INFORMATION
BOOKLET
FOR
PARENTS
2011 to 2012
WELCOME
Dear Parent/Guardian
Welcome to our school information brochure. I am sure you will find the enclosed
information helpful as you and your family prepare for your child to join Boldon
Specialist Sports College.
The transition from primary to secondary school brings new opportunities and
challenges. At Boldon School we offer opportunities for academic success combined
with a range of activities to extend student horizons. We are a Specialist Sports
School and as such, have many sporting activities where your child and yourself can
take part.
Your support and encouragement in partnership with the school will be essential at all
times, and we trust we can rely on you to play your part as we work together to gain
the very highest achievements for your child.
This booklet will provide basic information as you prepare to come to Boldon School.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.
Yours sincerely
Mrs E M Hayes
Head Teacher
GENERAL INFORMATION
School Contacts
Address:
Boldon School
New Road
Boldon Colliery
Tyne and Wear
NE35 9DZ
Telephone:
(0191) 536 2176
Facsimile:
(0191) 537 4073
E-Mail:
boldon.school@btinternet.com
Website:
www.boldonschool.com
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STAFF LIST
Mrs E M Hayes
Mr C R Smith
Head Teacher
Deputy Head Teacher
Mr L Elliott
Mr D Fairclough
Ms A Moore
Mr I Noble
Mr A Cresswell
Mr D Nattrass
Assistant Head Teacher
Assistant Head Teacher
Assistant Head Teacher
Assistant Head Teacher / Director of Sport
Associate Head Teacher / Head of Music
Business Manager
Mr J Love
Mrs E Halsey
Miss L Thompson
Mr A Stobart
Mr G Burn
Director of Learning – Year 7
Director of Learning - Year 8
Director of Learning - Year 9
Director of Learning - Year 10
Director of Learning - Year 11
Mrs T Bell
Mrs S Scott
Head of Art Department
Art / Asst. DOL - Year 11
Miss P Liddle
Miss M Hollingworth
Mrs P Mitchinson
Miss L Thompson
Mrs N Tate
Mrs S Harvey-Allison
Mrs J Wood
Head of English Department
Second I/C English Department
English
English / Director of Learning – Year 9
English
KS3 English Coordinator
English / Asst DOL - Yr 8
Miss S Ingram
Mr A Smith
Mrs Y Chidley
Mr C Smith
Mrs S Dixon
Mrs A Jones
Mr J Davey
Head of History Department
Head of Religious Education Department
Head of Geography
History / Lead teacher for Gifted and Talented
Geography / Asst. DOL – Yr 10
RE
History / Geography
Miss A Armbrister
Miss J Hood
Mr D Lambton
Miss S McGregor
Mrs K Hartis
Mr C Rutherford
Mrs R Wall
Miss G Marsden
Head of Mathematics Department
Second I/C Mathematics Department
Mathematics / Aim Higher Co-ordinator
Mathematics
Mathematics
KS3 Mathematics Co-ordinator
Mathematics
Mathematics
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STAFF LIST (cont)
Mrs A Sinton
Miss A Tomlinson
Miss C Dunn
Mr R McKay
Head of Modern Languages
Modern Languages
Modern Languages / Curriculum Coordinator 14-19
Modern Languages / Law
Mr A Earle
Music
Mr S Huckle
Mrs L Baty
Mrs A Legg
Mr M Dickenson
Mrs M Brown
Mr G Henderson
Miss L Martin
KS3 Co-ordinator P.E.
KS4 Co-ordinator P.E.
School Sports Co-ordinator / PE teacher
PE
PE / Asst. DOL - Year 9
Swimming Instructor
Community Liaison Officer / PE teacher
Miss M Brown
Mr P Brundle
Mrs S Clarke
Mr K Leigh
Mr D Minnis
Mr G Dodds
Mrs A Stokoe
Miss S Woodrow
Miss R Barnes
Head of Science
Science
Second in Science (KS4 Co-ordinator)
Science
Science
Science
KS3 Science Co-ordinator
Science
Science
Mrs L Beattie
Mr D Smith
Head of Learning Support
Learning Support / Business
Miss M Hawronskyj
Mrs J Cole
Mrs S Michejew
Mrs A Armson
Miss K Martin
Mrs J Klitzke
Head of Technology Department - CDT
Technology
Technology
I/C Food Technology
1 to 1 Tuition Co-ordinator
Food Technology Assistant
Mr P Fenwick
Mr N Burrell
Mr I Wright
Head of ICT Department
ICT
ICT
Miss V Hanson
Mr M Branch
Mrs C Turnbull
Mr A Johnson
Senior Learning Mentor
Learning Mentor
Inclusion Centre Manager
Inclusion Centre Assistant
Governors
Chair of Governors:
Vice Chair of Governors:
Mr Colin Berry
Mr Steve Drummond
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
"Our aim is to encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities offered by
the school to attain their full potential in all areas of school life - the academic, the
social, the physical and the personal - so that they are ready both to play a productive
part in a democratic society, and to move forward to the next stage of education,
training or career with confidence, as young people of responsibility and judgement"
The Aims of the School
1.
To help each student to develop and realise his or her potential as fully as
possible.
2.
To help students form and maintain a positive self-image.
3.
To allow as much scope as possible for the students' own curiosity and
enthusiasm to be the basis of learning.
4.
To encourage an awareness and understanding of the society in which the
students live.
5.
To care for, and support, students as developing adolescents.
6.
To encourage students to develop an interest in, and enjoyment of, leisure
activities, and to be part of the community.
7.
To prepare students for life after school.
8.
To provide an environment with a positive atmosphere in which students can
learn.
9.
To prepare students for external examinations.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
We feel it is very important that we secure the full co-operation of parents in their
children's education. The process can only be truly successful if there is a partnership
of student, parent and school in obtaining the maximum benefit from the opportunities
which the school offers. There are annual meetings at which parents are invited to
meet the staff teaching their children to discuss work and progress. Regular reports are
produced for all students; these are usually the starting point for discussions at parents'
meetings. At other times the Directors of Learning are pleased to meet and talk to
parents by arrangement. Other staff who work with your children are also available to
meet with you. Please contact the school to make arrangements.
SCHOOL UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
The school is aware that parents welcome a standard dress for their children; this
avoids the dictates of fashion and keeps down expense. The Governors know it is
important that students should have a sense of belonging and common purpose, which
is encouraged by a uniform and that social difference, should be avoided. Every
student must adhere to this policy which has the total support of the Governing Body.
Our uniform may be purchased at any outfitters, but school badges and ties can only
be bought from Boldon School.
Every student must wear the school uniform.
Boys
Black Blazer
Badge *
Tie *
White Shirt
Black Dress Trousers
Black Shoes
Girls
Black Blazer
Badge *
Tie *
White Shirt
Black Dress Trousers or Black Skirt
Black Shoes
If your child wishes to wear a sweater it must be a plain, black V-necked sweater.
* Can be obtained from the school office:
School Badge £3
Clip on School Tie £4
PE Kit
Boys – Royal/White
Cap Rugby Shirt or Mercury Polo Shirt
(or both if they wish)
Milan Short
Sports Socks
Trainers
Girls – Navy/White
Pulse Fleece(optional)
Mercury Polo Shirt
Trinity Track Pant(optional)
Response Short
Sports Socks
Trainers
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PE kit order forms are enclosed and payment must be returned with completed forms
to Boldon School by Friday 8 July 2011. PE kit can be collected from Boldon School
on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 September 2011, between 1.00pm and 3.00pm.
All articles of clothing should be permanently and clearly marked with the owner's
name.
The school has no insurance cover for student's personal belongings. Therefore we
strongly advise that you take out appropriate cover on your household insurance.
Please Note:
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Trainers, leisure shoes and plimsolls are not acceptable footwear. This
includes black trainers. Trainers should not be worn all day as this can cause
medical problems. Students are required to wear sensible black shoes. Jeans,
ski pants, leggings, culottes and tracksuit bottoms are not acceptable.
Outdoor coats must be dark in colour – no tracksuit tops.
The wearing of denim or leather over jackets is strictly forbidden.
Hair should be of an acceptable length, any form of extreme hairstyle, colour
or shaven head is not acceptable. This includes dying hair any colour which
is not a natural hair colour. Red, blue, purple etc are not allowed.
Mobile phones, I pods, mp3 players and any other equipment must be
switched off and kept out of sight in lessons. As they are not required for
school they should be left at home.
Baseball caps or woollen hats are not to be worn in school.
Mini skirts are not acceptable.
Jewellery
The only jewellery allowed is 1 pair of ear studs, 1 watch and 1 signet ring. The
wearing of either chin/nose/lip/tongue rings or studs is strictly prohibited.
All students must have:

A suitable bag to carry books and equipment.

Pen, pencil, ruler, eraser and a cheap set of geometrical instruments.

A smock or an old shirt for art work.
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A scientific calculator.
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A Shorter Oxford English dictionary or any pocket English dictionary
would also be useful.
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THE ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOL
The School Day
The school day starts at 8.30 a.m. and finishes at 2.35 p.m. There is a 15 minute
morning break and a 30 minute lunch break.
The details are as follows:
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8.30 – 9.30
9.30 – 10.30
10.30 – 10.45
10.45 – 11.45
11.45 – 1.15 (SEE BELOW)
1.15 – 2.15
2.15 – 2.35
PERIOD 1
PERIOD 2
BREAK
PERIOD 3
LUNCH TIME/PERIOD 4
LESSON 5
TUTOR/ASSEMBLIES
LUNCH PERIODS
YEAR 7
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PERIOD 4 – Part 1
LUNCH
PERIOD 4 – Part 2
11.45 – 12.15
12.15 – 12.45
12.45 – 1.15
YEARS 8 AND 9

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11.45 – 12.15
12.15 – 1.15
LUNCH
PERIOD 4
YEARS 10 AND 11

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11.45 – 12.45
12.45 – 1.15
PERIOD 4
LUNCH
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THE PASTORAL SYSTEM
Students who join the school will be placed in a year group. Each year group has a
Director of Learning, an Assistant Director of Learning and a team of tutors who are
responsible for the welfare of the students. The Director and Assistant Director of
Learning remain with their year group as they move through Year 7 to Year 11: this
enables them to get to know all students and build up relationships with parents. The
tutors move with the students from Year 7 to Year 11. Each year group has its own
designated breakout area and own toilets.
The pastoral system aims to help our students to gain the skills, attitudes,
understanding and knowledge to:
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lead confident, healthy, independent lives
become informed, active and responsible citizens
The objectives are to enable students to:
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develop self esteem, confidence, independence and responsibility and make
the most of their abilities
play an active role as future citizens and members of society
develop a healthy lifestyle and keep themselves and others safe
develop effective and fulfilling relationships and learn to respect the
differences between people
We make an important contribution to achieving the 5 national outcomes for children:
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being healthy
staying safe
enjoying and achieving
making a positive contribution
achieving economic well being
We strive to provide a happy working environment in which every student is valued as
an individual. We aim to give the care, support and help which will enable every child
to make the most of his or her academic potential. Monitoring students' progress
across the curriculum is therefore part of pastoral work.
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Personal achievement in all areas of life is stressed and identified. Tutors help students
with self-assessment, recording achievement, reviewing progress and setting targets.
Parents are kept closely involved in any developments concerning their child and may
feel free to contact pastoral staff at any time regarding their son or daughter.
The pastoral system recognises the importance of parents and teachers working
closely together so that each child can derive maximum benefit from his or her time at
Boldon School.
Teaching Groups
The children entering Year 7 will be placed in teaching groups. These groups will be
split into 2 bands A & B for timetabling purposes.
They will be taught in these classes for all subjects except for Mathematics, where
each band will be set according to their attainment at Key Stage 2 SAT’s.
Appropriate support for English and Mathematics will be available for those with
identified learning difficulties.
School Meals
Our cafeteria, Boldon Bistro, currently managed by Chartwells, provides students and
staff with an interesting and varied menu. The food is cooked on the premises and
students are able to select exactly what they require. All items are clearly priced and
payment is made through a cashless card system. Packed lunches may also be
purchased and eaten in school. All students stay on the school site throughout the
school day.
Parents wishing to make application for free school meals should obtain the necessary
forms from South Shields Town Hall.
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Sickness and Accidents
On the enrolment of new students an admission questionnaire is completed which,
amongst other things, asks parents how they can be contacted during the school day.
Although the school has a treatment room it is not staffed, so, in the event of sickness,
arrangements have to be made for students to go home. If a more serious accident
occurs parents are contacted straight away, as the medical authorities usually require
the presence of a parent.
Attendance
Attendance at school is critical to success. All students are expected to have full
attendance. Mrs Bev Winn is the School Attendance Officer. She is always available
to help with student attendance at school.
Parents are asked to notify the school by telephone at the earliest possible opportunity
of absences due to sickness and to provide a note explaining the absence when the
student returns to school. A note is also requested when a child has to attend a medical
or dental appointment in school time or when a child needs to be excused from
physical exercise.
The school operates a 'first day of absence' calling system in which we will endeavour
to make contact with those families whose child in absent and for whom we have no
explanation for the absence.
A limited scheme, designed to support student's medication, is operated through the
schools administration.
Complaints
If parents have a complaint about the school it should be taken up initially with the
Head Teacher. If the parents are not satisfied that the complaint has been dealt with
adequately, the matter can then be referred to the Chair of Governors. There is a
formal complaints procedure. A copy of the schools complaints procedure is available
from the school.
Exclusions
In the matter of exclusions by the Head Teacher, an appeal may be made to the
Governors through the Chair of Governors, as indicated in the exclusion letter from
the Head Teacher.
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THE CURRICULUM
The National Curriculum is taught throughout the school for 25 hours per week. At
Key Stage 3, the subjects in Year 7 are:
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English
Mathematics
Science
Geography
History
French or German
Technology
ICT
Art
Music
R.E.
P.E.
PLTS(Personalised Learning and Thinking Skills)
4 periods
4 periods
3 periods
2 periods
1 period
2 periods
2 periods
1 period
1 period
1 period
1 period
2 periods
1 period
We have 25 periods every week, each of one hours duration.
Religious Education
Religious Education is compulsory for all students throughout the school, within the
framework of the Local Authorities agreed syllabus, unless parents wish their child to
be withdrawn from the course. This is done by writing to the Director of Learning for
the year group, who will arrange for a child to be withdrawn from religious education
and acts of worship at the beginning of the day. Year group assemblies take place on a
weekly basis.
Science Education on Reproduction
Within Science education in Year 7, students study animal and plant reproduction
systems. In Years 9, 10 and 11 the pastoral programme looks at the moral aspects of
sexual relationships as well as health-related issues such as AIDS. At appropriate
times groups also receive advice on personal hygiene. Parents have the right to
withdraw their children from any or all aspects of sex education, other than those
elements which are required by the National Curriculum Science Order.
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Health Education
Health Education and Environmental Education are delivered as part of the pastoral
programme and/or parts of the programmes of study within individual subjects.
Extra Curricular
Extra curricular activities are those which are not specifically timetabled as part of the
school's day; they are, nevertheless, a vital part of what the school offers to each
child's development. As a sports school we offer a wide range of sporting activities
with an opportunity for students to take part in non-competitive and recreational
activities as well as representing school teams. These include Zumba, athletics,
badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby, soccer,
squash and tennis.
Other activities in the school vary from year to year, depending upon the availability
of staff and the expressed interests of students. Indeed, students are encouraged to
involve themselves in the launch and running of many of the activities.
There are numerous activities in school including music groups; production group,
sports practices, school newspaper, choir, bands, rock school, computer work, chess
club. The school library is open for each year group in turn during the week.
Learning Resource Centre
We are fortunate to have a spacious and attractive library which provides a relaxed
atmosphere in which all students can study or read for pleasure. We provide a relevant
and stimulating resource of up to date, attractive books and other learning materials
which reflects the interests of the students as well as the demands of the curriculum.
We also have a suite of computers, with internet access.
With the advice of subject teachers, books and other materials are chosen for students
of all abilities, and stock is reviewed at regular intervals. Resources in the library
reflect our equal opportunities policy and we provide non-sexist and multi-cultural
material. In addition to books chosen by departments, the library has always
responded to suggestions from students and parents, providing popular fiction and
current affairs material.
The library is open for use at lunchtime and a regular homework club and after school
club is held there. Homework club users have access to the computers and the internet
to help them with work.
Material is always accessible to all students, even those who may find the library
slightly daunting, and help is usually on hand. We are constantly striving to promote
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the use of the library to ensure all students are confident users and have the necessary
research skills to equip them for their educational challenges.
We encourage reading and pleasure in books.
Homework
All students will be required to do homework. We feel it important that students
should gain self-discipline in the process of dealing with homework tasks which will
supplement and complement the work done in lessons. Student Planners are issued to
students at the beginning of every term. These include a plan of the school, personal
timetables, target setting, correspondence pages and a detailed 'Homework Diary'
section where students record their subject/homework timetables and homework
tasks/assignments. Should teachers or parents have cause to communicate there is a
section for each 'Homework Diary' week on which they can comment. No more than
three subjects of a minimum duration of twenty minutes each should be set per
evening in the first three years, but this will be increased in Years 10 and 11. When
students are reported to their Director of Learning for regularly avoiding homework,
parents will be contacted. Parents and form tutors should sign the planner each week.
Behaviour
The school's approach to discipline is positive rather than punitive; our 'merit system'
operates to encourage positive attitudes, with awards being regularly presented in
order to promote academic progress and good citizenship. Students collect merits and
cash them in for rewards at the end of each year.
Directors and Assistant Directors of Learning have overall responsibility for the
discipline within their year group; however subject teachers are responsible for
maintaining a high standard of discipline in their classroom and if they encounter
difficult situations they refer problems to their Head of Department. If this does not
resolve the problem, it may be necessary to refer serious behavioural problems to the
appropriate Director of Learning. Any major breach of the behaviour policy will be
referred to the Senior Leadership Team and finally to the Head Teacher.
Learning Mentors
We have an outstanding team of Learning Mentors in school. They support students
when they arrive at school and at any time when a young person has an issue.
We hope this booklet provides a flavour of “Life at Boldon” and we look forward to
welcoming you to our school.
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