Handbook 2014/15

hool ent Individuals • Resp dary Sc Learners • Confi d onsible Citizens /15 Lourdes Secon Successful • Effective 2014 ontributors • Contribut Handbook tors ns • Effective C ors • Succe Contribu Successfu • Responsible Citize ssful Learn • Effective l Learners • Confid ent Individuals ers • Confid ent Individuals • Responsible Citizens WELCOME TO LOURDES SECONDARY

It is an exciting time for Primary Seven pupils who are now in the ﬁnal stages of their primary education and are preparing for their move to secondary school. It is also a time when both pupils and parents have many questions about what this new experience of school will be like and I hope this handbook will help to provide you with some answers. We hope this year brings you many opportunities to try new things, develop new skills, experience success and enjoy your learning in our school. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Mr G McGuigan Head Teacher

Lourdes Secondary School 47 Kirriemuir Ave Glasgow G52 3DL E: [email protected] www.lourdessecondary.co.uk

SCHOOL VISION

Lourdes Secondary is an inclusive Catholic Dear Parent / Carer community of faith and learning, rich in our diversity and offering a climate of high Situated in the area of Cardonald, Lourdes expectations and aspirations for all. Our young Secondary School is a large, six year comprehensive people are encouraged to aspire to the ideal of Roman Catholic school with young people love of God and love of our neighbour so that attending from a large area on the south side of they may enrich their community through their Glasgow. As a Catholic school Gospel values are gifts and talents central to the life of the school community and to the learning environment which we provide. We seek to develop the highest standards, socially, OUR VALUES educationally and vocationally in all our pupils. In our Catholic school Gospel values underpin all that we do. Our words, actions and Our emphasis is always on high quality learning relationships aspire to reﬂect and promote and teaching, raising attainment, enhancing pupil these values in our daily lives. We have high achievement and on enabling our young people to expectations and high standards and seek demonstrate their values in action within the school success in attainment and achievement for all and its wider community. Beyond the formal school through working in partnership with: day, the school has encouraged a wide and exciting range of extra curricular activities. I should like to • Pupils offer a very special welcome to our new S1 pupils • Parents and carers and their parents. • Our local parishes • The wider community

Success for All 1

Our RE Programme – every pupil has two hours of SCHOOL AIMS Religious Education each week following the syllabus approved by the Archdiocese of Glasgow. In addition, • To continue to build our inclusive, Catholic ethos the National moral Sex Education programme entitled which honours the life dignity and voice of each ‘Called to Love’ has been introduced to all year groups. person made in the image of God. • To offer education of the highest quality and to Our pupils demonstrate a high level of commitment encourage excellence through the development of to assist the less fortunate in the Community and they each person’s God-given talents. generously support charitable appeals both by making • To give all young people the opportunity to grow their own cash contributions and by taking part in fully in their intellectual, social, personal and collection days for groups such as Mary’s Meals and SCIAF. spiritual potential. While we are a Roman Catholic school we warmly welcome children from a range of faith back-grounds. SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM The diversity of our community provides a meaningful opportunity for all of our young people to develop their The Senior Leadership Team consists of: spiritual life. If parents do not wish their child to be involved in this important aspect of our school community Mr G McGuigan HT they should contact the Head Teacher. Mr L Kerr DHT Ms E Cairney DHT Mrs N Devine DHT Mrs C Downie DHT OUR PARTNER PRIMARIES Lourdes Secondary works closely with our partner primaries and nurseries in our Learning Community. OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL Our seven partner primary schools are Lourdes Primary, Or Lady of the Rosary Primary, St Constantine’s Primary, As a Roman Catholic school we work in close partnership St George’s Primary, St Marnock’s Primary, St Monica’s with parents as the first and most important educators Primary & St Saviour’s Primary. of their children and with the church, forming a strong framework within which our young people will grow and High quality partnership with our partner primaries develop in faith. In addition we work to encourage in all is central to our practice in order to ensure a smooth young people a deep and mature response to Christ in their transition from primary to secondary both in terms of lives as young people evolving into adulthood. Through the curriculum and learning experiences and also in the work of our school Chaplain, Father Gerald Walsh, continuing to build the confidence of our pupils. the RE Department, the school’s Chaplaincy Team, the RE Department Team and the wider staff we aim to support Parents of pupils in Primary 7 are warmly invited to our the religious and spiritual development of our pupils in Open Evening in November where there is an opportunity a number of ways: to meet the staff of the school and experience our showcase of learning and teaching. Throughout Primary The Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes is a key liturgical 7 there are many informal opportunities for our young date in our calendar and is a major celebration in the pupils to visit Lourdes while they are in their final stages school. in primary. In particular, during the summer term, all primary 7 pupils are invited to participate in a high quality Our Sacramental and Liturgical life – Mass is celebrated learning experience of Lourdes Secondary. This gives our on Holidays of Obligation, and also to recognise key young pupils a rich opportunity to become more aware events in the school community such as the S1 Mass of of the new demands of a secondary school timetable and Welcome, S6 Leavers Mass and so on. We also build a to have a clearer understanding of their “new school”. sense of community through faith by participating in Class This is a real benefit to pupils when they arrive in August. Masses and Mass at lunch-time. Retreats for every year- group are a particularly powerful experience of faith and Enrolment of pupils outwith our partner primary schools can be done by submitting a placing request to: faith development for all our pupils. Carole Cairns Our school ethos is articulated in our vision and values. South Area Support Team As a Roman Catholic school our strong, inclusive Catholic c/o Govan High School ethos is central to all that we do as a community. Our faith 12 Ardnish Street is lived out each and every day through our Gospel values Glasgow as they are believed but also as they are experienced. G51 4NB Respect, compassion, love and tolerance are values to be evident in all that we do and say. Tel: 0141 582 0522

2 Success for All

only yesterday I was a quivering first year with trembling limbs WHY CHOOSE LOURDES and a terrified expression on my face trying not to make eye contact with the older pupils. Those nerves and opinions were SECONDARY? completely altered almost the moment we stepped over the threshold and into life here at Lourdes. Those senior pupils in A Message from our Head Girl and Head Boy the blue ties were very daunting at first but it turns out that they were, in fact, nice. They remembered all too well what I’m Josh McAlpine and I’m Head Boy this year. I have been it was like being a new first year and did everything they lucky enough to have been asked to share with you some possibly could to help you, even if you were too scared to of my unforgettable experiences as a pupil here at Lourdes. ask - something that I, and the rest of my year group, have tried There is no doubt that you will be highly impressed by what to do with every single younger student within Lourdes. The the school has to offer in providing every single student with bond between the first years and sixth years is an integral part a safe and happy environment in which they can learn to their of helping the new students to embrace life within somewhere full ability and strive for greatness. Throughout my great time as exciting as Lourdes. at Lourdes I have deeply enjoyed both the countless academic and extra-curricular opportunities that the school has to offer. The teachers and older pupils aren’t the only things that help when integrating into the swing of things here at Lourdes. There For example, I have found a real passion for Basketball, are a huge variety of extracurricular clubs and opportunities captaining the team from first year, so I have really enjoyed for you to get involved in. You name it and we’ve got it. From carrying on the already good name of the school in developing drama clubs, to writing clubs, to homework clubs, to sports highly skilled athletes. There are limitless sporting opportunities clubs - you’ll be spoiled for choice. The benefits of getting here no matter what your sport. Over my years at Lourdes I involved in these activities don’t end with helping you settle have never tired of hearing of our school’s great sporting in; they’ll also help you to make friends and increase your success over the tannoy, whether it is my own Basketball team’s confidence - you’ll be flourishing in no time. I have a particular victories at regional and national levels or the footballers’ passion for all things drama, and this is something that has not constant victories against lots of other schools. I strongly only been encouraged in my time here at Lourdes, but has also encourage your child to enrol in at least one of the vast range been inspired and developed in ways that wouldn’t have been of clubs within the school as I and many of my peers have possible without this school, something that I will forever be experience of how fulfilling and enjoyable it can be. I feel that grateful for. At Lourdes Secondary we are always prompted to it is important to couple your studies with activities and sports. get involved in giving back to our community in any way we Another example of activities we can offer are our amazing can, and are aided along every step of the way. music groups – these are the perfect pursuit for many boys and girls alike. One thing that Lourdes is very prominently proud of is the outstanding academic achievements of the senior students Something which I think is pivotal in setting Lourdes apart from every year. Over two thirds of the students who attend Lourdes the other schools are the incredible teacher/pupil relationships go on to further or higher education, with many choosing to which are built up over the years. In First Year they might seem pursue degrees in areas such as engineering, medicine, law old and scary but as time goes by you start to develop a better and accountancy. Gaining five highers last year has opened up relationship with them and realise that they are friendly faces many doors for me and afforded me a number of opportunities. with a keen sense of humour. Although they might still be This is an outcome that would not have been possible without old and try too hard with the lingo, they evoke a feeling of the exceptional approach to teaching and learning here at belonging amongst the students. Although new pupils may Lourdes. Whether it’s supported study, extra lunch or after not appreciate it at first, our teachers always have our best school clubs our teachers are always more than willing to offer interests at heart and are not just comic villains handing out whatever help or guidance they can. the dreaded ‘punnies’. In my experience, I have met many teachers who have become more like friends, which in my Another aspect of life that is integral to Lourdes is our faith opinion has been crucial to my exam success and has played and beliefs. As a Catholic school we are actively encouraged a huge part in my overall enjoyment of school life. to be constantly growing and expanding our faith journey. Various different opportunities are offered to us that influence With regards to the serious business of the future careers and develop our beliefs; such as masses, services and faith of pupils once they leave school, Lourdes has outstanding witness activities. We are all taught to respect and value one statistics in the way of positive destinations when we leave another and appreciate, wholeheartedly, the diversity that school. Thanks to all of the opportunities and support which exists within Lourdes. Service to the school, church and wider I have received during my time in Lourdes, I am confident local community are supported through our participation in about securing a position in sports coaching when I leave charitable efforts and the promotion of justice and peace. school. Sports, especially basketball and Tae Kwondo being As we prepare to wave a tearful goodbye and leave Lourdes two of my great loves. Secondary School, we recognise, with immense gratitude, that it has not only prepared us academically and socially for life after school but has also managed to form and enhance and My name is Rebecca Tierney, and I have the honour and nurture the principles by which we will live our lives to come. privilege of being the Head Girl this year. I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that the end of our journeys as pupils of Lourdes is in sight. It’s hard to believe that this time next year it’ll be all over. Believe me when I say that it feels like

Success for All 3

Our school roll has increased over the last few years, and important feature of our school, and one which we are we continue to attract many placing requests each year continually working to improve. You will have seen this from pupils outwith our catchment area. In May 2013 at from Parents’ comments. the S1 Parents’ Evening, parents were invited to comment about their child’s experience of Lourdes Secondary. Listed Our annual Open Evening in November and Information below are just some of the replies that we received: Evening in May provide excellent opportunities for parents and pupils in P7 to gain a further insight into Comments from Parents: the school and into their child’s learning. Parents who wish to contact us during the course of the year are most • I am so impressed with the school and the teachers welcome to do so. who put so much effort into their pupils’ achievements and high standards. What about P7 Pupils who are not in our partner primaries? • Very happy. I feel there has been a lot of time and effort put into the transition from primary and has Lourdes Secondary attracts a significant number of placing continued throughout S1. requests from outwith our partner primaries each year, • My wife and I are delighted with the school. If you and we welcome a number of children from these into offered adult classes I’d be the first in the queue. S1 regularly. Parents of pupils from outside our catchment • We are very impressed with the interactive aspect of are asked to submit a placing request to Carole Cairns, c/o learning. the South Area Hub based in Govan High School. Placing Request forms are available from our school office and office staff can be contacted at our school phone number. Every effort is made to ensure that when a place is granted the transfer of these pupils is smooth and trouble free.

Supporting Our Young People

In the course of P7 pupils are visited by teachers from Lourdes Secondary so that they will already know some before they arrive in Lourdes Secondary. These visits also help us to build a picture of pupils strengths and development areas which we can build upon when they start in S1. Some of the ways we support our pupils are:

• P7 pupils are involved in an ICT/Technology project in MOVING FROM PRIMARY Lourdes which involves learning through Technology and ICT Departments TO SECONDARY • P7 Pupils spend quality time in Lourdes Secondary during the third term. During the visit they follow a At Lourdes Secondary we recognise that the move from secondary timetable and get a real taste of life in their primary to secondary is a very important event for our new school. pupils. We have a close and very effective partnership with • Pastoral Care and Support for Learning staff visit each of our 7 partner primary schools. This partnership all primaries to talk to Primary 7. These visits and helps us to ensure that the transition for P7 pupils into S1 discussions play a very important role in providing goes smoothly. high quality information. P7 pupils make a planned series of visits to Lourdes Keeping Parents Involved Secondary throughout the year which culminates in a major Induction Programme each May, giving the children There is a range of ways we use to try to make sure that an invaluable and enjoyable ﬁrst-hand experience of parents are kept well informed at all times: Lourdes Secondary. • Through our newsletters, school website and this Regular meetings between staff in Lourdes Secondary and handbook our partner Primaries inform the transfer of attainment and • We also have a twitter account @lourdessec achievement information which, within the framework • Parents of our P7 pupils are invited to our annual Open of Curriculum for Excellence, supports progression for Evening in November where they are given a guided all pupils in S1. This ensures your son/daughter will be tour round the school by our S6 pupils. Teachers in well placed to continue learning which ensures effective each department take the parents through a sample progress when they start at Lourdes Secondary. of resources and materials currently being used in the school. Parents are again invited into the school Our positive working relationship with parents is a very in May to meet with Pupil Support staff important part of our transition programme, and is an

4 Success for All

• Tracking records provide high quality information on Pupils with Additional Support Needs each pupil’s progress Acquiring new skills brings challenges to everyone and • Subject departments may also contact you to some young people require some extra support in meeting highlight areas of success and, occasionally areas for these challenges. All teachers have a role in this area but improvement the Support for Learning Team – teachers and pupil support • Pastoral Care staff will regularly make contact to assistants – work closely with parents and staff to ensure discuss a young person’s experience in our school that extra support is available when needed. Some pupils may require extra help and the Support for Learning Team All parents are encouraged to play a full and rewarding work with them in smaller groups, providing targeted part in the partnership with the school which seeks to support to help them become more conﬁdent in their deliver the very best education to their children. Our learning and able to make progress. Support for Learning Parent Council is actively involved and always keen to staff also offer staff and parents advice and assessment of have new members. The current Chair is Mrs Mandie individual learning needs. Pupils owh require additional Running. support for SQA examinations will also be advised and supported by the Support for Learning staff. PUPIL SUPPORT

Pupil Support in Lourdes Secondary is designed to provide an integrated and planned approach in ensuring each pupil is safe, happy and achieving their potential. Pupil Support is led by a Depute Headteacher, and is organised around five houses: Kelso, Dundrennan, Jedburgh, Melrose and Fearn. Each house is looked after by a Principal Teacher who is concerned with all aspects of the pupil’s well-being and liaises regularly with teachers, parents and where necessary appropriate agencies from the wider community. Younger siblings, where possible, will be allocated to the same House and Pupil Support teacher, helping to foster closer links with the family.

The key aims of pupil support are: We are fully committed to meeting the needs of all our pupils. We hold regular meetings at which we plan for • To ensure that each individual pupil is known well and those pupils who might beneﬁt from additional support, supported throughout their school years by a speciﬁc whether from classroom teachers, group work or support member of staff from other agencies such as psychological services, • To assist each pupil in achieving her/his potential and sensory support and so on. All our strategies are discussed to provide help in overcoming any obstacle to that and agreed with parents. achievement • To ensure that each pupil is prepared for, and assisted, through the appropriate stages of development and choice throughout her/his school career.

Lourdes Secondary is strongly committed to high quality partnership with parents. There are formal opportunities at Parents’ Evenings to talk with Pupil Support teachers, and other staff , however if you have any concerns about your child’s welfare please contact the Pupil Support team who will arrange a convenient time to discuss the issue.

Pupil Support teachers plan and deliver the Personal and Social Education programme which all pupils participate in from S1 and S6 to learn about, discuss and reﬂect on wider issues of learning and living in the twenty-ﬁrst century.

Learning and teaching in Personal and Social Education provides insight into a wide range of contemporary issues and is essentially concerned with developing life skills. In this context pupils are encouraged to give their own opinions and to listen to those of others.

Success for All 5

Pupils in S3 will continue to learn within the Third and COURSES AVAILABLE IN Fourth level of the Broad, General Education moving on at THE SCHOOL – an appropriate stage in S3 to learning leading to national qualifications in the Senior Phase. They will also have a THE CURRICULUM rich range of opportunities to achieve and attain to the highest level as they work towards their chosen national The curriculum for S1, S2 and S3 aims to fulfil this courses in the Senior Phase which begins in S4. As with deﬁnition from Curriculum for Excellence documentation: S1 and S2 wider learning is available and a menu of wider achievement options for S3 includes: “The curriculum reflects what we value as a nation and what we seek for our young people. • Determined to Animate (film making) It is designed to convey knowledge which is considered to • Duke of Edinburgh Award (community involvement) be important and to promote the development of values, • Social Enterprise understanding and capabilities. It is concerned with what • Safe In Action is to be learned and how it is taught.” • Events Management

Learning in the Broad, General Education from S1-S3 S1, S2, S3 and our associated primaries are using a useful young people experience all eight curriculum areas of ICT programme called My Merit to record their many Curriculum for Excellence: wider achievements. This system is also helpful to our pupils when they are completing their P7 profile and their • Language – English / French S3 profile where they record and evaluate their learning. • Mathematics • Social Studies – History / Geography / Modern Studies Curriculum for Excellence at all stages aims to: / Science • Technology – IT / Technical / Home Economics • Prepare all young people for lifelong learning • Expressive Arts – Art & Design / Music / Drama • Build confidence and success in learning • Health & Well Being – PSE / PE • Develop citizenship awareness and participation • RME – Religious Education • Improve health and well-being in all our young people

There is also a focus on developing literacy and numeracy In our implementation of this exciting new curriculum skills across every subject area as well as Skills for we aim to ensure all our young people are well-qualified, Learning, Life and Work as young people prepare for skilled and self-confident, able to contribute to their own their adult lives. In addition learning takes place in the and the wider community. Lourdes Secondary offers young following areas of our school life: people opportunities to try new things, develop new skills, experience success and enjoy learning. • Inter-disciplinary experiences (working across a range of subjects to link learning) The Senior Phase: S4 – S6 • Learning through the ethos and life of the school • Opportunities for personal achievement The Senior Phase offers opportunities for further specialisation leading to qualifications. Young people aged An innovative and exciting context for learning in Lourdes 15+ will have a wide range of opportunities to experience Secondary is Curriculum Enrichment Masterclass which learning and achieve qualifications to the highest possible is an opportunity for deeper learning, personalisation and level during their Senior Phase in Lourdes Secondary. We choice. Curriculum Enrichment offers pupils a menu of choices which includes: • Enable specialism, depth and rigour • Prepare pupils for achieving their academic qualifications to the highest level of which they are S1 S2 capable Maths and Code-Breaking Cake Decoration • Develop skills for learning, life and work Acting and Theatre Creative writing Workshop • Provide a range of activities which enable pupils to become successful learners, confident individuals, Production Skills Introduction to Architecture effective contributors and responsible citizens. Craft and Daft Premier Events • Support our pupils as they move on to a positive Dragon’s Den Lourdes Bake off destination when they leave school. Games Design As an inclusive school we aim to meet the needs of all pupils in S5 and S6. We have strong partnerships with local colleges and education providers, including our partner college, Glasgow Clyde College. Strong links have also been made with Glasgow University in the last three years.

6 Success for All

In fifth and sixth year it is extremely important that students particular benefits for young people who are able to set and achieve challenging and realistic targets. In view grasp ideas quickly and are keen to learn more deeply. of this Lourdes Secondary offers a rigorous Options Our wide range of learning approaches offers high Programme to support and inform student choice. quality opportunities for this. In addition pupils who have particular gifts and talents in any subject – PE, Art, Music Opportunities for personal development continue within, as well as Maths and English are identified at an early stage and beyond, the taught curriculum. S6 in particular and opportunities to build on these gifts and talents are offers senior pupils a range of opportunities to build made available. Our range of courses in the senior school leadership, communication and team-working skills has also been reviewed and revised and we currently offer through involvement in a number of events in the school a rich choice, including specialist areas such as Creative and wider community. Cakes, Health and Food Technology, Travel and Tourism and Digital Media. In 2014-15, a full range of National Courses is available for S4 to S6 at National 3 to 5 levels and also Higher and Advanced Higher. ASSESSING LEARNING

Young people in Lourdes Secondary have a very positive Effective assessment is a major feature of ensuring effective experience in SQA exams and we look forward to this learning and progress. continuing to improve over the coming years. Curriculum for Excellence has raising attainment as a key design Broad General Education S1 – S3 principle and we are conﬁdent that it is currently having that impact in Lourdes Secondary. Within BGE pupil progress is assessed through a wide range of approaches: presentations, performances, Encouraging Excellence is central to our aspirations and research, problem solving, teamwork, skill demonstrations expectations for all our young people! and so on.

Our focus is on identifying and developing the strengths SUPPORTING YOUNG of the pupils, as well as providing them with positive steps for improvement. All young people will make PEOPLES’ LEARNING progress within the 4 capacities in becoming Successful Learners, Conﬁdent Individuals, Responsible Citizens and Supporting Young People Effective Contributors. Most young people by the end of S3 will achieve third curricular level in curriculum for In Lourdes Secondary our key aims are to support all Excellence and may well achieve fourth level. The fourth our young people in their learning but also to challenge level is broadly the equivalent of National 4. Progress them to be the very best and do the very best they can. in learning will be deﬁned by how much and how well Encouraging excellence is not just a motto it is our pupils are learning as well as rate of progress. Evidence constant focus. The school has an impressive track record of progress will come from day-to-day learning as well as in ensuring our young people go on to university, college, formal assessments. training for work and university entrants are amongst the highest in the city. REPORTING TO PARENTS Learning is experienced through a wide range of approaches including active learning, use of ICT, In order to inform you of your child’s progress, we provide research personal study and enjoyment of learning is reports to parents regularly throughout the year. The also important. Certainly parents who have attended our pattern of reporting ensures that pupils and parents are learning workshops always comment that schools are kept aware of progress on a regular basis. In addition to much more enjoyable these days! Our supported study full annual reports, we also provide short, interim reports classes, weekend study classes, Easter study camp and our at other points in the session. In the upper school this also residential study weekend continue to help improve the gives parents and pupils a good indication of likely success examination results of all our young people. In addition at SQA examinations. our Wider Achievement opportunities have brought a richness to the pupil experience and so many young Whilst Parents’ Evenings provide a formal opportunity people are now experiencing success both within the for you to speak with your child’s teacher, we always classroom and beyond. encourage parents to contact the appropriate Pastoral Care Teacher at any point if you wish to discuss any aspect of Supporting More Able Young People your child’s education.

The Broad, General Education has brought an important focus on deeper learning, challenge learning and independent thinking. This benefits all pupils but it has

Success for All 7

The school very much appreciates parental support in HOMEWORK ensuring all young people develop excellent time-keeping habits as they are so important in their future adult life. In Lourdes Secondary homework is a key element of learning, which reinforces the work completed in the school. The level and amount of homework will vary OUR SCHOOL DRESS CODE across subjects and year groups, as will the types of tasks pupils are asked to complete. Homework need not always Our school uniform promotes a real sense of school be a written exercise – it can be learning, visiting a local identity, shared values, self-confidence and a shared sense library or carrying out research on the internet to name of community. The uniform is actively supported by our only a few. pupils, parents and the Parent Council, and is of great benefit to our young people. Our pupils are always encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, and in particular from S4 onwards Our uniform in Lourdes Secondary is: pupils should be spending time studying for their exams in addition to completing homework tasks issued by the • White shirt teacher. • Black dress trousers / skirt • Black dress skirt All pupils are issued with a study planner at the start of • Black v-neck jumper each session, and we are encouraged to record homework • Black shoes and study in this. We ask parents to support us this, by • School tie regularly checking the study planners. As always, if you • Black School blazer have any concerns about your child’s homework, do not • Black outdoor jacket hesitate to contact the appropriate Pastoral Care Teacher. Our school tie is available from the school office, and blazers can be purchased from local stores or through our blazer supplier. More information about the school blazer is available at the P7 Parent’s Information Evening and from the appropriate Year Group Head.

PE Kit

It is important that our pupils come prepared to learn, and for PE this requires bringing appropriate PE kit. Pupils who are not participating in PE for whatever reason should still bring their PE kit to allow them to assist in the ATTENDANCE AND lesson by refereeing, keeping scores, or assisting with the TIMEKEEPING distribution of equipment. This ensures they are still able to take part in some way in the work of the class, and do To ensure the best possible experience of learning, and not miss out on the knowledge and understanding of the to improve attainment for all our pupils, it is important course. that young people maintain excellent attendance and timekeeping. We work in partnership with parents to There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, ensure that our pupils achieve the best they can from such as items of clothing which: their time in school, and actively engage your support in maintaining good attendance. We recognise that from • Potentially encourage factions(such as football time to time pupils will be absent, and it is important colours) that parents contact the school to advise us if their child • Could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism is unwell and unable to attend. We ask that Pastoral or political slogans) Care staffs are advised of any planned absences, such • Could cause health and safety difficulties, such as as doctors’ appointments etc., prior to them happening loose ﬁtting clothing, dangling earrings in order that your child can be marked with permission. • Could cause damage to flooring • Carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco Excellent timekeeping is also essential for good attainment. • Could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be Again whilst we recognise that emergencies do occur it is used by others to do so important that pupils make every effort to get to school on time to avoid interrupting teaching and learning. Pupils Items of clothing which fall into these categories should who arrive in school after 9.15am will receive a text home not be worn to school. informing parents of their latecoming.

8 Success for All

Recognising achievement is an integral part of Curriculum As a Catholic school, our Gospel values are at the heart for Excellence. This is so important as it can increase of our community. Our young people are encouraged to self-esteem, improve motivation and keep young people help and support those less fortunate than themselves. engaged in learning. Lourdes Secondary School offers Indeed, our young people have proved themselves to be all young people opportunities for academic attainment tireless in their work for others. Our Advent and Lenten and a wide range of opportunities to experience success charity campaigns have proved to be most successful and achievement. These wider achievements can include every year. In addition, the young people of Lourdes gaining skills required for the world of work and extra Secondary continue to work in partnership with a number curricular activities both in and out of school. All of our of charitable organisations throughout the school year pupils are encouraged to pursue extra curricular and wider to raise awareness and support their fundraising. Their interests as part of their balanced education. outstanding efforts have provided support for CHAS, the Brick by Brick Appeal, Breast Cancer Awareness, There are rich opportunities at Lourdes Secondary School: Hazelwood School, Nazareth House, Macmillan, Prince it may be participation in sport, community activities, and Princess of Wales Hospice and Yorkhill Hospital – to performing arts or it could be one of the many clubs or name a few. programmes on offer. Detailed below are just of the many recreational, cultural and educational activities currently enjoyed by our young people. CARITAS AWARD

The B Sharps The Pope Benedict XV1 Caritas Award was introduced by Lourdes’ answer to a male voice choir. the Bishops of Scotland to encourage young people as they develop on their faith journey. This new award celebrates Sports Clubs the faith witness which young people can give within their Activities too numerous to mention! Including: Badminton, local communities, and in its inaugural year several of our Basketball, Rowing, Gymnastics etc! S6 pupils achieved this award, and were presented with it at a high proﬁle event in the Clyde Auditorium. Blue Sky Writers Club For budding and talented young writers. The number of S6 pupils enrolling for the Caritas Award continues to grow. Our Caritas nominees have been Debating and Public Speaking involved in a wide range of activities such as assisting Our eloquent young people enjoy considerable success with Children’s Liturgy, serving at Mass, distributing the in local and National competitions. Eucharist during school Masses, fundraising for SCIAF, the local food bank and volunteer work in the wider Young Enterprise community. Our highly successful groups meet regularly at lunchtimes. Justice and Peace We have a very active J&P group who meet at lunchtimes. TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

Football Clubs In recent years highly successful trips have taken place 12s, 13s 14s, 16s and 18s all destined for greater glories both abroad and in the UK. Our young people have as is our newly established girls team. recently enjoyed trips to France, China, Spain and London. Each year a number of S6 pupils are selected to Cine Club accompany the Saint Margaret of Scotland Youth Group Movie making for ﬁlm buffs on their annual pilgrimages with the sick to Lourdes in France. Our yearly treat for lower school to Alton Towers Art and Design Club is always hugely popular. Meeting at lunchtimes to produce the masterpieces of tomorrow!

Soul Band Our very popular music group.

Eco Schools Our very successful Eco Group have achieved their third green ﬂag within the last year.

Whatever our pupils interests, there is no shortage of clubs and activities for them – if we don’t have it, we can always create it!

Success for All 9

Clean Glasgow Awards. The school is very active in the CURRICULAR Neighbourhood Volunteer Improvement Programme OPPORTUNITIES FOR and also participates in the South West Environment Project to improve the local area and supports Fair Trade WIDER ACHIEVEMENT events. The Eco Committee is also looking at global issues like endangered animals, energy conservation and As a school community, we are committed to developing sustainability. and enabling our young people to achieve and attain to their fullest potential. A number of Curricular Wider We recycle paper, plastic bottles, printer cartridges, Achievement activities have been planned to ensure batteries and so and we also have two compost bins for that all of our young people experience opportunities to food waste. Students have helped to raise funds for the develop their skills for learning, life and work including: school by selling recycled pens, pencils and rulers with a strong eco message. • S1 Make the Change Conference • Duke of Edinburgh Award Students and staff took part in a Climate Change • Sports and Recreation Award programme in 2014 and support the WWF’s Earth • Determined to Communicate/Broadcast/Make Hour campaign on reducing energy consumption. Eco Movies/ Animate Committee members are involved in monitoring energy • Youth Philanthropy Initiative use in school as part of Glasgow City Council’s Carbon • SQA Leadership award Savers initiative. • Caritas Award • Participative Democracy Certificate Lourdes Secondary was proud to be the ﬁrst school in Glasgow to achieve Fairtrade School status in 2006. Senior student members of the Justice and Peace group have been STUDENT COUNCILS – involved in a wide range of activities and events, including the innovative Human Vending Machine, running Fairtrade OUR STUDENT VOICE Fayres in partnership with local Fairtrade businesses and organising Fairtrade tea and coffee mornings. Fairtrade The voice and opinions of our pupils are central to the Christmas products are regularly sold by students to staff school as a community. While the young people are always and parents. encouraged to give their views, celebrate successes and voice opinions in a range of different ways, it is important Lourdes Secondary is one of the top donating schools to provide a formal opportunity to give their views and this to SCIAF and has raised over £30,000 through a variety is provided through our Student Councils. Pupils can raise of school events such as charity football matches and items for the agenda through their Personal and Social sponsored fasts. The school is also an active supporter of Education classes, or by means of a “Suggestion Box”. Mary’s Meals and the Brick by Brick Appeal. Year councils are also asked for their views on learning and teaching, and on whole school proposals. Minutes are published on Year Group noticeboards, and feedback is given by representatives at assemblies.

Student Councils are an example of the school’s ethos of inclusiveness, and offer young people opportunities to participate responsibly in the democratic process, while developing valuable skills of leadership, decision-making and team-working. GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AND ECO SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL The school achieved its first Green Flag, awarded by Eco EDUCATION Schools Scotland in 2011 and was awarded its third green flag in June 2014. Students from first to sixth year represent Lourdes is a very diverse community and reﬂects the social their peers on the Eco Committee and have improved the and cultural diversity of Glasgow. As a Catholic school local environment through activities such as litter picks, we embrace the enrichment that such diversity offers our often working in partnership with local primaries and community. An important part of the work of the school Rosshall Academy. Lourdes Secondary was the inaugural therefore is our focus on International Education which winner of Best School category in the Evening Times – is also an aspect of our implementation of Curriculum for Excellence. Through our various international projects

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and activities, our young people are able to develop an informed view of global issues and of Scotland’s place in the world, and have many opportunities to develop skills of communication, decision-making and team-working.

Our annual “Holocaust Memorial Week.” provides a major opportunity for the school community to celebrate and raise awareness of diversity in our school and local community through activities within and outwith the classroom. PERFORMING ARTS

Performing Arts in Lourdes Secondary offers a rich and varied range of opportunities to enable young people Fairtrade, Eco Schools, Justice and Peace, Cine Club, to make the most of their talents. It also lets them have Blue Sky, Writers Group, Debating and Art Club to name fun! The experience of Music and Drama in Lourdes to name a few. Whatever our pupils interests, there is no Secondary provides challenge and diversity, and also shortage of clubs and activities for them – if we don’t have enables all pupils of Lourdes to experience the excitement it, we can always create it! and reward of performance. The Performing Arts Faculty offers a wide range of activities for our young people At Lourdes Secondary we recognise the value wider to demonstrate their talents, including (among others!) achievement and extra-curricular activities can have the soul band, school choirs, and the end of the year, for our pupils. The skills gained by our in such activities eagerly anticipated School Show. For those budding include: musicians, our ICT and Sound Engineering Suite allows pupils opportunities from ﬁrst year onwards to create and • Communication and Negotiation record their own compositions, while also learning studio • Flexibility and Decision Making recording techniques. • Creativity • Leadership Three good sized and well equipped Drama studios • Risk taking and Problem solving provide excellent facilities for budding actors and • Practical application of core skills actresses, as well as opportunities to learn about the (Numeracy and Literacy) technical aspect of theatre including lighting, sound, • ICT costume and props. Beyond the taught curriculum further opportunities are provided, such as an S1/2 drama club led S6 have a Leadership role in the school. The Leadership by Senior Drama pupils. This drama group enables a wide- team in S6 comprises the Head Boy, Head Girl, Vice range of pupils to produce and star in a drama production Captain, School Secretary and School Captains. The Head in the theatrical context of the school’s concert hall. Boy and Head Girl chair the Student Council which has representatives from each year group. If you think you have talent, or you just want to try something different, Performing Arts in Lourdes is the S6 support S1 to help them settle in to the school. There place for you! is a successful Buddy system in operation and they also organise a number of social events such as Christmas Party and Talent Show for S1. S6 pupils have also organised WIDER ACHIEVEMENT activities of Badminton and Football during lunch time for S1. Lourdes Secondary School aims to develop not only pupils’ academic attainment, but also each pupil’s At Lourdes Secondary our belief in actively encouraging successes and achievements. These wider achievements pupil’s to ‘get involved’ and in celebrating not only their can include gaining skills required for the world of work attainment but their wider achievements, allows pupils and extra-curricular activities both in and out of school. to ﬂourish and have high expectations and self-esteem, All pupils are encouraged to pursue extra-curricular and making our pupils ready for college, university or the wider interests as part of their balanced education. world of work.

Opportunities are abundant at Lourdes Secondary School: it may be participation in sport, community activities, performing arts or it could be one of the many clubs or programmes on offer such as Young Enterprise, Mark Scott Leadership Award, The Glasgow Schools Newspaper,

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We are absolutely delighted with the performance of our pupils in the recent SQA exams. Yet again our pupils have attained ﬁrst class results as indicated below:

S4 Pupils - 5 or more awards National 3 National 4 National 5 Glasgow 83% 71% 24% Lourdes 92% 88% 32%

S5/6 Pupils 1+ Higher 3+Highers 5+ Highers Glasgow 41% 20% 8% Lourdes 45% 23% 11%

Congratulations to all our pupils, staff and parents for their hard work!

Leavers Destinations Higher Education Further Education Training Employment Glasgow 31.4% 27.4% 8.2% 18.6% Lourdes 41.9% 24.9% 8.3% 17.5%

SLDR ANALYSIS DECEMBER 2014

Total Voluntary Activity Unemployed Unemployed Not % % Session H.E F.E Training Employment Leavers Work Agreements Seeking Not Seeking Known +ve Other

2013 - 34.1% 27% 5.4% 22.2% 1.1% 2.2% 7.0% 1.1% 0.0% 91.9% 8.1% 185 2014 32.6% 26.5% 7.2% 20.6% 0.7% 2.1% 8.8% 1.1% 0.3% 89.7% 10.3%

Lourdes Secondary Data Glasgow City Council Data

Session 2013/14 Analysis

• In Session 2013/14, 91.9% of school leavers secured a positive destination. This is an improvement of 14.5% since Session 2009/10.

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