THOMAS ADAMS SCHOOL, WEM incorporating 

ADAMS COLLEGE SIXTH FORM CENTRE ADAMS HOUSE (BOARDING) 

Headteacher: Elizabeth Dakin BSoc Sci (Hons) Deputy Headteacher: Julie McGurrin BEd (Hons) Deputy Headteacher: Mark Cooper BA (Hons) 

   

Dear Parent Welcome to the new year at Thomas Adams, especially if you are joining us for the first time. We hope you will be happy and successful here and will continue on to achieve your ambitions and potential. Again there are staff changes so I have included main changes below and a general staff list near the back of the newsletter, I will take this opportunity to say a fond farewell and best wishes to Mrs Lesley Atkinson who has retired after over 20 years’ service to the school. I wish to reassure you that the school has an ‘open door’ policy and we would therefore encourage you to get in touch if you have any concerns or issues that you wish to discuss. You may have seen our new website, all our policies and information are on there, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of behaviour, uniform as well as academic and extra-curricular performance. With this in mind we have introduced a Smart Card this year and more details on how this works are also included in this issue. There continued to be an impressive array of extra-curricular and some marvellous student achievements, some of which are reported here. In the interests of good communication we use a texting service for information and reminders, so included in this newsletter is a sheet to complete if you wish to update our records re mobile numbers. Please fill in and send it in! Wishing you all the best for the forthcoming year. Mrs Dakin

New Staff Fran Fletcher, Rachel Jennings and Tilly Jackson all join our English Department, Jan Cook and Stacey Everton have joined Maths, Sian Richards is doing a maternity cover in Geography as is Ceri Wright in Art. Mr T McAleavy continues his role as Senior Teacher but now is responsible for Aspirations/ Careers/Focus Groups, eg Pupil Premium and More Able.

 

 

Pastoral /Intervention Team Miss Slim – Head of Year 7

Mr Hulse (Mrs Morris on maternity leave) – Head of Year 8

Miss Holland – Head of Year 9

Miss Mooney – Head of Year 10

Mr Jones – Head of Year 11

Years 12 and 13 – Mrs Squire

In the Pastoral Office are Miss R Turner, Mrs D Peel and Mrs T Plant.

Telephone number for the Pastoral Office is: 01939 237070 (school), 01939 237062 (college)

Examination results 2015 Well done to all our students who took examinations this summer. Once again they have contributed to our successful results at a time when increasing demands are being asked of them.

GCSE Results 71% achieved 5+ A*-C grades 59% 5+ A*-C including English & Maths 34% English Bacc (includes English, Maths, Science, History or Geography and a Modern Foreign Language) 99% 5+ A*-G grades

A-Level 14% A*/A 39% A*-B 68% A*-C 97% pass rate (A*-E) 23 subjects achieved a 100% pass rate We are particularly pleased by the progress made by our GCSE and A-Level students. At GCSE, we are above the National Average for progress, whilst our A-Level figures place Adams College in the top 35% of schools with sixth forms/sixth form colleges nationally.

School Open Evening – Tuesday 6 October

Parents with a son/daughter in Year 6

This is then followed by our Open Day and Open Evening on 6 October. On that day prospective parents (and sons/daughters, if you so wish) are able to participate in a tour of the School: arrive at Lowe Hill for 10.30am for the morning tour or 1.30pm if you wish to partake of the afternoon visit. There is no need to book in advance.

Our Open Evening is also on 6 October. Choose between 5.30 – 6.45 or 6.45 – 8.00pm. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions of the staff and students in an informal setting. Please make a note of the date in your diary: everyone is welcome!  

Useful Phone Numbers To report an absence: 01939 237000

Mrs Dakin, Headteacher’s mobile: 07757 809876 – anytime

Mr M Cooper, Deputy: 01939 237000 – school time

Mrs J McGurrin, Deputy: 01939 237069 – school time

Mrs Belinda Howells, Headteacher’s PA: 01939 237000 – school time

Mr Stuart Boreham, Business Manager: 01939 237000 – school time

 

College Open Day/Evening – Thursday 22 October

Parents with a son/daughter in Year 11 Our Adams College Open Day/Evening begins with tours at 10.30am and 1.30pm then in the evening a brief talk in the Stanier Hall at our Noble Street site at 6.00pm. You will then be able to visit our Noble Street campus to talk with staff and sixth-form students about the wide range of courses on offer at the College. Again, everyone is welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there!

Please note: if you wish to see either the Lower School or Adams College in action at a different time to suit your commitments, then please do not hesitate to be in touch with Mrs Dakin or Mrs Withey (Head of Adams College). We will be more than happy to arrange a convenient time for you to visit.

Homework & the Student Planner The Planner is so useful for helping students to organise themselves with homework. Students are expected to have their planner with them in every lesson.

We would be grateful if you check the Planner weekly and if you have a complaint, then please contact us directly. Certainly please let us know if you think your child is getting either not enough homework or too much!

Reporting to Parents We are continuing to embed our new ITrack regular reporting system to parents, which indicates your child’s expected end-of-year attainment against their school targets. Each tracking point (TP) report also highlights your child’s effort in that subject. Additional information on attendance, Vivos and sanctions will also be provided at key points. We aim to issue each report sheet by the end of the weeks shown below. One of the reports should provide timely information for discussion at Parents’ evenings.

Year Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term 7 23 November * 25 January 18 April, 13 June 8 12 October *, 14 December - 11 April, 18 July 9 2 November * 18 January 9 May, 18 July 10 16 November * 22 February 27 June # 11 12 October 11 January # 25 April

* Effort Grade Only # Includes written comment Reports will also be sent out to parents of students in Years 12 and 13 at appropriate points during the year. We have reminded staff that ‘3’ is the ‘average’ effort grade and that ‘2’ should be awarded for good effort and ‘1’ must be for effort that is really above and beyond the expected.

 

House News Update Congratulations to Corndon and Lawley house for all their hard work in winning the House/ Sports trophy. A new school year brings a new challenge and all houses are starting again in their competition to win the house and sports trophy. This year there will be a variety of sporting and inter-house challenges taking place for pupils to get involved in to gain valuable house points. House points (Vivos) are also awarded in class for recognition of good work and effort and for clean smart cards.

 

House News Update – Continued

 

  School Meals/Free School Meals From the start of the Autumn term, the value of a free meal is £2.25 per day. If you are on income support, income based job seekers’ allowance and in some cases child tax credit, you are probably eligible for free meals for your child. Please contact Mrs Orrell at School if you have any queries about free meals. Advice on eligibility for free meals is also available from Shropshire County Council on 01743 250250.

As part of our overall health education programme, we continue to work with Shire Services to try to ensure that the food offered is as healthy as possible. We expect to see a continuation of the noticeable shift in students’ choice of food to more traditional meals and the ‘healthy foods’ on offer.

Friends of Thomas Adams, our PTA We are always pleased if new parents wish to participate actively in the work of the Friends of Thomas Adams. If you are interested, please contact Belinda Howells, on 01939 237000. All welcome!

CHAT – Confidential Help and Advice for Teenagers This well-established service offers help and advice to teenagers on a range of issues relating to health, bullying, stress, careers and relationships, or, indeed, whatever is on their mind. This multi-agency initiative has been effective in developing still further the strong tradition the School has for supporting students in all aspects of life and we are very pleased that we remain in a position to continue to offer this service.

Chaplaincy 2015-16 The work of the School’s Chaplains is very much appreciated, not only by providing a spiritual aspect to the life of the School through ‘Thought for the Week’ during assemblies but also by providing a comforting ‘listening ear’ for families and students during difficult times.

School Photographs – Years 7 & 10 Your son/daughter in Years 7 and 10 will bring home your proof photo card following their photographs being taken on 21 September. If you wish to order a photo please follow the instructions on the photo card and return monies etc to school.

Head Boy/Head Girl We wish every success to our new Head Boy and Head Girl and Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl. These are: Meah Ebery-Lewis (Head Girl), Rory Blessington (Head Boy), Sam Forsyth (Deputy Head Boy), Niamh O’Flaherty (Deputy Head Girl).

School Buildings My thanks go to Mr Boreham and his team for their unstinting commitment throughout July and August as part of our on-going refurbishment programme.

We are pleased to report that the Stanier Hall has been refurbished.

 

Buses If you have any queries about buses then please phone Mr Stuart Boreham, our Business Manager. Either he or Mrs Corrine Brown will be happy to deal with your query.

Please note that we work very closely with the Local Authority and the bus companies to ensure that things run smoothly. However, we have made it clear to students that if they misbehave on the bus, they will lose their right to travel on it. It will then be for parents to make alternative transport arrangements.

Note too that as safe travel on our coaches is the greatest concern, we insist that all students should wear their seatbelts. Indeed, the wearing of seatbelts is a legal requirement.

Use of personal equipment in school Many students now have a range of useful and valuable equipment (such as phones, Ipads or ipods). While we appreciate that these can be of benefit (although they must be switched off and out of sight during the day at all times), we would like to remind you that the safety and security of these is entirely the responsibility of the student and that the school cannot accept any liability for loss or damage to such items. We would suggest that, where appropriate, separate insurance is taken out to cover valuable items brought to school. If this is not possible, then we would advise students not to bring them into school. If you have a query, please ask to talk to one of our Pastoral Team. 

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 2016

Bronze Award Year 10 pupils will have the opportunity to complete the Bronze level of the award scheme in 2016. The scheme will be launched in October; training sessions will take place on an allocated day after school, every other week. The practice expedition will take place in May and qualifying route in July. For those students interested, please see Mrs Gilbert in the PE department. Gold Award The opportunity will also be given to Year 12 and 13 students to participate in the Scheme at Gold level. Mrs Phipott and Mr Cuthbert are the contacts for participating in the Gold Award.

Miscellaneous Students in Years 7-11 are not allowed

to leave the School site at lunchtime unless they actually go home and we have a parent’s note confirming this. Students are never allowed to hang around Wem at lunchtime or go to Wem to buy lunch.

In response to parents’ queries, may I stress that we are legally obliged only to accept the surname of a child which is on the birth certificate or one that has been changed by Court Order. We are not allowed to accept name changes that do not have legal ratification or, at the very least, the written backing of both natural parents.

Please liaise with Mrs Stevenson over any medical issues affecting your child that may impinge on school/college life.

During the course of the year, pictures of some students may be used for a variety of purposes (for example, on our website, in newspaper articles, in videos for training staff or as part of displays of students’ work). Some of these images will be available to the general public together with the student’s name. If you do not wish your child’s image to be used in this way, please would you let Mrs Howells know immediately on 01039 237011.

You will note that school events continue to start at 7.15pm (this is to avoid the confusion over whether it is 7.00 or 7.30pm). The exceptions are the Parents Consultation Evenings which are from 4.30 – 7.30pm.

We are always grateful for offers of voluntary assistance by parents, eg in helping out with support work for staff or students. Please contact Mrs Belinda Howells without obligation if you would like to find out more. 

 

Students Lucy Lloyd-Brown with Darcie Connacher took Poppy O’Donnell in her some of her trophies, part in the Warwickshire new RAF donated including a National PC Tetrathlon hi-vis jacket competition in the UK where she came 2nd

Phillipa Greenwood and Dean Preece at Mathematics Beth Ellis competed in the Cadet Masterclass event at Liverpool Commonwealth Games, in fencing, University in South Africa in July. Harrison Woodwood- Garner gains a black belt Beth Thomas horse jumping Toby Bedford, Aimee Cooper Sea Cadets taking part in Junior Wimbledon

Deven Erwin completed first fun run & came 18th out of 83 runners, the 4th boy over the line

 

More Students Beth and Jess Horne competing Aaron Eccleston, part of Ciara Fox & Grace Simcock the Shropshire Clay doing the Race for Life Shooting Team ‘pretty muddy’ event Megan Parsons

Best bowler at Geography U13 girls, U15 Field Trip boys and best

bowling ladies average in Shropshire

Residential Trips There are a range of residential trips planned for next year, subject to sufficient uptake, and these are listed below so that you are in a better position to judge in which, if any, you wish your child to participate. Full details are available from the member of staff.

Year 12 Geography field trip 2 – 6 November Mr Stokes Years 8 & 9 Christmas Markets 10 – 13 December Mrs Parker Year 9 Ski Trip 26 March – 3 April Mr Winter Year 7 Arthog week 18 – 22 July Mr Winter Year 12 & 13 Barcelona trip tbc – 15 – 23 July Mr Ashley Years 8 - 10 Rome Trip 14 – 21 July Mr Williams

Race for Life

An amazing effort again this year by students, staff and some parents who participated in our 3rd Race for Life event. The atmosphere on the day was exciting, reflective and inclusive! Participants ran, jogged and walked around the 5K or 10K course. All mindful of the cause we were raising money/awareness of, £4054.61 was raised in total which will all be donated to the Race for Life cancer research charity. Get in training for next year’s event! 

 

   Just before 4 o’clock on Sunday afternoon on 12th July 13 intrepid young adventurers met at Thomas Adams preparing to head into the depths of Wales to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Expedition. Heading first to a campsite outside Bala, plans were discussed for their forthcoming four day walk to Barmouth. Chatter, chips and campfires saw the darkness fall. Two groups of the students headed in different directions not to be reunited until the end of the week. Ongoing rain dogged the first day and soggy students arrived at wet campsites having carried all their tents, food and equipment for 8 hours walking. Spirits were not dampened when the following day dawned overcast, but prospects were improving and students left early to continue their journey. One group headed up into the hills and were treated to a display of low flying jets from the Dutch airforce. By Wednesday, the sun was shining and the true beauty

of Wales was revealed. One group heading up into the high mountains summiting Cadair Idris at lunchtime. The spectacular clarity of the air revealed views over the whole of Snowdonia and beyond.

The sun continued to shine as both groups headed over

the Mawddach estuary towards their destination on the beach at Barmouth. All arrived safely having experienced all that Wales has to offer in terms of weather, scenery and terrain.

Exhausted but satisfied they returned to school a step closer to achieving the coveted Duke of Edinburgh Gold award.  

 

FOOTBALL KIT APPEAL TEAM COMPLETE KENYA DELIVERY TRIP A team of volunteers have completed a trip to East Africa delivering donated football kits on behalf of a Charitable Appeal based in Shawbury in Shropshire. The Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal is run by Wing Commander Neil Hope MBE from RAF Shawbury through the RAF Football Association. The appeal, which started in 2006, collects unwanted and donated football items and distributes them to the needy across the world. To date the appeal has delivered over 115000 items including over 39000 football shirts to 50 countries worldwide, with the most recent deliveries going to Palestine and Israel. Each year the Appeal organises trips to Kenya, in East Africa to visit some of the places that receive the kits. The team of 11 mixed service and civilian personnel met up at Joma Kenyatta International airport on 1st June and embarked on a 9 day delivery itinerary which included 40 deliveries. On arrival, the team travelled up the Great Rift Valley to complete deliveries in Gilgil including at Saidia Children’s home and at Sanchat Restart centre. Both facilities provide essential care and homing for many abandoned and abused street children. Whilst in Gilgil the team also met with Dennis Leete at the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Dennis chatted with the group and told them about his experiences in the Second World War and the Mau Mau Uprisings in the area. On returning to Nairobi the team settled into their base for the visit, the Braeburn Garden Estate School. The team were accommodated through a link with the Executive Head, John Herbert, who hails from Shrewsbury. The next round of deliveries took place in the slum area of Kibagare. The visits began at Hope House Children’s home in Mountain View before the journey into the slum to visit the Kibagare Good News Centre. The school was set up in a shack building by a group of nuns and has grown to now provide education and food to over 1100 children daily. The team also visited the small Kibagare Academy and viewed the building work on its new shack building. From Kibagare the team visited the Stella Maris School in Mathare slum. Following a rest day which included a visit to the Alive and Kicking Factory to view the fantastic work in producing heavy duty leather footballs on a truly community project the team spent the 5th June travelling north to Kandara, near Thika. They delivered items to the school and baby unit before the journey to Juja Farm where they visited a football team and nursery school before a tour of the Secondary School. The differences between the schools was vast and yet the desire to learn was obvious at all. Sunday saw many of the team remain at Braeburn to be visited by the many schools, clubs and individuals receiving kits in one place due to the difficulties of visiting everyone. Recipients included the Tushinde charity, Ironstrikers FC, Aspire and Wire Academies and Sporting Chance; a charity linked to the Barnabus Centre in Shrewsbury. The penultimate day of the visit saw the trip venture into one of the largest slum areas in Africa. Kibera is an area of around 3 square kilometres built mainly of very small corrugated iron shacks, some of which house up to 10 people. The slum area has no sewerage system, little electricity and running water. It is an area which is very difficult to explain unless actually seen. In Kibera the team delivered items to many groups including Slumsoka, Mpira Mtaani and the Oloo School. They also visited a small school which was funded by the Rotary Club of Brighton. The team were wearing RAF T-Shirts bought partly through donations from the Rotary Club of Newport, Shropshire.

 

The final morning saw the team visit the Starkids Academy and spend a whole morning interacting with the children before handing out lots of football kit, sweets and toys. In all the team delivered over 7500 items during their stay. All members of the team agreed that the visit was a rich and rewarding journey which tested them physically and emotionally but allowed them to see the good achieved by the Appeal, delivering’ Aid through Football’. The items donated came from a multitude of clubs and individuals including many County FA’s, especially Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA, and teams including England, Manchester United, Shrewsbury Town and QPR, amongst many others. The Appeal is always looking for football kits or items as well as school uniform and items and baby clothes to send to people around the world. Details can be found at http://www.royalairforcefa.com Neil can be contacted at Air-1Gp-BMATMDAAMSO1@mod.uk or 07903135508.  

School Premises Could we please ask that you do not bring your car on to the premises either to drop your child at school in the morning or pick them up in the afternoon. There is a one way system in operation at busy times of the day. We would be grateful if you drop your child off at a safe distance from the school gate as car parking is limited and the buses require access straight through from Pyms Road out on to Lowe Hill Road. Thank you.

 

OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM demonstrates students' pride in attending The Thomas Adams School enables all students to look smart at a reasonable cost promotes our good name in the local community and further afield helps prepare students for the world outside of Adams where particular codes of

dress are often obligatory (despite not always being stipulated)

The governors and staff request your assistance in helping us to achieve our goal of a consistent, smart school uniform worn by all students.

Thomas Adams branded school polo shirts and sweatshirts as well as PE kit should be purchased from our supplier School Shop Direct (Nuisance Clothing). The recommended school skirt and trousers are also available for purchase in the same way. Purchases can be made in person at their store: School Shop Direct (Nuisance Clothing), Unit 13, Sundorne Trade Park, Featherbed Lane, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NS, tel 01743 440449, opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Alternatively you can order on line at www.schoolshopdirect.co.uk

Years 7 – 11 All Students Navy blue Thomas Adams School polo shirt Navy blue Thomas Adams School sweatshirt Black or dark brown shoes with a low heel (no canvas or trainer style, no motifs) Plain coloured outer coat (no hoodies or cardigans).

(Year 11 choose their own colour sweatshirt each year.)

Girls School- Shop Direct Thomas Adams straight plain black skirt which should sit JUST

ABOVE THE KNEE or Smart plain black standard school trousers – appropriate for office wear (no jeans or tight

fitting trousers, no canvas or stretchy material, no embellishments) or Smart navy or black City shorts (knee length) Plain socks or tights (no leggings).

Boys Charcoal grey or black standard school trousers (no large pockets) Plain socks.

Outdoor winter scarves are acceptable during the cold weather, but must be removed on entering the building. No fashion scarves please. ‘Fashion’ belts are inappropriate for school.

Jewellery Students are not allowed to wear any jewellery which is a risk to health and safety, e.g. eyebrow rings and bars, nose studs and piercings, large dangly earrings, heavy rings etc. Any bangles/necklaces should be out of sight. No silicone tunnels, stretchers or plug style earrings are permitted.

Hair Styles It is expected that all students will wear their hair appropriately to reflect a serious learning environment. “Exaggerated” hairstyles and colour are not acceptable. Boys should not have a haircut lower than grade 2.

Tattoos These are not allowed.

In your own interest, it is vital that each item of school uniform is clearly marked with the owner’s name.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT CHOOSING THOMAS ADAMS SCHOOL IMPLIES THE WILLINGNESS TO CONFORM TO THE SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY AT ALL TIMES, A POLICY FULLY ENDORSED BY THE SCHOOL GOVERNORS AND STAFF. 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT

STANDARD KIT FOR ALL STUDENTS

Training shoes (non-marking soles) Football Boots (Only needed for part of the year's activities. PE staff will advise)

Navy blue tracksuit bottoms may be worn during cold weather at the discretion of the member of staff.

Students are required to wear shin guards for their own safety during team contact games eg football

STANDARD PE KIT FOR GIRLS: Blue sweatshirt (Adams Wem emblem) OR Navy blue fleece (Adams Wem emblem) Sky blue polo shirt (Adams Wem emblem) Navy shorts (Adams Wem emblem) Blue football socks Blue tracksuit bottom (Adams Wem emblem) [optional]

STANDARD PE KIT FOR BOYS: Reversible blue rugby jersey White polo shirt (Adams Wem emblem) White shorts (Adams Wem emblem) Blue tracksuit bottom (Adams Wem emblem) [optional] Blue football socks with white hoops White sport socks

All PE Kit can be purchased from School Shop Direct (Nuisance Clothing). Swimming caps MUST be purchased for students with long hair and can be bought from Wem Swimming Baths.  

May I remind you of the timings of the School day: Morning registration 8.45am Lunch 12.25 – 1.15pm End of school 3.20pm  

Attached for your information: 1. Events for the forthcoming half-term 2. Staff List 3. School Holidays 4. Holidays in Term time form 5. School Attendance 6. Clarification about basic School Rules 7. E-mail/Mobile phone contact sheet 8. Data Protection 

 

Events for the forthcoming half-term

24 September 6.00pm French Exchange Parents’ Meeting 25-26 September Year 13 Textiles/Graphics trip to London 26 September Equestrian Club Regional Qualifier 6 October Open Day/Evening – tours 10.30am, 1.30pm, from

5.30pm 8-15 October French Exchange – French students here 14 October Year 7 more able visit to Shrewsbury Uni 14 October 4.30pm Year 7 tutors meet parents 15-17 October 7.15pm School Production 19 October Primary School Cross Country Event 20 October 7.15pm Year 11 What’s Next meeting for parents 20 October P1 Year 12 Safeguarding talk 21 October P2 & P3 Year 11 Science controlled assessment 22 October College Open Day/Evening – tours 10.30am,

1.30pm, from 6.00pm 23 October All day Fishing Match 23 October All day Equestrian Club National Championships

23 – 30 October – HALF TERM Students return Monday 2 October

Upcoming Parents’ Evenings : An Overview for this Half Term

Year 13 Targetted Consultation Evening: Wednesday 30 Sept, 4.30 – 7.30pm, at Noble Street Our Consultation Evening will give parents of students in Year 13 the opportunity to talk to their son’s/daughter’s subject tutors about their exam results, progress and the year ahead.

Open Day and Open Evening for the Lower School: Tuesday 7 October The opportunity to see the School in action during the day – tours will take place at 10.30am and 1.30pm. In the evening, the School will be open for sessions 5.30 – 6.45pm and 6.45 – 8.00pm to give you the opportunity to talk to staff more informally and see student displays. All welcome!

Year 7 ‘Settling In’ Evening: Wednesday 14 October, Lowe Hill Our ‘Settling In’ Evening will enable you to meet with your son’s/daughter’s form tutor and feedback any queries if you wish. A letter giving further details will follow.

Year 11 ‘What’s Next?’ Information Evening: Tuesday 20 October, 7.15 – 8.15pm, Drama Studio, Lowe Hill Our ‘What’s Next?’ evening gives parents the opportunity to learn more about those pathways which exist for students after Year 11. We also give comprehensive insight into college life as well as an overview of those courses available at Adams College.

Year 11 Parents – Open Day/Evening for Adams College: Thursday 22 October, tours at 10.30am and 1.30pm and at 6.00pm. Meet in the Stanier Hall, Noble Street at 6.00pm Our Adams College Open Evening will give you the opportunity to talk through with subject tutors and sixth-form students about post-16 options at the College. The Evening starts in the Stanier Hall and you are then given the opportunity to discover the College at your leisure. All welcome!

 

STAFF LIST THE TEACHING STAFF Mrs E Dakin Headteacher / History Mrs J McGurrin Deputy Headteacher / RE Mr M Cooper Deputy Headteacher / PE Dr L Garside Assistant Headteacher / Science Mrs L Withey Director of Sixth Form / English Mr S Radford Assistant Headteacher / Maths

English Mr M Ashley Subject Leader: Curriculum (Senior Teacher) Ms S Black Mrs R Blower Ms K Davies Primary School Liaison Miss F Fletcher Miss A Holmes Joint House Coordinator Miss T Jackson Mrs H Jones Second in English Miss K Kenyon Head of Hawkstone Mrs A Lingen Miss C Slim Head of Year 7 / Asdan Mrs J Squire Assistant Director 6th Form

Mathematics Mr I Bailey Subject Leader Mr P Carney Head of Lawley Ms J Cook Teaching Science also Miss S Everton Miss A Hewins Miss R Holland Mrs K Mooney Academic Tutor : Head of Year 10 Mrs K Strafford Second in Maths Mrs L Sullivan Mr R Taylor Traveller Liaison : Transport Mr R Whittaker

Science Ms J Cook Teaching Maths also Mr T Cuthbert Head of Physics Miss L Evans Mr A Gilbert Head of Caradoc Mr R Janes Head of Chemistry Mr M Pearson Mrs J Perry Mr P Phillips Subject Leader Mrs C Sheffield-Kelly Head of Biology Mr J Smallbone Mrs Z Stevanovic Miss E Thomas Mrs R Williams Mrs R Wycherley Academic Tutor for Pupil Premium  

 

Art Mrs N Azzolina Mrs H Harris Subject Leader Mrs E Morris Head of Year 8 – Ceri Wright (maternity cover)

Health & Social Care/Public Services Mr J Daniels Subject Leader

Business Studies Mr S Moss Subject Leader

Design and Technology Mr J Allen Technology Mrs S Ellis i/c Technology Mrs H Lloyd Food Technology/Catering Mrs R Mills Textiles Mr N Munro Technology

Drama Mrs M Ayling Fiona Reeves (maternity cover) Mrs S Carter Subject Leader Mrs A Waterston

Geography Ms L Griffiths Mr O Stokes Subject Leader Mr L Winter Cover

History Mr J Hargreaves Mr S Hulse Head of Year 8 (maternity cover) Mr D Williams Subject Leader

Information & Communications Technology Mr W Douthwaite Second in department Mr M Howlett Subject Leader Mrs M Turner Mr R While-Cooper (maternity cover)

Visual Communication Mr D Haycocks Lead Teacher Applied Arts/Visual Communication : i/c Graphic

Communication Mr A Jones Photography/Visual Communication

Modern Languages Mrs V Geslin Ms R Holland Head of Year 9 Mrs H Morrey Joint Second in department Mrs R Parker Joint Second in department Miss E Dunkerley Nicola Vincent (Maternity Cover) Mrs J Whitfield Subject Leader : Senior Teacher (Teaching & Learning)

Music Mr G Beasley Music Technology Mrs R Heywood Director of Music Miss A Ingham

 

Personal and Social Education Ms E Finch Subject Leader PSHE and Citizenship : RE Physical Education Mr L Allen Head of Clee House Mrs N Cooper Director of Boarding Mrs A Gilbert Mrs C Kempster Second in PE : Head of Corndon House Mr T McAleavy Subject Leader : Senior Teacher (Aspirations/IAG/Focus Groups)

Politics/Sociology Mrs P Edwards Subject Leader

Psychology Ms K Betts Subject Leader

RE Miss E Badger Subject Leader Mr D Jones Head of Year 11

Learning Support Mrs L Edwards Special Needs Co-ordinator Teaching Assistants Mrs L Andersen-Smith Mrs F Forsyth Mr S Peate Mr J Archer Mrs D Glover Mrs C Philpott Ms K Ashley Mr E Hamilton Ms K Probyn Mrs J Austin Mrs A Hosie-Kingham Mrs J Rodwell Mrs S Bolas Mrs E Jones Mrs R Rutter Mrs N Bowman Mrs S Jones Mrs C Shingler Mrs E Brown Mrs M Keane Mrs E Smith Mrs P Brown Ms F Kilgour Mr D Smithers Mrs D Cooper Mrs B Lane Mr S Tudor Mrs A Edge Mrs S Langley Mrs L Tweddle Mrs C English Mrs G Musialowska-Owczarek Miss A Williams Mrs C Fearnley Miss S Orrell Ms A Wood Mrs T Ford Mrs J Pearson Mrs K Young Cover Supervisors Ms S Berry : Head of Grinshill, Joint House Co-ordinator Miss A Devismes : Joint Head of Haughmond Mrs J Rogers : Joint Head of Haughmond Mrs B Mason Non-Teaching Staff Business Manager Mr S Boreham Headteacher’s Personal Assistant Mrs B Howells Administrative Assistants Mrs G Birch : Mrs S Evans : Mrs S Harte : Mrs T Orrell Adams House Administrative Assistant Mrs L Carter Premises Manager Mrs H Fischer Finance Assistants Mrs K Phelan : Mrs C Brown : Mrs Y Floyd : Mr G Dodd Examinations Officers Mrs A Threadgold : Mrs R Turnbull

 

  Non-Teaching Staff Student Welfare Officer Mrs A Stevenson Administrative & Pastoral Support Workers Mrs D Peel : Miss R Turner : Mrs T Plant Education Welfare Officer Mrs C Fischer Clerical Assistants Mrs J Angel : Mrs C Beckett : Mrs D Edwards

Mrs B Reeves SEN Admin Mrs G Varrall Senior Laboratory Technician Mrs S Price Laboratory Technicians Mrs P Bates : Mrs S Jeavons : Mrs M Peate Technical Assistants (D & T) Mrs A Lucia : Mr D Smithers Technical Assistant (Art) Mrs E Jones IT Network Manager Mr T Cross IT Technician Mr T Dinnage : Mr C Frank : Mr A Johal Site Services Manager Mr A Follmer Assistant Site Services Manager Mr M Fischer Caretakers Mr K Davies : Mr S Williams Cook Supervisor Ms L Addy Lunchtime Supervisors Mrs M Hadleigh : Mrs J Richmond  

 

TERMS AND HOLIDAY DATES FOR STUDENTS

  

AUTUMN TERM 2015 Professional Development Day   Monday  7th   September  

Professional Development Day   Tuesday      8th    September  

Term  Wednesday Friday    

 9th 23rd    

September October 

Half Term  Monday Friday 

26th   30th  

October October 

Term  Monday  Friday 

2nd  18th  

November December 

Christmas Holiday: Monday 21st December 2015 – Friday 1st January 2016  

 

 SPRING TERM 2016 

Professional Development Day   Monday  4th   January 

Term  Tuesday Friday     

5th 12th 

January February 

Half Term Holiday  Monday  Friday     

15th  19th   

February February 

Term  Monday Thursday 

22nd  24th  

February March 

Easter Holiday : Friday 25th March – Friday 8th April  

 SUMMER TERM 2016 

Term  Monday Friday     

11th  27th  

April May 

May Day  Monday  2nd   May 

Half Term  Monday  Friday     

30th  3rd  

May June 

Term  Monday Friday 

6th  

22nd  June July 

 

  

 

                             

 

Request for Pupil Leave of Absence From School In Exceptional

Circumstances

This form should be used by parents wishing to request a leave of absence from school for their child/children.

Holidays in school time are discouraged by schools in the North Shropshire Teaching School Alliance, in line with the Local Authority and government policy, because they disrupt children’s learning and education. Parents are

asked to seriously consider the educational implications for their children, and also the impact for other children within the class, before making an

application. Research shows that consistent attendance is crucial in giving children the best chance of success.

The law states that parents do not have the right to take their child out of school for holidays in term time and that holidays should only be

authorised in exceptional circumstances by the headteacher.

Examples of circumstances which may be considered to be exceptional include the following:

-the serious illness/death of a close relative, -parents in the armed forces who are between periods of active duty.

The exceptional circumstances can only cover a maximum of 10 days in a school year. If your child has accumulated other absences, or there have been previous requests under exceptional circumstances, the request will be less likely to be approved. Unfortunately, family holidays during term time for reasons of finance or convenience are not considered exceptional.

If your holiday request is not authorised and you decide to go ahead with the holiday you will automatically receive a ‘Holiday in term time’ letter from the

Education Welfare Service and may incur a fine.

Every School Day Counts!

 

Full name/s of child/ren: Form: Address: _________________________ _______ _____________________________ _________________________ _______ _____________________________ _________________________ _______ _____________________________ Full name of parent/carer requesting leave of absence (please print): ___________________________________________________ Signature of parent/carer requesting leave of absence: __________________________________ Today’s date: ____________________

Please give full details of the event that you would like your child to attend: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please state the exact date/s of the event: __________________________ Please state the dates you would like your child to be absent from school: ___________________________________ Please state the reason why this constitutes ‘exceptional circumstances’ and why your child cannot undertake this activity during the school holidays: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________

If there are other siblings at other local schools who are also involved in this activity and have had a similar request made, please indicate which school/s they attend (please include secondary schools):

Office use only: To be returned to parents: Response to request for leave of absence in exceptional circumstances Authorised Unauthorised Name/s of child/ren: _______________________________________________________ Comments _____________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: ___________________ Position: _____________________ Date: __________________

 

 

CLARIFICATION ABOUT BASIC SCHOOL RULES SMART Cards This term at school we have very much embraced a new “back to basics” ethos – wishing to highlight students who always give of their best in terms of work, presentation and participation in school life. Our SMART card system quickly and effectively highlights any students who may persistently be late to class/not bring equipment or produce work which is not of their best allowing the senior team to intervene promptly. Rewards are given weekly to those students whose behaviour, punctuality and work remain excellent. Although there is a column for “out of class” this is not used in a punitive way – merely as a tracking point. This column may have a M for medical, P for Pastoral or E for extra-curricular and is not a cause for concern. The SMART card is used in conjunction with the basic school rules below.

School Uniform Shoes must be worn and not trainers. Students must also wear shoes to and from School

and not change into trainers for these journeys. At present students can wear trainers at lunchtime only but this privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused.

Trousers must be plain dark navy/black and not pinstriped or sports trousers. No caps/hats are to be worn inside School and no outside coats in lessons.

Students must have a parental note if they are not in full uniform, and a medical note is needed if shoes are not worn. If a parental note is brought in then the columns will not be marked negatively.

Chewing Gum is not allowed in School. Those chewing gum in lessons will be asked to put it in the bin. Any repetition or arguing will mean a sanction.

Mobile ‘Phones are allowed in School but must be out of sight at all times during the school day. It is a serious offence to make or receive a text/call during the course of the school day.

Food and Drink are only allowed to be consumed in the dining hall and not around school. The only exception is that students are permitted to take water in bottles into lessons (but no other type of drink).

Lesson Equipment Sanctions will be imposed on students who regularly do not bring basic equipment to lessons (pen, pencil, ruler, calculator and student planner).

Students will face sanctions for :- lateness to lessons/registration failure to do homework on time

bad language used around school

Students are obviously expected to behave and work in lessons and show courtesy and consideration to others.

Sanctions that could be imposed in relation to any of the above include : detentions of various sorts

removal from lessons reference to senior staff student put on report letter to parents community service loss of privilege setting of work related extra tasks

The most serious offences may well result in internal or external exclusion and these include:- defiance of staff rudeness to staff disruption of lessons bullying vandalism racism theft smoking or use of alcohol or drugs 

 

 

 

  

Data Protection Act Basic information about students is held on computer to assist with the efficient organisation of the school and to meet the individual’s educational needs. Security measures are taken to ensure that the information is kept confidential and is only available to those authorised. The school is registered with the Data Protection Register and follows the rules set by the Data Protection Act. We record only the following information on computer: Student’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth Parents’ names, addresses, telephone numbers

Emergency contact telephone numbers Previous school Doctor – name and address Medical information supplied by parents Lunch and travel to and from school arrangements

This is available for inspection by prior arrangement (as are also all non-computerised students’ records). We are registered to disclose personal information to: Family, Relatives, Guardians, Trustees Past, Current and Prospective Employers Doctors, Dentists, other Health Advisers Department for Education and Skills Local Authority and Social Services It is the policy of the Governors that such information is confidential and that, even where a need to disclose information has been registered, it will only be divulged in exceptional circumstances and will be kept to the minimum necessary to achieve the purpose. This policy is, of course, subject to any law which imposes a duty of disclosure on the Governors. Connexions (Careers Service) has also asked us to point out that basic details will be held by them on computer in order to help them to provide a better service for students. If you require any more details about this, please contact the local Connexions office.