GEORGE STEPHENSON HIGH SCHOOL

GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF YEAR 7

2009 – 2010

HELPING YOUR CHILD TO SETTLE INTO HIGH SCHOOL

Your child is about to experience a great change.

Starting High School is exciting but daunting too.

You can help by:

Ask about their day and be ready to

listen.

Provide a quiet place for home learning and be

prepared to offer advice and support

if needed.

Find out about and provide the

uniform and equipment needed.

Talk about their thoughts, feelings and

worries.

Check arrangements

for the first day’s welcome into

Get involved – because YOU make the difference!

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Tell them about the good things you know about the High School.

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GEORGE STEPHENSON HIGH SCHOOL SOUTHGATE

KILLINGWORTH NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

NE12 6SA

Telephone: 0191 200 8347 Fax: 0191 200 8349 Student Absence Line: 0191 200 8450 Email: georgestephenson.high@northtyneside.gov.uk Website: www.gshs.org.uk Portal: www.ntlp.org.uk

Headteacher: Mr I D Wilkinson Deputy Headteacher: Mrs T Anderson Assistant Headteachers: Mr S McElwee

Ms L Simpson Mr S Tyson

Business Manager: Mrs A Emmerson George Stephenson High School is an LEA maintained mixed comprehensive for students aged 11-19 years, mainly serving the Backworth, Holystone, Killingworth, Shiremoor and Westmoor areas. Its specialism is Humanities (English, History, Geography). The Local Education Authority is North Tyneside Council, whose Children, Young People and Learning function is at:

North Tyneside Council Quadrant West Silverlink North

Cobalt Business Park Newcastle upon Tyne

NE27 0BY

Telephone: 0191 643 8692

CONTENTS Page School Aims and Values ---------------------------------------------------- 1 Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 The School Day -------------------------------------------------------------- 2 The Tutor Team 2009 – 2010 --------------------------------------------- 2

Communication with Parents ----------------------------------------------- 3 The Student Planner -------------------------------------------------------- 4 The Home School Agreement ---------------------------------------------- 5 Home Learning -------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Code of Conduct ------------------------------------------------------------ 7 The Farne Centre----------------------------------------------------- ------ 9 Rewards ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Raising Achievement ------------------------------------------------------- 10 Learning and Study Support----------------------------------------------- 11 The Learning Resource Centre --------------------------------------------- 11

Gifted and Talented Provision -------------------------------------------- 12 Bullying ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Attendance and Punctuality ------------------------------------------------ 12 School Uniform and Equipment -------------------------------------------- 14 Loss or Damage of Property ---------------------------------------------- 15 Day to Day Procedures ---------------------------------------------------- 16 Educational Visits and Charging ------------------------------------------ 20 Clubs and Activities --------------------------------------------------------- 21 Procedure for Complaints -------------------------------------------------- 22 Important Dates ------------------------------------------------------------- 23

SCHOOL AIMS AND VALUES At George Stephenson High School we will value the individual differences of our students, encourage them to succeed in everything they do and help them to become caring, confident and responsible young people.

BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

WE AIM TO

PROVIDE AN EDUCATION FOR LIFE.

• by meeting the needs of all learners through a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum.

CREATE A SAFE, POSITIVE AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING.

• by developing an atmosphere of tolerance, trust and respect. DEVELOP SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR STUDENTS’ EDUCATION.

• by working in partnership with parents, students and staff. PROMOTE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING.

• by offering a wide range of opportunities and experiences for all students and staff. ENABLE ALL STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

• by encouraging and rewarding individual talents, efforts and achievements.

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY

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INTRODUCTION

The main school is organised into 5 year groups, each with a Guidance Manager and Achievement Support Co-ordinator. Each student will normally remain with the same Form Tutor until the end of Year 11. This means that throughout their time at school all students have a regular member of staff to whom they can turn for help and support. Tutors meet with their students every day and have a very important role to play in helping them settle into their new school, in encouraging their progress, in detecting any problems which may arise, and in helping them to solve them. Tutors also work closely with subject staff to help students who may experience difficulties with any school work. Tutors provide the vital link between home and school. Parents are asked to contact the Tutor whenever they require help or further information on school matters and to keep school informed about the reason for any absence. It is also helpful if parents can inform the Tutor of any change in circumstances which may affect their child’s behaviour or work at school, which will help staff deal with students sympathetically.

THE SCHOOL DAY

8.40 – 8.55 Registration/Assembly 8.55 – 9.45 Period 1 9.45 – 10.35 Period 2 10.35 – 10.55 Break 10.55 – 11.45 Period 3 11.45 – 12.35 Period 4 12.35 – 1.25 Lunch 1.25 – 1.30 Registration in Period 5 lesson 1.30 – 2.20 Period 5 2.20 – 3.10 Period 6

ASSEMBLY DAY: FRIDAY (GYM 2) - STARTS AT 8.40 A.M. PROMPT

THE TUTOR TEAM 2009 – 2010

Guidance Manager: Miss S Renton Achievement Support Co-ordinator: Miss L Heron

Tutors 7AB – Mr Beecroft 7EL – Mrs Little 7AC – Mr Chalmers 7CB – Mrs Barclay/Mrs Stephenson 7JG – Mr Greig 7HW – Miss Wheatley 7SH – Mrs Hall/Mrs Stothard

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COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS Parents are important to the school and essential to the education of our students. Parents can help the school to run smoothly in a number of ways. At home parents can help by monitoring home learning regularly, checking and signing planners on a weekly basis and talking about what is happening in the classroom and in school life as a whole. In turn, if you feel that there are any problems, please get in touch with us so that we can look at them together. To do this, it is always best to make an appointment because people can’t always come out of classes to talk to you. If you are unable to do this however, if something is very urgent, there will always be someone to see you. Please be aware that Tutors and Guidance Managers are also very busy. If you need to speak to them and they are unavailable, please leave a number so they can call you back. Please ensure that school is kept up to date with any changes of address or telephone number. It is crucial for us to be able to make contact with a parent should the need arise. In the meantime, here is some information you might find useful: Letters and Information Sheets During the year a number of letters and information sheets will be sent to you via your son or daughter. They will also be displayed on our website. Please ask him or her from time to time if he or she has anything for you from school. Many information sheets will have a return slip for you to sign and it would be appreciated if you could do so and return the slip to the form Tutor. There is also a section in the Student Planner for you to sign to acknowledge receipt of letters/information. Reports These are issued on a regular basis. Parents’ Meetings On one evening during Year 7 you will be invited in to school to discuss your son’s/daughter’s progress with his/her subject teachers. If you are unable to attend, or have particular concerns about individual subjects at any time during the year arrangements can be made for you to talk to staff at a mutually convenient time. General Meetings There are also many school events to which you will be invited. Parents’ Forum The Parents’ Forum is an informal group of parents and school staff who meet once a term to discuss parental opinions on topics relating to school and share information relating to whole school development. More details and minutes of meetings are available on the school’s website. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Mrs Tracey Anderson (Deputy Headteacher) at the school.

WEBSITE : www.gshs.org.uk

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THE STUDENT PLANNER Each student will receive a Student Planner. It is designed to be used as much more than a home learning diary. It also helps students to: • Plan their work

• Manage their time

• Meet deadlines

• Record their achievements and attendance

• Review their progress

• Set Targets for improvement

• Improve their literacy skills

We will expect all Students to: • Maintain their planner, graffiti-free, with care

• Use it every day and keep all sections up to date

• Record when they are given and have completed set home learning

• Remember to record achievements both in and out of school

• Convey messages between home and school

• Review and record targets

• Write down information which will be essential throughout the year to complete their Progress Tracker • Record when they receive any letters or information for parents Teachers, Tutors and the Guidance Manager will check planners on a regular basis. We also ask all Parents to: • Monitor their son or daughters proper use of the planner

• Check and sign the planner each week and make a comment either to encourage your child, or to bring something to the attention of the Tutor or subject teacher

• Use the planner to communicate with school e.g. absence note, warning of appointments etc.

Replacement Planners will be available at the cost of £1.50 each from your child’s Guidance Manager. Temporary Planners (smaller, soft-backed version) can also be purchased from the Learning Resource Centre for 50p.

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THE HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT Below is a copy of the Home School Agreement which you will be asked to sign up to at the beginning of the school year, after having read the contents of this booklet.

The Parents/Guardians I/We shall: • see that my/our child attends school regularly, wearing the correct uniform, on time and with

proper equipment • inform the school of any concerns or problems that may affect my/our child’s work or

behaviour • support the school’s policies and guidelines for behaviour • support my/our child in home learning and other opportunities for learning • attend Parents’ Evenings and discussions about my/our child’s progress • get to know about my/our child’s life at school

The School The school will: • provide a broad and balanced curriculum to meet the individual needs of all children • care for your child’s safety and happiness • ensure that your child achieves success as a valued member of the school community • achieve high standards of work and behaviour through promoting a partnership between

home and school and developing a sense of responsibility • keep you informed about school activities and achievements through regular newsletters and

notices • send home regular reports and arrange Parents’ Evenings during which your child’s progress

will be discussed • set, mark and monitor home learning and provide facilities for children to do home learning in

school • let parents know about concerns or problems which could affect their child’s work • celebrate achievement and success through school reward systems and public

acknowledgement • be welcoming and offer you opportunities to become involved in the life of the school

The Student

The Student will: • attend school regularly and on time • bring a bag containing all the equipment needed every day (pen, pencil, ruler) • wear the correct school uniform • work hard in class and do all home learning set • be polite and helpful to others • keep the school pleasant and tidy, free from litter and graffiti • behave in a way which allows others to learn • try to make school a happy place for all who work in it • take pride in and celebrate my achievements and those of my school

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HOME LEARNING Home learning is an integral part of learning and teaching. Effective home learning is central to raising achievement at all levels. Home learning is used to: • reinforce classroom learning • extend more able students • support less able students • promote enthusiasm and motivation for study • develop self-discipline, confidence and organisational skills • encourage students to take pride in their work • strengthen links between home and school, enabling parents to take an active role in students’

learning • develop autonomous, independent learners Home learning is likely to take a variety of forms to meet the needs of different learning styles and different subjects. It may include: • reading • annotation of texts • research • diagrams • short answers • planning • extended writing • practice examination answers • learning • coursework Many home learning tasks will be identified on the school portal. Increasingly, students will be set some tasks which they can complete online. PORTAL : www.ntlp.org.uk.

Home learning tasks will vary in length: • in Years 7, 8 and 9, students will be set 1½ - 2 hours of home learning per week in the core

subjects; in non-core subjects, students will be set ½ -1 hour per week • in Years 10 and 11, students will be set 1 – 2½ hours of home learning per examination

course

Home learning should be recorded in student planners and is displayed in classrooms in case of absence. Students will normally be given at least two days to complete a piece of home learning. If a student fails to complete a piece of home learning, he/she will be given the opportunity to complete the home learning for the following day. If this fails, students will be required to complete the missed home learning in a detention. If a student repeatedly fails to complete home learning, the class teacher will inform parents by letter/telephone. Tutors will check planners on a weekly basis to ensure that all students are recording and competing home learning. If a student is not recording home learning on a regular basis, the Tutor will inform parents, the Guidance Manager and teaching staff.

CODE OF CONDUCT We feel that all people working at George Stephenson High School should show RESPECT, be RESPONSIBLE and LISTEN. Respect • Yourself • Other opinions • Peoples feelings • Other peoples’ property • Reasonable requests • Your environment

Be Responsible for: • Your own learning • Your own behaviour • Arriving fully equipped • The learning of others • The atmosphere in the classroom • Your local environment

Listen • Whilst looking at the teacher • With undivided attention • To reasonable requests • Without interruption • To others • Actively

All behaviour has a consequence, either positive or negative. In all areas of the school we have on display our positive and negative consequences to help everyone learn. Positive consequences include praise, merits and letters home. Negative consequences can include loss of social time, extra work, removal from lessons. Any student who refuses to comply with such consequences or persistently fails to meet expectations in relation to uniform, equipment, etc will be sent home and will not be allowed to return to school until a meeting between their parents and the school has taken place. When there is a problem with a student’s behaviour, the school has a clear, staged approach to help him or her to put such a problem right.

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Non-negotiables The school will always endeavour to deal with incidents of poor behaviour on an individual basis taking into account all circumstances. The following are the school’s ‘non-negotiables’ and failure to comply will result in parents being contacted and asked to come in to school.

NO MP3 Players in lesson time (including change of lessons) NO mobile telephones in lesson time (including change of lessons) NO hats inside school building NO swearing (particular emphasis on directed foul language) NO littering

Referral Slips If a student behaves badly in a lesson, the class teacher will deal with the issue in the first instance by talking with him or her. If the problem is serious or repeated, the teacher will fill in a referral slip to notify the Curriculum Leader (Head of Department) who will deal with the issue at Departmental level. This may involve a Detention (see below). The Form Tutor will always be given a copy of any referral slips and will talk to students on a regular basis about their behaviour. Report There are different levels of Report. It is hoped that a student who is put on Form Tutor’s Report will improve his or her behaviour by meeting the targets he or she has set, and will be able to come off report after an agreed length of time. If this is not the case, however, he or she will be put on a higher level of Report. The different levels of Report are as follows: • Form Tutor’s Report • Guidance Manager’s Report • Senior Staff’s Report • Headteacher’s Report Students are expected to show their report to parent/guardians on a daily basis and have them signed to confirm this. Pastoral Support Plans Being put on Senior Staff or Headteacher’s Report is an indication that a student is at risk of exclusion from school. If the student’s behaviour does not improve at this stage, a Pastoral Support Plan will be set up to try to help the student, in a very structured way, to improve his or her behaviour and so avoid exclusion. A meeting is held when a Pastoral Support Plan is set up to which parents are invited. The Inclusion Programme Students whose serious bad behaviour, or repeated refusal to comply with the school’s disciplinary procedures, might otherwise lead to exclusion from school may be supported in the Inclusion Programme. This involves keeping them in school and working with them on a programme of behaviour improvement and academic study, but isolating them from their peers (on some occasions this may include loss of social time). Should a student continue to exhibit serious bad behaviour in the Inclusion Programme, their parents/guardians will be contacted immediately.

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Duty Support If a student causes a serious disruption in a lesson, and the teacher feels he or she needs to be removed from class, they may use ‘duty support’. In such a situation, a senior member of staff will take the student to a quiet area to discuss the problem. If it is not possible to resolve the situation and re-admit the student to class, they will be moved to another classroom in the area, or in more serious situations, to Inclusion, where they will work for the rest of the lesson [the student does not decide on the option taken]. If the student is placed in Inclusion parents will automatically be informed. Detentions The Education and Inspections Act 2006 gives school the legal right to detain students at the end of a school session on disciplinary grounds. At times we feel that Detention is an effective sanction. There are two levels of Detention in school; these are:

• Departmental or Year Group Detention • Whole School Detention

Students who fail to attend the first level of Detention on two occasions will automatically be given a Whole School Detention which is considered to be a more serious disciplinary sanction. Students who do not attend a Whole School Detention without good reason will be expected to attend the next available school detention and risk further disciplinary action, which could ultimately result in exclusion. In certain circumstances Guidance Managers or Senior Staff may also impose a Whole School Detention for more serious issues. Timings of Detentions:

o Departmental or Year Group Detentions: usually at lunchtime, where the school is not legally required to give parents 24 hours notice.

o Whole School Detention: 3.10 – 4.10 p.m. Parents will always be given at least 24

hours written notice, in the form of a detention slip. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the slip is taken home.

Parents will also be given at least 24 hours notice of any Departmental or Year Group Detentions held after school.

THE FARNE CENTRE As part of the school’s behaviour improvement programme, we are able to support the needs of the students in a variety of ways. As well as the school’s own resources we have access to the First Day Response unit which is based at Ivy Road Primary School and is used to provide education for those students excluded for a fixed term of up to 10 days. The Behaviour Education Support Team (BEST) is also available to students and parents and is involved in supporting the needs of the students both in school and outside of school. This multidisciplinary team is based at the Farne Centre (Ivy Road Primary School site) and offers further support to our youngsters, helping them to address difficulties they have and, as far as possible, to avoid being permanently excluded from school. Referrals to both of these systems should go through the Guidance Managers.

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REWARDS The Celebration of Achievement This annual event takes place on Tuesday 22nd September 2009. It is an opportunity to give public recognition to a substantial number of students of all ages, and to bring parents, staff and students alike together for a celebration of academic, sporting and pastoral achievements. The Rewards System George Stephenson High School’s rewards policy forms an integral part of the positive reinforcement model, which the behaviour management policy is based on. The rewards system is used throughout the school, rewards are given at every opportunity to recognise positive behaviour, outstanding efforts and different types of achievement. Rewards given in the classroom will be in the form of merits, which are exchanged for certificates. Merits are given with a focus on one of the five areas below:

Responsibility Respect Achievement Effort Improvement

Each term tutors and Guidance Managers will recognise the achievements of students and award them a prize in the end of term assembly. These prizes will, again, reflect the five areas above. Staff use other forms of reward, such as certificates, for pupil of the month/week and parental contact by telephone or letter.

Reward Trips Every year students in years 7 – 10 who have made a positive contribution to their year group will be nominated to participate in the rewards trip in recognition of their achievement. Nominations will be made by Tutors and teachers for positive contributions both inside and outside of the classroom.

RAISING ACHIEVEMENT

As a school we continue to support the raising of achievement in many different ways. We want to encourage students to become more responsible for their own learning and progress, and improve the level of personalised support for ALL students. Our whole school individual student tracking system aims to help students understand how they are progressing in all of their subjects, as well as improving communications between school and parents regarding individual student progress. Teachers set Aspirational Targets for all students for the end of each academic year. These are ambitious and realistic targets which challenge our students to aim as highly as possible. Throughout the school year, achievement and effort data (Progress Data) is collected for all students on regular occasions. The purpose of these data collections is to allow continuous and systematic tracking of the progress of each individual student. Information is made available which highlights whether students are on, below or above target across their curriculum.

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The Progress Data is communicated to parents and students via Annual and Interim Reports as well as Parents’ Evenings. Most importantly, Tutors, subject teachers, Curriculum Leaders and Achievement Support Coordinators use it to help mentor and support students in order to raise their achievement. Students will keep on-going records of their Progress Data, together with details of any mentoring support, in their electronic Progress Tracker File.

LEARNING AND STUDY SUPPORT Study Support is what takes place outside ‘Normal Lessons’ to help students achieve. Departments regularly offer lunchtime and after school help for students who are working towards examinations. The Learning Support Centre (LSC) invites students to come to a breakfast club to help them start the day well. A range of extra curricular experiences are also on offer to students outside the school day, some provided on a voluntary basis by staff and others are funded, for example by the Children’s University. In addition, the school buys into on line learning systems, such as My Maths, that students can access from school and home. There are also a wide range of Study Support resources available for curriculum areas and individual Year Groups on the school’s site within the North Tyneside Learning Portal (www.ntlp.org).

Some Study Support Activities are calendared across the year and play a key part of our strategies for raising pupil confidence, motivation and achievement. They include:

Early morning, lunch-time and after school clubs

Study Skills Residentials, e.g. Ford Castle English weekends

Study Days – Year 10 and Year 11 exam preparation Year 7 CLC visits

Intervention programmes e.g. Booster programmes for GCSEs

Personalised Learning Programmes

Mentors, including Leadership Team

Master Classes for Gifted and Talented youngsters at a local University

Master Classes via cluster arrangement & LEA

Easter School Year 11

Parental involvement as both learners and mentors

Regular target setting and progress checks

Regular review of targets

THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE

Manager: Mrs J Dickinson Assistant: Mrs K Hope The LRC is open Monday – Thursday 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and Friday 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Lunchtime and Break are open access times for all students. Students must have permission to be in the LRC during lesson time. All students are automatically members of the LRC, and may borrow resources using Biometric thumb print. Students may normally borrow two items for a period of two weeks, but in special

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circumstances, students who need to borrow more items, or borrow items for longer, should see Mrs Dickinson or Mrs Hope. The LRC has an excellent range of Fiction and Non-fiction books for all ages and abilities, and a small selection of videos and audio story tapes. There is also a Reference section and we have subscriptions to various magazines and newspapers. The Careers Library is also situated in the LRC. A small stationery shop operates in the LRC, selling basic items such as pens and pencils. Photocopies are available at a cost of 5p each.

GIFTED AND TALENTED PROVISION All of our students are entitled to a curriculum and learning environment that meets their needs and enables them to flourish both educationally and in terms of their personal and social development. This is as relevant for our gifted and talented students as it is for any others in our care and is essentially an issue of equal opportunities, to which we all subscribe. Students who are identified as having a particular gift or talent in a specific area are provided for via a variety of means, including curriculum and enrichment activities.

BULLYING This school operates a zero tolerance approach to bullying. Bullying can take many forms. It may be verbal such as name calling, spreading rumours, being deliberately ignored, or physical such as pushing, hitting, demanding money or possessions. Bullying often takes place on a repeated, persistent basis. It is worth noting that most bullying takes place when there are not teachers around, such as on the way to and from school, at breaks or lunchtimes, in changing rooms or between lessons. If students are being bullied, or see someone else being bullied, they must tell a member of staff. He/she could also keep a diary of what is happening, ask parents to visit the school or discuss it with someone they trust. He/she must not give up if no one seems to be listening. The school takes any form of bullying seriously. The way in which it will be dealt with depends upon the individual circumstances, but it could involve talking to the bully, discussing the problem with both parties concerned, inviting parents into school, and in extreme or persistent cases, a period of exclusion from school. THE SCHOOL’S ANTI-BULLYING POLICY IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Punctuality is an important part of self-discipline and good time management. As a result, good punctuality has a positive effect on learning. Students are expected to be in school by 8.35 a.m. to attend registration at 8.40 a.m. and 1.25 p.m. in lesson 5. Those registering after 8.40 a.m. or 1.25 p.m. will be marked late in the school register. Persistent lateness leads to detention given by the Form Tutor. Students who arrive after registration (after 8.55 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.) must inform their tutor at the next registration of the reason for their lateness.

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ATTENDANCE Good attendance is essential if students are to fulfil their potential. Research suggests that for every 17 days missed from school (that is 90% attendance) per year, a student’s GCSE grades are likely to go down by at least a grade. The school operates a ‘First Day Contact’ system and parents will be contacted on the first day of absence if no contact has previously been made with the school. This contact may be a text message to a mobile phone or a direct phone call. A child of compulsory school age must, by law, attend regularly. If students are to make the most of the educational opportunities available to them then they must attend regularly. Irregular attendance disrupts continuity of learning, and is likely to lead to underachievement. What to do if your child is absent If your son or daughter is absent from school, you should contact the school before the start of the school day by telephone using the dedicated Student Absence Telephone Number (0191 200 8450) and let the school know the reason for his/her absence. When he or she returns to school after the absence, please see that he/she brings a note signed by you. If the absence is a prolonged one, we will arrange to have work sent home to prevent students from falling behind. Sometimes there are concerns other than sickness, and we are here to help whenever we can. Should there be anything that might affect your son’s or daughter’s work in school (such as a medical or physical condition or difficult home circumstances) please let the Tutor know. Whenever possible, medical / dental appointments should be made outside of school time. If this is unavoidable, your child will need to provide a medical/dental appointment card to verify their absence. Family Holidays Parents are asked not to arrange family holidays during term time because crucial learning time for students will be lost. Staying on Site During morning breaktime all students in Year 7 – 11 are expected to remain in school. They may go out into the school grounds, but are not allowed to leave the school premises. Students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 are also expected to remain in school during lunchtime.

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SCHOOL UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT All students are expected to wear school uniform at all times. It is designed to be comfortable, attractive and practical. Having a school uniform avoids competitive dressing and helps to set the tone of the school. Sweatshirts and polo shirts are available from the school office at a reasonable price. Other items are designed to be available from a range of suppliers. GIRLS DAILY UNIFORM Navy blue school sweatshirt or cardigan White school polo shirt Dark grey or black trousers or skirt (NOT jeans, leggings, joggers, combat trousers, ski pants, tracksuit bottoms or other leisure wear, including fashion belts) Navy blue or black tights or white socks Sensible plain black school shoes with a low heel (No trainers, trainer-type boots, boots, cross trainer shoes, plimsolls or sandshoes – no coloured laces, logos or labels) GIRLS SPORTSWEAR (KS3) Maroon school polo shirt (indoor lessons) Maroon school sweatshirt (outdoors) Black shorts (plain – no stripes) White socks (PE indoors) Black or maroon football socks (Games) Training shoes (non-mark soles, not plimsolls) Football boots (optional but advisable) Shin pads (optional but advisable) Tracksuit bottoms* (PLAIN BLACK – NO STRIPES) (optional) Gum shield (advisable) (*Year 7 2009-10 - to be purchased from school. All other KS3 Year Groups to purchase from school from September 2010).

GIRLS SPORTSWEAR (KS4) Black school polo shirt** (indoor lessons) Grey hooded school sweatshirt** (outdoors) Black shorts (plain – no stripes) White socks (PE indoors) Black football socks** (Games) Training shoes (non-mark soles, not plimsolls) Football boots (optional but advisable) Shin pads (optional but advisable) Tracksuit bottoms** (PLAIN BLACK – NO STRIPES) (optional) Gum shield (advisable) (**new kit phased in from September 2009 – ‘old-style’ kit still acceptable for 2009-2010 only).

ALL KIT MUST BE NAMED BOYS DAILY UNIFORM Navy blue school sweatshirt or cardigan White school polo shirt Dark grey or black school trousers (NOT jeans, leggings, joggers, combat trousers, ski pants, tracksuit bottoms or other leisure wear, including fashion belts) Sensible plain black school shoes (No trainers, trainer-type boots, boots, cross trainer shoes, plimsolls or sandshoes – no coloured laces, logos or labels) BOYS SPORTSWEAR (KS3) Maroon school polo shirt (indoor lessons) Maroon school sweatshirt (outdoors) Black shorts (plain – no stripes) White socks (PE indoors) Black or maroon football socks (Games) Training shoes (non-mark soles, not plimsolls) Football or rugby boots (optional but advisable) Shin pads (optional but advisable) Tracksuit bottoms* (PLAIN BLACK – NO STRIPES) (optional) Gum shield (advisable) (*Year 7 2009-10 - to be purchased from school. All other KS3 Year Groups to purchase from school from September 2010).

BOYS SPORTSWEAR (KS4) Black school polo shirt** (indoor lessons) Grey school hooded sweatshirt** (outdoors) Black shorts (plain – no stripes) White socks (PE indoors) Black football socks** (Games) Training shoes (non-mark soles, not plimsolls) Football or rugby boots (optional but advisable) Shin pads (optional but advisable) Tracksuit bottoms** (PLAIN BLACK – NO STRIPES) (optional) Gum shield (advisable) (**new kit phased in from September 2009 – ‘old-style’ kit still acceptable for 2009-2010 only).

ALL KIT MUST BE NAMED

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From September 2009, a school cardigan has been introduced as an alternative to the school jumper. The school cardigan is made from the same material as the jumper and features the school logo. Unfortunately we are unable to keep stocks of the cardigans in school, therefore an order form system will operate. If you would like to purchase a cardigan for your daughter/son, please contact the school office for an order form. Completed orders will be delivered to your child in school. Jewellery • Students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 may wear one ring only (on either hand), a maximum of

two ear rings, one in each earlobe (simple studs or sleepers). • Any other rings/studs/bars used in body piercing e.g. nose, eyebrow, upper ear cartilage,

lip, cheek, tongue, navel are not allowable in school for health and safety reasons. • All jewellery must be removed for PE/Games. • Necklaces should not be worn.

Equipment Being well organised with books and equipment is essential if students are to learn effectively. The school will provide most of the equipment and books needed for learning. Students must bring to every lesson a blue or black pen, a pencil and ruler. A spare pen, rubber, pencil sharpener and a few coloured pencils are strongly recommended. Correction fluid (Tippex) is not allowed. Every student must have a strong bag to carry his or her own and the school’s equipment. Those students who do not bring a bag will be supplied with a plastic one and will be required to carry it. There are specific requirements relating to Health and Safety in certain practical lessons, of which students will be made fully aware.

LOSS OR DAMAGE OF PROPERTY Every possible precaution is taken by the school to ensure that students’ property is not lost or damaged. Unfortunately, however, such damage or loss does occur occasionally. For this reason, expensive personal belongings, such as personal stereos, MP3 players, electronic games, expensive clothing and valuable jewellery should not be brought into school. Items of lost property which are found will be held in lost property in the main school office. Students who lose something should check there to see if it has been handed in. Please be aware that schools are unable to obtain insurance which covers loss or damage to students’ property. We therefore cannot accept liability if our advice is disregarded and valuable items are brought into school. Mobile Telephones Whilst we recognise that some parents may wish students to carry mobile phones for safety reasons, it is important to stress that their use should be strictly limited. If your son or daughter does carry a mobile telephone, please ensure that he or she understands the need to have it switched off during all lessons, between lessons and during tutorial times and to avoid using it inappropriately. Inappropriate use of a mobile telephone will result in parents being contacted and asked to come in to school.

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DAY TO DAY PROCEDURES Travel Passes The following application forms for travel permits are available from the Reception area from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday. TEEN TRAVEL IDENTITY CARD – Sixth Form (for use by students attending schools in Tyne & Wear) Your Teen Travel Identity Card enables you to purchase a Teen Travel Ticket from any Travel-shop, allowing you to travel on almost all public transport in Tyne and Wear, reducing the travelling costs whilst you continue your education. UNDER 16 CARD Children who live in Tyne and Wear and are aged 5 to 15 on the 31st August before the start of the current academic year are entitled to an Under-16 Card. This lets them travel in Tyne and Wear at concessionary child fares. Travel fares can be obtained from the Main Office.

SCHOLARS’ BUS SERVICE: AUTUMN 2009 - SUMMER 2010

Morning: No. 652 Departs 8.05 a.m. From: Park Estate, Shiremoor, Backworth

(Operator: Stagecoach)

Afternoon: No. 652 Departs 3.15 p.m. To: Backworth, Shiremoor, Park Estate

(Operator Go-North East) The following commercial service provides alternative transport to Holystone and West Allotment: Service No 343 - Killingworth 3.20 p.m.

- Holystone 3.39 p.m. - West Allotment 3.41 p.m.

For further information contact Mrs Emmerson on 0191 200 8347 No smoking legislation on school buses The No Smoking in Enclosed Spaces law came into force on 1 July 2007. The new law strengthens the existing no smoking ban on buses. Under the law, a bus driver could be prosecuted for allowing smoking within his/her vehicle. As a consequence bus drivers may request any pupils who do smoke to leave the vehicle if they persist in smoking after being challenged. If pupils refuse to leave the vehicle the driver will be instructed to seek assistance from either the depot or the police. Parents should be aware that the school works closely with the bus companies and will support any decision which may result in a pupil being banned from using the service.

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School Meals The school is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle in our students. In the Dining Hall there is a cafeteria service with a wide choice of food including sandwiches, snacks and full meals. Students may spend as much or as little as they like but at present £1.70 will buy quite a substantial meal. Your son or daughter may also bring a packed lunch. Our school is presently working to upgrade the cashless system for the payment of school meals and the use of our library. For the first term of the new school year only, we will be asking students to pay cash for whatever they have chosen to eat. During the first term we will contact you again about a replacement cashless system. Students on Free School Meals will have an individual account to which £1.70 will automatically be credited each day. If you would like more information or still have concerns about your son or daughter using this system, please contact Mrs Emmerson on 0191 200 8347. As part of the school’s commitment to effective learning and healthy living, students are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. Water is for sale in the cafeteria and a free water fountain is available at break and lunch time for students to replenish water bottles. To help encourage students to drink more water, fizzy pop is not allowed in school. Free School Meal Entitlement Students may be eligible for free school meals if parents are in receipt of Income Support. If you think you may be eligible for free school meals then an application form may be obtained from the School office or from:

North Tyneside Council Student Support Quadrant West Silverlink North

Cobalt Business Park Newcastle upon Tyne

NE27 0BY

Telephone: 0191 643 8754 Snacks Snacks can be purchased in the dining hall during break.

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Signing in and out of school It is expected that, whenever possible, students will make any medical/dental appointments outside of school hours. If students have to leave school during the day for any reason then please send a note in advance of the date concerned. Students must sign out at the School Office as they will receive an LEA authorised ‘out of school’ slip. If they return to school later on the same day then they must register in their lesson again, and return the LEA slip. Copies of the slips are held in the School Office. Under no circumstances should a student leave the school and go home without the permission of the Guidance Manager. In the event of illness or injury they will be taken care of until a parent or guardian can be contacted. Illness If your son/daughter feels unwell or has had an accident he or she must report it to a teacher straight away. Normally he/she will be sent to the school office where a trained First Aider will take care of him/her. Students should not telephone parents directly to arrange to be picked up from school - he/she must report their illness to a member of staff initially. If students are too ill to remain at school parents will be contacted in order for suitable arrangements to be made. It is very important that parents let us have some point of contact, for example, a telephone number at home and at work as well as the telephone number of a friend, relative or neighbour. Please make sure that the school is kept up to date regarding any change of contact details. Medicines Prior to staff administering any medication or student self-medication the school must have written confirmation of details from the parent/guardian. In order to comply with Government legislation we also require written confirmation of instructions from a health practitioner. Please note that there is no legal duty which requires staff to administer medication, however staff who volunteer to do this will be unable to administer any medication without the appropriate consent form. There are three situations which may arise: • Staff to administer medication on an adhoc basis (usually short term treatment) • Staff to administer medication for more complex medical needs • Pupil to carry/administer their own medication If your child has any of the above medical needs, please contact the main school office as soon as possible and they will arrange for the relevant form to be issued for you to complete. Please note that the school is unable to issue paracetamol or any other such medicines to students.

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Toilets In an ‘emergency’, students leaving a lesson receive a toilet pass from their teachers and are allowed access to the toilets. Usually we expect students to use the toilet at break and lunchtimes. All school toilets are open at all times. Students with specific medical problems who need to use toilets on a more regular basis will be given a special notification pass. Please notify the form tutor if you feel your child falls into this category. Such a situation will be dealt with discreetly and sensitively. Telephone If parents need to contact pupils urgently, they can do so by contacting the school office. Parents are asked to contact students in this way, rather than directly using mobile telephones, to minimise the disruption to the students’ learning. It is expected that mobile telephones will be switched off during lessons. Support Services Students sometimes have needs that cannot be met by the school and, as a result, the Local Education Authority provides a number of supportive services for this purpose, such as the Psychology Service, the Education Welfare Service and Social Services. School medical services are provided by staff of Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Care Trust, based at the John Willie Sams Centre in Dudley. Health problems which may affect a student’s well-being or progress at school are of particular concern to the Public Health Nurse (Children and Young People), who is available for discussion of such problems and can be contacted on 0191 643 2866.

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EDUCATIONAL VISITS AND CHARGING

Many students participate in voluntary activities in the community including helping and entertaining the elderly, raising money for local charities and helping in our feeder Primary Schools. We consider this kind of activity to be of great benefit to students and it often contributes to enhancing their Progress Tracker. Educational Visits As part of the school curriculum students are often involved in visits within the locality, usually travelling by school mini-bus or hired coach, and occasionally by public transport. Details of such visits are supplied to parents in advance. Trips away from school also require detailed parental consent forms, which authorise staff to act in the event of an emergency. Given some nationally high profile problems with school trips, and the concern we all share for the safety of our students, we have very rigorous procedures in place for the planning of school trips. Students may be selected to play for one of the many school teams and travel to other schools in the region. All these visits play an important part in the whole educational experience of our students. Charges for School Activities Policy Statement of Governors of GSHS: The Governors of GSHS observe the law as laid down in the 1988 Education Reform Act with regard to charges for school activities. Under normal circumstances voluntary contributions will be requested for the following activities: a. individual music tuition b. activities offered to enhance the curriculum but which take place wholly or mainly outside

normal school hours c. examination fees where a student fails, without good reason, to take an examination for

which he/she has been entered d. examination entry for examinations other than the prescribed public examinations e. materials, books, transport, instruments and equipment for optional extras to the statutory

curriculum f. board and lodging on a residential trip Some school trips are organised by a third party e.g. a travel company and under those circumstances charges may be levied by the third party, e.g. for a trip abroad. When any activity is organised, anyone in receipt of Family Credit or Income Support is entitled to claim exemption from charges for board and lodging on residential trips that are not optional extras but are an essential part of the curricular provision of the school. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if your son/daughter is unable to take part in a trip or visit for financial reasons. We will always do our best to help and guarantee that the problem will be dealt with discreetly and confidentially.

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES George Stephenson is a lively school, which encourages students to take part in a wide range of extra curricular and study support activities. Firstly, the Learning Resource Centre is open every day at lunchtime and after school so that students may continue with their learning. In addition, the school’s ICT facilities, which are continually being upgraded, are also available for student use outside of the timetabled day and there are home learning clubs for each year group as well as a ‘Gifted and Talented’ programme running regularly. The Physical Education department offers teams in a wide range of sports including soccer, rugby, hockey, netball, basketball, tennis, cricket, cross country, athletics and volleyball. Music, dance and drama are very popular activities involving many students. Each year the school stages a full scale production as well as regular concerts and dance displays. There are also many opportunities for students to broaden their experience by taking part in national competitions, visits to the theatre, trips to France to improve their French, to art galleries in Britain and in Europe, as well as outdoor activities locally and further afield. We also offer many study residentials to help students to maximise their achievements in external examinations – as well as to enjoy some fun together! The list below gives a flavour of what is on offer. New activities are being added all the time.

• Aikido • French • Art Club • Guitar • Athletics • Hockey • Allotment • Home learning clubs in all subject areas • Badminton • Keyboard • Bands • Mathematics – Level 8 Club • Basketball • Masterclasses at local universities • Bicycle Repair and Maintenance • Netball • Car design, making and racing • Outdoor Activities • Cheerleading • DJ and Recording Club • Children’s University Clubs • Singing • Cricket • Mathematics – Level 8 Club • Cycling • Rounders • Dance • Tennis • Evolve (School Magazine) • Video conferencing • English – Year 7 G+T Reading Club, Year 9

and Year 11 Revision Club, Sixth Form Reading Club, Coursework Club

• Revision clubs in all subjects - particularly for Year 11 and Year 13 students but also for younger students

• Instrumental lessons e.g. violin, cello, flute, clarinet

• Duke of Edinburgh Award

• Science – Environment Club, Global Weather Club

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PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS Under the Education Reform Act, any parent has the right to enter a formal complaint if he or she thinks that certain things are not being done properly. Copies of the Local Education Authority’s arrangements for doing this are available for inspection at any school or Public Library or at North Tyneside Education Offices. The areas covered by the Act are mainly concerned with: • the delivery of the National Curriculum and exemption from it • the provision of information • the way in which Governing Bodies deal with appeals from parents about withdrawal from the

National Curriculum. The Authority’s statement will give fuller details of these. It is expected that if there are any complaints they will be resolved informally between school and parent, but if this breaks down parents can complain to either the Governing Body or the Local Education Authority. If parents are not satisfied with the treatment of their complaint by the Governing Body and/or the Local Education Authority, they then have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.

KEY DATES FOR YEAR 7 - 2009 / 2010

September 7th Staff Training Day

September 8th Autumn Term begins for students

September 22nd Celebration of Achievement Evening (7.00 - 9.00 p.m.)

September 30th Year Council Meetings

October 1st Open Evening (5.00 - 8.00 p.m.)

October 5th/6th/8th Year 7 CLC Visits

October 8th Year 7 New Parents meeting with Tutors (4.30 – 6.30 p.m.)

October 12th Parents Forum (1)

October 20th Year 7 Warkworth Trip (Geography and History)

October 22nd Whole School Charity Day / Charity Game Show Night (6.00 p.m.)

October 23rd Staff Training Day

Oct 24th – Nov 1st Half Term Holiday

November 2nd Term begins for students

November 18th Year Council Meetings

December 9th Year 7 Dimensions Day (1)

December 15th/16th/17th Christmas Performance

December 18th Whole School Charity Day / End of Term

Dec 19th – Jan 3rd Christmas Holiday

January 4th Spring Term begins

January 18th Parents Forum (2)

January 20th Year Council Meetings

February 12th Whole School Charity Day

February 12th – 21st Half Term holiday

February 22nd Term begins for students

February 23rd Year 7 Parents Evening (4.30 – 7.30 p.m.)

February 25th Year 7 Dimensions Day (2)

March 17th Year Council Meetings

March 24th Performing Arts Production

April 1st Whole School Charity Day

April 2nd Bank Holiday

April 3rd – 18th Easter Holiday

April 19th Staff Training Day

April 20th Summer Term begins

April 26th Parents Forum (3)

April 29th Year 7 and Year 8 Junior Maths Challenge

May 3rd May Day Holiday

May 28th Whole School Charity Day

May 29th – June 6th Half Term holiday

June 7th Term begins for students

June 9th Year Council Meetings

June 24th Year 7 and Year 8 Youth Engineering Show Trip

June 29th Year 7 Dimensions Day (3)

June 30th Year 7 History Trip (Roman Wall)

July 7th Sports Day

July 15th Whole School Charity Day

July 19th Year 7 Rewards Trip

July 23rd Year 7 Reports issued

July 23rd End of Term