P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7 P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G S t. Philip Howard C AT HOL I C V OL U N TA RY A C A D E M Y
Louisa Morris Head Teacher David Redfern Assistant Head Teacher Ciara Dawson Assistant Head Teacher Mike Kays Assistant Head Teacher Melanie Bowler Assistant Head Teacher Iam very proud to welcome you to St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy on behalf of our students, teachers, staff and governors. Whilst the school itself has a long history in Glossop, it only became an Academy during the Summer of 2015. Building on the strong spiritual and moral framework that has helped make the school so very popular over the years, the new academy continues to draw on the invaluable guiding hand that The Catholic Diocese of Nottingham provides. Our newly awarded accreditation now offers us the invaluable opportunity to target our budgets and polish our own curriculum; enabling us to closely mirror the needs and aspirations of our students, ensuring they each achieve their full personal potential. Substantial across-the-board investment is also allowing the Academy to significantly improve facilities, helping ensure that St. Philip Howard, its students and staff can look forward to a bright, exciting and successful future. Mrs. Louisa Morris, Head Teacher
St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy is an exciting place for our students to grow and develop, building an enriching love of learning and a spiritual outlook that they will carry with them through life. P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7 Inspiring Learning Pathways St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy has developed a school curriculum that is both innovative and stimulating. It is a curriculum which offers every student the chance to develop their full potential in accordance with their personal talents, interests and ambitions. Our broad and challenging curriculum reflects St Philip Howard s positive commitment to encourage confident, independent learners. It provides excellent opportunities to gain the qualifications and life skills our students need to become happy, successful young adults. Our wide range of subjects enables every student to follow a programme of study that will enable them to achieve their goals, whilst our strong pastoral programme helps to remove real and perceived barriers to learning, maximising personal and emotional development. A Partnership for Learning The Academy strives to ensure every student s academic, personal and social needs are identified and met. We promote confident aspiration and work tirelessly to raise attainment for our students; creating confident, independent learners. As part of this positive learning environment we expect students to wear the school uniform neatly and with pride; it forms a key foundation of a spirit of good school discipline. We are proud of the excellent partnerships which exist between students, staff, parents/carers, governors, and the local community. The school places a great deal of importance on establishing good home-school links and encourages parents to play a full and active role in supporting the work of St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy.
The St Philip Howard mission statement reflects our vision for all members of our community: We aim to provide a rigorous and broad education to challenge students. A supportive and caring environment in order for progress to be achieved by all, in line with our mission to live the gospel in our daily lives. Religion at St Philip Howard The school holds an act of collective worship every day, either as a Form Group or within a larger Assembly. The Academy also celebrates Mass as a whole on the Holy Days of Obligation. Every St Philip Howard student also takes part in two hour-long Religious Education lessons each week. Religious Education As an Academy we believe in the fundamentally positive moral and spiritual values of a religious upbringing and values. The predominantly Catholic background of our pupils is of course reflected in our teaching, not just of RE, but across the wider curriculum. However, we also respect the value of spiritualty in general and introduce an awareness and understanding of other denominations, religions and creeds within our community where appropriate. The aim of this broad approach is to ensure pupils not only understand their own religion and its context, but also to instill an appreciation, tolerance and respect of the beliefs of others and their special ways and customs of worship. A Rich Catholic Ethos St Philip Howard is a special place. It is first and foremost a Catholic school; a worshipping community that is guided in all it says and does by the values encompassed in the Gospels and the tenets of our church. As an academy we are fully committed to educating the whole person. We value each student as a unique individual made in the image and likeness of God, nurturing not only their minds, but also their spiritual growth. Our young people are the future of today s Church and we work tirelessly to engage them in their own positive journey of faith through meaningful liturgy, daily collective worship, faithbased assemblies and retreat days, as well as through charitable projects which enable them to give service to the less fortunate. Students regularly attend mass and are encouraged to take part in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church through the Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. At St Philip Howard we seek to develop responsible, caring, dedicated and loving young men and women who make a positive contribution to society, building God s kingdom here on earth every day. The school fully respects the beliefs of parents and children of ALL denominations and faith backgrounds and encourages everyone to participate in the enriching spiritual life of the school.
The Curriculum St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy operates a wide-ranging and well balanced curriculum that has been especially tailored to reflect the individual learning styles, interests, aspirations and abilities of our students. The range of learning on offer encompasses the classic academic subjects, as well as the Arts, and utilises both GCSE and BTEC courses. This broad spectrum of options helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full personal potential within a happy, positive learning environment. St Philip Howard operates a standard single week timetable. Each school week comprises twenty five one hour lessons and each day begins with a 15 minute registration period in Tutorial Groups. Every Tutor Group has members from each of the school s four Houses ; Challenge, Courage, Endeavour or Determination. There are numerous Inter-Tutorial Group competitions which encourage students to participate and enjoy school activities in a positive spirit of friendly rivalry. Alongside these Tutorial Groups, the Academy often also operates specific targeted intervention groups for students who require extra input. Support from these focussed groups can be for a period of just a few weeks, or can last the whole year. P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7
KS3 and KS4 Tutor Groups Upon joining the St Philip Howard family, each student is placed in a mixed Form Group and will be allocated membership of one of the four school Houses; Challenge, Courage, Determination and Endeavour. Each Form participates in both Year Group and House assemblies. Your child will gain Credits through their efforts in curriculum time and through participating in extra-curricular activities which will be recognised through the House system. Key Stage 3 Years 7, 8 and 9 are termed Key Stage 3. St Philip Howard students study a wide range of subjects within KS3, including Religious Education, Maths, English, Science, Technology, Music, Art, Physical Education, Geography, History, Computer Science, a Modern Foreign Language, Catering and Design Technology. In Key Stage 3 students are grouped into four ability groups, with additional support provided for those identified as having special educational needs. Where a student s SSAT scores have been identified as low for Maths and English at Key Stage 2, additional literacy and numeracy lessons are provided in place of the Modern Foreign Language. Key Stage 4 Key Stage 4 covers Years 10 and 11. The Academy provides a broad spectrum of subjects reflecting the wide range of personal interests, aspirations and needs of our students. However, all students study a common core of Religious Education, English, Maths and Double or Triple Science, as well as participating in two hours of core PE. Towards the end of Year 9 students undergo the Guided Pathways process. In close consultation with their Head of Year, subject teachers and parents or carers, students are placed in appropriate courses for pathways that reflect their interests and abilities and of course aspirations for future higher education and careers. Our wide range of courses includes GCSEs in English, Maths Double and Triple Science, Geography, History, French, RE, Art & Design, Graphics, Resistant Materials, PE and Catering. St Philip Howard also provides a number of vocational BTEC courses. These include Sport, Health and Social Care, and Performing Arts.
Assessment and Reporting Pupil performance and well-being are monitored regularly with both formal and informal assessment, as well as through professional observations by all staff within the Academy. Parents receive an Academic Review at least three times a year, providing a clear picture of your child s progress. Both effort and attainment are assessed providing see the fullest possible picture of your child s progress through the year. In addition to these termly reviews parents also receive a written report from their child s Form Teacher which provides a more detailed description of their progress. This comprehensive progress reporting is complemented by parent consultation events, which are held twice a year in Year 7. They offer parents and carers the opportunity find out how their child is settling in to life at St Philip Howard, as well as providing a one-to-one opportunity to discuss academic progress. Curriculum Enhancement The subjects encompassed by Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship classes, or PSHE form an important element in the development of well rounded young people. PSHE is covered by a dedicated hour long lesson each week at Key Stage 3. The school follows the advice and framework laid down in the National Curriculum in forming a policy relating to sex and relationships education, this policy has been agreed with staff and governors and we feel sets a healthy balance for our students and their parents and carers. It s an unfortunate fact of life in modern society that we must also include drug awareness in our PSHE scheme of work. We also take the opportunity to work with a variety of other agencies to enhance this area of the curriculum. Extra-Curricular Opportunities St Philip Howard is not merely about academic success. Whilst maximising personal academic achievement is of enormous importance to every student, it is also important to recognise that schools are about much more than just excellent results in the Three Rs. To get the most out of their years at St Philip Howard students need to engage, enjoy and be successful in, the wider opportunities on offer. The Academy has developed an extensive programme of clubs, trips, activities and exciting experiences for the enjoyment and development of its students. Whether it is through becoming a member of one of our respected football teams, taking part on stage or behind the scenes in one of our extremely popular musical or dramatic performances, taking up trampolining or one of the other activities on offer, there is plenty to interest and extend the skills and enjoyment of every student. A variety of fascinating visits are regularly organised in support of the curriculum and for sheer enjoyment; students have been on cultural trips to France, Spain and Russia. In recent years St Philip Howard has also been to the Theatre for English, Maths Conferences and assisted in a range of great local community programmes.
Teaching and Learning It is our duty as an Academy to provide a safe, caring, supportive and challenging environment in which students can achieve their full potential. We believe that our students should be given the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning, be encouraged to embrace a growth mind-set and learn to recognise that failure is an intrinsic part of becoming a better learner. High quality teaching and learning should be at the heart of every school... Our outstanding, highly cohesive team of teaching and support staff provide high-quality learning opportunities for every student. At St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy we place children at the centre of their own learning experience and place great emphasis on nurturing valuable life skills and attitudes such as resourcefulness, resilience and co-operation. We promise to you that we will: n Ensure every learner experiences success. n Make learning challenging and enjoyable. n Strive to ensure we provide an excellent learning environment which inspires, excites and celebrates effort and achievement. n Be an inclusive environment where the learning needs of every individual are recognised and engaged. n Offer a broad and creative curriculum of high quality that gives all our students the opportunities to take responsibility for their learning. Homework The purpose of homework is to: n Help develop the skills, confidence and motivation essential for life-long independent learning. n Consolidate skills and understanding. n Extend learning beyond the classroom, for instance through additional reading and research. n Manage demands, such as GCSE deadlines. n Develop positive and sustainable study habits and self-discipline. The Frequency and duration of homework: For each year group homework will be set in line with the homework timetable. However, some variation may occur during the course of the school year due to examinations, educational visits etc. Homework is set once a week and consists of: n Year 7 & 8: Each homework will be 20-40 minutes. n Year 9: Each homework will be 30-50 minutes. n Year 10 & 11: Each homework will be 30-60 minutes. Every student has a planner, which must be kept up-todate. We ask parents to check and sign this every week to let us know that they are aware of the work to be done. It is also important that students are able to do their homework in a quiet environment that is conducive to study. Whether used for homework or classwork, books should be well looked-after, free of graffiti and kept solely for the purpose for which they were given. Homework helps to develop a positive attitude to study and schooling and forms an important part of the student s learning experience from the outset.
Homework P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7 The role and expectations of Students is to: n Ensure they bring their planners with them to school every day. n Record ALL homework set, including deadlines, in their planners. n Organise themselves and manage their time effectively. n Take pride in their work and enjoy the learning process. n Develop as independent learners. The role and expectations of Teachers is to: n Ensure appropriate homework is set and to check it is completed by each student. n Mark and assess homework, normally within a week of completion. n Give either feedback on homework or facilitate peer and self-assessment in lessons. n Encourage students to aim higher and become increasingly independent. The role and expectations of Parents/Carers is to: n Not only support children with their homework, but also to encourage them to become more responsible and independent. n Provide an environment where young people can learn successfully at home. n Encourage the completion of homework and the meeting of deadlines. n Check their child s planner and sign it every week.
Pastoral Care At St Philip Howard the Head Teacher is assisted in the planning and delivery of effective pastoral care by an experienced team comprising the Senior Leadership Team, the individual Heads of Year, SENCO, the Form Tutors, a Pastoral Support Officer and an Inclusion/Attendance Officer. Pastoral Care The Form Tutors represent the primary point of contact at the Academy and will deal with the majority of questions or concerns that may arise. For more serious issues, the Head of Year is there to support you and your child, both in terms of their academic progress and for any significant pastoral issues that may arise. You can contact your child s Form Tutor or Head of Year by phone, email, letter or by adding a note in your child s planner. The Pastoral staff should be kept informed about illness, absence or any change in home circumstances to enable them to pinpoint any need for additional support. From time to time the school will text parents with important information and therefore mobile phone numbers should always be updated with the Academy. Each Tutor Group will be assigned to one of the Academy s four Houses ; Challenge, Courage, Determination and Endeavour; and will participate in Year Group assemblies and inter-house events within these groupings, strengthening the links with, and working with all members of the wider Academy community. Each Form will undertake a wide variety of House competitions throughout the year, and in particular inter-house competitions held on Fridays after school. Pupils can earn House Points, which not only attract personal recognition through the awarding of Credits and the like, but also contribute to each House s total points for the year. The Houses are:. Form Time Each student spends 15 minutes of every morning with their Form and Form Tutor. They engage in a variety of structured activities during this dedicated Form Time, including a daily Uniform and Equipment check which helps ensure the highest of personal standards are maintained. An act of worship also takes place during this period and student also takes part in an assembly at least once a week. There is a formal structure to form time, with activities ranging from quizzes to silent reading. It is important therefore that they come equipped with a suitable reading book. This then allows the Form Tutor to focus on the tracking and monitoring of individual students academic progress through personal meetings, supporting the work of the Head of Year. It is very important that every child is on time and present at every Form Period, as it is here that their daily attendance is officially registered and where they are given important messages and/or letters for parents or carers.
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Peer Tutoring This invaluable scheme, which was introduced by the school in 2014, continues to go from strength-tostrength. It now comprises more than sixty Peer Tutors in Years 9, 10 and 11, as well as eight peer trainers. The Academy works in close partnership with the University of the First Age (UFA) as part of its mentoring scheme. This national educational charity has provided extensive professional training, enabling St Philip Howard to deliver an excellent peer support programme. Fifteen minute sessions, hosted by the Year 9, 10 and 11 peer mentors, are currently operating on four mornings each week with two groups of Year 7 and Year 8 students. The peer tutors focus on a range of curriculum subjects, offering the students in their care closely focused one-toone guidance that enhances their knowledge in an accessible, nurturing supplementary learning environment. In order to ensure the sessions are highly responsive to specific personal needs, there is currently no set agenda for each of these meetings. Acting like big brothers and sisters, these peer tutors also offer emotional support and personal advice relating to a student s school life; often issues that a they may feel too foolish or embarrassed to discuss with an adult. This innovative net of peer support and encouragement has formed a fantastic addition to the academic and personal enrichment that St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy provides. The school has received a great deal of positive feedback from both parents, and the students themselves. P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7 Additional Pastoral Support In addition to the regular pastoral support network, the Academy also provides an on-site counsellor twice a week to help any student with worries/issues that they may be dealing with, whether inside or outside of school. St Philip Howard also has strong links with outside agencies which provide additional support to our students and their families. Our dedicated Attendance Officer tracks the attendance of the whole school on a daily basis. Where an attendance issue becomes apparent interventions are carried out to ensure the highest attendance possible for every student. These interventions may take the form of home visits, parental meetings, with more serious cases resulting in referrals to the EWO. This tight rein ensures that students are in school benefitting from the learning that will help ensure they achieve their maximum personal potential. Key Pastoral Staff Assistant Head Teacher, Pastoral Miss Dawson Head of Year 7 Mrs Urquhart Head of Year 8 Mrs Jones Head of Year 9 Mrs Hall Head of Year 10 Mr World Head of Year 11 Mrs McGill SENCO Mrs Barber Pastoral Support Officer Mrs Roberts Attendance/Inclusion Officer Mr Haynes Counsellor Mrs Conveyers
Uniform & Appearance Our Academy uniform is smart and distinctive and should be worn with pride. We expect an excellent personal appearance and behaviour to be maintained by every student at all times during the school day and on their journey too and from school. It is NOT acceptable to wear trainers, sweatshirts, tracksuit tops, hoodies or denim jackets. All items of uniform should be clean and well kept. Girls Uniform Skirts should be of reasonable length and girls trousers should be of a smart, tailored design and must be of a fit that allows blouses to be properly tucked in. Leggings and close fitting trousers are NOT acceptable. All students should wear black shoes of a plain, traditional design. Trainers may only be worn for PE. n Maroon Blazer with the school crest. n Plain white blouse and approved school tie. n Maroon V-neck jumper with the school crest. Year 11 students wear a black V-neck jumper with the school crest. n Black skirt, no more than two inches above knee line, or tailored Trousers; not jeans, cords, ski pants, bootleg trousers, leggings etc. n Sensible black shoes with no obvious logos. n Black Calf or Knee Length Socks. Boys Uniform n Maroon Blazer with the school crest. n Plain white shirt and approved school tie. n Maroon V-neck jumper with the school crest. Year 11 students wear a black V-neck jumper with the school crest. n Black Trousers; not jeans, cords, sweat pants etc. n Sensible black shoes with no obvious logos. n Black socks. PE Kit n White approved Polo Shirt with school crest. n Plain black PE shorts. n Trainers or plimsolls. n Black socks. n Optional approved sweatshirt with school crest.
G R O W T H L E A R N I N G 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7 T H R O U G H Bull Dog Fashion, 60 Surrey Street, Glossop SK13. 01457 867 090 P R O S P E C T U S P O S I T I V E Approved Uniform Supplier
Hair and Makeup All students are expected to wear their hair in a neat and acceptable style. Hair must be of one colour and natural in appearance. Hair styles, including shaved or close-cropped heads, judged to be extreme by the Head Teacher are NOT permissible. Hair fashion accessories, such as extensions and braids, are also NOT to be worn. If hair bands are worn they should be black only. Make-up, including eye shadow, coloured nail varnish, lip gloss and fake tan, is NOT permissable. False nails and other beauty accessories are also NOT acceptable. Pupils who do not conform to the St Philip Howard s uniform and appearance policy may be sanctioned in line with our behaviour policy. The Head Teacher s decision on what is, or is not appropriate hair, clothing jewellery or makeup is final. Mobile Phones We strongly advise students not to bring mobile devices, including tablets, laptops, headphones and mobile phones into the Academy. If a student chooses to bring one of these devices into the school, it must not be visible during class. We do not take any responsibility for loss of or damage to mobile devices whilst on school premises. We do recognise that some parents may wish their child to have a mobile device with them as they travel to and from school. However, all mobile devices must be switched OFF and put away whilst on the premises. If a student is seen using their mobile device whilst on the premises, it WILL be confiscated by staff and will be retained for collection by a parent or carer from the Visitors Reception. We accept no responsibility for loss or damage of these items whilst in the Academy s possession. Should you need to contact your child in an emergency, please use the main Academy number, 01457 853 611. P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7 Jewellery and Valuables The general policy is that no jewellery is to be worn. A watch and ONE small stud in each earlobe are the only items of jewellery permissible at St Philip Howard. Whilst every effort is made to protect personal property, the Academy not accept any responsibility for the loss or damage of possessions, money or valuables brought onto the school site. Substantial amounts of money or items of value; including personal audio equipment like MP3 players, IPods and electronic games or jewellery; should not be brought into the Academy. If spotted, these items WILL be confiscated by staff and will be retained for collection by a parent or carer from the Visitors Reception. We accept no responsibility for loss or damage of these items whilst in the Academy s possession. Important Insurance Notice St Philip Howard cannot accept financial responsibility for the loss or damage of any personal possessions, including equipment, bags and clothing, whilst in school. We strongly recommend that parents and carers make their own arrangements for insurance of bags, clothing, watches, mobile devices, pens, bicycles and similar items that may be brought onto the school premises. This can usually be done very easily by adding it as an extension to your home insurance. Please do not allow your child to bring anything expensive or of particular sentimental value into the Academy as the school can take no responsibility for its loss or damage. Pupils should report anything missing to staff immediately.
Rewards & Sanctions Praise and Rewards At St Philip Howard we feel it is very important to recognise and praise effort, hard work and personal success. If a student has done a particularly good piece of work or has shown great improvement in their work a official Credit is often awarded. Credits may also be awarded if a student has been a good ambassador for the Academy or has shown their care and support to others through an act of kindness. Credits Criteria: n Outstanding work. n Representing the Academy at an even. n A full week s attendance. n A good, positive contribution to class discussion. n Improvement in personal effort or attitude. n Good group work. n Excellent effort. n Assessment on target. When students reach the 50 and 100 credit milestones they are presented with a certificate during assembly by their Head of Year. Those who reach 150 Credits receive a special I m In Credit badge; a Top Credit badge marks receipt of 250 Credits. Pupils who go-on to achieve more than 250 Credits are entered into an end of year draw for a chance to win a gift voucher to spend at a shop of their choice at The Arndale Centre in Manchester. In addition to the Academy s well-proven Credit system, further rewards for students positive behaviour may include: n Verbal Praise. n Praise Postcards being posted to their home. n Credits from Head of Year. n Extra responsibility. n Invitation to Awards Events. n Year 11 students receive an invitation to the Prom. n A note added in a student s in Planner or Workbooks. n Congratulatory phone calls or letters home from staff. n The prestigious Head of Year and Assistant Head Teacher Awards. n Reward Trip(s). n Invitation to End of Term Celebration assemblies. The Academy recognises of sustained personal effort and/or achievement through the presentation of a range of awards at the Annual Presentation Evening. Here personal success is celebrated in a public forum in front of parents and carers, staff, academy governors and a prestigious guest speaker. We believe that students achieve success through constant encouragement and well deserved praise. As a parent or carer of a child who is doing their best, you will receive a number special of Praise Postcards by post throughout the year. They may be sent by any member of staff at any time just to let you know that you an be proud of how well your child is doing.
Behaviour and Discipline The Academy can only function successfully in an atmosphere of trust, mutual understanding and good order. We expect the highest standards from our students 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 St Philip Howard belongs to us all; that means to YOU, your CHILD and THE COMMUNITY; and we ask for everyone s co-operation in making it a happy and safe place. The Academy has a minimal number of core rules on discipline and behaviour. We feel that our Code of Conduct ensures the smooth running of the Academy and fosters good working relations between staff and students. If a student breaks any of these rules, then they are receive appropriate sanction. Pupils are taught that behaviour is a choice which has positive or negative consequences; good behaviour is expected and rewarded, and poor behaviour is sanctioned. All incidents of unacceptable behaviour are recorded on the Academy database. Students are representing the Academy at all times they are dressed in St Philip Howard uniform. They are therefore reminded that the Rewards and Sanction policy applies BEFORE, DURING and AFTER Academy hours whilst they are in uniform. The Code of Conduct The Code of Conduct ensures that students have clear guidelines as to what is expected of them. If a student fails to exercise self-control or self-discipline in their conduct towards others then they are disciplined. Needless to say, we expect parents full support in all disciplinary matters. We also have high standards of behaviour and apply the same Code of Conduct whilst travelling to and from the Academy. Sanctions will apply in the same way when Academy rules are broken, whether on the bus, trains or walking to and from the Academy. Stages of Infraction n Level 1: Pupils who break Academy rules on punctuality, uniform and appearance, behaviour, or use of facilities will be dealt with either by a Subject Teacher or their Form Tutor in the first instance. n Level 2: For more serious matters, students are referred to the relevant Head of Department or their Head of Year. n Level 3: There may be occasions when behaviour is serious enough to necessitate the referral to a Senior Leader, such as a Key Stage Head, Deputy Head Teacher, or the Head Teacher herself. These incidents may result in temporary or permanent exclusion, and where a criminal act has occurred the Police may become involved. P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7
St Philip Howard s fully equipped multi-gym represents an excellent fitness training facility for students and the local community alike.
It is VITAL that your child attends school regularly and that they arrive on-time. Missing valuable lesson time may well result in them falling behind. Employers also place great emphasis on consistent attendance and good punctuality and these will be mentioned in each student s Termly Academic Review. Sanctions Parents are advised that, as part of our Code of Conduct and Behaviour Policy, the Academy has the legal authority to issue after-school detentions to students. In cases where a student is issued a detention for ten minutes or less, the Academy is not obliged to inform their parents or carers beforehand. Where an after-school detention exceeds ten minutes, the Academy will ensure that at least 24 hours notice is provided. It should be noted that under education law, the Academy is required to inform the parents or carers of a detention, but does not need to gain their permission to keep a child in detention. The Academy also operates the Emmaus Centre. This special sanction may be employed as a preventative measure to avoid imposing a fixed-term exclusion. Students who undergo this sanction will work in the Emmaus Centre for a set period of time under close supervision and their parents or carers will be notified by phone call and letter of this preventative step. Should a behaviour issue be serious enough, after careful consideration the Head Teacher may decide to issue a fixed term, or even permanent exclusion. Exclusion from the Academy is used as a last resort when other sanctions have failed, or in direct response a single, particularly serious incident. Such exclusion orders are carried out in line with Department for Education guidance. On completion of an exclusion period, a re-integration meeting will take place upon the child s return to school. This meeting will usually involve an Assistant Head Teacher and/or the Head Teacher, parents or carers are also expected to be in attendance. Occasionally an incident will result in the need to interview students, a written statement clarifying their involvement will often also be required. At such times, and in accordance with current national practice, we reserve the right to interview students WITHOUT prior parental permission, although we DO seek to inform parents at the earliest opportunity.
Absence Children of school age who are registered at a school must attend school regularly BY LAW. It is vital that your child aims for 100% attendance. Absence should be kept to an absolute minimum. If your child is ill and unable to attend, please contact the Academy by telephone as soon as possible prior to 8.45am on the day in question. When your child returns they MUST have a written and signed 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 catch up with any work they may have missed. Should your child need to be absent for a long period, the Academy must be notified so work can be provided. It is also important that they attempt to catch up on the work missed during this time. Unless the Academy has already been notified, on the first morning of absence, parents will receive a telephone call or text message from the Pastoral Support Officer requesting a reason for absence. Truancy from school or failure to provide an acceptable reason for absence will result in the Academy coding the absence as unauthorised. This in turn could lead to the issue of penalty notices. The Academy 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 Due to changes in the law, with effect from September 2013 parents and carers DO NOT have the right to take their child out of school without prior permission. Leave of absence for a family holiday is no longer allowable and is likely to result in a Penalty Notice fine. Department for Education Guidance to schools states Head Teachers should NOT grant leave of absence, unless in exceptional circumstances. Requests for leave of absence should be submitted in writing to the Head Teacher, detailing the exceptional circumstances leading to the request. The Head Teacher must be satisfied that there are genuine exceptional circumstances which warrant the time away before she will agree to a leave of absence. It should be noted that cheaper term-time holiday deals and parents or carers own work-related holiday patterns are NOT acceptable as exceptional circumstances. A leave of absence is granted entirely at the Head Teacher s discretion. Where it is given, Mrs Morris will determine the maximum number of days a student can be away from school. P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7 Fundamentals: n Mobile devices must not be seen or heard at ANY time during the school day. n Smoking is prohibited, as are all smoking-related products. n High caffeine energy drinks are banned, fizzy drinks with high levels of sugar are also discouraged. n Chewing gum is banned. n Bullying in any form will not be tolerated at the Academy and will result in swift sanctions.
Lateness Your child is expected to be in their Form Room at 8.45am every morning. Arrival after 9.00am means your child is considered late and they will have to sign-in at the Student Entrance. They will also be required to sign the Late Book and explain to the Pastoral Support Officer the reason for that lateness.two occasions of lateness, or more in a single week will result in an after-school Pastoral Detention of 30 minutes. Students attendance and punctuality is tracked by the Attendance Officer and the Pastoral Support Officer on a weekly basis. Repeated late arrival at school or lessons will be responded to in line with the Behaviour Policy and will involve the Form Tutor, Heads of Year and Senior Learning Team as necessary. P O S I T I V E G R O W T H T H R O U G H L E A R N I N G P R O S P E C T U S 2 0 1 6-2 0 1 7 Medical Appointments Lessons missed can impact appreciably on progress and continuity of learning. Medical and dental appointments should not be made during school hours unless absolutely necessary. Where a school time appointment is unavoidable, they are not normally expected to necessitate a full day s absence. If your child DOES need to leave the Academy during the school day, they should bring a note from you clearly specifying the reason for, and expected period of, the absence to show their Form Tutor well in advance. They should sign out at the specified time at the Student Reception with their note, and then sign back in as soon as possible. Home Contact Details It is essential that St Philip Howard is able to contact the parents or carers of every student at ALL times. Please ensure that all home contact details you provide are correct AND up-to-date and that you also provide work and mobile contact numbers and email addresses for emergencies. Pupils are in effect a Health and Safety Risk if we are unable to contact parents or carers if a child is unwell or injured, or should the Academy have to close due to bad weather or some kind of incident or emergency.
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF NOTTINGHAM ST. PHILIP HOWARD CATHOLIC VOLUNTARY ACADEMY Sunlaws Street. Glossop. Derbyshire. SK13 8DR. info@sph.academy. Headteacher: Mrs L Morris BA HONS 01457 853 611 www.sph.academy St. Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy is part of St. Philip Howard Catholic Academy Trust, a Company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales. No. 09686896. The information contained in this document is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change without prior notification. 2015 St. Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy. Designed and produced by CarneWhitney.com 01228 596 895.