YSGOL BRYNTEG SCHOOL WELCOME TO BRYNTEG INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CARERS OF PROSPECTIVE PUPILS 2016-2017 CHAIRPERSON OF SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY: Mrs. Linda Lewis HEADTEACHER: Mr. D. Jenkins DEPUTY HEADTEACHERS: Mrs. A Grabham Mr. R. Hopkins ASSISTANT HEADTEACHERS: Mr. R. Martin Ms. A. May Ms. C. Nightingale Lower School: Heol Gam, Bridgend. CF31 3EU Upper School: Ewenny Road, Bridgend. CF31 3ER Telephone: 01656 641800 Fax No. 01656 641840 Website: www.bryntegschool.co.uk Email: [email protected] CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 2 THE SCHOOL AND ITS AIMS 3 ADMISSIONS 5 CURRICULUM 7 ACADEMIC ORGANISATION 12 NATIONAL TARGETS 14 PASTORAL ORGANISATION 16 DISCIPLINE AND REWARDS 18 GENERAL INFORMATION 26 TRANSPORT 29 HOW PARENTS/CARERS CAN HELP 30 UNIFORM 32 COMMENTS FROM OUR LAST INSPECTION 36 TERM DATES Appendix A ATTENDANCE DATA Appendix B KS3 DATA Appendix C EXAMINATION RESULTS 2015 Appendix D SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS OF PUPILS AGED 15 AND 17 Appendix E 1 INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADTEACHER WELCOME TO BRYNTEG In this booklet we attempt to outline the nature of the education offered here. It explains the way the school is organised, the subjects which are taught, the standards of work and behaviour we expect from our pupils, the ways in which we care for the children, and some of the activities that they can enjoy. We also describe the school uniform, explain how parents/carers can help us, and we provide information about the performance of our pupils in external tests and examinations. It is impossible for a brief booklet to give the true flavour of an institution as large, varied and exciting as Brynteg. This school bases its work on many of the traditional values which have inspired education in Wales - respect for discipline, high academic expectations and the development of the potential of every pupil. To those we have added the best of modern practices, teaching respect for others, service to the community and an interest in life long learning. Brynteg has been a comprehensive school for over 40 years and at a time when such schools have become easy targets for attacks by the media and politicians, I am proud to say that this school works. We are determined to get the best out of every pupil who comes to us. We expect high standards of behaviour from the children and we have been able to maintain those standards throughout a long period of intense social change. Our staff are continuously looking for ways in which we can improve the quality of teaching and learning for pupils of all ages and abilities. Our best ambassadors are our pupils. Visitors to the school comment upon their high motivation towards work, their good behaviour and manners, and their self confidence. We are proud of our sports teams and the large numbers of individuals who go on to represent the County and Wales. Our musicians have acquired a reputation for high quality performances in concerts and musicals and also in less publicised events put on for old people's homes and hospitals. There are extensive opportunities for those with an interest in all sorts of activities as well as in sport and music. All we ask of our pupils is that they take advantage of the opportunities we offer them. We are proud of the fact that many hundreds of pupils throw themselves enthusiastically into the annual events on Sports Day and in the Eisteddfod. Brynteg is one of the largest schools in England and Wales and those who rarely set foot inside such schools are unable to understand how the needs of each individual child can be addressed. The answer lies in effective organisation and a strong pastoral system, which allows us to make every pupil feel known and valued. We recognise that the size of the school can seem intimidating to pupils transferring from a much smaller school. We believe that the links we have made with our partner primary schools go a long way to overcome these understandable worries. These links include visits by classes of pupils to Brynteg, visits by our staff to primary classrooms and assemblies, and the induction day in July when all of the following September's new intake spend the day with us. Are we successful? Just ask the parents/carers of the older pupils. For several years the most frequently made comment at the Year 7 Parents` Evening has been that the children are very happy at Brynteg, We are sure that your child will be happy with us as well and we are looking forward to working with you to give your child an interesting, enjoyable, and stimulating high quality educational experience. MR D H JENKINS HEADTEACHER 2 OUR SCHOOL Brynteg is one of nine state secondary schools which serve the County Borough of Bridgend. It provides comprehensive education, through the medium of English for around 1730 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18. The school was at one time on two sites but these have been joined together by an internal path and the construction of three new teaching blocks between the older buildings. The pupils of Years 7, 8, 9 are based in the Lower School at Heolgam, with those in Years 10 to 13 based IN the Upper School on Ewenny Road. Some pupils will be based in the new Mathematics, Languages and Science Blocks which are situated half way between the two sites. Many of the subjects are based in suites of classrooms so pupils of all ages are taught across the whole site. Movement times are built into the school day and we try to minimise movement for the youngest pupils. The school day begins at 8.45 a.m. and ends at 3.20 p.m. with lunch from 1.35 - 2.20 p.m. Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 are not allowed to leave the school at lunchtime while those in Years 10 and 11 may go off site for lunch, though this is a privilege not a right and is withdrawn from those who cause problems for our neighbours. HISTORY Brynteg's history starts over 100 years ago, in 1896, with the opening of the Bridgend Intermediate School at Minerva Street. The Main Upper School buildings at Brynteg House were completed in 1935 and the Lower School buildings in 1948. In 1959, the School took over the pupils of the Bridgend Technical Institute. Finally, in 1971, the Bridgend Boys' Grammar Technical School combined with Heolgam Secondary School to form the Brynteg Comprehensive School. BADGE The School Badge was designed by a former Art Master of the School, Mr. David Thomas. It is intended to show the School's association with its country, county and town. The central panel is the Cross of St. David, patron saint of Wales. The left panel is the Coat of Arms of the County of Glamorgan, taken from the de Clare family, Lords of Glamorgan in the thirteenth century. The right panel is the Coat of Arms of the Turberville family, the Lords of Coity, in whose manor Bridgend stands. 3 MOTTO The Motto of the School, "A fo benn bid bont", is taken from the Mabinogion. In Modern Welsh it would read "A fo ben bydd bont": in English, "Let him who would be leader be a bridge". It was said by a Welsh Prince, Bendigeidfran, on the banks of an uncrossable river, before he proceeded to lie down so that his army could cross over on his back. Not only does this imply support and care for others, the importance of service, humility and the ability to offer protection when needed, but also proclaims the importance of communication and community in a civilised society and the attempt to bring concern for the less fortunate in the world. AIMS OF THE SCHOOL Maximise opportunities for all our pupils to develop a range of academic, vocational, sporting ,creative , social and cultural skills Create an ordered and caring environment in which pupils feel safe, secure and happy Ensure all our pupils have opportunities to develop lively, imaginative and enquiring minds Involve parents, governors, staff and the wider community in the life of the school to build an active and flourishing community Instil a strong sense of citizenship in which concern for others, tolerance and mutual respect are calued by all. Provide pupils with every opportunity to develop their own personal philosophies and high moral standards, including honesty, reliability and integrity. Equip our pupils with the skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT so that the transfer to the world of work or higher education is a seamless one. Ensure that equal value is placed on the abilities, talents and skills of every individual in our care by fostering a fully inclusive environment. The School's Disability Scheme and Disability Access Plan Brynteg School is committed to ensuring equal treatment of all its employees, pupils and any others involved in the school community, with any form of disability and will ensure that disabled people are not treated less favourably in any procedures, practices and service delivery. This school will not tolerate harassment of disabled people, with any form of impairment, and will also support and protect pupils who are carers of disabled parents. Year 6 disabled pupils are encouraged to visit the school with their parents/carers before making their final choice. The school's Disability Scheme and Disability Access Plan ensures that disabled pupils are not treated less favourably than others. Copies of our policies can be found on the school’s website. 4 NEW PUPILS ADMISSION OF NEW PUPILS The School's traditional catchment area is the town of Bridgend, east of the River Ogmore.