Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Introduction
November 2007
Dear Parent
I was asked recently what is the key strength of Port Glasgow High School? The answer was easy, the people! Our pupils, our staff and the support that we enjoy from our parents and other partners all contribute to this wonderful school community. I believe that together we truly are a ‘Learning Community’ committed to working and learning together for the benefi t of our young people.
As parents of next session’s First Year, I am sure that you will be impressed as you read this handbook. It gives you important information about the school and provides you with a fl avour of our ethos.
Our top priority is to offer learning opportunities of the highest quality for all our young people. We aim to achieve this by valuing each pupil individually and equally. We recognise that all pupils are individuals with different learning needs and work to meet these through the courses taught, the teaching approaches used, the pupil support system and the range of extra-curricular activities we offer. By recognizing pupils as individuals with different needs we can assist them to develop their potential as successful learners, confi dent individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
This is an exciting time for the school. We are a School of Ambition, with our partners in St Stephen’s High School. We are committed to developing the learning capacity of our pupils and S1 pupils participate in the innovative Learn to Learn programme. We are a Health Promoting School and are working towards Eco-School status and we have international links, notably through our partner school, Ngludi Secondary School in Malawi.
In early June, there will be a meeting of all pupils and parents coming into S1 next session. In the meantime, if you require further information on the school you can visit our website, www.portglasgowhighschool.org.uk, or call to arrange a visit. I look forward to meeting you then, if not before, and to many years of successful collaboration.
Alan Dick Head Teacher
1
c copyright. The Homework Diary Company Ltd. Registered in Scotland No 177762 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Authority Strategic Statement
Building Inverclyde through excellence, ambition and regeneration.
Goals and Values
Our core values are: Respect, Honesty and Tolerance
Our vision for the children and young people of Inverclyde is that they should be ambitious for themselves and be successful learners, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
To achieve our ambition of building Inverclyde through excellence, ambition and regeneration our children must be:
Safe: protected from abuse, neglect and harm by others at home, school and in the community.
Healthy: enjoy the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, with access to healthy lifestyles.
Achieving: have access to positive learning environments and opportunities to develop their skills, confi dence and self esteem to the fullest potential.
Active: active with opportunities and encouragement to participate in play and recreation including sport.
Respected and responsible: involved in decisions that affect them, have their voices heard and be encouraged to play an active and responsible role in their communities.
Included: have access to high quality services when required and should be assisted to overcome the social, educational, physical, environmental and economic barriers that create inequality.
Nurtured: educated within a supportive setting.
2 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Port Glasgow High School School Aims
Port Glasgow High School aims to offer education of the highest quality through valuing each pupil individually and equally and meeting their needs in a caring, safe and stimulating environment.
Our specifi c aims are as follows:
✦ Curriculum The curriculum will provide breadth, balance and choice for all in a planned, progressive and structured but fl exible way.
✦ Attainment The school will provide opportunities for all to achieve their full potential.
✦ Teaching and Learning The school seeks to provide high quality teaching which meets the needs of all pupils and promotes effective learning.
✦ Support for Pupils The school will provide personal, curricular and vocational support for pupils through teaching, guidance, parental and community involvement.
✦ Ethos The school seeks to develop partnerships between staff, pupils, parents and other agencies which promote a positive ethos within the school and a positive image of the school within its community.
✦ Resources The school will strive to make the most effective use of staff, accommodation and fi nance and to provide personal and professional support and development for all staff.
✦ Management, Leadership and Quality Assurance The school is committed to ensuring that the appropriate management systems and procedures are in place and operate effectively.
3 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
1. School Information
1.1 Address and Telephone Number Port Glasgow High School Marloch Avenue Port Glasgow PA14 6PP Telephone Number: 01475 715200 Fax Number: 01475 715201 Email: [email protected] School Website: www.portglasgowhighschool.org.uk
1.2 Type of School
Port Glasgow High School is a non-denominational, coeducational six year secondary school serving Port Glasgow and Kilmacolm.
1.3 School Capacity and Roll
The school’s agreed capacity is 1066
The current roll (October 2007) is as follows:
FirstYear(S1) 115 Second Year (S2) 107 Third Year (S3) 106 Fourth Year (S4) 102 Fifth Year (S5) 81 Sixth Year (S6) 45
This gives a total roll of 556.
The expected intake for the next three years is as follows:
2008 106 2009 85 2010 100
4 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
1.4 Main Features of the School
The school has a long and proud tradition of service to the town and surrounding area. It was established in 1909 and moved to its present site in 1971. The building can accommodate 850 pupils and, with a current roll of around 550. A few years ago the building underwent extensive refurbishment of its original design. In addition to well equipped classrooms, the school has specialist teaching facilities for Art & Design, Design & Technology, Drama, Home Economics and Science. Facilities in the PE Department include a Games Hall, Gymnasium, Fitness Suite and Swimming Pool in addition to outdoor pitches. Information and Communication Technology has a high profi le in the school with computer suites in Business Education, Computing, Design & Technology and the Library. In addition to these facilities all classrooms are equipped with a computer and a signifi cant number have interactive whiteboards. All pupils and staff have access to the internet and e-mail. Further refurbishment of the building is planned by 2013 as part of Inverclyde Council’s school estate plans. The most recent HMI Report (published in May 2001) awarded the school fourteen very goods (the top category) and six goods in the assessment of quality indicators. No aspects were judged fair or unsatisfactory. Among areas given top ratings were school ethos, communication and partnership with parents, the structure of the curriculum, effectiveness of learning support, quality of pastoral care and effectiveness of leadership. 88% of the lessons observed by HMI were assessed as good or very good. We fi rmly believe through our self-evaluation procedures that we have maintained and even improved on this high standard since the inspection. The staff of the school, both teaching and non-teaching, are highly committed to the pupils and the school community. Innovative teaching methods are warmly embraced by the staff and the school is recognised locally and nationally as being a centre of good practice. Staff from the school have been invited to make presentations at staff development events both nationally and locally. The school has a well established and supportive Parent Council. We also enjoy strong links with the community including primary schools, local businesses, churches etc. Music is frequently taken out into the community and members of the community regularly attend school events. Port Glasgow High forms part of the East Inverclyde Community Schools Project. Staff from the project work with school staff on a range of issues relating to pupil welfare and attainment. The school also has a purpose built community wing which is used in the evening, at weekends and during holidays.
5 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
1.5 Staff Directory
School Leadership Team (SLT) This is the team of teachers who manage the school
Head Teacher Mr A Dick
Deputy Head Teachers Mr J McLeman Mr M Macdonald Mrs F Craig
Mr Dick is head of the school and is responsible for all aspects of school organisation and policy.He has a special responsibility for the development of the school.
All the members of the SLT have a joint responsibility for teaching and learning within the school and for the creation of a good learning environment. This aspect is an absolutely crucial one. Everything we do as a school is determined by its impact on the educational experiences of our pupils.
Individual members of the SLT also have special responsibilities, some of which are detailed below:
Mr Dick (Head Teacher) Responsible for the good running of the school and for implementing the educational policies of lnverclyde Council. Responsible for all aspects of school organisation and policy.
Mr J McLeman (Deputy Head Teacher) Responsible for S1 & S3, Curriculum S5/S6, School Development Plan, Timetable, Quality management, Staffi ng, 16+ coordinator, Supported study, Accommodation, SEEMIS Coordinator, School activities, Continuing education, Examinations.
Mr M Macdonald (Deputy Head Teacher) Responsible for Cluster Primary Schools liaison and transition, S4 & S6, Curriculum S1/2, Guidance, Support for Learning, LAAC, Behaviour Support, Child Protection, Equal opportunities.
Mrs F Craig (Depute Head Teacher) Responsible for S2 & S5, Curriculum S3/4, Health Promoting Schools, Cultural Development, Enterprise & citizenship, Recognition of achievement, ICT Development, School Library, Professional review & Development, Homework policy, Vocational education, Prize Giving.
All of the SLT liaise closely with a number of subject departments. They also spend a considerable amount of time on monitoring the work of the pupils.
6 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Teaching Staff
Subject Name Designation
Art & Design Mr R Fitzsimmons Principal Teacher Mr S McAuslan
Science Miss L Evans Principal Teacher (Guidance) Miss H M Lawrie Deputy Head Mr M Macdonald Mr G Bruce Principal Teacher Mrs F Craig Deputy Head Mr D Munro
Business Studies Mr A J Bryce Principal Teacher Mr J Burns
Computing Mr V Avarl Principal Teacher
Drama Mrs H C McFadden Miss V Moore
English Mrs A Watson Principal Teacher Miss W McMillan Miss N Johnston Miss P Dick Mrs S Walker
Geography Miss C Sturgeon
History Mr P Dahlstrom
Home Economics Mrs A Cameron Principal Teacher Mrs L J Anderson Principal Teacher (Citizenship and Enterprise) Mrs M Smyth
Mathematics Mr M Barry Principal Teacher Mr J McLeman Deputy Head Mr S Beck Principal Teacher (Guidance) Mr R Baxter Miss D Rodger Miss C Henvey Mrs D Morrison
Modern Languages Mrs M Kyle Principal Teacher Mrs H Morning Mrs V Tidd (Job Share) Mrs C Valente (Job Share)
Modern Studies Mr S Kretowicz Principal Teacher Mr D Leslie
7 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Music Miss J Ballantyne Principal Teacher Mrs K Fraser
Physical Education Mr J Samuel Principal Teacher Miss E Colquhoun Mr K Kelly
Pupil Support Mr J Paterson Principal Teacher Mr D Ross Support Base Teacher Mr D McKinstry Behaviour Support Teacher
Religious Education Mr A Bryden
Design & Technology Mr D Magee Principal Teacher Mrs L Greenlees Principal Teacher (Guidance) Miss K McCrae Principal Teacher (Guidance) In Session 2007-2008, the school has 46 core staffi ng including probationer teachers. A number of musical instructors visit the school on a weekly basis.
Non Teaching Staff Offi ce Mr T Mullen Schools Support Manager Mrs E Anderson School Finance Offi cer Miss L Jamieson Support Assistant Mrs M Graham Administrative Assistant Miss M Love Mrs H Coyle Mrs K Jamieson Miss A Tucker Librarian Ms S Lawson Classroom Assistants Mrs J Galli Miss A McAlinden SEN Auxiliary Mrs M Campbell Mrs R Gillies Mrs M Coll Ms M Smith Ms F Campbell Ms D Wishart Technicians Mr M Coull Senior Technician Miss L Napier Mr D Mitchell Mr J Sorrie Janitors Mr J Boyland Head Janitor Mr P Fulton Mr A Campbell Home School Link Mr S Cummings Link Worker Ms K Dalziel Attendance Offi cer
8 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
1.6 The School Day
The teaching day is split into six periods of approximately 55 minutes each. Each day begins with registration, which lasts for 10 minutes, except on a Tuesday when Assemblies are held during a 20 minute ‘slot’.
All Days (except Tue) Tuesdays Begins Ends Begins Ends Registration 9.00 9.10 9.00 9.20 Period 1 9.10 10.00 9.20 10.10 Period 2 10.00 10.50 10.10 11.00 Interval 10.50 11.05 11.00 11.15 Period3 11.05 12.00 11.15 12.05 Period 4 12.00 12.55 12.05 12.55 Lunch 12.55 1.45 12.55 1.45 Period 5 1.45 2.40 1.45 2.40 Period 6 2.40 3.35 2.40 3.35
1.7 The School Year 2008-2009
First Term School opens for pupils Monday 18 August 2008 Close for mid term holiday Friday 10 October 2008 Re-open Monday 20 October 2008 Close Wednesday 24 December 2008
Second Term Re-open Monday 5 January 2009 Close for mid term holiday Friday 6 February 2009 Re-open Tuesday 10 February 2009 Close Friday 3 April 2009
Third Term Re-open Monday 20 April 2009 May Day Friday 1 May 2009 Close Wednesday 24 June 2009
In addition there will be fi ve in service training days for staff the dates of which will be confi rmed. Pupils should not attend classes on these days.
9 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
1.8 Integrated Community School
While each school in Inverclyde is managed by its own Head Teacher and Senior Staff, this school is part of a cluster of schools working together to secure improvements and developments in agreed areas of priority. This cluster of schools involves neighbouring Primary Schools, the associated Secondary Schools and Pre5 establishments.
The agreed areas of priority are: • Raising attainment and achievement • Health Education and improvement • Lifelong learning. • Supporting vulnerable children. • Supporting children at transition points.
2. Our Associated Primaries
The Head Teachers and addresses of our Associated Primary Schools are:
Highholm Primary School Clune Park Primary School (Mrs C McNeill) (Mrs A Irvine) Highholm Avenue Robert Street Port Glasgow, PA14 5JN Port Glasgow, PA14 SNS
Tel (01475) 715420 Tel (01475) 715701
Slaemuir Primary School Kilmacolm Primary School (Mrs L Hasson) (Miss S MacFarlane) Grampian Road Churchill Road Port Glasgow, PA14 6LY Kilmacolm, PA13 4LE
Tel (01475) 715708 Tel (01505) 873487
10 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
2.1 Primary/Secondary Liaison We wish to make the transition to secondary as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Particular points of note are:
✦ Our English, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music and Science departments regularly visit primary classes. Our S3 pupils lead the P7’s in Poetry Workshops.
✦ Our English, Mathematics, Science and Music courses are completely integrated with our primaries as part of the 5-14 programme. This means that, for instance, a pupil leaves P7 in Mathematics and picks up at the exact level in S1, undertaking a course that meets his/her needs.
✦ Our Computing, Art & Design, Design & Technology, Drama, Music, Home Economics and P.E facilities are used regularly by P6 and P7 pupils as they visit the school throughout the year. Primary pupils come to Port Glasgow High School to play in the junior orchestra with S1 and S2.
✦ Our learning support and guidance departments make regular visits to the primaries to ascertain the needs of individual pupils and to begin to get to know them.
✦ An Open Evening’ is arranged during early October for parents and children to tour the buildings, meet staff and pupils and see various activities and displays.
✦ In November, meetings are held in each primary school for parents of children who will enrol in Port Glasgow High the following August. At this meeting, the Head Teacher and other senior staff will provide further information and are available for informal discussion about any matter.
✦ Primary 7 pupils visit the school in June. The pupils follow a normal secondary timetable, meet new classmates, use their social area and get to know their teachers (and especially their guidance teacher). They are issued with a special ‘Welcome to Port Glasgow High School’ booklet. A meeting of parents also takes place at this time.
11 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
The main difference between the subjects taught in primary and those in secondary is that children move from having one teacher (plus some specialist input) to a 30 period timetabled programme of subjects in the secondary. The links between the primary and secondary curriculum are shown in the table below (these links, already strong, will be developed further as the 5-14 programme continues to evolve)
Primary School Port Glasgow High School
Language X English & French
Mathematics X Mathematics
Environmental Studies X Geography, History, Modern (‘Topics’) Studies, Science, Design & Technology, Home Economics, Information Technology
Expressive Arts X Physical Education, Art, Music, Drama
Religious & Moral Education X Religious Education, Social Education
Learn to Learn - My Amazing Brain
12 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
2.2 School Dress and Kit
Given that there is substantial parental and public approval of uniform, schools in lnverclyde are free to encourage the wearing of school uniform. In encouraging the wearing of uniform, account must be taken in any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race or gender. Any proposals will be the subject of widespread consultation with parents and pupils. Against this background it should be noted that it is the policy of the Education and Life Long Learning Committee not to insist on pupils wearing uniform or having specialist items of clothing as a prerequisite to their attending and engaging in all of the activities of the curriculum.
At Port Glasgow High School, our pupils wear school uniform. We believe it looks smart, helps eliminate social differences and promotes school spirit. The uniform is:
✦ White shirt or blouse with school tie
✦ Specially designed Port Glasgow High School polo shirt
✦ Specially designed Port Glasgow High School sweat shirt
✦ Black trousers or skirt
There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which:
✦ potentially encourage factions (such as football colours)
✦ could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
✦ could cause health and safety diffi culties, such as loose fi tting clothing or clothing made of fl ammable material, dangling earrings and other body piercings
✦ could cause damage to fl ooring
✦ carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco, and
✦ could be used to infl ict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.
13 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Under no circumstances will pupils be deprived of any educational benefi t as a result of not wearing uniform and, in particular, pupils will not be denied access to examinations as a result of not wearing school uniform.
We are happy that all our pupils wear appropriate clothes to school. We are very grateful for the support we receive from parents in this matter.
The council is concerned at the level of claims being received regarding the loss of pupils’ clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to school. Parents should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to have been negligent.
Bringing Equipment to School
All pupils should bring basic items such as pencils, pens, rubbers and rulers to school so that they can be ready to start their lessons properly. The school provides any specialist equipment that is needed (eg scientifi c materials).
Physical Education
To gain the maximum benefi t and be as hygienic as possible, it is important to bring a change of clothing for PE activities. There is no ‘PE Uniform’ as such, but the following items are recommended:
✦ Training shoes or sandshoes ✦ Swimming costume ✦ Shorts ✦ T-shirt or Sports Top ✦ Change of socks.
It is useful to bring the kit in a carrier bag inside the schoolbag.
Home Economics
An apron is essential for Home Economics. Aprons (suitable for boys and girls) are made by all S1 pupils as part of their home economics course. Pupils are also requested to provide a container to transport their food items home.
14 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
NOTE - Help with clothing
Parents of children receiving one or the following benefi ts will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children: Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based), Child Tax Credit, who have an annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) of below £14,495 and who do not receive a Working Tax Credit, or receive support under Part VI of the Asylum and Immigration Act. Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in different circumstances is at the discretion of the Director of Education and Social Care. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools and from the Education Headquarters, 105 Dalrymple Street Greenock PA15 1LY.
Some avid readers in the Library
15 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
2.3 Travel to School
The Council has a policy of providing free transport to secondary pupils who live more than two miles from their local school by the recognised shortest walking route. This policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or education offi ce. These forms should be completed and returned before the end of February for those pupils beginning school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year, but may be subject to delay whilst arrangements are made. The appropriate offi cer has discretion in special circumstances to grant permission for pupils to travel in transport provided by the authority where spare spaces are available and no additional costs are incurred.
Where free transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain distance to the vehicle pickup point. Walking distance in total, including the distance from home to the pickup point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one direction, will not exceed the authority’s limits (see above).
Pickup Times for Port Glasgow High School It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure their child arrives at the pick-up point in time. It is also the parents’ responsibility to ensure the child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding, travelling in and alighting from vehicle. Misbehaviour could result in a child losing the right to free transport.
The main boarding points and times for pupils are as follows:
Gibshill Bogston 8.35 am Port Glasgow Glen Ave 8.30 am Glenhuntly etc 8.38 am
Kilmacolm etc Kilmacolm Cross 8.35 am Quarrier’s 8.38 am
16 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
After school, all buses assemble in the bus bay and to ensure the safety of pupils, two janitors are on duty each day. The school has no direct control over transport arrangements. The school would, however, wish to be kept informed of diffi culties. Placing requests Education Services does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of a placing request other than in exceptional circumstances. In the case of under-age placing requests if the if the child is offered a place in his/her catchment area school, transport will be provided in accordance with Council policy as previously stated. Consortium Transport Senior pupils who travel to any other school outwith the town as part of their course will have transport provided free of charge to take them to the other establishment and return them to Port Glasgow High School.
2.4 Social Areas There is a very generous provision of play areas and social areas within the school environs, both indoor and outdoor. Pupils must not leave the school campus at the morning interval. There are social areas within the house blocks. These can be used by the pupils at intervals and at lunch times. However, pupils are expected to use the outdoor areas at morning break and lunch times between Easter and the October holiday. In the wet weather they may use the social areas. Sixth year pupils have their own ‘bases’ within the social areas. We expect pupils to take care of their areas and to keep them free from litter.
Happy and hard at work in English
17 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
2.5 Award Ceremonies and Prizegiving As a school, we are constantly looking at ways of rewarding pupils who have made good progress and effort in their work. We currently have two major events in the school year:
Award ceremony for S1, S2 and S3 Every subject is asked to nominate pupils who deserve awards for best class achiever and making most progress. Each teacher can choose one pupil in each category from each class taught.
Awards are presented in the Main Theatre in early May each year.
School Prizegiving This major event in the life of the school is held every year in Port Glasgow Town Hall. The school celebrates the work of the year with musical items and a distinguished speaker (who has a connection with the school).
Pupils in S4, S5 and S6 are presented with prizes for their work in various subjects, and awards are made to the sports champions and pupils who have brought distinction to themselves, the school and the community.
Our 6th Year pupils give a talk at the Scottish Learning Festival
18 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
2.6 Meals School meals are cooked in our modern, well equipped kitchens, There are two dining rooms where children choose from a wide range of food on a ‘cashless cafeteria’ basis. Areas of the dining rooms are set aside for pupils who wish to bring their own packed lunch. As a Health Promoting School our kitchens comply with Education Services policies on the nutritional balance of meals. We also promote healthy lifestyles. Children of parents in receipt of one of the following benefi ts are entitled to a free midday meal: Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based), Child Tax Credit, who have an annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) of below £14,495 and who do not receive a Working Tax Credit, or receive support under Part VI of the Asylum and Immigration Act. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools and the Education Headquarters, 105 Dalrymple Street Greenock PA15 1LY 1YA. In addition such children will be entitled to free milk. Milk may, however, be available for purchase in school during lunch period. Pupils entitled to free lunches will have the relevant amount credited to their account each day. In Home Economics, pupils prepare a variety of foods. If your child is unable to eat certain foods for medical, principled or religious reasons please ask the Principal Teacher of Home Economics for a form to complete so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Enjoying working on computers in our excellent library
19 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
3. Guidance
3.1 The Aims of Guidance
The general aims of guidance in Port Glasgow High School fall into three main areas:
✦ Personal guidance ✦ Curricular guidance ✦ Careers guidance and can be stated as follows:
✦ To know and be known by each pupil and to concern ourselves with the overall wellbeing of each child as an individual
✦ To assist pupils to gain the maximum benefi t from all aspects of school life
✦ To provide the necessary curricular and careers advice so that pupils can make appropriate choices.
3.2 Guidance Structure
Each pupil is assigned to one of two houses (which have been named after shipyards in the town). The houses are:
✦ Ferguson
✦ Kingston.
There are social areas for pupils, which contain toilet facilities, at the interval and canteen facilities. The promoted guidance staff for each house also have their offi ces in these areas.
20 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
The promoted members of staff are allocated to the houses and provide a supportive role to pupils. They are also responsible for attendance, records, reports and providing references. The guidance staff prepare the social, health and careers programme for all pupils from S1 to S6. Careers guidance is also given by our visiting careers adviser, Miss A Walker. Close liaison is maintained with members of outside agencies such as attendance offi cers, careers advisers, social workers and the psychological service to ensure that specialist advice is readily available as and when required.
3.3 Contact with Parents The guidance staff take a close personal interest in all the pupils in their care and are a natural fi rst point of contact between the school and the home. They are always extremely willing to discuss any matter with parents. They are also subject teachers with heavy timetables so that parents wishing to visit the school should make a prior appointment if at all possible.
3.4 Registration and House Groups Within each house, pupils are assigned to house groups and it is to these groups that pupils go to register every morning. They are placed in groups with pupils of all stages from S1 to S6 and we ensure that families are kept together to provide a close link and to enable the house tutor (register teacher) to get to know pupils and families well. All parents are individually notifi ed through the associated primary school in June as to their child’s class, house group and guidance teacher.
Admiring each others work at art and crafts
21 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
3.5 Option Choices Towards the end of S2 and again at the beginning of S5 and S6, all pupils are required to make important choices of subjects. S2 option time is especially important as decisions taken then largely map out the shape of your son/daughter’s education from S3 until leaving. To help with these decisions each boy and girl has a one-to-one interview with his/her guidance teacher as well as receiving information and advice through the social education programme, the careers library and from subject teachers. After interview, a range of subjects tailored to a pupil’s needs is recommended. Before this is fi nalised parents are directly involved through an information pack brought home, an invitation to attend an ‘Information Evening’ and, of course, an opportunity to attend a Parents’ Evening where matters can be discussed with your son/daughter’s subject teachers. During S4 and S5 senior pupils are asked to make provisional subject choices for the following session which are then confi rmed or amended when examination results are known. Again, help and guidance is given through information sessions and interview.
3.6 S6 Peer Support for S1 As part of our drive to make the transition to First Year as smooth as possible, we have a scheme, the fi rst in lnverclyde, in which our Sixth Year pupils are specially trained early in the new session so that they can work closely with First Year as they settle into the school. Sixth Year is split up into small teams who work with a group of First Year pupils each, helping them as part of our Personal and Social Education course. They look at settling in, working with other people, study skills, anti bullying skills and other aspects of life at the school. Sixth Year pupils benefi t by having the opportunity to show leadership and help to others. First Year pupils benefi t by having their confi dence increased and having older pupils to look up to and to seek out for help and advice.
22 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
4. Learning and Teaching
4.1 The Junior School-S1 and S2
The class size in S1 and S2 is approximately 27, which is well below the maximum size permissible. It is our aim to keep class sizes as small as possible to permit the maximum individual attention to each pupil. The information supplied by the primary schools is used to ensure that there is a spread of ability within each class. At the same time, every effort is made to accommodate friendship groups and specifi c parental requests.
All pupils in S1/2 follow a common course of subjects:
English, French, Mathematics, Science, Home Economics, Design & Technology, Information Technology, Art & Design, Music, Physical Education, Drama (in S2), and Personal and Social Education. Geography, History, Religious Education and Modern Studies are taught in rotation.
In S2, pupils study Mathematics and Science in ability groups.
4.2 The Middle School-S3 and S4
After the common course of S1 and S2, pupils move on to study Standard Grades in S3 and S4. After Christmas in S2, pupils embark on their option choice programme. The subjects they choose will depend on career aspirations, personal preferences and the likelihood of success in the Standard Grade examinations.
The current S3 option choice form is shown below. It shows the subjects currently available. Points of note are:
✦ the subjects are arranged in ‘columns’. Pupils must choose one subject from each column;
✦ the columns refl ect the modes of study in S1 and S2. Column H allows for added choice: eg a second science subject or some other permutation of subjects.
✦ in addition to the eight Standard Grades, pupils continue to study physical education, religious education and social education.
23 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
ADEFG H English Geography Biology Computing Art & Design Art & Design B History Chemistry Craft & Design Music Business Management Mathematics Modern Studies Physics Home Economics PE Chemistry C Religious Business Admin Graphic Drama French Education Communication Vocational Option ASDAN SVS
Levels of Study
Each course selection is carefully monitored by the school and a course is negotiated with each pupil, parents and school.
All pupils in Port Glasgow High School are presented for Scottish Qualifi cations Authority Standard Grade Certifi cates. These certifi cates are awarded at three different course levels:
Foundation the basic level, suited to pupils who would not (Grades 5 & 6) have expected to get an Ordinary Grade in the past;
General suitable for pupils in the middle range of ability (Grades 3 & 4)
Credit the most advanced level. (Grades 1 & 2)
Pupils will generally be able to take different levels in different subjects.
24 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
4.3 The Senior School - S5 and S6
S5 and S6 are a natural progression from S3/S4. Pupils can choose from a range of Scottish Qualifi cations Authority Highers, Advanced Highers and Intermediate Courses. The pathways for progression from S4 to S5/6 are shown below
S4 S Grade S5 S6 Results
Credit Award Higher Advanced Higher (level 1 or 2) DD
General Award Intermediate II Higher (level 3 or 4) D D
Foundation Award Intermediate I Intermediate II (level 5 or 6) DD
Further information on Scottish Qualifi cations can be obtained form the their website www.sqa.org.uk.
The current S5/6 option form is shown on a following page. It presents the subjects currently available. Points of note are:
✦ the eight Standard Grade subjects become fi ve in S5/6;
✦ some Standard Grade courses do not extend into Higher; eg SVS (social and vocational skills);
✦ no one school is able to offer all the courses taken in S3 and S4 on to S5, but by close linking with other schools in lnverclyde, the few courses not available in Port Glasgow High School can be taken in a neighbouring secondary (usually St Stephen’s High School).
Hanging on for dear life during the activity week 25 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 t r o a p c i s m s s E a u a P r P M D C P t t t b n n n s s e e e e . e . m m w y c m m m e e e / m m t t n n n g p n e e e c e y s s g g a y y e o n g g g n m m c i i g y y i i i r r r a a a h h h t s s e t t r s s o o s n n o e i s s s c s s l c s e e n n n e e e g i i i a i i i C C h c r r i n n e a a a o s u t p n n n n D D S s r r a a o o m m y c c h x t a a a e i i e i i y d M M M s t e e t t s C C c E h t r p p p t & & h h i a a n h h y D s s s r n P u S S S i t t k p p s s s s a o o a r r r C C a m m a a e e e P r r p e H r r o C A A n n n m S o o i i i B f f G G s s s W n n C u u u I I P B B B g n s i l r a l e i i e n n c d k n n n e g g s n n n n e o o o n i i i i i g g i e o s s t t t i i e i i r M g s s y y r e e t s s t r a a a a a t c c c c c s r r r n g g c e e e i i i i i i t t t d D D n E s m s m s o o s s u s s s p n l l D D e t t i i i r a a u u u m y y x t e a r r c o o c c n n n l e s E h h i i i i i i & & t M M M u u D D h n n P P B B b c t t k d d m m m g o r r r Cs a i o o o d d d t s o C r r A A n m A A A e P P o W o D t C u A s s l l l l i i s s k k e e i i s s y y y d d t g g n h h i u u y y i l h n n t t t p p r r i i i a c c S S a a t u o o s k k r i r t t n n r r p u s s n n g g p e e i i o o r r r r s o o m My e e F F H H o e e w w o d d d d H G G C o o o o o o M M W W s e i d y u s l t h h h h S n t t t t o a a a a n r 6 Mg Mh M Mc e S d o M y h h h h l s s s s i i i i n E l l l l o g g g g P n n n n 6 Es Es E Es S 2 4 6 e / / / r g 1 3 5 e e e 2 1 l h s s s s l r e e g e e e o i t t u d d d r a a C o H a a a i i e r r r t c d d h t d f e e G G G g a e i o c m m d d d W H r r n r r r e e e a a a a s p t t v e d d d y n n d n n n I I TABCDEX m a a a A a t t t J S S S S5/S6 Options 2007/2008
26 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
4.4 Support for Learning
Support for Learning is an integral part of our aim to meet the needs of all pupils within Port Glasgow High School.
The process begins while pupils are still in P7. We make an early identifi cation of the needs of the youngsters, including those who may need support due to learning diffi culties, either of a general nature or in a specifi c fi eld (eg reading or spelling). Within P7 there are liable to be a number of pupils who, for a variety of reasons, will have Individual Education Plans. If a parent considers that his or her child has additional support needs they should contact the year head.
Support is provided in the following ways:
Appropriate Teaching Strategies While classes in S1 and S2 follow a common course, that does not mean that they all complete exactly the same work irrespective of their needs. Instead, account is taken of individual needs and previous attainments. Different groupings and different materials and textbooks are used fl exibly, allowing pupils to progress at their own pace and to succeed at their tasks. This applies for all pupils: stretching the most able as well as supporting those who are having diffi culty;
Cooperative Teaching This is a valuable way of enhancing the support offered to all pupils. The Support for Learning Team work cooperatively with in classes across the whole school, both to provide individual support as needed and to help the whole class.
Support Base To further enhance the support we can give, to pupils who have missed lessons because of extensive absence and to pupils who fi nd it diffi cult to cope in whole- class teaching groups, Port Glasgow High School has a well-resourced support for learning base. This room, located in the centre of the school, is staffed full time and is well equipped with on-line computers so that integrated learning systems used in English and mathematics can be accessed by pupils working there. It is a haven for pupils who need extra support.
Workshops On occasions, pupils needing concentrated support are extracted from class for a short time and given help. This may be from the learning support team or from visiting specialists.
27 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Befriending S6 students provide help and support to individual pupils in S1 and S2. Senior students help many youngsters in:
✦ giving one-to-one support in areas of diffi culty; ✦ helping teachers with practical work (eg experiments in Science); ✦ supporting pupils who may have had some diffi culty in settling into secondary by being an ‘older brother/sister’.
Mentoring Fourth, fi fth and sixth year students in the school who are studying for Standard Grade or several Intermediate or Higher Grade awards are placed with members of staff who act as their mentors. This involves the member of staff taking an extremely close interest in the student, meeting them regularly on a one-to-one basis to discuss progress in all their subjects and making sure that they ‘keep on track’. They also offer help and advice as needed (eg study skills, homework, research skills, application forms).
Hard at work
28 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
4.5 Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning within Port Glasgow High School. It is not only a matter of ‘tests’ or exams’, although these are obviously important. Assessment for learning strategies are routinely used.
In S1 and S2, pupils are assessed in the normal course of their classwork to see if they are attaining their targets and making progress. Pupils assess themselves and each other for the same purposes. Assessment takes the form of speaking, writing and practical tasks. There are no formal examinations as such. Rather assessments are made and recorded at times suitable to departments.
The 5-14 development programme has had increasing implications for the assessment of S1 and S2 pupils. In particular pupils will be tested in relation to National Standards in Maths and English and the result of theses tests will be reported to parents.
In S3 and S4, continuous assessment is supplemented by more formal examinations and practical tests / investigations. Much of the work of Standard Grade courses is internally assessed by the school itself and forms part (usually 20 - 50%) of the fi nal award. S3 pupils sit examinations in May.
S4 Standard Grade pupils sit ‘prelims’ in December. S5/6 pupils sit ‘prelims’ in January or February. These give all pupils the chance to practise sitting a formal examination which matches the ‘real thing’ closely and it also gives them a formal diet of examinations which mirror the sort of timescales faced in the following May and June. Pupils following module courses are assessed continuously.
It was close, but we didn’t lose anyone on this exercise
29 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
4.6 Reports to Parents/Parents’ Evenings
The results of assessments (see Section 4.5) and the personal knowledge that a teacher gains about his/her pupils is used to build up a profi le from which the report sheets are completed.
Reports are issued to parents on a regular basis. In S1 and S2, reports are issued twice per year. Examples of report ‘pages’ are given on the following pages.
Pupils in S3 receive two reports in the session, while S4 - S6 receive one report per year, in January/February after the prelim exams. Prior to the issue of this report, all pupils are interviewed by guidance to discuss prospects. Senior pupils also have regular target setting interviews with their class teachers.
Parents’ Evenings
Parents’ evenings are held throughout the session to provide an opportunity for parents to come and discuss their child’s progress with his/her class teachers. At these meetings, a pupil’s strengths and development needs, behaviour and effort can be fully discussed.
Parents are welcome to call at the school at any reasonable time to discuss their child’s progress. An appointment with the appropriate guidance teacher should be made prior to the visit.
Learning new woodwork skills
30 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
31 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
32 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
33 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
S5/6 How Levels Are Reported On Higher, Intermediate II and Intermediate I levels all have two kinds of assessment: there are unit assessments based on the different component parts of the course, which are assessed internally in the school, and an overall award which is based on the internal assessments, together with an external assessment (which usually includes a fi nal exam). While any pupil passing any internal assessments will have those reported on his or her Scottish Qualifi cation Certifi cate (SQC) to gain an overall award a pupil must have been successful in all internal assessments, and in the external assessment.
Higher, Intermediate II and Intermediate I overall awards are all reported on a scale 1-6 as follows: 1-2 ‘A’ award 3-4 ‘B’ award 5-6 ‘C’ award
These awards represent different levels of pass, with ‘A’ being the highest. Where a pupil has narrowly failed one level he or she may be awarded a pass at ‘A’ at the level immediately below i.e. a pupil narrowly failing at Higher level may be awarded an ‘A’ pass at Intermediate II.
Scottish Credit Qualifi cation Framework The Scottish Credit Qualifi cation Framework (SCQF) shows how the different levels in S4 to S6 equate to and follow on from each other as follows:
SCQF Level SCQF Level 1 Access 1 SCQF Level 2 Access 2 SCQF Level 3 Access 3 — Standard Grade Foundation SCQF Level 4 Intermediate I — Standard Grade General SCQF Level 5 Intermediate II— Standard Grade Credit SCQF Level 6 Higher SVQ 3 SCQF Level 7 Advanced Higher HNC
The SCQ Framework goes on to include degree and Post Graduate Degree Levels.
34 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
5. School Policies and Practice
5.1 Homework
Homework plays a fundamental role in the education of our youngsters. It is one of the ways in which the school and parents can have an active partnership. All pupils are issued with Homework Diaries which will help in planning and completing homework. Parents are asked to check these frequently. Senior staff will ask to see these diaries throughout the year.
Homework will usually consist of some of the following:
1) completing work started in class; 2) home exercises, essays, translations; 3) learning vocabulary (either French or some aspect of language - eg specialised words in Science); 4) revising work done in class; 5) reading or research, eg for projects.
Success in examinations grows out of the habit of regular study. The reading and revising of a book or notes or practising vocabulary ‘out loud’ becomes increasingly more important as pupils progress from S1 to S4 and beyond. Many pupils ‘think’, and tell their parents, that because they have not been given written exercises to do that they have no homework, which may be completely wrong.
It is diffi cult to set a time for homework. What takes one pupil 15 minutes may take another an hour. In general terms, pupils in S1 and S2 should spend at least one hour on homework each night. In S3 and S4, on average one hour per week for each standard grade subject is appropriate. This would be increased to two hours per subject per week in S5 and S6.
At the start of the session parents receive a booklet outlining homework.
The school will contact parents if homework is not being completed.
35 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
After School Activities
Supported Study was fi rst introduced in January 1991. It is funded by lnverclyde Council. The scheme has not remained static but has gradually evolved from homework classes attended mainly by junior pupils to study support aimed at students in all year groups and sporting and creative activities. The purpose of study support is to provide:
✦ tutorial help in subject areas in which students are experiencing diffi culty;
✦ guidance on good study habits;
✦ a place to study away from the TV and noisy brothers and sisters!
✦ opportunities for taking part in sport, music, and art.
After school activities sessions take place in the school from 3.45 pm to 4.45 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students attending these sessions also have access to the careers library and some of the most up to date computers in the school. Sessions can be directly linked to the curriculum or can be opportunities to take part in sport, musical activities and games.
Tutorial sessions held by individual subjects focus on specifi c areas of work.
5.2 Pupil Behaviour
Our code of behaviour is simple.
✦ have a clear Code of Conduct
✦ praise and reward good behaviour
✦ manage inappropriate behaviour so that it will stop quickly and will not affect top quality learning and teaching.
36 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Rewarding Good Behaviour
As a school, we believe fi rmly that praise is a vital part of working with our youngsters. We should not take good behaviour and conduct for granted - we actively praise youngsters for work that is ‘well done.’ We also give the following ‘rewards’:
1. Pupils are issued with ‘positive referrals’ when they perform a notable piece of work. These take the form of simple notes which detail the reason for the referrals. These are completed by class teachers, signed by the head teacher and given home;
2. During the session, class teachers nominate up to fi ve pupils at any one time for ‘merit certifi cates’ which are awarded on the basis of good work, effort and/or attitude in class. We hope that all our youngsters will work towards receiving certifi cates which will be a way of the school publicly endorsing their good behaviour.
Hand making the school Christmas card
37 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Managing Inappropiate Behaviour
We all want the school to function effectively as a purposeful, orderly place in which effective learning and teaching are allowed to fl ourish. Any deviation from the code of conduct will be dealt with in a way which keeps disruption to learning and teaching to a minimum.
We fi rmly believe that discipline is most effective when it takes place within a fi rm and close partnership between the school and the home.
The following is a list of sanctions (becoming more serious as they move up’) which are used by the school.
Stage 1: ‘Offi cial Warning’ by the class teacher
Stage 2: ‘Isolation within the lesson’ - eg moving seat
Stage 3: Ten minutes of detention at the next lunch break (this takes place at the beginning so there is still ample time for lunch)
Stage 4: ‘Behaviour Report’ - a written note saying clearly what the offence has been and asking for parental signature as an acknowledgement that it has been seen. If a child receives three or more of these, the parent will automatically be asked to come to the school to speak to a senior member of staff
Stage 5: For either a serious offence or a build up through the previous stages, a child will be sent straight to a senior member of staff and the parent will be contacted.
38 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Pupil Code of Conduct
Corridors/Outside Classrooms
✦ Walk on the left.
✦ Walk quietly and carry your bag safely.
✦ Do your eating and drinking in the House Areas or playgrounds.
Start of Lessons
✦ Arrive in class in good time.
✦ Line up in the corridor on the appropriate side of the door.
✦ Wait until your teacher tells you to enter the classroom.
✦ Enter the room quietly and be ready to begin work.
During Lessons
✦ Listen to and follow instructions the fi rst time they are given.
✦ Don’t talk out of turn.
✦ Bring necessary equipment.
✦ Remove outdoor clothing.
✦ Remember - eat and drink in the House Areas or playgrounds.
End of Lessons
✦ Pack up when instructed and stay in your seat until dismissed by your teacher.
✦ Always make your way by the most direct route.
39 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
5.3 Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Values
Religious education and religious observance play a key role in developing spiritual, social, moral and cultural values.
Religious Education
All pupils in S1 to S4 receive one period of Religious Education every week. The programme encourages pupils to:
✦ recognise religion as an important expression of human experience; ✦ refl ect on and respond to the values and beliefs of religious traditions within our community and beyond; ✦ be aware of the practical consequences of religious commitment; ✦ evaluate, and thereby confi rm, deepen or come to their own understanding of the meaning, value and purpose of life.
Through Religious Education, pupils will be assisted to develop positive attitudes and to consider, and where appropriate explore, generally accepted values.
Religious Observance
There are regular Christian religious assemblies for both houses. These are conducted by the house chaplains.
Ferguson Kingston Rev Andrew MacLean Rev James Munro St Andrew’s Parish Church Hamilton Bardrainey Church
In addition the school is supported by a Chaplaincy Team including representatives from a range of local churches.
Parents have a right to withdraw their child from religious education and / or religious assemblies. If, on the grounds of your conscience, you wish your child to be withdrawn, you should send a letter to the head teacher who will arrange to discuss the issues with you.
Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.
40 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
5.4 Attendance Parents should inform the school by telephone on the fi rst morning of an absence and provide a reason for the pupil’s absence. The school will contact the pupil’s family and thereafter other emergency contacts if no explanation is given for the pupil’s absence. This contact will be made before 10.00 am on the fi rst morning of the absence and early after the restart after lunch in the case of an afternoon absence.
Other agencies may be contacted if no contact with the pupil’s family can be achieved and if there are continuing or emerging concerns about a pupil’s safety or wellbeing.
Parents should keep the school informed of any changes of address or telephone numbers, both their own and those of the emergency contacts.
Children absent from school due to ill health: Young people of school age may be unable to attend school for a wide range of reasons including ill health, accidents or long term medical conditions. In general there will be an automatic referral by the school for education outwith school after 15 days of continuous or 20 working days of intermittent absence, within a single session, for verifi ed medical reasons.
Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent of a child of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Attendance must be recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon. Regulation 7 of the Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland) Amendment, Etc, Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to be recorded in the school register as authorised, i.e. approved by the authority, or unauthorised, i.e. unexplained by the parent (truancy) or temporarily excluded from school.
Scottish Executive Education Department Circular 5/03 makes it clear that every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this both disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. The Circular also states that most family holidays are classifi ed as unauthorised absence and reasons such as the availability of cheap holidays, the availability of desired accommodation, poor weather experienced during school holidays, holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term, parental diffi culty obtaining leave are not acceptable reasons for taking a holiday during the school session.
Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school under the following circumstances: extended overseas educational trip not organised by the school, short-term parental placement abroad, family returning to its country of origin (to care for a relative, or for cultural reasons), leave in relation to the children of travelling families. Only written requests detailing the destination, the duration and the provision that will be made for their continuing education will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.
41 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Clearly where an absence occurs with no explanation from the parent the absence is unauthorised.
The school attendance offi cer investigates unexplained absence and Education and Social Care has the power to write to, interview or prosecute parents or to refer pupils to the reporter of the children’s hearings, if necessary.
5.5 Permission to be Absent
If a pupil wishes leave of absence for a hospital appointment or wedding, etc, he/she should bring a note requesting this to the house tutor (register teacher). Such absences will be recorded as authorised. Parents should make every effort to arrange routine dental check ups outwith the school day if at all possible.
5.6 Equal Opportunities and Social Justice
We are determined to ensure that every pupil is supported throughout school, fairly and equally, regardless of circumstances. We call this social justice and it’s about making sure that all pupils are given an equal chance to reach their potential.
In meeting the needs of all our pupils we will demonstrate no discrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. This encompasses curricular, extra-curricular and classroom activities and is foremost in the attitudes which we develop in our pupils.
In light of recent legislation on Human Rights, Race Equality and Disability the authority and its establishments are reviewing policy and practice on equal opportunities and social justice.
42 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
5.7 Links with the World of Work
The school believes fi rmly in developing links with the ‘outside world’ of work and industry, to stress the relevance of school to the world of work and to provide pupils with the opportunity to learn about the possibilities for their future careers. Links are developed in the following ways:
✦ visits are made to industrial sites (eg power stations, docks, industrial estates, engineering works) as part of courses at various stages from S1 onwards; IBM Women into Technology for all S1 girls, introduction to job families in PSE.
✦ all S2 are introduced to the concept of entrepreneurship at a Make it in Scotland work event in January or February, E mentoring, science festival. 1 week’s initial work experience for all S2 pupils.
✦ S3 pupils take part in an ACE (Aiming for a College Education) Day which allows them to explore the world of college/university; some pupils have Industrial Mentors, some participate in a Stock Market challenge.
✦ all pupils at the start of S4 have a week’s Work Experience. This gives them fi rst hand experience of a particular type of work. Industrial Mentors work with some S4 pupils. Mock interviews are arranged for summer leavers.
✦ S5 pupils can take part in a Great Expectations event and can undertake Work Experience. In S6, they have the chance to develop their work experience into Work Shadowing, to study a package on Understanding Industry, to take part in Young Enterprise, Great Expectations, E Commerce, Food and Drink Challenge and a Leadership Conference.
One of our intrepid travelers fi nds it’s easier to canoe when you’re out of the water
43 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
5.8 Use of New Technology
If you were able to visit Port Glasgow High School at our open evening, you would have noticed how well served we are in terms of new technology.
Computers in particular are used by staff and pupils in many areas of the school from S1 onwards:
as part of basic numeracy work and investigations in Mathematics;
to ‘write up’ folio pieces in English;
graphics in Art & Design, using colour printing, CD ROM, etc;
Science programmes and experiments;
a suite of CD ROMs in the library which are used by many departments for research and by individual pupils at break times;
weather information on computer in Geography;
various ‘high tech’ equipment in Design & Technology to aid in design, drawing and manufacture;
computerised sewing machines in home economics; fi tness testing equipment in PE;
dedicated equipment to help pupils who need support for learning;
dedicated computer packages in computing, business studies, maths and English;
lap top computers are also available for pupil use in science and pupil support;
Interactive white boards, digital cameras and digital video cameras are used in many subjects
An exciting development is the National Grid for Learning, in which all pupils have ready access to the Internet for exchanging information with others, research, etc. Port Glasgow High School is at the forefront of this development with suites of PCs in Computing, Business Studies and the school library.
Senior pupils following Advanced Higher and Higher Courses in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics now use Scholar to which they have access in school and at home.
44 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
5.9 Medical and Health Care
Pupils with Medical Conditions
The school should be informed of any medical condition likely to cause problems (eg diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, etc). This is especially important where danger might arise in activities such as Physical Education or in practical work.
Any parent whose child requires to take medication during the school day should contact their child’s guidance teacher to discuss the situation and arrangements for the taking of the medication. Please note that the school does not routinely issue any form of medication (paracetamol, etc).
School Medical Service
The School Medical Service visit on a regular basis to give routine examinations. Parents are sometimes invited to attend. Advice on relevant immunisations is supplied to parents.
A dental check is carried out in S1 and recommendations for further treatment may be made. A dentist is available at Port Glasgow Health Centre.
Pupils Feeling Unwell / Having an Accident in School
If a pupil feels unwell during the day, he/she can lie down in one of our rest rooms and return to normal class later in the day. If however, the pupil requires to go home, this will only happen if we have ascertained that there is someone at home.
In order that proper care can be taken of sick children, parents are requested to give the school the name, address and, where possible, the telephone number of a relative or friend who would be able to take the child or reach the parents. Please ensure that all contact telephone numbers, including your own, are always up to date.
In an emergency, the pupil will be taken to hospital and the parents informed as soon as possible.
45 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
5.10 Data Protection Act 1998
5.10 Transferring Educational Data about Pupils
Data on each pupil is collected by schools, Inverclyde Council and the Scottish Government Education Department (SGED). Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published. The data collected and transferred covers areas such as date of birth, Scottish Candidate Number (SCN), postcode, registration for free school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by his/her local authority, additional support needs including disability and English as an additional language (EAL) and attendance, absence and exclusions from school. Pupil’s names and addresses are not passed to SGED. Postcode is the only part of your address that is transferred and these are grouped to identify localities rather than specifi c addresses. Dates of birth are passed as month and year only, to ensure that individuals are never identifi ed.
Your data protection rights
The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of data is done in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). Further details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net).
The SGED works with a range of partners including HM Inspector of Education and the SQA. On occasion individual data is made available to partners and academic institutions to carry out research and statistical analysis. In addition partners may be provided with information they need in order to fulfi l their offi cial responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control of the SGED which will ensure that no individual level data will be made public and that this data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual.
Concerns If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Data Controller, Pete Whitehouse, at [email protected] or write to The ScotXed Support Offi ce, SGED, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Offi ce, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print. Please allow up to 10 days for requests to be processed. Want more information? Further details about ScotXed data exchanges are available on the ScotXed website, www.scotxed.net. The website also contains answers to commonly asked questions about ScotXed.
46 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
5.11 Keeping You Informed We aim to keep you informed about all school matters in the following ways: ✦ through letters and information sheets as necessary; ✦ through our regular ‘Port High News’; ✦ through items in the local press; ✦ by holding parents’ meetings; ✦ the school website.
Information in Emergencies We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by for example, severe weather temporary interruption of transport, power failures or diffi culties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or reopening. We shall keep you in touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in the press and on local radio.
5.12 School Website What is going on throughout the school can be found on the school website www.portglasgowhighschool.org.uk
5.13 Child Protection in Inverclyde Inverclyde Council Education and Social Care have Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures which all schools are required to follow. Education and Social Care work very closely with other agencies namely Strathclyde Police and Health to support children.
Paris in activities week
47 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
6. Public Examinations and School Statistics
6.1 Entering Pupils for Public Examinations
Port Glasgow High School presents pupils for Standard Grade, Access 3, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher in the Scottish Certifi cate of Education examinations (SCE.).
The policy with regard to entering pupils for public examinations is as follows. The school, in consultation with pupils/parents, normally decides on presentations for examinations. However in the fi nal analysis, the school will accede to the wishes of the parents.
The Scottish Qualifi cations Authority has provided the following information on the SQA Awards system which it now operates. For Standard Grade, awards are made on a 7-point scale with grade 1 the highest and grade 7 the lowest.
Higher, Intermediate 2 and Intermediate 1 levels all have two kinds of assessment: there are unit assessments based on the different component parts of the course, which are assessed internally in the school, and an overall award which is based on the internal assessments together with a fi nal external exam. While any pupil passing any internal assessments will have those reported on his or her Scottish Qualifi cation Certifi cate, to gain an overall award a pupil must have been successful in all internal and external assessment.
Higher, Intermediate 2, Intermediate 1 and Advanced Higher grade passes are reported in terms of 3 bands, A to C. Performance which just fails to achieve ‘pass’ standard may be designated as band A at the lower level, e.g just failing, to gain a band C at Higher becomes a band A at intermediate 2.
6.2 Results for Session 2005-2007
The school’s results are given on the following pages.
Pupil Roll (Sept) S3/S4 S5/S6 2004 - 2005 215 126 2005 - 2006 211 131 2006 - 2007 207 125
48 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Standard Grade Subject 1234567 Administration 3554210 A22rt and Design 101 6000 Biology 3469430 Business Management 3343200 C80hemistry 1 50200 Computing Studies 8711 5 720 C33raft and Design 1821 400 Drama 0032100 E21nglish 25482 300 F50rench 14252 300 G582eography 199010 Graphic Communication 0125710 History 0631520 Home Economics 0233100 M1athematics 14132716120 Modern Studies 2251 0 314 M1usic 1 563000 P057hysical Education 171 200 Physics 8786030 Social and Vocational Skills 2355200 T6otals 78153 119 138 7524
S5/6 - Number and Grade of Awards
HIGHER SABCUBJECT Administration 123 Art and Design 135 Biology 021 Business Management 112 Chemistry 105 Computing 010 E040nglish 1 French 111 Graphic Communication 002 Information Systems 010 M21athematics 16 Modern Studies 338 Music 521 Physical Education 100 Physics 100 Product Design 011 Spanish 110
49 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
S5/6 - Number and Grade of Awards
ADVANCED HIGHER SABCUBJECT Biology 002 Chemistry 002 English 002 Mathematics 101 Physics 110
Intermediate 2 and Intermediate 1
INTERMEDIATE 1 SABCUBJECT Art and Design 210 Biology 324 Care 440 E116nglish 1 Geography 110 Mathematics 422 Physics 110 Woodworking Skills 100
INTERMEDIATE 2 SABCUBJECT Administration 331 Art & Design 200 English 155 French 100 Geography 001 Hospitality 072 Information Systems 011 M20athematics 18 Modern Studies 001 Music 010 Physical Education 300 Product Design 010 Spanish 120 Woodworking Skills 342
50 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
S4 - Number and Grade of Awards 6.3 Analysis of Examination Results
The following pages set out some statistics on SCE. examination results and SQA awards for the last three sessions (2004-2007). Figures are provided for Port Glasgow High School, lnverclyde and Scotland.
For fourth year SQA results, the ‘percentage of pupils achieving’ under any heading is calculated by expressing the number of pupils achieving as a percentage of the S4 roll in September, at the start of the school year The percentage shown under the fi fth and sixth year headings is calculated by expressing the number of pupils achieving in S5 and S6 as a percentage of the original S4 roll.
Level 3 indicates awards at Standard Grade 6/Access 3 or better Level 4 indicates awards at Standard Grade 4/Intermediate 1 or better Level 5 indicates awards at Standard Grade 2/Intermediate 2 or better Level 6 indicates awards at Higher Grade Level 7 indicates awards at Advanced Higher Grade
The S4 to S5 staying on rate is calculated by expressing the S5 roll at the start of the second term (January) as a percentage of the roll of the same group of pupils when they were in S4 at September of the previous school year
Where a pupil is presented for an examination at Standard grade in the same subject at more than one level, account is taken only of the highest grade attained.
Where fi gures or percentages based on a number of pupils attaining certifi cates under any particular heading is between 1 and 4 no information is given and *** is inserted in place of the fi gures.
Some Comments on Port Glasgow High School’s Results
As a school, we place the utmost importance on examination results. However, when comparing results from one school to another, it is important to recognise the social context in which the school operates. Research shows clearly that the background of pupils infl uences educational attainment and raw examination results give a misleading picture of the relative effectiveness of schools.
51 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
Overall, the school’s performance in external examinations has shown a pleasing upward trend over the past fi ve years.
• in fouth year, the percentage of pupils achieving fi ve or more Standard Grades (grades 1-6) has consistently been above the national average.
• in fi fth year, the percentage of pupils gaining three or more Highers at A-C showed a signifi cant increase in 2007.
• almost 17% pupils left Port Glasgow High School in 2007 with three or more Higher Passes.
Ready for Physical Education
52 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
,1)250$7,21)253$5(176 6(&21'$5<6&+22/6 6FKRRO 3RUW*ODVJRZ+LJK6FKRRO ,G1R
(VWLPDWHG6-DQXDU\5ROO$V$3HUFHQWDJH2I7KH65ROO ,Q6HSWHPEHU2I7KH3UHYLRXV6HVVLRQ
([DPLQDWLRQ5HVXOWV ZLWKLQ6FRWWLVK&UHGLWDQG4XDOLILFDWLRQV)UDPHZRUN UHVXOWVDUHSUHDSSHDO
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU HQG RI6
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU HQG RI6
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHO HQG RI6
)RU,QIRUPDWLRQ 6FRWWLVK&UHGLWDQG4XDOLILFDWLRQV)UDPHZRUN 6&4) OHYHOV
/HYHO &6<6DW$& $GYDQFHG+LJKHUDW$&
/HYHO +LJKHUDW$&
/HYHO ,QWHUPHGLDWHDW$& 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
/HYHO ,QWHUPHGLDWHDW$& 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
/HYHO $FFHVV&OXVWHU 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
53 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
,1)250$7,21)253$5(176 6(&21'$5<6&+22/6 (GXFDWLRQ$XWKRULW\ ,QYHUFO\GH
(VWLPDWHG6-DQXDU\5ROO$V$3HUFHQWDJH2I7KH65ROO ,Q6HSWHPEHU2I7KH3UHYLRXV6HVVLRQ
([DPLQDWLRQ5HVXOWV ZLWKLQ6FRWWLVK&UHGLWDQG4XDOLILFDWLRQV)UDPHZRUN UHVXOWVDUHSUHDSSHDO
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU HQG RI6
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU HQG RI6
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHO HQG RI6 S
)RU,QIRUPDWLRQ 6FRWWLVK&UHGLWDQG4XDOLILFDWLRQV)UDPHZRUN 6&4) OHYHOV
/HYHO &6<6DW$& $GYDQFHG+LJKHUDW$&
/HYHO +LJKHUDW$&
/HYHO ,QWHUPHGLDWHDW$& 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
/HYHO ,QWHUPHGLDWHDW$& 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
/HYHO $FFHVV&OXVWHU 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
54 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
,1)250$7,21)253$5(176 6(&21'$5<6&+22/6 1DWLRQDO'DWD
(VWLPDWHG6-DQXDU\5ROO$V$3HUFHQWDJH2I7KH65ROO ,Q6HSWHPEHU2I7KH3UHYLRXV6HVVLRQ
([DPLQDWLRQ5HVXOWV ZLWKLQ6FRWWLVK&UHGLWDQG4XDOLILFDWLRQV)UDPHZRUN UHVXOWVDUHSUHDSSHDO
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU HQG RI6
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU HQG RI6
3HUFHQWDJHRIWKHUHOHYDQW6HSWHPEHU6UROODFKLHYLQJ
%\ #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHORUEHWWHU #OHYHO HQG RI6
)RU,QIRUPDWLRQ 6FRWWLVK&UHGLWDQG4XDOLILFDWLRQV)UDPHZRUN 6&4) OHYHOV
/HYHO &6<6DW$& $GYDQFHG+LJKHUDW$&
/HYHO +LJKHUDW$&
/HYHO ,QWHUPHGLDWHDW$& 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
/HYHO ,QWHUPHGLDWHDW$& 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
/HYHO $FFHVV&OXVWHU 6WDQGDUG*UDGHDW
55 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
6.4 Attendance/Absence Data
Attendance and Absence School Year 2006/2007
Total Number A%uthorised absence % Unauthorised absence possible attendances (Pupil Half Days) Slchool Sechoo Idnverclyd Slcotlan Sechoo Idnverclyd Scotlan
S61 490,89 69. 60. 67. 02. 09. 0.
S22 40,81 9.7 82.2 72. 02. 04. 1. S83 38,39 9.5 140.1 83. 02. 01. 2. S84 38,77 12.2 140.4 83. 02. 06. 2. S65 26,70 11.5 181 75. 04. 09. 1.
T0otal S1 to S5 1885,59 93. 95. 74. 02. 08. 1.
Note Absence rates are calculated as a percentage of the total number of possible attendances for all pupils of the school in the stage shown, each morning and afternoon of each school day being a separate possible attendance. Where fi gures or percentages based on a number of pupils under any particular heading is between 1 and 4 no information is given and *** is inserted in place of the fi gures. Adults attending day classes are not subject to the attendance regulations outlined above. The authority’s and Scotland’s fi gures include all education authority and grant-aided secondary schools, but exclude all special schools.
Ready to Escape to the Highlands
56 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009
6.5 Running Costs
%XGJHWHG5XQQLQJ&RVWV)RU)LQDQFLDO 6FKRRO5ROODW6HSWHPEHU 7RWDO6FKRRO5XQQLQJ&RVWVDW$SULO &RVWSHU3XSLO 6.6 Leavers Destinations /HDYHU'HVWLQDWLRQV 1XPEHU2I3XSLOV/HDYLQJ,Q6FKRRO 7RWDO1XPEHURI/HDYHUV )XOOWLPH+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ )XOOWLPH)XUWKHU(GXFDWLRQ 7UDLQLQJ (PSOR\PHQW 2WKHU.QRZQ 1RW.QRZQ Some of Mrs. Anderson’s friends from her successful visit to Malawi 57 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 7. General Information 7.1 Extra curricular Activities There are a number of opportunities for youngsters to participate in activities outwith the school curriculum. These range from taking part in schemes to raise money for charity to a wide range of sports, clubs and pursuits. Some of the activities meet during the lunch break while others take place after school. Some require parental consent and some have special conditions; eg pupils taking part in canoeing must be profi cient swimmers. Some of our activities are detailed below: Football We have very active football teams, in S1 and S2. Pupils are involved in regular training after school and play in friendly matches. Lunchtime sports Two days a week at lunchtimes pupils can take part in badminton, basketball or girls football. Music The music department runs a lot of extra-curricular activities throughout the year including wind band, junior and senior choirs, string group, recorder group, rock bands, soul band, samba band, chanter group, instrumental ensembles and junior orchestra (including primary pupils). These groups play at various venues throughout the year including primary schools, community centres, nursing homes and local churches. What a great trip to Paris 58 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 The department runs various events throughout the year including talent shows and concerts. Pupils also compete successfully at the Greenock Festival and the Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year where we have gained fi ve fi rst places in the last seven years. The school is also well represented in Inverclyde schools choirs, concert bands and string orchestras. Pupils have also played with the West of Scotland Schools Wind Band and Orchestra and performed in the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and in the Edinburgh International Festival. Pupils regularly achieve success in a wide range of external exams. Gardening Club All pupils are welcome to join. The club meets every Thursday after school to learn about plants and garden design and work in the quadrangle garden enclosed in the centre of the school. On occasion the members will visit garden centres and other gardens to look for innovative ideas. Graphics Club This club runs at lunchtime one day a week and is open to all pupils. Pupils use software and manual graphics to produce brochures and leafl ets. We love Paris in the springtime activities week 59 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 Judo Club Judo is a dynamic, Olympic combat sport suitable for all. Pupils attend for fun, fi tness or to build their self-confi dence by learning new skills. For those who attend regularly and train hard there is a national grading system, competitions and (maybe) the opportunity to throw a teacher about. The teachers who train the club are Judo Black Belt and qualifi ed coaches. Computing Pupils come along to the relaxed atmosphere in the department to expand their practical abilities or take part in games tournaments over the course of the year. School Show Every year for part of June, the normal school timetable is suspended to allow activities and/or a school show to take place. In 2007 the school staged the production of Hello Dolly. This involved a huge number of pupils and staff taking part in all aspects of the production which was highly successful and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. In 2008 the school will be producing another major show, Back to the 80’s. The School Show Swimming Club This takes place on Monday after school and is open to S1 – S3 pupils. Activities Week Pupils choose from a very wide range of activities, such as visits abroad or to other parts of the UK, day trips and sports and hobbies. Each activity is designed to have an educational, social and recreational component. There are low cost activities as well as the more expensive trips, and subsidies may be available for pupils in need. 60 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 Young Enterprise and Get into Enterprise S6 Students run a company taking positions of mananging director, sales director, accountant etc. The product is a good or a service (e.g. in the past, coasters, a valentine service etc ) At the end of six months they produce a report and fi nal accounts. They raise capital by issuing shares and pay back dividends from the profi ts. S1 and S2 pupils take part in enterprising activities including working towards Eco – school awards. Charities Last session pupils raised funds for several charities including Ardgowan Hospice, MacMillan Cancer Fund, Sargent Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cancer Research, Water Aid, Anthony Nolan Trust, Muirshiel Centre, Jericho House and sponsoring an African child. Seniors practicing in the Music department 61 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 7.2 Minibus The school has its own minibus. It complies fully with safety requirements (eg seat belts and fi rst aid kit). The minibus is a very useful addition to the school’s resources, giving many groups the opportunity to utilise the local area for investigations, excursions, sport, etc. 7.3 The School Library We are very fortunate to have a superbly equipped, library in the school which contains a wealth of information. It is a bright, attractive area and is very much a ‘hub’ of school life. The library is the ideal place for all information resources and for acquiring the study skills necessary for success in school and beyond. ✦ There is a wide range of books which are continually updated by our librarian; ✦ the books on display at any one time are used to highlight and complement work done in the class (eg if pupils are completing a Science project, then relevant books are prominently displayed, themes eg. popular authors, festivals etc.); ✦ the library has a suite of networked PCs which allow access by pupils to vast quantities of knowledge (text, sounds, pictures, videos). They are able to learn in a most interesting and enjoyable way; ✦ attached to the library is our careers library, which contains information on a whole range of possible careers - prospectuses, videos, ‘on line’ databases; ✦ many classes are timetabled to go to the library at various stages of their courses; ✦ comprehensive “library skills” induction for fi rst years; ✦ the library is open after school for study support three days a week. 62 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 7.4 Parent Forum and Parent Council Changes to the law have recently been made to help parents and schools work together as partners in children’s learning. The Scottish Parliament has passed the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 to encourage and support more parents to become involved. All children who have parents attending the school are automatically members of the Parent Forum for our school. Membership of the Forum allows parents to have a say in the local arrangements to enable their collective view to be represented on matters such as the quality and standards of education at the school and other matters of interest to parents. These views can be represented, as appropriate, to the Head Teacher of the school, the Council and HMIe. The Act makes provision for Parent Councils to play an active role in supporting parental involvement in the work and life of the school, while also providing opportunities for parents to express their views on children’s education and learning. The Parent Council, as a statutory body, has the right to information and advice on matters which affect children’s education. The school is fortunate to have an active Parent Council and the Offi ce Bearers are: Chair: Glen Miller Vice Chair: John Clarke Clerk to the Council: Joanna Lunn Treasurer: Mr M Barry (Teacher Member) The Head Teacher attends to advise the Council. Mrs A Watson is a Teacher Member and Mr T Mullen represents the non teaching staff. All members can be contacted through the school offi ce on tel. no 715200. Craft work in the library 63 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 7.5 Community Use of the School The school is used by the local community in the evening, at weekends and during holidays. There is a purpose built community wing. Adult leisure classes, youth and family activities are organised using the schools extensive facilities. For further information contact Mr R Barr, Senior Community Education Worker. Accommodation in the school may be let to local community organisations and applications should be made to: Inverclyde Council Community Education Booking Offi ce Business Centre Cathcart Street Greenock Tel No (01475) 715450 7.6 Useful Addresses and Telephone Numbers 1. lnverclyde Council Education Offi ce Municipal Buildings, 105 Dalrymple St Greenock, PA15 1HT Tel (01475) 712850 2. lnverclyde Council Local Councillors Mr J McLeod, Mr DWilson, Mr T Fyffe, Mr S McCabe (Convenor of Education and Lifelong Learning Committee) All can be contacted at: Inverclyde Council Municipal Buildings Clyde Square Greenock PA15 1LY Tel 01475 717171 3. Area Careers Offi ce 18-20 Laird St Greenock PA15 1LB Tel (01475) 721271 4. Community Support Services Highholm Ave Port Glasgow Tel (01475) 715450 64 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 Appendix Glossary of Terms Used in the Handbook Some of the following terms may not be familiar to you. A short explanation is given for each one, but if you wish to fi nd out more please contact the school. Advanced Higher An advanced certifi cate (taken after Highers in S5) awarded for study in up to three subjects during S6. Assessment The way in which a pupil’s progress is determined (eg through observation, tests and examinations). Co-educational School A school for pupils of both sexes. Common Course A course in which all pupils study the same subjects (this occurs in primary and in S1 and S2 at Port Glasgow High School) Comprehensive School A school which takes into its S1 pupils of all levels of ability in its community and prepares them for their role in society by providing courses suitable to their age, aptitude and ability. There is no entrance test for the school. Most schools in Scotland are comprehensives. Curriculum The total educational experience of a pupil, including: ✦ the formal curriculum, ie the actual courses studied by the pupil. These are planned by the school to foster the pupil’s intellectual, physical, social and personal development; ✦ the hidden curriculum, ie the values of the school - the atmosphere, the standards of performance and behaviour expected and the attitudes developed. Extra Curricular Activities Activities (eg clubs, sports) which are provided by the school outwith the normal school day (eg at lunchtimes, after school or at weekends). They are designed to enhance the pupil’s educational experience and are taken voluntarily by teachers and others in their own leisure time. 65 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 Highers (H Grade) Courses taken in S5 and S6 which form the basis of entry to Higher Education. Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 Courses taken in S5 and S6 leading to Higher and forming the basis of entry to further and Higher Education. Mixed Ability Classes which consist of pupils of varying degrees of ability -primary classes and most S1/S2 classes. Mode An ‘area of study’ which different subjects contribute to (eg Geography, History and Modern Studies are all ‘Social Studies’). Module A course lasting 40 hours. Non Denominational School A school which has pupils of all denominations and religions. Option Choice At the end of S2 and S4/S5, pupils choose the course they will take in the following year(s). Pupils choose from a ‘menu’ of subjects from each column. Reporting How information on each pupil is sent home to parents for their information on their child’s progress. Usually followed by a parents’ evening to allow fuller discussion. S1 -S6 These refer to secondary 1 to secondary 6 (or fi rst year to sixth year). Scottish Certifi cate of Education (SCE) The award made by the SQA on the basis of national examinations - eg Standard Grade and Higher Grade. Scottish Qualifi cations Authority Board (SQA) The national body which issues SCE certifi cates and monitors quality across Scotland. Social Education This is also called personal and social education. Areas covered include relationships, health topics and careers. 66 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 Standard Grade Courses studies in S3/S4 and examined at the end of S4. Set at three overlapping levels, credit (the most demanding level -grades 1 and 2), general (grades 3 and 4) and foundation (grades 5 and 6). S.V.S. Social and Vocational Skills. A Standard Grade course which is practical in nature and involves pupils working in teams. Vocational Education Education leading to a specifi c job or career and preparing pupils for adult life in general. Important Note Although this information is correct at the time of printing, there could be changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document: (a) before the commencement or during the course of the school year in question; (b) in relation to subsequent school years. Lessons for teachers on an in-service day. 67 Port Glasgow High School Handbook 2008/2009 68