year 7 handbook - sjp

St John Plessington Catholic College

Year 7 Handbook2017 - 18

Year 7 Parent Handbook | 2017-2018 Year 7 Parent Handbook | 2017-20182 3

“This is an outstanding school in which exceptional things happen.” - Ofsted

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ContentsWelcomeCollege Mission StatementGoverning BodyManagement & StaffingTutor GroupsTerm DatesTimetablePastoral CareLiteracyCurriculumThe Conway Residential VisitThe SJP Max ExperiencePartnership AgreementUniform & AppearanceRewards & SanctionsAttendance & PunctualityCollege LibraryCollege Dining HallICT & TechnologySafe Use of the InternetNotesCollege Map

040506

07-091011121314

15-20212223

24-2627-2829-30

3132

33-3435

36-3738

Contact Information

College AddressSt John Plessington Catholic CollegeOld Chester Road, BebingtonWirral, CH63 7LF

Telephone0151 645 5049

Fax0151 643 1516

General [email protected]

Websitewww.stjohnplessington.com

Social Network Twitter.com/SJPHeadTeacher Twitter.com/SJPLearning

Teaching School Alliancewww.sjptsa.com

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All are welcome... Barnston Primary Bedford Drive Primary Bidston Avenue Primary Bidston Village Primary Brackenwood Juniors Bromborough Pool Primary Brookhurst Primary Castleway Primary Cathcart St Primary Christ Church CE Primary Church Drive Primary Christ the King Catholic Primary Dawpool CE Primary Devonshire Park Primary Eastway Primary Egremont Primary Fender Primary Gilbrook Primary Greenleas Primary Grove Street Primary Heswall Primary Heygarth Primary Higher Bebington Juniors Holy Cross Catholic Primary Holy Spirit Catholic CE Primary Ladymount RC Aided Primary Lingham Primary Liscard Primary Manor Primary Mendell Primary Mersey Park Primary Millfields Primary Mount Primary New Brighton Primary Orrets Meadow Primary Overchurch Juniors Overchurch Primary Our Lady & St Edward’s Catholic Primary Our Lady of Pity RC Primary Oxton St Saviour’s Primary Pensby Primary Portland Primary Poulton Lancelyn Primary Prenton Primary Raeburn Primary Redcourt Primary Riverside Primary Rock Ferry Primary Sacred Heart Catholic Primary Sandbrook Primary Somerville Primary SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary St Alban’s Primary St Andrew’s CE Primary St Anne’s Catholic Primary St Aloysius Catholic Primary St Bridget’s CE Primary St George’s Primary St John’s Catholic Infants St John’s Catholic Juniors St Joseph’s Catholic Primary (Upton) St Joseph’s Catholic Primary (Wallasey) St Mary’s College (Crosby) St Michael & All Angels Catholic Primary St Peter’s Catholic Primary St Peter’s CE Primary St Werburgh’s Catholic Primary Stanton Road Primary Styal Primary The Priory Parish CE Primary Thornton Hough Primary Tower Primary Townfield Primary Vyner Primary Well Lane Primary William Stockton Primary Woodchurch Road Primary Woodside Primary Woodslee

Primary


Teaching is outstanding. Teachers have high expectations of their students. They plan for a range of activities in lessons that challenge, engage and fire students’ enthusiasm. - Ofsted

At St John Plessington Catholic College we aim to be:

‘Always faithful to Christ’Our College is a community where we strive to:• Ensure that faith and worship is lived, taught and celebrated• Provide a curriculum that enables all to experience fullness of

life• Be a witness to Christ as we work with our parishes and the

wider community• Value and celebrate the achievements of all• Communicate effectively and work in partnership with each

other• Support all our College community as we journey together• Protect the environment for future generations• Commit to safeguarding and promote the welfare of Children

and Young People

Our Catholic EthosOur mission is to be a Catholic College where every individual is highly valued and where care and concern for others is central to our work. All our pupils are expected to achieve their potential and become equipped for adult life able to make a full contribution to society.

At SJP everything we do is guided by Gospel values, of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, justice, faith, integrity, humility, service, peace, hope and prayer. The College Mission Statement is on display in every room and guides us in everything we say and do at St. John Plessington Catholic College. Each day begins with prayer and there is a Collective Act of Worship each day that takes place during Academic Review time or in a formal assembly which is led by a Senior Member of Staff.

The fruits of our faith can be evidenced in a range of provision and activities. We have a full time Chaplain, Rev. Gerard Boyle who gives important direction to the spiritual life of the College as well as supporting the work of the Pastoral Teams. We have our own Chapel, a Chaplaincy Meeting Room and our wonderful ‘Peace Garden’ a place of tranquillity and rest. Through our Chaplaincy provision, we offer the opportunity for pupils in all year groups to pray, reflect and build community together. We engage in fundraising events for our chosen charities throughout the year. This year we have continued to adopt ‘Street Child Africa’ as our whole school charity, raising money to support children who live desperate lives of poverty and who are among the most vulnerable. We also support CAFOD and the Catholic Children’s Society as well as a host of other charities.

In Advent this year we have our annual Carol Service which will provide a rich tapestry of music and drama to help us prepare for the great feast of Christmas. We hope you will come along and experience the many talents of our wonderful youngsters.

Safeguarding StatementOur responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of young people is of paramount importance and we believe that safer students make more successful learners.

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Our College M

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It is with great pleasure that I welcome you and your son or daughter to St John Plessington Catholic College. It is a wonderful time to be joining our community and I know that you will be delighted at gaining a place here at SJP. In line with previous years, we have been inundated with demand for places and have had a large number of appeals. We are one of only two secondary schools on the Wirral to have gained an Outstanding Ofsted judgement under the new framework,

and since then our performance has been second to none.

Our status as ‘Teaching School’ has meant that SJP is at the forefront of innovation and change, networking with schools locally and regionally as well as supporting schools in the sharing of our expertise. The benefit for SJP will be financial as well as ensuring the highest calibre of teachers are attracted here to develop their skills.

We have a steady stream of visitors to the school who regularly tell us that they are blown away by the quality of relationships that exist here. The pride that our pupils have in the College and the sense of ‘family’ that they promote is clearly evident. The pupils really are the ‘jewels in the crown’ of SJP and we are rightly proud of them.

Our success, is very much based on the partnership we have with you our parents and carers. We know that if our school is full of children who always wanted a place at the school, who are proud to be here and who buy into the values we promote and whose parents have confidence in what we can deliver, then we can truly flourish. We never take your support for granted and if at any point you have concerns then please let us know and you have my assurance that we will deal with them.

As you know, our new Sixth Form Centre was opened in September 2015 and this has provided a first-class independent study area as well as new suites for Media and Social Sciences. It has freed up much needed space in the rest of the school, to continue to facilitate our small class sizes.

We look forward to the very exciting journey ahead. Children get one chance in terms of their education and it is our job to make sure they maximize their opportunity. You know that we also expect the highest standards of behaviour and we encourage pupils to be self-disciplined and well behaved at all mes. High standards of uniform and appearance set the tone for all that we seek to achieve here and your continuing support in this area is crucial. Pupils are proud to be here at SJP and understand that when they wear our uniform they are our ambassadors. Members of the public regularly tell us that our pupils are the smartest and best behaved of all pupils on the Wirral.

High attendance is another vital ingredient if your child is to be successful. I cannot authorise term-time requests for leave and ask that parents do not book holidays when their child should be in school, tempting as it is with cheaper holiday packages.

Please take the time to read through this Parent Handbook. It is where we attempt to make clear to parents what our expectations are, to give you an idea of some of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and to outline how we can work in partnership together. We never take parental support for granted and it is a vital ingredient in our success and I know you will be extremely proud you are that your child is now part of the SJP family. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if the need arises through this Academic Year.

Tom QuinnExecutive Head Teacher


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STAFF DEPARTMENTREMrs Lauren Dakers RE / Head of LearningMrs Maureen Grant-Miller 2nd in REMrs Carmel Harvey RE / Head of Learning Miss Ruth Heaton REMr Peter Jones RE / DofEMiss Holly Martin REMrs Rebekah Talbot REMrs Louise Walsh Head of REEnglishMiss Alexandra Aspinall EnglishMrs Jayne Brennan EnglishMiss Amy Candiano English KSCMr Arron Cassidy 2nd in Dept EnglishMr Christopher Clayton EnglishMiss Karen Coogan English KSCMr Mike Coogan Director of EnglishMr Matthew Davies Assistant Director EnglishMrs Caroline Eckersley English / Lead Practitioner / School DirectMiss Katie Fletcher English / Lead PractitionerMiss Emma Hall EnglishMiss Nicole Jones EnglishMiss Siobhan Kelly English / Associate Lead PractitionerMrs Grace Lysaght English / Literacy Co-ordinator Ms Nicola Mallon English / Lead Practitioner Mrs Zoe Smith EnglishMrs Sarah Stacey English / Lead Practitioner Ms Emma Stanley EnglishMr Kevin Willis English / Associate Lead Practitioner MathsMrs Shakira Adebowale MathsMrs Srirat Arthur Maths KSCMr Graham Bollans MathsMiss Kirsty Bowden Maths KSCMiss Eleanor Browne Maths / Associate Lead PractitionerMiss Dale Gordon Head of MathsMrs Denise Griffiths MathsMiss Jacqueline Heffernan MathsMrs Shannon Marsh MathsMrs Samantha McAveety 2nd in Dept MathsMiss Nicole McCafferty Maths

NB. Foundation Governors are nominated by Diocese of Shrewsbury Schools Commission; Parent Governors are elected by ballot and should a vacancy occur parents will be informed.

“The governing body are strong and firmly behind the headteacher and his vision of high academic standards. They diligently monitor the work of the College and robustly hold senior leaders to account for the quality of teaching and the

standards achieved by students.” - Ofsted

Vice-Chair of GovernorsMr Brian O’Connell

Foundation GovernorsMr Christopher Carroll Mr David CartmellMrs Elizabeth Farrelly Father Bernard ForshawMrs Emily McArdle Mrs Helen RobinsonMr John Williams

Staff GovernorsMrs Jan Davis Miss Jennifer DyerMr Peadar McLoughlin

Parent GovernorsMr Quentin Neal Mrs Joanne Tuite

Executive Head TeacherMr Tom QuinnNational Leader of Education (NLE)

Clerk to the GovernorsMiss Helen CaulNational Leader of Governance

(NLG) Chair of Governors

Mrs Margaret Marks


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STAFF DEPARTMENTMiss Michaela McCarthy MathsMiss Ann-Marie McGagh MathsDr Daniel McKillop Maths / Data Manager Miss Anne Morgan Maths / Lead PractitionerMrs Alexandra O’Driscoll MathsMrs Michelle Thomson MathsMs Sheila Williams MathsScienceMrs Rose Austin Science / Head of LearningMr Byron Bowden-Graham Director of ScienceMr Frederick Chatwin Science / Lead Practitioner Mr Christopher Courtnage Head of PhysicsMiss Zoe Eden Science Mrs Jenny Ellis ScienceMrs Heather Garland Science / Lead Practitioner Miss Joanne Hulley ScienceMiss Helen Kemp ScienceMr Kevin Lysaght Head of ChemistryMrs Rachel McMahon Science / H&S / Site ManagerMrs Heather Moore Science KSCMiss Sarah Moore 2nd in Dept ScienceMrs Jane Murray Science KSCMiss Rebecca Noone ScienceMiss Deborah Trayner ScienceMiss Sarah Walton ScienceMFLMiss Diane Easby MFLMiss Jessica Gascoigne MFL / Head of Learning Mr Patrick Furlong MFLMrs Lindsey Phelps MFL KSCMrs Danielle Sadler Head of MFL Mrs Rebecca Smart MFL / Lead PractitionerMrs Megan Ziętal MFLHumanities Miss Jennifer Alman HistoryMiss Nicola Bradshaw GeographyMiss Natalie Brown HistoryMiss Jennifer Bruce Director of Humanities Miss Charlotte Camden GeographyMrs Lisa Davies Head of HistoryMr Alexander Houghton GeographyMrs Maria Howarth Geography

STAFF DEPARTMENTMrs Joanne Kaloumenos Geography / Lead Practitioner Mrs Nadia Kaye Geography / Lead Practitioner Miss Emily Lancaster HistoryMr Enda Treanor 2nd in Dept HistoryMr Matthew Wilson T.I.C of GeographyBusiness / ICT Mr Andrew Fong ICT / Business StudiesMrs Dianne Kennedy ICT KSCMr Howie Ledsham ICT / Business Studies / KSC Mr Paul Leicester ICT / VLE ManagerMrs Kim Penny Head of ICT / Business Studies / ComputingD&TMiss Joan Brown D&TMr Tim Dolan D&T / Assisi Miss Emma Hughes Head of D&TMrs Laura Jones D&TMr Martin Regan T.I.C of ArtMiss Rebecca Murray D&T FoodMr Barry Shillinglaw D&T / DofEMrs Lynsey Stearne D&T KSCMrs Vanessa Thompson D&T / Lead PractitionerMrs Helen Thomson D&THealth and Social Mrs Ashlee Austin Health & Social CareMrs Diane Walker-Cairns Head of Health & Social CareMedia Miss Helen Walsh Media StudiesMr Sam Witcher T.I.C of Media StudiesPEMr Michael Harris 2nd in Dept PEMr Greg Hughes PE / Head of Learning Mr Stephen Murphy PEMiss Ashleigh Neale PEMr Brendan Nunnery Head of PEMiss Charlotte Obermuller PEMrs Kate Murphy PEMiss Jennifer Pritchard PE / Head of Learning Mr John Sewell PE / Head of LearningPerforming ArtsMiss Sam Chesters Head of Performing ArtsMiss Laura Donsow DramaMr Paul Faithfull Music

STAFF DEPARTMENTMiss Ashley Jeffers Head of MusicMrs Jennifer Richards DramaMiss Laurie Smith Music Social ScienceMrs Carly Bedke Social Science / Head of LearningMrs Rachael Bell-Walker Social Science / Lead Practitioner Ms Catherina Carragher Head of Social ScienceMiss Nicola Cutts PsychologyMiss Abby Williams SociologySupport StaffMrs Carole Armitage Technician D&TMrs Anne Ashcroft Learning CoachMr John Badger Cover SupervisorMrs Angela Bailey Teaching Assistant Miss Claire Beckwith Associate Business ManagerMiss Fabienne Berthier Teaching Assistant Mrs Jacqui Black OfficeRev Gerard Boyle College ChaplainMiss Chloe Breen Learning Coach SENMrs Andrena Broad Midday AssistantMrs Julie Broom LibrarianMs Deborah Caldwell Teaching AssistantMiss Helen Caul PA to Head TeacherMrs Elaine Christian Exams OfficerMr Paul Cullen Teaching AssistantMrs Jan Davis Learning Coach Miss Jenine Doyle Teaching AssistantMiss Jennifer Dyer Learning Coach Mrs Anne Finley Reading AssistantMrs Jeanette Fleet Teaching Assistant Mr Neil Francis Attendance OfficerMrs Joanne Franklin Technician ScienceMrs Hope Gaskin Cover SupervisorMrs Lorraine Grabe Teaching AssistantMrs Anna Greenwood Learning CoachMiss Sharon Griffiths Teaching AssistantMrs Elizabeth Hale Teaching AssistantMrs Martina Hughes Teaching Assistant Mr Peter Jardine CaretakerMrs Debra Jones Finance OfficerMrs Jackie Jones Site SupervisorMrs Karen Jones Teaching Assistant

STAFF DEPARTMENTMr David Kirkham ICT TechnicianMrs Faye Lageu Learning Coach SENMrs Joan Lam Teaching AssistantMrs Chris Lamb Office ManagerMrs Linda Ledsom Deputy Office ManagerMrs Jenny Lloyd First Aid / Medical / SrMDAMrs Susan May Teaching AssistantMiss Laura Mitchell OfficeMrs Elaine O’Dowd OfficeMr Philip Palin D&T TechnicianMrs Hayley Rennie OfficeMrs Kerry Riley Science TechnicianMr Liam Rose Website & Marketing OfficerMrs Helen Ruscoe Teaching School & Marketing ManagerMr Graham Sefton CaretakerMr Steve Sherlock Network Manager ICTMrs Vicky Smith OfficeMrs Jean Swann Learning CoachMs Lisa Thierry SENCOMrs Jackie Wade Science TechnicianMrs Christine Walsh Teaching AssistantMr Les Wellens Learning Coach Mrs Pamela Wilding Midday Assistant


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“Relationships between all members of the college community are warm, friendly and based upon mutual respect. As a result, the College is a calm, orderly place of learning that pupils are proud to be members of.” - Ofsted

In Year 7, pupils are placed in a mixed Form Tutor Group. Each group is named after a House Patron, a famous Catholic Christian who as a witness to the Gospel encourages us in our faith.

Miss J GascoigneHead of Learning

Year 7

Mrs A AshcroftLearning Coach

Year 7

Mr K Lysaght7MT

Miss E Lancaster7VP

Mrs D Sadler7TL

Miss A Candiano7JB

Mr K Willis7BH

Mr P Jones7MK

Miss R Noone 7OR

Mrs M Ziętal7SB

Year 7 Form Tutors

Form Tutor

Ms D CainAssistant Head Teacher

Year 7

AutumnTerm

SpringTerm

SummerTerm

Christmas Break

First HalfStart Finish

Easter Break

Monday4 September 2017

Friday 20 October 2017

Monday30 October 2017

Friday22 December 2017

Monday8 January 2018

Friday 16 February 2018

Tuesday27 February 2018

Thursday29 March 2018

Monday16 April 2018

Friday 25 May 2018

Monday4 June 2018

Friday20 July 2018

Half-Term Break

Half-Term Break

Half-Term Break

Second HalfStart Finish

Other useful dates:

Year 7 & 12 Return Tuesday 5th September 2017Whole School Return Wednesday 6th September 2017Cognitive Assessment Tests (CATS) Friday 8th September 2017Good Friday Friday 30th March 2018Easter Monday Monday 2nd April 2018May Day Bank Holiday Monday 7th May 2018 Open Evening Thursday 14th September 2017Open Mornings Wednesday 20th September 2017 Wednesday 27th September 2017Year 7 Welcome Mass Friday 20th October 2017Here Comes Christmas Friday 1st December 2017The Nativity Tuesday 19th December 2017 Wednesday 20th December 2017 Year 7 Residential - Conway Centre Wednesday 24th to Friday 26th January 2018

Year 7 & 10 Review Day Friday 24th November 2017Year 7 & 10 Review Day Friday 13th July 2018Year 8 & 9 Review Day Friday 19th January 2018Year 8 & 9 Review Day Friday 6th July 2018Year 9 Information Evening Thursday 8th February 2018Year 11 Parents’ Evening Thursday 28th September 2017Year 12 Parents’ Evening Thursday 7th December 2017Year 13 Parents’ Evening Thursday 21st September 2017Sixth Form Information Evening Thursday 2nd November 2017

Staff Development Days:Day 1 Monday 4th September 2017Day 2 Monday 11th December 2017Day 3 Monday 26th February 2018


Tim

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The Head Teacher is assisted in the planning and delivery of pastoral care at SJP by a team which includes the Senior Leadership Team, Heads of Learning, Learning Coaches and Form Tutors. Form Tutors are the first point of contact at the College and will deal with the majority of questions or concerns that may arise. For more serious issues, the Head of Learning is there to support you and your child both in terms of their academic progress and for any major pastoral issues that may arise. Please get in touch with your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Learning either by phone, e-mail, letter or a note in your child’s Pupil Planner. The Pastoral staff should be kept informed about illness, absence, dental or medical appointments, or any change in home circumstances.

Every year group has a full-time ‘Learning Coach’ to support the work of the Head of Learning. The Learning Coach will meet your child for a formal meeting three times per year. In the meeting the Learning Coach will discuss with your son/daughter their academic progress (via the College reporting systems) and set short term targets. This then forms the basis of an Achievement Plan which will be sent home shortly after. Learning Coaches are always available for parents to discuss particular issues regarding your child’s academic progress and work closely with Heads of Learning and Form Tutors.

The College has eight form groups in Years 7-11, each of which has its own patron and forms a ‘House’ across all years.

Academic ReviewYour child will spend 30 minutes each day with their form during a period of time called ‘Academic Review’. During this time, pupils will meet with their Form Tutor. A daily ‘Uniform and Appearance’ check is carried out to ensure the highest of standards are maintained. An act of worship also takes place at this time of the day and your child will have at least one assembly each week with a senior member of staff. As part of our drive to encourage all children to enjoy the pleasure of reading, we actively promote this by asking all pupils to read silently during a part of Academic Review. Our Literacy Co-ordinator Mrs Lysaght will be ensuring that pupils in Years 7-9 have reading books appropriate to their reading age. Your child’s Form Tutor will focus on the tracking and monitoring of pupils’ academic progress through individual meetings, supporting the work of the Learning Coach and Head of Learning.

Each form group elects representatives to the Year Council, where pupils have the opportunity to put forward suggestions for further developments at SJP. This group feeds into the main College Council, which meets regularly to discuss matters raised by pupils and respond to ideas from staff.

The pastoral care at SJP was described by OFSTED as “outstanding.” In order to maintain these high standards for your children, we maintain a flexible approach to form groups and reserve the right, if it is considered in the best interests of pupils, to facilitate movement between the different groups.

BuddiesTo ensure that Year 7 children become quickly at ease with life at SJP, we have identified a number of older pupils who are there to be a friend to your children. These ‘Buddies’ can help the pupils if they are in need of support or just want someone (other than staff) to talk to.

All pupils in the College follow a timetable that runs over a two-week period. These timetables should be recorded in the College Planner. It is always useful if a copy of the timetable is kept in a prominent place at home to help in the early days of organisation. The timetables will be given to pupils on their first day of the Autumn Term. It will highlight the Subject, Subject teacher and classroom.

Alpha:John Bosco (JB)Mother Teresa (MT)Thérèse of Lisieux (TL)Vincent de Paul (VP)

Beta:Basil Hume (BH)Maximilian Kolbe (MK)Oscar Romero (OR)St Bernadette (SB)

Period 18.40am 9.40am

Break10.40am 11.00am

Lunch12.00pm 12.50pm

Period 41.20pm 2.20pm


Period 311.00am 12.00pm

Academic Review12.50pm 1.20pm


Years 7, 8 & Sixth Form


Break10.40am 11.00am

Academic Review12.00pm 12.30pm



Period 311.00am 12.00pm

Lunch12.30pm 1.20pm


Years 9, 10 & 11


Lite

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CurriculumAt SJP we place an extremely high value on the delivery of Literacy for all our pupils. Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening skills are crucial in ensuring success within all curriculum areas but also in our pupils’ lives beyond the College. Should pupils choose Further Education or decide to join the work place, a secure usage of Literacy skills is required for both. For this reason we have formulated a whole school approach whereby all staff are committed to focusing on Literacy Objectives as part of every lesson that your child experiences. There is a weekly objective that you will find located on each Learning Programme. We encourage all parents to take an active role in supporting their child by helping to check that they are addressing each Literacy Objective.

Each classroom displays Literacy support materials, such as key words, spelling rules and examples of punctuation. Our aim is to create an explicit focus on Literacy in order to develop each pupil’s ability to communicate clearly and accurately. This is enhanced further by the Pupil Planner where your child can also reference Literacy support if they need to, whether it is in the classroom or when completing homework.

All pupils complete the Suffolk Test in order for us to establish their reading ages. This helps the College to identify the needs of all pupils of all abilities so that we can support each pupil as appropriate. Pupils will be tested again later in the academic year so that we can ensure that all pupils are making the expected progress.

Literacy InterventionWhere pupils may require extra support in their Literacy learning we have created a formalised programme in order to develop specific Literacy skills. These have been created to target three areas:• Lexia. This is an IT programme that focuses on pupils’ reading

ability. It is designed to impact on and increase pupils’ reading ages. With regular and specific activities being completed, in timetabled sessions, pupils are able to heighten their skills and gain confidence within their own reading. This is further

embedded by regular timetabled sessions of reading in small groups. This programme works hand in hand with Lexia as pupils are encouraged to put into practice the skills they have acquired and actively discuss them. Reading material is appropriate to reading ages but the content is carefully selected to match the interests of the pupils’ chronological ages.

• Phonics. This is an exciting and dynamic approach to Literacy support. Again, we timetable regular sessions so that pupils who require this support are fully catered for, to help them achieve their potential and more. Each session will provide a range of activities designed specifically to develop skills in phonics, handwriting, motor skills and sequencing. This is a fast paced and effective programme that encourages pupils to develop all areas of Literacy learning.

• Spelling and handwriting. Once again, we offer regular, timetabled sessions where pupils complete packs that focus on phonic patterns and groupings of letters, in order to improve spelling. Each week a spelling test is completed in order to track each child’s progress. This is crucial in helping us identify whether further intervention is required so that we can swiftly assist any area that needs more attention.

These packs also contain handwriting practice exercises which are vital in ensuring all written work is clear and legible. We specify our handwriting support for both right handed and left handed pupils. We also believe that the size and shape of handwriting should be consistent and so specific handwriting exercise books are used to ensure this.

The College’s commitment to LiteracyIt is our overall aim at SJP to address the Literacy needs of all our pupils, of all abilities, in order to help them to achieve of their very best. Literacy learning not only impacts on the success of your child within the College, but it is also a life skill. Our job is to provide excellence in learning but it is also to facilitate your child’s success in their future.

Learning ProgrammesAll pupils at SJP follow a Learning Programme in all subjects each half-term. The LPs are available on the College Website for Parents and Pupils to access from home. They detail the programme of study for each subject, setting out the knowledge, skills and understanding your child is expected to be taught. The Learning Programmes also signpost the Assessment procedures including the homework that will be set each week.

It is really important that parents take an active interest in the learning that their child is experiencing. By following the Learning Programmes, parents can supplement the work being done in College through further enrichment activities or independent study.

The Learning Programmes cover the content required by the new National Curriculum where necessary however they are planned to ensure consistent progress towards an aspirational GCSE grade by the end of year 11. In order to facilitate this pupils set according to ability in the following subjects: English, Maths, Science, Languages, History and Geography. As always at SJP our priority is to ensure pupils are taught in small class sizes in as many subjects as possible.

ReportsAt the end of each Learning Programme, that is, every half term, you will receive a report which will give you information about your child’s progress in the subjects they are studying and an indication of their end of year and end of Key Stage targets.

Both attitude to learning and attainment are assessed so that you can see the fullest possible picture of your child’s progress during the year. All pupils transfer their progress grades into their planners and exercise books so they too can see how well they are doing. As well as half termly reports, parents will receive an Achievement Plan each term. Achievement Plans are written by our Learning Coaches who are attached to each Year Group. Learning Coaches meet with every pupil in the Year Group once a term to review their overall progress and achievements based on the pupil’s most up to date report. The Learning Coaches will use the teachers’ comment to help them to set personalised targets for improvement.

Review DaysReview Days in years 7-10, are held once a year when you will have the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in their Learning Programmes more fully with subject teachers. The rest of the College closes for the day for those pupils not involved in those meetings. An appointment system is in place so that you can choose times suitable to your day. A letter is sent out well in advance informing you of times and dates.


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Extra-Curricular ActivitiesThe extra-curricular life of the College is rich and varied. SJP offers pupils a wide range of activities extra to the normal timetable, either at lunch time or after school, providing pupils the opportunity to meet, teach and learn from each other in a relaxed and perhaps less academic atmosphere. Your child can pursue their interests in:

We are proud of the opportunities for pupils to participate in a wide variety of dramatic and musical performances throughout the year.

Every child in Year 7 has the opportunity to take up a musical instrument.

All of Year 7 is involved in a 3-day residential experience at the Conway Centre in North Wales as part of their induction process into the life of the College.

HomeworkHomework is an important part of College life at SJP and all pupils are expected to do it regularly. Homework is signposted in the Learning Programmes. Pupils record homework in their Planner. This should help your child and you to keep a check on homework. If problems arise then we would ask you to contact your child’s Head of Learning or write any comments in their Planner. Planners are checked weekly by Form Tutors to ensure your child is receiving homework on a regular basis.

E-learningWe make every effort to ensure that your child has access to the latest technology to enhance their learning experiences. There are over 600 computers available to pupils in the College. Every teacher has a laptop to facilitate the teaching and learning process.

The College also subscribes to a number of e- learning websites to support our pupils such as MyMaths.co.uk which is very popular with pupils. Sometimes homework is set requiring pupils to use these on-line sites. If it is not possible to use them at home, we can make arrangements for access to ICT suites in College so no-one is at a disadvantage

Additional Needs StudentsAt SJP we recognise that provision for pupils with additional needs is a whole-school responsibility. The new SEN Code of Practice comes in to force in July 2014 and our SEN policy and provision will be guided by any changes and recommendations therein.

Our current policy aims:• To facilitate access to a broad, balanced and relevant

curriculum for all pupils with additional needs.• To enable pupils with additional needs to achieve

academically commensurate with ability and to be set aspirational targets.

• To take in to account the views of pupils with additional needs.

• To encourage meaningful communication with parents and carers of pupils with additional needs.

• To offer appropriate support and modification according to advice and need.

FlightpathsYou may be aware that GCSEs are changing and your child will no longer be awarded an A*-G grade at the end of their studies. New GCSEs are being phased in over the next couple of years and these will be graded on a new scale of 9-1 where 9 is the highest grade obtainable and 1 is the lowest.

It is important that as a school, and as parents, we all view your child’s progress as a journey towards their GCSE targets. Steady steps every term, whilst building knowledge and developing skills, is the key to GCSE success. Progress should be steady and secure over time. In order to ensure that your child is making this steady progress we will now report on these 9-1 grades in your child’s report.

Some pupils may not be ready for a GCSE grade when they enter the college in year 7 and the 1-9 scale would not be appropriate. As a result a minority of pupils in Years 7 may be working towards a GCSE grade 1. To support these students, we have added a ‘breakthrough’ grade to the scale to ensure that we can still accurately measure progress for each individual child.

Each grade in the B-9 scale is supported by a number of key objectives and linked to the new GCSE grades therefore it is easier to understand as you can see your child making steady progress towards their final GCSE grade. As each grade represents a considerable gain in knowledge, skills and understanding we have added sublevels to ensure that steady progress can be identified. In order to distinguish these from sublevels used previously at KS3 we have used L when pupils are just beginning to work at a new grade, M when they are consolidating the work in a new grade and H when they are mastering the grade. You should therefore expect to see steady progress across the LPs.

We will continue to track your child’s progress regularly in each subject however rather than setting a target we will place each student on one of 8 ‘flightpaths’ that will guide him or her to a challenging final grade. The different flightpaths will each have a different colour, so your child could be on the ‘green’ flightpath or the ‘yellow’ flightpath.

The flightpath will have an upper and lower path, if your child is on or above the upper path (dark blue line) we will say that they are making ‘outstanding’ progress, if your child is on or above the lower path (light blue line) we will say that their progress is ‘good’.

It is possible that your child will not have reached the good progress line; this does not mean that they are not making progress, however we would like all our pupils to be working to move up to the aspirational good progress line.

The flightpath will be the same for all your child’s subjects except Languages and is based on the average of their English and Mathematics score at KS2.

• Football • Athletics • Netball • Trampolining • Dance / Fitness• Gymnastics • Rugby • Duke of Edinburgh Award • Drama• Performance

• Cricket • Basketball • Badminton • Rounders • Leadership awards • Softball • Cross country • Musical Instruments / Choirs• ICT / Textiles club


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Curriculum Pupil Planner

SubjectHomework Set Due in

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Art

Design &

Technology

English

Geography

History

ICT

Mathematics

MFL

Music

Performing Arts /

Drama

RE

Science

Week Commencing 26/09/2016Homework Record

Parent / Teacher Comments

This page is for communication with College, Staff will also note any problems with

homework, equipment or appearance. House Points and other achievements will

also be recorded here.

Monday 26/09

Tuesday27/09

Wednesday 28/09

Thursday 29/09

Friday 30/09

Parent’s Signature

Form Tutor’s Signature

Vivo Rewards:

How to use your Pupil Planner

Homework SetPupils should record here when a teacher sets homework. They will be given time to do this in the Lesson. They should record as follows: LP 1:4. This refers to the Learning Programme they are following. In this case it was LP 1 (Autumn Term) Week 4. The Learning Programmes are also available on our website (www.stjohnplessington.com – in the Learning Programmes tab).

Due inPupils will be given a clear deadline of when the work is expected in. They record the date the work is due in. e.g. 26/09/17.

DoneWhen the work is completed, pupils are reminded to tick the box. This helps their organisation and also helps parents and Form Tutors to monitor what homework is still outstanding. The Homework Record page will give a clear picture of what homework has been recorded. If you feel that your child is not getting homework in line with the Learning Programme please contact the Form Tutor in the first instance. This can be done via the planner.

Parent /Teacher CommentsThe right hand page provides an opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate via the planner. For example, parents may wish to provide a reason why a homework has not been completed or indicate difficulties with a particular homework. It may be that the Form Tutor has a concern over a Uniform and Appearance/ Equipment issue and wishes to flag this up to parents. The space also provides the opportunity for Parents to be reminded of any important events which are coming up.

Vivo RewardsEach week pupils total up the number of new Vivo Rewards they have earned in that period. These will be monitored by Form Tutors which will result in rewards for individuals.

Parent’s/FT’s SignaturePlease can parents make sure that the Planner is signed each week-end for the appropriate week . Each Monday, Form Tutors will be signing the Planner in Academic Review and it is expected that every pupil will have a parental signature to say they have checked the planner.

Pupils are given a Pupil Planner at the beginning of the Autumn Term in which they are able to record information including homework, involvement in activities, half-termly progress grades, notes, and achievements. The Planner is an important document which all pupils in College are expected to use and value. It should be brought to College at all times and under no circumstances should there be any signs of graffiti. It is a vital means of recording homework and achievement and a means by which can communicate with teachers and vice versa.

As part of the Monday Monitoring process tutors, parents check regularly that the Pupil Planner is being used properly and monitor the progress and organisation of pupils’ work. If, for any reason, a pupil loses their Pupil Planner, they are expected to pay the full cost for a replacement immediately.

Additional information on how to use the Pupil Planner correctly can be found on the next page.


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ay Residential VisitAs part of your child’s induction to our College Community we will provide several enrichment activities which we believe help all our Year 7 children settle into life at SJP. The main focal point of the Year 7 enrichment activities will be a residential experience in North Wales.

This will take place in January 2016 when every Year 7 pupil is invited to attend a three day educational residential adventure at the Conway Centre in Anglesey, North Wales. The centre provides a rewarding educational programme, offering thrilling outdoor and indoor adventure activities, with secure and controlled residential accommodation.

Pupils benefit hugely from the experience, educationally, but also socially and spiritually. It is expected that all pupils will participate in this venture and it is a crucial part of their first year. In the past we have found that it is a wonderful opportunity to help cement relationships that have already been formed and importantly to help pupils discover new friendships. The confidence it develops is also another big factor and for some pupils it is their first time away from home and a challenge they cope with well under the close scrutiny of the Pastoral Team. It is deliberately placed at the beginning of the second term once all pupils have settled into the routines of SJP in Term 1 and formed their friendship groups. It also allows parents time to meet the costs of the visit over a four month period.

We believe the transition programme which we have chosen this year will prove to be both enjoyable and a wonderful opportunity for all Year 7 to get to know each other and experience success via new challenges.

If you wish to discuss any matter pertaining to the Year 7 Conway Visit, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Austin (Head of Learning Year 7).

Visits and TripsDuring your child’s time at SJP there will be many opportunities for visits and trips to support and enrich the curriculum. These will include overseas visits to a variety of European countries including Spain, Germany, Poland and France. In Year 10 & 11 pupils currently have the opportunity to go on exciting and life-changing visits to India and China. We have established a link with a partner school in Ghana with further trips planned in the future. Pupils also have many opportunities to engage in local study visits.

The College reserves the right to withdraw pupils from any visit or trip locally or internationally if there are good reasons for doing so; such a decision will be taken by the Head Teacher.

Costs of VisitsThe College seeks to ensure that the costs of any visit are kept to a minimum and will look to subsidise visits wherever possible. However, in order that these visits can take place a letter is always sent home well in advance of the visit asking for a parental contribution to be made.

If there are genuine financial difficulties we would ask that you contact your child’s Head of Learning to discuss the matter.


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At SJP we know how important it is to build partnerships with parents. This builds strength in our community and supports students in their development, spirituality and learning.

We rely on the commitment and support of all parents to make this partnership work. We often run events to support this partnership and are always open to new ideas and feedback so please contact us whenever you feel the need to. This is a summary of the Home-College agreement that Form Tutors, Parents and Pupils are asked to sign up to in the College Planner.

It is the responsibility of the College• To provide a Catholic environment in which pupils will develop spiritual and moral values• To provide a safe and secure environment in which pupils can develop academic, sporting and cultural talents• To develop in the College a true sense of community• To establish effective partnership and communication with parents

It is the responsibility of parents• To support the spiritual and moral development of your child• To ensure your child attends College in full uniform and is properly equipped for the school day• To support the authority and discipline of the College• To take an active interest in your child’s academic progress by supporting the College’s homework programme and by attending

Review Meetings and other relevant activities where possible• To ensure they are fully aware of the College policies by reading the Parental Handbook.

It is my responsibility as a pupil• To respect and support the Catholic values of my College • To attend in full uniform and arrive promptly and properly equipped for each day • To be an ambassador for the College whilst travelling to and from home• To accept the authority of the College at all times• To do my best at all times

We firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop and realise their true potential, and we want all students to leave SJP having experienced ‘fullness of life’ - students who are inspired to achieve, attain and follow their chosen career and life path. As such, ‘The SJP Experience’, is designed to create an environment that not only identifies a child’s dreams and aspirations, but encourages these ambitions through continuous achievement and the broadening of horison. Life at SJP therefore extends well beyond the classroom, with the aim to develop the academic, professional, social and character skills needed to be successful in life, so that all students can make the most of their abilities and interests and fulfil their true potential.

Your child will have regular opportunities to extend their learning outside of the classroom through curriculum linked projects on designated ‘SJP Max’ days, throughout their seven years with us. We aim to immerse our pupils in local and international culture; pupils will visit places of local interest and heritage and our international links are growing rapidly. Students are already involved in exchanges and have visited parts of Europe, China, USA, Africa and South America, ‘World Challenge’ expeditions to Peru and Swaziland have taken place and an expedition in India is currently being organised. In Year 9 it is an expectation that all pupils will participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

As part of our Catholic Christian ethos, we also take very seriously our role as educators to ensure that children leave the College with a strong sense of their own mission and calling. When they are ready for the outside world, we want our students to leave with a desire to serve and to become the next generation of leaders.

Raising children's aspirations is extremely important at SJP and we aim to develop the understanding that learning (and the experiences that take place within and around this learning) can be the route to enhanced opportunities. We want to encourage as many of our pupils as possible to consider taking up further studies after SJP.

The experience of university is life changing and opens up doors to all kinds of exciting possibilities. Working in partnership, we will equip pupils with the experience, skills and qualifications necessary to achieve their goals.

Year 7 pupils will reflect on their hopes and dreams from early on. As they grow, we will give them lots of opportunities to research where they want to be in life, the qualifications they need to get there and how they are going to achieve it. Here at SJP we believe broadening one’s experiences plays a crucial role in preparing students for a place at university, their career and for lifelong success. The ‘SJP Experience’ places leadership and service at the heart of everything we do and so it is vital that your child participates in all aspects of school life. We know that you will do everything to encourage them as we journey together.


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Appearance The College has its own uniform and PE kit which has been selected so that pupils will feel part of the College community. Items of clothing have been chosen carefully so that they are not unduly expensive, but are smart. It is the policy of College that uniform should be worn by all pupils and Sixth Form students. This is because personal presentation is important in the world of work and we want to make sure that our pupils develop a sense of pride in how they are turned out.

Boys Uniform: Year 7 - 11

Girls Uniform: Year 7 - 11

Blazer French navy blazer with SJP logo (please note that the colour of the lettering on the badge is different for each year group).

Jumper Navy, with SJP logo (a sleeveless version is also available); please note that a College jumper is compulsory from the beginning of September onwards.

Shirt Light blue shirt (short or long-sleeved).

Tie SJP clip tie (navy/silver stripe).

Trousers Black trousers.

Shoes Plain black shoes - without logos or accessories (please note that black training shoes [or ‘hybrid’ shoes designed to look like training shoes], pumps, fabric shoes or boots are NOT acceptable).

College Bag An SJP College bag is compulsory for Year 7-11 pupils. There are 4 styles of bag available in the following styles: satchel, rucksack, sportsbag and drawstring. The bags will be personalised by Wirral Uniform Centre in Birkenhead or The Other Uniform Store in Brimstage.

Blazer French navy blazer with SJP logo (please note that the colour of the lettering on the badge is different for each year group).

Jumper Navy, with SJP logo (a sleeveless version is also available); jumper is compulsory from the beginning of September onwards. Jumpers are not to be worn tucked into skirt waist bands

Blouse Light blue revere collar blouse (short or long-sleeved)

Skirt Checked skirt (Bedford Check) or – black trousers. The skirt must be worn to knee length.

Tights Navy or black plain tights (not patterned) Knee-length or mid-length plain navy socks.

Shoes Plain black shoes – without logos or accessories (please note that black training shoes, pumps, fabric shoes, boots including ‘Kicker’ style boots are NOT acceptable. Please also note that, bows, flowers or tags are not acceptable).

College Bag An SJP College bag is compulsory for Year 7-11 pupils. There are 4 styles of bag available in the following styles: satchel, rucksack, sportsbag and drawstring. The bags will be personalised by Wirral Uniform Centre in Birkenhead or The Other Uniform Store in Brimstage.

During cold or inclement weather pupils are advised to wear a suitable coat for school. Tracksuit tops or hooded sweatshirt tops are not allowed to be worn whilst pupils travel to or from the College.

* All of the above items must be embroidered with the College name.

* In the interest of health and safety, pupils will not be permitted to wear pump style footwear. Pumps, canvas style shoes, Converse, Vans and High Tops are not acceptable and must not be brought to lessons.

* Pupils are strongly advised to purchase and wear a gum shield when participating in activities such as rugby. When PE kit is brought into school, it must be carried in a school bag.

PE Kit List

Boys - Compulsory ItemsNavy blue hooded sweatshirt Navy blue football shirt Navy blue polo shirtNavy blue shorts Navy/white football socks Football bootsShin pads (for football or rugby) Predominantly black or white sports trainers

Boys PE Kit - Optional ItemsNavy blue jogging bottoms (plain)(Strongly advised for winter months)

Girls PE Kit - Compulsory ItemsSky blue hooded sweatshirtSky blue polo shirtNavy blue shortsWhite football socksPredominantly black or white sports trainers

Girls PE Kit - Optional ItemsNavy blue jogging bottoms (plain) (Strongly advised for winter months)

All items of uniform are available from:Wirral Uniform Centre, Birkenhead: www.wirraluniforms.comThe Other Uniform Store, Brimstage: www.schoolstuff.direct


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SanctionsPraise & RewardsWe feel it is very important to recognise effort, hard work and success. Our rewards system at SJP is called ‘Vivo’ and ensures all pupils have the opportunity to have their efforts and achievements recognized and rewarded. Vivos will be awarded by all staff for various reasons, including (but not limited to); Recognition of good effort within the Classroom, Positive contributions, Excellent homework, Acts of kindness etc. In addition Vivos will be awarded every week for 100% attendance. Vivo totals will be highlighted in assemblies and SJP live. Vivos are added to individual pupil accounts via the electronic system. These points can then be ‘traded in ‘ by pupils for a prize, or ‘saved up’ for a rewards of greater value. Prizes ordered will be sent to reception by the Vivo company and distributed by Heads of Learning. Vivo points can also be used money off vouchers towards the Year 11 Celebration and Year 13 Prom.

Achievement AssembliesTo celebrate success and reward achievement, your child will attend a termly Achievement Assembly. This is an important highlight for both pupils and their teachers. Certificates and prizes are awarded for attendance, punctuality, citizenship and achievement in individual subjects. There are also special Form Tutor awards and Heads of Learning awards.

We also encourage the recognition of sustained achievement and effort by individual pupils through the presentation of a range of awards at the annual Awards Evening, where achievements are celebrated in a public forum with parents, staff, governors and a well known guest speaker.

We believe that pupils achieve well through constant encouragement and well-deserved praise. We hope that throughout the year you will receive a number of Praise Postcards by post that are sent by any member of staff at any time to let you know that your child has done well.

Behaviour and DisciplineThe College has a minimum number of rules, but we feel that the Code of Conduct ensures the smooth running of the College and fosters good working relations between staff and pupils. If a pupil breaks any of the rules, then they are given an appropriate sanction. Pupils are taught that behaviour is a choice which can bring positive or negative consequences: good behaviour is expected and rewarded, and poor behaviour is sanctioned. Pupils breaking College rules regarding punctuality, uniform and appearance, behaviour or use of facilities will be dealt with either by a subject or Form Tutor in the first instance. (Level 1 behaviour) For more serious matters (Level 2 behaviour) pupils will be referred to the Head of Learning or Head of Department. There may be occasions when behaviour is serious enough to necessitate the referral to a Senior Manager (Level 3 behaviour). Any pupil whose hairstyle is deemed to be unacceptable will be placed in the Assisi Centre on the first occasion until the matter is rectified. Incidents of unacceptable behaviour are recorded on the College database. The types of behaviour for each level are found in the Behaviour Policy on the College website.

JewelleryApart from watches, jewellery (including studs, rings, earrings or any other body/facial piercings) is not to be worn. This is because of the potential risk of accidental damage from the wearing of such items and they will be confiscated. Charity bands (except for the chosen College charity) or charity lapel badges are not allowed.

Reminders:• Mobile phones must be switched off at all times in College

(enforced by period 1 teachers)• Cigarettes including e-cigarettes are banned and therefore

Smoking/ Vaping is prohibited• Fizzy drinks, high energy drinks and high caffeine drinks are

banned• Chewing gum is banned• ‘Fidget Spinners’ and tanglers are not allowed. (Fidget Spinners

may be indicated as an intervention for a small minority of pupils. This is indicated on the SENDCAR.)

The Head Teacher reserves the right to make the final decision on what is or what is not appropriate.

Mobile PhonesWe advise that pupils do not bring mobile phones into the College. However, we do recognise that some parents may wish their child to have a mobile phone with them as they travel to and from College. Mobile phones must be switched off as pupils enter the school premises and put away until they have left the premises. Use of phones in school will result in confiscation. Please ask for an emergency SLT call out if a child is using their mobile device. Do not attempt to confiscate the phone yourself. The SLT on call will do this for you.

Drinks PolicyWe encourage children to lead healthy lifestyles. We strongly recommend that pupils drink water throughout the day.Fizzy drinks and energy drinks such as Lucozade, Powerade etc are not allowed.

High-caffeine drinks including Red Bull, Monster etc are also not allowed. These drinks should be confiscated.

Hair and Make-upPupils are expected to wear hair in a neat and acceptable style. Hair must be of one colour, natural in appearance. Hair styles (including shaved heads) judged to be extreme by the Headteacher are not permitted. Shaved lines or ‘parts’ are not allowed. Make-up, including coloured nail varnish, lip gloss and fake tan, is not to be worn. False nails, false eyelashes or other such beauty accessories are not acceptable. Hair fashion accessories are also not to be worn. Black or navy ‘bobbles’ are to be used when tying the hair back. ‘Scrunchies’ are not allowed. Hair bands are permissible but should also be navy blue or black in colour. ‘Holiday braids’ are not permissible. Pupils who do not conform to the College uniform and appearance policy should be sanctioned in line with our Behaviour Policy.


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AttendanceThe College can only function successfully in an atmosphere of trust, mutual understanding and good order. We expect the highest standards from our pupils and encourage them to be self- disciplined at all times. Pupils should respect others and the environment in which they work and learn. We would like to stress that SJP belongs to us all: to you, your child and the community, and we ask for everyone’s co- operation in making it a happy and safe place. The Code of Conduct ensures that pupils have clear guidelines as to what is expected of them. If a pupil fails to exercise self-control or self- discipline in their conduct to others then they are disciplined, and we would obviously expect parental’ support with discipline matters. We also have high standards of behaviour and apply the same Code of Conduct whilst travelling to and from College. Sanctions will apply in the same way when College rules are broken, whether on the buses or walking to and from College.

SanctionsParents are advised that as part of our Code of Conduct and Behaviour Policy, the College has the legal authority to issue after-College detentions to pupils. In cases where a child is issued a detention for ten minutes or less, the College is not obliged to inform parents/carers beforehand. Where an after-College detention exceeds ten minutes, the College will ensure that at least 24 hours notice is provided. It should be noted that under education law, the College is not required to have their permission to keep a child in detention. The College also operates the Assisi Centre, which may be used as a preventative measure to avoid a fixed term exclusion or to isolate pupils for uniform and appearance issues. Pupils will work in the Assisi Centre for a set period of time and parents will be notified by phone call and letter. Should behaviour be serious enough, the Headteacher may decide to issue an exclusion (fixed-term or permanent). Exclusion from College is used where other remedies have failed or to deal with particularly serious incidents. Such exclusions are carried out in line with DFE guidance.

A re-integration meeting will take place on the child’s return to school, usually with the Head Teacher. Occasionally there may arise the need to investigate an incident which will require us to interview pupils and ask them to write a statement to clarify their involvement. At such times, in accordance with current national practice we reserve the right to interview pupils without parental permission, although we seek to inform parents at the earliest opportunity. The law also allows schools to search pupils should there be a concern that a child is posing a potential health and safety risk.

Pupils in uniform are representing the College at all times. Therefore pupils are reminded that the Rewards and Sanction policy applies during the school day but also whilst pupils are travelling to and from school.

Reminders:• Mobile phones must be switched off at all times in College• Cigarettes including e-cigarettes are banned and therefore

Smoking/ Vaping is prohibited• Fizzy drinks, high energy drinks and high caffeine drinks are

banned• Chewing gum is banned

It is vital that your child attends College as regularly as possible. This is important to avoid missing valuable lesson time and falling behind. Employers place great emphasis on consistent attendance and good punctuality and attendance will be mentioned in the pupils’ Achievement Plans each term. Registers are completed electronically each lesson in addition to Period 1 at 8.40am where morning registration takes place and Academic Review when the afternoon’s registration takes place.

Absence: Children of school age who are registered at a school must by law, attend school regularly. It is vital that your child aims for 100% attendance. All absence should of course be kept to an absolute minimum.

If your child is ill and unable to attend College, please contact us by telephone as soon as possible. When your child returns they MUST have a note from you explaining the cause of the absence. This should be handed to their Form Tutor who will keep it on file. When your child is absent, please encourage them to use mymaths.co.uk and keep up to date with any work they are missing. Should your child need to be absent for a long period, the College will ensure that work is provided. It is important that they attempt to catch up on the work missed. Absence of more then 3 days will result in parents being requested to provide medical evidence.

Truancy from school or failure to provide a reason for absence will result in the College coding the absence as unauthorised. This in turn could lead to the issue of fixed penalty notices if attendance falls below an acceptable level. The College will provide you with regular updated records of your child’s attendance, and will let you know if we are concerned about it.

Holidays during term time: Amendments to the 2006 regulations from the Department for Education (that came into effect from September 2013) remove references to family holidays and extended leave. “Head Teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional

circumstances”. Please note ‘exceptional circumstances’ do NOT include a situation where parents choose to take pupils out of school to fit in with their work related holiday dates. Please refer to the DfE ‘Amendments to School Attendance Regulations’ for further details. If you believe that your circumstances meet the ‘exceptional’ criteria, please put your request in writing to the Head Teacher at least one month in advance of the date. Parents who take pupils on an unauthorised holiday in term time maybe issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Punctuality: Your child is expected to be on the yard at 8.30am each morning the school gates will be closed shortly after this. After 8.40am your child is late and will have to enter College by reception where she/he will be met by a Learning Coach. Two sessions of lateness in a week will result in a Head of Learning detention. After 9.00am the College operates truancy call procedure whereby parents will receive a telephone call requesting a reason for absence. The automated system will continue to contact parents throughout the day and subsequent days until we have received notification as to why your child is absent from College. We rely on your support and co-operation in this matter to ensure the health and safety of your child is at the forefront of all that we do.


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Medical GuidanceSJP has a full-time ‘First-Aider’ available for pupils – Mrs Lloyd. Should your child require first-aid treatment or medical assistance she will keep you informed at the earliest opportunity. Due to changes in medical guidance for written consent now has to be obtained from parents before any medicine (including paracetamol) can be administered.

Medical visits: Occasionally pupils will need to leave the College during the day for an urgent visit to the doctor, hospital or dentist. They must bring a note from you to show to their Form Tutor during Academic Review and a note in their planner will explain to the member of staff who is teaching them at the time that they need to leave. At the correct time the pupil will make their way to Reception where they must sign the signing in and out book. They will be issued with an official Wirral Council ‘Truancy Watch’ slip to authorise their absence. When they return they should sign back in and go straight to their current lesson. Medical appointments should always be made outside school hours where possible. Pupils in Years 7-9 will only be allowed out if accompanied by an authorised adult.

Home Contact details: It is essential that we are able to contact parents at the earliest opportunity. Please ensure that all contact details are correct including emergency phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Pupils are in effect a Health and Safety risk if we are unable to contact parents should an emergency arise.

Good attendance shows potential employers that your child is reliable. Do we ever really consider the impact of having a day off school? The chart below shows the number of days and lessons ‘lost learning’ for students with different percentage attendances. The chart is based on a school with a 190 day year and shows a five period day.

You can help by:• Making sure that your child’s attendance and punctuality are

as good as possible• Not condoning your child’s absence for minor things• Making sure appointments for the dentist etc are made

outside school hours

Is 95% attendance good? This means that your child has still missed nearly 10 school days in one year. Over five years that would be nearly 50 days, this is almost a school term. Research suggests that ‘17 missed school days a year equals a drop in a grade in GCSE achievement’ - DfE

95% 90% 85% 80%

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95 142.5 190

Attendance

Number of lessons lost learning

Number of lessons lost learning(for a five period day)

The College’s large and vibrant Library is valued by the whole College, from Year 7 right through to Year 13. Throughout the day both pupils and staff can be found making the most of the excellent study and research facilities available, as well as taking the opportunity to sit and read the latest fiction.

SiteThe Library takes pride of place just above the entrance to the College. Part of the newest section of the College, it is spacious and well- equipped.

Stock and FacilitiesThe Library contains:• A wide range of fiction for years 7 – 11 and 6th Form• Non-fiction books to help with study and research• Magazines, newspapers and foreign language resources• Careers information and university prospectuses• A suite of computers with internet access

StaffingThe School Library is managed by a full-time Librarian supported at lunchtimes and break times by a team of Pupil Library Assistants. Mrs J Broom is available throughout the day to help and advise library users. To find out more about joining our team of Pupil Library Assistants, see Mrs Broom in the Library.

UseThe School Library enjoys a whole variety of uses - individual study, whole class use, small group or individual research for projects and homework, word-processing, information seeking on the Internet, and recreational reading in a friendly environment with resources and help always on hand.

Extra Curricular opportunitiesThe College Library houses a range of exciting activities designed to promote reading for pleasure for all abilities. Reading book clubs have been set up to encourage discussion about the suggested text. This builds confidence as well as our pupils’ ability to express themselves verbally. The Silent Reading opportunity that takes place in Academic Review helps to support these clubs as pupils are encouraged to identify what genre of texts they prefer to select for their own enjoyment.


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TechnologySJP is at the forefront of computer based technology systems with over 600 computers available to our pupils. Every classroom is equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard and every teacher has a laptop. We operate a Windows based computer system providing access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) via the College website, www.stjohnplessington.com, the Internet and e-mail. To use the SJP computer network all pupils and parents must agree and sign our ICT Contract. Pupils who break the Contract will have their network computer account disabled.

Username and PasswordOn joining SJP, pupils are issued with a username and password for access to the network system. Pupils are not allowed to use the system using an unauthorised username or password. Pupils can change their password at any time.

The Virtual Learning EnvironmentOnce again this has put SJP at the cutting edge of educational initiatives. Our VLE gives all our pupils the opportunity to benefit from ‘anytime and anywhere learning’ by using the internet to keep up to date with their work. SJP teachers use our VLE to set work for pupils; pupils then submit completed work to their teachers on our VLE and teachers are able to track the progress being made by each individual pupil. Pupils can always go back to resources used in lessons, including any presentations, making revision so much easier for them.

Transferring FilesPupils can transfer files between home and College using the VLE’s Own Cloud or alternatively a USB storage device.

The key benefits anticipated over time from our VLE are:• pupils will develop independent learning skills and have

more control over how and when they work; • absent pupils can continue their learning from home, with

work set by the teacher on our VLE, and marked and returned within our VLE;

• pupils will be able to access learning materials created by their teachers, outside lesson time and from locations such as a library and home;

• pupils will be able to store work and notes online for use in assignments, homework and revision, outside normal College hours;

• parents will be able to access their son’s/daughter’s personal home page to keep track of their work, their progress and their curriculum.

Computer GamesComputer games are not allowed to be brought into or played in College. This includes web- based games on the Internet.

ReportingA unique aspect of the SJP online reporting system means that parents have an anytime/anywhere opportunity to access their child’s half-termly report and termly achievement plan as well as regular attendance updates. This means that SJP reports to all parents, 9 times in any one academic year as well as a Consultation day. OFSTED judged this provision to be an outstanding feature of our College.

E-mailThe College is keen to ensure that we communicate with parents as quickly and effectively as possible. We hope that you are able to provide an up to date e-mail address for us that will facilitate this form of communication. It will allow us to send important reminders and e-mail alerts as well as up to the minute copies of our SJP Newsletter.

The Catering Staff work very hard to maintain the quality and variety of meals with every effort being made to respond to students’ requests. The Dining Hall is open for Breakfast in the mornings before the College Day begins (7.45am) for break between 10.40am and 10.55am and for lunch between 12pm and 1.20pm. It is open throughout the day for 6th Formers. Please find below a range of sample menus for various times during the day. The College has been at the forefront of the ‘Healthy Schools’ agenda and has been awarded ‘Healthy School’ status.

Breakfast (Sample Menu)Choice of Cereals , Toast, grilled bacon, sausage, egg, tomatoes.

Breaktime (Sample Menu)Bacon Batch Wholemeal or White Toast, Toasted English Muffin, Cheese toasties, Buttered toast.

Lunch (Sample Menu)Soup of the Day ,Traditional roast dinner, Cheese and Onion Quiche, Pasta in Sauces, Selection of vegetables, Hot Pudding.

Panini, Range of Baked Potato with fillings . Selection of freshly baked biscuits . Extensive salad bar . Fresh fruit Yoghurt Smoothie. Selection of fruit. Slush fruit drinks.

Range of freshly made sandwiches/baguettes.

Packed LunchesIf you wish your child to bring a packed lunch then this should be eaten in the Dining Hall and not on the main yard. No food or drink can be taken out of the Dining Hall and eaten elsewhere.

The College has banned pupils bringing fizzy drinks, high energy drinks and high caffeine drinks onto the premises. Water is always the healthy option. Please try to give your child a healthy variety each day and encourage them to eat fruit rather than sweets. The lunch break does not give time for your child to go home for lunch and they must stay on the College site so we can supervise them. This will ensure that they are on time for afternoon lessons.

Cashless Dining Hall SystemThe Dining Hall operates a cashless system whereby meals are paid for with credits using a biometric system. Money can be credited to accounts using the revaluation machines in the Dining Hall and larger amounts can be credited, paying in cash or by cheque. Cheques should be given to the Catering Manager in the Dining Hall and should be made payable to ‘Harrisons Ltd’.

Free School MealsIf you think you qualify for free school meals please contact: Ms Sally Mitchell, Operations Manager here at the College. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence and with the cashless Dining Hall system in use nobody will know that a child is on free meals. Please claim if you are eligible and if you are unsure don’t hesitate to contact us for confidential advice and guidance.

Application forms can be obtained via the Local Authority website. www.wirral.gov.uk Application forms should be completed and returned by hand to any One-Stop-Shop.

Alternatively, postal applications can be addressed to Children and Young People’s Department Hamilton BuildingConway Street Birkenhead Wirral CH41 4FD


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Children Love the InternetIt’s a great way to have lots of different kinds of fun, keep in touch with friends, find material for homework or sometimesbuy things like music, books or games.

Children are growing up with the Internet as a normal part of life, using it at home, with friends and at school and exploring its amazing possibilities.

The Internet has become a vital tool for communication, information, entertainment and shopping and is critical to your children’s development in today’s world. Most schools are now connected to the Internet and when your child goes on to further education or a job they will almost certainly be expected to be confident users of computers and the Internet.

Social Networking guidanceThe widespread availability and use of mobile technology and social networking applications brings opportunities to understand, engage and communicate with audiences in new ways. Whilst we embrace these technologies our College Mobile Phone and e-Safety Policies do not permit pupils to access these sites during the school day.

Please be aware that Facebook is targeted at older teenagers and adults. They have a no under 13 registration policy and recommend parental guidance for 13 to 16 year olds.

Their privacy policy and guidance for parents can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=% 20322194465300

Use of mobile technologies and social media sites does on occasion lead to incidents of “cyber bullying”. Whilst we have a zero tolerance to bullying, by adopting the recommended no use of mobile phones/social networking sites on school premises, bullying issues linked to use of this media outside of the school day will not be dealt with unless it is directly impacting on pupils’ relationships in school. It is the responsibility of parents/carers to monitor their child’s mobile phone/social networking site usage.

What can I do to keep my Child Safe on the Internet?

You can make a huge difference if you talk to your children about their Internet use, let them know you are there to guide them, and pass on essential safety advice.

For the great majority of children, their use of the Internet will be perfectly safe and enjoyable. But nothing in life is 100% safe, all the time, and the Internet is no different. Just like in the real world, we need to take sensible precautions on the Internet to protect our families from harm.

1. Talk to your child about their Internet use and take an interest. Your involvement is the best way of keeping them safe.2. Pass on the safety advice in this handbook – talk over the advice given.3. Be positive! The Internet is a fantastic resource for learning, entertainment and communication. Just like in the real

world, you need to take a few sensible precautions.4. Let your child know they can come to you if something they don’t like happens online.5. Try not to overreact! This could simply make your child secretive about their Internet use and close down lines of

communication between you.6. Remember that all the safety advice here also applies to going online with a mobile phone.7. If you decide to use software to filter or monitor information from the Internet, talk this over with your child. Any ground

rules you agree will be much more effective.

Remember, everyone you meet online is a stranger, even though they might seem like a friend.

• Always use a nickname when you log on and never give out any personal details that would allow someone you meet online to contact you. This means full name, home or school address, telephone number, personal email or mobile number.

• Never arrange to meet up alone with someone you make friends with online, but if you are going to anyway, take an adult you trust and meet in a public place.

• Try to have your online conversations in public; people are less likely to hassle you if other people can see them doing it.• Accepting emails or opening files from people you don’t really know, can get you into trouble – they may contain viruses,

nasty messages or annoying links to stuff you don’t want to see.• Talk to an adult you know well and ask for help if you’re worried or upset about anything you’ve seen or been sent

online.


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College Address: St John Plessington Catholic College, Old Chester Road, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 7LFTel: 0151 645 5049 | Fax: 0151 643 1516 | General Email: [email protected] | Website: www.stjohnplessington.com

Website: www.sjptsa.com | Social Network: Twitter.com/SJPHeadTeacher

year 7 handbook - sjp

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