Year 7 pupil after her first term here at Philips High. It will help to give you an idea of our school and we are sure you will enjoy reading it.

14

On my first day of high school I was scared because I was the only girl from my primary school going to Philips. I didn’t know many people; the only face I was familiar with was a girl I met on Induction Day, so when I walked through the school doors I was really nervous.

At first, we were put into our forms, which I was worried about because I didn’t know who would be in it. For a few lessons we stayed in our forms, but later on in the morning we had to go to our lessons which meant finding our way around the school on our own. It wasn’t that hard to find my rooms because I had a timetable with the number of the room I was supposed to be in and there were signs on the wall.

In the lesson I started to talk to some people and began to make new friends. As the week went on I made more friends and knew where most of my classrooms were. It took me a while to get used to the school because it is very different to primary school. I found getting into the routine of doing homework every night and packing my bag with the correct books for the next day difficult. Now I have made lots of friends and even a best friend!

My favourite subject is cooking because we get to make lots of delicious food and have fun, we have recently had a cake competition where we decorated a cake and I won a Galaxy bar for 3rd place.

I have joined the netball team which is lots of fun. At lunchtimes I sometimes go to the Art Club to finish off any artwork I did in class, or to the ICT rooms to do any online homework or any other homework that needs to be completed on the computer. I am also really looking forward to going on the PGL trip in summer.

I really enjoy Philips High School and I am very glad I came here.

15

HIGHER LANE, WHITEFIELD, , M45 7PH  : 0161 351 2200

e-mail: [email protected]

website: http://philipshigh.co.uk

Tweets@PhilipsHigh

Produced and Edited by Mrs A Reed

16