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St Pe ter the Apost le Handbook 2 0 1 7 P a g e 1

S t P e t e r t he Ap o s t l e H i g h School • K i rk o s wa l d D r i v e • C l y d e b a n k • 0 1 4 1 5 3 3 3 1 0 0

St Peter the Apostle HighSCHOOL HANDBOOK

St Peter the Apostle is a Roman Catholic High School that takes in the town of Clydebank and covers stages from S1-S6. The current roll is 1429 pupils.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Headteacher – Mrs Linda Booth

St Peter the Apostle High SchoolKirkoswald DriveClydebankG81 2DB

Tel No – 0141 533 3100

Web - http://stpetertheapostle.co.ukSchool Email - schooloffice@stpete r -apostle.w-dunbarton.sch.uk

Parent Council

Web - ww w .stpetertheapostleparents.o r g.uk Email - s tpeterthea pos tleparent s @googlemail.com In all instances if a parent has a concern or complaint, they should contact the appropriate person through the school office.



A message from the Head Teacher - Mrs Linda Booth

In a recent address to thousands of teachers and young people in Rome, Pope Francis quoted the ancient African saying that “It takes a village to raise a child”. As leader of the community of Saint Peter the Apostle High School, I could not agree more. So what defines “our village”?

The Gospel values of love, compassion and hope define our community and underpin our identity. Our school is comprehensive and inclusive, celebrating diversity and committed to improvement. We are ambitious for our young people and welcome accountability. Our faith is at the core as symbolised by our beautiful oratory right at the heart of our school.

Without doubt, the most important people in our community are the young people themselves. In a recent tweet Pope Francis urged, “Dear young people, do not be mediocre; the Christian life challenges us with great ideals”. That is our challenge as a school community. We must work together to raise expectations and aspirations. We must work together to defeat destiny where too often young people born into poverty do not enjoy the life chances they so richly deserve. InSaint Peter the Apostle High School we strive to help form young people who are well educated and well qualified – positive citizens who have a strong social conscience and a determination to make the most of their talents.

Our staff are fully committed to ensuring that all of our young people are supported to achieve their very best. Pope Francis recently tweeted, “Thank you to all teachers: educating is an important mission which draws young people to what is good, beautiful and true”. How right he is! Teaching is a mission. The job is simultaneously so challenging and so rewarding. The outstanding commitment of our staff to do the absolute best for our young people must be recognised – they genuinely love and care our young people.

It is, of course, through strong partnerships with parents that we provide the very best for our young people. As the first educators of our children, parents have a huge influence on the formation and development of young people. The excellent partnership that we enjoy with parents is evident in so many ways in our school community, not least through the work of our Parent Council.



Our partnerships with our local parishes are pivotal too – the tremendous support we receive from our Chaplain, Father Boyle, and all of our local clergy has a very significant impact on our community. Our partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council is equally strong – both in terms of the support we receive from Council Officers and Elected Members. Working together – pupils, staff, parents and partners – we can achieve anything.

I would like to conclude with a quote from one of our young people:-

“Education isn’t all about passing exams- though that’s important, of course. Education is about the whole person: the heart, the mind, the soul. Before I leave Saint Peter the Apostle HS, I want to pass this message on, and, as Head Girl, I want to make sure that our education is as much about helping others as helping ourselves. Our faith is all about action and as a school we are reallykeen to build a legacy of giving”

Rachel’s words resonate perfectly with our mission as a school community to help form our young people into caring, compassionate and optimistic citizens of the future.

Linda BoothHead Teacher

Linda Booth with some of our Junior Award Winners.



A statement of the school’s culture, ethos and values, its aspirations for pupils and how it celebrates achievement.

• Aim: we aim to help all students to achieve their full potential in each aspect of their development – academic, spiritual,

physical, personal, social and emotional.

•Values: our values are placed firmly in the Gospel Values of our faith. The Catholic school is where children experience, live and enjoy their faith : the Catholic school loses its purpose without constant reference to the Gospels and a frequent encounter with Christ. We must provide pupils with a living relationship with Christ. Teachers must reveal the Christian method not only by word, but also by every gesture of their behaviour : the example we set in our behaviour should have the capacity to transform lives.

• Vision: our vision is of a school that is a community of faith, learning and partnership comprehensive and inclusive ambitious and responsible accountable and collegiate.

Our S5 Football team in ourShow Racism the Red Card Campaign

Achievement opportunities are offered to all pupils in a variety of ways: through sports, performing arts, external competitions, outward bound courses, community work, enterprise activities, work experience, college placements, charity work, participation in a wide range of clubs etc.

These wider achievements are recognised and celebrated through our whole school Award Ceremonies, Sports Awards, departmental reward systems, local press and year assemblies. The tannoy is often used to celebrate success across the school.

Our Senior Award Winners



The Schools Role in the Community

Links with all local parishes are very strong. Our school chaplain is Parish Priest in St Eunan’s. Local clergy participate in the school’s Chaplaincy Team and are frequent visitors to the school. The school joins in fully and enthusiastically with Education Week and staff and pupils participate in masses in every parish. Every Lent pupils deliver a service on the Stations of the Cross in every church.

Our school also plays a leading role in the national Caritas Award which encourages young people to engage in service to their school and parish communities.

The Head Teacher is a member of the Catholic HeadTeacher’s Association of Scotland.

Details of the school’s role in the community, partnerships with organisations, bodies and people who work in the school.

The school has many links and partnerships with local organisations. Here is a list of some of them:

For the past 10 years our school has had a

relationship with Olaleni Secondary school in

Tanzania. The link was initially started byMs Farren and this has developed into a verystrong link between the two schools.

Top Up and Reach programmes (links with universities), Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Mark Scott Leadership for Life programme, Bankie Talk (the Diana Award), Eco Schools, St Margaret’s Hospice, Fire Reach programme, Millennium Volunteer Awards, CLAN partnership, Y Sort-It, Links to CHAS / Robin House, Tullochan Trust, Active Sports, Beardmore Hotel (Hospitality), Youth Achievement Award, Olaleni High School, The Titan Trust

The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award - A climb to Ben Lomond



Moving From Primary To Secondary

Arrangements for parents offered or seeking a place for their child in the school, including arrangements for visiting the school.

Important information on the school can be found in the school’s website: clubs, curriculum, policies, bulletins, focus for the week, uniform, parents’ handbook, supported study, calendar of events, information on departments, advice on study skills etc• If seeking a place in the school, parents can contact the HT who would invite them up to the school for a visit or refer them on to WDC (if a placing request from another authority)•Any visit to the school would involve the HT and/or DHT and could include a tour of the school if requested

St Peter the Apostle

The first of the 12 apostles“On this rock, I will build my church”

The school takes its pupils from seven primary schools. These are:

Our Lady of Loretto, Our Holy Redeemer , St Claire’s, St Eunan’s, St Mary’s, St Joseph’s, St Stephen’s

Young People

The move from primary to secondary is an important event. We at St Peter the Apostle wish to make this move as

smooth as we can. Young people from our current S1 have been visiting schools along with members of our Senior Leadership Team and Pupil Support teachers. In May our new S1 will come together as their First Year class, where they can meet some of their teachers, be given their timetables and a flavour of workwhich takes place in secondary school.



Parents

Special parents’ meetings are organised to allow you to become familiar with the school building and the staff.Information sheets and newsletters are also issued through your son or daughter. Should you wish any extra information, please do not hesitate to contact the school at any time.

Teachers

Members of the school staff, including the Depute Head Teacher and Principal Teacher of Pupil Support responsible for the new intake, visit the school’s associated primary schools to make contact with Primary7 pupils and their teachers and plan for their transition.

The Principal Teacher Support for Learning (or representative) attends transition meetings in the primary school for P7 pupils, who have additional support needs. A transition plan is drawn up and put into operation. This is likely to include reciprocal visits between staff and establishments and visits to the secondary school for pupils and parents. Post placement reviews are held for these pupils in September/ October to ensure that they have settled in to secondary education and to address any difficulties.

The design of the school incorporates features from the shipbuilding industry, hence the port holes and funnels on the roof.



The School Day

Each school day has 6 or 7 periods spread as follows

Registration 8.50 – 9.00Period 1 9.00 – 9.50Period 2 9.50 – 10.40Interval 10.40 – 10.55Period 3 10.55 – 11.45Period 4 11.45 – 12.35Lunch 12.35 – 1.20Period 5 1.20 – 2.10Period 6 2.10 – 3.00On a Monday and Tuesday onlyPeriod 7 3.00 - 3.50

Clubs

There are lots of activities that pupils can involve themselves in at St Peter the Apostle. A sample of some are below -

Netball Football, Table Tennis, Basketball, Drama – School Show, Choir, Band, Chess Club, Trampoline,

TimekeepingThere is a very strong link between attendance at school and academic success. Pupils should attempt to be on time and have a high level of attendance.

Rugby, Dance, Badminton, Creative Writing, Science, Sign Language.

The School Year

We will publish a calendar of key dates on our school website and information about the academic year can be found on the council website

Term Dates- http://ww w .west-dunbarton.go v .uk/ education-and-learning/schools/schools-general- information/term,-holiday-and-closure-dates/



Transition from S2 to S3

When pupils enter S1 the will study a broad range of subjects

S1/2Art, Science, Business Technology, Spanish, Maths, English, Computing, Music, Drama, Home Economics, Design, Graphics & Technology, PE, Social Subjects, Religious Education, Learning for Life

At the end of S2 pupils will make 8 choices based on their strengths. An option choice form can be seenon the next page

S3 (Additional Subjects)Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Administration and IT, Business Management, Geography, History, Modern Studies, Design& Manufacture, Graphic Communication, Hospitality and Child Care.

Transition for S3 to the Senior Phase (S4-6)

At the end of S3 pupils will choose 6 subjects to take into the senior phase of S4-6

S4/5/6 (Additional Subjects)Media Studies, Photography, Metalwork, Duke of Edinburgh, Leadership, Accounting, Travel & Tourism, Politics, Cake Decorating, and Psychology.



S2 Option Choice Sheet (sample)

C O L U M N A

C O L U M N B

C O L U M N C

C O L U M N D

English Maths Spanish History

Geography

Modern Studies

C O L U M N E

C O L U M N F

C O L U M N G

C O L U M N H

Biology Art & Design Administration and IT

Biology

Chemistry Design &

Manufacture

Computing Business Management

Physics Home Economics Design &

Manufacture

Chemistry

Music Practical Woodwork Computing

PE Graphic

Communication

Music

Child Care Hospitality Physics

Practical Woodwork



Post school Transition Arrangements

The school identifies pupils, whose additional support needs are such that they require enhanced support for their transition to post-school services. All agencies relevant to the post-school transition are invited to the pupil’s S3 review and a plan will be drawn up to support the pupil through the transition process.

Support for Pupils - Additional Support Needs

In line with WDC policy, the school uses a 4 step process based on the Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach to assess additional needs. This helps us to decide when more targeted support is required. The 4 steps are: - Identifying concerns; deciding on the child’s needs; deciding on the appropriate stage of intervention; reviewing the plan.

Further information can be obtained from the WDC website.www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools/additional-support-needs/assessment

The school has 9 Principal Teachers of Pupil Support, each with a responsibility for an identified client group.3 of the Principal Teachers have an intensive support client group. These groups are significantly smaller than the rest and allow for targeted support to be offered to those young people, who have the greatest need. Young people who have already been identified in primary as having a significant additional support need will normally be placed in one of the intensive support client groups on entry to our school.

The JAT(the school’s multi-agency support group) meets regularly and includes representatives from Psychological Services, Social Work and the School Nursing Service. Where a young person requires support from a number of agencies, permission is sought from the young person and their parent to discuss this at a JAT meeting. In this way, a multi agency support plan can be drawn up to address the range of needs of the Young Person.

If you are concerned that your child has an additional support need or if you have any questions about your child’s progress in school, you should contact his/her Pupil Support teacher, who has an overview of your child’s school experience. Office staff will be able to identify the Pupil Support teacher for your child, if you are unsure who this is.

Useful websites: -ww w .enquire.o r g.uk (Scottish Advice Service for Additional Support for Learning)ww w .autism.o r g.uk ww w .educationscotland.go v .uk

Health & Wellbeing/RE CurriculumIssues such as sexual relationships and parenthood will be covered in RE through the ‘Called to Love’ programme produced by the Scottish Catholic Education Service. They have also produced an information leaflet for parents, which will be issued prior to pupils beginning the course.The Health & Wellbeing Curriculum will address a range of issues, some of which may be of a sensitive nature. Details of the content of the HWB curriculum will be provided along with pupil reports. Any parent wishing more information on these matters should contact the Year Head.



Faith Development

St Peter the Apostle High School follows the customs and practices of the Catholic Church in order to nourish the spirituality and faith of pupils and staff. Our Catholic tradition is enriched by ancient rites, prayers and devotions which help young people to become aware of, and show reverence to, the sacred presence of the living God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Guided by this tradition, we celebrate various seasons and special feast days to honour God, Mary his Mother and the Saints.

This regular practice of Prayer is complemented by religious services conducted, sometimes as part of an Assembly, to mark special occasions - eg the distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, the seasons of Advent or Lent. To mark special Feast Days and Holy Days of Obligation, Holy Mass will be celebrated by the school chaplain, with the school community, in school buildings or in local parishes. Some pupils, at certain stages, may be able to participate in retreats and pilgrimages to places of special significance within the Catholic tradition.

In terms of pupil participation in RE Scottish Government guidance makes it clear that it makes an important contribution to pupils' development and

Our OratoryBuilt at the heart of the school

that it promotes the ethos of a school by bringing pupils together and creating a sense of community. However, it also makes clear that parents have the right to withdraw children from participation in religious observance and that this right should always be made known to parents and their wishes respected. The Scottish Government also recognises that:

Where a parent chooses a denominational school for their child's education, they choose to opt in to the school's ethos and practice which is imbued with religious faith and religious observance. In denominational schools, it is therefore more difficult to extricate a pupil from all experiences which are influenced by the school's faith character.

St Peter the Apostle High School thrives on the partnership between school, family and parishes to promote a positive ethos built upon Gospel values.

School Dress

St Peter the Apostle actively encourages the wearing of school uniform, as does West Dunbartonshire Council with substantial parental and public support. School jumpers and ties can be purchased from the school.

The Uniform is:

White shirt or blouse and School tieSchool sweater/cardigan/slipoverDark dress trousers; dark skirt or dress trousers for girlsBlack boots or shoes

The PE Kit is

St Peter the Apostle - School Uniform

White or purple polo shirtDark P.E shorts or track suit bottomsClean, non-marking training shoes



There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which could:

Potentially encourage factions (such as football colours)Cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)Cause damage to flooringCarry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco and

Parents receiving family income support, family credit, housing benefit or council tax rebates will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear

Senior Girls Football Team

and clothing for their children. Approval of any request for such grants is at the discretion of the Director of Education. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools and from Council offices.

Parents are asked to ensure that valuable and unnecessary expensive items such as jewellery, are not brought to school. Parents should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to have been negligent.

Our Curriculum

In S1, S2 and S3 we continue a broad general education by building upon the work done in primary school focusing on the 8 curriculum areas of Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Expressive Arts, Technology, Health and Well-being and Religious Education. In line with Curriculum for Excellence, pupils experience breadth and depth in learning with opportunities for personalisation and choice.

All teachers are responsible for developing the literacy and numeracy skills of our young people and this is reflected in learning experiences within departments and in carefully planned interdisciplinary projects.



In S4 pupils enter the senior phase of their education, when decisions are finalised regarding national qualifications to be undertaken by pupils at a level appropriate to their ability. During the senior phase (S4 – S6) pupils can undertake a range of courses lasting for one or two years.

An important feature of our curriculum is to present opportunities for young people to develop skills which enable them to become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. Promoting, recognising and celebrating the achievements of our young people beyond academic success is a key focus of our curriculum.

Positive Discipline

The main functions of any school are teaching and learning. The essence of a good school is the creation of a climate in which these processes can take place with maximum benefits for all involved.

In St Peter the Apostle our basic philosophy is to develop within pupils a sense of self-discipline by instilling the idea that they are ultimately responsible for their own behaviour.

A sense of respect for all others is encouraged by emphasizing the worth and dignity of each individual in keeping with the philosophy of Catholic education.

In any large community, however, difficulties occur from time to time and incidences of indiscipline are discouraged.

We are sure parents will agree that such incidences should not be allowed to disrupt the education of others and to this end all instances of indiscipline will be swiftly investigated and dealt with.

Parents may be assured that their support and co-operation in avoiding and eliminating instances of indiscipline will be sought at an early stage.

On visiting the school we believe that parents will find the atmosphere to be friendly and that relations between staff and pupils are good.

We continue to develop numerous means by which positive behaviour and consistent effort can be encouraged.

We actively promote awareness among staff of all the issues involved in bullying; deal vigorously with any incident which does occur; make pupils aware of what constitutes bullying and the actions which will be taken by the school.

All teachers in St Peter’s are responsible for monitoring the conduct of all our young people, in particular thePupil Support staff and Home School Link staff.

The Senior Leadership Team keep the behaviour of individual pupils, classes and year groups under review and become directly involved in matters of serious or persistent indiscipline.

Wherever appropriate we work closely with parents and supporting agencies - Psychological Services, SocialWork and Police - in order to promote positive behaviour and to support our young people. At St Peter’s we



have the greatest confidence in the goodness of the young people in our charge and in their desire to contribute positively to the school.

All our young people are assigned to a Pupil Support teacher on entering the educational chain between home and every department in the school.

Pupil Support provides the link in the school.

Our pupils on a ski trip to France

All teachers in a school have responsibility for the young people’s welfare; it is the Pupil Support teacher who has an all- round picture of an individual pupil’s progress. The PupilSupport Team also prepares a structured programme to help all the pupils at certain stages of development. The Pupil Support Team is therefore engaged in a number of important tasks in addition to their teaching duties, including:

•Care of new admissions•Monitoring of the academic progress of pupils•Giving advice on course choice

•Checking on attendance and timekeeping•Caring of pupils facing difficulties - emotional, physical and in school work•Preparation of reports on pupils - for employers, colleges anduniversities etc•Contact with parents of individual pupils - by letter, telephone, interview and meeting•Links with support agencies such as Careers Service, Social Work,Educational Psychologist, often through the Joint Assessment Team•The Joint Assessment Team consists of various professionals who work together to ensure the personal, emotional and vocational needs of individual pupils are met.

Our busy school canteen at morning interval

For details of our Pupil Support Team please refer to our Handbook insert.



All staff in the school are aware of child protection issues and are provided with regular information on Child Protection Policy and Procedure.The school maintains close working relationships with all other relevant agencies to ensure appropriate information is shared and that professionals from various agencies work collaboratively for the well being of the children and young people.All staff have a responsibility to report concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child or young person to the Head Teacher.

If the Head Teacher, or person deputising for the Head Teacher, is of the view that there may be grounds for concern, they will immediately contact the duty senior Social Worker and advise them of the circumstances.

More information can be found on the following websites

Getting Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/gettingitright

Education Scotlandhttp://www.educationscotland.gov.uk

A Geography field trip to Loch Lomond National Park



Support for Learning

Pupils of all abilities may experience difficulties at one time or another in their school careers so Support for Learning is available to all those who need it.

This help is given in a variety of ways through the subject department and the Support for Learning Department.For example, a Learning Support specialist may go into a regular subject class and support pupils alongside their teacher. Two subject teachers may also work together in class to support pupils with learning in their day-to-day work.

A number of pupils may have an educational programme designed to ensure their needs are catered for.

Within subject departments our programmes of work are differentiated or classes organised so that the mostable pupils are stretched at all times whilst the least able are supported. It is our aim that every individual issupported to achieve his/her maximum potential in every case.

Absence From School

Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty of every parent of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly.

Regulation 7 of the Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland)

Amendment Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to be recorded in the school register as authorised, that is approved by the authority, or unauthorised - that is unexplained by the parent (truancy or temporary excluded from school). Every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term-time as this both

disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time.

Parents are requested to contact the school by letter or phone if their child is likely to be absent from school for some time and to give a note on his/her return to school, confirming a reason for the absence.

The School Playground

If a child is absent without prior notification, parents will be contacted through the automated parent alert system. It is important, therefore, that the home contact details are kept up to date. An unauthorised absence will be pursued by the Authority, its Officers, Children’s Panels etc.



Health Matters

Routine medical and dental examinations and inoculations are carried out in school for pupils at appropriate stages.

Olympic Torch BearerFormer pupil Jack Chambers had the good fortune to be

selected to carry the Olympic Torch. He is pictured here

with staff and pupils from Olaleni High School

Parents are asked to inform a Depute Head Teacher or Pupil Support Teacher of any existing medical condition when pupils come to school. Such information will be treated as confidential. At the beginning of each school year, parents are asked to update their child’s medical information on a form provided by the school. Your assistance is required in this matter to ensure that the highest level of care is provided for all pupils.

It is important that an emergency telephone number is given to the school where a parent/ responsible adult can be contacted during all hours of the school day.

In the event of illness or accident, the school will inform the parents or guardian as quickly as possible and, if necessary, make arrangements to transfer the child home or seek medical attention.

If the child is taken to the Health Centre or to hospital, it is essential that the parents or guardian make their way there as soon as possible.

Pupils who wish to leave school during school hours for a dental, medical or Hospital appointment should bring in written notes of the appointment to the appropriate Pupil Support Teacher.

Support for Families

For information on Free School Meal Entitlement, Clothing Grants and the Education MaintenanceAllowance(EMA) see the following website

http://ww w .west-dunbarton.go v .uk/education-and-learning/childcare,-school-and-educational-grants/



How the Progress of Young People is Assessed

In recent years assessment has seen major changes in Scottish schools. In the past, young people were assessed, and then ranked from first to last in their classes, given percentage marks and compared with each other. Today the emphasis is not on comparing young people with each other, but on the young person as an individual.

We now assess our young people:

To find out where their strengths are

To find out where their weaknesses are and to take positive action to remedy any weaknesses

To find out if our teaching methods and materials are sound

To provide pupils, parents and teachers with accurate information for decision making, e.g option choices

To find out if each pupil is making the progress he or she is capable of

To recognise the achievements of our young people (e.g contributions to the community)

In St Peter the Apostle we use a range of measures to assess our pupils:

A series of small tests, usually at the end of a unit of work

Assessment of class work - jotters, notebooks, models in Technology, dishes prepared in Home Economics, line drawing in Art and Design, etc

Internal examinations, special assignments, homework exercises

A combination of the above

The school has 8 sets of stairs, 2 lifts, 4 gyms, a dance studio, drama studio, 3 playing fields and a running track



School Improvement

A school is judged using a combination of indicators.We have an inspection process where the school can be visited by HMIe. Our most recent reoport can be found here.

Inspection Report

http://ww w .educationscotland.go v .uk/inspectionandreview/reports/school/primsec/ StPetertheApostleHighSchoolClydebank.asp

The authority publishes information each year about the school and this can be accessed hereWDC School Info

http://ww w .west-dunbarton.go v .uk/education-and-learning/schools/schools-general-information/schools- contact-details-and-information/st-pete r -the-apostle-high-school/

Education Scotland also publish statistical information about the school. The type of information that can be found is the following -

• Positive Leaver destinations• Attainment in Literacy and Numeracy• Attainment in the context of deprivation• Overall attainment of school leavers• Awards gained by level• Attendance and absence

Click on the link below to find out more

http://ww w .educationscotland.go v .uk/scottishschoolsonline/schools/ stpetertheapostlehighschoolwestdunbartonshire.asp



Early Warning of Underachievement

At St Peter the Apostle the Pupil Support and SeniorLeadership Team monitor the academic performance of our young people using a Target Setting/ Tracking programme. Underachievement is identified at the earliest possible stage, whichallows parents, pupils and staff to act in a positive way, ensuring that every individual in our school community reaches his/ her full potential.

ICT

We have a computer network covering the whole school of over 500 computers.This allows all pupils direct access to the internet and email and therefore a whole world of learning. They are protected by a password and firewall system which allows them full access to research,

Water TowerThe view from the top of the

school

education and leisure sites. Pupils are given advice on internet safety and we are happy to answer questions and give advice to parents on this ever-changing technology.

West Dunbartonshire Policy on Taking Photographs on Council Premises

West Dunbartonshire Council has a policy dealing with photographs taken by individuals on premises occupied or managed by the Council or at events organised by the Council.

Photographs should not be taken of school pupils on occasions and in locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy: normally for example, young people would not expect to be photographed in the classroom, playground or other areas of the school or during lessons on the sports field or at the swimming pool, except by arrangement.

Sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and other similar occasions will be considered to be public events and photography will be permitted.

S2 Football Team



Where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, permission to take photographs should not be assumed in the case of young people under 16 years of age without the written consent of their parent or guardian. In the case of young people over the age of 16, consent should be obtained from the young person themselves.

Parents and young persons over 16 years of age should understand that sporting events, mass participation events, stage appearances and the like where there is an audience, are public events and it is likely that photographs will be taken. The policy applies to all photographs and digital images, however taken, including images taken by any camera, camera mobile telephone, video camera or similar equipment.

Parent Council

The Scottish Schools (ParentalInvolvement) Act 2006 requires that:

• Under the terms of the Parental Involvement Act 2006, School Boards have been replaced by Parent Forums and Parent Councils

• Every parent is automatically a member of the Parent Forum for his/ her child’s school

• The members of the Parent Forum decide the structure, membership, aims, objectives and constitution of the Parent Council they wish to form

• Other members of Parent Council may be co-opted

• Parent Councils are to be involved in the appointment of a Head and Depute Head Teacher

• Parent Councils have the right to represent the views of parents

• Parent Councils are accountable to the members of the Parent Forum and should establish arrangements for reporting to the Parent Forum

• The need of and arrangements for all children and young people involving parents, carers and those who look after children are met

• The School Improvement Plan takes account of the Local Authority’s strategy and includes objectives relating to parental involvementLocal Authorities must provide reasonable funding to enable the Parent Council to carry out its function



• A combined Parent Council may be established to cover two or more school

The opportunities provided for a parent to become involved in the school - supporting learning at home, improving home-school partnerships and parental representation.

• open door policy: easy access to HT and SLT• very active Parent Council that represents the views of, and communicates with, the Parent Forum• Parent Council involved in construction of the School Improvement Plan and Homework Policy, the development and delivery of InterdisciplinaryLearning courses, the shaping of our curriculum map and representation on school committees eg the Chaplaincy Team.• As members of the Parent Council, parents have the opportunity to join local and national parent organisations• At a wider level all parents are invited to one Parent Information Evening at the start of the session plus a more traditional Parents Evening in the course of the year. There are also a number of specific Parents’ Evenings on Study Skills, Careers etc• Every pupil will receive written reports and targets on a regular basis

• Every pupil will have a Pupil Support teacher who, in most cases, will be the first point of contact• Every pupil is given a study planner that parents are encouraged to read: there is also the opportunity to write comments in this planner as a way of communicating with teachers.

Our Reporting to ParentsThe changes in assessment are obviously reflected in the style and content of our young people’s reports. Our reports no longer consist of percentage marks and class averages. Each subject now focuses on the skills that are being taught and reports on the true extent to which each pupil has mastered the necessary skills.

At St Peter the Apostle we have two types of Parents’ Meetings: Informal Evenings with presentations to parents on the curriculum and other school related matters and Reporting Evenings with individual discussions on progress.

In addition, parents are encouraged to arrange an interview with the Pupil Support staff or member of the SLT if there is any cause for concern.



It is advisable, if at all possible, to phone and arrange a mutually acceptable interview time.

Methods of CommunicationA school calendar with important dates for the whole session is issued to every parent in August. Additional information will normally be sent to parents via news- letter and circulars emailed or brought home by the young people: please ask regularly - or check school bags!

http://stpetertheapostle.co.uk

Pupil Support Staff

TEACHING STAFF

Head Teacher L BoothDepute Head Teachers J Morrison, M Rainey, M McCarte, S Friel

LANGUAGES

EnglishG Adam (Curriculum Leader), L Boyle, E Seehafer, A Gardner, T Bell, H Williams, M McElhinney (+Drama), A Lynch , L Booth, J Morrison, E Nichol, C Vezza, C Aulich, R Orr, L Anderson, C McDermott

Modern Languages W Coyle (Curriculum Leader), M Mulligan, B Conway, L Gibson, K Heraghty, K Feenan

MATHEMATICS

L Wolfe (Curriculum Leader), A O'Shea, J McArthur, S Campbell, H Mackie, G Cameron,P Hughes, F Gaughan, T Smith, G Speir, CShiels, S Gallagher

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Art and Design I Bell (Curriculum Leader), K Smith, B Mulraney, J Robertson

MusicL Murray (Curriculum Leader), C Pearson,S Linning,

TECHNOLOGIES

Business Studies K McSheaffrey (Curriculum Leader), S Friel, S DonohoeComputingD Young (Subject Leader), T O'Donnell, I Loney, H Blaney

Design, Graphics & T echnology P Bowie(Curriculum Leader), H Gibson, J Sangster, G Kelly, J Connelly, M Rainey

SOCIAL STUDIES

GeographyC Feeney (Curriculum Leader), H Pepler, M Ferrier

Modern Studies M McCarte, C Zavaroni, C Rainey, C McGilchrist

HistoryC Shanks (Curriculum Leader), M Harkness, H McEwan, MB Ballantyne

SCIENCES

ChemistryS Sinclair (Curriculum Leader), S Cameron, J Ryan, L Hayes, T DiamondPhysicsG Galloway (Subject Leader), M Farrell, N Brown, J McKinstry

BiologyS Aitken (Curriculum Leader), S Booth, M McCann, C McPhee, J Caldwell

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Physical EducationI McMurray (Curriculum Leader), G Allan, A McGowan, M Milton, A Gair, C Heggie

Home EconomicsK Elsby (Curriculum Leader), K Murray, S Forgie, N Malone

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL EDUCATION

Religious Education P Barr, (Curriculum Leader), S Duffy, A Donnan, M Voukelatou

School Chaplain - Fr Boyle



Pupil Support Staff K McAloon,(PT), MJ McMahon, P Quinn, G NormanPupil & Family Support J Johnston, M Gallagher, A PhelanRaising Attainment H Williams/T SmithMo r e Choices Mo r e Chances H Williams/T SmithEnhanced Pupil SupportM Butler (PT)N Brown

Pupil Supp or t S1 – A McGowanS2 – F GaughanS3 – MB Ballantyne (MLOA), J SangsterS4 –A DonnanS5 – M HarknessS6 – S Campbell

Office Staff

Business Manager - A BownOffice Staff J Yule (Office Manager) I Oxley, L Cotton, M Fairley, M Nicholson, S Kelly, M Glancy, A Todd, E MetcalfLibrary A Doogan (Librarian)P Chambers (Library Assistant)T echnicians J McLeod, T O'Rourke, E Hart, S Allan, M McConvilleClass r oom Assistants E Arnold, G Austin, M O'Sullivan, L Rowan, E Burns, P Brown, A White, J Stewart, M McEwan, L Shields.

Documents

stpetertheapostle.co.uk Handbo… · Web viewTeachers must reveal the Christian method not only by word, ... Here is a list of ... Pupils are given advice on internet safety and