McLaren High School
Prospectus
2015/16
McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Stirling Council
Children, Young People and Education
Director’s Foreword
Education is key to every child’s future and enables us to create a fairer and more inclusive society,
to promote economic success and to secure positive life chances for all.
The Education Service wants all children and young people growing up in Stirling to be safe and
happy, to enjoy good health, to be listened to and respected, to engage in a wider range of active
learning opportunities and to achieve positive outcomes.
The Education Service will realise this ambition by putting children and young people first, by
promoting inclusion and by delivering a high quality service.
We are committed to raising standards of achievement and attainment within a context of lifelong
learning. To do this requires effective teaching and learning in order to meet learners’ needs and to
tackle the barriers which may prevent success. This commitment is outlined in the Stirling and
Clackmannanshire Education Service Strategic Plan 2014-2017,
http://www.stirling.gov.uk/educationstrategicplan
The Education Service attaches great importance to life long learning, giving children the best
possible start in life and supporting children as they progress from nursery to school and beyond.
The needs of our children and young people will be best met by working effectively together with
parents, partners and public services.
We place a very high value on raising children’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Giving them
experiences of success is critically important. This is fully consistent with Curriculum for Excellence
through which we aim to support children and young people to develop as confident individuals,
effective contributors, successful learners and responsible citizens.
We want parents to be involved in their children’s learning. The Parental Involvement Act aims to
strengthen parental involvement in education and to provide a flexible system for parental
engagement and representation.
Our key priority is to help all people in Stirling to succeed, especially our children and young people.
We will work tirelessly to support learners, their families, staff and our wider communities to adopt
high ambition and a “can do” attitude in order to realise this.
David Leng
Director of Children, Young People and Education
Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils
November 2014
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Contents
Page
Belonging to McLaren
4
Our School Aims
5
Senior Management Team
6
Staffing Structure
8
Curriculum for Excellence
10
Personal, Social and Health Education
14
Pupil Support
15
Working with our Associated Primary Schools
16
Parental Involvement
17
Communication with Parents
18
Community Links
19
Promoting a Positive Ethos
20
Citizenship
22
School Uniform
23
Attendance
25
Homework
26
Assessment of Progress
27
School Activities
28
Improvement Planning
29
Useful Information for Parents
30
School Dates
42
The McLaren High School and the Clan MacLaren
43
myStirling
44
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Belonging to McLaren
Dear Parent
A very warm welcome to McLaren High School. Our School has been in existence since 1892 and
has a successful history of providing a quality education based on a clear sense of purpose.
Our aims and values - Order, Respect, Care and Achievement - are agreed, understood and
accepted by our whole school community. ORCA is a powerful conceptual, verbal and visual symbol
within the school. It is a key part of what we do and how we do things, and provides a strong
foundation for learning and teaching.
The many former pupils who visit us speak of the sense of belonging they still feel towards the
School. We consciously strive to promote this ethos of community and hope that all will look back
on their time at McLaren High with affection and pride.
The School is situated on the southern edge of Callander and is the only secondary school in the
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The stunning grandeur of Ben Ledi stands above the
open farmland along the River Teith. Following a major programme of new build and refurbishment,
pupils and staff are benefiting from excellent facilities for learning and teaching.
McLaren High School is a non-denominational school with a current roll of 592 pupils. Pupils from
the twelve primary schools in our “cluster” transfer to McLaren High School and they are joined by a
number of pupils whose parents have made a placing request. McLaren High School has highly
professional teaching and support staff, with high expectations for our pupils. We are committed to
working with parents to support and challenge our pupils to succeed in learning and to develop as
confident young citizens.
The Good Schools Guide reviewed McLaren High School and described us as:
“A much admired school. In its idyllic situation, a close knit community in heart of romantic landscape, the ‘very
positive ethos of the school based on its core values and high quality relationships between staff and pupils'
(2007 HMI) seems hardly surprising. It is, however, a well-organized and self-critical school as well as warmhearted, doing a sound job for a very diverse population.”
www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk
Stirling Council Education Service published a School Review of McLaren High School in June 2011.
The key strengths were identified as:
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Young people are confident, courteous and well behaved. They are excellent ambassadors
for the school.
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Values and Ethos. The school has a very strong ethos. Relationships across the school are
positive, based on shared vision and respect.
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Pastoral Support. The quality of Pastoral support provided by Pupil Support Leaders is very
strong.
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Personal Achievement. The school initiates and makes very effective use of partnerships
to provide a range of opportunities for personal achievement. The school provides residential
opportunities for young people in S1 and S4.
We look forward to welcoming your daughter/son to McLaren High School.
Marc Fleming
Headteacher
November 2014
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Our School Aims
Order Respect Care Achievement
Order
We aim to provide a safe and orderly work environment for pupils and staff.
We aim to ensure that members of our school community feel happy, healthy and secure as a
result of the clear and responsible way in which our school works on a day to day basis.
Respect
We aim to show respect for ourselves, for others in our community and for the environment we
share.
We aim to value and include each individual within a positive school ethos.
We aim to build partnerships of mutual respect between pupils, parents, staff and the
wider community.
Care
We aim to care for each other and to care about our work with each other.
We aim to set high standards for ourselves and for our school.
Achievement
We aim to recognise and value the diverse achievements of our pupils and our staff.
We aim to ensure that improvement of academic achievement is a constant feature of our work.
We aim to develop in our young people, the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for learning
for work, and for life.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Senior Management Team (SMT)
Headteacher: Mr M Fleming
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Overall responsibility for strategic planning and School policy
Curriculum for Excellence
School Improvement Planning and Quality Assurance
Standards and Quality Report
Staff recruitment, deployment and development
Management of School finances and resources
Liaison with Stirling Council Education Management Team
Adviser to Parent Council
Communication with parents
Community partnership
Outdoor Learning including Health and Safety
Monitoring and supporting the work of the School Resource Officer and support teams
Depute Headteacher: Mr J Anderson
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SQA management
School transport
Professional Review and Development
Continuing Professional Development
Health and Safety
Students and probationer teachers
Organisation of prelim examinations
S3/S4 Stage Head
Enterprise activities and work experience
Senior Awards Ceremony
Liaison with McLaren Leisure Centre and Callander Youth Project
Monitoring and supporting the work of link curriculum areas – Science & Technology and Creative
& Aesthetic
Acting Depute Headteacher: Dr H Gorman
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School timetable – planning, maintenance and management
SQA results analysis
ICT management and development
SEEMIS management
S5/S6 Stage Head
Reporting to parents
Management of subject choice procedures
Whole School target setting and monitoring of pupil progress
Monitoring and supporting the work of link curriculum areas – Numeracy & ICT and Humanities
Monitoring and supporting the work of the Learning Resource Centre
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Depute Headteacher: Ms E Paul
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Pupil Support
Additional Support Needs
Active Learning
Primary cluster liaison and P7 transition arrangements
PSHE
Health and Wellbeing
Child Protection
Student Council
Links with support agencies
S1/S2 Stage Head
Junior Awards Ceremony
Monitoring and supporting the work of link curriculum area – Literacy & Communication
Monitoring and supporting the work of the Pupil Support team
PTA liaison
School Resource Officer: Ms M McLaren
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Supporting the Senior Management Team in managing devolved school resources
Managing designated support staff
Co-ordinating human resource management issues
Providing advice on the strategic management of finance
Organising administrative systems and procedures including SQA and examination arrangements
Arranging class cover
Accommodation
Monitoring the Facilities Management contract
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Staffing Structure (January 2015)
Senior Management
Mr M Fleming
Headteacher
Ms E Paul
Depute Headteacher
Mr J Anderson
Depute Headteacher
Dr H Gorman
Acting Depute Headteacher
Creative and Aesthetic Faculty – Ms A Montgomery – Curriculum Leader
Art & Design
Music
Home Economics
Physical Education
Mrs A Green**
Ms S NicCanna
Mr W Hall**
Miss L McKell
Mrs A McLachlan
Ms L Nicoll
Mrs S Dunn
Ms A Montgomery
Mr A Robertson
Mr S Younger
Literacy and Communication Faculty – Ms M Newlands – Curriculum Leader
English
Miss M Bone #
Miss R Congiu #
Miss L Cunningham
Mrs G Marshall
Modern Languages
Ms M Newlands
Mrs K Whyte*
Mr H Ashworth*
Mr A Brown
Mrs S Chalmers*
Science and Technology Faculty – Mrs E Glass – Acting Curriculum Leader
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Technical Education
Mr J Anderson
Mrs E Glass
Dr H Gorman
Ms C Piggott #
Ms L Rolfe
Mr C Clark
Mrs C Cleary
Ms C Anderson
Mr R Carrol
Miss E Grant #
Mr R Johnson
Mr A Wallace**
Humanities Faculty – Mr S Wyroslawski – Curriculum Leader
Geography
History/Modern Studies
Religious & Moral Education
Mrs L Drysdale
Miss K MacKenzie #
Mr N Williamson
Ms N Honeyford*
Miss L McCormick
Miss E-J McMenemy
Mr S Allan
Mrs C Patterson*
Mrs M Spriggs
Mr S Wyroslawski
Numeracy and ICT Faculty – Mrs L Ledger/Mr M Macmillan – Curriculum Leaders
Mathematics
Mr L Gibbs
Mrs L Hall
Mrs J Hamilton
* Pupil Support Leader
ICT
Mrs L Ledger
Dr C Pritchard**
Mr R Smith #
Miss J Wood
** Continuing Principal Teacher
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Ms S Allan
Mr M Macmillan
Miss L Melvin
Ms E Paul
# Probationer
McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Additional Support Needs
Teacher of Additional
Support Needs
Pupil Support
Worker
Inclusion Support
Worker
Support for Learning
Assistants (Classroom)
Ms C Wiedmann
Mrs L Hammond
Mrs Y Lawson
Mrs L Adams
Mrs I Allan
Mrs E Black
Mrs P Blackburn
Mrs L Boyle
Mrs L Norris
Mrs J Steadman
Support Staff
School Resource Officer – Ms M McLaren
Admin Support Staff
Mrs J Burnett
Mrs S Gibson
Ms Y King
Mrs S MacDonald
Mrs J McCowan
Support for Learning
Technicians
Assistants (Office)
Learning Resource
Centre Co-ordinator
Mrs M Douglas
Mrs D Drake
Ms L Robertson
Mrs K Vernon
Miss L Edwards
Mr D Milne
Mrs S Michael
Mr U Stojanovic
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)
The diagram below shows what we are aiming to deliver through our curriculum and how
we seek to achieve this. Our Curriculum for Excellence is underpinned by our ORCA values
and by our commitment to our vision of an inclusive learning community.
In order to provide a totality of experience for all learners through the:
Ethos and life of the
school
Curriculum areas and
subjects
Interdisciplinary
learning
Opportunities for
personal achievement
Our curriculum will provide the following for all learners:
Well-planned
experiences
& outcomes
A broad
general
education
S1-S3
A senior phase
with study for
qualifications
Personal
choice
Progression
Challenge and
enjoyment
through a set of learning experiences based on:
Expressive
Arts
Health and
wellbeing
Languages
Maths
Religious
and moral
education
Sciences
Social
studies
Technologies
which develop skills for learning, life, and work:
Literacy
Numeracy
Health and
wellbeing
Confidence and
resilience
ICT
and support learners through active approaches which promote:
Quality learning
and teaching
High
expectations
Planning for
individual needs
Timely and
useful feedback
Recognition of
achievement
working in partnership with:
Staff
Pupils
Parents
Other agencies
and
organisations
The wider
community
So that all learners can be:
Successful
learners
Effective
contributors
Responsible
citizens
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Confident
individuals
McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Curriculum for Excellence has been introduced across Scotland for all 3-18 year olds – wherever
they learn. It aims to raise standards, prepare our young people for a future they do not yet know
and equip them for jobs in a fast changing world.
Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together across
the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together.
Teachers will share information to plan a young person’s ‘learning journey’ from primary to secondary
and beyond, ensuring the change is smooth. They will ensure young people continue to work at a
pace they can cope with and with challenge they can thrive on.
Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills.
Every young person will experience a broad general education from S1 to S3.
Every teacher is responsible for literacy and numeracy – the language and numbers skills that are
vital to everyday life. There is also a new emphasis by all staff on looking after our young people's
health and wellbeing.
CfE is helping to develop skills for learning, life and work to help young people go on to further study,
secure jobs and prepare for life after school. It is making learning more relevant and helping young
people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom. It will link knowledge in one subject area to
another, helping young people understand the world and make connections. It aims to develop skills
so that young people can think for themselves, make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find
solutions.
Our Curriculum
At McLaren High School we have fully embraced Curriculum for Excellence with a diverse,
personalised Broad General Education (S1‐3) followed by a rich, challenging Senior Phase (S4‐6).
The information on the following pages summarises our curriculum as learners move through each
stage but we would welcome contact from any parent who wishes to discuss further the personal
options available to their child.
First to Third Year – "A Broad General Education"
During First, Second and Third Year, pupils' learning experiences are drawn from all eight areas of
Curriculum for Excellence and pupils study a common course of:
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Expressive Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
 Health & Wellbeing
 Religious & Moral
 Technologies
 Languages
 Sciences
In addition, during First Year, our pupils enjoy the interdisciplinary learning S1 Challenge.
There is progressive challenge and rigorous formative and summative assessment as pupils move
through S1‐S2 and into S3, with increased subject specialist input as they prepare for the Nationals.
Pupils can expect to develop core skills and depth of knowledge that is increasingly taught in real
contexts and with an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and transferrable skills. Literacy,
Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing remain key over‐arching areas and pupils will all achieve a
National level in Literacy and Numeracy by the end of S4.
The range of subjects available during third year helps to ensure that our pupils will continue to follow
a broad general education but with a degree of choice so that they can start to focus on subjects for
which they have more interest, or which will support particular career intentions.
S3 pupils have the opportunity to attend a residential course at the Outward Bound centre at Loch
Eil, near Fort William. The course offers pupils different challenges to stimulate their learning and
development. Through a variety of exciting activities, pupils develop their self-confidence,
communication skills and teamwork abilities as well as increase their awareness of personal
responsibility and the skills necessary for personal goal setting.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
The Senior Phase (S4)
S4 remains the first stage where pupils will sit key SQA examinations and attempt to achieve core
qualifications. Pupils will have the opportunity to gain certification in up to 7 Nationals (largely from
levels 3‐5), with all qualifications up to National 4 internally assessed and all qualifications at National
5 including a final examination. Pupils will have a full choice on what they study, with English and
Mathematics being compulsory, plus five additional subjects. This allows for continued breadth or
real focus (for example, on Numeracy, Science and Technology subjects).
In S4, pupils choose the courses they wish to study for qualifications.
In making course choices, pupils are encouraged to check carefully the entry requirements of any
career they may be interested in. It is wise to check the entry requirements at this stage as it can
be hard to fix this in S5/S6.
The subjects on offer during fourth year are:
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Administration & IT
Art & Design
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Computing Science
Hospitality
Modern Studies
Music
PE
Physical Education (Aesthetics)
Design & Manufacture
English
French
Geography
Graphic Communication
History
Physics
RME
Rural Skills
Spanish
Physical Education (Games)
Pupil subject choices along with their involvement in the wider life of the school and their own
community should provide a wide range of experiences. This breadth of choice is important in
helping pupils to have an understanding of the world around them and also in letting them fully enjoy
life.
The Senior Phase (S5 & S6)
In S5 and S6 pupils will progress onto the next level of National study or onto Higher and Advanced
Higher courses that have been specially revised in light of Curriculum for Excellence. Pupils can
study up to five subjects per year, with increased vocational and college options to support transition
beyond school.
This means that pupils will need to drop some subjects from S4. For some students this is an easy
choice, for others it can be much harder. Pupils are encouraged to think carefully about their future
career aspirations when making subject choices.
The curriculum for S6 students is more flexible and reflects the additional responsibility given to S6
pupils. Students may select one private study period and/or community volunteering. It would
normally be expected that S6 pupils will study four subjects.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Subjects available in fifth and sixth year are:
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Administration
Art & Design
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Computing
English
French
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Geography
Graphic Communication
History
Human Biology
Maths
Media Studies
Modern Studies
Music
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PE
Philosophy
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Product Design
Psychology
RMPS
Spanish
Advice and Information
Pupils and parents are given advice and information from the school in a variety of ways to help with
subject choices, including:
1. Course Choice Handbooks – comprehensive guides providing information on all of the subjects
available to pupils
2. Subject Teachers – can provide information about their subject and give pupils some idea of how
well they are likely to do in it
3. Pupil Support Leaders – can provide advice to pupils on the suitability of their choice and will try
to make sure pupils choose a course of study that is well balanced and within their capabilities.
They will also check that the course will give pupils the qualifications necessary to pursue a
particular career or job
4. PSHE Classes
5. Careers Library – there is a great deal of information available in the Careers section of the
Library and pupils are very welcome to refer to this
6. Careers Advisor – appointments are available with the School’s Careers Advisor
7. Websites, including:
http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/content/useful-websites-for-parents
http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/section/information-for-me
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Personal, Social and Health Education
The Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme aims to develop pupils to become
effective contributors, responsible citizens, successful learners and confident individuals.
Following discussions with staff and pupils the PSHE Programme has been developed to take
account of many of the key principles of promoting Health & Wellbeing with a particular focus on
developing the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes which pupils need
for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future.
It is hoped that through a weekly period of PSHE in S1-3 and through a Conference model in S4-6
that the young people of McLaren High School will be better able to:
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make informed decisions in order to improve their mental, emotional, social and physical
wellbeing
experience challenge and enjoyment
experience positive aspects of healthy living and activity for themselves
apply their mental, emotional, social and physical skills to pursue a healthy lifestyle
make a successful move to the next stage of education or work
establish a pattern of health and wellbeing which will be sustained into adult life, and which will
help to promote the health and wellbeing of the next generation of Scottish children
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Pupil Support
Pupil Support exists in McLaren High School to deliver quality support to all pupils according to their
individual needs. The Pupil Support Team works to support the school aims and values of ORCA
(Order, Respect, Care, Achievement) and to contribute to the School’s positive and welcoming ethos
in which all children and young people are valued and encouraged to be effective learners, confident
individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to their school and community.
Each year group is allocated a Pupil Support Leader. For pupils entering S1 in August 2015 the
Pupil Support Leader is Mrs Karen Whyte.
Additional Support Needs
All children and young people need support to help them learn. The main sources of such support
are the staff who, through their normal practice, are able to meet a diverse range of needs. All pupils,
though, may require additional support, long or short term, in order to help them make the most of
their school education. Such additional support may include:
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a particular approach to teaching and learning
the deployment of personnel from within the school and education authority, as well as from
other agencies
provision of particular resources
Paired Reading
Paired Reading is available for pupils in S1/S2 with support provided by S5/S6 pupils.
The Fun Time Club
The Pupil Support Team, supported by McMentors, provide extra support to pupils early in the
morning (from 8.45 am), during intervals and over lunch times. This support is available to any pupil
who would like to be involved.
Staged Intervention Process
Pupils requiring additional support are registered in Stirling Council’s Staged Intervention Process.
Some pupils are identified at the P7 stage and supported throughout the transition to High School.
Other pupils may be identified as requiring additional support through routine monitoring processes
in High School. However their needs have been identified, the Pupil Support Team play an important
role in monitoring the progress of these pupils to ensure they receive quality support and achieve
success. Pupils and their parents/carers are involved in a well structured review process which aims
to deliver a co-ordinated support package. Each pupil will have an identified Key Worker (Teacher
of Additional Support Needs or Pupil Support Leader) who will link with the home in all matters, liaise
with subject colleagues and collaborate with other professionals as appropriate. In this way,
partnership between home and school is strengthened and collaborative working is developed as
necessary in the interests of individual children and young people.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Working with our Associated Primary Schools
We work closely with the Headteachers and staff of our twelve associated primary schools to
ensure a smooth transition from P7 to S1.
The programme for the current session includes the following:
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MHS staff visits to all primary schools
Common curricular experience
Induction Day
P7 Parents’ Evening
Active Primary Schools Day
Ceilidh
Our Associated Primary Schools are:
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Aberfoyle Primary School
Callander Primary School
Crianlarich Primary School
Deanston Primary School
Doune Primary School
Gartmore Primary School
Killin Primary School
Kincardine-in-Menteith Primary School
Port of Menteith Primary School
Strathyre Primary School
Thornhill Primary School
Trossachs Primary School
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Parental Involvement
McLaren High School enjoys a high level of support from parents.
The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement Act) 2006 encourages and supports parents and carers
to become involved in their child’s education.
Parents and carers have a vital role to play in their children’s learning and have a responsibility to
support their school and their children’s education.
The Act outlines three areas where parents should be supported and encouraged to be more
involved in their child’s learning:
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At home – providing information on what their children are learning at school and how this
can best be supported at home
Through school – providing opportunities to contribute to the life of the school, for example by
helping out at school events
In a more formal way – deciding what kind of parent representation the school should have
As a parent of a child attending McLaren High School, you are automatically part of the Parent Forum
for the School. The term used for Parent representation in the Act is Parent Council. This is a group
of parents who work in partnership with staff to represent the views of all the parents at the School.
Parent Council
We have a very supportive Parent Council which meets regularly in the School. Any member of the
school community is welcome to attend Parent Council meetings. Contact with the Parent Council
can be made through the Clerk to the Parent Council (via the School Office on 01877 330156).
Parent Teachers’ Association
Our PTA actively promotes the partnership of school and community. Membership is open to
parents, staff, former pupils and friends of the School. An annual programme of social and fund
raising events is organised for the benefit of the pupils and is highly valued. The PTA donates the
annual War Memorial prize.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Communication with Parents
Newsletters to parents are published regularly with information to keep parents up to date with
matters affecting their children. Every edition is e-mailed to all parents/carers who have given us an
e-mail address and paper copies are issued to pupils where we do not have an e-mail address.
We contribute weekly to the Stirling Observer which is an excellent source of up-to-date information
about school activities. We also regularly make contributions about life in McLaren High School to
local community newspapers throughout the catchment area.
Our website is updated regularly and can be accessed at www.mclarenhigh.co.uk
We have an automatic communication (text messaging) system which may be used to contact
parents/carers with up-to-date information on events in School such as emergency closure because
of adverse weather.
One of the quickest and most ecologically friendly ways of communicating with parents/carers is by
e-mail. Please advise the School if you have no e-mail access and we will ensure that paper copies
of any information issued is posted to you or handed to your son/daughter.
Student Planners are also a useful source of information for parents/carers and we ask that
parents/carers check the student planner daily if possible and read and sign the planner weekly.
Parents Evenings are scheduled annually and additional Information Evenings are arranged when
appropriate.
Parents are welcome to visit the School by contacting the School Office for an appointment. The
name of the Pupil Support Leader for each year group is given at the back of this publication.
For some pupils, exam results are better or worse than expected and they need to reconsider their
plans for S5/6. This can be a very difficult time for pupils and parents and it is important that informed
decisions are made. A drop in session is held each year for pupils and parents who need advice
following the publication of the exam results. This allows pupils and parents to discuss the options
available with their child’s Pupil Support Leader.
Parents are encouraged to provide feedback to the school regularly, for example, through the
completion of parental questionnaires. We also welcome informal feedback from parents throughout
the year.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Community Links
McLaren High School is at the heart of the local community. Many parents of the present school
population are former pupils and retain strong links with the School. Apart from this personal link,
many local organisations and services support our young people in a variety of ways:
The McLaren High School Former Pupils’ Association has members all over the world. We are
delighted to host their annual reunion in the School.
The Council of Churches in Callander (Church of Scotland, Roman Catholic Church and Scottish
Episcopal Church) supports us throughout the school session, with representatives contributing to
assemblies and end of term services.
Community Learning and Development share our learning space and provide adult education
facilities for the wider community.
The Police and Fire Services contribute to PSHE classes and provide advice and support on a whole
range of matters concerning the School.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme operates through The Callander Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Group. In the current session over 100 S3 to S6 pupils are involved in the scheme.
We are working closely with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park on a number of
areas including enterprise and the environment.
We have effective partnership agreements with Callander Youth Project, Skills Development
Scotland and Forth Valley College.
Forth Valley Health Board support our health and wellbeing initiatives.
Many local businesses support our School either financially or by providing support for functions or
activities organised by the PTA. We are grateful for their support and goodwill.
Our young people take part in a wide range of community based events.
Representatives of the local community, former pupils and teachers, friends of the School and
representatives of the charities we support, are all welcome visitors to the School. We are proud of
our present generation of young people and are delighted to arrange opportunities for visitors to
meet them.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Promoting a Positive Ethos
The starting point for learning is a positive ethos and climate of respect and trust based upon shared
values across the school community, including pupils, teachers and parents.
All of our young people in McLaren High are encouraged to:
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to display high levels of behaviour at all times
to display a high level of attitude to their work at all times
to exercise their responsibilities as members of a school community
to display a high level of respect to others and to the wider school community at all times.
We would hope that all members of staff would contribute to the positive ethos of the school
through:
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open, positive, supportive relationships where children and young people will feel that they
are listened to
promoting a climate in which children and young people feel safe and secure
modelling behaviour which promotes effective learning and wellbeing within the school
community
being sensitive and responsive to each child or young person's wellbeing.
Merits
If a pupil displays high levels of behaviour and attitude they may be rewarded with a merit. A merit
may be awarded for:
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continuous good effort and behaviour
making a continuous good contribution in class
a sustained and mature attitude to work
high standards of teamwork
a significant improvement in attitude
a significant improvement in behaviour
a sustained improvement in effort
high standard of homework
improved standards in homework
a very good performance in assessment
helpful behaviour
Secret Student
Pupils will be informed by their teacher if they are receiving a merit and throughout the year
formal notification or merits received will be delivered to pupils and parents. A positive reward system
is currently being established.
Demerits
If, however, a pupil does not display high levels of behaviour and attitude they may be issued with a
demerit. Pupils will normally be given two warnings before a demerit is issued. However, a more
serious matter of indiscipline may not warrant a warning. Pupils will be informed when a demerit
has been issued.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
A demerit may be issued for the following reasons:
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lack of effort
poor behaviour
poor attitude
not completing homework or meeting deadlines
not prepared for learning
persistent lateness
not listening to instructions
not listening to the person who is meant to be talking
not keeping unkind comments, hands or feet to themselves
not looking after materials and equipment
being disrespectful to others
incomplete uniform
other
Any demerit issued will also be accompanied by a sanction such as:
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moved within the class
temporarily removed from the learning environment
‘Good Neighboured’ to another class in the Faculty
issued with ‘A Think Sheet’
lunchtime detention
Our Code of Conduct supports Better Behaviour for Better Learning:
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arrive on time, properly prepared for learning
follow directions straightaway
keep hands, feet and unkind comments to yourself
listen to the person who is meant to be talking
take care of all equipment, materials and the school environment
McLaren High School has an Anti-Bullying Policy which is contained in Appendix 1.
We encourage the involvement of parents in promoting good behaviour both within school and in the
surrounding community.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Citizenship
Our pupils are expected to translate the values expressed in the School aims into action in the way
they interact with each other on a daily basis. Senior pupils, in particular, have a responsibility
towards other pupils and are expected to set an example to the younger members of our school
community.
Prefects are S6 pupils who agree to accept certain responsibilities including bus duty, welcoming
parents/carers to meetings, attending social events for younger pupils, and supervision of cafeteria,
corridors and home rooms during lunchtime and intervals. Prefects carry out their responsibilities in
teams which are led by the Head Boy, Head Girl and Depute Head Boy and Depute Head Girl.
The McMentors are S5 and S6 pupils who volunteer to provide advice and support to individual S1
and S2 pupils and to support all S1.
Buddies are S2 pupils who volunteer to help S1 pupils to settle into the school. Each buddy
is allocated three or four pupils to befriend.
Pupil representatives are members of the School Improvement Planning Team and Stirling Council’s
Student Forum.
The Charities Committee runs a series of very successful money raising events including non-school
uniform days, slave auctions featuring members of staff and ‘Wear Pink to School’ day. These
activities raise the profile of chosen charities as well as encouraging a sense of local and global
citizenship.
In recent years the School has also provided opportunities for the student body to take part in mock
elections to increase their awareness of political events, including Scottish Parliamentary and US
Presidential Elections.
McLaren High School also has an active Eco Group and have the Eco Schools Green Flag award.
In addition, S1 pupils complete the John Muir Award as part of their Curriculum for Excellence
Challenge.
Student Council
The role of the Student Council is very important in McLaren High School. The Council is consulted
on a range of school matters and represents pupil interests in regular meetings with the Headteacher
and Depute Headteachers. At the beginning of the year, each year group elects 2 representatives.
These representatives are expected to talk to their year group at assemblies and during registration
to find out their views and report back on the activities of the Council. All members of the Council
are expected to meet certain criteria including high standards of behaviour, dress and work rate.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
School Uniform
One of the ways in which we foster a sense of belonging to our School is by encouraging the wearing
of school uniform. We are proud of our School uniform and especially our School badge which bears
the School’s coat of arms granted by the Lord Lyon, King of Arms, in 1965. Our School uniform
demonstrates the high standards and expectations we have for all pupils.
Our parents strongly support our policy on school uniform.
We all know the tensions which can arise at home when young people pressurise their parents to
buy them expensive items of clothing to wear to school in order to keep up with or show off to their
peers. Having a partnership approach between home and school can help young people to resist
such pressures and develop their understanding of school as a place for learning and work, rather
than a place to impress friends and socialise. School uniforms are an economic and practical
solution and take away the debate about what to wear to school.
A high standard of uniform can:
 contribute to school security and personal safety;
 instil pride in McLaren High and contribute to our values;
 promote a positive and professional work ethic;
 help pupils to see this as a place of learning;
 support positive behaviour and discipline;
 encourage identity with, and support for our positive ethos;
 promote equality of opportunity and social justice;
 protect children and young people from social pressures to dress in a particular, fashionable or
expensive way;
 nurture cohesion and promote good relations between different groups of pupils; and
 foster a spirit of partnership among pupils and staff, between home and school, and across the
McLaren community.
What can parents do?
 Make sure you are aware of the benefits of wearing school uniform and discuss these with your
child.
 Stay committed to it – sometimes the road may be rocky, but it is worth showing resolve!
 Keep in contact with the school and other parents; a united approach will reinforce the
messages to young people.
 If you are contacted by us to inform you that your child has not worn the agreed uniform,
discuss it with him/her, set out your expectations and revisit the benefits.
 Praise your child for wearing the full school uniform. Tell your child how smart he/she is.
Our uniform consists of:
Girls
White School Blouse
Black Jumper or Cardigan
Black School Tie with School Badge
Black Skirt or Trousers
Black Shoes
Blazer with School Badge S1-S5
S6
As above with Senior Tie & Braided Blazer.
Boys
White School Shirt
Black Jumper or Cardigan
Black School Tie with School Badge
Black Trousers
Black Shoes
Blazer with School Badge S1-S5
S6
As above with Senior Tie & Braided Blazer.
There is an expectation that pupils will wear blazers to and from school as well as during the school
day. During very cold or wet weather pupils are, of course, able to wear an outer coat but this must
be of a material designed to keep out rain. Hoodies will no longer be allowed to be worn.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Wearing the school uniform with pride makes a great difference to the working ethos of the school.
School uniform is both practical and comfortable to wear and promotes a sense of belonging. By
wearing the uniform, all pupils make an important contribution to McLaren High School.
For PE, all pupils should bring a complete change of clothing and appropriate footwear. The PE
uniform consists of black shorts and a white t-shirt. For swimming, boys should have trunks and
girls a one-piece costume.
Parents are asked to ensure that all items of clothing have their child’s name on them. No items of
clothing which bear designer logos or football colours are allowed.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Attendance
It is important that the school and parents work together to achieve good attendance as there is a
strong link between good attendance and achievement. The school aims to encourage attendance
by creating a welcoming and supporting ethos. If there are difficulties with your child’s attendance,
the school will contact you to discuss ways of resolving this.
If your child is unable to attend school due to illness or for any other reason, we ask that parents
notify the school as early as possible in the school day.
Parents should also give careful consideration to the impact on a child’s education of taking holidays
during term time. All schools are required to record attendance and absence of pupils and report on
these figures to parents, the Council and the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government’s guidance – Included, Engaged and Involved: Attendance in Scottish
Schools, issued to all local authorities in December 2007, provides guidance on how attendance and
absence at school is recorded. This document clarifies that the majority of family holidays taken
during term time will be categorised as unauthorised absence and that schools may only authorise
a family holiday during term time under very exceptional circumstances.
Regular attendance scans are undertaken by the management team.
Persistent late coming also causes regular interruptions for some classes. It disrupts learning and
teaching not only for the latecomer but for the whole class.
At no time during the school day should a child be removed by a parent from the school without
informing the staff of the school. This includes lunchtime “disappearances”. If a child is reported
missing we will try to contact the parents or we will ask for help from their emergency contact. If we
fail to locate the child the Police will be informed. Please help us to keep your child safe. Poor
attendance falls into the Council’s Staged Intervention Framework and action will be taken to address
patterns of poor attendance.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Homework
Homework is a very important part of our work in McLaren High School. It helps pupils to achieve
their best in line with the school values of Order, Respect, Care and Achievement. Furthermore, it
allows pupils opportunities to develop the skills for life-long learning and enhances their ability to
effectively contribute to the work of their class.
At McLaren High School, homework should:
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allow pupils to develop skills and knowledge taught in class; and/or
provide extended, challenging tasks; and/or
encourage good study habits and the enjoyment of learning
Student Planners
All pupils in McLaren High School are given a Student Planner. The planner is to encourage pupils
to be organised for school and with their approach to homework. The planner helps teachers and
parents/carers to work together to support pupils.
Pupils are expected to:
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bring their homework planner every day
enter homework as instructed by class teacher (written on the day it is due)
ask parent/carer to sign homework planner every week
Class teachers will:
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give pupils enough time to note the detail of a homework task. Ideally, the instructions for
homework should be given out verbally and in writing
Form Teachers will:
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check to ensure planners are signed regularly by parent/carer and that pupils are using
planners correctly
Parents/carers are asked to:
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check that their child is taking their student planner to school every day
check the student planner daily if possible
read and sign the homework planner weekly
contact their child’s Pupil Support Leader about any concerns relating to either homework or
the use of the planner
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Assessment of Progress
Assessment is an everyday part of the learning and teaching process in the classroom. Teachers
assess what pupils say, write, do and make in learning situations and keep records of each pupil’s
progress. The range of methods of assessment includes:
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Assessment of classwork – jotters, notebooks, practical work
Oral work eg English, Modern Languages
End of unit tests
Assignments/personal study
Homework exercises
End of term/year examinations
Prelim examinations in preparation for SQA examinations
Reporting to Parents
Parents receive reports on their child’s progress in several ways:
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Written reports are issued once or twice a year depending upon the year group
One parents’ meeting per session is held for each year group
Information evenings are held about specific matters
Parents can ask for a report on their child’s progress/work rate/behaviour at any time by
contacting the appropriate member of the Pupil Support team
A Calendar of Reports will be published at the start of each session. Interim reports are brief reports
which provide an indication of how well pupils are settling in to new courses after times of transition.
The full reports provide more detail on progress achieved in each subject. Parents are encouraged
to attend the parents’ meetings in order to discuss their child’s progress fully with the class teacher.
The dates for the parents’ meetings are included in parents’ newsletters and are publicised in the
local press.
Monitoring & Tracking
Monitoring and Tracking is one of the key ways in which pupils are supported and encouraged to
achieve their personal best in an academic and wider achievement sense. All pupils are encouraged
to set personal targets, with the support of their class teacher and/or Pupil Support Leader. A
rigorous monitoring and tracking process with the focus on attainment takes place in S5/S6. Pupil
progress is reviewed by class teachers in discussion with the young people themselves at several
points during the year. Pupils are supported to achieve their best through meetings with Curriculum
Leaders, Pupil Support Leaders or their Stage Head, where practical measures are put in place to
ensure pupils attain the best possible results.
Stirling Grid for Learning
Stirling Grid for Learning, http://gfl.stirling.gov.uk/, provides links to educational and fun websites
for children, young people, parents and teachers.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
School Activities
A wide range of activities is on offer to pupils to provide them with opportunities for personal
development and involvement in the wider life of the school. Examples include:
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School Clubs, as set out below
Providing peer support in the classroom
Joining the McMentors to help younger pupils settle into school
Membership of the Student Council
Carrying out Prefect duties
Community Volunteers (S5/S6)
Sporting Activities
Lunchtime and after school sports are very much a part of life at McLaren High School. The
following activities are regularly on offer to pupils:
 Hockey
 Swimming
 Volleyball
 Football
 Badminton
 Canoeing
 Fitness
 Rugby
 Ski course
 Dry Slope Skiing
 Table Tennis
 Dance
Non-Sporting Activities
The activities set out below are also regularly on offer to pupils at lunchtime and after school:
 Debating
 Orchestra
 Choir
 Homework Club
 Philosophy
 Swing Band
 ICT Club
 Fun Time Club
 Film Club
 Brass Group
 Eco Group
 Duke of Edinburgh
 War Games
 Wind Band
 Vocal Group
 Drama
 Chess
 String Group
 Graphic Novel Club
Excursions
A range of day and residential study visits and excursions are features of the school year. Some of
these take place during Activities Week in June and include visits to France and Belgium. A weeklong Outward Bound course at Loch Eil is a very successful part of the S3 curriculum. The purpose
of these experiences is to help our pupils to become confident, responsible, effective and, above all,
successful learners. There is a particular focus on developing teamworking and problem-solving
and communication skills within a structured and safe environment. In addition, two very successful
European ski courses take place each year.
Activities Week
This traditionally takes place during the first week of June and involves a variety of educational visits
and leisure events. McLaren High has always encouraged participation in these events because of
the contribution which this important part of the curriculum makes to pupils’ social and personal
development. Contact with new people, places and situations acts as a stimulus for learning,
bringing ideas and shared experiences back to the classroom whilst at the same time helping to
develop good relationships between staff and pupils.
Our Musical and Drama Tradition
McLaren High School has a long established reputation for music performance. We have a full size
orchestra, choirs, swing band, violin ensemble, guitar ensemble, woodwind ensemble and brass
group. Pupils are given opportunities to display their talent and hard work in the School Music
Festival, the Christmas Concert, School Show and Awards Ceremonies. Tuition is available from
visiting music instructors for various musical instruments. Tuition is provided within the guidelines
set by Stirling Council.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Improvement Planning
Our vision for McLaren High is summarised in these areas:
Curriculum for Excellence – Inclusive School – Learning Community
Together our vision and values have helped identify our agreed priorities for our improvement
agenda.
 To grow and sustain an ethos of attainment and to recognise and record achievement across
the 4 capacities of CfE
 To develop our curriculum in keeping with the principles of CfE to meet the needs of all of
our pupils
 To promote active learning which motivates and involves young people
 To improve skills for learning and skills for life by developing Literacy, Numeracy and Health
& Well Being across the curriculum and in partnership working with other organisations
 To develop assessment and reporting approaches which allow pupils to demonstrate
progress in their learning
 To use self evaluation information to impact positively on classroom practice and on
outcomes for pupils
 To build leadership capacity at all levels
Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence aims to raise standards and increase ambition. We believe in
all the young people of McLaren High School and we expect and support the development of
effective programmes which lead to improved learning and teaching in every classroom.
Our planning for CfE aims to ensure that all of our pupils develop the attributes, knowledge
and skills they will need to flourish in life, learning and work. In addition to developing high
quality learning experiences, we will continue to consult with pupils and parents on the
most appropriate structures and pathways which will allow successful progress in learning. We
will support particular aptitudes and talents by providing choice and personalisation across a
Broad General Education which progresses a suitably weighted range of experiences into the Senior
Phase.
We will continue to have good learning and teaching as the main focus of our activities across all
faculties and subject teams. The further development of Teacher Learning Communities will provide
our committed staff with quality opportunities to discuss their practice, share their expertise, and
observe and support one another. We will ensure that feedback and self-evaluation are used
positively to improve what we do and that we have a shared understanding of how we can best
deliver positive outcomes across the four capacities.
School Improvement Plan Team
The School Improvement Plan Team monitors progress in achieving the targets identified in the
School Improvement Plan. Members of this team include: the Senior Management Team; teachers;
pupils; and parent representatives.
Standards and Quality Report
Each year a Standards and Quality Report is published and issued to all parents. This report is also
available on the school website. The purpose of the Standards and Quality Report is to provide a
summary of the school’s performance during the previous session. The report identifies
improvements achieved and then gives development priorities for the current session.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Useful Information
Our School day
Registration
Period 1
Period 2
Interval
Period 3
Period 4
Lunch
Period 5
Period 6
08.55 – 09.05
09.05 – 10.00
10.00 – 10.50
10.50 – 11.05
11.05 – 12.00
12.00 – 12.55
12.55 – 13.45
13.45 – 14.40
14.40 – 15.30
Absence Notification
McLaren High School has an automatic communication system which contacts parents/carers
directly if their child is marked absent at registration. This will inform you if your child is not in School
when they should be. If your child will be absent from School, please contact the School Office in
advance on 01877 330156. Parents/carers will not be contacted by the automatic system if this is
done before 9.30 am on the day of the absence.
Administration of Medicines
From time to time there may be a need for your child to receive medicine during the school day. All
prescribed medication should be brought to School by the parent/carer and given to the designated
member of staff. Any requirement to give prescribed medication must be accompanied by clear,
written, signed instruction from the parent/carer. Where there is any change to the medication then
updated instructions should be given to the School.
Child Protection
The safety of children is everyone’s responsibility. If staff have any concerns for a child or young
person’s wellbeing, they have a duty to pass on information that will help keep that child safe. All
school staff receive child protection training at the beginning of a new academic year.
Clothing Grants
Some families may be eligible for clothing grants. Application forms can be obtained from Stirling
Council, telephone 01786 233210 or downloaded from the Council website at
http://my.stirling.gov.uk/services/education-and-learning/parental-support/parental-supportbenefits-and-grants/schools-clothing-grants-and-vouchers.
Please take your completed application form, along with the documents requested, to your nearest
local office or Customer First, Port Street, Stirling or post to Stirling Council, Teith House, Kerse
Road, Stirling, FK7 7QA.
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
An Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an allowance of up to £30 per week which can be
paid to eligible young people who stay on in education after their official school leaving date. The
weekly payment is dependent on the required attendance levels being achieved.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Digital Photography/Video Consent
Using digital photography and video in education can help encourage creativity, motivate and
enthuse pupils and improve communication and team-working skills. At McLaren High School we
aim to use digital photography and digital video to support learning and to record some of the
interesting learning activities which pupils enjoy.
We take seriously our duty of care towards pupils. If images or examples of their work (including
digital video) are used on the School website and other School publications, the pupils may be
named. We ask that parents agree to their child taking part in the production of digital video or being
photographed to support learning, to record success and celebrate achievement. If you do not wish
to give your consent to this, please contact the School Office.
Equalities
Stirling Council has developed Council-wide policies for diversity, race, disability and gender
equality. In all of our educational establishments we provide an environment that follows the
principles of ‘Getting It Right For Every Child’ (GIRFEC) and ensures every child and young person
is Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Included, Active, Respected and Responsible. This includes
promoting and supporting diversity in our educational communities.
Inspection Reports
The most recent inspection report is available on the Education Scotland website at
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/
Lockers
Lockers are available for rental of £12.50 each session.
Transport
In general Stirling Council provides free transport to children who live more than two miles from their
catchment school.
Further information is available on the Stirling Council website at:
http://www.stirling.gov.uk/services/education-and-learning/schools/schools-travel-andtrips/schools-transport.
Unexpected Closures
While schools have contingency planning in place to cope with a number of circumstances,
sometimes it is necessary to close schools or amend the normal school day. e.g., storm damage,
power cut.
In the event of this happening, we have to ensure the school record of parents’ place of employment
and childcare arrangements are up to date. Please make sure we have an emergency contact
telephone number and address. We will issue an annual update form to check the accuracy of
contact details and other information held by the school.
Please make sure your child knows who to go to if you are not at home.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Inclusion
The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009 strengthens the duties placed
on Stirling Council Education to identify and meet the additional support needs of children and young
people. We continue to do this through the Staged Intervention process.
The 2009 Act clarifies the definition of additional support needs and increases the rights of parents
and young people in respect of requesting assessments, making placing requests as well as access
to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland (ASNTS). The Act also places a duty on
Stirling Council to provide access to mediation and dispute resolution services free of charge to
parents who have made a successful placing request from another Authority.
The Act now deems all Looked After Children to have additional support needs unless the education
authority determines otherwise. Stirling Council have procedures in place to assess these needs
through the Staged Intervention process, as with all children and young people who may require
additional support.
We have produced a series of leaflets for parents, carers and young people and these are available
from school and other council establishments. The series includes guides to:
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Additional Support for Learning in Stirling
CEAT – Community Early Assessment Team
Co-ordinated Support Plans (CSPs)
Enhanced Transition for Leaving School
Getting Help and Resolving Disagreements
Going to Meetings
Individualised Educational Programmes (IEPs)
Pre-school Children with Additional Support Needs
Psychological Services
Staged Intervention
More information on The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009 is provided
by Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning.
Operated by Children in Scotland, Enquire offers independent, confidential advice and information
on additional support for learning through:
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A telephone helpline – 0845 1232303
An email enquiry service – info@enquire.org.uk
Two websites - www.enquire.org.uk (for parents/carers and practitioners)
www.enquire.org.uk/yp (for children and young people)
Enquire also provide a range of clear and easy to read guides and factsheets explaining everything
from ‘additional support in the early years’ to ‘what planning should take place for moving on from
school’.
The Scottish Government have a duty to provide an advocacy service to parents and young people
following a reference being made to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland (ASNTS).
Ministers have also agreed that the advocacy service should also provide support for parents and
young people from the time they have grounds to make a reference to the ASNTS. It will be a
national service and available to parents and young people on request and free of charge.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
This service will be provided through a partnership between Barnardo’s and the Scottish Child Law
Centre. The two organisations will work together to deliver lay and legal advocacy for parents and
young people. The service will focus on non-legal representation, but where appropriate in
complex cases, legal representation will be available. For further information on this National
Advocacy service please contact the Scottish Child Law Centre:
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Telephone: 0131 6676333
E-mail: enquiries@sclc.org.uk
Web: www.sclc.org.uk
Stirling Council Education is committed to working in partnership with all parents and carers of
children and young people with additional support needs and seeking their views on all aspects of
the support provided in educational establishments. We encourage parents to contact the
school/establishment in the first instance if there are any queries or concerns, and we will always
try to resolve any difficulties as soon as possible.
Further information on how support for learning is organised in Stirling is available by contacting
either the school, or the ASN team at Teith House: telephone 01786 233179 or e-mail
additionalsupportneeds@stirling.gov.uk.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Insurance Information
1
Public Liability
Stirling Council has Public Liability Insurance in respect of claims against the Council for bodily
injury to any person or for loss or damage to any person’s property for which the Council is
legally liable. Negligence or failure to fulfil a statutory obligation on the part of the Council or
its employees resulting in injury, loss or damage must be established.
Pupils’ Property
Each session, unfortunately but inevitably, pupils’ property is lost, damaged or stolen in school.
Parents should be aware of the following points:
a) Parents’ house contents policy may give some measure of cover for personal effects of
family members.
b) It is suggested that parents may wish to consider taking out additional individual personal
cover.
c) Pupils should be encouraged not to bring valuables to school.
The general rule is that pupils bring property to school at their own risk. There may be situations
where the school accepts responsibility for pupils’ property, but otherwise the council is not
responsible if property is lost, damaged or stolen in school.
2
Personal Accident/Travel Cover – Educational Excursions
The Council has arranged insurance cover for Educational Excursions organised by the
Council.
A brief summary of the cover is as follows:
Persons Covered:
Organisers, participants, members, employees and others on
excursions or trips organised by or under the auspices of the Council.
When Covered:
While participating in any activity organised by or on behalf of the
Council beyond the limit of the school grounds.
If you require further information please contact the Council’s Insurance Team on 01786
233437.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
School Health Service
The Forth Valley NHS has a statutory obligation to provide a health service for all school-age children
in the Stirling Council area. The aim of the service is to make sure that all children are in the best
possible health to benefit from their education and to provide the education service with advice and
support about the spread of infections and the promotion of good health.
If you have any concerns with your child’s health which may affect their education, an appointment
can be arranged with your named nurse (contact details below). School staff, with parents’
permission, can request an appointment with the named nurse at any time.
The named nurse for the school may also offer health promotion sessions within the school setting
at agreed times with the school. If you wish further details about the content of any health promotion
sessions you should speak to the Headteacher.
If requested, the named nurse and the doctor from the Combined Child Health Service will see
children at their clinic who have additional support needs or who have any significant ongoing
medical or developmental conditions affecting their education. School staff and parents can contact
the named nurse if they have any health concerns regarding children which may affect their
educational needs. The nurse will then decide the best way to deal with their concerns in discussion
with the child’s Public Health Nurse.
The School Health Service can be contacted at:
Area Community Child Health Department
Stirling Royal Infirmary
Livilands
Stirling FK8 2AU
Telephone: 01786 434150
Infectious Diseases
Colds, flu and gastro-enteritis are the most common infections affecting children of school age. It is
important that you keep your child off school in the early stages of flu and while they still have
diarrhoea. It is also important that your child understands how to prevent picking up and spreading
such infections. You will be able to get further advice about good health from your named school
nurse or staff in your Health Centre or GP Practice.
For advice about early detection and treatment for other infectious diseases e.g. chickenpox and
mumps please consult your GP or Public Health Nurse.
Head Lice
Head lice are spread through head to head contact. This can happen at home, in the community, or
in school. Regular combing of your child’s hair using a head lice detection comb is the best way to
catch this possible problem at an early stage.
The only way to be sure that your child has head lice is to find a live louse. If you find live lice, you
need to get the correct lotion from your doctor, health visitor or pharmacist. The instructions need
to be followed carefully. If this is not done then re-infection is likely.
If lice are found, all family members and close friends of your child should be checked. Treatment
should only happen if live lice are found. You should advise others of this possible problem in the
same way as you would tell family and friends about other infections which might affect them.
Further advice can be obtained from the Health Board. A head lice leaflet is available in all schools
and health centres.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
School Meals
Lunches are provided every day for children and young people in all schools. All food and drink
provided meets national requirements for nutritional standards as well as guidance aimed at
encouraging uptake and removing the stigma attached to free school meals.
Meals are provided by the Council’s catering service and menus are changed regularly. All recipes
are analysed to make sure that they provide a healthy and well-balanced meal. The catering service
tries to suit the majority of tastes by offering choices which include a daily vegetarian option as well
as a range of packed lunches. Children having packed lunches are supervised. We encourage
parents to ensure home packed lunches are healthy and do not contain fizzy drinks, sweets and
nuts.
Pupils and their parents have opportunities to provide feedback and have a say about the content of
future menus and the catering service is committed to introducing new products and to promoting
healthy food choices.
Stirling Council achieved the Silver Food for Life Catering Mark in March 2014. This guarantees that
all menus are prepared using non GM ingredients, are 75% freshly prepared, use only free range
eggs, avoid additives and Trans fats with meat and poultry sourced in a way that ensures animal
welfare is taken care of. All milk provided to the children to drink or within their meals is organic.
More information about the standard can be found at http://www.sacert.org/catering.
Menus
and
current
prices
can
be
viewed
on
the
Council’s
http://www.stirling.gov.uk/services/education-and-learning/schools/schools-generalinformation/schools-catering.
website
at
Special diets can be catered for and parents should contact the school to discuss any special dietary
requirements.
Some families may be eligible for free school meals. An application form can be printed from the
Council’s website,
http://www.stirling.gov.uk/services/education-and-learning/parental-support/parental-supportschools-and-education/free-school-meals.
This form should be completed and returned to Customer First, Port Street, Stirling or post to Stirling
Council, Teith House, Kerse Road, Stirling FK7 7QA. The service understands that parents’
circumstances can change throughout the year and, if this happens, forms can be sent in at the
appropriate time.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Transferring Educational Data about Pupils
Education authorities and the Scottish Government Education Department have collected data about
pupils on paper forms for many years. We are now working together to transfer data electronically
through the ScotXed programme.
What pupil data will be collected and transferred?
Data on each pupil is collected by local authorities. The data collected and transferred covers areas
such as date of birth, postcode, registration for free-school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by
his/her local authority, additional support needs, disability, attendance, absence and exclusions from
school. Pupil names and addresses are collected by their school and education authority but they
are not passed to the Scottish Government. Your postcode is the only part of your address that is
transferred. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can or would be published
by the Scottish Government. It is used for statistical and research purposes only.
Providing national identity and ethnic background data is entirely voluntary. You can choose the ‘not
disclosed’ option if you do not want to provide this data. However, we hope that the explanations
contained in this message and on our website will help you understand the importance of providing
the data.
Why do we need your data?
In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, the Scottish
Government and education authorities need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils. We are
keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better exam results.
Accurate and up-to-date data allows the Scottish Government, education authorities and schools to:




plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils,
plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils,
better understand some of the factors that influence pupil attainment and achievement,
target resources better.
Your data protection rights
The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the Data
Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements
and other legislation related to safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act
gives you the right to know how we will use your data. This message can give only a brief description
of how we use data. Fuller details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website.
The Scottish Government will not publish or release any information that allows an individual pupil
to be identified.
Data will not be used to take any actions in respect of any individual pupils. Data will only be shared
with bona fide partners, such as HM Inspectorate of Education and the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Any sharing will be done under conditions of strict control and with the prior agreement of
the Data Controller.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Concerns
If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email ScotXed at
scotXed@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or write to The ScotXed Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith
EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support
Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print. Please allow up to 10 days for requests
to be processed.
Want more information?
Further details about ScotXed data exchanges are available on the ScotXed website,
www.scotxed.net. The website also contains answers to commonly asked questions about ScotXed.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Complaints
You can complain in person, by phone, email or by letter. We regard a complaint as any expression
of dissatisfaction about our action or lack of action, or about the standard of service provided by us
or on our behalf.
Who can complain?
Anyone can complain who is the parent or legal guardian of a child or a person authorised to
complain on his/her behalf. For example, a child’s grandparent who is not the legal guardian needs
authority from the child’s parent or guardian. This would normally mean a note to show that the
person responsible for the child had agreed.
What can’t I complain about?
Here are some things we can’t deal with through our complaints procedure:
 a routine first time request for a service or action – e.g. informing the school that your child told
you
she is being bullied and asking them to resolve this.
 requests for compensation from the Council.
 things that are covered by a right of appeal, e.g. exclusion from school which has its own
statutory process. In these cases we will give you information and advice to help you.
You have 6 months to make a complaint after the event that you want to complain about takes
place. If you first learn of the issue about which you want to complain after this point, you have a
further 6 months to complain. In exceptional circumstances the Service may investigate matters
more than a year old, but it is not obliged to do so.
We have a 2 stage complaints procedure.
Stage One - Frontline resolution
In the first instance please complain to your child’s school or nursery, telling them as much as you
can about the complaint, what has gone wrong and what you want them to do to resolve the matter.
A senior member of staff, either the Headteacher or Depute Head, will be responsible for looking into
complaints. Heads are senior managers with a high level of responsibility for your child’s learning
and welfare and able to look into most matters. However, the Headteacher may refer the Stage One
complaint to Education Services centrally, e.g. if it is about the conduct of the Headteacher or too
complex to be dealt with at front-line service level.
The school or nursery will give you our decision at Stage One within 5 working days or fewer unless
there are exceptional circumstances. If we need further time we will ask you to agree an extension
of up to 5 further days. If the Stage One complaint has been referred to Education centrally your
response will come from there.
Stage Two – Investigation
If you are dissatisfied with your Stage One response you can move to Stage Two. Stage Two deals
with 2 types of complaints: those not resolved at Stage One and those not appropriate for Stage
One, for example the conduct of a Headteacher or too complex for a Headteacher to deal with.
To move to Stage Two, you should contact the Director of Children, Young People and Education
and ask for a formal investigation under Stage Two.
You can do this by e-mail
(lengd@stirling.gov.uk), phone (01786 442680), letter (Stirling Council Education, Teith House,
Stirling FK7 7QA) or in person. Or you can ask the Headteacher of the school or nursery to move
the complaint to Stage Two on your behalf.
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
When using Stage Two:




We will acknowledge your complaint within 3 workings days.
You will be contacted by the Investigating Officer for your complaint, who will usually meet you
to confirm: the detail of your complaint, what you want to achieve, and if your expectations are
achievable. In some cases, e.g. your complaint has been made in writing and is clear, there may
be no need to meet. It is helpful if you present any evidence that you can offer in support of your
complaint, e.g. contact details for witnesses, reports from other professionals etc. if appropriate.
We will write to you confirming the details of your complaint, what you want to achieve, and what
the investigation can cover.
We will give you a full, written response to the complaint as soon as possible and within 20
working days. If our investigation takes longer than 20 working days we will agree revised time
limits with you and keep you updated on progress.
After we have fully investigated your Stage Two complaint, if you are still dissatisfied with our
decision or the way we dealt with your complaint you can ask the Scottish Public Services
Ombudsman (SPSO) to look at it.
The SPSO cannot normally look at:


a complaint that has not completed our complaints procedure
events that happened or you became aware of, more than a year ago.
40
McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
McLaren High School SQA Results
National Priority Performance Indicators - Year Group - Accumulate Diet(s)
5+ SCQF Level
3 or Better
Diet 2014
Diet 2013
Diet 2012
5+ SCQF
Level 4 or
Better
5+ SCQF Level 5 or
Better
1+ SCQF
Level 6 or
Better
3+ SCQF
Level 6 or
Better
5+ SCQF
Level 6 or
Better
1+ SCQF
Level 7 or
Better
Stage 4
120
93.75%
115
89.84%
67
52.34%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
Stage 5
106
97.25%
99
90.83%
71
65.14%
67
61.47%
39
35.78%
19
17.43%
0
0.00%
Stage 6
124
101.64%
120
98.36%
87
71.31%
92
75.41%
74
60.66%
55
45.08%
31
25.41%
Stage 4
105
96.33%
96
88.07%
54
49.54%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
Stage 5
123
100.82%
119
97.54%
83
68.03%
85
69.67%
62
50.82%
28
22.95%
0
0.00%
Stage 6
109
93.97%
103
88.79%
77
66.38%
79
68.10%
56
48.28%
36
31.03%
23
19.83%
Stage 4
122
100.00%
116
95.08%
68
55.74%
4
3.28%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
0
0.00%
Stage 5
111
95.69%
103
88.79%
74
63.79%
73
62.93%
43
37.07%
17
14.66%
0
0.00%
Stage 6
116
99.15%
106
90.60%
80
68.38%
85
72.65%
58
49.57%
38
32.48%
23
19.66%
41
2015-2016 School Dates
Autumn Term
Starts
Monday 17 August 2015
Tuesday 18 August 2015
Staff Development Day
Ends
October Holiday
Friday 9 October 2015
Starts
Ends
Winter Term
Monday 12 October 2015
Friday 16 October 2015
Starts
Monday 19 October 2015
Thursday 26 November 2015
Friday 27 November 2015
Staff Development Day
Staff Development Day
Ends
Christmas Holiday
Tuesday 22 December 2015
Starts
Ends
Spring Term
Wed. 23 December 2015
Wednesday 6 January 2016
Starts
Thursday 7 January 2016
Monday 8 February 2016
Tuesday 9 February 2016
Wednesday 10 February 2016
Thursday 11 February 2016
Friday 12 February 2016
Staff Development Day
Staff Development Day
Local Holiday
Local Holiday
Local Holiday
Friday 25 March 2016
Monday 28 March 2016
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Ends
Spring Holiday
Friday 1 April 2016
Starts
Ends
Monday 4 April 2016
Friday 15 April 2016
Teachers Return
Pupils Return
Summer Term
Starts
Monday 18 April 2016
Monday 2 May 2016
Local Holiday
Ends
Summer Holiday
Tuesday 28 June 2016
Starts
Ends
Wednesday 29 June 2016
Monday 15 August 2016*
Tuesday 16 August 2016*
* Provisional
42
Teachers Return
Pupils Return
McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
The McLaren High School and the Clan MacLaren
Our School’s original benefactor and founder was Donald McLaren, a banker, originally from the
Strathearn area, the traditional lands of the Clan MacLaren. It was this Donald McLaren who endowed
the Free Church School in Callander in the 1840s. This school was the immediate forerunner of The
McLaren High School which was established in 1892. Donald McLaren died in 1854, but his daughter,
Mary McLaren carried on the tradition of her father’s generosity, and ensured that the McLaren
Educational Trust endowments were used for the benefit of the children throughout West Perthshire,
including Balquhidder, without distinction of income, class or church.
The badge of our School, including our School motto ‘Ab Origine Fides’ is derived from the coat of arms
of the Clan Labhran. It means ‘Faith from the Beginning’ encompassing the Christian values on which
the School was originally founded and the trust and loyalty expected of all members of our school
community.
In recent times we have forged close links with the Clan MacLaren Society and have hosted a visit by
the Clan Chief, Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and the Clan MacLaren Society of North America. The
society provides financial support to assist with the costs of producing Student Planners which are
issued to pupils annually.
We look forward to an enjoyable partnership with the Clan MacLaren Society in years to come.
Information about the Clan MacLaren can be accessed at www.clanmaclarensociety.com
43
McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
MYSTIRLING
myStirling is a free online service available to Stirling Council residents and businesses.
This service offers the customers access to self-serve on-line and out of normal working hours.
Customers can report faults, make payments, subscribe to events and councillor information on
surgeries, find out about bin collection days and more.
You can register to have a myStirling account by going to the Stirling Council website,
www.stirling.gov.uk and above the search box choose the register option.
From here you will be directed to a page where you will be asked for your name, e-mail and to create a
password. You will be sent an activation e-mail to confirm that you are the owner of the email address.
Getting Started
You only need to register once. Thereafter login with your username and password.
Things to do with your account:
 Fill in a form online – fill in forms to report pest control, pot holes, street lighting, bin replacement,
noisy or fouling dog, abandoned vehicles, and much more
 Subscribe to alerts Register to receive e-mails – latest Council news, what’s on at the Tolbooth,
Albert Halls, MacRobert, Councillor surgeries, Countryside events
 Subscribe to Emergency alerts via text messaging – School and facility closures, road works or
closures, service disruption, severe weather alerts and more
Features:
 Text Alerts: school closure, service disruptions, road works, severe weather
 News Alerts: Council news in e-mail format
 Bin collections: what day your bin will be collected and if there are any disruptions, what to put
in coloured bins
 Councillors: what Ward you are in, who your Councillor is and where and when surgeries are
held
 Events: Tolbooth, Albert Halls, Countryside, Libraries, Pubs, MacRobert, Theatre, Exhibitions,
Museums and more
 Job vacancies: latest council jobs
 Pay it: Council Tax, Rent, Rates, Sundries and more
 Report it: Dog fouling, mice, ants, street lighting, potholes, and more
 Tracking: You can track all your own online forms and find out status of tasks
 Business Directory: add your business to Stirling Council’s online directory
 Replacement Certificates for Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnership
 My Nearest and Interactive Maps: Bus stops (nearest bus stop and directions, with links to times
and fares), car parks, high schools (school catchments areas), libraries, local offices, primary
schools (school catchments areas), recycling centres (what you can recycle where), public
conveniences
 Tracking of online forms: every time you sign in you can view any online forms you have filled
in and see the status of the issue and the completion dates. You will always have an audit trail
of previous forms and can see exactly the same information as the advisors in the Contact Centre
and One Stop Shop
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McLaren High School Prospectus 2015/16
Enquiries
We continually look at what other councils offer and regularly update and add to our existing list of online
services.
Currently we have around 10,000 users registered with a myStirling account and as we add more
services we hope this will increase allowing more services to be accessed online.
45
Appendix 1
Comments/Feedback Form
We hope you have found the McLaren High School Prospectus useful.
It would be helpful to receive feedback from parents/carers to ensure we are providing the information
parents/carers need when their children move to McLaren High School.
Strongly
Agree
Information was useful
All the information I needed was included
The information was clear and concise
Suggestions/Comments:
Please return to:
School Resource Officer
McLaren High School
Mollands Road
Callander
FK17 8JH
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
McLaren High School
Mollands Road
Callander
FK17 8JH
Telephone: 01877 330156
E-mail: mclarenhs@stirling.gov.uk
Web: www.mclarenhigh.co.uk
Contact Details 2015/16
Headteacher: Marc Fleming
If you have any enquiries about your child,
please contact one of the following:
Tel: 01877 330156
Email: mclarenhs@stirling.gov.uk
Pupil Support Leader (S1)
Mrs K Whyte
Web: www.mclarenhigh.co.uk
Pupil Support Leader (S2)
Ms N Honeyford
Curriculum Leaders:
Pupil Support Leader (S3)
Mrs C Patterson
Creative & Aesthetic – Ms A Montgomery
Humanities - Mr S Wyroslawski
Literacy & Communication - Ms M Newlands
Numeracy & ICT - Mr M MacMillan/
Mrs L Ledger
Science & Technology – Mrs E Glass
DHT
Ms E Paul
DHT
Mr J Anderson
Pupil Support Leader (S4)
Mrs S Chalmers
Pupil Support Leader (S5)
Mr H Ashworth
Pupil Support Leader (S6)
Mrs K Whyte
Acting DHT
Dr H Gorman