Information for Parents/ Carers and Students Transitioning to the Community College Bishop’S Castle September 2021

Information for parents/ carers and students transitioning to The Community College Bishop’s Castle September 2021

Contents

Page

Letter from the Headteacher 3

How Year 7 is Organised 4

Your First Day at The Community College 5

The College Day 6

Emergency School Closures 6

Supporting Learning from Home 7-8 Settling-in evening Having the correct equipment A place to study Homework Learning times tables Spellings Attendance Breakfast

Behaviour and Attitude to Learning 9-10

General Information 11-13 Reports, target setting and celebration Discovery days Lunches/meals College news Enrichment Transport Pupil premium funding The school shop Reading

College Uniform 14

Who to Contact in College 15

Dear Student (and Parents/Carers)

Welcome to The Community College The transition from your primary school to the ‘High School’ can be a little daunting to say the least. That is perfectly understandable, however in a relatively short period of time you will have to get used to new staff, different routines and moving from class to class. The Community College is probably a much larger school than you are used to and there is always the concern that you might get lost! Try not to worry; we will always be on hand to help and you can use this pull-out map to help you.

One of the nice things about the College is that we are a very friendly place. Every year we remind our existing students what it was like when they first started and how they need to look after the new year group. They always do a very good job and will point you in the right direction or be on hand to talk to if you have any concerns. Many of you have already visited the College so you have seen this first hand. We also hold two induction days later this year (5th and 6th July) which will help you find your feet and get used to our routines. In addition, on one of those days, some current Year 7 students will be organising an assembly to give you their ‘top- tips’ for doing well at the College.

In the meantime, use this booklet to get better acquainted with life at the College. We can’t include everything we do, but hopefully we have incorporated the most important parts. If your parents/carers have any questions, they can either wait until the end of the second induction day, when we will have a parents/carers meeting and they can ask as many questions as they like, or they can contact the College direct. We will be contacting your primary school in June to talk with you and your teachers (many of whom we know very well).

So, take the time to read through this booklet together, keep working hard at school and focus on being the best student you can be, and we will see you at our induction days, if not before.

Yours sincerely,

Mr R Thorley Headteacher

How Year 7 is Organised

Year 7 are mainly taught in 3 or 4 academic groups (7W, 7X, 7Y and 7Z) which are put together based on information gathered during Year 6 in consultation with primary school teachers. We aim to achieve a healthy mix of students by ability, interest and background. In these groups students follow the Key Stage 3 (National Curriculum) including two half day sessions of IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) per term. Maths and English operate sets in Year 7, usually from October half term.

All students at The Community College belong to a coaching group, led by a member of staff. These groups are ‘partially vertical’, which means they are made up of students from different year groups, with Years 7, 8 and 9 together and Years 10 and 11 together. Most coaching groups have between 24 to 26 members, with 7-10 students from each year group. Many of our students are used to this way of working, coming as they do from primary schools where mixed age groups are common. The advantages are plain to see. Students of all ages act as mentors and coaches to each other, and younger students are able to slot into a ready-made support network.

Coaching time is at the end of the day and runs from 3.00 - 3.25pm. It is a time to reflect on the day’s activities and while many students choose to start homework, others enjoy some quiet reading. Coaches will set aside some coaching sessions for a particular focus including literacy and numeracy. A number of students follow specially designed programmes to support their learning. There are regularly scheduled events as well, including assemblies and Aspiration Friday where a local professional introduces students to their world of work.

Coaching groups are based upon membership of one of the four houses. The house system is designed to encourage a team ethos and allows students to take part in a variety of activities that contribute to the overall success of the house. These can range from quizzes to sporting events, but good work and positive behaviour is recognised everyday by the awarding of house points in lessons and around the College.

There will be a Year 7 settling in evening in the autumn term which will enable parents to meet with Heads of House again, having first met in the previous summer term. Reports are issued termly and will focus on attitudes to learning as well as progress against targets. At the College we know that attitudes to learning are the foundation upon which outstanding progress is made. On that basis, attitude to learning scores are considered to be just as important as attainment levels. Year 7 parents’ evening takes place in the summer term and allows parents to meet subject teachers and discuss students’ progress in academic subjects.

Contact with College staff is easy and we encourage you to stay in touch via planners, email and by phone. For particular issues, in the first instance please contact your child’s Coach. Heads of House keep a close watch on pastoral and academic issues within their group and are available to speak to as and when required.

Your First Day at The Community College

8.50am Meet in the Main Hall

8.55am Welcome assembly

Afterwards a representative from your coaching group will collect you from the hall and introduce you to your Learning Coach and fellow group members. Over the next 40 minutes they will help you with:

 Your planner

 Your daily timetable You will also receive a tour of College, during which you will be shown each of your classrooms for lessons 2, 3, 4 and 5. At 9.55am you will be taken to lesson 2.

On the first day make sure you have the following:

 School bag

 Your College pencil case to include 2 black/blue pens, 1 green pen, 2 pencils, a ruler, a rubber, a sharpener, a protractor and a maths compass.

 Your own fiction reading book

 A calculator (optional)

 A drink of water (optional, but a good idea)

 Your pull-out map (not essential but useful - we will have spare copies).

The College Day

The College day begins at 8.50am with the first lesson. A warning bell sounds 5 minutes before, whereupon all students start moving to their classroom. If students arrive at College after 8.50am, they will be registered as ‘late’ and must report to reception to be signed in.

Lesson 1 8.50am (includes registration and uniform check) Lesson 2 9.55am Break 10.55 - 11.15am Lesson 3 11.15am Lesson 4 12.15pm Lunch 1.15 - 2.00pm Lesson 5 2.00pm Coaching Group/Assemblies 3.00 - 3.25pm

Emergency School Closures

On very rare occasions it may be considered dangerous to open the College site (e.g. snow/ice, flooding). You will be informed in the morning via:

 Regular updates on the College website www.ccbcshropshire.com  An automated SMS message, text or email via ParentPay  BBC Radio Shropshire  Regular updates on Shropshire Council website

If the College has to close during the day and buses are due to leave early, you will be informed before any student leaves the site. Please note if buses do not operate or transport your child in the morning, the operators are not legally required to transport your child in the afternoon.

Supporting Learning from Home

As staff we are often asked how can parents, carers and families best support learning. Here are some thoughts for you to share at home.

Settling in evening This will quickly be upon us in the autumn term (we will let you know the date closer to the time). It is not a parents’ evening as such (that comes in the summer term) but it is an opportunity for parents and students to look at exercise books and get a feeling for progress in the first few weeks of Year 7. Senior staff and Heads of Houses will be available to discuss any particular issues you have and they will lead a presentation on ‘Supporting Learning from Home’.

Having the correct equipment It is really important that students are ready to learn. Although it is the student’s responsibility to make sure they have the right equipment, many can often do with a little help. Every day students should have their pencil case, reading book, planner, exercise books and other materials needed for the day (e.g. PE kit). The school shop is an excellent place to stock up on those things which you are running low on - all sorts of stationary is available and all is sold at cost-price. We want to develop independent learners and a really good starting point is having the right equipment.

A place to study Homes are often very busy places, with family members on different work schedules and a variety of electronics available to work on, learn on and be entertained by. It is therefore more important than ever to have a zone which is free of distraction. A place where reading and learning can really take place. For some this may be the bedroom, but often it is better that homework is done in an area that is supervised (e.g. kitchen table). Wherever in the house it is, it is up to all members of the household to respect it and encourage learning out of the classroom.

Homework Homework is given to students according to the curriculum need. This is so that homework set is always directly linked to consolidating existing learning or developing new learning at a relevant time, rather than simply being set according to a rigid timetable. The homework will be set through Go4Schools which can be accessed by students and carers online. This means that students, parents and carers can easily monitor the homework being set. Homework is important because it allows students to practise skills, consolidate knowledge and carry out further research. You should expect half an hour per subject per week. Students will also be given access to various online learning resources that we use, for example in maths and languages. Online revision and learning resources can be an excellent way to boost grades and prepare for tests/exams. The school also offers the ‘Homework Hub’ for 1 hour after school Monday-Thursday in the library.

Learning Times Tables Not knowing their multiplication tables can really slow children's mathematical progress once they get to secondary school. Everyone knows it's all about practice, and this can get tiresome. So how can we best teach these basic skill without turning students off?  Build up new times tables gradually and keep on practising the ones they know already.

 Chanting times tables is a good way of practising facts they already know, but don’t use it when breaking new ground.  Encourage them to say their tables backwards as well as forwards. Saying them in reverse order, from 10 back to 1 will help to find ways of figuring out the ones they keep forgetting.  Number hunt. How many different ways can they find to make 36 or 48 or 21?  There are certain key facts that are useful and easy to remember; help your child to practise them. They include the doubles, the 5 and 10 times tables and the square numbers such as 3 x 3 = 9.  ‘Every day’ maths supports learning. Speed and time are particularly helpful to encourage mathematical thinking.

Spellings The Oxford English Dictionary offers a free email service called ‘Word of the Day’ (www.oed/ emailupdates). Many students and parents have found this an excellent way to start a conversation about the meanings, spellings and the history of the words we use. At College, a key part of marking is the use of a green highlighter on misspelled words. Another good way to begin to talk about the importance of spelling and communication.

Attendance Attendance at the College means friendship, shared experiences, shared learning and good teaching. Attendance at the College means enrichment activities, sports activities and meeting new people. Help us provide this to all our students by helping your child to come to College everyday. Most students average an attendance of more than 98%. If attendance falls below 96% (i.e. 1 lesson in 20 missed) it will start to have a significant effect on your young person’s education. The College will always seek to support students who are unavoidably absent.

Breakfast There are a multitude of reasons why having a good breakfast before your young person comes to school is really important, but from an education point of view it is vital. We know that some teenagers struggle to eat their first meal of the day, but arriving at College having not ‘broken your fast’ will mean they are not learning as effectively. Please do what you can to ensure they are ready to learn in this respect.

Behaviour and ‘Attitude to Learning’ We require all students to behave well and to try their best in College. A few of years ago, the Student Senate re-wrote the Student Code of Conduct which summarises our expectations (see below). At the heart of the code is the necessity for respect.

In addition, students have also constructed our ‘Attitudes to Learning’ criteria which apply to every student in the College (see overleaf) in every lesson and beyond. It covers the degree to which students are ‘ready to learn’, how they ‘participate’ in lessons and try to be ‘independent’. All students can strive to meet these criteria regardless of ability or educational need. Staff will regularly report to parents how well their young person is meeting the ‘Attitude to Learning’ criteria, as well as using them to support, reward and advise students.

Anti-Bullying Bullying is defined as: Behaviour by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. The College takes a strong anti-bullying stance and instances of bullying in College are infrequent. Students are strongly encouraged to report any actions that could be construed as bullying, either verbal or physical. The College has signed up to the Shropshire Children’s Trust and Safeguarding Children Board Anti-Bullying Charter for Action and is very pro-active in trying to sort out issues if they occur. Sometimes children feel more comfortable talking to their parents/carers. Any concerns should be reported to College.

Inadequate

Oftenlate to the lesson and equipment. missing Continual- needs reminding ly about the of focus the work tends and todistract others or affect the learningof others by taking teachertime. Tends to ask for instructionsagain as they listened. not have to Tends bepassive in lessons allowingothers to lead,will do work theminimum leave and itunfinished. Presentation is and poor does tend to not workwell with others. on Depends others, copies classworkand homework. Gives easily up and always choosesthe easiest option. ignore Will improvement com- mentsthat so work not is de- velopedfurther and does not literacy act on corrections.

RequiresImprovement

er or drawing diagrams. erdrawing or to up give is Tends if immedi- help not Regularlyforgets equipment does and take not care with uniform punctu- or ality.reminding Needs about behav- and is iour slowto get prepared at the startthe lesson. of Classwork and homeworkis sometimes carelessdisorganised. or Can find work group difficult, lets others carry thework load. Effort is inconsistent presentation and shows a lack of care pride, and for example use in a rul- of Waitsothers for to start then follows. ateasks and rather trying than to completeactivity first, gives on up morechallenging problems. not Does always respond to the feed- comments back literacy and corrections.

Good

Attitude to Learning Criteria Learning to Attitude

is consistently good and consistently is good care usually is Usuallythe has correct equipment, is punctualonly and occasionallyneeds remindingabout behaviour, uniform or focus. Usuallygets involved and shows in- an terestthe lesson, in for example, by well, listening asking/answering questions, completingwork to the best of theirability, working well with others, thoughtful being and considerate. Effort the takenover presentation work. of thinks Normally for him or herself. Tries tobe as independent as they be. can Arequite resilient: usuallytries hard, if occasions even on they do get not it right. their on Act EBIs other and feedback.

Exceptional

is consistently outstanding consistently is outstanding is care and be. Alwaysthe has correctequipment, is alwayspunctual and never needsre- about minding behaviour, uniform or focus. Alwaysgets involved and shows in- an terestthe lesson, in for example, by well, listening asking/answering questions, completingwork to the best of theirability, working well with others, thoughtful being and considerate. Effort alwaysthe taken over presentation of work. Alwaysthinks for him herself. or Always triesto be as independent as can they Areresilient: very always tries hard, if occasions even on they do get not it right. Alwaystheir act on EBIs and other feedback,and them use to improve theirwork.

Ready to Learn Participation Independence

General Information

Reports, target setting and celebration As a parent/carer, you will receive a formal report 4 times a year from the College, updating you on your son/daughter’s progress and attitude to learning. Every year, students negotiate a target for each subject based on previous attainment and aspirational expectations. These are recorded in their planner and on the front of their exercise books, and progress against these targets are reported on during the year. Once a year we also hold a parents’ evening, when you are invited in to speak with each subject teacher about your son/daughter’s progress, to celebrate achievement and to discuss what we can do together to support their next steps. As part of the normal reporting cycle you will also receive a ‘full report’ in which teachers comment on progress and recommended next steps. You are, of course, welcome to contact us at anytime about the progress your son/daughter is making.

In terms of formal celebration, each subject nominates a student of the month for key stage 3 and key stage 4, as well as a student of the year for our annual awards evening in June. As a school we also celebrate those students who average good and/or exemplary attitude to learning across all their subjects and those students who are making good and/or exceptional progress. We also recognise those who have made substantial improvements since their last report. In addition the College uses its house point system, postcards/letters home and House Points to acknowledge and reward the good behaviour and positive contributions across the College.

Lunches/Meals The canteen is open both at break and lunchtime and offers a wide variety of food and drink, including a good range of healthy snacks. Students are welcome to bring their own sandwiches and eat them in the Dining Room; about £3 per day should be sufficient to purchase lunch. Please note we have in place a cashless system which will bring about various benefits, including parents/carers being able to see what sort of food their son/daughter is buying.

College News At the end of every week we produce the College News, which is a one or two page bulletin about what has happened in College and key events for the forthcoming week. This is available to all parents via email.

Enrichment Every second Friday we have our Enrichment afternoon where all students and staff undertake a club or sport. Each term students choose from a list of activities which either reinforces areas covered in the normal curriculum or enables them to experience something new. Some examples from this year are: Zumba, yoga, rugby, Japanese Anime, creative writing, water polo and primary school reading.

Transport Students currently travel to the College using a variety of means including service buses, cars, taxis, bikes and on foot. The existing bus links to and from the school are very good and provide access from a number of areas in and around Bishop’s Castle. For more information on the bus routes currently operating to and from school please contact the College main reception. Shropshire Council is responsible for providing transport for students who reside in the catchment area and in Shropshire. Please ensure you have submitted an application for transport by logging on the following link https://shropshire.gov.uk/school-transport/available-support/secondary/

Powys County Council is responsible for providing transport for students who reside in the catchment area and in Powys (White Grit, Hyssington, Churchstoke, Mellington, Pentre). Enquiries about entitlement to, and applications for, transport to and from the College should be directed to: en.powys.gov.uk/article/3879/apply-for-school-transport Email: [email protected]. Telephone 01597 826449.

The College currently operates six transport services for Powys resident students who live outside the catchment area. A bus collects students from Knighton, one minibus collects between Dutlas and Knighton, a minibus collects students from Leighton and Forden, and two further minibus’s collect students from Montgomery, Caerhowel and Llandyssil. In addition a coach is operated to collect students from Sarn, Kerry, Llanmerewig, Abermule and Berriew. Payment from parents are required for these services. Letters, agreements and bank standing order forms are distributed to parents of students in these areas during the latter part of the summer term, offering a place per child on these routes. Letters detailing times and pick-up points will be sent to parents once routes have been agreed with contractors. If you will require out of catchment transport please complete the Request for Out of Catchment Transport from this link on the school website, on the primary transition page.

A letter detailing the available transport for Year 6 induction days will be distributed after the Summer half term break.

Pupil Premium Funding Every year the College receives additional funding for every student registered as ‘pupil premium’. A pupil premium student is one that is either in receipt of free school meals or has been in the past 6 years. This additional funding we receive is spent on assisting those students who, through no fault of their own, may find there are particular barriers to their learning. Please, if you think you may qualify for free school meals, let us know. It is all dealt with confidentially.

The School Shop The Community College School Shop is very well stocked with students able to buy items such as calculators, dictionaries, USB sticks, careers and sporting equipment, school uniform and a vast assortment of stationery to support them in their learning. Students are always being consulted on what other equipment the shop should stock. Parents, other relatives are welcome to visit the shop to purchase items by prior arrangement. The shop is open before the first lesson, as well as break and lunchtime, so all students can make sure they are ready to learn. A limited number of breakfast bars and drinks are also available before College, for those who need to ‘top-up’ on their breakfast. 12

Reading The Community College believes that reading forms the basis of excellent communication. The Community College actively works to generate a culture of reading for pleasure. Students are encouraged to select books independently, and are given a multitude of opportunities to read throughout the school day. The college policy outlines, that students are expected to have a reading book with them in every lesson, along with their essential equipment. The Benefits of Reading: Reading on a regular basis – for as little as 15 minutes per day – has been shown to have significant benefits, as well as improving skills that are used not just in school but later life as well. Reading improves emotional intelligence, as we empathise with the characters and understand their different perspectives. It has also been shown to help fight a range of health conditions, from dementia to depression – and the earlier you start the reading habit, the better. Reading regularly also boosts confidence and self-esteem; and it’s enjoyable! Whole School Reading: Throughout the school day, all teachers from all subjects look for opportunities to encourage reading for pleasure and purpose, giving students access to a wide range of texts in different forms and genres. Whether it be a report in science, or a script in drama, students are exposed to a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Teaching focuses on developing pupils' reading skills, e.g. generalising and making inferences by drawing on evidence from the text. Lessons encourage interactions, with teachers inviting pupils' individual responses and interpretations, encouraging students to challenge and critique what they have read. Reading Lessons: Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have fortnightly reading lessons, where they are able to use the library to access a wide range of reading materials (including magazines, newspapers and online reading resources) or utilise the time to read a book from home. The sessions are not designed for students to read in silence: these lessons give students a space in which they can share what they are reading, what they are enjoying and what they are planning on reading next. Students are given the opportunity to read individually, paired-reading or in groups, as well as being read to. These sessions are designed to advance readers at all levels. For more advice regarding Reading, feel free to speak to Mr Sharp our

Literacy Coordinator.

College Uniform Years 7-11: Uniform is compulsory and is available from School Shop Direct or the College shop. Students are ambassadors of the College and are expected to dress and behave in a way that reflects the standards we seek to achieve. PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL CLOTHING AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS ARE CLEARLY MARKED WITH YOUR NAME.

 Black Blazer with embroidered College emblem.  White open necked cotton shirt/blouse to be tucked in at all times.  Plain black V neck knitted jumper with the red embroidered College emblem.  Plain black knee length skirts that are appropriate for work in terms of material, style and length. Skirts should be straight and not tightly tailored or of a stretchy ‘lycra’ type material. Skirts must be worn on the knee. Splits should be of an appropriate length for school.  School trousers should be plain black, loose fitting with a straight leg with a front fastening. They should have a concealed zip. Jean-style/stretch, denim fabrics, leggings or “hipster” style are not acceptable.  Shoes - Sensible black shoes (not boots). We will not allow high, narrow heels (no heels higher than 1 inch), sling backs, mules or other shoes that we judge to be unsuitable for school. No trainers of any type or style are acceptable other than for sports activities. Fabric material or canvas shoes (e.g. pumps) are not acceptable.  Dark socks or tights, black or grey, not patterned.  Outdoor Wear: Genuine outdoor coat, preferably waterproof, any colour, no logos, to be worn over blazer (not instead of), and to be taken off in lessons. No hoodies (zipped or unzipped).  Pupils may wear fluorescent arm or shoulder bands for road safety on the way to and from school in the winter months.  One pair of small ear studs is allowed (one in each ear lobe) and no stretchers. No other jewellery (except in association with a charity), facial piercing (including blank nose studs), or wrist bands are to be worn. A small amount of make-up is permitted. No nail varnish or false nails.  No extreme hair colour or styles and a simple hair band is permitted to tie hair back. All students are asked to wear their hair off the face in practical activities or wherever asked to do so for safety reasons. Hair should be tied back with a simple band or slide. No other head attire or hat is permitted other than that required for religious reasons.  Belts must be black or nearly black and no large belts to be worn as fashion accessories.  T-shirts under shirts must be plain white only. PE Kit – Boys and Girls

 Black football shorts, red football/hockey socks, football/hockey boots.  Red and Black shirt with College logo, shin pads and gum shield, plain black tracksuit.  Indoor trainers with non-marking soles.  Trunks/one-piece swimming costume.  Additional PE Kit for Boys - Red and black long-sleeved RUGBY shirt.

Lost Property: Lost property is placed in the lost property bin by the College shop. Named items will be returned to their owners. The remaining items will be washed, re-used, sold as second hand or passed onto a charity each half term.

Who to Contact in College If you would like to discuss a matter concerning your child, then please use the list below as a guide. For pastoral concerns please first contact your son/daughter’s Head of House. You can contact by calling the College and leaving a message and they will get back to you as soon as they are free. During the day most teachers will be in the classroom, so we would appreciate your patience whilst awaiting a response. If you need to contact the College at anytime, please telephone reception on: 01588 638257 Ask to make an appointment with the relevant member of staff.

Email Address [email protected] Staff Role Query

Mr R Thorley Headteacher Whole-school matters

Dr I Willoughby Deputy Headteacher Issues related to teaching and learning, target setting and assessment data Additionally, Issues related to Maths, Technology & ICT and Languages Mr H Plastow Special Educational Needs Issues relating to students with Coordinator (SENCO) special educational needs

Mrs K Dowbiggin Business Manager Financial, pupil premium and transport related enquiries Ms S Glover Exams, Careers and Attendance Exam, careers related enquiries

Mr JP Ward Head of Clive - Austen House Non subject specific enquiries relating to student progress, Ms A Lane Head of Darwin - Keller House behaviour and pastoral care Mrs N Midgley Head of Sidney - Potter House Mr M Thursfield Head of Webb - Curie House

Miss K Scott Assistant Head Issues relating to teaching & learning, Science, History, PE, Geography, Music, Drama and Art Mr A Kirk Assistant Head Issues related to Pastoral care and support, and English.

Web Address www.ccbcshropshire.com