king henry viii school so that we can provide our young people with the skills required to be...

Respecting tradition, embracing the future

KING HENRY VIII SCHOOLYSGOL BRENIN HARRI’R VIII

Ut Prosim

pROSpECtuS

Introduction........................................... 1

School Aims .......................................... 2 School Mission Statement School Aims The School Day

The Students .......................................... 3 Wellbeing and Attitude to Learning Transition Tutor Groups Sixth Form

Information about the school ........4 - 5 Pastoral Care The Pastoral Team Behaviour Recognising Achievement Home / School Contact School Uniform

The Curriculum ..............................6 - 10 Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 Learning Support The More Able & Talented Basic Skills Use of the Welsh Language The Curriculum Cymreig Religious Education

Personal and Social Education Health & Safety Health Education Careers Education & Guidance Homework Policy

Extra Curricular Activities .................. 11 Drama Music Physical Education

Assessment ......................................... 12 Assessment & Reporting Examinations Reports Parents Evening Monitoring Pupils Progress

Essential School Policies .............13 - 16 Admission Arrangements Anti-Bullying Charging & Voluntary Contributions Safe Guarding Policy Complaints Procedure School Records Equal Opportunities Racial Equality & Cultural Diversity EducationWelfareOfficer Free School Meals Travel Arrangements Attendance Holidays Authorised Absence Unauthorised Absence Rights & Responsibilities

“King Henry VIII School

has high expectations

of all its pupils”

My name is Sophie. I felt nervous before coming to the school but I was also excited. The first day wasfun because we got to do lots of different activities. This helped me settle in and make new friends. This year has been really great because the teachers are really helpful and you also get to join new clubs. I have joined the Hockey club after school and I’m in the chorus of the school production. My favourite subjects are French and IT. I’ve enjoyed the year and made lots of new friends. I am looking forward to Year 8.

My name is Joshua. Before I started school I was worried about the amount of homework I would have, but excited to meet new people. Myfirst fewweekswere fun as I learnt lots of new things. I have enjoyed the year. It has been fun. I like the variety of subjects. My favourite subjects are Art and PE. There are lots of activities to do at break and lunchtime, like Basketball and Dodgeball. I have made lots of new friends since I joined King Henry. My advice for new pupils is to relax and enjoy it and try not to be nervous.

Respecting tradition, embracing the future

“

““

“Contents

Welcome to the school and the beginning of a partnership aimed at achieving success for your child.

At King Henry VIII we provide a great variety of opportunities: academic, social and cultural in order to challenge our young people to succeed. We also believe that effective partnership between the school and parents should underpin all that we do.

We are committed that every pupil should get the best possible opportunities andeducationallowingthemtosucceedandflourish.Learningisattheheart of all we do. Through high quality teaching we ensure every pupil’s talents and abilities are catered for allowing them to excel academically but also develop skills that allow them to become more independent in their learning and prepare them for life beyond school.

The school is recognised as having a positive ethos with a strong sense of purpose that maintains and promotes a safe and caring attitude based on mutual respect between all members of the school community. We endeavour to develop responsible young citizens that show respect for themselves, others and the local and global community.

School days must be a period of enrichment and enjoyment. Pupils are encouraged to enjoy and participate in a healthy balance of extra-curricular activities. The school offers many activities in:

• PerformingArts(thereareorchestras,choirs,bandsandDramaclubs)• Sport(thereisavastarrayofmainstreamandcontemporarysportclubs)• Departmentalenrichmentopportunities(departmentsencourageparticipationinsubjectrelatedtrips,

clubsandlunchtimeactivities)• Externalcompetitions(includingRotaryPublicSpeakingandotherlocalandnationalcompetitions)• Charitywork(pupilsareencouragedtoberesponsiblecitizensandtocontributeactivelytothelifeof

theircommunity)

I look forward to meeting you regularly at school events and parents’ meetings. Please remember that there will always be a warm welcome for you to visit the school and we look forward to getting to know you and yourchildduringthenextfivetosevenyears.

Yours sincerely,

E. LewisHeadteacher

Welcome to King Henry VIII School

1

“At King Henry VIII we

provide a great variety

of opportunities”

2

MISSIonStateMent

Our school mission statement is “Respecting tradition, embracing the future” and we feel that this reflects our recognitionand appreciation of the traditions and values we have built as an educational institution in Abergavenny since 1542, but at the same time demonstrates that we understand the need to move forward and embrace 21st century teaching and learning so that we can provide our young people with the skills required to be successful citizens in a rapidly changing world.

ScHool aIMS / aMcanIon YSgolThe aims of the school set out our aspirations to provide the best possible opportunities and education for our young pupils preparing them for life beyond school.

• Topromoteacultureofachievement,effort,successandexcellencein all aspects of school life.

• Toprovideacurriculumthatisbroad,balanced,differentiatedandrelevant to meet the needs of every pupil and one that provides each pupil with the skills required to be effective citizens in a modern, technological society.

• Toprovidealearningenvironmentthatisdisciplined,caring,tolerantand fair to all and one in which academic, spiritual, moral and physical development is fostered.

• Toempowerourpupilstobecomeactiveparticipantsinthelearningprocess with the right to be consulted, to participate in decision-making, and to be heard on all matters which concern them or have an impact on their life in school.

• Toprovideacommunity thatencouragesa senseofcommitment,loyalty and belonging, encouraging the development of positive, supportive relationships based on mutual respect and with a sympathetic understanding of other individuals, races, religions and ways of life.

• To develop a partnership with parents, schools and colleges,employers and the wider community who make a positive contribution to the development, success and achievements of our school and help prepare our pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life and lifelong learning.

• To be a self-evaluating school that seeks continuous improvementthrough effective planning, promotes a climate that embraces change, and is willing to respond to the needs of the society in which we live.

• Todeveloppupils’awarenessandunderstandingof,andrespectfor,the environments in which they live, and secure their commitment to sustainable development at a personal, local, national and global level.

tHe ScHool daY 8.37 ......................................Warning Bell

8.40 - 8.57 ...............Registration

9.00 - 10.00 ....................PERIod 1

10.00 - 11.00 ....................PERIod 2

11.00 - 11.20 ...............................Break

11.20 - 12.20 ....................PERIod 3

12.20 - 13.20 ....................PERIod 4

13.20 - 14.10 ...............................Lunch

14.10 - 15.10 ....................PERIod 5

“Respecting tradition,

embracing the future”

PuPIl WellbeIng and attItude to learnIng / lleS Y dISgYbl ac agWedd tuag at ddYgSuWe are committed to provide an outstanding education for our pupils. We have an inclusive ethos where our curriculum is designed to meet the needs and aspirations of all learners.

Our school environment is a safe and caring community where there are excellent relationships between adults and pupils and among pupils themselves. The pastoral care programme underpins the positive attitude to learning which is prevalent throughout the school.

tranSItIon / PontIoOver the years close links have been developed between the primary feeder schools and ourselves which help to ensure a smooth transition from Primary to Secondary education.

We have an Open Evening for all prospective parents and children, curriculum days and taster days in school and an evening where the pupils meet their Form Tutor and the rest of their new Tutor group. Pupils will also have been involved in Transition Projects often involving additional visits to the school. Tutor groups are created following consultation with primary schools including information on academic progress.

tutor grouPS / grWPIau tIWtorThe Head of Year manages a team of form tutors who have daily contact with pupils. The form tutors monitor the personal wellbeing, attendance, progress and achievements of all pupils in their group. Wherever possible pupilswillremainwiththesameformtutorandHeadofYearthroughoutthefiveyearsfromYear7toYear11.

SIxtH forM / Y cHWecHed doSbartHAsignificantproportionofourpost16pupilsatKingHenryVIIIchoosetoreturntotheSixthFormtofollowawide range of courses. These include AS and A2 level subjects alongside Applied A-Levels and L2 and L3 BTEC qualifications.

Post16pupils followtheWelshBaccalaureateQualification.Thisqualificationprovidesour learnerswiththeopportunity to extend their skills and personal development. In addition they broaden their knowledge and understanding of Wales and its place within Europe and the World, Citizenship and the World of Work, preparing themthoroughlyprior toembarkingonthenextstageof their learningpost19. Thisqualification isvaluedhighly by universities and employers.

A programme of guidance and support is in place in Year 11 to assist pupils and parents in making decisions abouttheirlearningpathwaypost16.ThestandardofSixthFormprovisionisreflectedintheincreasingnumberof pupils joining the Sixth Form from other schools. A separate Sixth Form prospectus is available on request.

3

“We are committed to provide

an outstanding education

for our pupils”

4

HoMe/ ScHool contact cYSWllt cartref/

YSgolClose links between school and home are vital in our shared responsibility for the development of the whole child. The school has a home school agreement that is signed by the school, parents and pupils that demonstrates our commitment to partnership working.

The school welcomes contact from parents who wish to discuss any aspects of a pupil’s school life. To ensure availability of the appropriate member of staff you are advised to telephone for an appointment.

As well as informed day to day contact, the school communicates directly with parents through regular half termly newsletters. These are designed to provide news of events that have taken place and given advance notice of future events.

PaStoral care / gofal bugeIlIolThe welfare of pupils is a prime concern for all staff and the school has an excellent reputation for being a caring community.

tHe PaStoral teaM / Y tîM bugeIlIol• Headteacher• DeputyHeadteacher• AssistantHeadteachers• HeadsofYears• FormTutors• PastoralSupportCo-Ordinators• EducationWelfareOfficer

beHaVIour / YMddYgIadKing Henry VIII School has high expectations of all its pupils in terms of behaviour and conduct. If a pupil’s behaviour falls below these high standards, there is a clear structure of consequences based on a card system designed to support pupils in making the right behaviour choices. However if a pupil makes poor behaviour choices then an appropriate sanction is used. If you require more detail about our Behaviour Policy, please contact the school.

recognISIng and reWardIng acHIeVeMent / adnabod a gWobrWYo cYrHaeddIadAn important feature, central to the aims and philosophy of the school, has been the establishment of a Rewards system for all aspects of school life. Merits are awarded for academic achievement, effort, extra-curricular activities, behaviour, attendance and community participation. Certificates are awarded at the end of year to pupilsgainingasignificantnumberofMerits.Itisintendedthatallpupilsshouldbeable tobenefit through this systemwhich recognisesall levelsandareas of achievement.


has high expectations

of all its pupils”

ScHool unIforM / gWISg Yr YSgolGIRLS UNIFoRM• TrutexBlackblazerwithembroideredgoldlogo• optional Trutex black jumper with embroidered gold logo• Blacktiewithtwothingoldstripes• Whiteshirt(shortorlongsleeves)• BlackTailoredtrousers(formal)orblackbox-pleatedskirts• Plainblacktraditionalshoes(trainersarenotacceptable)• Blacksocksortights• Adarkplainoutercoat(black,withoutlogos)

BoyS UNIFoRM• TrutexBlackblazerwithembroideredgoldlogo• optional Trutex black jumper with embroidered gold logo• Blacktiewithtwothingoldstripes• Whiteshirt(shortorlongsleeves)• BlackTailoredtrousers(formal)• Plainblacktraditionalshoes(trainersarenotacceptable)• Blacksocks• Adarkplainoutercoat(black,withoutlogos)

SPortSWear

5

JeWellerYThe only jewellery permitted to be worn is a watch and one pair of small stud earrings. Necklaces and bracelets are not allowed. Facial piercing is not acceptable.

HaIrPlease ensure that hair is not coloured with bright “unnatural” shades. Tram lines / patterns cut into the hair are not permitted.

bagS & equIPMentPupils need to come to lessons properly equipped (includingexerciseandtextbooks, homework planner, pen, pencil, eraser, ruler andcalculator).Alloftheseneed to be carried in a rucksack type school bag

Please be aware that pupils who fail to observe these regulations regarding school uniform will be removed from lessons and parents/guardians contacted

ALL ITEMS oF CLoThINGNEEd To BE NAMEd

GIRLS SPoRTSWEAR• NavyTracksuitbottoms• NavyKHSHoodie• Whitepoloshirt(shortsleeves)• Whitesocks• Trainingshoes

• Navyshorts• Whitepoloshirt(shortsleeves)• Whitesocks• Trainingshoes

• Swimmingcostume(notbikini)

• optional White KHS Skin

BoyS SPoRTSWEAR• Blue&Amberreversible Rugby jersey• NavyShorts• Blue&Amberfootballsocks• Trainingshoes

• Whitepoloshirt(shortsleeves)• WhitePEshorts• Whitesocks• Trainingshoes

• Rugby/Soccerboots• Swimmingtrunks

• optional Navy/White KHS Skin

“The welfare of pupils

is a prime concern

for all staff”

Leggings,Denimfabricsortightfittingtrousersbelow the knee will not be accepted.

6

tHe currIculuM / Y cWrIcWlWMAll pupils study the full range of subjects demanded by the National Curriculum. These are divided into core subjects and foundation subjects making up a fortnightly timetable of 50 lessons.

• Therearethreecoresubjects:English,MathematicsandScience.• Theremainingeightsubjectsarefoundationsubjects:History,Geography,ModernLanguages,Art,Music,

Technology, Information Technology, Physical Education and Welsh.• Thethreecoresubjects,ReligiousEducation,PhysicalEducationandWelsharecompulsoryinYears7-11.• Inaddition,foundationsubjectsarecompulsoryinYears7-9.

KeY Stage 3 (YearS 7, 8 & 9 / blYnYddoedd 7, 8 & 9)The school offers a common Curriculum for all pupils:

• Mathematics• EnglishLanguageandLiterature• Science-Physics,ChemistryandBiology• Welsh• Humanities-History,GeographyandReligiousEducation• PerformingArts–DramaandMusic• Art• ModernLanguages-French,Spanish/German• PhysicalEducation• DesignTechnology• InformationTechnology• PersonalandSocialEducation

In Year 8 many pupils start to study an additional Modern Foreign Language

For teaching purposes pupils are either taught in mixed ability groups or in sets where appropriate.

KeY Stage 4 (YearS 10 & 11 / blYnYddoedd 10 & 11)At Key Stage 4 pupils follow the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science and selected choices from the options available. The option choices are designed to ensure that all pupils undertake a broad and relevant curriculum, which does not restrict future choices. Statutory lessons in Welsh, Religious Education, Physical Education and Personal and Social Education are also provided. Provision is made for a range of examination outcomes depending upon the ability and aptitudes of the pupil.

Meetings are arranged to assist parents and pupils in making decisions about option choices prior to pupil entry into Year 10.

“All the pupils study the full

range of subjects demanded

by the National Curriculum”

learnIng SuPPort/ cefnogaetH dYSguTheschoolhasapolicyforAdditionalLearningNeeds(ALN)whichisinlinewiththeEducationAct1981,theEducationReformAct1988andtheCodeofPractice2001ontheidentificationandassessmentofALN.

ChildrenhaveAdditionalLearningNeedswhentheyfindithardertolearnthanotherchildrenofasimilarageoriftheylearninadifferentway.Theymayhavedifficultieswhichfallintooneormorecategories:

• communicationandinteraction(speech,languageandcommunicationdifficulties)• cognitionandlearning(learningdifficultieswhichrangefrommoderatetoprofound)• behavioural,emotionalandsocial(thisincludesarangeofdifferentbehaviourincluding e.g.hyperactivity,lackinginconcentrationandsocialskills)• sensory,physicalormedical(includesdifficultiesrelatedtoimpairedvisionorhearingandotherphysical

difficulties).

In an effort to identify children as early as possible the school follows the code of practice. All teachers are teachers of pupils with Additional Learning Needs and are responsible for meeting the needs of these pupils in the classroom setting. Teachers are expected to use relevant strategies, resources and differentiation at this stage. For pupils who have on-going needs and require more intensive input, the school has adopted a graduated response which allows it to provide support based on individual need.

Examplesofourmorespecifictypesofapproachare:• teachingchildreninsmallgroupswithdrawnfromthemaincurriculum;• accesstospecialistlearningsoftware• specificallydesignedprogrammestomeetarangeofneeds(literacy,communicationandbehaviour)• additionaladultsupportintheclassroom.

Veryoccasionallyachildwillhaveasignificantlygreaterdifficulty in learningthanthemajorityofhisorherpeers. In these cases, it may be necessary to make referrals to other agencies including the Education and Child Psychology service. Specialist staff from the LA may provide input on a regular on-going basis.

If it is considered appropriate, at the next stage, the school will ask the LA to make a full assessment of the child’s needs. The LA will then consider issuing a statement which will set out the help the child should have.

TheAdditionalLearningNeedsCoordinator(ALNCO)liaiseswithstaff,co-ordinatesALNresources,assessmentsand interventions and maintains a register of all children with ALN in the school. In addition they liaise with the Educational Psychology Service and other outside agencies and has management responsibility for issues regarding ALN within the school. The ALNCO is also Head of Access and Inclusion. They also manage the Learning Support staff team and co-ordinates the day-to-day running of the Learning Support Interventions. The ALNCO has responsibility for Individual Education Plans for pupils with Additional Learning Needs and supportingsubjectteachers.WealsohaveateamofLearningSupportAssistants(LSAs)whoworkwithpupilswho need extra support in class. The Governing Body has a link governor with responsibility for pupils with ALN.

7

“We provide a curriculum

that is broad, balanced

and relevant””

The school will ensure that any child with ALN plays a full part in school life. They will have the same rights to the full range of curriculum opportunities enjoyed by their peers.

The school recognises that parents have an active part to play in their child’s education and will be consulted at every stage should it be considered that their child has Additional Learning Needs. The school will work with parents and inform them of their child’s progress, whilst listening to their concerns.

More able & talented / MWY abl a tHalentogMoreAble&Talented(MAT)pupilsarewellcateredforatKingHenryVIIISchool.StrongidentificationproceduresareinplacetoidentifyMATpupilsineachsubjectarea.PupilswhoareidentifiedareaddedtoaMATregisterbythe MAT co-ordinator. The register is carefully monitored and extended tasks and extra-curricular opportunities are offered to these pupils whenever possible.

baSIc SKIllS/ SgIlIau SYlfaenolAt King Henry VIII School, we recognise every child’s right to be taught the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. Theseskillsareessentialforachildtoflourishintoday’ssociety.

We endeavour to give all pupils every opportunity to improve basic skills in literacy and numeracy in order to achieve their full potential across all curriculum areas.

uSe of tHe WelSH language / defnYdd o’r IaItH gYMraeg At the school, Welsh is promoted in the following ways:

• WelshistaughttoallpupilsinYears7–11.AtKeyStage4pupilshavetheoptionandareencouragedtostudy full course GCSE or equivalent.

• PupilsareencouragedtoreadinWelshinassemblies.• AnannualEisteddfodisheld.AllpupilsareencouragedtoparticipateandareexposedtoWelshcultural

tradition. • Arangeofextra-curricularactivitiesareorganisedincludingresidentialvisitstotheWelshLanguageCentre

at Glanllyn. Pupils are encouraged to use their language skills both inside and outside the classroom.

tHe currIculuM cYMreIg / Y cWrIcWlWM cYMreIgThe Curriculum Cymreig gives pupils a sense of place and heritage based on an understanding of Welsh history, geography, languages, industry and traditions. This permeates all aspects of school life at King Henry VIII School and encourages an active participation in extra-curricular activities through music, drama, sport and technology.

8



HealtH and SafetY / IecHYd a dIogelWcH

The school has a Health and Safety Officer whois responsible to the Headteacher for making the school a safe place to work and study.

A number of staff members have been trained to administerfirstaid.Theyareavailable during morning break and lunchtime for routine problems and at all times in cases of emergencies.

When children are taken ill the school may deem it necessary to contact parents to arrange for the child to be collected and taken home.

Medical emergencies will be dealt with appropriately and parents contacted. Please inform the school of any change in contact details.

Visitors are required to report to the main reception where they ‘sign in’ and are issued with visitor badges. Parents, who transport their pupils to school by car, are expected to drop them off in the specially designated and sign posted ‘safe zone’, in the lower car park.

relIgIouS educatIon and collectIVe WorSHIP / addYSg grefYddol ac addolI ar Y cYdReligious Education is a compulsory element within the Curriculum studied fromYears7-13.Pupilsaregivenanopportunitytostudyaspectsoftheworld’s major religions, which acknowledge the place of Christianity as the principle faith in this country. Pupils are encouraged to develop their own responses to the meaning and purpose of our existence and begin to address issues around morality and spirituality.

Assemblies are held regularly for all year groups and pupils are encouraged to take part in leading the worship. Assemblies are non-denominationalandreflectthebroadlyChristianethosoftheschool.Athemed assembly and ‘Thought for the Week’ programme is in place and during the year covers a range of moral issues.

Withdrawal from Religious Education or Assemblies is possible upon written request to the Head of Year.

PerSonal and SocIal educatIon / addYSg berSonol a cHYMdeItHaSolAs a school we are committed to the academic progress of all our pupils. The aims of Personal and Social Education are:-

• Todeveloplearners’self-esteemandpersonalresponsibility• Topromoteself-respect,respectforothersandfordiversity• Toinspirelearnerstoleadhealthyandfulfilledlives• Toempowerlearnerstoparticipateintheircommunitiesasactive

citizens and to develop a global perspective• Topreparelearnersforthechallenges,choicesandresponsibilities

of work and employment and lifelong learning

The PSE programme at all Key Stages is delivered by a dedicated team of staff and the programme is reinforced through visits and talks from outside agencies.

9

“As a school we are

committed to the academic

progress of all our pupils”

HealtH educatIon / addYSg IecHYdHealth Education is an important part of the PSE programme. It includes healthy eating, exercise, relationships, substance misuse and sexual health education. The emphasis is on promoting informed choices with due regard to moral considerations and the value of family life.

Inlinewiththe1996EducationActparentshavetherighttowithdrawtheirchildrenfromallorpartofthesexeducation offered. If parents feel apprehensive about any area of the PSE programme they should contact the school for an appointment to discuss it.

careerS educatIon and guIdance / addYSg a cHYngor gYrfaoeddIn King Henry School we believe that all pupils have an equal entitlement to a careers and work related programme that will provide them with an understanding of the world of work, help them explore career options and support them to make informed decisions about their future.

Careers education is delivered through off timetabled activities and presentations. Personal and group interviews are arranged for all pupils in years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 to assist with option choices and planning their personal career pathways. Employer mentoring is offered to selected groups of year 10 and 11 pupils and all pupils are involved in entrepreneurial activities. Work experience is arranged for Year 10 and Year 12 pupils to support career and further or higher education choices.

HoMeWorK PolIcY / PolISI gWaItH cartrefHomework is a vital part of the learning process. It is valuable in helping pupils learn how to consolidate knowledge and develop independent learning skills. It is school policy that homework is set regularly. It may be written work, reading, research or revision and the amount will vary with each individual year group.

Parental support in ensuring that time and facilities for study are available is essential and parents are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that pupils establish a regular work pattern. All pupils are issued with a homework planner and parents are asked to check and sign this on a weekly basis.

10

“In King Henry VIII School

we believe that all pupils

have equal entitlement”

11

extra-currIcular actIVItIeS/ gWeItHgareddau allgYrSIol School days must be a period of enrichment and enjoyment. Pupils are encouraged to enjoy and participate in a healthy balance of extra-curricular activities. The School has a long history of achievement in Drama, Music and Physical Education and Sport.

draMa / draMaA range of genre drama productions have a long tradition of excellence. They always involve large numbers of pupils and staff and have demonstrated a remarkable dramatic range. Recent productions have included Carousel and Phantom of the Opera.

MuSIc / cerddorIaetHThe school has a thriving musical life and well established reputation for musical achievement. As well as providing a stimulating and creative environment for all pupils in the classroom there are many pupils taking advantage of the instrument tuition department provided by the Music Support Service. The department is therefore a hive of activity with pupils learning most types of instruments including woodwind, strings, guitar, harp and singing. The school sees the performing arts as an important and exciting part of all pupils’ education.

PHYSIcal educatIon / addYSg gorfforolThe school has a very successful Physical Education Department. There are excellent facilities and in recent years many pupils have achieved distinguished records at District, County and National level. Facilities include:

• Largesportshall• Swimmingpool• FloodlitAstroturf• Grasspitches• MultiUseGamesArea(MUGA)

As well as a wide range of timetabled sports activities, lunchtime and after school clubs ensure that enthusiastic pupils receive further coaching. There are plenty of opportunities for competitive sport via inter-house, inter-school competitions and county events.

Links with local sports associations and feeder primaries are extremely good.

“School days must be a

period of enrichment

and enjoyment”

12

aSSeSSMent / aSeSuaSSeSSMent and rePortIng / aSeSu ac adroddIadauAssessment in the school is related to the assessment of the National Curriculum and the Literacy and Numeracy Framework. All aspects of a pupil’s academic and attitude to learning performance are assessed.

exaMInatIonS / arHolIadauPupils’ progress is monitored by continuous assessment with formal assessment taking place during the year. External examinations take place in the Spring and Summer Terms.

rePortS / adroddIadau Parents receive an interim progress and full written report each academic year. Dates for the issue of individual year group reports are published in the school calendar which is distributed to parents at the beginning of the academic year.

ParentS’ eVenIngS / noSon rIenIParents’ Evenings are vital to the assessment process as they provide feedback to parents about the progress of their children. These evenings are also critical in building the partnership between staff and parents. The interchangeof information involved isofmutualbenefit inunderstandingtheeducationalneedsofpupils.Letters providing the necessary details are sent home to parents with their children prior to the evening. The pupils are given appointment cards to arrange mutually convenient times for interviews.

MonItorIng PuPIl ProgreSS / MonItro datblYgIad dISgYblIonAt Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 all departments are required to assess pupils’ progress which is recorded on a centralised system on a regular basis.

This assessment data is scrutinised by Heads of Year, Heads of Department and Senior Leadership and consequently, pupils may move class sets accordingly.

“All aspects of

academic performance

are assessed”

eSSentIal ScHool PolIcIeS / PolISIau YSgol angHenrHeIdIol

adMISSIon arrangeMentS/trefnIadau derbYnPupils are admitted to the school in natural progression from local Primary Schools. Families that move into the catchment area are requested to contact the school for an appointment with a Senior Member of Staff.

The Local Authority deals with the admission of pupils.

antI-bullYIng / gWrtH-fWlIoKing Henry VIII School will not tolerate bullying of any type. As a result the school has an Anti-Bullying policy as required by the Local Authority. It is imperative that pupils inform staff immediately of any act of bullying so the school can address the problem swiftly.

cHargIng and VoluntarY contrIbutIonS / talIadau a cHYfranIadau gWIrfoddolThe school runs an extensive programme of trips and activities. The school will sometimes need to charge for these activities and our policy on charging for school activities is available on request.

Supportisavailablewithinschoolfromacharitabletrustfundforfamiliesthathavedifficultyinmeetingthecost of trips or extra tuition.

Safe guardIng PolIcY / PolISI aMddIffYn a dIogelu PlantThe school has a Safe Guarding Policy and any concerns regarding the care of a child may be referred to SocialServices.TheSchoolhasaChildProtectionOfficer.

coMPlaIntS Procedure / gWeItHdrefn cWYnIon The school has a complaints policy and procedure, a copy of which is available on request. Parents wishing to expressaconcernshouldcontacttheHeadofYearinthefirstinstancewhowillmakeeveryefforttoresolvethe matter.

13


will not tolerate bullying

of any type”

14

ScHool recordS / recordIau YSgolAny parent who wishes to see their child’s record should contact the appropriate Assistant Headteacher. A copy of the record can be obtained, although the school may make a nominal charge. The school will normally need seven days’ notice to produce the records.

equal oPPortunItIeS / cYfleoedd cYfartalKing Henry VIII School endorses the Local Authority’s Equal Opportunities and Race Equality Policy. We intend to actively promote equal opportunities in all aspects of school life.

racIal equalItY and cultural dIVerSItY / cYdraddoldeb HIl ac aMrYWIaetH dIWYllIannolKing Henry VIII School fully endorses its duties under the Equality Act 2010. As a result we aim to:• Promoteapositive,supportiveethosinwhichallpupilsandstafffeelthattheyarevalued,theirneedsare

met and they are able to achieve their full potential.• Respectandvaluedifferencesbetweenpeople,promotegoodrelationsbetweendifferentgroupswithin

the school and wider community and prepare all pupils for life in a diverse society.• Ensureequalityisanintegralpartofplanninganddecisionmakingacrossallareasoftheschool.• Workinpartnershipwithparentsandthewidercommunitytotackleandeliminatealldiscrimination,making

the school a place where everyone feels safe, welcome and valued.

educatIon Welfare offIcer / SWYddog PreSenoldeb a lleSAnEducationWelfareOfficerworkswiththeschoolwho,inadditiontomonitoringattendance,atthere-quest of the Senior Leadership Team and Heads of Year, liaises with parents over matters of concern arising at school.

free ScHool MealS / PrYdIau YSgol aM ddIMWhere families are entitled to free school meals, applications should be made to the Local Authority. Pupils on free school meals have access to additional resources such as revision guides and mentors where appropriate to support them with their learning.

traVel arrangeMentS / trefnIadau cludIantPupilsaged11-16livingmorethantwomilesfromschoolareentitledtofreetravel,usuallyonspecialcontractbuses.



attendance / PreSenoldebWhenachild isabsent,parentsareaskedtocontacttheschoolonthefirstdayofabsence.Adedicatedtelephone line and answer phone service is available for this purpose. Telephone number 01873 735345

HolIdaYS / gWYlIauIn order for all pupils to achieve success and to reach their potential, it is vital for all pupils to have excellent school attendance. In order to ensure consistency throughout the Authority, and to follow Monmouthshire County Council’s policy we will not be authorising any absences relating to holidays other than for exceptional circumstances.

autHorISed abSence / abSenoldebauIf your child has an appointment to see the dentist, doctor or hospital, please notify the school in advance, with an appointment card if possible. The reason for absence will be recorded. It would be preferable if parents would make such appointments out of school hours. Marks will be entered by the appropriate member of staff whenpupilsparticipateincourses(educationalorsporting).

otHer autHorISed abSenceS / abSenoldeb â cHanIatâd Your child will be marked absent but the reason for absence will be noted if the following circumstances occur:

• Illness• Bereavementofaclosememberofthefamily• IfpermissionforabsencehasbeengrantedbytheHeadteacher• Medical/dentalappointments

unautHorISed abSence / abSenoldeb Heb ganIatâdThe School cannot accept any of the excuses listed below:

• Nouniform• Sleptlate• Missedbus• Lookingafterhouse• Lookingafterfamily• Shoppingorsimilarreasons.

In law only the school can authorise absence. The school is not obliged to accept a parent’s explanation ofabsenceifthereasonadvancedisnotvalid.Parentallycondonedunjustifiedabsencewillbeclassifiedas unauthorised. Parents who fail to send their children to school or condone absence for unacceptable reasons risk prosecution.

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“The pupil can expect to be

treated as an equal member

of the school community”

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rIgHtS & reSPonSIbIlItIeS / HaWlIau a cHYfrIfoldebau

PuPIlS / dISgYblIonRIGhTS - The pupil

• canexpecthighqualityteaching.• canexpecttobetreatedasanequalmemberoftheschoolcommunity.• hastherighttobeheard.

RESPoNSIBILITIES - The pupil• hastoattendschooltolearn.• hastoattendschooltoappreciatethedisciplineofreliability.• has to realise that100% is theonlyacceptable levelofattendanceunless there isavalid reason for

missing school.

ParentS or guardIanS / rHIenI neu WarcHeIdWaIdParents or guardians are responsible for sending their children to school and for their children’s arrival in school.

RIGhTS - Parents/Guardians• havetherighttoexpectthebesteducationfortheirchildren.• canexpectthattheschoolwillinformthemoftheirchild’sperformance.

RESPoNSIBILITIES - Parents or guardians• shouldinformtheschoolimmediatelyofanyabsence,givingreasons.• ensuretheirchildrenattendschoolontime.• shouldprovideawrittenletteroutliningthereasonfortheirchild’sabsenceontheirreturntoschool.

ScHool / YSgolThe school environment should help to prepare the pupil for life. As such King Henry VIII School sets the best example for community life, including attendance.

RIGhTS - The school• expectspupilstoattendfor100%oftheschoolyear.• expectspupilstoarriveontime.• expectsthatpupilswillendeavourtolearnandbehaveinanappropriateway.

RESPoNSIBILITIES - The school• endeavourstoeducateeverychildtothemaximumofhis/herability.• endeavourstoadministerdisciplineinafirmbutfairmanner.• endeavourstorecognisetheequalityandimportanceofeverypupil.

“It is vital for all pupils

to have excellent

school attendance”

king henry viii school so that we can provide our young people with the skills required to be...

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