Senior School Parents' Handbook

Senior School Parents’ Handbook

2017 – 2018

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 1 Principal Mrs L M Horner

Westholme Senior School Telephone: 01254 506070 Wilmar Lodge Meins Road Blackburn BB2 6QU

Westholme Junior School Westholme Infant School Westholme Nursery Tel: 01254 692828 Tel: 01254 686590 Tel: 01254 686590 Beardwood Bank Billinge House Billinge House Preston New Road Preston New Road Preston New Road Blackburn Blackburn Blackburn BB2 7AA BB2 6PS BB2 6PS

Headteacher Headteacher Nursery Manager Mrs R Barnett Mrs R Barnett Mrs J Church

www.westholmeschool .com - Information - Contact us http://www.westholmeschool.com/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=1709&Itemid=1139

Chair of Governors B.C. Marsden, F.C.A.

Westholme School Wilmar Lodge Meins Road Blackburn BB2 6QU

www.westholmeschool .com - Information - General School Information - Board of Governors http://www.westholmeschool.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1377:59- board-of-governors-westholme-indpendent-school-blackburn- lancashire&catid=122:information&Itemid=857

2 Contents

The Aims of the School, Ethos & Mission Statement…………………………………………………….5 Management of the School…………………………………………………………………………………. 6 Times of the Senior School Day…………………………………………………..………………………..7 Academic & Support Staff Lists……………………………………………………..……………………...8 Form Teachers 2017/2018……………………………………………………………………………...... 27 Officers of the School………………………………………………………………………………………27 Future Dates………………………………………………………………………………………………...28 Contact Details……………………………………………………………………………………………...28 Safeguarding Policy………………………………………………………………………………………..29 Other School Policies ………………………………………………………………….………………….. 30 Attendance & Procedures for Reporting Absence………………………………………………………30 Senior School & Sixth Form Floor Plan………………………………………………..………………… 31 Uniform………………………………………………………………………………………………………32 Non Uniform Day Guidelines……………………………………………………………………………… 32 Uniform Years 7 – 11………………………………………………………………………………………32 Senior School Uniform List ……………………………………………………………..………………… 34 Sixth Form Dress Code………………………………………………………………….…………………35 Coaches…………………………………………………………………………………….……………….37 Westholme School Coach Service ……………………………………………………….………………38 Pupils Conditions of Travel & Code of Conduct …………………………………….………………….39 Coach List 2017 – 2018 …………………………………………………………………..………………. 40 Travel by Car………………………………………..………………………...…………………………….44 Examinations………………………………………………………………………………..………………45 Curriculum…………………………………………………………………………………...………………48 Personal Social and Health Education (PSHEE)……………………………………………………….50 Westholme Sixth Form …………………………………………………………………………………….52 The Learning Resource Centre……...……………………………………………………………….…... 54 Food Glorious Food……………………………………………………………………………..…………. 55 Supervision of Pupils……………………………………………………………………………………….56 Assemblies…………………………………………………………………………………………………..59 After School Care and Arrangements…………………………………………………………………….60 Organisation & Homework………………………………………………………………………………… 61 Homework …………………………………………………………………………………………………..62 Homework Timetables …………………………………………………………………………………… 63 Pupils’ Code of Conduct…………………………………………………………………………………...68 Health & Safety……………………………………………………………………………………………..71 Outside of Lesson Time Rules & Guidance……………………………………………………………..71 Co-Curricular ……………………………………………………………………………………………….72 School Trips ……………………………………………………………………………………….………..72 School Nurse………………………………………………………………………………………………..77 Drinking Water in Lessons…………………………………………………………………………………78 Fasting for Religious Reasons…………………………………………………………………………….78 Henna Tattoos …………………………………………………………………………………..………….78 Lost Property………………………………………………………………………………………………..79 Mobile Phones………………………………………………………………………………………………79 Parental Communication with School/General Communication………………………….…………...80 Heads of Year ………………………………………………………………………………………………81

3 School Counsellor …………………………………………………………………………………………. 82 Internet Safety…………………………………………………………………………………...………….83 Procedures in the Event of Adverse Weather…………………………………………………………...84 Marketing Department……………………………………………………………………………………..85 What Should I Do If I’m Being Bullied?...... 86 Cyber-Bullying – Prevention & Help……………………………………………………………………… 87 Westholme Association…………………………………………………………………………………….88 The House System at Westholme………………………………………………………………………..89 Art and Design Technology………………………………………………………………………………..90 Drama……………………………………………………………………………………………..…………91 Careers Guidance………………………………………………………………………………………….. 94 Learning Support ………………………….……………………………………………………………….95 Access arrangements for GCSE and GCE Examinations……………………………………………..97 Music Lessons………………………………………………………………………………………………99 Physical Education & Co-Curricular…………………………………………………………………….101 Copies of Home/School Agreements…………………………………………………………………...103 Acceptable Usage Policy for Sixth Form Students………………………………………….………… 105 Sixth Form Learning Agreement……………………………………………………………….………..107 Behaviour Policy…………………………………………………………………………………..………108 Behaviour Sanctions System…………………………………………………………………………….113 Copy of ICT Acceptable Usage Policy for Years 7-11………………………………………...………115

4 The Aims of the School

In general we aim: • To help each child to realise to the full her or his own aptitudes, abilities and qualities. • To create a caring community in which pupils are offered help and guidance both academic and personal without unwarranted intrusion into their individual privacy. • To provide a wide range of extracurricular activities to build pupils’ self-confidence and enrich their talents and learning.

Our academic aims are: • To provide a curriculum which offers a balanced course, including the skills of numeracy, literacy, communication and the study of the physical, social and aesthetic environment. • To encourage a positive attitude to study.

Our social aims are: • To create an environment in which students are encouraged to be courteous and considerate to others, respecting their property, personal dignity, opinions and abilities. • To encourage all students to take an active part in the running of the community.

Our aims within the wider community are: • To encourage students to play an active part in the local community socially, culturally, and in games and sports. • To involve the community and especially the parents, in the life of the school, so far as is consistent with the articles of government of the school.

Ethos

Westholme School has a Protestant Christian foundation but ‘all its benefits.... shall be open to pupils of any creed’. (Articles of Association of Westholme School 1968).

It is the ethos of Westholme School that all pupils of all ages should be valued for their achievements and positive qualities. Throughout the community of Westholme there will be respect for religious and moral values and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life. All people who make up the community of Westholme should receive equality of opportunity with their peers. While knowledge of and respect for different cultures will always be encouraged, no one should seek to impose his or her beliefs and practices upon others.

Mission Statement

‘Children come first’

5 www.westholmeschool.com - Information – General School Information - Aims and Ethos

Principal

Mrs L M Horner

Commercial Director

Mrs V J Davenport

Deputy Head - Academic Deputy Head – Pastoral

Miss F Smith Mrs J S Gough

Heads of Year

Year 7 Mrs C Hornby Year 8 Dr E Riley Year 9 Mrs M Law Year 10 Mrs A Moore Year 11 Mrs D Hughes

Head of Sixth Form

Mrs R Waldron

School Nurse

Mrs S Hodson

6 TIMES OF THE SENIOR SCHOOL DAY

Registration 8.45am

Assembly 8.55. - 9.10am

Lesson 1 9.10 – 9.55am

Lesson 2 9.55 – 10.40am

Break 10.40 – 10.55am

Lesson 3 10:55 – 11:40am

Lesson 4 11.40 – 12.25pm

Lunch 12.25 – 1.25pm

Registration 1.25 – 1.30pm

Lesson 5 1.30 – 2.15pm

Lesson 6 2.15 – 3.00pm

Lesson 7 3.00 – 3.45pm

7 ACADEMIC STAFF LIST 2017/2018

Mrs L Horner Principal

Miss Mariam Afzaal Support Form Tutor – 8S Science

Mr Nick Appleton PE

Miss Sharon Armitage Head of Art, Photography, Form Tutor - 6SA Technology

8 Mr Dan Barnett PE, Marketing

Mrs Tracey Blackburn Biology Support Form Tutor – 7T

Mrs Jessica Blizzard Spanish, French

Mrs Cathie Bowker Spanish, French Form Tutor – 11L

Mrs Rachel Bradshaw Head of Sociology, Form Tutor – 11M Psychology, EPR

9 Mrs Liz Brown Geography Form Tutor – 10L

Mrs Caroline Buckley Head of Geography, Head Support Form Tutor – 11T of Humanities Faculty

Mrs Jill Buckley Head of Modern Foreign Support Form Tutor – 7L Languages Faculty

Mrs Olivia Chapman Textiles Support Form Tutor – 8T

Mr James Charnock Head of Chemistry Form Tutor – 8T

10 Mr Ross Cornwall English Form Tutor – 8S

Mrs Joy Corrigan English Form Tutor – 6JC

Mrs Louise Cowan English Support Form Tutor – 9W

Mr Abdullah Desai Maths, PE Form Tutor – 11T

Mrs Claudia Escobar Fallon Spanish

11 Miss Maxine Furness PE Form Tutor – 7L

Mrs Jude Gough Deputy Head – Pastoral, PE

Mrs Joanna Green Art, Photography Form Tutor – 6JG

Mrs Cath Hall Home Economics, Textiles, Form Tutor – 7W Product Design

Mrs Caroline Hibberd Science, Head of Careers Support Form Tutor – 6SA

12 Mrs Emma Hiller Head of English, ESB Support Form Tutor – 7W

Mr Mark Hiller Head of Science Support Form Tutor – 8W

Mrs Helen Hodgson French Support Form Tutor – 8L

Mrs Carla Hornby Head of Year 7, Head of Psychology

Mrs Holly Hough Science Support Form Tutor – 10T

13 Miss Carol Hughes Head of Chemistry Support Form Tutor – 10L

Mrs Deb Hughes Head of Year 11, Maths

Miss Paula Incerti Head of Biology, D of E Form Tutor – 10T

Mrs Yibing Jolly Mandarin Form Tutor – 8W

Miss Gwenno Jones EPR Support Form Tutor – 8M

14 Mrs Janet Klenk SENCo

Mrs Maxine Law Head of Year 9, Business Studies, Economics

Maths, PE

Mrs Lucy Laycock Form Tutor – 11W

Mrs Clare Lewis Music, History, Head of Support Form Tutor – 9T Calder House

Mrs Melissa Magdi English, Drama, Head of Support Form Tutor – 9M Bowland House

15 Mrs Sarah Martin English Support Form Tutor – 11L

Mrs Georgina McConnon Head of Mathematics Support Form Tutor – 11W Faculty

Miss Claire McLaughlin Maths Form Tutor – 8L

Mr Eric Millest Director of Music Support Form Tutor – 10S

Mrs Adelle Moore Head of Year 10, History, Geography, EPQ Co- ordinator

16 Mr Ian Morton Latin

Mr Jonathan Oracz Latin, Head of Classics, Form Tutor – 6JO Head of Pendle House

Mrs Rachel Oracz EPR, Subject Leader Support Form Tutor – 11M

Miss Bryony Parkinson PE Form Tutor – 10W

Mr James Patrick Product Design, Textiles, Form Tutor – 7S Home Economics

17 Mrs Lesley Pringle Maths Form Tutor – 8M

Mrs Jenny Reade Chemistry Support Form Tutor – 9L

Dr Emma Riley Head of Year 8, History, EPR

Miss Cath Roberts Head of Drama Support Form Tutor – 10W

Mrs Julia Santi Science Support Form Tutor – 7S

18 Miss Francine Smith Deputy Head – Academic, Economics, Business Studies

Mr David Stewart Head of History Form Tutor – 9M

Miss Emma Thompson Teaching Assistant Form Tutor – 9W

Mrs Deborah Thorpe French Teacher (Senior, Junior and Infant Schools)

Mrs Fiona Vyse Biology Support Form Tutor – 10T

19 Mrs Rachel Waldron Head of Sixth Form, Head of Business Studies, Economics

Mr Simon Warburton PE Form Tutor – 7T

Dr Paul Watson Science Form Tutor – 10S

Senora Pilar Wilcock Foreign Language Assistant (Spanish)

Mr Michael Worden Head of Computing Form Tutor – 9T

20 Support staff list 2017/2018

Mrs Vivienne Davenport Commercial Director

Mrs Sue Ballan Catering Manager

Mrs Helen Bentham Examinations Officer

21 Mr Paul Bramwell Senior ICT Technician

Mrs Linda Clayton Assistant/Credit Control, Accounts

Mrs Jo Colman Receptionist

Mrs Sue Crowther Payroll & Personnel Administrator

Mrs Karen Dixon Accounts Assistant

22 Mr Pat Doolan Maintenance

Mr Joe Galvin Estates Manager

Miss Maria Galvin Registrar

Mrs Diane Garment Finance Manager

! Mrs Michelle Goodall Well-being Adviser

23 Mrs Shirley Hodson School Nurse

Mr Rick Holden Groundsman

Mrs Sharon Hoole Laboratory Technician

Mrs Anna Howarth Admission, Marketing and Development Manager

Mrs Helen Kerr Art and DT Technician

24 Miss Sabiha Mall Laboratory Technician

Mr David Marsden ICT Network Manager

Mr Geoff McCann Maintenance

Mr Sam McKelvie ICT Technician

Mrs Claire Millar Marketing Assistant

25 Mr David Newell Maintenance

Mrs Pat North PA to Principal

Mrs Ann Robinson Receptionist

Mrs Clare Robson Learning Resource Centre Manager

Miss Khalida Sadiq Accounts Controller

26 Mr Bob Steele Maintenance

Miss Farhana Sulamen Laboratory Technician

Mr Damian Tabbinor Academic Systems Manager

Mrs Jenny Taylor PA to SLT

Mr Alan Thomas Maintenance

27 Mrs Sarah Valentine Marketing Coordinator

Mrs Gabs Walker-Smith Accounts Administrator

FORM TEACHERS

Form Teacher Room Form Teacher Room 7W Mrs Cath Hall B4 7L Miss Maxine Furness B5 7S Mr James Patrick B2 7T Mr Simon Warburton B1 8W Mrs Yibing Jolly 16 8L Miss Claire 31 McLaughlin 8M Mrs Lesley Pringle A15 8S Mr Ross Cornwall 24 8T Mr James Charnock 30 9W Miss Emma Thompson 19 9L Mrs Claudia Escobar 22 Fallon 9M Mr David Stewart A2 9T Mr Michael Worden A16 10W Miss Bryony Parkinson 23 10L Mrs Liz Brown A3 10S Dr Paul Watson 15 10T Miss Paula Incerti A1 11W Mrs Lucy Laycock A38 11L Mrs Cathie Bowker A40 11M Mrs Rachel Bradshaw A37 11T Mr Abdullah Desai A39 6SA Miss Sharon Armitage A61 6JC Mrs Joy Corrigan A36 6JG Mrs Joanna Green A63 6JO Mr Jonathon Oracz A65

28 OFFICERS OF THE SCHOOL

Head of School Emma Taylor

Deputy Heads of School Olivia Pickford Hebe Smith

Swimming Captain Charlotte Berry

Games Captains Holly Birchall Baylie Thompson

Drama Captain Zoë Armer

Music Captain Eloise Mackay

Bowland House Captains Nancy Pinner Max Stirpé

Calder House Captains Phoebe Bunyan Chloe Pritchard

Longridge House Captains Hope Carr-Oddie Will Harfield

Pendle House Captains Isobel Jackson Dan Rae

FUTURE DATES

Autumn Term 2017

Term starts Wednesday 6th September Half term Monday 23rd October - Friday 3rd November Term ends Tuesday 19th December

Spring Term 2018

Term starts Tuesday 9th January Half term Monday 12th – Friday 16th February Term ends Friday 24th March

29 Summer Term 2018

Term starts Tuesday 17th April Half term Monday 28th May – Friday 1st June Term ends Wednesday 11th July

CONTACT DETAILS

Wilmar Lodge 01254 506070 E-Mail [email protected] Website www.westholmeschool.com School Uniform www.schoolblazer.com

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Our Safeguarding policy (including Staff Code of Conduct) along with our Safer Recruitment Policy are fully accessible on our website: www.westholmeschool.com - Information – General School Information - School Policies – Safeguarding Policy or Safer Recruitment Policy

If you require a hard copy please contact the School Office.

OTHER SCHOOL POLICIES

The following information is also available upon request:

• Policy on and arrangements for admissions, discipline and exclusions

• Educational and welfare provision for pupils with statements

• Educational and welfare provision for pupils for whom English is an additional language

• Curriculum Policy

• Behaviour Policy

• Policy to Prevent Bullying

• Health & Safety Policy

• First Aid Policy 30 • Complaints Policy

• Academic performance during the previous school year – also available on the website www.westholmeschool.com - Information – General School Information - Examination and Test Results

• Staff of the school – also available on the website www.westholmeschool.com - Information – General School Information - Staff

• Latest Inspection Report (following inspection) – also available on the website www.westholmeschool.com - Information – General School Information - Inspection Report

ATTENDANCE & PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING ABSENCE

It is a well-known fact that there is a strong correlation between high attendance and strong academic success. We are also always asked to comment on attendance (including holidays taken during term-time) and punctuality in references, both for university applications and for full- time / part-time jobs.

If a student is absent for a genuine reason they must bring a signed letter from a parent and give it to their form tutor on the first day that they return to school.

If your child does fall ill and is unable to come to school, please ensure that you contact the school reception by 9:00am at the latest. Emails can be sent to school, but they must be followed up with a hand signed record of the reason for absence.

As much as possible, appointments should be made outside of the school day.

REGISTRATION It is a legal requirement that we register students twice a day, although each class teacher will also take a register at the start of each lesson.

If, on occasion, a student misses registration for a valid reason, they must ensure that they sign in correctly at reception so that the mark can be transferred into the register and also so that we know they are on the school premises.

31 PEPPPP

32 UNIFORM

• All school uniform is available through the uniform supplier Schoolblazer - www.schoolblazer.com

• In the case of items indicated by ‘Westholme’, no variation from the official pattern is permitted and these articles must be obtained from www.schoolblazer.com

• The school strongly recommends the option to have name tapes attached at the time of purchase.

• Queries relating to uniform should be directed to Mrs Walker-Smith on (01254) 506082.

NON UNIFORM DAY GUIDELINES

In the interest of creating a positive atmosphere, ensuring that lessons are not adversely affected and also so that some students do not feel under pressure, the following guidelines for non-uniform day are in place:

• Non uniform days are usually to be used for the purpose of raising money for charity • Where possible a modification to the uniform must be first suggested (For example: silly socks, hair accessory, wear something red for red nose day) • Students must not wear items that are deemed inappropriate for school: o No revealing clothing such as: cropped tops, ‘short’ shorts, see through garments or pyjamas o No garments with visibly rude or offensive slogans displayed on them • Students must be prepared and adhere to the health and safety rules that normally apply during practical lessons on non-uniform day (For example: hair tied back in practical sessions, wearing PE kit in PE lesson, no jewellery in PE/practical lessons) • Students who are dressed inappropriately will be asked to cover up and / or wear PE kit for the duration of the day • Make-up and nail varnish may be worn on non-uniform days but must be completely removed before returning to school for the next ‘normal uniform’ day.

UNIFORM – YEARS 7-11

Pupils are required to wear their uniform with pride, as smart representatives of the school, whilst at school and when outside of the school grounds. Full details of the school uniform are provided below and we expect pupils to adhere to these requirements.

Uniform Students must: • Wear only the official school uniform including plain black shoes (not canvas or trainers). • Be clean, tidy and well turned out. • All articles of clothing and personal possessions must be clearly marked with the full name of the pupil (many pupils have the same initials so these on their own are not particularly helpful). • Wear their blazers to and from school. • Always wear their blazers to lessons (except Science and practical subjects when they should be left in cloakrooms / in their locker). Blazers must not be left on chair backs but can be placed there during lessons if a pupil becomes too warm. Pupils do not need to ask permission to remove blazers during lessons.

33 • PE kits should only be worn for PE lessons and extra-curricular activities or from lunchtime if the students have an away fixture. • Always have their shirts/blouses tucked in. • Be clean-shaven at all times.

Students must not: • Wear Apple wristwatches (or equivalent). • Have their hair in a bizarre or outlandish style. Hair should be no shorter than a number 2 clipper setting. It should be of a natural colour. If these guidelines are not abided by, students can expect to be sent home until such time as their hair is deemed appropriate for school. Long hair must be tied back. Hair ties must be plain black or purple. • Wear make-up, nail varnish or false tan. • Have tattoos.

Students may: • Wear one pair of small plain gold or silver ear studs (one stud only in the bottom of each ear lobe) and a wristwatch. Any other jewellery will be confiscated and kept until the end of term.

SENIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM LIST

34 GIRLS BOYS

Compulsory: Compulsory: Westholme purple blazer Westholme green blazer Westholme skirt (knee length to be worn as purchased) Charcoal grey trousers Westholme purple V neck jumper with lime trim Westholme green V neck jumper with purple trim White revere collar long sleeve blouse Long sleeve white shirt Black opaque tights Westholme tie Plain black shoes (not pumps, sandals, boots or open Grey ankle socks toe/heel design, no heels taller than 3cm) Plain black shoes (not sandals or boots) School bag School bag

Compulsory PE kit: Compulsory PE kit Westholme purple & black tracksuit pants Westholme green & black tracksuit pants Westholme purple PE mid layer top Westholme green PE mid layer top Westholme purple and white PE polo shirt Westholme green and white PE polo shirt Westholme purple PE shorts Westholme green games shorts Westholme purple PE skort Westholme reversible rugby shirt Westholme purple PE games socks Westholme black rugby shorts Plain black one piece swimming costume Westholme green games socks Westholme purple swimming hat White sports ankle socks Westholme purple swimming bag Plain black swimming trunks (3 styles available) Mouth guard and shin pads Westholme green swimming cap Trainers (predominantly white) Westholme green swimming bag Astro-turf boots (Years 7-10) Football boots (with safety rugby studs) – all blades White sports ankle socks discouraged & metal tipped blades not allowed Optional: Outdoor trainers Short sleeve white revere collar blouse for summer Indoor white trainers (clean, non-marking soles) White ankle socks for summer Mouth guard and shin pads Westholme games kit bag White cricket trousers (summer only) Westholme purple & black tracksuit top White cricket shirt (summer only) Westholme athletics vest Cricket box (summer only) Westholme baselayer leggings Plain white baselayer top Optional: Running (spiked) shoes Short sleeve shirt for summer Hockey stick Westholme games kit bag Hockey protective gloves Westholme green & black tracksuit top Rackets (Badminton/Tennis) Westholme athletics vest Swimming goggles Plain white baselayer top Westholme school scarf Plain black baselayer leggings Grey or black gloves/mittens Running (spiked) shoes Westholme purple badged waterproof jacket Hockey stick Rackets (Badminton/Tennis) Swimming goggles Astro-turf boots Hockey protective gloves Westholme school scarf Grey or black gloves/mittens Westholme green badged waterproof jacket

All items must be clearly marked with the pupil’s name. Jewellery is limited to a watch for boys and girls and one small earring stud for girls. In the case of items indicated by ‘Westholme’, no variation from the official pattern is permitted and these articles must be obtained from www.schoolblazer.com

35 Sixth Form students should be regarded as role models for students lower down the school, and their standards of dress are an important part of the culture of the Sixth Form.

The aim of the dress code is to have a smart appearance that allows a degree of personal choice and encourages students to understand what is appropriate; school is a workplace and students’ appearance should reflect that. They are expected to come to school in ‘business dress’ or as they would for the workplace.

Female Students Male Students

♦ A smart skirt suit, with a matching jacket and ♦ A smart business suit, with a matching skirt (students will need a grey or black suit for jacket and trousers (students will need a dark formal occasions, please see below) grey or black suit for formal occasions, please ♦ A smart trouser suit, with a matching jacket see below) and trousers ♦ A smart jacket/blazer with coordinating ♦ A smart jacket/blazer with coordinating skirt, trousers dress or trousers

Trousers Trousers If trousers are worn, they should be smart suit Trousers should be smart suit style trousers, style trousers, not casual. This means that not casual. This means that jeans, combat jeans, leggings, combat trousers, cords and trousers, cords and chinos are not allowed. chinos are not allowed. Hipsters and low- slung trousers should not be worn and the midriff should not be exposed.

Tops / Blouses Shirts Skirts or trousers should be worn with a top or The above items should be worn with a smart blouse which covers the shoulders, upper shirt of a conventional design and colour. If arms and midriff. It is not acceptable to wear a worn, t-shirts should not be visible under the t-shirt, polo shirt or vest top. Tops should not shirt. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. be low cut or see through.

Skirts/Dresses Ties Skirts and dresses should be worn on or just Boys will be expected to wear a tie at all times above the knee. They should be tailored and except for Games/PE. They must be smart not lycra or ‘bodycon’ style. The split(s) in any and appropriate and worn properly with the skirt or dress should not be higher than knee top button of the shirt fastened. length. Skirts should not allow the midriff to be exposed. It should not be possible to see through the material of the skirt.

36 The following apply to all students:

Jackets A smart jacket/ blazer must be worn when moving around the school building (exceptions may be made in the summer months) rather than carried. It is not acceptable to wear a short coat in lieu of a jacket.

Sweaters or Cardigans A plain light knit sweater or cardigan may be worn under the jacket as may a co-ordinating waistcoat. Hoodies and chunky knit garments are not allowed.

Coats A smart tailored coat may be worn but not in school and particularly not in lessons. Denim, leather or leather look are not allowed.

Shoes Shoes must be appropriately smart, practical and sensible; for girls, heels of medium height, if robust, are acceptable. Trainers or canvas shoes must not be worn. Ankle boots may be worn with trousers.

Formal Dress

On several occasions throughout the school year Sixth Form students will be expected to wear Formal Dress. For such occasions they should wear a grey or black suit with a white shirt/blouse. Male students will also wear the school tie and female student will wear their school badge/pin in the lapel of their jacket. Students will be told in advance when formal dress is to be worn.

Other Guidance

• Sixth Form students are permitted to wear jewellery but are asked to keep it minimal and discreet. • Students should not have any visible piercings (other than earrings) or tattoos. • Clothing that is too revealing or likely to cause embarrassment must be avoided. • Students’ hair should be well-kept, clean and moderate in style, length, colour and treatment • No clothing with obscene slogans or messages is permitted. • No head garments should be worn in school • Students are also reminded that the wearing of hoodies, scarves and outdoor coats in school (especially to lessons) is not allowed. • Make-up and nail varnish may be worn but they should be discreet.

• All girls in the Sixth Form should wear tights and not socks. Bare legs should also be avoided.

• Male students must be clean shaven.

37 The above list is not meant to be exhaustive but instead represents a guideline to the meaning of ‘business dress’, please also see visual recommendations. Because of the constant changes of fashion that take place, it has to remain the right of Senior Staff, Sixth Form Tutors and the Head of Sixth Form to determine that a particular item of dress is not appropriate for school.

Students who turn up to school inappropriately dressed will be reprimanded by staff and persistent offenders will be asked to go home and change.

Please note that the same dress code applies when students sit external examinations. COACHES

• New timetables are sent out over the summer holidays.

• Permanent coach users will be issued with a coach pass within the first few weeks of the Autumn Term. No child will be refused access to the coach, however, if your child does not have their pass or a single journey ticket the driver will take the pupil’s name and include this on a register.

• Your child should be stood at the designated stop at least 5 minutes before the due departure time in the mornings.

• Coaches depart school in the evenings at 3.55pm.

• Ad hoc use of the coach is permitted at a cost of £5.00 per journey – tickets must be purchased from Mrs Walker-Smith. Please send your child to school with a signed letter requesting this.

• We understand that you may not know your coach requirements – don’t worry, we will be very flexible!

• It is permitted for your child to use a different coach (e.g. to go to a friend’s house etc.), please just request this from Mrs Walker-Smith to ensure there will be a seat on the coach for them.

• Queries relating to coach issues should be directed to Mrs Walker-Smith on (01254) 506082.

38 WESTHOLME SCHOOL COACH SERVICE

Introduction

Westholme School coach service is currently available to pupils from Junior School – Sixth Form. We do not encourage Infant Children to travel on the coach. However if there is a specific requirement for an Infant pupil to take the journey with a sibling, this should be discussed with us in advance. This is an unsupervised facility. In line with Westholme’s ethos of care and respect we would encourage older pupils to support younger coach users but this should not be relied upon.

To reserve a place for your child on a school coach there is a coach booking agreement to travel form on our website. Please complete and return to Mrs Walker-Smith, Accounts Administrator, in order to reserve a seat on the coach. Details of all current stops are included in on the website and should be referred to for current pick up and drop off times.

General Information

We constantly strive to improve the service offered to parents including the removal of coach stops that have become obsolete and the addition of new stops for families new to school, or existing families where there is a change of circumstances. Generally this is done as part of our annual review of the coach service which is carried out during the Summer Term and over the summer holidays.

At the start of the School Year, or if you are a new family, you will not necessarily know what after School activities your child will wish to be involved with. We understand this and are very flexible with coach bookings for the first term your child is in School. Please contact Mrs Walker-Smith in the Accounts Team to discuss this matter further.

When waiting for the coach in the morning, should the coach not have arrived 10 minutes after the appointed time, the most senior pupil at the stop should ring school and report its non-arrival. We 39 will contact Tyrers who will investigate and will then contact the pupil at the stop and let her/him know what is happening.

School Contact number: 01254 506070 (after 8am) Tyrers Coaches contact number: 01257 480979 (option 1)

In order to optimise traffic conditions, coaches will not stop if there are no pupils waiting at the nominated stopping place. It is our normal procedure to request that pupils do not wait in cars until the coach arrives but stand at the allocated stop. Whilst we hope that the timings are accurate, there may be occasions when traffic is light and the coach arrives early. To cover for this we ask that your son or daughter is at the stop five minutes before the departure time.

The provision of coach services can be subject to events beyond our control, such as traffic conditions, road works and adverse weather. Tyrers and Westholme do work hard to maintain an excellent service for you and your children.

40 Pupil Conditions of Travel and Code of Conduct

All Westholme School coach users must comply with the following conditions at all times of travel.

PARENTS ARE ASKED TO SIGN AND RETURN THE AGREEMENT TO TRAVEL FORM TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE AND BY DOING SO ACCEPT THESE CONDITIONS

Responsibilities • Westholme School is responsible for all pupils using the school coach once pupils disembark the coach at school in the morning and until the coach leaves the school grounds in the evening.

• Tyrers Coaches are responsible for all pupil passengers whilst on the coach.

• Parents/Guardians are responsible for their child/children until their child/children embark the coach in the morning and disembark the coach in the evening. Parents must make arrangements for the safe and timely collection of their child/children from the bus stop. Unfortunately the coach driver cannot wait due to the collective responsibility for every child on the coach and the implications of a delay.

• There is NO adult supervision on the vehicles other than the driver. Children MUST remain seated at all times for their own comfort and safety, and the safety of their fellow passengers. All vehicles are fitted with seatbelts. Pupils are required to wear seatbelts at all times while the vehicle is in motion. This is a legal requirement. Failure to do so is not the responsibility of the driver or vehicle operators.

• Pupils are to remain in their seats whilst the vehicle is in motion. The actions and behaviour of the children on the vehicle, or the consequences thereof, shall not be the responsibility of the operating company.

• The driver is not to be distracted whilst the vehicle is in motion.

• All pupils are expected to behave in a proper manner and to have regard to common courtesy to the driver, fellow passengers and the vehicle.

• Incidents of unruly or disruptive behaviour will NOT be tolerated and will be firmly dealt with.

• Prefects and senior pupils do have seniority over ALL children on the coach and will report unacceptable language or behaviour to the appropriate school authorities.

• Parents are asked to ensure their children know exactly what is expected of them on the coach journey.

Logistics • Pupils must be at the stop five minutes before the timetabled time.

• Pupils must not dismount the vehicle at any other bus stop than their booked stop without prior notice to School from parents.

• The School reserves the right to amend the routes, pick up points (and times) along with occupants of the coach at any time in order to make best use of the vehicles.

• Seats may not be reserved or occupied with bags. Any passenger is entitled to remove bags from a seat and occupy it. Bags and/or any other items must not obstruct the aisles at any time. It is the children’s responsibility to look after their own belongings.

41 • In cases of extreme weather, most notably snowfall, parents are advised to check the Westholme website which will be updated by 7am.

WESTHOLME SCHOOL COACHES – 2017/2018

No.1 Standish/Parbold/Charnock Richard/Clayton Green STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.30 Dog & Partridge 17.03 2 7.40 Parbold Village Hall 16.53 3 7.45 Lancaster Lane, Parbold 16.48 4 7.50 Appley Bridge 16.43 5 7.57 Charnock R (M6) 16.36 6 8.10 Spring Meadow 16.23 7 8.12 Library Road 16.21 8 pm only Meins Road 16.00

No. 2 Horwich/Chorley/Wheelton Feniscowles/Cherry Tree STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.30 Chorley New Rd. Opp. The Beehive 16.56 2 7.35 Crown Lane 16.50 3 7.40 Adlington (White Bear) 16.45 4 7.45 50yrs from Jct of Wigan Road 16.42 5 7.47 Albany High School 16.40 6 7.52 Hartwood Hall 16.34 7 7.55 Lea Road A6 16.32 8 8.03 Red Cat, Wheelton 16.27 9 8.06 Old School House Higher Wheelton 16.23 10 8.07 Withnell Fold 16.22 11 8.10 Ollerton Fold 16.16 12 8.20 Feniscowles 16.13 13 8.22 Cherry Tree (Bee Hive) 16.10

No. 3 Longton/Preston/Fulwood STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.24 Bentley Park Rd 17.07 2 7.34 Shampan, Pope Lane 16.57 3 7.48 Bus Shelter, Tanterton Hall Rd 16.43 4 7.51 PGRFC opp. Wychnor 16.40 5 7.53 Lightfoot Lane 16.36 6 7.57 St Pius 16.32 7 8.00 Watling St/West Rd 16.30 8 8.05 Garrison Hotel 16.25 9 8.10 Longsands Lane 16.21 10 8.11 Anderton Arms 16.20 11 8.13 Norman Jepson am only 12 8.24 Windmill 16.08 13 8.26 Wilton Close 16.05

42 No. 4 Euxton/Buckshaw/Whittle le Woods/ Leyland/Bamber Bridge/Hoghton STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.30 Bay Horse, Euxton 17.13 2 7.34 The Hub 17.07 3 7.39 Shaw Hill Golf Club 16.59 4 7.44 Tesco, Leyland 16.54 5 7.52 Farrington 16.46 6 7.58 Croston Rd/Wellfield Rd 16.39 7 8.05 Carwood/ Hennel Lane 16.33 8 pm onlyHennel Lane/ Heaton Close 16.30 9 8.10 B' Bridge Withy Arms 16.28 10 pm only Brindle Rd Clinic 16.26 11 pm only Hawthorn Ave 16.22 12 8.18 Old Oak Hotel 16.20 13 8.21 Boars Head Hotel 16.16

No. 5 Grimsargh/Goosnargh/Longridge/ Ribchester/Langho/Wilpshire/Mellor STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.30 Plough Inn, Grimsargh 17.07 2 7.42 Stags Head Goosnargh 16.55 3 7.47 Cumeragh Lane (Opposite Albion House) 16.50 4 7.50 Stonebridge Island 16.47 5 7.51 Dog Inn, Longridge 16.46 6 7.54 Corporation Arms 16.43 (Longridge) 7 pm only Hothersall Lane 16.42 8 7.57 Angels 16.41 9 8.01 Ribchester Arms 16.37 10 8.06 Longsight Rd (Lovely Hall Lane) 16.32 11 pm only The Rydings 16.28 12 8.15 Somerset Avenue 16.20 13 8.16 Wilpshire turning circle 16.19 14 8.20 Spread Eagle, Mellor 16.15 15 8.23 Millstone Mellor 16.12 16 8.24 Church Lane, Mellor 16.11

No. 6 Bolton/Darwen/Ewood STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 pm only Cleveland School 16.51 2 7.35 Junc Greenmount Lane Markland Hill 16.46 3 7.39 Moss Bank Way/ Boot Lane 16.44 4 7.46 Andrew Lane 16.36 5 8.00 Mill Studio 16.23 6 8.04 Market St am only 7 pm only Duckworth Street 16.20 8 8.08 Hollin Grove Con Club 16.17 9 8.11 Golden Cup/Boundary 16.14 10 8.13 Ewood Mills 16.12

No. 7 Edgworth/Bromley Cross/Darwen Hoddlesden/Belthorn/Blackburn STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 43 1 7.39 Edgworth Com. Centre 16.59 2 pm only Shady Lane 16.53 3 7.46 Birtenshaw School am only 4 7.50 Darwen Rd/ War Mem 16.48 5 7.53 Cross Guns 16.45 6 7.57 Woodlea Chase 16.41 7 7.59 Jack Keys Drive 16.39 8 8.00 Park Road 16.38 9 8.05 Ranken Arms 16.33 10 8.18 Belthorn 16.21 11 8.21 Willows Pub 16.16 12 8.22 Hospital 16.15 13 8.32 Saunders Road 16.05

No. 8 Colne/Nelson//Fence/Higham Padiham/Rishton STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.35 Bus Station, Colne 17.02 2 pm only Bus Station, Nelson 16.48 3 7.47 Carr Road 16.43 4 7.50 Fence Gate Inn 16.40 5 7.55 Higham 16.37 6 8.00 Moor Lane, Padiham 16.33 7 8.03 Lay-by A6068 16.30 8 pm only Blackburn Rd Rishton 16.20 9 pm only Philips Road 16.13

No. 9 Burnley/Read/Clayton-le-Moors Great Harwood STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.30 Brierfield 17.00 2 7.31 Oaks Hotel, Reedley 16.59 3 7.40 Bus Station, Burnley 16.50 4 7.47 Ightenhill Meth. Ch. 16.43 5 7.57 Simonstone Layby am only 6 pm only School Lane 16.33 7 7.58 Read Cricket Club am only 8 pm only Opp Campbell St, Read 16.31 9 8.06 Whalley Rd opp Hyndburn Br. 16.24 10 8.13 Parish Church Gt H 16.18 11 8.24 Junc Yew Tree/ Whinney Lane) 16.06

No. 10 Waterfoot/Rawtenstall/Haslingden/ Accrington/Oswaldtwistle STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.23 Waterfoot 17.05 2 7.25 Grange Road 17.00 3 7.31 Car park near St Mary's Place 16.59 44 4 7.34 Jnc Union Rd/ Haslingden Rd 16.56 5 7.46 Broadway 16.42 6 7.48 Helmshore Road 16.40 7 7.57 Spice Room Rising Bridge 16.34 8 8.00 Newton Drive 16.31 9 pm only Swan Inn 16.29 10 8.07 Blackburn Rd (opp Lister St) 16.24 11 8.11 Civic Theatre, Oswaldtwistle 16.21 12 pm only Black Dog 16.19 13 8.13 Thwaites Road 16.18 14 pm only Barbara Castle Way 16.10

No. 11 Chatburn/Clitheroe/Calderstones/ Whalley/Brockhall/Wilpshire STOP TIME PLACE PM GUIDE TIME 1 7.34 Chatburn Village 16.53 2 7.39 Well Terr. Clitheroe 16.48 3 7.46 Barrow (Bay Horse Inn) 16.41 4 7.56 Calderstones Estate 16.37 5 8.00 Whalley Bus Station 16.32 6 8.02 Judge Walmsley am only 7 pm only Valley View 16.29 8 8.09 Brockhall Village 16.24 9 8.21 The Bonny Inn 16.16 10 8.22 Vicarage Lane 16.15 11 8.23 Wilpshire Hotel 16.14 12 8.29 Jct. Yew Tree Drive/ Whinny Lane 16.08

TRAVEL BY CAR

If arriving at school by car, please note the following arrangements:

If you are dropping off or picking up, would you please:

• Turn left into the drop off area on Meins Road opposite the entrance to Wilmar Lodge. • To drop off use the furthest parking bay either on Meins Road or in the drop off area. • Continue in a clockwise manner to exit.

45 The same procedure applies at the end of the school day. It is important that you do not try to park too close to the school gates as the coaches cannot pass and we can have some spectacular traffic jams. Please do not double park or drive slowly around the area in the hope that your child will come out of school whilst you are still moving- this is inconsiderate to other parents and again causes traffic congestion.

It is also very important that no one drives onto the school grounds at these times for the safety of all our children. If your child is on crutches, for example, please contact school as special arrangements can be made for you to drop off/collect your child from reception at certain times. Please note that the speed limit on the school site is 5mph.

EXAMINATIONS

Internal Examinations Pupils from Year 7 to Year 10 have school examinations in the Summer Term: usually just after the May half term holiday. In addition, the following take place: • GCSE mock examinations start before the Christmas holidays, with the rest taking place immediately after. • A Level mock examinations in February • Y10 school examinations immediately after the Christmas holidays

Internal, school examinations take place mostly in individual classrooms, Lecture Theatre and the Theatre. Timetables will be given to students in advance and be available on the school’s website.

46 Year 7-10 students attend school as normal for school examinations, however study leave is given to Years 11 and 13 for the mock and public examinations. Details are sent to parents and it is vital that students on study leave follow instructions carefully about registration and signing out so that we know how many students are in school at any one time.

Where students are entitled to special arrangements, this will be coordinated by the school’s Head of Learning Support, Mrs Klenk. As far as possible, any special arrangements appropriate for public examinations will be made for school examinations.

Any unexpected absence for school examinations must be reported in the usual way and students will be expected to make arrangements to sit any papers missed. If the absence is known in advance, the student or parent should contact Miss Smith or the appropriate Head of Year to rearrange any missed papers.

External Examinations Examinations Officer: Mrs Bentham

The main period of public examinations is from mid May to the end of June. The Sports Hall and Lecture Theatre are the main venues used for this period.

It is absolutely vital that candidates arrive on the right day and at the right time for their examinations. Parents should check their child’s examination timetables carefully and make arrangements for transport to and from school. It should also be noted that afternoon sessions often continue after the end of school, sometimes beyond 5.00pm.

In addition, parents should be aware of the following: • Students will be issued with detailed instructions about the examinations before their first examination. • Students must adhere to School uniform/dress code when taking any examination.

Special Arrangements Special arrangements can be made for candidates with difficulties known about in advance of an examination, for example, providing enlarged examination papers for candidates with poor eyesight or more time for candidates with dyslexia or those who have long term illness. Most of these arrangements must be agreed by the examination board and the school must be able to explain any which are agreed internally.

Whenever possible, the examination boards ask that requests for special arrangements are made at the same time as examination entries at the beginning of February. A doctor’s letter or Educational Psychologist’s report are needed to send to the examination board with the request form. Mrs Klenk, Head of Learning Support, will coordinate with the Examinations Office regarding any special arrangements.

Illness during Examinations Parents should inform the school as soon as possible if their child is too ill to take an examination. In all but the most extreme cases, students should attempt to come to school to take the examination. Special arrangements can be made in order to allow students to take the examination.

Special Consideration Special Consideration can be requested for candidates who are ill or who have other difficulties on the day of an examination or just before. Candidates must still take the examination. This requires parents to provide a doctor’s note or other appropriate evidence as soon as possible, as applications need to be made within seven days of the examination. Please note that Special Consideration is usually only granted where there is a serious incident or difficult situation just before an examination. Special Consideration is limited to a very small proportion of the overall grade awarded.

47 Parents should contact Mrs Bentham if they have any concerns or queries about the public examinations.

The conduct of all external examinations is governed by JCQ guidelines. These are available at the JCQ website: http://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/ice---instructions-for-conducting- examinations

The main ‘Warning to Candidates’ is displayed in all examination rooms and attached. Please note these do not constitute the only rules and candidates will be given verbal warnings at the start of each examination.

49 CURRICULUM

The school seeks to provide a rich and stimulating environment designed both to fulfil the academic requirements of the National Curriculum and beyond, and to promote an environment where the children are encouraged to develop an awareness of their individual strengths and how to make use of them.

All pupils are entitled to have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of school life. The curriculum is therefore differentiated so as to be relevant and meaningful to pupils at different stages, with different learning needs, aptitudes and aspirations.

Strong teaching provision is supported by the school’s excellent facilities and it is expected that students will make use of these to develop all aspects of their learning and enrich school life. Within this supportive framework of academic guidance and pastoral care, students are encouraged to question and think independently, can grow in confidence and are able to respond to new challenges and responsibilities.

Key Stage 3 Years 7, 8 and 9

We aim to offer a broad curriculum based on National Curriculum guidelines. There is some divergence in a few subjects, where alternative topics are considered more relevant. In addition, Latin is taught from Year 8 and students have a choice of a second Modern Foreign Language. The pastoral curriculum is structured in a scheme of Personal and Social Education which includes Health Education, Sex and Relationships Education, Fundamental British Values and Careers. This is largely covered in PSHE lessons and Form periods, with other elements being covered in academic lessons and by external speakers as required.

Key Stage 4 Years 10 and 11

Currently, all students are required to take the following core GCSE courses: English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science (Trilogy or Separate), a Modern Foreign Language (French, German, Mandarin or Spanish) and a Humanities subject (EPR, Geography or History). Students will have a further 2 choices. There is flexibility on the core and number of options, depending on the needs of the individual students. All students will also have a PSHE lesson each week which includes Health Education, Sex and Relationships Education, Fundamental British Values, Careers and post-16 education choices.

Sixth Form Years 12 and 13

A Level courses are usually delivered in 6 periods per week in Year 12 and 6 periods a week in Year 13. Where cohorts are particularly small it may be necessary to reduce this contact time to 5-6 periods. Currently, most students will choose 3 subjects to study in the Lower 6th, plus the Extended Project Qualification. Some subjects may offer the opportunity to take a stand-alone ‘AS’ qualification in the summer of Year 12, however most do not. More details are available in the Sixth Form prospectus and on the Sixth Form website.

Sixth Form Enrichment

On Wednesday afternoons there is the opportunity to take part in Games/Fitness, Enterprise, community and other activities. It is expected that all students will undertake enrichment activity. We also offer the Community Sports Leadership Award, and academic enrichment through departments and the Aspire group.

CURRICULUM 2016-2017

50 YEAR 7

M M M M E E E E D S S Fr S S S S S Hi Hi G G E E F P M It A H Tl D P P P P a a a a n n n n r p p c c c c c g g P P or S u r e t e e e e R R m E

YEAR 8

M M M M E E E E S Fr L P P C C Bi Bi Hi Hi G G E E D P M It A H Tl D P P P P a a a a n n n n G h h h h g g P P r S u r e t e e e e p m a M R R E n

YEAR 9

M M M M E E E E S S Fr Fr/ L P P C C Bi Bi Hi Hi G G E E D M It H Tl Dt Tl P P P a a a a n n n n p p G G a h h h h g g P P r u e e e e m m R R M M n n

YEAR 10

M M M M M E E E E E E P Bi Bi Bi C C C P P P M M M A A A B B B C C C P P a a a a a n n n n n n S h h h h h h F F F e e H L L L E

YEAR 11

M M M M M E E E E E E P Bi Bi Bi C C C P P P M M M A A A B B B C C C P P a a a a a n n n n n n S h h h h h h F F F e e H L L L E

YEAR 12

A A A A A A A B B B B B B B C C C C C C C E E E E PS S S S S S S S S P P N N HE Q Q E

YEAR 13

A A A A A A A B B B B B B B C C C C C C C E E E E PS S S S S S S S S P P N N HE Q Q E

51 PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education)

The personal development of students is a vital part of their secondary education. It provides an opportunity for schools to promote the wellbeing of students.

Personal wellbeing helps young people embrace change, feel positive about who they are and lead healthy, safe, responsible and fulfilled lives. The programme will include sex education and ensure that students are given information about relationships in a considered and age appropriate manner. Students will be able to recognise and manage risk and take increasing responsibility for themselves, their choices and behaviours. PSHE will also bring together careers education, work related learning, enterprise and financial capability.

PSHE in Year 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will appear as a taught lesson every week and Year 9 will have a collapsed timetable, of a lesson, approximately once per half term. It will be taught by a dedicated teaching team and guest speakers will be invited to deliver sessions and share their expertise at selected times throughout the curriculum.

The theme for the 2017/18academic year is ‘Growth Mindsets’ and this will feature in the PSHE programme for all year groups; it will be a focus in form time and school assemblies.

The PSHE curriculum has been devised using guidance from the Department for Education, Head of Sixth Form and in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team and the Pastoral support team. If you have any queries regarding the content of the lessons please contact the school.

As part of the PSHE programme, pupils will be taught about Sex and Relationships.

What is Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)? Sex and relationships education is learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. Some aspects are taught in Science and EPR as well as during PSHE lessons.

A programme of SRE provides accurate information about the body, reproduction, sex, and sexual health. It also gives children and young people essential skills for building positive, enjoyable, respectful and non-exploitative relationships and staying safe both on and offline.

Why is SRE in Schools so Important? SRE helps create safe school communities in which pupils can grow, learn, and develop positive, healthy behaviour for life. It is essential for the following reasons: • Children and young people want to be prepared for the physical and emotional changes they undergo at puberty, and young people want to learn about relationships. Older pupils frequently say that sex and relationships education was ‘too little, too late and too biological’. Ofsted reinforced this in their 2013 Not Yet Good Enough report. • SRE plays a vital part in meeting schools’ safeguarding obligations. School inspectors are clear that schools must have a preventative programme that enables pupils to learn about safety and risks in relationships. • Schools maintain a statutory obligation under the Children Act (2004) to promote their pupils’ wellbeing and under the Education Act (1996) to prepare children and young people for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult life. A comprehensive SRE programme can have a positive impact on pupils’ health and wellbeing and their ability to achieve, and can play a crucial part in meeting these obligations.

The SRE Programme at Westholme

52 SRE will be taught across all age groups, ensuring that appropriate and timely content is delivered to specific year groups.

SRE will be taught to boys and girls separately in Years 7 - 11 by Brook.

If you have any queries regarding content and or wish your child not to take part in any of the sessions please contact either your child’s Head of Year, Mrs Gough (Deputy Head Pastoral) or Mrs Law – PSHE Coordinator (Head of Year 9).

Mrs Law - PSHE Coordinator (Head of Year 9)

Attendance

Sixth Form students are expected to be on the school site from 8.45am – 3.45pm each day except for the lunch hour. Study leave is an Upper Sixth privilege.

We expect all students to have a minimum attendance record of 90%. Each half term a letter will be sent home to those students whose attendance has fallen below this level.

Students should attend all timetabled lessons fully prepared and with the correct materials.

It is a legal requirement to record accurate attendance. This can only happen if students attend both morning and afternoon registration. If a student is absent for a genuine reason they must bring a signed letter from their parents and give it to their form tutor.

In the Sixth Form students will have some lessons when they are not timetabled to be in a class. We do however still expect them to be in school and they should NOT leave the premises.

As far as possible all appointments should be made outside of the school day.

You should be aware that we are always asked to comment on attendance (including holidays taken during term-time) and punctuality in references, both for university applications and for full- time / part-time jobs – we take this from the register!

Registration

It is a legal requirement that we register students twice a day.

If on occasion a student misses registration for a valid reason they must ensure that they sign in correctly so that their Form Tutor can transfer their mark into the register.

If a student misses morning registration they should register with Mrs Waldron before 9.15am (Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Sixth Form Office, Tuesday and Thursday in the Theatre Foyer after assembly.)

If a student arrives late and misses registration more than three times a letter will be sent home (unless the lateness is due to a school coach)

1. If a student arrives in school after 9.15am they should sign using the signing in book outside Mrs Waldron’s office.

2. The same procedure should also be used for signing in/out during the lunch hour.

Form tutors will NOT mark a student present if they have failed to sign in/out.

Lunchtime Arrangements

Sixth Form students may choose to have a school lunch or not.

54 They must decide on a termly basis and if they choose a school lunch this will be added to your school bill. Once they have signed up for the term they CANNOT change their mind before the end of term. If students opt for a school lunch they will be given a termly lunch pass which they need to collect from the bursary. They will not be able to receive lunch without showing the pass to a member of the catering staff in the dining hall. If a student loses their lunch pass a new one can be purchased for £10 from the Bursary. If on occasion a student forgets their lunch pass they can collect a temporary pass for that day from the Bursary although they will only be allowed to do this twice per term! Sixth Form students may also choose to buy lunch and/or snacks from the café in the Sixth Form block or purchase food from outside of school. If students leave the school site at lunchtime they should sign in and out in the folder that is outside the Sixth Form office. Students are required to return to school in time for afternoon registration.

Car Park Facilities

It is a Sixth Form privilege to be able to bring a car into the school grounds once a student has passed their driving test. Due to the need for tighter control of car park spaces and the vehicles that are left on school premises; all vehicles that are parked on school premises must be parked in a designated parking space and must have registered their details with Mrs Waldron. Students may park their cars at the back of the Sixth Form centre or behind the sports hall; they should NOT use the area at the back of the theatre. Students must obey all speed restrictions and drive with care and due attention on school grounds. Any pupil found to be driving dangerously on schools grounds will be banned from using their vehicle on the premises.

THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE The well-stocked LRC is situated at the centre of the school and offers an impressive range of facilities. The spacious accommodation comprises an area of large tables which easily accommodate a whole class. A separate silent study room also accommodates up to 30 pupils. There are comfortable seating areas for pupils wishing to read at break or lunch. There are

55 extensive views over Mellor and the distant hills, making the LRC a very pleasant room for studying or browsing. Our ICT technicians are also based in the LRC.

The LRC at Westholme holds approximately 12,000 books plus DVDs, magazines and subject reviews. There is a class set of computers which has internet access and connection to the printer within the LRC. A photocopier is also available for use by pupils.

The LRC is a place where pupils can study during lessons and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at break and lunch when chess, scrabble and other educational games are played. Throughout the year there are displays to celebrate the pupils’ work and fund raising events for charities. In January, we celebrate Chinese New Year with our Mandarin Department. The English Department always celebrates World Book Day with competitions and/or visiting speakers. Authors such as Clare Balding, Jessica Ennis Hill and David Baddiel have been to school recently to speak to the pupils in our wonderful Croston Theatre. The House Debating Competition and The House General Knowledge Quiz are held each Spring and the GCSE and A Level Art and photography is exhibited each Summer. Each school department uses the LRC from Classics and Latin to the amazing Geography and E.P.R. models which delight pupils and visitors alike.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD!

The lunches provided at the Senior School are popular amongst our pupils and staff.

There is always a very wide variety of options on offer including vegetarian and Halal alternatives. Pupils have choice of either hot or cold option. The four week menu cycle is available to view on the website.

There is always plenty of fresh salad and a fruit bar so no reason for your child not to be getting all of their five a day!

56 Special dietary requirements can be catered for. Please inform the school nurse of any issues and she will liaise with the kitchen staff.

In addition to the lunch-time provision, a break-time breakfast club also runs from 10:40 – 10:55. Options such as cereals, toast, sausage teacakes, hot chocolate and fresh orange juice are available and prices vary from 30p to £2.00.

Pupils must eat/drink these items in the dining room during the break time.

Pupils may bring their own snacks for break-time in from home should they wish, but please, nothing containing nuts due to our severely allergic sufferers.

Description of lunch arrangements for pupils Lunch-time is a sociable and communal time for both pupils and staff. • A rota operates for Year groups 7–11 and is displayed in each form room at the beginning of term and on the weekly notices. • Sixth Form may enter from 12.00pm and join the queue in the Dining Hall. • For the first half term Year 7 are first on the rota. During GCSE exams Year 11 may go in first. • Pupils on early lunch may also go at this time. Pupils on early lunch should queue up just outside the Dining Hall. • Early lunches are arranged by members of staff running lunchtime activities. Names of pupils are to be found on the lists kept in a plastic pocket under the staff notice board. • The pupils form two queues for hot and cold lunches firstly along the corridor and again in the Dining Hall. • Duty staff, who also have forms, leave the dining hall at 1.20pm. Other staff should remain until the area is clear.

SUPERVISION OF PUPILS Extract from Supervision Policy – Senior School

The School Office • The office is open from 8.00 am till 5.30pm during term time. Parents needing to contact somebody in school should phone the office. Outside of these times the phone will be on answer phone.

Pupils’ Arrival • The school doors are opened from 7.30am but pupils are not expected to arrive before 7.45am. • Pupils requiring assistance between 7.45am and 8.00am may report to whichever member of the Senior Leadership Team is on duty that morning (usually the Deputy Head- Academic). Pupils have information on their form room notice boards explaining this.

57 • The Reception desk is manned from 8.00am. Pupils should report there if they require assistance before the Form Teacher arrives at 8.45am for registration.

During the School Day Registration • A register of pupils is taken by Form Teachers at the start of the morning and afternoon sessions. • Parents are responsible for notifying the school if their child is absent for any reason by 9.00am; any pupils not accounted for by this time will be subject to a call to the parents to confirm their absence. • If pupils arrive at school after the register has been taken, they must sign in at Reception before proceeding to Assembly or lessons, as appropriate. Pupils know they will be given a C1 (lunchtime detention) if they fail to follow this process. • Staff register all pupils in lessons in their mark books/electronically and investigate unexplained absences immediately.

In Class and Moving around the Building • All classes are supervised by the relevant teacher or a cover teacher, if necessary. • The member of staff in charge of cover ensures that all lessons are covered if necessary and staff are aware of these procedures as published in the Staff handbook. • Pupils wishing to leave a lesson for any reason must ask permission. • If pupils need to see the Nurse, the teacher may ask another pupil to accompany them. • Pupils are allowed to leave during lessons to use the toilets, but they are encouraged to wait for the end of the lesson. • In certain medical situations, pupils may be allowed to leave the classroom at will; staff are aware of particular arrangements. • Pupils and staff are always expected to keep left on the school corridors.

Break Time and Lunch Time • Morning Break is from 10.40am – 10.55am. • Pupils can choose where to spend this time but they are usually in their Form rooms, in the school grounds or might be attending a meeting. If necessary, pupils may request to speak to a member of staff about an academic or pastoral issue at the staff room. Pupils are encouraged to go outside on dry weather days. • Members of staff are on duty at break times on a rota. They are expected to patrol the school building/grounds ensuring appropriate pupil behaviour and one member of staff also supervises breakfast club. Staff not on duty spend their break in the staff rooms and in subject areas around school; they can be called upon at any time. • Lunch-break is from 12.25pm – 1.25pm. • At lunchtime, staff are patrolling the premises and are on duty in the Dining Hall. Most members of the teaching staff take their share of lunchtime supervisory duties according to a rota.

Supervision during PE lessons, including changing arrangements. • All pupils are supervised during PE lessons in accordance with other curriculum subjects. • Staff remain in the same building to supervise students during changing both on and off site but they only enter the actual changing rooms when necessary, to respect the privacy of pupils.

Supervision of pupils attending lessons with peripatetic teachers • A list of pupils who are taking peripatetic lessons is published to staff so they can check if a pupil is missing from their lesson.

First Aid • Qualified first aiders and the School Nurse can be contacted through Reception between 8.00 am and 5.30 pm. First aiders will be available for clubs as appropriate. • First aid boxes are in all potentially high risk areas, as well as in the medical room (see first aid policy).

Pupils’ Departure 58 • Pupils are expected to leave the premises at 3.45 pm, and no later than 4.15pm, unless they are attending After-School Club or a co-curricular activity. • Pupils leaving on a school coach proceed to the Swimming Pool Car Park, where their departure is supervised by two members of the SLT/Pastoral Team. • Pupils who are collected by parents, proceed to Meins Road via the Woodland Walk path for safety reasons. • If pupils are not collected as expected we will attempt to contact the parents and agree arrangements for the pupil’s transport.

Pupils Attending After School Co-Curricular Activities • Pupils who are involved in co-curricular activities in school are under the supervision of the teacher taking the activity who will have a list of the pupils registered. The registers will be maintained by the teacher in charge. The timings and collection arrangements for co- curricular sporting activities are given in the PE Activity sheets, which pupils can take home each week and parents can access on the website through SOCS. Pupils are given the facility to inform parents of any last minute changes e.g. cancellation of fixtures by using the ‘phone at reception. • After School Club is supervised in the LRC. A register is taken each night. The Supervisor informs the duty caretaker when all pupils have left.

Pupils Who are Not Collected • The school buildings are locked at 6.00 pm. The after-school club supervisor will attempt to contact parents if pupils have not been collected by 6.00pm. There is always a member of SLT on duty until the last child leaves the building – this is organised on a rota.

Supervision Whilst Travelling To and From School • Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children travel safely to and from school.

Pupils Registered for the Coach • The coach service is organised by the school but no member of staff is on the coach. • Pupils taking the coach are expected to behave responsibly. We investigate any complaints about poor behaviour and may exclude a pupil from the coach, if bad behaviour persists. All school coaches have CCTV fitted. • Pupils who are registered to take the coach service to school will be dropped off at the school on the Swimming Pool Car Park. • Pupils using the service to go home are responsible for meeting at the coach on time – departure will not be delayed and pupils arriving too late will be expected to organise their own journey home, with the assistance of the office staff if necessary. The coaches depart 10 minutes after the end of school bell at 3:55pm. • Two members of the SLT/Pastoral team are on duty every evening to ensure the safe boarding of coaches.

Supervision During Educational Visits • Pupils are supervised by school staff and sometimes with the addition of volunteers. • All trips are risk assessed and pupils who misbehave whilst on a trip may be prevented from joining future trips if appropriate. • On any school organised visit, staff must wait with the pupils until all have been collected by parents or their representatives. • Further details can be found in the ‘Educational Visits policy’.

Areas Pupils May Not Access • Pupils are not allowed into the sports hall without an adult being present. They are not allowed to use gymnastic, athletic or climbing equipment without supervision. • The main swimming pool area is kept locked when not in use. • Only Sixth form students who have received an induction may use the gym. • Similarly they may not use specialist Science, Art, Textiles or DT equipment without permission. • Pupils are expected to follow all reasonable instructions given to them by school staff. • We ensure that pupils do not have unsupervised access to potentially dangerous areas,

59 such as the Science laboratories, the boiler rooms, the kitchens, Product Design, Home Economics, Textiles rooms, plant room etc. • Clear signs are displayed where pupils may not enter a room and where possible doors to these areas are kept locked when not in use. • All flammables and potentially dangerous cleaning products are kept securely locked in appropriate storage facilities.

Security and Access Control • Visitors are requested to sign in and out at Reception; contractors will be accompanied if necessary. • All adults on site (staff/visitors/contractors etc.) are all provided with an identity/visitors badge which must be worn at all times.

Staff Induction • All new members of school staff with relevant responsibilities receive induction into the school’s expectations of the appropriate levels of pupil supervision. • Guidance is given about what to do when on duty outside normal lesson times.

ASSEMBLIES

Through our assemblies, we aim to encourage and promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of each pupil in an environment which reflects the spirit and values of our Christian foundation. At the same time, our approach is inclusive rather than narrowly denominational. We hope that all members of our community will want to join fully in all we set out to do.

Assembly is a time set aside for reflection, recollection and stimulus. It is a time when we can explore different religious beliefs, examine influential personal, moral and social issues and draw meaning from events which happen to us and around us. It is a time to become aware of awe and wonder, to consider mystery and the realms of the transcendental. It can be a time for contemplating the profoundly spiritual nature of all aspects of human experience and also for considering our response to issues of the day. The regular weekly assemblies also provide opportunities for routine communication, and the celebration of achievements and events.

Assembly generally involves pupils from all Year groups meeting together in the Croston Theatre, along with all members of teaching staff. We also have regular House, Form, Year group, Key Stage or separate boy/girl assemblies which involve fewer pupils.

Assembly may be led by any member of staff with or without the help of pupils. We hope to encourage as much variety of approach as possible and we are delighted when pupils themselves undertake to plan and deliver an assembly. Visiting speakers occasionally make a contribution too. Although the form and content of assembly varies considerably, from a traditional format (comprising a hymn, an inspirational reading or a personal reflection and a prayer followed by assembly notices) to information about internet safety or anti-bullying, listening to recitals of music, watching short drama presentations given by the pupils which may or may not be placed within a context of worship, there is still an over-riding sense of togetherness and being one community.

We believe that assembly helps to generate, nurture and preserve the ethos of the school along with a sense of tradition and an awareness of shared values. It also functions to maintain the unity,

60 integrity and corporate identity of the school as a vibrant, dynamic, purposeful and caring community.

AFTER-SCHOOL CARE AT SENIOR SCHOOL

All pupils must leave the school premises by 16:15pm or report to the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) where supervision will be provided.

There will be a daily charge of £7.50 per session for each pupil in Years 7-11 staying after 16:15pm. Parents will be charged half termly in arrears for this service.

Pupils are expected to use their time wisely (e.g. completing homework/reading etc.)

The after-school care provision will close at 17:50pm to allow staff to clear the premises and lock up. Therefore, all pupils must be collected by this time.

Where pupils are attending a supervised co-curricular activity such as a sporting practice, drama rehearsal etc. then no charge will be made. Similarly, pupils waiting for individual music lessons, LAMDA lessons, paid coaching sessions etc. will not be charged. These pupils do still need to go to the LRC and sign in with the member of staff on duty if their session does not start until after 16:15pm however.

AFTER SCHOOL ARRANGEMENTS

It is imperative that we know who is on site for Health and Safety / Fire reasons etc. so the following instructions must be followed:

Years 7-11 If pupils from the Senior School are still in school after 4:15pm, they must be supervised. This can either be in the form of a staff run club (e.g. sport, drama etc.) where the member of staff will 61 register them, or they must go to the LRC to be signed in there. Parents of Years 7-11 will be charged for supervision in the after-school club in the LRC (see section on after-school care).

Sixth Form If Sixth Formers are still in school after 4:15pm, they must sign in so that we know they are on site. This can either be in the form of a staff run club (e.g. sport, drama etc.) where the member of staff in charge will register them, or they will need to go to the LRC to be signed in there. They must also sign out when they leave too.

ORGANISATION AND HOMEWORK

Organisation is the key to a happy, stress free transition to Senior School. In Year 7, our focus is settling in and we find that organised children are more likely to do well academically and socially.

In school, we encourage children to look after their own belongings and be prepared for the day and week ahead. In the first few weeks at Senior School, children often need help from home to pack their bags and to ensure homework is submitted punctually. We would expect this help to be gradually reduced throughout their first term at Senior School as the students get used to their routines and become more independent.

Each student will have a homework timetable to help them to organise their time out of school. Although we do accept that families have special occasions from time to time when homework is not able to be completed, it is important that homework takes priority, is completed to the best of the student’s ability and is handed in punctually. Although students should be able to complete the majority of the homework tasks set independently, they can often benefit from adult assistance and guidance. If your child is struggling to complete work independently on a regular basis, please write a note in their planner or contact the HoY.

HOMEWORK

Homework is an important part of learning. Students will be expected to do homework throughout their academic life and the types of homework set will vary depending on subject and topic. Homework may be used to consolidate and practise knowledge and skills learned in class; extend knowledge and skills beyond those covered in the lessons; or prepare for future lessons. Students should expect to receive more homework as they progress through the school and although timetables are set for Key Stage 3, we expect older students to manage their time more independently.

If there are any problems regarding the amount or type of homework, students or parents should contact the appropriate Head of Department or Head of Year. We understand that students have commitments outside of school and from time to time this may impact on the time available to do homework. We urge students and parents to be proactive in contacting the appropriate Head of Year so we can help manage this.

Students are all given a planner at the start of the year, and although we will also be using Showmyhomework.co.uk it is important that students use their planner too. As well as noting homework, the planner is a vital tool for communication between home and school and subject teachers and form tutors will use them to make notes for students and parents. The planner should be signed weekly by the student, parent and form tutor.

Showmyhomework.co.uk

We use Showmyhomework.co.uk to record the homework set by each teacher. The site is accessible directly by typing the web address into a browser, through a search engine or through the link on the Westholme website. Every student and parent will be issued with a unique log-in ID and password which will take them directly to their own homework diary. Without the unique log-in all the information can still be accessed using filters on the web-site.

Class teachers will put their homework on the site each day as well as the date it is due to be handed-in. Students and parents can easily see what homework has been set and what is due in on a given day. We hope this will make it easier to help your child organise their homework more effectively; both in the evening and when packing their bags in the morning!

The site allows staff to include links to web resources and upload worksheets and media files. These can be printed and viewed at home. Resources will still be available in school so that all students can do the homework set without relying on computers at home.

63 We will still expect students to use their planners to note that homework has been set and as a communication tool between home and school.

Homework Timetables 2017-18 Year 7 20 minutes per subject per night (Weekly total: 5 hours)

Homework may be set in class on a previous day, but it is not expected to be completed until the night indicated.

7A Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday DT* English History EPR Computing/ Drama English Geography Maths French DT/Music Maths Spanish Science Science Review

7B Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday DT* EPR English English Computing/Drama Maths History Maths French DT/Music Science Spanish Science Geography Review

7P Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday DT* EPR English Computing/ DT/Music Drama Maths History Geography English Spanish Science Science Maths French Review

64 7Q Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday DT* Geography English Computing/ DT/Music Drama Maths History EPR English Science Science Spanish Maths French Review

*Food lessons: preparing/ weighing out and bringing in ingredients is required for most Food lessons and must be done in advance

65 Year 8 English, Maths & Science: 30 minutes per subject per night. Others: 20 minutes per subject per night. (Weekly total: 6 hours 30 minutes)

Homework may be set in class on a previous day, but it is not expected to be completed until the night indicated. 8A Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Biology Computing DT* English Drama/Music English EPR Chemistry Latin MFL Spanish Geography Physics Maths Physics Maths

8B Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Chemistry EPR Biology Computing Drama/Music English Latin DT* English MFL Geography Maths Spanish Maths Physics History

8C Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Computing Drama/Music Chemistry Biology English Geography DT* History English Latin Physics EPR Spanish Maths MFL Maths

8P Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Chemistry EPR Drama/Music Geography Biology Computing Maths English Physics English DT* MFL History Spanish Latin Maths

8Q Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

66 DT* History English Biology Chemistry Physics Maths Geography Computing English Spanish MFL Latin Drama/Music EPR Maths

*Food lessons: preparing/ weighing out and bringing in ingredients is required for most Food lessons and must be done in advance

67 Year 9 30 minutes per subject per night. (Weekly total: 8 hours)

Homework may be set in class on a previous day, but it is not expected to be completed until the night indicated.

9A Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Biology Computing/Drama Chemistry DT* English History EPR English Geography Physics MFL Maths Latin Maths Spanish Music

9B Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday EPR Computing/Drama Biology History Chemistry MFL Geography English Maths English Physics Maths Latin Spanish DT* Music

9C Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Biology EPR Computing/ Chemistry English Drama History Maths English DT* Geography MFL Music Physics Maths Latin Spanish

9T Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday English Chemistry Biology Maths English History DT* Computing/Drama MFL Latin Maths Geography EPR Spanish Physics Music

68 *Food lessons: preparing/ weighing out and bringing in ingredients is required for most Food lessons and must be done in advance

69 Year 10 1 hour per subject per week. (Weekly total: 11 hours)

In Year 10 & 11 students are expected to take greater responsibility for planning their homework time. Tasks will tend to be longer and may extend over a period of weeks. The timetable below gives general guidance, but will not be followed exactly by subject teachers.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 10WL English Maths English Maths Science Science Science 10ST Maths English Science English Science Science Maths All Option D Option A Option C Option A Option B Option C Option B Option D

70 Year 11 1 hour per subject per week. (Weekly total: 11 hours)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 11WLM English Science Science Maths English Maths Science 11T Maths English Maths Science English Science Science All Option C Option B Option A Option C Option A Option D Option B Option D

71 Students’ Code of Conduct

All students are expected to represent the school well; behaving with courtesy & consideration at all times.

Movement in the building and on the premises Students must always: • Walk on the left on staircases and corridors. • Queue in single file. • Give way to members of staff and other adults at doorways and on the corridors. • Wait to be dismissed by the member of staff at the end of each lesson. • Walk not run in the school building. Students must not: • Enter the laboratories, Product Design and Textiles/Food rooms, swimming pool, sports hall, art block, music centre or the theatre, except for lessons and other officially organised activities. They are all out of bounds. • Leave the school premises at lunch time or at any other time without the permission of a member of staff. Students must sign out at reception if they are leaving the premises.

Assembly • Students must be silent on the way to assembly. • Students should wear their blazers and sit in silence whilst waiting for assembly to begin.

Registration, late arrivals and appointments Students must: • Sign in at reception if arriving after registration or when leaving school during the school day to keep an appointment or for any other reason. The file is kept at reception. • Bring notification of any appointments by letter from their parents the day before the appointment. • Always bring an absence note on the first return day following any absence. • Register twice daily in accordance with school policy and procedure.

Health Students should: • Ask their subject or form teacher for permission to report to the school nurse if feeling unwell during registration/lesson time. The school nurse will contact parents if necessary; students should not contact home on the grounds that he or she feels unwell. • Leave with the school nurse/reception staff any medication to be taken during the course of the day. Any surplus medication should be collected at the end of the day.

Classrooms Students must: • Treat all school property and furniture carefully and with respect. • Keep classrooms, cloakrooms / locker areas and common rooms tidy. Any property left carelessly may be confiscated. Whenever possible, bags must be stored in the cloakroom or in lockers. Any bags taken into a classroom must be kept under the desk. • Report if a member of staff fails to appear for a lesson after 10 minutes of waiting. Two students from that group should go to the staffroom / reception to report it. Students must not: • Eat or drink on the corridors. No cans, glass bottles or breakable containers are to be brought to school. • Write on the boards or use the whiteboards and computers unless asked to do so by a member of staff. • Open cabinets and drawers in classrooms unless permission is given by a member of staff. • Fully open classroom windows or touch blinds and curtains unless permission is given by a member of staff.

Property

72 • Any money brought to school must be kept on the person, locked in their locker or handed to one of the administrative staff for safekeeping. No money should ever be left in bags or blazer pockets. • All personal belongings and textbooks must be clearly named. • No PE kit or any other equipment should be borrowed without the permission of the member of staff or student concerned. • No electrical appliances may be brought into school except with the express permission of a member of staff. Such appliances must be tested by the maintenance team immediately for safety.

School books • All textbooks remain the property of the school. They must be maintained in good condition and any lost or damaged books must be replaced or the school reimbursed.

LRC • The LRC is a quiet work space as well as a place of learning; therefore talking should be kept to a minimum and should only concern research being carried out there. No food or drink should be taken into the LRC. • Books should be returned on the date given at time of issue. • Students may use the photocopier in the LRC but only with permission of a member of staff and with the agreement of the LRC manager and in accordance with copyright laws. • Students may use the computers and internet but only in accordance with school ICT policy and the student Acceptable Usage Policy. • Room 9 is solely for the use of students in Year 10 and above for quiet study at lunchtimes.

Respect • Students in Years 7 – 11 are expected to stand in silence when any member of staff enters any room. • A student should hold open the door for any member of staff and any other adults entering or leaving a classroom. • Students should have respect for each other and not harm each other physically or verbally. Students are expected to treat others as they would wish to be treated themselves. • Students should treat other students’ belongings with respect. • Students should maintain appropriate relationships between each other at all times, without any inappropriate physical contact taking place. • Students must always show respect towards staff.

Drinks vending machines • These machines are only to be used before the first bell in the morning, at break, during the lunch hour and after school. No one is to use the drinks vending machines between lessons.

Chewing gum • Is banned on the school premises and on the school coaches. Anyone disobeying this instruction will receive a detention.

Litter • We care for our school environment. Dropping litter is forbidden. Any student who is caught dropping litter will receive a detention.

Coaches • Students who travel on the coaches must sit in a seat and must fasten their seat belts. • There should be no hot drinks consumed on the coaches and pupils must leave the coach clean and tidy, taking any litter with them.

Homework • Homework must be handed in on time and always completed to the best of the students’ ability.

Health & Safety Students must: 73 • Exercise personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. • Observe the instructions given by members of staff in an emergency. • Use and not willfully misuse or interfere with things provided for their safety. • Observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene. • Go to the LRC if staying in school after 4:15pm to sign in to after school club and be supervised. • Not wear earphones or headphones when moving around school, including all outside spaces.

Outdoor Play • Students must only play within designated areas and due care and attention must be taken to ensure that cars and property are not damaged.

Mobile Phones • Staff will not take any responsibility for lost mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices. • Mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices must be switched off during lesson times. A detention will be given to any student caught with their phone switched on. • During break and lunchtimes, phones must not be used on corridors, in the dining room or for safety reasons, whilst moving. • Photos must not be taken on school premises (including on phones) unless permission has been given by a member of staff.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Pupils are expected:-

1.To observe all the safety rules of the school stated in the Pupils’ Code of Conduct; 2.To exercise personal responsibility for the safety of self and others; 3.To observe the instructions given by staff in an emergency; 4.To use and not wilfully misuse or interfere with things provided for their safety; 5.To observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene (this could preclude unsuitable footwear, hairstyles and other items considered dangerous). 6.If of driving age, to take utmost care whilst driving within and around the school grounds, observing all safety and regulatory rules and signage.

74 Parents are expected:-

1.To be aware of the contents of section ‘Pupils are expected’ above. 2.Not to send their son/daughter to school if he/she is known to be suffering from a contagious disease; 3.To drive onto the campus with the utmost caution and to observe such restrictions as may be imposed by the School; 4.To make School aware of any medical problems as they arise.

OUTSIDE OF LESSON TIME RULES & GUIDANCE

• If you (or another pupil) require first aid, then the school nurse can be found in her office near the dining room. If she is not there then please report to the reception staff, who will send for a First Aider.

If you require assistance outside of reception working hours then please report to the staffroom or to a member of the Senior Leadership Team (Mrs Horner, Mrs Gough or Miss Smith).

• If you see someone on the school site who you do not think should be here then please do not approach them. Tell a member of staff/reception immediately, giving them as much detail as possible.

• Under no circumstances must you touch/use the computers or interactive whiteboards in your form rooms.

• You must not use any plug sockets or bring electrical equipment into school from home.

• We would actually prefer it if you went outside to get some fresh air during your free time, but please ensure you keep away from areas that have been fenced/roped off.

• If you hear the fire alarm, you must follow the same procedure as if you were in lessons. Leave in silence by the nearest exit and meet in the swimming pool car park.

CO-CURRICULAR

At Westholme we believe it is important to take a holistic approach to student development. We believe that what goes on outside the classroom is a crucial part of this, and that lessons learned there help to build character at least as much as more traditional ones.

As you can see from the co-curricular timetable, there is an impressive range of activities on offer each day. Please encourage your children to get as involved as possible: we would like them to be involved in at least three activities each week and ideally more than that.

75 Many sports matches and some practices also take place each week and these can be found on the weekly sports activity sheet (please see details in the ‘Physical Education & Co-Curricular’ section of this handbook).

We find that the children who keep themselves busy have fewer friendship issues, are better at managing their time and are more likely to achieve their academic potential. They also have a lot of fun in the process!

If you have any questions about the co-curricular programme then please contact Miss Smith (Deputy Head – Academic), or the appropriate Head of Year.

SCHOOL TRIPS

Some trips are part of the curriculum and take place during the school day; all students participate in these. Other trips form part of the school’s co-curricular programme and provide an excellent opportunity for students to mix with those from different year groups and experience travel to a variety of destinations in the UK, Europe and globally. The list of trips is not exhaustive; pupils (and parents, when appropriate) will be informed of any additions to the lists as they arise.

The timetable of trips for this year is just being finalised and will be added to this section in the near future. Please contact Miss Smith if you have any trip related queries.

76 77 CO-CURRICULAR TIMETABLE

Clubs are open to pupils from all year groups unless otherwise specified. Further information about clubs can be provided by subject teachers and pupils should speak to them if they have any queries.

Before Lunchtime After School School 08.50 12.25 – 12.55* 12.55 – 13.20* 16.00 Monda • Aural • BoysY9 Football, • Careers Drop-in • KS4 Design y Grad Astroturf (Autumn Session Technology es and Spring Terms) • Y7-9 Dance, Session, Room 11 6-8 • Girls Improvers Lecture Theatre • Boys Y10-13 • Music Swimming, Pool ( Autumn and Football, Field Theor (Autumn Term) Spring Terms) (Autumn and y • Boys Cricket Nets, • Girls Y7-8 Spring Terms) Grad Sports Hall Badminton, Sports • Girls Y11-Y13 es (Autumn and Hall (Autumn and Hockey, Astroturf 3-4 Spring Term) Spring Terms) (Autumn Term) • Fairtr • Boys Improvers • Saxophone • Girls Y11-13 ade Swimming, Pool Ensemble Netball, Sports Hall Com (Spring Term) • GCSE Food Clinic (Spring Term) mitte • Girls Y7-8 • GCSE History • Boys Y9-10 e, Badminton, Sports Revision Club Cricket, Cricket A62 Hall (Spring Term) Field (Summer • Boys Y9 Cricket, Term) Astroturf (Summer • Boys Y7-8 Tennis, Term) Courts (Summer • Girls Y7 Athletics, Term) Field (Summer • Girls Y9-10 Term) Rounders, Field • Junior Choir (Summer Term) • Soloists • Girls Y7-8 Tennis, Courts (Summer Term) • Y11 Bronze DofE training, A7 (Until October half-term 2017) • Y10 Bronze Dof E training, A7 (From October half-term 2017)

78 Tuesda • Music • MFL Clinic • Careers Drop-in • Y11 Further Maths y Theor • Maths Clinic, Silent Session Lesson, A15 y Study Room LRC • Aural Grades 2-3 • Design Technology Grad • Geography Clinic, • Guitar Ensemble Session, Room 11 es A1 • GCSE Food Clinic • Boys Y7-8 3-4 • 12.25 – 13.20 Boys • Y7 – 9 Drama Badminton, Sports • Y8 Y7-9 House Club, Theatre Hall (Autumn and Spelli Football, Sports Spring Terms) ng Hall (Autumn and • Girls Y9 -13 Club, Spring Terms) Badminton, Sports A1 • Aural Grades 1-2 Hall (Spring and • Senior Choir Autumn Terms) • Flute Choir • Boys Y9-13 • Y11 GCSE Swimming, Pool Computer Science (Autumn and Controlled Spring Terms) Assessment • Girls Y7-8 Support, A7 Swimming, Pool • 12.25 – 13.20 (Autumn and Textiles Open Spring Terms) House • Y9-10 Tennis, Courts (Summer Term)

Wedne • Music • Y10 Organisation • Sixth Form Maths • Boys Y11-Y13 sday Theor Club, A39 Clinic, A62 Football, Field y • Y11 Organisation • Career of the (Autumn and Club, A62 Week Session Spring Terms) • Boys Y7-9 • Y7-9 Table Tennis, • Girls Y9-13 Swimming, Pool Sports Hall Hockey, Astroturf (Autumn and (Autumn and (Autumn Term) Spring Terms) Spring Terms) • Girls Y9 – 13 • Girls Y7 Hockey, • Girls Y8-9 Netball, Sports Hall Astroturf (Autumn Athletics, Astroturf and Courts (Spring Term) (Summer Term) Term) • Girls Y7 Netball, • Brass Band • Boys Rugby, Field Astroturf (Spring • Magazine Club, (Spring Term) Term) Silent Study Room • Athletics, Witton • Girls Rugby, Field LRC Park (Summer (Autumn and • Y7 Foody Club Term) Spring Terms) • Y11 Bronze DofE • Boys Y7-9 Tennis, training, A7 (Until Tennis Courts October half-term (Summer Term) 2017) • Girls Y7 Rounders, • Y10 Bronze Dof E Astroturf (Summer training, A7 (From Term) October half-term • Junior Wind Band 2017) • Senior Chamber Choir • Chess Club, A7 • Physics Clinic • Chemistry Clinic, A11

79 Thursd • Mandarin Clinic, • Y7-9 Benchball/ • Y11 Mandarin ay A36 Dodgeball, Sports Twilight Session, • Maths Enrichment, Hall (Autumn Term) A36 A7 • Girls Y9 Netball, • Boys Y7-9 • Geography Clinic, Astroturf (Spring Football, Field A1 Term) (Autumn and • Boys Y7-8 • Girls Y9 Rounders, Spring Terms) Badminton, Sports Astroturf (Summer • Girls Y7-8 Hockey, Hall (Autumn and Term) Astroturf (Autumn Spring Terms) • Aural Grades 4-5 Term) • Girls Y7-9 • Public Speaking • Girls Y7-8 Netball, Swimming, Pool and Debating Club, Sports Hall and (Autumn and Silent Study Room Courts (Spring Spring Terms) LRC Term) • Boys Y7-8 • GCSE Food Clinic • Y11 History Athletics, Field • Y7-9 Engineering Revision (Summer Term) Club • Girls Y7-9 Tennis, Courts (Summer Term) • Senior Orchestra • Junior Chamber Choir • 12.25-13.20 Textiles Open House • Y11 French Speaking Skills, A61 Friday • Y7 Mandarin Club, • Y7-9 Rugby, Field • KS4 Design A36 (Spring Term) Technology • Career of the • Y7-9 Running Session, Room 11 Week Session Club, School • Cross Country, • Boys Y7-8 Grounds (All Sports Field (All Football, Astroturf Terms) Terms) (Autumn and • String Orchestra • Girls Football, Spring Terms) • GCSE Food Clinic Astroturf (All • Girls Y8-9 Hockey, Terms) Astroturf (Autumn Term) • Girls Y8 Netball, Astroturf (Spring Term) • Boys Y7-8 Cricket, Astroturf (Summer Term) • Girls Y8 Rounders, Astroturf (Summer Term) • Swing Band • Junior Strings • Y10-11 GCSE Computer Science Theory Support • Biology Clinic • Junior Science Club

80 * Scrabble and other board games are available in the LRC every lunchtime from12.25 to 13.20. The Art Department run an open house policy every lunchtime to give students the opportunity to finish projects using specialist equipment.

Residential Trips 2017-2018

There are numerous school trips throughout the school year, the details of which can be found on the school calendar. Below is a list of the proposed residential trips for this academic year. Further details of these trips will be sent to parents in due course.

School Ski Trip February 2018

Sports Tour March 2018

Y10 – 13 Trip to Rome Easter 2018

Year 9 Trip to Spain May 2018

Trip to China (further details to be confirmed) October 2018

81 SCHOOL NURSE

Mrs Hodson, our School Nurse, is very experienced and highly qualified. She is the first person to contact about any medical problems your child may have. She deals with the health needs of the whole school community and the physical and emotional wellbeing of every child attending school.

The School Nurse has a confidential ‘Open Door / Drop-in Policy’ where she is available to offer advice and support to all students. Other services provided by the School Nurse include:- • Support for children with additional and complex needs

• Immunisations

• Health advice and support to children, parents and teaching staff

• Child protection and safeguarding

• Signposting and referral to other health professionals and agencies

• Monitoring height and weight of children at Key Stages – reception, Year 3 and Year 7 – and if there are any concerns.

• Health promotion and education to encourage healthy lifestyle choices

• PHSE lessons on a variety of age appropriate topics

• First aid provision and training

• Support in transition from infants to juniors to settling in senior school and is an important part of the Pastoral team

Westholme takes your child’s health and wellbeing seriously, therefore it is essential that you complete and return your child’s confidential ‘Personal Medical Information’ form as soon as possible. Mrs Hodson can then assess your child’s health needs and complete an agreed ‘Individual Health Care Plan’ if appropriate; thus enabling them to participate safely in school life and reach their full potential.

Please do not send your child into school if they are ill. If we need to contact you to come to school to collect your child, please arrange for this to happen as quickly as possible. Your child should not be contacting you themselves to be collected from school. The decision to send a child home will be made by the school nurse or HoY. They will then arrange for you to be contacted.

When a pupil needs to bring prescribed medication into school, he/she should hand in the medication to the School Nurse, together with a letter from a parent detailing the dose and timing of the medication. It is the pupil's responsibility to excuse themselves from lessons, collect their medication and take it under the supervision of the Nurse. This procedure is needed to prevent your child's medication being taken by other students and potentially causing injury. It should be noted that 'prescribed medication' includes common painkillers, creams and lotions which can be purchased over the counter. Since some students are allergic to these, we cannot allow them to be freely available.

Westholme aims to be a ‘nut aware school’ as some of our students have serious nut/peanut allergies; we therefore ask you and your child not to bring any nuts or products containing nuts into school.

Many other members of Westholme staff are also trained in emergency first aid in case the school nurse is unavailable (if she is at one of the other sites, for example).

82 The Senior School site also has three defibrillators located in the Sixth Form Centre, Theatre Foyer and Swimming Pool area. We also have defibrillators at the Junior and Infant Schools for use in an emergency.

DRINKING WATER IN LESSONS (Rules on drinking in lessons – notice on all Form room boards)

A reminder of the rules regarding drinking in lessons: - Only still water may be taken into lessons.

- It must be in a clear, colourless plastic bottle with a ‘sports cap’ style top.

- The bottle should be kept on the floor during lessons.

- Students may drink at the start or end of a lesson, but not during.

- Water must never be taken into the Science labs, Learning Resource Centre, ICT/ Technology or Music rooms.

- There may be other lessons where it would be inappropriate for you take your water to for health and safety reasons – members of staff will inform you of these.

FASTING FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS

Westholme School appreciates that as some children get older, they may wish to partake in religious fasting during occasions such as Ramadan, for example. We respect their choice and also appreciate that these students may struggle to participate in every aspect of school life with the same energy and vigour that we would usually expect from our pupils.

Students are still expected to participate in every aspect of school life, but please be reassured that staff will aim to be as understanding and accommodating as possible. For example, pupils will still be expected to participate in their PE lessons, but upon receiving a note from parents explaining that the student is fasting, the member of PE staff will only expect the student to do what they are able. This may be to only take part in some of the session, complete less of the tasks than the other students or for the student to let the member of staff know when they need a break.

HENNA TATTOOS

If a pupil would like to have henna tattoos to celebrate a religious festival/ family celebration then a letter to the relevant Head of Year should be sent to request this before the event. As long as this procedure is followed, permission will be given in the majority of cases.

83 LOST PROPERTY

All school uniform and possessions of any value should be marked with the pupil’s full name (not just initials) and Form and kept safely. There is a much better chance that your child’s belongings will be returned to them should they do this. Pupils are asked not to bring large sums of money into school, but if this is unavoidable, they should take the money to reception, for safe-keeping. It should be in a sealed envelope with name and details shown.

Other valuable items, such as phones and iPods are allowed in school but only with parents’ understanding that the school’s insurance does not cover their loss.

Lost Property found in school should be handed to one of the receptionists. The reception staff monitor, sort and distribute all items of lost property. Anything found that is named is returned to the pupil as soon as possible. Un-named items are kept at reception and lost property displays are held periodically.

There are slips on all form room notice boards that pupils can complete if they have lost an item. The slips should be handed in at reception so the item can be looked for in the lost property cupboard.

Items left in the sports block or changing rooms are put in the box outside the PE staff room, except for valuable items which are given to the receptionist. Pupils may look in this box at any time.

It is expected that pupils will look for their own lost items around school in cloakrooms, classrooms, PE block etc. This is their responsibility. If a pupil has completed all of these procedures and the item has still not been found then they may ask their Form Tutor to help them write a notice which can be read out in whole school assembly.

MOBILE PHONES

We do allow pupils to bring a mobile phone to school but do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Pupils are allowed to use their mobile phones at breaks/lunch-times and before and after school providing they are not breaking the school’s ICT Acceptable Usage Policy. They must be turned off during lesson times for obvious reasons (see behaviour sanctions for punishments for using phones or having them switched on in lessons). Pupils are only permitted to use their phones whilst in their Form rooms or when stationary. They should not be using them on corridors, in the dining room and certainly not in the coach park when getting on/off the coaches.

No pupil is permitted to take photos on school premises unless prior permission has been granted by a member of the SLT.

Members of staff will not spend their time looking for lost mobile phones. Phones should be kept locked in the pupil’s locker for security.

Where a pupil needs to use the telephone and does not have a mobile, they should report to the main reception. 84 PARENTAL CONTACT WITH SCHOOL / GENERAL COMMUNICATION

Students are required to have their planners in every lesson and in form time. We ask parents to check and sign their child’s planner on a weekly basis and Form Tutors will also be checking and signing planners during form time. Should a teacher, Form Tutor or Head of Year (HoY) want to communicate with a parent they will write in red ink in the student’s planner. Similarly, parents can write a note in the planner if they wish to communicate with their child’s teacher.

Should a parent wish to contact school about a more serious query or concern, we ask that parents email or telephone their child’s HoY. As the HoY, they have the overall view of each child and will converse with the relevant Form Tutor, teacher or Head of Department (HoD) depending on the nature of the enquiry. Please do understand however, that an immediate response is very unlikely. All our staff have high levels of teaching commitments and are sometimes unable to contact a parent for a few hours, and sometimes not until the next day; where possible contact will be made within 24 hours. Please be understanding; HoYs will always strive to contact you as soon as they can. If the matter needs to be dealt with immediately, parents should telephone reception who will take a message if the relevant member of staff cannot be found. Please give as much detail as possible when speaking to the Receptionist; you will then be contacted by a relevant member of staff.

Head of Year 7 Mrs Carla Hornby [email protected] Head of Year 8 Dr Emma Riley [email protected] Head of Year 9 Mrs Maxine Law [email protected] Head of Year 10 Mrs Adelle Moore [email protected] Head of Year 11 Mrs Deborah Hughes [email protected] Head of Sixth Form Mrs Rachel Waldron [email protected]

A serious pastoral matter may be referred by the HoY or Pastoral Deputy Head, and any serious academic matters to the Academic Deputy Head.

Our Parents are advised that they should make an appointment to avoid disappointment if they wish to see a member of staff. Simply turning up at school expecting to see a member of staff usually leads to frustration and annoyance as, more often than not, that particular member of staff is either teaching or involved in another meeting/co-curricular activity. Parents are asked to make appointments with the HoY; other staff will be asked to these meetings where appropriate or information will be passed on subsequently.

Courtesy and respect between all members of the Westholme community is intrinsic to our ethos, in order to maintain a workplace where everyone feels safe. We set an example to our pupils by nurturing a mutually respectful environment. If a parent or visitor speaks to a member of staff or any member of the school community in a disrespectful or aggressive manner, they can expect to have their communication/meeting cut short and rearranged for such a time when they are able to communicate in a polite and calm manner. Physical or verbal harassment, violence or aggressive or intimidating behaviour towards any member of the Westholme community will not be tolerated and firm actions will be taken, if necessary from outside agencies, to maintain our commitment to this position.

If your child is ill and unable to come into school, we ask that you contact school by 9:00am on that day. Your child should bring in a signed letter from yourself stating the reason for absence on the day they return which should be given to the form tutor.

Head of years’ website pages:

85 HoY 7 Mrs C Hornby

HoY 8 Dr E Riley

HoY 9 Mrs M Law

HoY 10 Mrs A Moore

HoY 11 Mrs D Hughes

Head of Sixth Form Mrs R Waldron

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

My name is Michelle and I am the Well-being Adviser at Westholme. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and have worked in a number of different organisations including the NHS and Bupa.

I am passionate about my work and strongly believe that if young people are able to develop resilience and coping strategies early in life they are better able to cope with life’s inevitable challenges.

I am not here to tell the pupils what to do; I am here to listen and to work with them to help them understand their own situation and the difficulties they face. No problem is too big or too small to talk about. If it is bothering a pupil, just sharing it with someone can help it to seem more manageable. Some of the more common problems encountered can be:

• Parents separating or divorce and its impact

• Illness, bereavement or loss in any form

• Friendship or relationship issues

• Feeling stressed or anxious

• Struggling to sleep

Sometimes a one-off drop in session can help. Other times we may need to arrange weekly support. Pupils can make contact with me through the lunchtime drop in service or through their Head of Year. The service is confidential and would be discussed during an initial chat, without any obligation to attend further sessions.

Parents may also request support for their child/ren either through their child’s Head of Year, Mrs Gough (Deputy Head – Pastoral) or directly to me at [email protected]

Please be aware that I only work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays so replies to queries may not be immediate.

INTERNET SAFETY

87 Dr Emma Riley is the school’s Online Safety Coordinator. Part of her job is to keep parents informed about issues concerning their children and the internet and online safety. In order to do this she will be providing regular letters to parents which highlight current online safety issues and make more general recommendations regarding your child’s use of the internet.

As well as accessing the school’s online safety resources, there is a wealth of useful information for parents available online. One excellent site is Parent Info which is jointly sponsored by Parenting in the Digital Age and CEOP. This site publishes guides to commonly used apps alongside the latest research and reports about online safety and its wider repercussions. It is also worth familiarising yourself with PitDA’s WWW strategy which encourages you to make sure that you know: WHO your child is talking to online,

WHAT they’re doing online, and

WHERE they’re going online Should you have any concerns about your child’s online activity or any suggestions of key topics that should be addressed in the regular newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Riley at school ([email protected]). Alternatively get in touch with your child’s Head of Year or Mrs Gough (Deputy Head-Pastoral).

PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF ADVERSE WEATHER

The website is the most reliable way of obtaining information in the event of any emergency: www.westholmeschool.com

• In the event of heavy overnight snow, the website will be updated by 7.00am. • During any periods of extreme weather, the website will be continually updated. • Parents may also be contacted by text message and /or email. It is therefore particularly important that parents and guardians keep school informed of any contact detail changes.

88 • It is the School’s aim that all sites will remain open but in the event of adverse weather conditions, closure may become necessary to maintain a safe and staffed environment. In this case, it is important that the emergency procedures are clearly understood by all pupils, parents and staff.

Heavy overnight snow conditions in the area around school Should school be inaccessible in the morning, we will ensure that the website includes instructions for that day.

Heavy overnight snow conditions in outlying districts Pupils travel from many different directions and whilst those from one area may be snowed up, those from another area may have no difficulty reaching school. In such cases parents must use their own discretion about whether or not to send their child to school.

Daytime snow conditions affecting the area around school Should pupils need to leave school early because of worsening conditions information will be given to parents by telephone/text message or email.

The school coaches cannot leave earlier than 3.45pm. This is because children cannot be left early at bus stops as there will be no-one to collect them. It would be impossible to contact several hundred parents in time to rearrange collection times.

Wherever possible we will try to get children away on the coaches by 3.45pm but if the coaches are unable to reach the school by 4.15pm all children will be assembled at the Infant School, Billinge House on Preston New Road which is the most accessible site for vehicles.

Emergency rations, heat and light and supervision will be available to all pupils for as long as it is necessary at the end of the school day.

Daytime snow conditions affecting outlying districts Should parents experience snow in their home district they should travel to school early in the day, report to the office and ask for their child to be released. All pupils must sign out if they leave school this way.

It would be preferable for parents simply to arrive at school to collect their children without telephoning first so that school lines are not jammed by incoming calls. They must report to the school office so that a record can be kept of each child’s whereabouts. Any parents requesting permission to take home another child must have obtained parental permission in advance. No child will be allowed to leave with anyone other than their own parent/guardian unless their parent/ guardian has contacted school to give this permission.

Sixth Form drivers Students who drive to school should consult the Head of Sixth Form and sign out if they leave school early. The welfare, Health and Safety of our pupils, staff and families is of the utmost priority and will always underpin any decisions taken. MARKETING DEPARTMENT

Our Marketing Department are responsible for updating the school website (www.westholmeschool.com) and also control our social media accounts. Each school site has its own Notice Board on the appropriate pages. Information regarding parents evenings, school trips and after school clubs is posted here on a weekly basis. These updates may also be sent via social media. Similarly, news articles are also published throughout the week, sometimes on a daily basis. These highlight the students’ achievements and also review any school events that take place including trips, visits and sports matches.

The department produces two newsletters per academic year and an Annual Review both of which are posted home for parents to read. 89 Please do familiarise yourself with the relevant Notice Board page on the school website. You will find this to be an invaluable resource as your child progresses through school.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM BEING BULLIED? (Information in student planners and on all Form room notice boards)

What is bullying?

Bullying is the persistent, willful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone. For example, the unkind use of nicknames, mocking reference to personal attributes or appearance, intimidation, extortion, racial, sexist or homophobic harassment and physical assault.

What should I do if I am being bullied?

You must tell someone. In school you can contact, in confidence, your form teacher, your year tutor or any other member of staff to whom you feel you can talk. If in doubt, speak to your parents and ask them to contact school or ring Childline 0800 1111.

Your teachers will deal quietly and confidentially with anything you report and will give you advice. 90 Teachers are used to dealing with problems of this kind and, if necessary, they will confront the bully. Do not be afraid to report bullying in case of repercussions. Bullies soon desist when they are confronted by members of staff. If they do not, further steps will be taken against them including suspension or total exclusion from school if necessary. If we are to maintain Westholme's happy, caring atmosphere, it is vital that anyone who is being subjected to bullying comes forward.

What should I do if I see bullying occurring in school?

Report the matter discreetly to any member of staff. He or she will deal with it immediately. Do not be afraid to come forward. It is your responsibility not to stand by and let this sort of behaviour continue.

Mobile Phones and use of computers, tablets and the Internet

Text messages of a threatening, abusive, bullying, racist, homophobic harassing or defamatory nature on mobile phones, or posted on Facebook, Twitter or other social networking sites will be considered to be bullying and this will be dealt with in the same way as any other form of bullying. Complaints, gossip or rumour about the school or a member of the community placed on the internet in any form will be investigated. Pupils will be held personally responsible for all material they have placed on a website of which they are the host or account holder. Material of a threatening, abusive, bullying, racist, homophobic, harassing or defamatory nature , whether placed during or outside school time (including holidays) will be treated as a serious breach of school discipline and will be seen as bullying.

We know that from time to time you will have rows or arguments with your friends but bullying as described on this sheet will not be tolerated at Westholme. Please play your part in ensuring that Westholme remains a happy, caring environment where we can all enjoy each other's company.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT), particularly mobile phones and the internet, deliberately to upset someone else.

How can I help to prevent it?

What should I do if someone is cyberbullying me?

• Block the bully –report someone who is behaving badly. • Don’t retaliate or reply! • Save the evidence – learn how to keep records of offending messages, pictures or online conversations. Make sure you tell: • an adult you trust, or call a helpline like ChildLine on 0800 1111 in confidence; • the provider of the service; check the service provider’s website to see where to report incidents; • your school – your Form Tutor, Head of Year, Senior Teacher etc. can help you.

91 Finally, don’t just stand there – if you see cyberbullying going on, support the victim and report the bullying. How would you feel if no one stood up for you?

CYBER-BULLYING – PREVENTION & HELP (Notice on all Form room boards)

Cyberbullying is the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT), particularly mobile phones and the internet, deliberately to upset someone else.

• Always respect others – be careful what you say online and what images you send. • Think before you send – whatever you send can be made public very quickly and could stay online forever. • Treat your password like your toothbrush- keep it to yourself and change it regularly. Only give your mobile number, personal website address and access to your Facebook page to trusted friends. • Block the bully –report someone who is behaving badly. • Don’t retaliate or reply! • Save the evidence – learn how to keep records of offending messages, pictures or online conversations.

Make sure you tell: • an adult you trust, or call a helpline like ChildLine on 0800 1111 in confidence; • the provider of the service; check the service provider’s website to see where to report incidents; • your school – your Form Tutor, Head of Year, Senior Teacher etc. can help you. • Finally, don’t just stand there – if you see cyberbullying going on, support the victim and report the bullying. How would you feel if no one stood up for you?

Who are we ?

The Westholme Association is similar to a parent and teacher organisation. It has a Committee which is made up of a selection of parents and teachers from across the three school sites and we meet on a regular basis. Every current parent is eligible to apply to join this Committee, should they wish to become more involved.

What do we do?

The Committee plans a variety of events, some social and some fundraising but all with the aim of bringing parents, teachers and children together in an informal setting.

The typical types of events that we have held in the past are Spring and Christmas Fairs, comedy nights, an annual ball, quiz nights, discos and second hand uniform sales.

Why? 92 The funds that we raise each year are then used to buy extra special items for the children; such as specialist equipment for the Science, Home Economics and Design Technology departments, visiting Theatre Companies, awards for Prizegiving ceremonies, trophies for the Sports Awards evening and leavers’ gifts. We have recently agreed to fund the purchase and installation of indoor cricket nets for the sports hall at Seniors, thereby enabling cricket to become an all year- round sport at Westholme.

How Might You Help ?

Please come along and support our events!

Our next events are :

• A Family Quiz Night on Friday 13th October 2017 at Blackburn Rugby Club • The Christmas Fair on Friday 1st December 2017 at Beardwood Bank. • A Spring Ball at Ewood Park on Saturday 17th March 2018.

If you would like to become more involved by joining the Committee, then please contact the Chairman, Helen Berry : [email protected] or the Secretary, Liz Morgan : [email protected]

THE HOUSE SYSTEM AT WESTHOLME

On arrival at Wilmar Lodge, all pupils and teachers are allocated to one of the four Houses. Each House is led by two House Captains who are members of the Sixth Form, elected to these roles by the rest of the House. A staff Head of House is also allocated to each House to support the 6th Form Captains in their role.

Members of each House meet together for a House Assembly once a fortnight and pupils in all years are encouraged to volunteer to lead one of these assemblies.

During the year there are numerous inter-House activities, where competition is fierce but friendly and age is irrelevant as both pupils and staff support their House.

House Bowland Calder Longridge Pendle

House Green Blue Red Yellow Colour

93 Nancy Pinner Phoebe Bunyan Hope Carr-Oddie Isobel Jackson House Max Stirpé Chloe Pritchard William Harfield Daniel Rae Captains

Head of Mrs B Parkinson Mrs C Lewis Mrs L Cowan Mr J Oracz House

Activities include:

Cross Country Championship October Christmas Entertainments December Swimming Gala February House General Knowledge Quiz February Hockey Championship March Netball Championship March Badminton Championship March Football Tournament April Poetry Speaking/Shakespeare Speaking Competitions April House Spoken English Competition July Tennis Championship July Cricket Championship July Sports Day July Rounders Championship July

[Pupils also earn House Points for excellence in academic work; outstanding effort; representing the school in the community, doing a good deed etc.]

ART AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Food Preparation and Nutrition Students will be cooking most weeks during their half year long food course and will need a basket or large flat bottomed wipe clean bag to carry ingredients to and from school in. Students will need a tub or oven proof dish (depending on the recipe concerned) for every practical lesson. An up to date recipe file for Food lessons is posted on the school website on the Senior School ‘noticeboard’ page. Ingredients should be delivered (by the student) to the food room before morning registration and high risk foods must be labelled with their name and form and stored in the fridge. Non-perishable foods can be left in their bag or basket on the shelves outside the food room. Please can we respectfully request that recipes are not deviated from, especially where quantities are concerned. Please be aware that we are a ‘no nuts allowed’ school and this must be remembered when buying ingredients. Please can parents also ensure that students are not sent into school with alcohol as an ingredient. Once food is cooked it should be left preferably in the fridge (once it has cooled down) or, if it does not require chilling, on the shelves outside the food room.

94 DRAMA

The Drama department offers a wide variety of activities throughout the year during compulsory lessons and non-compulsory co-curricular time. Drama has an important role to play in the personal development of our students. The skills and qualities developed by students in drama, such as teamwork, creativity, leadership and risk-taking are assets in all subjects and all areas of life. Drama stimulates the imagination and allows students to explore issues and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Your child will have a Drama lesson each week in the theatre from Year 7 to 9. After this your child can opt to take GCSE and/or A Level Drama. School Productions, Drama Club and LAMDA lessons are completely voluntary. Your child is not required to take Drama GCSE or LAMDA lessons to audition for school productions.

Co-curricular Drama at Westholme

School Productions Westholme has a very strong drama tradition and its school productions are renowned. There is a major production held in July each year with a second show in November. They are both major events in the school calendar and involve massive effort and dedication from both staff and pupils. To help with organisation, a rehearsal letter is issued each term informing pupils and parents of the dates and times of school rehearsals.

Auditions are held in September and January and are open to pupils in year 9 and above. Depending on the choice of show, younger pupils from Years 7 and 8 may be asked to audition.

Junior Drama Club (Years 7-9) This is an opportunity for your child to take part in a lunchtime Drama club. There is a Drama Showcase held in December in the Croston Theatre to showcase their work to parents. The club is open to pupils in Years 7 to 9. No previous experience is necessary.

Film Week

95 This is a holiday drama club open to children age 6 to 18 and usually runs in the third week of August. This year the children will make their own short films. Please contact Reception for more details.

LAMDA Lesson Information At Westholme a large number of pupils choose to have acting, speech or musical theatre lessons. Individual or small group tuition is offered in Acting, Musical Theatre, Speaking in Public and Verse and Prose. Shakespeare lessons are a new option this year. LAMDA lessons are available for all pupils and are taught by highly qualified members of staff. Currently there are one hundred and twenty pupils from years 7 - 13 taking their LAMDA examinations in school. LAMDA Examinations will be held twice each year; these incur an extra fee. We have 100% pass rate and 99% of these receive distinctions and merits.

About LAMDA The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is one of the oldest drama schools in the United Kingdom, and is a centre of excellence in performance training. It is also the UK's largest speech and drama awarding body, with a reputation for excellence across the globe. LAMDA lessons are not exclusive to those wishing to pursue an interest in the performing arts, but are designed to equip candidates, whatever their age and aspirations, with a range of skills that will serve throughout their life, improving self-confidence, assertiveness, unlocking their imagination, and helping to develop their vocal and reading skills in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. There are three main levels with grades ranging from 1-8 in each subject. There is also an opportunity for your child to study bronze, silver and gold medal in Acting or Speaking which are sought after awards and receive valuable UCAS points.

LAMDA Terms and Conditions from Sept 2017 Individual or group lessons for pupils in Years 7-9 will continue to be available during the school day. They will last 20 minutes and will be timetabled at a different time each week so that your child can come out of a different class or lesson each time. Most pupils have little difficulty in copying up missed work and most parents find lessons at school more economical and easier to organise than evening lessons. GCSE and Advanced level students will be able to have their LAMDA lessons at times that do not clash with lessons in examination subjects. Some lessons can be organised after school or at lunch. It is recommended that younger pupils are taught in small groups or pairs to improve their confidence and promote their learning.

The cost per term is currently £110, payable in advance for the year. Please note that LAMDA payment for the year will be made in the Autumn term at a cost of £330 as an interim payment. LAMDA lessons are entirely optional. If lessons have to be terminated it is necessary to give a term’s notice in writing to Miss Roberts (via email) who will forward to the Finance department. If your child is new to LAMDA, there is a trial period of three weeks at the beginning of the academic year. A full refund will be given if your child does not wish to continue with lessons during this cooling off period. The deadline is Friday 29th September, 2017. After this, there will be no refunds.

Terms are of different lengths but there will be an average of 30 lessons throughout the academic year. If your child is in Years 11, 12 or 13 and standing down in May, extra lessons will be arranged with their tutor before their examination. If your child misses a lesson, there will be no refund. If a tutor misses a lesson, arrangements will be made to reschedule a lesson. If your child misses three lessons or more, parents will be contacted to inform them of the child’s absence. When a child misses a lesson, a note will be sent to them via their form teacher which should be returned to the tutor as soon as possible. If you would like more information or have any other queries please contact Miss Roberts, Head of Drama.

FAQs

How do I arrange lessons for my child? 96 If you have not received an induction letter, please contact Reception; there they have spare copies and additional information.

When will my child be allocated a LAMDA timetable? Pupils will be issued with timetables on Monday 11th September. Contact Reception if lost or if your child has not received a timetable.

What if my child’s LAMDA and Music lessons clash? If this happens, LAMDA or Music tutors will reschedule a lesson or revise the timetable for that week. If your child is taking multiple lessons, check in advance to see if there are any clashes once you get the timetables.

How do I know which lesson is most suitable for my child? Each child is different. In the first few weeks of lessons, your child will know whether they wish to swap or opt out of lessons. If he/she wishes to do this, contact Miss Roberts and I will make arrangements as quickly as possible.

Choices:

Solo Acting: Your child will learn two contrasting monologues to perform in front of an examiner. Focus on acting and vocal skills. At junior grades, children are taught in pairs to improve confidence.

Duologue Acting: Your child will team up with a friend and perform two contrasting scenes for an examiner. Focus on acting skills and interaction with a partner.

Group Acting: In a group of three or more to perform a scene for an examiner. Focus on acting skills and interaction with others on stage.

Speaking in Public/Verse and Prose: Solo or group work with the main focus on speaking and presentational skills. Again, children are taught in pairs or small groups to improve confidence.

Musical Theatre Solo/Duo/Group: Training in character through voice. Your child will gain confidence in musical theatre skills.

Which grade should my child be taking? Your child will be assessed during the first few weeks of learning and will be entered at an appropriate level or grade. Letters will be sent to parents informing them of the level of study. If your child has previous experience, please inform the tutor of the standard achieved.

My child no longer wishes to go to lessons. What do I do? Send a letter or email to Miss Roberts who will forward to Finance. You must give a term’s notice if it is past the cooling off period. The cooling off period is Friday, 29th September or three weeks after the first lesson.

My child no longer wishes to take the exam? Your child is under no obligation to take an examination in LAMDA; they may simply have lessons to develop their skills. However, most children do take examinations. Once they have been entered for an upcoming exam and the parent has signed the letter agreeing to the entry, money will not be returned if the pupil doesn’t take the examination. Entries are made at least 6 weeks before the examination date. In certain cases, a partial repayment can be made but this is entirely dependent upon the discretion of LAMDA Examinations, not Westholme School.

97 CAREERS GUIDANCE

Careers advice and guidance is an essential and integral part of the curriculum throughout the school. We currently provide some excellent resources and activities to inform, inspire and motivate students and help them understand where their choices in education and training will take them in the future.

The Head of Careers, Mrs C Hibberd, is available in the Careers Room in the Learning Resource Centre during break and lunchtimes 4 days a week and also at various times throughout the day. All students are welcome to come and ask for information, advice and support for any aspect of careers guidance and Higher Education choices.

Years 8 & 9 have the opportunity to investigate a variety of careers and key skills required in the world of work, through activities such as the ‘Real Game’ and online resources including ‘The Careers Investigator’. Year 9 are also supported when making their Options Choices to ensure appropriate GCSE subjects are selected to enable them to pursue their field of interest.

Years 10 & 11 are encouraged to conduct research into careers and Higher Education options using the online resources eCLIPS and HEAP Online. These resources are accessible both in school and at home so parents can support their children throughout their research. The access codes are available from the Head of Careers in the careers room and will be e-mailed to parents at the start of the academic year. eCLIPS provides regularly updated information on over 1000 jobs and careers and also offers advice on topics relating to options at key stages, education, and training and employability skills. www.eclips-online.co.uk

HEAP 2018: University Degree Course Offers - HEAP Online lists University courses in order of entry grades or UCAS points required. www.heaponline.co.uk

Year 10 complete the Morrisby psychometric testing which suggests areas of work suited to the student’s aptitudes, skills and interests. Year 11 students are then interviewed by the Head of Careers and have the opportunity to discuss the Morrisby test results and A-level choices with respect to further study and future careers. The Lower Sixth students undertake work experience in the Spring term, and are also encouraged to participate in subject specific courses and volunteer work as required for a degree course. The Sixth Form are supported through their University applications and are advised on the alternative options for Higher Education.

A biennial Careers Convention and a Higher Education Fair are held at Westholme. All students in Years 8 to 13 are welcome to attend the Careers Convention and the Higher Education Fair is aimed at students in Year 10 and above. We also organise visits from our Alumni who deliver inspirational and informative talks about their careers, and challenge pupils to think about their future plans. 98 Westholme School recognises the importance of well informed and planned career choices and aims to reflect this in our modern and regularly updated careers provision. We encourage students to be proactive and to seek careers advice and support throughout their time at Westholme.

LEARNING SUPPORT

The aim of the Learning Support Department is to ensure that all our pupils have the opportunity to access the curriculum and reach their true potential.

Some of our pupils will join us having had some level of support whilst in primary school; others may suddenly find it difficult to cope with the additional demands of senior school.

The Learning Support department is managed by Mrs Klenk who has extensive experience of working with pupils with a variety of special educational needs, learning difficulties and disabilities.

Good communication between pupils, parents and staff is vital to the success of the learning support provision and regular home / school liaison is encouraged.

The department has an ‘open door’ policy. Any pupil or parent can arrange to meet Mrs Klenk, to discuss their concerns; if a teacher raises concerns about a pupil parents will be contacted to discuss what action should be taken.

If your child has a diagnosed learning difficulty or medical condition which impacts on school life / academic progress, please contact Mrs Klenk ([email protected]) to discuss their needs and appropriate support.

Learning Support Provision Learning Support is provided in a variety of ways and we endeavour to provide what is most suitable for the individual pupil. The level of support will be determined through discussion with parents and pupils along with reference to any Educational Psychologist reports etc. that may be available.

Learning Support Options • Reduced curriculum – some pupils drop a subject and have weekly learning support lessons during that lesson time.

• Before or after school – either during registration and assembly (20 minutes) or after school (30 minutes) once a week.

• Short term support – this could be before or after school, lunchtime or, if necessary, the pupil may be withdrawn from a different lesson or part of a lesson each week, over a period of four or five weeks, to attend a learning support session.

Personal Profiles All pupils on our Special Educational Needs Register will have a Personal Profile. The Personal Profile outlines the pupil’s special educational needs and how these may impact on his or her learning, progress and general enjoyment of school. The document suggests suitable strategies for teachers to incorporate, as appropriate, into lessons and also identifies the examination access arrangements to which the pupil is currently entitled.

SMART Targets

99 Also, in line with our Special Educational Needs policy, all pupils who have regular, timetabled learning support will be set SMART targets for progress by each of their subject teachers at least twice a year. These targets will be discussed, agreed upon and reviewed by both the pupil and their teachers. The purpose of these targets is to help pupils focus on topics, skills or practical areas with which they are struggling, specific strategies will also be discussed and implemented to help them achieve their targets.

Screening As part of our commitment to ensuring teaching and learning is focused on the needs of all our pupils it is our practice to determine each pupil’s reading comprehension and spelling abilities on entry into the Senior School. All Year 7 pupils reading comprehension and spelling abilities will be assessed through two half hour tests, completed during lesson time.

The results of these tests will be made available to your child’s teachers to assist them in working effectively with all pupils. The results will also be used to determine whether there is a need for any intervention to ensure progress in either one or both of these areas. If there is any cause for concern Mrs Klenk will contact you to discuss any further action or support.

Whilst the Learning Support department plays a vital role in supporting pupils with specific learning difficulties and disabilities, please be assured that, at Westholme School, we recognise that ‘all teachers are teachers of children with specific educational needs’. The Learning Support department, as well as working with specific pupils, also works closely with subject teachers to support them in supporting their pupils.

100 WESTHOLME SCHOOL ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR GCSE & GCE EXAMINATIONS

JCQ Ruling: Access arrangements are agreed before an assessment. They allow candidates with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to • Access the assessment

• Show what they know and can do, without changing the assessment.

The intention of an access arrangement is to meet the particular need of an individual candidate, without affecting the integrity of the assessment. Access arrangements are the principal way in which awarding bodies comply with the Equality Act 2010, by making reasonable adjustments where the candidate who is disabled* would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. *Disability:- ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term (lasting or likely to last for at least 12 months) adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal, day to day activities.’ Equality Act 2010.

Access Arrangements at Westholme School Access arrangements may be put in place for both internal and external examinations for those students • who are recognised as having a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010,

And • whose difficulties are long term and have been known within the school prior to the start of Year 10.

The SENCo, with the support of SLT, will make the final decision regarding whether or not access arrangements should be applied for, in compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the rules stipulated by JCQ in ‘Adjustments for Candidates with Disabilities and Learning Difficulties.’ A pupil cannot be granted access arrangements for an external examination unless such an arrangement is their normal way of working, except in exceptional circumstances or an injury. Normal way of working includes:

Adjustments made within the classroom and for internal tests and examinations: • coloured paper

• assistance with reading

• enlarged print

• use of a lap top

• 25% extra time for timed activities

• Learning Support on a long term basis, either as part of the curriculum or in addition to the curriculum.

This list is not exhaustive and not all adjustments will apply to all candidates for extra time. The SENCo has to be able to show a history of need and provision. All students who have been granted access arrangements in Years 7, 8 and/or 9 will be required to be re-assessed during Year 9, as stipulated by JCQ in ‘Adjustments for Candidates with Disabilities and Learning Difficulties’, to ensure they still qualify for those arrangement currently in place.

101 Assessment for Access Arrangements: A formal diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty (sp.l.d) / disability is not sufficient evidence for an application for access arrangements to be made; the criteria, as stipulated by JCQ, must be met e.g. standardised scores for individual assessments showing that the sp.l.d / disability has a significant impact on the pupil’s ability to access the curriculum.

Assessment to support an application for access arrangements can be completed in school (preferable) by the Specialist Teacher. Parents may, however, choose to have an assessment done privately, at their own cost, by a suitably qualified Educational Psychologist.

If an assessment is to be done privately, the Educational Psychologist must request a completed Section A of Form 8, from school, prior to the assessment being carried out.

The SENCo can only complete Section A if school is aware of a history of need and support has been given. An Educational Psychologist report without a completed Section A of Form 8 cannot be used to support an application for access arrangements.

Except in exceptional circumstances, an assessment for access arrangements completed during Years 11 or 13, in the hope of receiving extra time in examinations, will not be sufficient evidence for applying for access arrangements, as such arrangements will not have been the pupil’s normal way of working.

Further Evidence for Access Arrangements All subject teachers have a responsibility in ensuring that those pupils who, under the Equality Act 2010, would be eligible for access arrangements receive them.

Evidence will be sought from subject teachers regarding the following:

• A need for suitable access arrangements owing to impact of sp.l.d / disability on the pupil’s ability to achieve their academic potential.

• Ensuring that appropriate access arrangements are in place within the classroom and providing evidence to support this (form - Access Arrangements/ Teacher Evidence of Need/ May15/JK).

• Ensuring that appropriate access arrangements are in place for internal tests and that this is recorded. (Form - Access Arrangements Checklist/ Nov15/JK)

Use of Access Arrangements Access arrangements are implemented for all examinations for all eligible pupils from Year 9 onwards. For those pupils in Years 7 & 8, access arrangements will be implemented when practically possible.

Some pupils may find that access arrangements are not required across all subjects e.g. a student with dyscalculia may only require 25% extra time for examinations which involve a substantial amount of mathematics. Therefore, providing the evidence is sufficient, appropriate access arrangements will be applied in those subjects affected.

A student who regularly chooses not to make use of the access arrangements available to them, in internal tests and examinations, will not have an application processed for GCSE or GCE examinations, as, through their choice, this is not their normal way of working.

Evidence to support use of extra time in internal examinations is collected during every examinations session. It is clearly explained to the students that it is their responsibility to change 102 the colour of their pen when working during the extra time period; lack of such evidence may have a detrimental effect on an application for access arrangements for external examinations. MUSIC LESSONS

Learning to play a musical instrument has always been regarded as an important part of a good education and at Westholme a large number of pupils choose to have lessons on a musical instrument or voice. In addition to work on electronic keyboards and percussion instruments in class music lessons, separate tuition is offered in school on woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, stringed instruments (including Harp) and voice. Most pupils benefit musically, socially and educationally from these lessons and those who already have piano lessons often take up a second, more sociable, orchestral instrument.

Individual music lessons last 20 minutes and are timetabled at a different time each week so that your child can come out of a different class lesson each time. Most pupils have little difficulty in copying up missed work and most parents find music lessons at school more economical and easier to organise than evening lessons. GCSE and Advanced level students are able to have their music lessons at times that do not clash with lessons in examination subjects. A maximum of 2 Music (or LAMDA) lessons per week is allowed to ensure pupils are not missing too many academic lessons. However, a small number of music lessons can be organised after school or at other non-lesson times to avoid missing too much time in class.

The current cost is £105 per term, payable in advance, and this is reviewed each year. These lessons are entirely optional but we do expect that all pupils having individual music lessons will also gain the extra advantage of participating in School orchestras, bands and choirs. More advanced pupils can pay for a double lesson (40 minutes), if desired. If lessons have to be terminated, it is necessary to give a term’s notice in writing to the Director of Music. All personal instruments should be adequately insured and names and addresses should be shown clearly inside and outside the instrument case. Terms are of slightly different lengths but there will be an average of more than 10 lessons per term over the year.

The cost will doubtless affect the choice of instrument, as will the child’s personal preferences. All instruments require a good general intelligence and a willingness to practise diligently, but stringed instruments may require these qualities more than the other instruments and the more extrovert nature may be more suited to brass instruments. The more expensive instruments are, of course, more rare and anyone who plays the Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Bassoon, French Horn, Trombone or Tuba is always in great demand. For this reason, the School has one of each of these larger instruments which pupils may borrow for up to one year before deciding upon an expensive purchase. Harp lessons are also available though it would cost about £200 to rent an instrument for a three-month trial and then around £1400 to complete the purchase. There is also the opportunity to hire a harp for a short period at around £20 per month and pupils can use the harps in School for lessons and to practise in School until one is obtained for the home.

To aid your choice of instrument for your child there follows a list of instruments currently taught at School, including an approximate monthly rental/hire purchase price for a new instrument which we have been able to negotiate with the Music Cellar, Preston. You can purchase instruments, (except violin, guitar or viola) paying quarterly by standing order, where the cost price is divided over two years. Your only commitment is for the first three months, so you can return the instrument and terminate the agreement, if desired, after that period. If you continue to hire it for the full two years the instrument is yours, or you can settle the rental sooner qualifying for some of the rental paid to be deducted from the already reduced rental price. Outright purchases also qualify for a large discount. Owing to recent legislation parents would need to telephone or visit the Music Cellar (01772 251407) themselves mentioning Westholme and taking in a copy of this letter if possible. Violins are around £109 to buy outright, violas £129 and guitars £56 with the quarterly rental/hire purchase for other instruments being as listed below:

Cello - £75.00; Flute - £45.00; Oboe - £225.00; Clarinet - £35.00; Saxophone - 60.00; Trumpet - £30.00; Cornet - £39.00; French Horn - £49.00; Tenor Horn - £49.00; Euphonium –£79.00; Trombone - £45.00; Tuba - £199 ; Baritone - £59.00; Double

103 Bass, Drum Kits, Harp – Please ask at school and at the shop. Full details of the scheme can be found at http://www.themusiccellar.co.uk/instrument-rental

Mr E Millest, Head of Music

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND CO-CURRICULAR SPORT

104 The PE department offer a very large variety of sports during compulsory lessons and non- compulsory co-curricular time. We hope that your child makes the most of all the sporting opportunities available at Westholme School.

There are many sports teams on offer at Westholme, such as netball, football, hockey, rugby, badminton, swimming, cross-country, athletics, tennis, cricket and rounders.

There are also some non-competitive sports clubs such as a running and power walking club, an improvers swimming session, table tennis, fitness, benchball and a water-polo club.

There are many House sports competitions in which pupils will be involved in throughout the year. These are usually held just before half term holidays or at the end of a term.

P.E. kit

• All compulsory and non compulsory items can be www.westholmeschool.com/uniform

• Students must bring full kit to every PE/Games lesson.

• All items must be named.

• Gum shields are compulsory for hockey and rugby lessons. OPRO offer a selection of different mouth guards which we have found to be good quality.

What if my child cannot take part in PE lessons?

If your child is unable to participate in the PE lesson they must bring an excuse note from home, and if the problem is going to continue for an extended period, a doctor’s note will be needed and the school nurse informed. Students are still expected to wear full PE kit even when practically performing in the lesson as they will still be officiating or coaching.

Sports practices and matches

Sports practices are available for every student to attend and are held at lunchtimes and after school until 5.15pm on a weekly basis. Matches are played regularly throughout the week and most Saturday mornings. Westholme compete against local schools and schools from the North West area. We enter local, County and National sports competitions.

All our fixtures and practices are published on www.westholmeschoolsport.com. We urge you to familiarise yourself with the website as all sporting items are posted here including fixtures, match reports, news items, sports calendar, practices and our cancellation policy. This information is also available via a mobile app. When entering www.westholmeschoolsport.com on your iPhone or android mobile device you will be able to save the website to your home screen as an app. The website then works as an app with the same functionality as the website, plus you are able to select your favourite teams for quick viewing of the upcoming fixtures.

What if my child wants to attend a Music/Drama practice that is held on the same day as a sports practice?

The staff do their best to avoid clashes, but sometimes they do occur. If this is the case, the student should attend the practices on alternate weeks. 105 Sports Awards Evening

Every year we hold a Sports Awards Dinner at Ewood Park. This is a social event that students, staff and parents can attend to celebrate the sporting achievements throughout the year.

PE Department Sports Trips

• Sports Tour • Ski trip • Wimbledon trip • Professional sports matches

There is so much sport on offer at Westholme – please encourage your child to take part in as much as possible!

COPIES OF HOME/SCHOOL AGREEMENTS

(SIGNED BY PUPILS AND PARENTS UPON ADMISSION AT SENIOR SCHOOL)

School Agreement

Our Mission Statement declares that ‘Children Come First’ at Westholme. For children to thrive 106 and succeed it is vital that we work in positive partnership with parents and students. Our expectations are high and we take our commitment to our students seriously.

We will:

Provide the best possible teaching and a broad and balanced curriculum. Set high standards of work and behaviour. Care for our students’ safety, happiness and welfare during her/his time with us. Encourage all students to show respect and tolerance for others. Expect and encourage all students to develop a positive and diligent attitude towards academic study. Encourage students to take care of and pride in their surroundings. Keep parents regularly informed about their child’s progress. Celebrate success and achievements. Inform parents if there are any problems or difficulties their child may be having at school. Respond promptly to any concerns parents may raise. Inform parents about school events and the organisation of different aspects of school life. Welcome full parental support and involvement in the life of the school. Provide whatever advice we can to help parents support their child’s learning at home.

Student Agreement

In order to do my best I will always endeavour to:

Attend school regularly and ensure that I am punctual to all my commitments. Show respect and tolerance in all I do. Take pride in my appearance and adhere to the uniform code. Write down homework in my planner and have it signed each week. Complete all class work and homework to the best of my ability and by set deadlines. Be polite and courteous to others. Always be a good ambassador of Westholme and welcome adults and visitors to the school with respect. Take good care of equipment, environment and building. Talk to a member of staff if I am having any problems at school. Show commitment and make the most of all the opportunities on offer at Westholme.

Parent Agreement

In order for my child to thrive at school it is important that we work in collaboration to achieve success.

Home and school have a joint responsibility for my child’s education and I agree to do all I can to promote good relationships and mutual respect.

I/we will: Ensure my child arrives at school on time and with the correct uniform. Make sure my child attends regularly and provide a note of explanation for any absence. Avoid taking my child out of school during term time. Not book holidays in term time. Encourage my child to have a positive attitude towards school, work and other activities. Make every effort to attend parents’ consultation and other meetings important to the education of my child. Ensure my child attends official school events wherever possible, this includes commitments to sport, drama or musical activities during the evenings or at weekends. Support my child’s learning at home by supervising homework and reading and signing the homework diary on a weekly basis. 107 Make the school aware of any concerns or problems that might affect my child’s work or behaviour. Not send my son/daughter to school if he/she is known to be suffering from a contagious disease; and make School aware of any medical problems as they arise. Drive onto the campus with the utmost caution and to observe such restrictions as may be imposed by the School. Support the school’s aims, policies and guidelines for behaviour. Inform the school immediately of changes to details of address, email, telephone number, emergency contacts or medical information.

Acceptable Usage Policy for Sixth Form Students (Bring Your Own Device) iPads, Tablets and Laptops

[For the purposes of this document all student owned iPads, iPad Minis, Tablets, Smartphones, Kindles and Laptops are referred to as devices.]

108 The Wi-Fi facility in the Sixth Form centre will provide access to the internet for Sixth Form students using their own device(s); BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Students can connect to Westholme’s Wi-Fi signal to browse and use the internet; this facility will be subject to the school’s standard Acceptable Usage Policy as well as the additional points highlighted below.

Access from personal devices is limited to internet access only in the Sixth Form Centre. Users will not have access to any documents or facilities that reside on the school network. Access to the wireless facility is a Sixth Form privilege which may be removed to students who fail to use the facility responsibly or who do not comply with Westholme’s rules and policies.

Connecting your electronic device to the school network is entirely at your own risk. The school will NOT be liable for any (hardware or software) loss, damage, malfunctioning or inconvenience to your device arising as a result of its connection to the Wi-Fi signal.

It is your responsibility to ensure that any devices you bring on to the school premises are suitably insured as the school’s insurance DOES NOT cover these items.

• Gaming devices are NOT allowed. • The primary use of personal devices is for educational teaching and learning; therefore during lesson time (including study periods) devices should only be used for tasks related to school work, if directed by the teacher and not for personal use. • Outside of lesson time i.e. before/after school and during break and lunch, students are expected to access the internet in a responsible manner that does not disrupt other students in any way. Students are not expected to access social media sites during the school day. • Multiple devices may be connected to the schools’ Wi-Fi signal; however, users should ensure that they do not allow students in Years 7-11 to use these devices. Likewise any passwords or Wi-Fi access instructions given to students must not be shared with anyone else. • Users should follow all the setup instructions issued by the ICT Support Department. Following these steps will ensure the device is properly configured to work with the school’s Wi-Fi. • The usage of devices and Wi-Fi is monitored by the ICT Support Team. This monitoring will include websites visited, files downloaded and photographs taken. • The Sixth Form Wi-Fi network is provided with a filtered Internet connection. This is for your safety and attempts should not be made to bypass it. If you feel a site has been blocked incorrectly please inform the Mr Marsden who will reassess the filtering applied to the website. • If students are found to be using a device in an inappropriate or irresponsible manner their access to the school’s Wi-Fi signal may be removed at any time and without prior warning. • Students should be aware that the conditions outlined in the main ICT Students Acceptable Usage Agreement also apply to devices covered by this policy. It is therefore recommended that students read the ICT student Acceptable Usage Agreement in conjunction with this policy.

Once you have read through and understood the contents of the Acceptable Usage Agreement please sign below and return one copy of the document to Mrs Waldron. The second copy should be retained for your own records. Access to Wi-Fi will not be given until this AUP has been signed and returned.

Student Signature

I agree to follow this code of conduct and to support the safe use of ICT throughout the school. Signature …….………………….…………………….. Date …………….……… Full Name …………………………………...... Form…………………… 109 !

LEARNING AGREEMENT – Sixth Form

Successful completion of an A-Level course depends on all parties - the school, the student and their parents - working in partnership together and taking their commitments seriously.

In school we commit ourselves to monitoring each student’s progress very carefully and to keeping lines of communication open between school and home. Homework is set and marked regularly, all students are set target grades and the progress towards these is reported home every half term via assessment cards and full school reports. When there is a concern it is always followed up by discussion with the student and, where necessary, with the parents as well. Each student has frequent, formally scheduled one-to-one time with their form tutor and may seek help from the Head of Sixth Form at any time.

Students also need to give their full commitment. This involves: ✓ Actively promoting the school’s ethos, values and mission and leading by example. 110 ✓ Full school attendance except in cases of genuine illness (we expect students to have at least 90% attendance) students should attend and be punctual at assemblies, form tutor periods, timetabled lessons and whole school activities. Failure to meet the required attendance may result in students not being entered for external exams. ✓ Arriving at all lessons in possession of all appropriate materials and submitting homework of an appropriate standard in line with academic attainment and future aspirations ✓ To maintain a high standard of appearance and adhere to the sixth form uniform code ✓ To accept responsibility for their own learning and to work in partnership with the teachers. ✓ To spend the recommended 4/5 hours of independent study per week in each of their subjects. ✓ To adhere to the school rules and regulations (see student A-Z guide) and be a good role model for younger students and ambassador for the school at school events. ✓ To behave in a mature manner and be courteous and considerate towards others. ✓ To extend their academic curriculum by participating in enrichment opportunities, voluntary work and/or take on positions of responsibility within the school.

Where a student continually fails to take their commitments seriously, we reserve the right not to enter them for public examinations.

Parental support is a vital adjunct to what we seek to achieve in school. We are happy to discuss any concerns parents may have, and very much value their role in the three-way partnership.

Mrs R Waldron (Head of Sixth Form)

BEHAVIOUR POLICY SENIOR SCHOOL EXTRACTS (REWARDS & SANCTIONS)

Aims

In line with the DFE guidance 2014 Behaviour and Discipline in Schools, this policy, read in conjunction with the anti-bullying policy aims to: • promote good behaviour, self discipline and respect; • prevent bullying; • ensure that pupils complete assigned work; • regulate the conduct of pupils.

Overview

At Westholme, all pupils will be encouraged to strive for excellence. The school recognises that individual pupils will have different strengths and skills, which the school will encourage. It is also recognises that pupils will have areas that need to be improved upon. Unfortunately at times pupils may step over the boundary of acceptable behaviour. The school will not tolerate poor standards of behaviour and as such, age appropriate rewards and sanctions are in place across the school.

We believe that rewards and sanctions should be clear to all the pupils and should be carried out fairly and consistently. Their main purpose is to encourage a positive working ethos in school and to promote self-discipline and a strong foundation for a safe working environment, where teachers are able to help pupils to flourish. We encourage involvement from the pupils in establishing the 111 rules, as this will give the pupils a shared sense of ownership and equip them with greater independence.

It has long been known that positive recognition has a desirable influence on the behaviour of pupils of all ages. By praising and rewarding positive behaviour, it will be reinforced and others will be encouraged to act similarly. However there is also a place for sanctions in maintaining good behaviour. When implementing these sanctions, the school is seeking to guide the pupil to change their behaviour, or attitude. It is our intention to promote good standards of behaviour through all rewards and sanctions.

This school policy for behaviour not only specifies what sanctions are available for use by school staff, but also how positive behaviour will be reinforced through praise and reward. Staff, parents and pupils are familiar with the school’s behavioural expectations and it is consistently applied.

Good behaviour at Westholme is promoted in part due to the extensive system of rewards in operation at the school. Achievement and effort are both recognised and rewarded where possible. Here are some of the ways that this takes place: • Certificates and medals for academic, behavioural or co-curricular success are presented in whole school assembly each week. • At the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony, awards are presented to a large number of students for success in all areas of school life. • Letters are sent home by Heads of Year in recognition of consistent effort. • Certificates are given at the end of the academic year in Final Assembly to pupils who have achieved 100% attendance. • Twice yearly, (end of Autumn and Summer terms) a ‘Super Student’ award is presented to the pupil who is felt to have made an exceptional contribution to the whole life of the school. A short-list of pupils is nominated by staff, from which the winner is chosen. All nominees receive a certificate and a congratulatory letter is sent home.

In addition, it is recognised that giving extra responsibility to pupils is a way to recognise good behaviour as well as to provide good role models for other pupils. There are many opportunities for pupils to gain responsibility, some of which are: • Form Captains and Deputy Form Captains for every form in the school are elected on a termly basis. • Similarly, each form elects two pupils to join the School Council on a termly basis. • Captains of sports teams, music and drama. • Senior pupils have the opportunity to set up and run clubs and societies. • At the end of Year 12, Senior Prefects positions, including Head (and Deputies) Girl and Boy are filled after a rigorous application process. • Prefects for each subject and for Year 7 forms. • The academic mentoring system. • Pastoral mentoring system. • A ‘buddy’ system on the school coaches. • Many LVI pupils work towards the Level 2 Community Sports Leadership qualification, which involves coaching younger pupils, helping out at fixtures and events etc.

At the beginning of the year, students in years 7-13 are issued with a student planner which contains House point record sheets. They should carry the planner with them to all lessons. Staff award House points for good work and positive contribution to school life. House points may also be awarded for a variety of reasons such as participation in school events, good progress or being helpful. Multiple House points may be awarded. Form teachers record the total number of House points at timely points throughout the year and pass this information to Heads of House. When the pupils reach thresholds, they will receive a certificate from their Head of House in their House Assembly.

Bronze award: 20 house points Silver award: 50 house points Gold: 100 house points 112 Platinum: 150 house points Principal’s award: 200 house points – this will be awarded in a whole school assembly Outstanding Achievement: 250 house points – this will be awarded in a whole school assembly

Heads of House, in the penultimate week of each term, collect the total for their House. At the end of each term, the Principal announces the number of points awarded to each House in final assembly (also including points awarded for other House events such as Sports Day). The House winner (with the most points) for the academic year is announced in final assembly and the House Captains will collect the trophy for this at the annual Prizegiving ceremony.

Also, in final assembly on the last day of the school year, the pupil’s with the highest House point totals in Years 7-9 receive a prize. Pupils in Years 10 to 13 have raffle tickets with their names on deposited in a box in the staff room each time they receive a House point. A draw is made twice a year and prizes are awarded, such as gift vouchers, book tokens etc.

Disciplinary sanctions

What the law says: Sections 90 and 91 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 confirm and clarify the right of the school to impose disciplinary sanctions on a pupil when their conduct falls below the standard which could reasonably be expected of them. These disciplinary sanctions are actions which aim to make clear the boundaries of acceptable behaviour to the pupil and the school community. Any lawful use of sanctions must be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances of the case.

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, the school will make reasonable adjustments for managing behaviour which is related to a pupil’s special educational needs or disabilities. Where permanent exclusion needs to be considered, the school will ensure that a pupil with a disability or special educational need is able to present his or her case fully where his or her disability or special educational needs might hinder this. Any religious requirements affecting a pupil will be also considered. Where challenging behaviour relates to a pupil’s disability, reasonable adjustments may need to be made to this policy. In addition, the school is aware that pupils with child protection issues may sometimes display inappropriate behaviour. Once again, if this is deemed to be the case, reasonable adjustments may need to be made to this policy.

Corporal punishment is unlawful (this includes the use of force in order to punish). It is not used or threatened at Westholme School. The prohibition includes the administration of corporal punishment to a pupil during any activity, whether or not within the school premises. The prohibition applies to all ‘members of staff’. These include all those acting in loco parentis, such as unpaid, volunteer supervisors. Teachers may use ‘physical intervention’ to avert ‘an immediate danger of personal injury to, or an immediate danger to the property of, a person’ (including the child).

What this means for schools in practical terms A wide range of sanctions are available for staff to use. These are arranged in a scale to allow responses which are reasonable and proportionate. Disciplinary penalties have three main purposes, namely to: • impress on the perpetrator that what he or she has done is unacceptable; • deter the pupil from repeating that behaviour; 113 • signal to other pupils that the behaviour is unacceptable and deter them from doing it.

Using sanctions at Westholme School Sanctions should not be used where low-level interventions, such as giving a non-verbal signal or reminding a pupil of a rule, are all that is needed.

Staff should also consider when it might be more appropriate to, rather than impose a sanction, encourage pupils to reflect on the harmful effects of their misbehaviour, through producing a written account of the problem or through individual or group discussions aimed at repairing relationships for example. Restorative justice approaches to address poor behaviour are sometimes used. The underlying principle is that pupils are held to account for their actions and encouraged to put right the harm caused.

Guidelines for staff in using sanctions • make clear they are dealing with the behaviour, rather than stigmatising the person; • avoid early escalation to severe sanctions, reserving them for the most serious or persistent misbehaviour; • avoid sanctions becoming cumulative and automatic (sanctions should always take account of individual needs, age and understanding); • avoid whole group sanctions that punish the innocent as well as the guilty; • wherever possible, use sanctions that are a logical consequence of the pupil’s inappropriate behaviour; • use sanctions to help the pupil and others to learn from mistakes and recognise how they can improve their behaviour; • when appropriate, use sanctions to put right harm caused; • never issue a sanction that is humiliating or degrading; • use sanctions in a calm and controlled manner; • ensure that sanctions are seen as inevitable and consistent (pupils should know that a sanction, when mentioned, will be used); • attempt to link the concept of sanctions to the concept of choice, so that pupils see the connection between their own behaviour and its impact on themselves and others, and so increasingly take responsibility for their own behaviour.

Staff should consider, when using sanctions, whether an apparent behaviour difficulty is in fact a manifestation of unidentified learning difficulties or other type of special educational need. Furthermore, a child’s behaviour may be related to some underlying issue which must be dealt with in line with the school’s safeguarding policy.

TYPES OF SANCTION

Lunchtime Detentions A system of daily lunchtime detentions is in operation for those pupils whose behaviour dictates it is necessary. This is supervised by Heads of Year on a rota basis. Parents are informed via email at the end of each week if their child has served a detention. HoYs monitor the list of attendees to identify persistent problems which can then be addressed appropriately. Departments may still run their own detentions should they wish to, but the whole school detention always takes precedence and the detention should still be recorded on the main sheet so HoYs are aware. Should a member of staff wish to detain a pupil for five minutes at break-time for a less serious transgression, this also remains an option.

Cause for concern These are used for both discipline issues as well as pastoral concerns. Slips are found in a wallet along the staff room corridor and are for staff to communicate serious concerns about pupils. These are for persistent problems with academic work /homework/behaviour/attendance. Staff can also use these if they are concerned that there is a pastoral problem or they are worried about a pupil. They should be filled in by the subject teacher and placed in the HoY letter tray. The HoY can then deal with the pupil directly as well as discuss the issues with the staff member.

114 After school detention These are given for more serious misdemeanours and are at the discretion of the HoY and members of the Senior Leadership Team. Once obtained, the HoY will inform the Assistant Head and place the parental permission letter in the pupil’s file. The after school detention is supervised by a member of the SLT on a Friday evening.

Student Planner Each pupil will be given a planner at the beginning of the year. Parents will be notified that they should sign the planner once a week to check that their child has completed their homework. Staff will be able to use the planner to communicate with parents and they can respond in it, too. Form tutors sign each pupil’s planner every week too.

Home-School Agreement At the start of their time at the Senior School, the pupils and their parents will be asked to sign a “Home-School Agreement” to ensure that they have read the school rules and are prepared to abide by these rules. Mid-stream entrants will be asked to sign one when they join the school.

Sending a pupil out of lessons There may be occasions when a pupil’s behaviour is unacceptable in class. If all other methods have failed, staff may feel that it is in the best interest of the class that an individual be sent out. In cases such as this, the following procedure will be followed: The member of staff completes a removal from lesson slip, which can be found on Form notice boards. The pupil is sent to reception with the completed form. Reception has a list of free members of the SLT or HoYs; one of these is contacted and asked to meet the pupil. The pupil is spoken to and given a reflection sheet to complete. Once the classroom teacher has been consulted, an appropriate sanction is decided. At this stage, parents are informed, usually by email. The pupil is given a behaviour report for the rest of the day which must be signed by each subject teacher and given to the HoY the following morning. If the pupil is sent out of lessons late in the day, then s/he will be on report for the following day. Finally, the pupil, subject teacher and HoY/member of SLT (as appropriate) meet up to discuss reintroduction into that teacher’s lessons. This also gives the pupil an opportunity to make a formal apology.

Pupils on report HoYs may feel it beneficial for a pupil to be put on report. This could be to encourage better behaviour and concentration in lessons, to monitor class work and homework or to work as a positive report to aid motivation and confidence. At the end of each lesson, the teacher should sign and make a comment in the appropriate section of the report. This is taken home and the parents should also sign it.

Exclusion Exclusion is a very rare occurrence at Westholme and is only resorted to if all other sanctions have been tried or if the misdemeanour is serious enough in nature to warrant it. Exclusion is always carried out at the Principal’s discretion and a written record of the decision sent to the pupil’s parents. It is recorded on a pupil’s file and parents will be invited in, with the excluded pupil, to discuss the sanction.

The school keeps a register of the sanctions imposed upon pupils in all cases of ‘serious misbehaviour’, that being cases when the pupil is suspended or excluded for any period of time. This record includes the pupil's name and Year group, the nature and date of the offence, and the sanction imposed. It is held centrally by the Deputy Head (Pastoral) so that patterns can be identified by the school and also by inspectors.

115 Behaviour Sanctions System

All pupils have the right to learn and all teachers have the right to teach without disruption. Therefore, good behaviour is essential for the smooth running of the school and to ensure that every pupil is given the right to achieve their potential. Any pupil who decides to interfere with the excellent teaching and learning environment at Westholme School will be subject to the following sanctions:

Level 1 Consequence 1 • Interrupting lesson and or other students C1 • Lateness to lesson • Responsibility of classroom teacher. • Incomplete/late submission of homework / • 1st and 2nd occurrence verbal coursework (immediate C1) warning. • Inappropriate behaviour (talking, off task, • Incomplete homework/ impoliteness) 3rd occurrence pupils detained at • Not wearing correct uniform (immediate teachers convenience at break (5-15 C1) minutes) or at lunch (30 minutes in • Not following instructions detention room) in order to reinforce • Poor organisation / lack of equipment guidelines and set targets for which then disrupts the lesson and improvement / remind about impedes learning for others consequences for further • Eating / drinking in lessons (except water infringement. in an appropriate manner) rd • Removing food or drink from the dining • A note of 3 occurrence /immediate room (immediate C1) C1 must be placed in planner. Form • Not in possession of your planner teacher to check planner on a weekly (immediate C1) basis and alert HoY of persistent • Belongings not kept in locker in a tidy behaviour. manner • Not in possession of planner will • Dropping litter (immediate C1) result in immediate C1. Parents to • Chewing gum on school premises pay for replacement cost of planner if (immediate C1) not found within a 48 hour period. • Gaming on the school computers • Recorded in planner. (immediate C1) • Not signing in at reception when registration has been missed or not signing out when leaving the school premises (immediate C1) • Mobile phone not turned off during lessons (immediate C1) • Use of mobile phones in the dining room, on corridors or whilst moving around school (immediate C1) Level 2 Consequence 2

116 • Persistent with any Level 1 behaviour C2 • Inappropriate use of language • Responsibility of classroom teacher • Failure to attend C1 detention and referral to HoY/HoD – after • Lack of respect towards staff/students/ school detention (with SLT). school property including via technology • Parents to be notified of afterschool • Taking photos/videos in school detention. • Persistent lateness • Report may be used to monitor • Refusal to follow instructions behaviour. • Phone usage during school hours (except • Usually recorded in planner. during break and lunch) • Mobile device may be confiscated • Inappropriate behaviour directed at other whilst the matter is investigated. pupils which causes distress including via technology • Lying to a member of staff Level 3 Consequence 3 C3 • Persistence with Level 2 behaviour • Immediate removal from lesson if • Failure to attend C2 detention applicable. • Vandalism within school • Classroom teacher to inform HoY. • Truanting • Lunchtime and afterschool • Disruption of a formal test exam (within detention(s). lesson) • A phone call home/letter/email to be • Leaving room without permission / walking issued to parents to notify of away when being spoken to afterschool detention. • Persistent inappropriate behaviour • Report may be used to monitor directed at other pupils which causes behaviour. distress including via technology • Record made in pupil file. • Mobile device may be confiscated indefinitely whilst the matter is investigated. Level 4 Consequence 4

117 • Persistence with Level 1-3 behaviour C4 • Smoking and use of related smoking • Immediate removal from lesson if devices applicable. • Dangerous reckless behaviour • Immediate referral to SLT. • Fighting • Sanction to include afterschool • Gambling on school premises detentions and possible (fixed/ • Possession of a banned item (drugs, temporary) exclusion. alcohol, pornography, weapons) or • Pupil placed on report. evidence of a banned item being used. • Parent contacted and involved in • Setting off fire alarm/extinguishers formal school meeting before pupil • Theft can be reintroduced into lessons. • Physically obstructing staff • Parents to stand the cost of • Rude/insolent/aggressive behaviour replacement items. towards others including via technology • Record made in pupil file. • Swearing at staff • Mobile device may be confiscated • Assault indefinitely whilst the matter is • Disruption of a formal exam/test investigated and may be passed to • Bullying the police as evidence. • Instigating bullying via social network sites • Sending/forwarding threatening or abusive messages to staff/pupils • Sexually inappropriate behaviour • Breaking any other laws not mentioned above

If the behaviour of a pupil is impeding learning for others or deemed not to be safe for others then that pupil may be asked to leave the lesson. They will be issued with a removal from lesson slip and told to report to reception whereby a member of SLT or HoY will be called. This will necessitate contact with parents. A meeting with the pupil and classroom teacher plus HoD/HoY/ SLT as appropriate to discuss reintroduction into lesson is to take place as soon as possible after the event, but definitely before the next lesson with this member of staff. See sanctions for C3 & C4.

COPY OF ICT ACCEPTABLE USAGE POLICY FOR YEARS 7-11 COPIES OF THIS POLICY SENT OUT AT THE START OF EVERY ACADEMIC YEAR – SIGNED COPIES BY PUPIL AND PARENT RETURNED EACH YEAR

Pupil Acceptable Usage Agreement & Online Safety Rules

ICT and related technologies such as email, the Internet and mobile devices are an important part of our daily lives within school. The rules outlined below are intended to make sure all pupils are safe and act responsibly when online.

Westholme School expects pupils to comply with the following guidelines:

• Primarily only use ICT systems in school, including the Internet, email, digital video, mobile technologies, etc. for educational purposes.

• Only use the school’s printers to print documents that are for educational purposes or related to school activities. 118 • Never download or try to install software on school computers or laptops.

• Only log on to the school network with your own username and password.

• Never reveal your password to anyone. If you think someone else knows your password you should tell a member of the ICT Support Staff immediately so that your password can be changed.

• Ensure that all ICT communications with pupils, teachers or others is responsible and sensible. You should never use language or act in a manner that could cause offence.

• Be responsible for your behaviour when using the Internet. This includes the resources you access and the language you use.

• Never deliberately browse, download, upload or forward material that could be considered offensive or illegal. If you accidentally come across any such material you should report it immediately to a teacher or member of the ICT Support Staff. You will not be disciplined for accidentally accessing inappropriate material as long as you report it straight away.

• Never give out any personal information such as phone numbers or addresses.

• Never access or attempt to access any online chat rooms, social networking or gaming sites.

• Images of pupils or staff should only be taken if prior permission has been given. Such images should only be stored and used for school purposes. Images should not be distributed outside the school network without permission. Uploading images of staff to social networking sites is strictly forbidden.

• On occasions it might be necessary for you to be included in photographs or videos for teaching or assessment purposes. If you have any concerns about being photographed or filmed for general school reasons you should raise these with your Head of Year.

• Ensure that your use of IT, both in school and outside of school, on personal and school owned devices, will not cause Westholme School, staff, pupils or others distress or bring your or their character into disrepute.

• Respect the privacy and ownership of others’ online work at all times.

• Never attempt to bypass the school’s Internet filtering system. It is there for your safety.

• If you are a victim of online bullying or view content which you find upsetting or offensive, regardless of whether this happens inside of school or not, it is important that you report it. In school this could mean reporting something to your class teacher, form tutor, Head of Year or any other member of staff that you feel comfortable talking to. You can also report incidents online via Whisper (https://www.swgflwhisper.org.uk/report/WES7) or CEOP (https://ceop.police.uk/CEOP-Reporting/). It is important to remember that the School is here to support you and it is very important that you report any concerns you might have.

• Be aware that your use of the Internet and other related technologies can be monitored and logged and can be made available to your teachers.

These rules are designed to keep you safe online and if they are not followed, school disciplinary procedures will be followed and your parent/guardian may be contacted.

119 ICT including the Internet, learning platforms, email and mobile technologies has become a very important part of learning in our school. We expect all students to be safe and responsible when using any ICT. It is essential that pupils are aware of online safety and know how to stay safe when using ICT.

We have a responsibility to keep all students safe and also to ensure that school IT systems are being used appropriately. Any breach of this code of conduct may lead to students not having access to IT in school.

Pupils are expected to read and discuss this policy with their parent or guardian. Any concerns can be discussed with Dr Riley, Westholme School’s online safety coordinator or Mr Marsden, Westholme School ICT Network Manager.

For further information regarding staying safe online we would recommend the following sites:

Think U Know Net Smartz www.thinkuknow.co.uk www.netsmartz.org

Child Net International – Know It All Child Line www.childnet.com/kia www.childline.org.uk

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