Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham
Parents’ Guide 2014
Produced by Queen Elizabeth High School, June 2014
Further copies are available from:
The Headteacher’s PA
Queen Elizabeth High School
Whetstone Bridge Road
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 3JB
tel: 01434 610301
email: bshevlin@qehs.net
Or in PDF format downloadable from the QEHS website - www.qehs.net
Parents’ Guide 2014
Contents
Aims, Ethos and Values.................................... 5
School Uniform...............................................18
Structure of School and Contacts.................. 5
Personal Belongings......................................20
The Hexham Partnership................................ 8
Lost Property...................................................20
Transfer............................................................... 8
School Meals....................................................21
Timing of the School Day................................ 9
Travelling to/from School.............................22
Term Dates and Holidays................................ 9
Road Safety......................................................22
Attendance......................................................10
Parent Partnership Group.............................22
Absence............................................................10
Multi-Agency Working...................................22
Leave of Absence During Term Time ..........10
Child Protection..............................................23
Anti‑Bullying...................................................11
Making Payments...........................................23
Behaviour.........................................................11
Accessibility.....................................................24
SIFS and STARS................................................11
Policies..............................................................24
Celebration Evening.......................................11
Communication with Parents......................25
e-Safety............................................................12
Senior Members of Staff................................27
Student Planners............................................12
Notes.................................................................29
Equipment Required for School..................13
Appendix : Assessment and Progress
Student Voice..................................................13
Calendar 2014/15...........................................31
Homework.......................................................14
The Learning Resource Centre.....................15
Special Educational Needs............................16
School Health Advisers..................................16
Parents’ Evenings and Reports.....................16
Blocked Weeks................................................17
Emergency Contact........................................18
Medical Information and Medication.........18
No Smoking.....................................................18
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Aims, Ethos and Values
• We aim to promote the intellectual, aesthetic, moral, physical and social development of all our students.
• We believe that creative and performing arts make a unique contribution to the education of young
people.
• We believe that equality of opportunity is an entitlement necessary for our school community to flourish.
• We aim to develop positive relationships and to achieve an atmosphere of mutual respect.
• We believe extra-curricular activities are an essential part of school life.
• We aim to produce excellent results in all we do and to ensure students are happy and successful.
Structure of the School and Contacts
General Enquiries
Queen Elizabeth High School, Whetstone Bridge Road, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3JB
01434 610300 (email: admin@queenelizabeth.northumberland.sch.uk)
Appointments with the Executive Headteacher or Head of School
Headteacher’s PA: 01434 610301 (email: bshevlin@qehs.net)
Absence Line
01434 610310 (This number may be used between 8.30am and 9.00am for all year groups, 9-13)
The school is organised in four teams: Pastoral, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning and Business Management.
Pastoral Team (led by Diane Harris)
The Pastoral Team is concerned with the support and guidance of young people and their general wellbeing. Members
of this team are here to work with students, and you as parents, to ensure that we work together to try to remove barriers
to learning.
Any simple questions can be sent via a note in your child’s planner to their tutor. If you have any general enquiries about
your son or daughter’s wellbeing and/or anything that may affect their learning, then you should contact the pastoral
leader or the mentor for that year group. They will be able to discuss more complex issues with you and advise you with
regard to appropriate strategies to support your son/daughter.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Pastoral Leaders
Year 9
- Helen Pringle: 01434 610314 (email: hpringle@qehs.net)
Year 10
- David Todd: 01434 610315 (email: dtodd@qehs.net)
Year 11
- Emerson Brown: 01434 610316 (email: ebrown@qehs.net)
Year 12/13 - Gordon Whitfield 01434 610357 (email: gwhitfield@qehs.net)
Mentors
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12/13
- Libby Herbertson: 01434 610314 (email: lherbertson@qehs.net)
- Karen Turnbull: 01434 610315 (email: kturnbull@qehs.net)
- Karen McNeillie/Sharon Milburn: 01434 610316 (email: kmcneillie@qehs.net/smilburn@qehs.net)
- Steve Wilson 01434 610357 (email: swilson@qehs.net)
Special Educational Needs
Kitty Graham 01434 610329 (email: cgraham@qehs.net)
Jean Barnett 01434 610329 (email: jbarnett@qehs.net)
Curriculum Team (led by Andy Byers and John Hill)
The Curriculum Team is responsible for the effectiveness of the school’s curriculum and for all academic events in school
relating to achievement and progression including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
transition from middle school
options (Year 9 to Year 10 and Year 11 to Year 12)
reviewing and organising the curriculum and timetable
monitoring and evaluating student performance
assessment and target setting
monitoring the academic performance of departments
intervention to raise achievement
curriculum enrichment activities
providing support for students in their application for higher education / employment.
If you have a general enquiry about your child’s progress in lessons it should be directed, in the first instance, to their
subject teacher via a note in the planner or a telephone call/letter. More complex subject based issues can be dealt with
by contacting the curriculum or subject leader.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Curriculum / subject leaders are listed below:
Art
Sheenagh McIntyre
History
Leanne Hodgson
Biology
Business Studies
Amanda Fletcher-Woods
Sharon Platt
IT
Languages
Oliver Williams
Lindsey Bevan
Chemistry
Simon Mawson
Maths
Ruth Platts
Classics
Dance/Performing Arts
Charmian Baring
Sarah Morgan
Music
PE
Martin Hoile
Steve Mullins
Drama
Economics
Emily Macdonald
John Hill
Physics
PSHE
Richard Tattersall
Andy Hedley
English
Geography
Pam Vennart
Peter Elliott
RE
Social Sciences
Dave Jones
Lesley Kerr
Health & Social Care
Nina Blight
Technology
Michael Wilde
The Curriculum Team can deal with enquiries relating to the curriculum, options and higher education applications, and
complex academic issues which cannot be resolved by curriculum leaders or the Special Educational Needs and Disability
Co-ordinators (SENDCos). To speak to a member of the Curriculum Team, contact Joanne Smeatom (Curriculum Team
Admin Assistant on 01434 610312 or email: curriculum@qehs.net). Alternatively, you can email directly
Michelle van den Berg - Curriculum Advisor (email: mvandenberg@qehs.net)
Rebecca Ruddick - Curriculum Advisor (email: rruddick@qehs.net)
Sue Boath - Data Manager (email: sboath@qehs.net)
James Rainford - Data Assistant (email: jrainford@qehs.net)
Teaching and Learning (led by James Andriot)
This team aims to improve the quality of teaching and learning through a process of continuing professional development.
The Business Management Team (led by Susan Hope)
Business Management provides all support functions within the school which includes school catering, site and facilities
management, the Learning Resource Centre, exams administration and finance.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
The Hexham Partnership
The school’s official catchment area is a large one, extending north/south from Humshaugh to Blanchland and east/west
from Riding Mill to Hexham. A significant number of students from outside this area also attend the school. The Hexham
Partnership is a strong one.
The Partnership consists of the following schools:
First Schools (Years 0-4):
The Sele First, Hexham East First, Acomb First, Beaufront First, Broomhaugh Church of England First, Chollerton Church
of England First, Corbridge Church of England First, Humshaugh Church of England First, Slaley First, St Mary’s RC First
School, Whitley Chapel Church of England First School, Whittonstall First.
Middle Schools (Years 5-8):
Hexham Middle School, Corbridge Middle School, St Joseph’s RC Voluntary Aided Middle School.
High School (Years 9-13):
Queen Elizabeth High School
QEHS is federated with Hexham Middle School. Both schools are led by Graeme Atkins, Executive Headteacher. There is
one governing body for both schools.
Transfer
The transition between Year 8 and Year 9 is very important. Senior staff, the Year Team and our transition staff visit each
middle school to talk to students. Our student voice group also visit the middle schools so Year 8 can talk to other young
people who are already students at QEHS. Parents are invited to transfer meetings in Year 7 to find out about the transfer
process, the curriculum and the pastoral support systems.
Students are invited to a transfer day in July when they meet their form tutor and spend time with their tutor group.
Mid-year admissions
Once a successful application to Northumberland County Council has been made, you will receive a ‘Mid-year admission’
pack from the school. The pack will contain all relevant documents and order forms for uniform and sports clothing.
You will be invited into school, along with your son or daughter for an informal tour which will also give you the opportunity
to ask any questions. If your son or daughter is in Year 10 or Year 11 we will endeavour to provide a curriculum that is
as close as possible to the one studied previously. However, please be aware that we may not be able to offer the same
courses.
Also, please be aware that new timetables for all year groups, except students starting in Years 9 and 12, begin after
summer half-term, rather than September.
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Timing of the School Day
Period 1
8.55am
Registration
10.00am
Period 2
10.15am
Break
11.20am
Period 3
11.40am
Lunch
12.40pm
Period 4
1.20pm
Period 5
2.20pm*
End of school day
3.20pm
* School finishes at 2:20pm on the following Tuesdays for
staff training
Autumn Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
9 September 2014
6 January 2015
14 April 2015
23 September 2014
27 January 2015
28 April 2015
7 October 2014
10 February 2015
12 May 2015
4 November 2014
3 March 2015
9 June 2015
18 November 2014
17 March 2015
23 June 2015
9 December 2014
14 July 2015
Term Dates and Holidays
Start of Autumn term
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Staff Training Days
Last day of half-term
Thursday 23 October 2014
Monday 1 September 2014
Return to school
Monday 3 November 2014
Friday 24 October 2014
Last day of term
Thursday 18 December 2014
Friday 19 December 2014
Start of Spring term
Monday 5 January 2015
Friday 13 February 2015
Last day of half-term
Thursday 12 February 2015
Monday 20 July 2015
Return to school
Monday 23 February 2015
Last day of term
Friday 27 March 2015
Start of Summer term
Monday 13 April 2015
Last day of half-term
Friday 22 May 2015
Public Holiday
Return to school
Monday 1 June 2015
Monday 4 May 2015
Last day of term
Friday 17 July 2015
Dates correct at June 2014
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Attendance
Full attendance is a vital part of academic success. Students are also able to keep track of their own attendance using the
attendance chart in their student planners. Attendance should be as close to 100% as possible. Missing lessons can have
a big impact on KS3 and GCSE grades. Excellent attendance improves learning and success. If a student’s attendance falls
below 85% you will be contacted and a meeting at school may be necessary. You should note that any further absences
may not be authorised by the school. This will depend on the circumstances. A doctor’s note may be requested if there
is persistent absence due to illness. Our attendance policy is on the school website and gives further information.
Absence
If your son/daughter is too ill to attend school, please contact the Pastoral Office on 01434 610310 (between 8.30am &
9.00am). When calling please provide as much information as possible including: the student’s full name, the nature
of the illness, name of the person calling. Please remember, the school is responsible for authorising the absence, not
parents, so there may be follow up calls from Year Team staff.
Please provide a note when your son/daughter returns to school. This should be given to their form tutor.
We aim to contact all parents of students on the first day of absence if no contact has been made. This is done via a text
message asking parents to confirm the reason for absence.
Please try to make appointments for the dentist and doctor out of school hours.
Leave of Absence During Term Time
Children of school-age who are registered at a school must, by law, attend that school regularly. Regular school attendance
for a child is a legal requirement of all parents/carers.
There will be occasions when a child has to miss school, for example, if she or he is unwell and parents/carers are expected
to exercise their judgement on whether their child is fit to attend school if there are signs and symptoms of illness. Any
other absences should be kept to an absolute minimum. In particular, parents/carers do not have the right to take their
children out of school during term time in order to go on holiday.
Government regulations state that a headteacher ‘may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there
are exceptional circumstances’. The Hexham Partnership of Schools discourage parents/carers from arranging any
events during term time and will, as a rule, state that leave of absence will not be granted unless there are exceptional
circumstances that might justify it e.g. forces personnel on leave from a foreign posting or evidence provided by an
employer that states leave cannot be accommodated during school holidays without significant consequence.
A parent/carer requesting leave of absence during term time should make the application in writing at least two weeks
in advance. A leave of absence request form and the Hexham Partnership of Schools’ Policy for Leave of Absence during
Term Time are available from the school office or can be downloaded from our website.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Anti‑Bullying
We have an Anti‑Bullying Policy that provides effective procedures for dealing with problems. The full Anti‑Bullying
Policy is available on the QEHS website - www.qehs.net. Students also have more information and advice regarding
bullying in their student planners.
Please inform the Year Team if you have any concerns regarding bullying.
Behaviour
All students have information regarding behaviour in their student planners titled ‘Your Behaviour Your Choices’.
The full Behaviour Policy is available on the QEHS website - www.qehs.net.
SIFS and STARS
STARS
STARS are Student Achievement Records. They are given to report on positive actions, such as good work, progress,
taking responsibility, positive contributions. STARS are recorded electronically and the student’s aim is to build up as
many of these as possible. Further rewards can be achieved depending upon the number of STARS students attain.
SIFS
Whenever a student chooses to behave in a way that is unacceptable despite having been warned (i.e. stage 3 onwards
– ‘Your Behaviour Your Choices’ in students’ planners) SIFS – the Student Information Feedback Sheet, will be recorded
electronically and seen by their tutor, the curriculum leader and their pastoral leader. In this way the school can monitor
how the student is getting on. These SIFS can also be seen by parents on e-Portal as a record is kept electronically of all
SIFS received. Further action is taken when SIFS are given. See ‘Your Behaviour Your Choices’ – Staged Process in student
planners where more detailed information is given. Parents will be contacted when the number of SIFS becomes a
concern.
Celebration Evening
This takes place annually. Students are nominated by their Year Team and subject teachers to receive awards for their
hard work, effort and commitment.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
e-Safety
QEHS takes e-Safety very seriously. We have a detailed e-Safety policy (available via the school website - www.qehs.net)
that covers all aspects of electronic safety and it is reviewed at least annually.
We aim to educate everyone connected with our school community. In order to maximise the extent of this education,
we:
• have annual training for all staff;
• deliver education to the students through the PSHE/assembly programme;
• have a dedicated section on the school website - www.qehs.net, which includes the ability to report suspicious
online behaviour direct to CEOPs (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre).
All internet access is logged. Policy Central Enterprise (PCE) software monitors use of desktop PCs by students and
provides reports to senior staff on a weekly basis. All students/parents and staff are required to sign the Acceptable Use
Policy. This covers aspects such as internet use and equipment use within the school. If there are any concerns, students
are seen and parents contacted as appropriate.
Students can bring laptops into school provided parental permission is given. Personal laptops can only be used in
lessons with permission from the subject teacher. They must also have PCE installed by the Network Manager.
Students also have guidance notes on e-Safety in their planners which they are required to sign. This contains information
on the Acceptable Use Policy, mobile phones and laptops. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
the school.
Student Planners
Students are given a planner at the start of each academic year. The planner is an important way of communicating
between home and school. Students should use the planner to record homework and parents should read and sign it on
a weekly basis. The planner will also be signed by the form tutor.
The planner contains a lot of very important information and it would be helpful if parents took time to go through it with
their son/daughter. Form tutors will also explain the sections of the planner to their tutor group.
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Equipment Required for School
It is expected that students should have the appropriate equipment to carry out their lessons at school / activities after
school, this includes:
•
a bag
-- large enough to carry an A4 file and other books, etc. NOT a handbag.
-- the bag should be brought to school every day.
• the bag should contain
-- planner
-- pens
-- pencils
-- ruler
-- rubber
-- calculator
-- any other equipment necessary for students’ option subjects
This equipment is essential for students to learn effectively. Tutors will check if students have equipment and follow up
with sanctions should there be a persistent problem.
Student Voice
The Student Voice Forum is a group run by and for students at our school. The group is open to anyone who wants to
experience taking part in making a positive difference to student experience within the school. Projects have included;
working with the catering team to develop improved menus, meeting with the Senior Leadership Team to put forward
student opinions, a ‘clocks in every classroom’ project, trips to other schools and a multi-media venue ‘Fuse’ to help run
workshops on internet safety using the latest technology, charity fundraising, social gatherings and more.
Upcoming projects include; outdoor seating, designed by students, to be constructed by students, for students to use in
the warmer months. Planning is also taking place for students to ‘teach teachers’ a lesson of their choice, to help educate
teachers about what engages students in their lessons.
Each tutor group will elect two reps to bring forward the opinion of the whole tutor group from September. They will take
part in occasional meetings and surveys to ensure all students have a voice.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Homework
Students are provided with a student planner in order to help them manage and organise their homework. Homework
timetables will be issued at the start of the autumn term but will follow the guidelines below:
Key Stage 3 (Year 9)
Students will receive between 60 and 90 minutes homework each day as follows:
Subject
Approx. Time
When Set?
Maths
1 hour per week
English
1 hour per week
Biology
1 hour per fortnight
The exact timing of this homework will be determined by class
timetables and through discussion with curriculum leaders.
Students will be notified at the beginning of the year.
Chemistry
1 hour per fortnight
Physics
1 hour per fortnight
Option subjects: Design
Technology, Art, Drama,
2nd Language, Music, Food
Technology
1 x 1 hour per
fortnight
Geography, RE, History,
French
1 x 1 hour per
fortnight
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11):
Students will receive between 90 and 120 minutes homework each day as follows:
Subject
Approx. Time
When Set?
Maths
2 hours per week
English
2 hours per week
Biology
1 hour per week
The exact timing of this homework will be determined by class
timetables and through discussion with curriculum leaders.
Students will be notified at the beginning of the year.
Chemistry
1 hour per week
Physics
1 hour per week
Up to 4 option subjects
1 hour per week per
subject
Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13):
There is an expectation that homework will be set at the end of most post-16 lessons.
The full Homework Policy is available on the QEHS website - www.qehs.net.
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The Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is situated on B Floor in the lower school building. The LRC supports teaching and
learning within the school by offering access to a range of relevant printed and electronic resources. The LRC encourages
the development of independent learning as well as promoting reading for pleasure.
All students at QEHS can use the LRC. Sixth formers can use it in their study periods. Students in Years 9, 10 and 11
may use the LRC in class with their teachers or individually with permission from their teacher. All students receive an
induction into the LRC at the beginning of Year 9.
Resources and Facilities
There are approximately ten thousand books in the LRC. These are divided into fiction and non-fiction. The fiction books
are shelved in alphabetical order of author’s surname and the non-fiction books are arranged in subject order using the
Dewey Decimal Classification system. The LRC also holds a range of magazines and newspapers, DVDs and Study Packs.
There are one hundred study spaces in the LRC.
There are nineteen PCs in the LRC which are available to book. Year 9, 10 and 11 students may book a computer before
school, during lunch and after school. There is a black and white printer, a colour printer and a photocopier in the LRC.
The LRC has a careers section which holds information on opportunities for employment, training, further and higher
education.
Staff
Staff are available to help at all times. The LRC welcomes student volunteers and anyone who is interested should speak
to the LRC Manager, Mrs Smith.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Special Educational Needs
The Individual Studies department at QEHS offers support to students, parents and teaching staff to help all our students
access the school curriculum. We have teaching assistants who work in lessons with teaching staff or individually with
students to meet a range of educational needs from general to specific learning difficulties. As well as supporting and
monitoring students who have been identified to us at time of transfer, we also assess students referred to us by teaching
staff as well as parents.
Within our inclusion suite we also have designated space we use to manage behaviour issues. At times students may
need to work in isolation or be secluded for a period of time due to inappropriate behaviour or because their needs at a
particular time demand such an environment.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Provision
In response to an increase in the number of students identified as being on the autistic spectrum, the department
now incorporates provision for these students. A relaxed and supportive environment is offered in The Base at break
and lunchtime as well as small group or individual sessions to help students access and cope with the demands of the
mainstream curriculum.
The school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co‑ordinators (SENDCos) are Kitty Graham and Jean Barnett.
School Health Advisers
Our School Health Advisers, Sarah Lambton and Kath Ibberson, provide an additional support service for students in
school. Sarah is in school every Wednesday and Kath every Tuesday. If students are worried about their own physical,
mental or emotional health, or about someone else, or would like information about any aspect of health then they can
book an appointment with Sarah or Kath (tel: 01434 636939) or via their tutor / mentor.
Parents’ Evenings and Reports
Parents will receive an annual written report and at least one progress report from each subject teacher. Data about
each student’s progress is collected from their subject teachers; the student will then discuss their strengths and their
areas for development with their subject teacher. Together, specific targets will be identified for the student which will
be reviewed at their next review. Details of the targets set, review dates and also target grades for each subject will be
recorded in student planners. We hope that this will ensure students will achieve their potential in all that they do.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Parents’ Evenings
Year Group & Band
Date
Year Group & Band Date
Year 9Q
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Year 11Q
Thursday 5 February 2015
Year 9E
Thursday 27 November 2014
Year 11E
Wednesday 11 February 2015
Year 12
Tuesday 2 December 2014
Year 10Q
Thursday 29 April 2015
Year 13
Thursday 22 January 2015
Year 10E
Thursday 7 May 2015
Reports
Year Group
Date
Year 11
Friday 24 October 2014
Year 13
Friday 28 November 2014
Year 10
Friday 23 January 2015
Year 9
Thursday 12 February 2015
Year 12
Thursday 19 March 2015
Dates correct at June 2014
Reports are available to view online and all parents will receive a username and password to allow them to log in and
access their child’s report. Parents will be given the opportunity to opt out of online reporting if they wish to receive
reports by post.
Blocked Weeks
In addition to our normal timetable there are four weeks in the year when the normal timetable will be suspended and
students receive a different timetable. In Years 12 and 13 students will spend 1 full day on each of their option subjects.
In Years 10 and 11 students will spend an extended block of time on core subjects and options (this is to ensure that
there is enough time for students to complete controlled assessments and practical exams in these subjects). In Year 9
students receive a slightly different timetable with some extended blocks of time in some subjects, allowing different
types of learning activities in these subjects. Please note also that in blocked weeks, school will finish at 3.20pm on
Tuesdays. The blocked weeks for 2014/15 are as follows:
•
•
•
•
Week commencing Monday 13 October 2014
Week commencing Monday 1 December 2014
Week commencing Monday 19 January 2015
Week commencing Monday 29 June 2015
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Emergency Contact
It is vital that we have an up to date contact number for parents and an emergency contact for those occasions when
a parent cannot be reached. The parents/carers of new Year 9 students should have already been sent an emergency
contact information form to complete.
Medical Information and Medication
If your son/daughter has a medical condition or if they require to take medication during school hours (e.g. prescription
tablets, asthma inhaler), please ensure that the school is informed so an appropriate medical plan can be put in place. It
should be noted that due to health and safety implications we cannot give out paracetamol.
No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the school site. The school’s no smoking policy is available on the QEHS website
- www.qehs.net or from the Hydro Office. Any issues associated with smoking will be dealt with by the Pastoral Team.
School Uniform
School Uniform Policy
The key principles upon which the uniform code is based are as follows.
Uniform requirements should:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
be simple, clear and unambiguous
ensure student comfort
be practical
ensure health and safety of students
help promote a school identity
help promote school community cohesion
help maintain a positive public image and reputation
be affordable
prevent inequality of opportunity
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Girls
• School sweatshirt
• White polo shirt (collar to be worn outside sweatshirt)
• Plain black school type skirt or trousers (no miniskirts, denim or leggings)
• Plain black footwear (no logos)*
• Tights, if worn, should be plain black
Boys
• School sweatshirt
• White polo shirt (collar to be worn outside sweatshirt)
• Plain black school type trousers (no denim)
• Plain black footwear (no logos)*
General
• Jewellery – watches and stud earrings are acceptable.
• Make-up – a reasonable amount is acceptable.
• Small plain black belts are acceptable.
• Uniform should be appropriate both with regard to the policy and in the judgement of the
senior leadership team.
* For health and safety reasons students will be expected to change their footwear for PE lessons.
Further Guidance
In order to assist parents and students to comply with the school’s uniform code, further clarification is given below.
School Sweatshirt
• Students must wear/bring a school sweatshirt to school every day.
• No other sweatshirts must be worn.
• No cardigans or jumpers must be worn.
• If an additional layer is needed it should be a coat, jacket or a plain zipped sweatshirt. It should not be a sweatshirt
without a zip.
School Trousers/Skirts
• School type trousers do not include black jeans or black canvas trousers of any type or cotton chino trousers.
• The material should not ‘wash out’ and become grey over time.
• The trousers should not have any rivets/studs in the pockets.
• Trousers should also be full length and not rolled up at the ankle and leggings of any type are not acceptable.
• Skirts should be of a respectable length. Very short, tight, tube style skirts are not appropriate.
Jewellery
• No jewellery associated with any piercings (e.g. nose, eyebrows) is allowed.
• Stud type earrings does not include wearing expanders.
Footwear
• As well as black uppers, soles of shoes should be black.
• There should be no coloured/white logos or other markings; small logos may be coloured black with permanent
marker.
• Laces must be black.
• Socks/tights must be plain and black.
Hairstyles
• Extreme hairstyles are not allowed.
• Hair colouring must be in natural hair colours only.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Buying Uniform
During term time, students can collect an order form from the lower school office. Forms can also be downloaded from
the school website - www.qehs.net. Once completed, the form and payment should be sent to the Finance Office on D
floor of the Hydro building. Uniform is then issued via the student’s form tutor. Please be aware that not all items are held
in stock. Orders are placed fairly regularly with the supplier but we cannot guarantee immediate delivery. In the summer
term, forms will be issued to all current students to order new uniform for September. Parents can collect these orders on
specified dates (notified in advance) during the summer holidays.
Personal Belongings
Personal belongings are the responsibility of students. Outdoor clothing should be removed in all lessons. Hats should
be removed before entering school.
Students should not bring valuables or large amounts of money into school. Mobile phones, iPods/MP3 players are
allowed in school but must be switched off and stored in school bags at all times. These items are not allowed to be used
in corridors/social areas and may be confiscated if they are used in school. If this is the case they can be collected only at
the end of the school day.
Please note that the school is not responsible for any personal belongings that are lost or stolen on the premises.
Lost Property
It is easier to trace the owner of lost property if it is clearly labelled. However, lost property can be collected from the
main school office.
Please remember not to bring large amounts of money or other valuables to school. We cannot take responsibility for
the loss or damage of any expensive items (e.g. iPods, mobile phones).
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Parents’ Guide 2014
School Meals
School meals are provided by QEHS school meals staff. There is one lunch break and three main serving areas:
Year 9
Years 10 & 11
Years 12 & 13
Hydro Building Cafe and Winter Garden (Zone 9)
Lower School Main Hall (The Kitchen)
Lower School Sixth Form Cafe (The Café)
The serving times at each dining area are as follows:
Main Kitchen (Lower School)
Morning Break Service
11.20am - 11.35am
Lunch Service
12.40 pm - 1.20pm
Zone 9
The Café
11.20am - 1.20pm
8.00am - 2.00pm (Breakfast Service for all school 8.00am to 8.40am)
• All food must be eaten in the students’ respective dining areas with the exception of the breakfast service.
• Alternatively, students can bring a packed lunch and use the dining areas for their year group.
• Students wishing to leave school at lunchtime to return home for lunch must bring a letter from a parent. A pass will
be issued.
• Students are not allowed to leave school at lunchtime, with the exception of the previous point.
A pre-ordering system for lunch is available for students. An order can be placed at breakfast or break time and picked
up from the dedicated point at lunch time. Packed lunches are also available, ordered in advance, for school trips, visits
and sporting fixtures.
We operate a biometric cashless system for the payment of school meals. This allows students to purchase food and
drinks using biometric thumb recognition or by PIN number. Monies can be added to each student account by:
•
•
Cheque made payable to NCC QEHS. Please use the envelopes provided and secure boxes located
outside the Lower School main kitchen and the corridor outside the Zone 9 Café in the Hydro Building
Cash using a revaluation machine. These machines are located in the Hydro Building, Main Foyer, Lower
School Main Hall and A Floor Corridor
Students must have money credited to their account to allow them to purchase a lunch. The cost of a school meal or a
meal deal is £2.45 and there are lots of other individually priced healthy options. More details on menus etc are available
on the school website - www.qehs.net.
If a student qualifies for free school meals the monetary value of £2.45 per day is automatically added to the student
account.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Travelling to/from School
School Buses
All students travelling to school by bus organised by the Integrated Transport Section of Northumberland County Council
will receive a bus pass which must be shown to the driver. Currently buses drop off and pick up from both Whetstone
Bridge Road and the Hydro Drive. You will be informed by the Integrated Transport Unit of your child’s pick up point for
the beginning and the end of the school day.
Sixth Form Cars on Site
Students are not allowed to park their cars on school premises. Students parking their cars in the neighbourhood of the
school must take care not to block access to roads or houses.
Students must drive with extreme caution within the vicinity of the school. The speed limit is 20mph on the roads around
the school.
The police will be informed immediately if any student is seen to be speeding or driving without sufficient care or
attention.
Other Modes of Transport
Students can cycle to school. A covered bike shelter is available. Students are responsible for their bike security and it is
left at their own risk.
Road Safety
Whetstone Bridge Road and Allendale Road can become very congested at the start and the end of the school day. Help
us to ensure the safety of students entering and leaving school by dropping off or collecting your son/daughter a short
distance from school. Please note that additional restrictions to parking and speed on Whetstone Bridge Road have been
put in place by Northumberland County Council.
Parent Partnership Group
We value the quality of the relationships between staff, parents and students. The Parent Partnership Group (PPG) is an
informal forum for parents to express their views on a wide range of issues linked to raising achievement within school.
Meetings are held at school.
Multi-Agency Working
We aim to provide exceptional support for students and their families/carers. We work in partnership with other schools
and agencies, including voluntary and community organisations, signposting to existing services where appropriate.
We consult widely with all our stakeholders including students, families, our staff and the wider community to identify
priorities and needs.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
We have close working relationships with a wide variety of agencies including our Locality Inclusion Support Team
(LIST) which includes our Education Welfare Officer, Educational Psychologist, Behaviour Support Teacher and Worker,
Inclusion Support Worker and Communication Support staff. We also work closely with the School Health Advisors,
Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS), the Youth Service, the local police, the Children’s Centre, Children’s Services
(social workers) and voluntary and community sector organisations e.g. Hexham Youth Initiative, Tynedale Hospice and
SixtyEightyThirty, to co‑ordinate support for our students and their families/carers depending on their needs.
We firmly believe the school is part of the community and our student support work reflects the needs of the community.
Regular multi-agency meetings take place with the Pastoral Team and Special Educational Needs and Disability
Co-ordinators (SENDCos) to ensure effective working across the organisations and professionals involved. Prevention
and early intervention is a key focus of this work.
Parents will be contacted when it is felt a multi-agency approach may be beneficial to their son/daughter. An early help
assessment may be undertaken to ensure this work is fully co-ordinated and the young person supported appropriately.
Parents can contact their son/daughter’s pastoral leader or mentor should they wish to discuss any issue where they feel
additional support may be required.
Child Protection
Diane Harris, Senior Deputy Headteacher, is the designated person for child protection. She leads training for all staff on
a regular basis. All issues regarding child protection are referred to the designated person and she organises follow-up
action where appropriate.
If you, as parents, have any concerns you feel are a child protection issue then you can contact Diane Harris directly or, if
you prefer, your son/daughter’s pastoral leader and they will liaise with her.
Making Payments
Resources / Educational Visits / School Uniform
All payments for resources, educational visits or school uniform should be handed in at the Finance Office on D floor of
the Hydro building. All payments should be in a sealed envelope with student name, tutor group and what the payment
is for clearly marked.
A receipt (if required) will be passed to the student via their form tutor.
Show Tickets and Performances
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Lower School Office and students will be informed when tickets are available.
All payments should be made payable to: NCC QEHS.
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Accessibility
The school is committed to equality of opportunity. We intend that every member of the school community feels a sense
of belonging and is valued.
QEHS produces a number of publications which are posted on our website - www.qehs.net. These publications are
available in alternative formats on request. Our website has a high visibility version available.
There is access to the school for those with physical disability. Should anyone require assistance they should ask at
reception. Alternative venues in school can be found for visitors if there is a problem with accessibility to certain floors
of the building.
We are fully committed to discharging our equalities duties for students, staff and visitors to the school site.
We continue to strive for a curriculum that is inclusive to all students. The Equality Policy is on our website - www.qehs.
net.
Policies
Many of the school policies are available on the QEHS website - www.qehs.net,
Alternatively please contact the school direct:
Barbara Shevlin - Headteacher’s PA: 01434 610301 (email: bshevlin@qehs.net)
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Communication with Parents
The staff and governors of our school wish to work co-operatively with parents and other members of the community to
ensure the school provides a high quality service and meets the needs of all students.
Information from the school:
The school provides information to parents in the following ways:
The school website (www.qehs.net)
This provides up-to-date information which includes:
• News
• Publications including options brochures
• School policies
• The school calendar
• Examination information
Twitter
You can follow us on @QEHSHexham
e-Portal
Parents can log-on to their own personal page and see confidential details about their child which includes their
timetable, attendance record, and academic progress reports. The system can be accessed via the school website parents’
menu. Log-on details are provided direct to parents.
Parentmail
Queen Elizabeth High School has used ParentMail for a number of years now and we currently have over 75% of parents/
carers registered to use this facility. It allows you to receive letters and reminders from school direct into your home and/
or work e-mail account, helping us to communicate more effectively.
We use ParentMail2 which has a lot of extra features and will eventually allow you to make on-line payments for dinner
money, school trips etc.
ParentMail2 requires the parent or carer to log in and set up their own account. Once we have the students registered
on the database, you will receive a letter and an activation code along with details of how to set up your account. If
you already have a student at Queen Elizabeth High School, the activation code will allow you to connect your existing
account to the student joining us.
ParentMail2 is designed for the parents/carers to keep their own account up to date, so after the initial registration by the
school, it is then up to you to keep your account up to date with any e-mail changes.
If you have any queries regarding e-Portal or ParentMail please contact:
Susan Boath, Data Manager, on 01434 610338 or email sboath@qehs.net
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Letters, publications and other documents
From time to time we will write to you with further information, or invitations to parents’ evenings, events or progression
interviews. Details of parents’ evenings can be found on page 17.
Marking and Feedback
Providing good quality, regular feedback to students is essential in helping them to improve their work and reach their
potential. We would encourage all parents to look at their child’s work regularly. If you wish to ask any questions about
marking or feedback in a particular subject then please contact the subject teacher in the first instance followed by the
curriculum or subject leader if your issue has not been addressed.
Contacting the School
We would encourage you to contact us with any issues, questions or concerns that cannot be addressed through the
normal channels of communication noted above. As you will appreciate, in a school of 1300 students, it is not possible
for one person to deal with all enquiries so it is important for us to direct you to the most appropriate person. Please
use the following guide to help you.
Nature of Enquiry
Contact
Phone/Email
General questions about your child’s
work, progress or homework
Subject teachers
By note via your child or by
contacting the main switchboard
on 01434 610 300
A concern about your child’s progress
or experience in a particular subject
Curriculum/subject
leaders (see page 7)
Contact the main switchboard on
01434 610 300
A concern about your child’s general
welfare
Form tutor or,
for more serious
concerns, mentor or
pastoral leader (see
page 6)
Contact the main switchboard or,
for the mentor or pastoral leader,
email or telephone the Pastoral
Office
(phone numbers and email
addresses are on page 6)
General enquiries relating to the
curriculum, options, higher education
applications or complex academic
issues involving more than one subject
The Curriculum Team
Telephone the Curriculum Office
on 01434 610 312 or email
curriculum@qehs.net
Other matters not listed above
Main Office
Please phone 01434 610 300 and
we will direct your enquiry to the
appropriate person
If you have followed the procedure above and a concern still exists then please contact Di Harris: Senior Deputy
Headteacher (student welfare concerns) or Andy Byers (academic or curriculum-based concerns).
If you wish to make a complaint, you can find our complaints procedure on our website www.qehs.net
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Senior Members of Staff
Graeme Atkins (Executive Headteacher)
• Overall strategic leadership and development
• Budget planning and monitoring
• Staff appraisal
• Monitoring and evaluation of school performance
• School Development Plan
• Strategic community links
• Facilities and buildings
• Oversight of safeguarding arrangements
• Leadership development
Andy Byers (Head of School)
• Day to day management of the school
• Leadership of Curriculum Team
-- Leadership and management of curriculum leaders and staff in Curriculum Team
-- Curriculum development and design
-- Achievement and standards
-- Monitoring and evaluating department and student performance (assessment and tracking)
-- Staff deployment, teacher recruitment
-- Oversee production of timetable
• Leave of absence (staff / students)
• Communications strategy
Diane Harris (Senior Deputy Headteacher)
• Leadership of Pastoral Team
-- Leadership and management of pastoral leaders and staff in Pastoral Team
-- Behaviour and attendance
-- Co-ordinate support of outside agencies
-- Student safety and welfare including Child Protection
-- Children looked after lead
-- Monitoring provision of additional educational needs
-- Guidance and support
-- Attitudes to learning
-- Alternate provision
-- Student and parental surveys
James Andriot (Deputy Headteacher)
• Leadership of Teaching and Learning Team
-- Co-ordinating department teaching and learning reviews
-- Monitoring and improving the quality of teaching and learning
-- Lead Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and co-ordinate CPD activities in school
-- Monitoring provision for newly qualified and trainee teachers
-- Monitoring and developing the quality of student work and teacher marking
-- Homework
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Parents’ Guide 2014
John Hill (Assistant Headteacher: Director of Studies)
• Assistant leadership of Curriculum Team
- Curriculum development
- Progression (including advice, guidance and systems for managing applications to higher education)
- Transition (from Year 8 to Year 9)
- Options (Year 9 into Year 10 / Year 11 into Year 12)
- Curriculum links with middle schools
- Curriculum enrichment activities
- Sixth form networks
- Work related learning and careers guidance
Susan Hope (Federation Business Manager)
• Leadership of Business Management Team
-- Budget planning and finance procedures and systems
-- HR systems and management
-- Administration systems
-- IT network / infrastructure
-- Facilities management
-- Health and Safety
-- Exams
-- Community Education
-- School Catering
Dave Todd (Acting Assistant Headteacher: Pastoral)
• Pastoral Leader (Year 10)
• Day to day management of Pastoral Team
• Uniform
• Pastoral data monitoring (attendance, behaviour, bullying etc)
• Deputise for Senior Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral)
Ruth Platts (Acting Assistant Headteacher: Curriculum)
• Curriculum Leader: Maths
• Whole school timetable
• Supporting achievement and progression work of the Curriculum Team
• Block weeks
Pete Elliott (Acting Assistant Headteacher: Teaching and Learning)
• Curriculum Leader: Geography
• e-Teaching and Learning (including VLE development)
• e-Safety
• Whole school work scrutiny
• Co-ordinating department review process
• Supporting the work of Deputy Headteacher (Teaching and Learning) including:
-- CPD
-- Lesson observations
Further information is available on the QEHS website - www.qehs.net
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Notes
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Notes
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Parents’ Guide 2014
Appendix : Assessment and Progress Calendar 2014/15
ACHIEVEMENT AND PROGRESS: MONITORING CALENDAR 2014/2015 W/C YEAR 9 YEAR 10 YEAR 11 th
11 Aug th
18 Aug GCSE Results (Thurs) th
25 Aug SUMMER HOLIDAYS st
1 Sept 1 School Starts (Tues) School Starts (Wed) School Starts (Wed) th
2 1 2 1 2 B 1 Assessment Week rd
2 1 2 1 B 2 1 Q Parents’ Eve -­‐Tues E Parents’ Eve Thu 5 Jan th
2 Assessment Week th
1 B 8 Sept th
15 Sept nd
22 Sept th
29 Sept th
6 Oct th
13 Oct th
20 Oct 3 Nov th
10 Nov th
17 Nov th
24 Nov st
1 Dec th
8 Dec th
15 Dec 12 Jan th
19 Jan th
26 Jan nd
2 Feb th
9 Feb rd
23 Feb nd
2 Mar th
9 Mar th
16 Mar rd
23 Mar th
13 Apr th
20 Apr th
27 Apr th
4 May th
11 May th
18 May st
1 June th
8 June th
15 June rd
22 June th
29 June th
6 July th
13 July nd
st
th
2 1 Report Deadline 5 th
2 Report to Parents 12 th
1 2 1 2 Options Eve-­‐ Tues Y10 Opt interviews rd th
th
th
3 -­‐6 and 10 -­‐13 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 KS3 Assess deadline Y10 Prospectus rd
th
Data Deadline 19 Data to Parents – 24 Data to Parents – 24 th
th
6 form Taster Day Y12 Opt interviews Q Parents’ Eve -­‐Thu E Parents’ Eve -­‐Wed Y12 Opt interviews HALF TERM Mock Exam Week th
Templates out Mon 9 th
Data Deadline 19 Mock results out th
Data to Parents 24 EASTER Assessment Week Q Parents’ Eve-­‐Wed E Parents’ Eve-­‐Thu GCSE Exams GCSE Exams HALF TERM KS3 Data to parents Assessment Week th
th
Data Deadline 19 th
Templates out Mon29 Templates out Mon29 Settling in Data due– 9th Data deadline-­‐9th Data to Parents – 15th Data to Parents-­‐15th th
Parents’ Eve -­‐Thurs Mock Exam Week Mock Exam Week Templates out Mon 2nd th
Report Deadline 12 th
Rep to Parents 19 Meet students of concern Templates out Mon 16 Opportunity Ready -­‐Fri th
th
Data Deadline 25 Data to parents 26th HE Evening -­‐ Tues AS Level Exams AS Level Exams GCSE Exams GCSE Exams AS Level Exams Next Step Conf -­‐ Wed Progression Days SUMMER HOLIDAYS Parents’ Eve Data/Reports deadline Data/reports sent out Transition/Progression Not in School Data templates issued External exams Internal Assessment weeks nd
Templates out Fri 9 Report to parents 23 1 2 1 Y7 Tours 2 B Y7 Open Mornings 1 Y8 Transfer Day 2 st
YEAR 13 AS Results (Thurs) th
Interviews 27 –29th Options meet 1 /2 Options meet 1 /2 School Starts (Thurs) School Starts (Thurs) UCAS grade deadline th
Welcome to 6 Form IGCSE English Mock Templates out Mon 29th Templates out Mon 6th Assessment Week Assessment Week Templates out Mon 6th Report Deadline – 13th th
th
th
Report to Parents 24 Data Deadline 20 Data Deadline 20 UCAS applications th
th
th
school deadline Data to Parents 24 6 Form Prospectus Data to Parents 24 HALF TERM Templates out Mon 3rd IGCSE English Exam th
6 fm open eve-­‐Tues Assessment Week Assessment Week Report Deadline – 17th Rep to Parents 28th Parents’ Eve -­‐Tues Templates out Fri 12th Assessment Week CHRISTMAS th
th
Templates out Fri 9 Report Deadline 9 Assessment Week Assessment Week Templates out Wed 21 st
YEAR 12 GCSE Results (Thurs) th
Interviews 27 –29th 31
2014