Saint Andrew’s RC Secondary School

Putting Young People First

School Handbook

2016

St. Andrew’s RC Secondary School Handbook 2016

Welcome to our School!

I would like to welcome you and your son/daughter to St. Andrew’s RC Secondary.

This handbook contains a range of information that you might find helpful. Please do

not hesitate to contact the school or check the school website if you need more

information.

I hope that this handbook gives you a glimpse of life at St. Andrew’s RC Secondary.

We look forward to having you and your child work with us and hope that this will be

the start of a strong partnership.

Gerry Lyons Head Teacher

Our School Vision & Values In our Catholic school community, we teach that we are all created by God who has lovingly enriched our lives with unique talents and great potential for doing good in the world. In this context, the development and delivery of Curriculum for Excellence is focused on achieving our Vision of Excellence stated below: We will deliver:

• The highest levels of attainment and achievement for every individual young person

• Positive aspirational destinations for all our young people as they leave school.

We will improve the lives and life chances of all our young people. Our Values:

• Faith

• Ambition

• Excellence

• Respect

School Information You can cut out the following information and have it on your fridge, purse or work desk etc. for ease of finding the numbers required.

Background Information:

• Co-educational school • Roman Catholic • Stages taught: S1-S6 • Current Roll: 1752 • Capacity: 1625

Contact Details: St. Andrew’s RC Secondary School 47 Torphin Crescent Glasgow G32 6QE Phone: 0141 582 0240 Email: headteacher@st-andrews-sec.glasgow.sch.uk Website: www.st-andrews-sec.glasgow.sch.uk

Our School Staff A full list is available on our school website and parents will be updated on any changes as required. Our Senior Leadership Team is as follows: Headteacher: Mr Gerry Lyons Depute Heads: Mr K. McCrossan (Senior) Mr D. McLean (act) – S1 Mrs S. Richford – S2 Mr K. Quinn – S3 Mrs J. Hesford – S4 Mrs S. Watson – S5/6 Moving from Primary to St. Andrew’s RC Secondary We recognise that the move from primary to secondary is a very important event for young people. We have a close and effective partnership with each of our partner primary schools. This ensures that the move from primary to secondary is as smooth as possible for young people. We welcome families from outwith our area. Families living outwith our school catchment area are welcome to make a placing request to attend St. Andrew’s RC Secondary. Prospective parents are welcome to visit our school and should contact the school office. Further information is available on www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629 Our School Day Session 2015-2016 Period 1 08.45 – 09.35 Period 2 09.35 – 10.25 Interval 10.25 – 10.40 Period 3 10.40 – 11.30 Period 4 11.30 – 12.20 Period 5 12.20 – 13.10 Lunch 13.10 – 13.55 Period 6 13.55 – 14.45 Period 7 14.45 – 15.35 (Tuesdays & Thursdays only) Tutor 14.45 – 15.10 (Mondays & Wednesdays only) School Holidays 2015-16 Details of holiday dates are available on the Glasgow City Council website: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11880

Pupil Absence Within St. Andrew’s RC Secondary School excellent attendance is encouraged at all times to ensure pupil success. Parents are asked to inform our school if their son or daughter is going to be absent. This should be done as early as possible on the first day of absence. If the young person is going to be absent for some time, it would be helpful to know at the earliest opportunity. Our school often uses text messaging to inform parents and carers of a young person’s absence if no contact is made. All unexplained absence is investigated by our school and appropriate action taken. Medical & Healthcare Our school nurse visits the school at various times during the year. Parents and carers are kept informed by letter. If a young person becomes ill during the course of the school day, he/she may require to be sent home. Please ensure that you keep our school informed of all contact details. There is a page at the front of the Homework Diary for this purpose. Parents and carers should inform our school of any medical requirements relating to their child. If a young person requires medication during the school day, parents must complete the appropriate medical form. This is available on request from the school office. Emergencies We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases, we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of our closure or re-opening by using letters, texts and the local media etc. School Dress Code Our school uniform promotes a real sense of school identity, shared values, self-confidence and a shared sense of community. Our uniform is actively supported by our pupils, parents and the Parent Council and is of great benefit to all. Our school uniform is:

• School blazer • School tie and white shirt • Black trousers • Black skirt • Dark blue ‘V’ neck jumper • Black shoes (no trainers)

Further information from our school office.

PE Kit It is important that pupils come prepared to learn and for PE this requires appropriate clothing. All jewellery should be removed. Pupils who are not participating in PE must have a note or a medical certificate. Pupils who are unable to participate in practical PE should still bring their kit to allow them to assist in the lesson by refereeing, keeping scores or assisting with the distribution of equipment. This ensures that they are still able to take part in some way in the work of the class and do not miss out on the knowledge and understanding of the course.

There are forms of dress that are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which:

• Potentially encourage factions (such as football colours) • Could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans) • Could cause health and safety difficulties (such as loose fitting clothing,

jewellery) • Could cause damage to flooring • Carry advertising particularly for alcohol or tobacco • Could be used to inflict damage on other pupils

Clothing & Footwear Grants Parents/Carers receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Working Tax Credit (with a total annual income of less than £15,050*), Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Benefit will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools and at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629 School Meals Our school provides a lunch service which offers a variety of meals and snacks within The Fuel Zone. A breakfast and mid-morning service is also available within The Fuel Zone. Special diets for children with medical requirements can be provided. Please inform the school office. Young people who prefer to bring packed lunches are accommodated in our eating area. Children and young people of parents/carers receiving Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit (where income is less than £6,420), Child Tax Credit only (where income is less than £15,910*) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance are entitled to a free midday meal. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools and at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629

Transport The education authority has a policy of providing free transport to all pupils and young people who live outwith a certain radius from their local school by the recognised shortest walking route. This policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents/Carers who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629. Our school has in addition arranged a paying bus service (Doigs) for the benefit of our young people living in peripheral areas. More details are available from our school office. Communication with Parents At St. Andrew’s RC Secondary School we strongly encourage all parents to become involved in the education of their children. We are always ready to listen to suggestions for new ways of stimulating parental interest. We contact and involve parents in many ways. For example: Parents’ Newsletters – will be sent out on a regular basis to keep parents and carers informed about the work of our school. Letters – further information which requires a response may be sent out in letter form. School Website/Twitter – will contain a great deal of information about our school. It is a good idea to check this regularly. Text Messaging – You may also receive text reminders about events, school closures etc. Meetings – Parents and carers are welcome in our school to discuss any aspect of their child’s development and progress. To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to make an appointment. There are various opportunities throughout the year when parents can discuss their child’s progress with school staff. Parents and carers are welcome at other events throughout the school year e.g. workshops, information evenings, class performances, award ceremonies, religious and other assemblies. Our school newsletter and website will keep you informed. Strong communication links between home and school ensure parents and carers are confident to address any concerns they may have about their child’s education with Pupil Support staff and our senior leadership team.

Emergency Contact Information At the start of each school session, parents and carers will be issued with the annual data check form. Please ensure that this is completed and returned to the school. It is also important that you let us know if there are changes to your telephone number(s) or to those of your emergency contacts throughout the year. Privacy Statement and Data Protection – Use of Information about Children and Parents/Carers

As a local authority our schools and early years establishments process information about children and young people in order to provide education and care. In doing so we must comply with the Data Protection Act (1998). This means, amongst other things, that the data held about children and young people must only be used for specific purposes.

However, you should be aware that we may use this information for other legitimate purposes and may share this information where necessary with other bodies responsible for administering services to children and young people, or where otherwise required by law. We may also use any information for research purposes. However, all personal data is treated as confidential and used only in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the Information Use and Privacy Policy approved by the City Council.

For further information please see our full privacy statement at http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2908. Appointments During School Hours If your child has an unavoidable appointment, please give them a letter for their tutor group teacher to ensure that they have permission to be absent from class. Comments & Complaints In St. Andrew’s RC Secondary School we aim to have positive relationships across our school community. However, if you have a comment or complaint about any aspect of school life, please contact the relevant Head of Year in the first instance. Glasgow City Council complaints procedures are available: www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2896 Customer Liaison Unit Education Services Glasgow City Council City Chambers East 40 John Street Glasgow G1 1JL Tel: 0141 287 5384 e-mail: education@glasgow.gov.uk The above website also includes information on data protection and freedom of information.

Curriculum Curriculum for Excellence 3-18 In our school we aim to fully develop our young people as Successful Learners; Confident Individuals: Effective Contributors and Responsible Citizens through delivering the 5 entitlements:

• a curriculum that is coherent from 3 to 18 • a broad general education (from early years to S3) • a senior phase (S4-S6) where he or she can obtain qualifications • opportunities to develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work,

focusing on literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing • personal support to enable them to gain as much as possible from the

opportunities that Curriculum for Excellence can provide • support in moving into positive and sustained destinations beyond school.

The entitlement to a broad, general education means that our pupils learn in all eight curricular areas until the end of S3.

Expressive Arts Health & Wellbeing Languages Mathematics

Religious & Moral Sciences Social Studies Technologies

There is also a focus on developing literacy and numeracy skills across every subject area as well as Skills for Learning, Life and Work as young people prepare for their adult lives. In addition, our young people learn in the other contexts for learning:

• Interdisciplinary Learning which we deliver through the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC)

• The ethos and life of our school • Opportunities for Personal Achievement

Our Senior Phase S4-S6

Building on their prior levels of attainment until the end of S3, our Senior Phase has three pathways to deliver an experience of learning linked to the individual learning needs of each of our young people:

Our Pathways are:

Employability 5 school subjects at National 4 or National 5 and two college pms

Core S4 7 subjects at National 4 and National 5

S5/S6 5 Subjects at National 5 or Higher

6 Higher 6 subjects at Higher Level with presentation for higher at end of S5

The SQA website www.sqa.org.uk/cfeforparents contains useful information to help you understand national qualifications. Courses Available in S6 S6 in particular offers senior pupils a range of opportunities to build leadership, communication and team working skills through involvement in a wide range of school and community events. Encouraging excellence is central to our aspirations and expectations for all young people. Religious Observance Our school is fortunate to have a close link with local parishes. Our school Chaplain is Father John Sweeney. Our Principal Teacher of RE is Miss. Josephine Smith. In addition, parents and carers from religions other than Christianity may request that their children may be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on up to three occasions in any one school session. Useful websites http://www.sces.uk.com/news/2013/12/03/-religious-observance-in-catholic-schools.html www.curriculumforexcellencescotland.gov.uk www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone/index.asp

Assessment & Reporting All young people are assessed both formally and informally throughout the school year. This allows young people and their teachers to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. A variety of assessment methods are used to enable staff to pass on information to parents and carers about the progress of their child. Assessment records are kept by teachers and form the basis of discussion at parents’ meetings throughout the year. Dates of all parents’ meetings and the schedule for issuing written reports is included in our Parents’ Newsletters, our school website and regular communication throughout the year. If you have any concerns about your child’s progress do not hesitate to contact their Pupil Support teacher at any time. Pupil Profiles All S3 learners have a profile which reflects their progress in learning and achievement and emphasise their strengths. The profile documents their key achievements in school, at home and in the community and the content is decided by the young person. The profile provides a valuable way for learners to share information about their achievements with their parents, teachers and in the future, staff in colleges, universities and employers. The profile also supports the move from S3 into the senior phase of our school. Support for Pupils Our school has a duty to ensure that all pupils have equal access to the curriculum, with appropriate support for their needs if required. This applies to the content of lessons, teaching strategies and minor adaptations to the school environment. There are a wide range of factors which may act as a barrier to learning. We are committed to working closely with parents and carers to ensure that they are fully involved in any decisions about support for their children’s needs. Any parent or carer seeking further advice regarding this policy should contact the Headteacher in the first instance. Further information relating to additional support needs is available on the Glasgow City Council website: www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8627 Information on the Glasgow City Councils’ Parental Involvement Strategy can also be found at: www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8642

Pupil Support Staff All staff in St. Andrew’s RC Secondary have a clear responsibility for the welfare of young people. In addition, all young people are allocated a Pupil Support teacher on entering the school. This provides a vital link between home and school as the Pupil Support teacher has an ‘all-round’ picture of a pupil’s progress and general health and well-being. In most cases, a parent’s first point of contact with the school will be the Pupil Support teacher. Other support for pupils is provided by class tutors in Tutor Group classes, our Mentoring Team in the senior school and by our Support for Learning Team if required. We are fully committed to meeting the needs of all pupils and hold regular meetings at which we plan for those who might benefit from additional support. Full discussion is held with parents and carers and outcomes are planned and agreed in partnership. Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) The GIRFEC approach is about how staff in all children’s services meet their needs by working together where necessary to ensure that children reach their full potential. www.scotland.gov.uk/gettingitright Promoting Positive Behaviour Children’s Rights as outlined in the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) are fundamental to a good school ethos. Adults in our school will work with young people to ensure they are aware of their rights and fully respect the rights of others. Therefore, the approach within St. Andrew’s RC Secondary School is to build a positive ethos that demonstrates care and respect for all. The smooth running of St. Andrew’s RC Secondary School requires a high standard of behaviour from all within it. We appreciate the support of parents and carers in helping us to achieve this. All pupils are required to behave well and respect their own safety and that of others. This is also vital on journeys to and from our school. Our expectations are clearly communicated to young people and breaches of discipline are dealt with in line with school policy. In most cases, a quiet reprimand is sufficient but in more serious or persistent cases parents will be invited to our school to discuss the issue and agree a course of action.

Homework Regular, effective homework is an important part of our school day. To this end, every young person in the school has been provided with a Homework Diary. Parents are asked to check this on a regular basis. Homework has many advantages:

• It reinforces work done in class • It develops good study habits and a sense of personal discipline • It develops areas of interest that can be followed up later in life and become a

leisure pursuit • It allows parents to see, help and become involved in their child’s work

The amount of homework varies in length, nature and frequency depending on the subject. The amount of homework will increase as your child progresses through our school. Supported Study This is an important initiative which allows pupils to attend additional classes during lunchtimes, after school and during holiday periods. Large numbers of our staff give generously of their time in this area. Subjects on offer will depend on the staff available to deliver. Pupils will be kept informed of the arrangements. Parent Council We have a very active Parent Council that represents the views of all parents. All parents are welcome to attend Parent Council meetings and can become members at the AGM in September. Parent Council minutes are available on request from our school office. The chair of our Parent Council, Mrs. Suzanne Donachie, can be contacted via our school office. Pupil Council

Our Vision of Excellence states that “the voice of our pupils is central to the ongoing improvement of our school”. Every year we carry out Pupil Voice exercises to gather the views of our pupils on our curriculum and their experience of learning throughout our school. We always feedback to our pupils on what they have told us and how we are going to respond to their thoughts and views.

Personal Achievement We have a wide range of activities that run between Monday – Thursday to extend the learning experience. At the last count, there were 70 lunchtime and afterschool activities on offer. The list constantly changes but our young people are kept fully informed. Good links with a wide number of community organisations and our Active Schools Co-ordinator are vital for the success of these programmes.

School Improvement On an annual basis, our Standards and Quality report is produced. Copies are available from the School Office on request. Our Standards and Quality report is used to share the overall exam performance of our school and highlights progress in key curricular areas such as literacy, numeracy and health & wellbeing. Our priorities for improvement are detailed in our School Improvement Plan which is discussed with our Parent Council. Any parent or carer seeking a copy of our School Improvement Plan can contact our school office. Overall Attainment: SQA Examinations

By the end of S5 • 51% of our pupils achieved at least one award at Higher • 30% of our pupils achieved at least three awards at Higher • 8% of our pupils achieved at least five awards at Higher

By the end of S6

• 36% of our pupils achieved at least three awards at Higher • 23% of our pupils achieved at least five awards at Higher

• Our record at St. Andrew’s is one of continued outstanding success in National Examinations. Our most recent results as evidenced above are our best ever!

• Our Young People also achieved in:

- Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award - BHF Heartstart - Dynamic Youth Awards - Prince’s Trust - SQA Leadership Qualification - Pacific Institute PX2 - Caritas Award for S6 - Youth Achievement Awards - SQA Retail Award - GHA Scholarships - SQA Creative Cakes - MacRitchie Scholarships - Personal Development Awards - Bridge Motivation Awards - SQA Wellbeing Award - SFA Early Touches Prog. - Sports and Dance Leadership Awards - SQA Employability Award

- GHA Winter Leaver Programme

Why do so many parents choose St. Andrew’s? Our school has grown considerably over the years. This is due in no small part to the strong partnership that has developed in recent years with parents, young people and teaching staff. We recently surveyed (September 2015) a number of our new S1 parents/carers and asked that they complete the following sentence. “I chose to send my child to St. Andrew’s RC Secondary School because....” Listed below are just some of the replies that we received: M. Bielizna parent of Ellie McDowell 1.1: “…academically it is the best school to go

to and will therefore bring out the best in her.”

C. McCusker parent of Michael Skiverton 1.4: “…the school has a great reputation

and was also recommended by a family whose children attend St. Andrew’s.”

A. McFadyen parent of Annmarie McFadyen 1.4: “…I already had a child go

through St. Andrew’s and one in 4th year. Impressed with the way the school is run

and also because of its academic success. Well run in all aspects.”

D. Kinnear parent of Martin Kinnear 1.2: “…it is one of the best schools in Glasgow

and we want him to have a Catholic education.”

S. Quinn parent of Ellie Goodwin 1.2: “…St. Andrew’s has a great reputation,

children are all very smart in the school uniform. I have family who attended St.

Andrew’s and got great exam results.”

R. Poli parent of Christopher Poli 1.4: “…because of the quality of education

available as also enjoyed by an older child.”.”

A. McGrath parent of Bibby McGrath 1.7: “…my children are third generation to

attend St. Andrew’s. Proven track record and attention to discipline. School uniform

etc are important to me. Putting Young People First –says it all!”

E. Flanagan parent of Kian Flanagan 1.11: “…our daughter Carly is a 6th Year

student has experienced and achieved so much at the school. This is due to the

support and nurturing of the staff. Therefore we did not hesitate to send Kian this

year and are hopeful he will be successful in his own learning journey.”

Useful addresses: St Andrew’s RC Secondary School Head Teacher: Gerry Lyons 47 Torphin Crescent GLASGOW G32 ‘phone: 0141.582.0240 St Benedict’s Primary School Head Teacher: Teresa Carr 62 Lochend Road GLASGOW G34 ‘phone: 0141.771.3224 St Bridget’s Primary School Head Teacher: Margot O’Donnell Camp Road GLASGOW G69 ‘phone: 0141.771.1294 St Francis of Assisi Primary School Head Teacher: Isobel Padden Crown Street GLASGOW G69 ‘phone: 0141.773.2052 St Joachim’s Primary School Head Teacher: Nula Holden (acting) Montrose Avenue GLASGOW G32 ‘phone: 0141.641.6840 St Maria Goretti’s Primary School Head Teacher: Yvonne Henry 67 Skerryvore Road GLASGOW G33 ‘phone: 0141.774.4085 Our Lady of Peace Primary School Head Teacher: Lorraine Wright 343 Hallhill Road GLASGOW G33 ‘phone: 0141 773.0550 St Paul’s Primary School Head Teacher: Geraldine Millar Anworth Street GLASGOW G32 ‘phone: 0141.778.6227 St Rose of Lima Primary School Head Teacher: Kathleen Shiels 295 Mossvale Road GLASGOW G33 ‘phone: 0141.774.9397 St Timothy’s Primary School Head Teacher: Elaine Muir 41 Inveresk Street GLASGOW G32 ‘phone: 0141.774.7821 Education Services City Chambers East 40 John Street GLASGOW G1 1JL ‘phone: 0141.287.2000 www.glasgow.gov.uk