plhs prospectus 2012-13

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December 2011

PRESTON LODGE HIGH SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS 2012-13

Preston Lodge High School Prospectus 2012-13

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Contents Page

Welcome 3

How Big is Preston Lodge High School? 5

The School Day 5

Highlights Of The School Year 6

The School In The Community 7

What Do I Do If? 9

Questions Often Asked By Parents 10

Questions Often Asked by New S1 Students 11

Questions Often Asked By All Students 11

Our Staff 13

Dining Hall 15

Emergency Arrangements 15

Parent Forum and Parent Council 16

A Selection of Trips, Clubs And Activities 21

Links With Partner Primaries 19

Enrolment Procedures 20

Communication with Parents/Guardians 20

Assessment, Reports And Parents’ Evenings 21

School Rules 22

Behaviour Management 23

Attendance and Latecoming 24

School Uniform 25

Pupil Support 26

Our Pastoral Support Staff – Putting Faces to Names! 28

Homework 29

School Library 30


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School Curriculum

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Appendix 1-3 – Key Statistics 37

Appendix 2 – Communication with Parents/Guardians 44

Appendix 3 - Exclusions 45

Appendix 4 - Medical Care 47

Appendix 5 – Occasional And Emergency Arrangements 50

Appendix 6 – Some Legal Issues 51

Appendix 7 - Careers Education 52

Appendix 8 - Financial Assistance 53

Appendix 9 - Road Safety 55

Appendix 10 - Students With Additional Support Needs 56

Appendix 11 - Anti-Bullying Policy 58

Appendix 12 - Transferring Educational Data And Information About Students

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Appendix 13 - School Session Dates 2010-2011 62

Appendix 14 – Useful Telephone Numbers 63

The information contained in this Guide is accurate at the time of compilation but is subject to changes throughout the year.

Head Boy – Taylor McKillop Head Girl – Jenni Tait


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Welcome Welcome to the Preston Lodge High School Prospectus 2012-13. We are a community of learning, and we value achievement, happiness and respect. These are our school aims and values – you can find further details overleaf. You will find a lot of examples of how our students are our aims and values on our school website (www.prestonlodge.net) as well as a vast array of further information about Preston Lodge, and I would suggest all families access the site at least once prior to enrolling with us. I took up post at Preston Lodge High School in August 2009 and have been incredibly impressed by the commitment of our staff, our students and their families. In June 2010 our school was inspected by Her Majesty’s Inspectors. This rigorous one week process confirmed the good things we already knew about our school. In particular, the school inspectors suggested that the key strengths of the school were: • the high morale and improving ethos of the school community • the contribution of young people to improvements in the climate for learning • the work of staff across the school in supporting young people’s learning • the strong leadership of the headteacher on school improvement Furthermore, the inspectors praised the behaviour and attitude of all the young people in our school. We were delighted that they noticed the very high percentage of our students who claimed to feel safe, secure and happy at Preston Lodge High School. This is particularly important to us, because school should always be a happy place. As part of our improvement agenda we instigated three key partnerships in 2011. We have invited HIME to work with us on our new approach to self evaluation. We are also now working in partnership with Cramlington Learning Village in Northumberland to develop our classroom practice and, finally, we are engaged in a very important piece of work with Columba 1400 developing our staff and students in leadership. These exiting partnerships with key players in the Scottish and English educational landscape are already yielding very real benefits for our school community. School should be fun, because when we have fun we all learn more. I am certain that if you visit us at any point in the school day you will see confident students engaged in meaningful learning – with smiles on their faces! We believe that Preston Lodge High School is one of the best schools in Scotland. Please do contact me if you would like to come in and judge that for yourselves, and I hope to meet you at a school event in the near future. Yours sincerely G Clark Headteacher


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Our Aims and Values…….

Respect, Community, Achievement, Learning and Happiness. A very proud moment for Preston Lodge High School as members of our Pipe Band perform at the Menin Gate, Belgium, in 2011.


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How Big is Preston Lodge High School? Preston Lodge High School was founded in 1924 and moved to its present site in 1969. We are a non-denominational co-educational six year school with 1015 students on our roll as of September 2011. The breakdown by year group is: S1 172 S2 169 S3 204 S4 224 S5 142 S6 104 There are 85 teaching staff in our school. The School Day

Registration 8.39 am Period 1 8.45 am Period 2 9.45 am Interval 10.45 am Period 3 11.00 am Period 4 12.00 am Lunch 1.00 pm Period 5 1.45 pm Period 6 2.45 pm End of school day 3.45 pm

On Fridays school finishes at 12.00 pm.

The School Foyer


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Highlights of the School Year There are too many highlights to mention here, but some of the most memorable events in our school year are our:

5K walk, which everyone does!

Charity fundraising events

Christmas Shows

Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party

Talent Shows

Prize Giving Evenings

Senior School Dance

Student Health Days

Wide range of House events

Educational Excursions at home or abroad

Whole School project – this year’s theme is the Olympics!

Children in Need 2011


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The School in the Community We encourage all of our students to take a pride in the school and its long-standing reputation in the community. We are delighted that our students contribute so much to that community, with some examples being: • the many school events which raise thousands of pounds every year for local and national

charities • the school musicians who play at many functions outwith the school • our students who help in local nursery, primary and special needs schools • the school’s engagement in many community events such as the local Remembrance Day

ceremony. A number of local people, from footballers to computing students, use school facilities and we welcome any way of fostering links with the community. The school office will be happy to pass on suggestions to our Facilities Management team. So what do our students do when they leave school? Preston Lodge students move on from our school well prepared for the challenges of life ahead. Many of our students move on to Higher Education or Further Education whilst a very healthy number of our students move into work and training. In December 2011 we were absolutely delighted to find out that we have the highest percentage of students in East Lothian moving on to positive and sustained destinations. This means, essentially, education, work or training. The table on the following page provides you with a breakdown of this information. However, although we are currently in a very strong position we are not resting on our laurels. Our dedicated team of staff continue to work to secure positive destinations for all of our students.

S2 Health Day, 2011


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East Lothian Council SLDR 2010/11 (Initial Destination Percentages)

School

Higher Education

Further Education Training Employment Voluntary

Work Un-

employed Seeking

Un- employed

Not Seeking

% Pos % Other

Preston Lodge High School

35.6% 26.4% 11.5% 17.2% 0.0% 9.2% 0.0% 90.8% 9.2%

East Lothian Council

35.8% 23.0% 5.8% 21.6% 0.6% 11.6% 1.6% 86.8% 13.2%

East Lothian Council SLDR 2010/11 (Initial Destination Figures)

School

Higher Education

Further Education Training Employment Voluntary

Work Un-

employed Seeking

Un-employed

Not Seeking

Total Positive

Total Other

Preston Lodge High School

62 46 20 30 - 16 - 158 16

East Lothian Council 389 250 63 235 6 126 17 943 144

Staff and students attending a recent Columba 1400 Leadership Academy on the Isle of Skye


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What do I do if… …I wish to enrol my child? Please contact the school office to make an appointment with the appropriate Year Head (see page 28). Our telephone number is 01875 811170. …my child is absent? Please contact the school by phone before 9 am on the day of the absence or by a note prior to the absence. When your child returns to school, please make sure they bring a note explaining their absence. We will contact families if we receive no explanation for an absence and our automatic system will contact you by text if your child is absent without explanation. We hope you find this helpful. …my child has an appointment during the school day? Please give your child the appointment card or a note and remind them to get a permission slip from their register teacher. …my child is upset for family reasons? Please let your child’s Pastoral Support teacher know that your child is likely to be upset. Details of the Pastoral Support Team are in the Personal Organiser issued to all students and on page 28. …my child is going on holiday during term time? Please let the school know in advance of the holiday dates. Please note that other than in exceptional circumstances, and in S4-6 particularly, we advise against holidays during term time. …my child wants an after-school job? There are complicated regulations about employing school children. Please see Appendix 6 for more details. However, by law, the employer must always ask the school for permission. Again, in S4-6, employment is likely to have an adverse effect on examination performance and is actively discouraged. …I wish to pass an urgent message to my child? Please contact the school office with your child’s name, class and a brief message. Please allow plenty of time for the message to reach your child. It would be much appreciated if you limited this service to genuinely urgent messages. The use of mobile phones is not permitted in school. …my child is entitled to free lunches, bus passes or other financial help? Please see Appendix 8. All enquiries will be treated in confidence. …I have a complaint? Please contact the appropriate Year Head or the Head Teacher. Please see page 28 for more details. …my address or telephone number changes? Please write to the school office as soon as possible giving your new address or telephone number.


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We have a large display of old school photographs in our foyer – have a look at them when you are in the school!

Questions Often Asked by Parents What are exam results like at Preston Lodge High School? In summer 2011 we were pleased with our exam results. The percentage of our S4 students achieving five or more credit passes matched the objective testing predictions that were made in S2. What pleased us most, however, was the fact that the percentage of students achieving three or more Highers was our best set of results at this level for more than 10 years. What is discipline like at Preston Lodge High School? Effective teaching and learning can only take place in an atmosphere of good discipline. At Preston Lodge High School we expect high standards of discipline and have a clear code to ensure this happens. Our code is based on the twin approach of positive praise and encouragement, coupled with clear and consistent sanctions if there is a breach of discipline. In 2010 HMIE commented on the excellent behaviour of our students. How safe are students within Preston Lodge High School? We are confident that we provide a safe and happy environment for our students and East Lothian survey data confirms this. Bullying is always challenged head on and two years ago we improved our social spaces to provide students with better places to relax between classes.


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Students engaging in high quality learning Questions Often Asked by New S1 Students Will I be in the same class as my friends? Your primary teacher will give us the names of students who would like to be together in class at Preston Lodge High School. Although this may not always be possible we aim to ensure that all new students know someone in their new class and feel comfortable with the class they are in. How will I find my way about? When you come for your three day visit in June there will be two senior students with your class to make sure you don’t get lost. In August, the prefects will be there on the first day. If you do get lost, ask any teacher or student for help. No one will be cross. Questions Often Asked by All Students Who can I go to for help? There is always a member of staff in the Pastoral Support Base who can help you with any problem. If not, the office staff will help. What do I do if I feel I’m being bullied? Speak to any teacher, S6 student and/or your parent/carer. You will help to decide what happens next.


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What clubs can I join? There are lots of clubs catering for many activities. We will set up and run almost any club if there is enough student interest – see page 20 for more details. What happens at break and lunchtime? At break food and drink are available in the school canteen. At lunchtime, many students go home or spend time outwith the school, although you can stay inside the school building at these times. Please be considerate and don’t drop litter – either in our outwith the school! There are also a number of clubs open at lunchtime. Do I have to wear school uniform? Yes. You are expected to wear a white shirt, school tie, black or grey trousers/skirt and black shoes. Please do not come to school wearing football colours, tracksuits or trainers. See page 27 for more details. What can I do if I am finding the work too hard? Always be prepared to ask for help – your teachers like to be asked to help you. If the load still seems too much, speak to your Pastoral Support Teacher. Remember, most subjects also offer after-school help.

Each department develops the school’s Aims and Values: here is the Maths department’s take!


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Our Staff Head Teacher Mr G Clark Depute Head Teachers Ms Y Binks, Mrs J Robertson, Mr C Stewart School Business Manager Mrs H Findlay

Mathematics Social & Moral Music Mrs E Douglas (PT) History Ms M Morris (PT) Mr C Bishop (PT) Mr P Dorrian Ms G Duthie Ms G Lugton Mrs J Ewan Mr M Gilroy Mrs L Sinclair Ms H Fulford RME Ms K McAleece Ms M Webster Mrs R Hull Ms S McMichan Ms J Hunter Mod St Ms C McKenna Music Instructors Mr L Middler Mr T Munro Mr P Antonelli Mr D Swanson Mrs K Watson Mr C Day Mr S Walsh Ms K Young Geography Mr S Desmond Mr C Williams Drama Mr C Lanyon (PT) Ms O Gray Mrs C Wilson Mr C McNeil Ms A Gordon Mr D Henry Ms M Wilson Mr A Knox Mrs A Loneskie Mr L Moore Business Management & IT Support For Learning Science Bus Man Mrs P Oates (PT) Mrs V Hoban (PT) Biology Mr F Kelly (PT) Mrs M Campbell Ms K Balsillie Ms C MacAuley Mrs N Mathieson Mrs J Binnie Ms M Walker Mrs J Robertson Mr J Lynas Ms T Watson Mrs D Scott Ms J Thomson Chemistry Mr G Evans (PT) Mrs V Todd Mr G Kidd IT Mr J Tennant Dr P Robertson Ms E Webster Pastoral Support Ms C Blakey (PT) Physics Ms J McClean (PT) Mr D Bell Ms R Pique Ms L Dalgliesh Dr D Voge Ms G McGeachie Ms R Patterson Mrs E Proudfoot Ms C Welsh Home Economics English Modern Languages Mrs E Hunter (PT) Ms J Ainslie (PT) Mrs J Fitzpatrick (PT) Mrs M Beattie (PT) Ms E Cowan Ms D Maconkey Mrs N Thain (PT) Mrs P Hogg Mrs H Dalrymple Miss L Marr Ms M Jegat Mrs E Nicoll Miss C Henderson Ms K Muir Mrs A Mercer Ms W Waldie Ms K MacKenzie Mr J Rose Mr D Ramsay Art Physical Education CDT Mr J Cramb (PT) Mrs P Christie (PT) Ms L Armstrong Mr R Fulton Mr E Orr Mr C Cruickshank Ms J Nanson Mrs L Pike Ms S Nisbet Ms R Quilietti-Bird Mr I Sellwood Ms H Tait Vacancy Mr C Thomas Mr G Bennion (Sports Coordinator)


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Librarian Mrs L Bain Family Support Worker Mrs F Lamarra Careers Adviser Mrs G Pert Learning Support Auxiliaries Mrs J Cowan, Mrs J Cullen, Ms K Hayes,

Ms J Johnstone, Ms P MacDonald, Mr J MacLeod, Mrs K Menzies, Mr K Milne, Ms S Penfold, Mrs C Purvis, Mrs M Reid, Mrs F Torley, Ms L Ward, Mrs A Watters, Mr S Wilson

Office Mrs A Cormack Admin Officer

Mrs V Abbot Clerical Assistant Mrs F Forlow Clerical Assistant (Reprographics) Mrs M Pow Clerical Assistant Mrs E Smith Clerical Assistant Mrs M Wilson Clerical Assistant (Guidance)

Mrs L Wyllie Admin Assistant

Technical Mr B Frost Senior Technician (First Aider) Mrs J Brunton Lab Assistant Mr A Hodgson Technician Mrs C Sanderson Technician Medical Ms A Reavie School Nurse

Mrs V Donaldson Student Auxiliary Janitorial *(FES) Mr C Reilly (Head Janitor), Mr R Davis, Mr D McLeod

*FES – Forth Electrical Services, Facilities Management Cleaning (FES FM Ltd) Mrs Y Couch (Supervisor), Mrs A Anker, Ms P Baillie, Mrs D Brown,

Mrs J Clelland, Mrs L Garrity, Ms P Lumsden, Ms D Magee, Mrs A Millar, Ms J Redpath, Mr T Russell, Mrs S Smith, Mrs A Sunshine, Ms A Thomson

Dining Room (Elite) Mrs A McMillan (Supervisor), Mrs I Cunningham, Mrs A Dulson, Mrs L Kasper, Mrs P McNeill, Ms E Smith

Depute Head Teachers: Outline of Duties Ms Y Binks DHT (Student Support)

Responsible for student support systems, behaviour monitoring, guidance, accessibility and inclusion, coordinating trips, Head of Grange House and S1/2

Mr C Stewart DHT (Performance) Responsible for co-ordinating all statistical information regarding school performance,

reward and recognition systems, SQA co-ordination, ICT developments, timetable, Health and Safety issues, Head of Gosford House and S3/4

Mrs J Robertson DHT (Curriculum) Responsible for Health and Wellbeing, Development of Curriculum for Excellence, Enterprise, Student and Probationary Teachers, Head of Seton House and S5/6

These duties are subject to revision and rotation subject to the immediate needs of the school and the professional development of the post holders.


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Dining Hall

The school dining hall is open from 10.45 – 11.00 am 1.00 – 1.45 pm During interval students may buy snacks and drinks. At lunchtime a cafeteria system operates with a wide range of options. Students entitled to a free lunch can select from all the options on offer to the value of the lunch, currently £2.10. A cashless system is in operation. This is operated by the use of Smartcards (Young Scot) or National Entitlement Cards which are issued to all students in East Lothian. Credit can be added by putting the card into a machine and entering coins or alternatively parents may send a cheque into school. Students who receive free meals have credit automatically added to their cards and for such students, packed lunches are distributed at break time on Fridays. Information on free meals is available from local schools, libraries and on East Lothian Council’s website www.eastlothian.gov.uk.

The school canteen – the PLace to be! Emergency Arrangements If the school needs to be closed in an emergency we operate a system of emergency contacts. Every effort will be made to care for junior students who have no adult available to look after them. If possible, all students will be given a letter to bring home giving an explanation and detailing any further action. Radio Forth will broadcast information if the school is to be unexpectedly closed in the morning. Staff will be in school to look after any students who arrive.


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Parent Forum and Parent Council The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 encourages and supports more parents/carers to become involved in their children’s education. The main aims of the Act are to:

• help parents/carers become more involved with their child’s education and learning • welcome parents/carers as active participants in the life of the school • provide easier ways for parents/carers to express their view and wishes

To help achieve these aims, all parent/carers are automatically members of the Parent Forum at their child’s school and will be entitled to have their views represented to the school, education authority and others, through a representative of the Parent Council. As a member of the Parent Forum parents/carers will have a say in selecting the Parent Council (the representative body) to work on behalf of all parents/carers at the school. Parent Council meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of every month. The role of the Parent Council is to:

• support the school in its work with students • represent the views of all parents/carers • encourage links between the school, parents/carers, other schools and the wider community • consult with and report back to the Parent Forum

The new Parent Council arrangements came into effect from August 2007. For more information on the Parental Involvement Act or to find out about parents as partners in their children’s learning please contact the school or Val McIntyre at the Department of Education and Children’s Services on 01620 827228 ([email protected]). Alternatively, visit either the Parentzone website (www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk) or East Lothian Council’s website (www.eastlothian.gov.uk).

A prestigious Arkwright Scholarship was recently awarded to Callum Price


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Students White Water Rafting in Ecuador 2011

A Selection of Trips, Clubs and Activities All students are encouraged to participate in school trips and extra curricular activities. The following are some of the forthcoming opportunities open to our students: Battlefields Trip This summer, Preston Lodge students visit the WW1 battlefields of Flanders and the Somme, recreating the past as infantry soldiers in the Second Preston Lodge Pals’ Battalion. They will collaborate with the First Dalry High Battalion from Dumfries and Galloway in this fantastic citizenship opportunity. Borneo Expedition June/July 2013 An exciting 26 days expedition into the heart of Borneo is coming in 2013. Students will work on a community project, stay with local families, join a wildlife river boat safari and visit the world famous Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary. One of the highlights will be a trek through Mt Kinabalu National Park, climbing Mt Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia, before some rest and relaxation on a tropical island prior to flying home. The Dordogne A trip to Meymac in Central Southern France will see students participating in a tailor made activity and adventure course featuring watersports, mountain biking, abseiling, gorge walking and indoor climbing. The course also incorporates language and cultural opportunities. French Trip – Opal Coast A trip to the North West of France. The programme includes trips to Le Touquet (beach resort), Bagatelle Theme Park, a visit to a chocolate factory, Aqualud Waterpark, Les Escargots du Bocage Snail Farm and a visit to a cheese farm . Holland Trip A fun packed week especially tailored to suit S1 students. Two nights on the ferry, four nights in Valkenburg . Trips to Amsterdam, Gouda, 2 theme parks (Fantasialand in Germany and Bobbejaanland in Belgium) Valkenburg caves, swimming, bowling, shopping, laser quest and the Rodelbahn ride. Check out the school website for an insight into previous trips! Brilliant! Roll on June! North West of England Trip This three day trip includes visits to the Trafford Centre, Old Trafford football stadium (optional), Camelot Theme Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. USA A 10 day Geography trip to South West USA takes place in February 2011. Starting in San Francisco with the windiest street, Alcatraz and the world famous Muir Woods, then on to Bakersfield before going through Death Valley to Las Vegas, visiting the Grand Canyon, Tusayan and Palm Springs. The trip finishes up in Los Angeles, spending at day at Universal Studios then touring the delights of Beverly Hills, the Hollywood sign, and Venice Beach.


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Duke of Edinburgh We currently have approximately 71 youngsters participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Students carry out a service to the community, learn a new skill and become involved in a new sporting activity. Students also get a taste for the outdoors with canoeing, kayaking, hill-walking and camping expeditions. Outdoor Education Outdoor Education is provided to schools through the East Lothian Outdoor Education Service based at Unit 3, Musselburgh Racecourse Complex, Balcarres Road, Goosegreen, Musselburgh, EH21 7SR. They provide first class experiences of outdoor education for schools and offer support and advice for outdoor activity in East Lothian. Some S1 students may be offered the opportunity to go hill walking, canoeing, rock climbing and coastal scrambling. In addition to this there is an Outdoor Challenge programme where S1-6 students can participate in problem solving and logic challenges in an outdoor setting. In November 2009 Preston Lodge held the East Lothian title for every year group! We still hold 3 out of 6 titles! Clubs Students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of clubs and activities available after school or at lunchtime. These vary from year to year, depending on the availability of staff and uptake by students. A list of clubs which frequently operate include:

Accelerated Reading Club Animation Club Badminton Basketball Chemistry/Physics Fun Experiments Cheerleading Debating Club Football Library Photography Rugby School Mag Club Scripture Union Music Groups including Djembe Drumming, Rock Club, Orchestra, Choir and Pipe Band

Preston Lodge 2000 Club The School’s 2000 Club actively raises money for a variety of projects. We hope all families will want to join and support the school as well as having the chance to win cash money prizes! Items bought by the 2000 Club so far include TV's, picture frames, a solar feature and plants for our Garden of Remembrance and crockery to enable the school to host larger events. Membership forms are available from the school office.

Our victorious 2011 S5 Outdoor Challenge Team


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Links with Partner Primaries

The schools that form the Preston Lodge High School cluster are Cockenzie Primary School, Longniddry Primary School, Prestonpans Infant School, Prestonpans Primary School and St Gabriel’s Primary School. Pastoral Support Links Towards the end of P7, Preston Lodge staff meet with the Primary teachers to gather the information needed to make sure that every child makes a smooth and comfortable transition to our school. Pastoral Support staff also talk to P7 students to answer any questions they may have about life at Preston Lodge. Curricular Links Partner Primaries work together in many subject areas to make sure that work at Preston Lodge follows on smoothly from work in the partner primaries. Further information about these developments is available at parents’ evenings. Activities Links • An annual outdoor activities day is organised to bring together all P7 students, working in

register classes. • Students work on “Personal Passports” - a project preparing them for transfer to secondary.

Work is started on this in the P7 class and continued in S1. Primary Induction November 2011 Parents’ Open Evening in Preston Lodge High School for primary P6/7 parents. Parents and students have an opportunity to tour the school, meet staff and ask questions. December 2011 P7 Outdoor Challenge Day at Meadowmill Sports Centre when all P7s get together for problem solving activities. February 2012 Prospectus issued to all P7 students March 2012 A transition day when all P7 students get together to experience the Preston Lodge Challenge May 2012 A transition day when all P7 students get together for the Cluster 1960's project. June 2012 P7 students become S1 students for three days June 2012 Parents’ Evening for new S1 parents. During the three induction days, all new S1 classes will have at least two senior students assigned to them. The senior students will guide the class round the school, stay in the class for the first few lessons to make sure all is well and be available for students at break and lunchtimes.


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Enrolment Procedures P7 students from our cluster primary schools are enrolled at Preston Lodge High School as part of the annual transition process towards S1. Non-district students may be considered for a place in Preston Lodge following a Placing Request submitted to East Lothian Council. Any family wishing to place their child at Preston Lodge High School during the course of the school session should contact the Depute Head teacher (Student Support) who will be delighted to discuss opportunities and options for individual young people. Communication with Parents/Guardians The Scottish Government has stated that the word “parent” includes guardians and any person who is liable to maintain or has parental responsibilities in relation to, or has care of, a child or young person”. We communicate with parents in a variety of ways: • The Parents’ Calendar is issued in a mail shot during the summer break. It gives the dates of

all events and parents’ meetings for the year. • Parents’ Newsletters are issued throughout the year and give information and news about what

is happening in school. • A personal organiser, which contains a range of school information, is issued to each student

at the beginning of the session. • Our school website (www.prestonlodge.net) has a vast array of current and archive information

on the life of the school. Effective communication between school and parents is vital and further information can be found in Appendix 2. If You Have a Complaint When concerns arise, schools and parents want to work together in partnership to find a solution. Most concerns can and should be resolved locally. If you have a cause for concern, the first person to approach will normally be your child’s Guidance teacher, or a senior member of staff. The school has copies of a leaflet “Resolving Issues – Parents and Schools working in Partnership” available on request. This leaflet outlines steps that can be taken to solve problems.

Abi Douglas receives some help in the kitchen from Derek Johnstone, winner of BBC’s Masterchef


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Assessment, Reports and Parents’ Evenings What is “assessment”? Assessment is any way of finding out whether students have achieved what they set out to do, and how successful they have been. Why have assessment? We cannot find out whether targets are being met without assessing students’ work. Assessment also gives feedback on how successful the school is in meeting its aims and, very importantly, allows teachers and students to decide what the next steps in learning should be. How will my child be assessed? In S1 and S2, students are currently assessed by class tests, marking of class work, practical tests in some subjects, and projects or investigations. S3-6 students are assessed in the same way, but are also entered for a wide range of Standard Grade, Intermediate, Higher, Advanced Higher and other external exams. How will I know the results of these assessments? • You will receive a report each year which will give you information on your child’s progress in

each subject. This report will be based on some or all of the above assessment methods. • Each student receives a Personal Organiser in which a variety of information will be recorded.

It is a good idea to look at this regularly. • Parents’ Evenings are held in October/November and May/June for S1 students. At these

events parents have an opportunity to discuss assessments with their child’s teachers. In later years, reports and parents’ evenings take place once per year.

What are “Early Warnings”? Throughout the session all teachers are asked to identify those students whose work or behaviour is causing concern. Pastoral Support staff examine this information and take appropriate action, which may include inviting a parent/guardian into school to discuss the problem. This does not mean that there is necessarily serious cause for concern, simply that early action may (and usually does) deal with the difficulty. The sooner that appropriate support is put in place, the better.


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School Rules Be Prepared Each day every student should bring: • school diary • pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, sharpener • calculator Every school night each student should pack their bag, referring to their timetable and remember when necessary: • PE kit • money (eg Home Economics) • notes and return slips • return slips In Class Each student should: • take their seat immediately • take out books and equipment without being asked • follow the classroom code of behaviour In Corridors In corridors each student should: • walk quickly and quietly between classes • respect their environment • avoid using mobile phones and musical equipment Bullying Bullying is: • deliberately threatening, frightening or hurtful behaviour • physical or verbal • not acceptable Preston Lodge High School has a strong and effective Anti-Bullying Policy (see Appendix 11) which is applied by every member of staff as part of East Lothian Council’s policy and procedures. Incidents of bullying are recorded as part of that policy. Persistent bullies will be excluded from school (See Appendix 3). We aim to create an ethos where bullying is eliminated with proactive strategies e.g. buddying, peer support, social skills training etc. If you suspect your child is being bullied, contact his/her Pastoral Support Teacher as soon as possible. Please do not think this will make matters worse. Usually, it is the very best way to solve the problem. Students are encouraged to speak immediately to a teacher if they feel that they, or their friends, are being bullied. The sooner a teacher knows about the situation, the easier it is to prevent bullying. Bullying is not acceptable and can be stopped


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Behaviour Management At Preston Lodge we have a clear and consistent system that provides positive support for learning. We aim to • reward good behaviour • ensure consistent treatment of students • give praise high priority • ensure that poor behaviour has consequences. There are three parts to our approach: Code of Behaviour Students are presented with a set of classroom rules. These are displayed on the walls of all classrooms. Positives In order to encourage students to choose to follow these rules, a system of recognition is in place. Negatives Students who break a rule will have a clear consequence. A brief outline of the positives and negatives is shown below. This should be read along with the school rules. Positives

Negatives

Good behaviour will be recognised by Unacceptable behaviour will result in • Verbal praise • Written praise • Positive referrals • Merit awards • Comments in report card • Awards at Prize giving • Certificate of distinction

• Verbal warning • Move to another seat • Punishment exercise • Detention • Move to another classroom • Refer to Senior Management Very serious misbehaviour will result in • Excluded from class • Parents informed • Excluded from school

We are committed to informing parents any time a student is sent from class to Senior Management for disciplinary reasons. By schools and parents working cooperatively can we ensure standards of behaviour are high.


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Attendance and Latecoming We have a clear policy on attendance and time-keeping. If a student is absent… The school must be informed of a student’s absence by telephone or a note. A note explaining the absence must be brought when the student returns. This should be given to the register teacher. Please note that for the long term benefit of your child, holidays should not be taken during term time. If a student is absent without a written note • a record is kept of the absence • an automated telephone enquiry will be sent • an enquiry letter is sent home after three unexplained absences If a student is late… Students who arrive at school late must • sign in at the office • collect a late slip to be signed by the teacher after each lesson • return the late slip to the office at 3.45 pm If a student is late without a written note or appointment card • a record is kept of their late-coming • an automated telephone enquiry will be sent In extreme cases, our Attendance Worker will visit the home and further action will be taken.

A number of European students spend a year at Preston Lodge each session.

Four of last year’s students stand In front of our John Bellany triptych.


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School Uniform Appropriate dress should be worn for school. Preston Lodge dress code requires all students to wear a white shirt, school tie, black trousers/skirt, outer jackets/tops with no logos and black shoes. Why school uniform is important

School uniform: • promotes a positive image for our school in the community • aids school security • helps create school identity and pride • sets the tone for the working day • removes the possibility of bullying connected with designer labels. The following items of school kit are necessary for PE lessons • training shoes • track suit (if desired) • suitable sports top • shorts • socks We will issue you with a full uniform description prior to your child’s start date at Preston Lodge. For assistance with provision of clothing and footwear see Appendix 8.

Volleyball in one of our Arena School gyms


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Pupil Support Pastoral Support Teachers The school is split into three houses: Gosford, Grange and Seton. Each house contains students from S1–6 and is looked after by Pastoral Support staff who move with the students from year to year. This means that a child will normally have the same Pastoral Support teacher from S1 through to S6. The Pastoral Support teacher is normally the first port of call for help and can be contacted by phone through the school office. The job of the Pastoral Support teacher is to: • help with any difficulty that a child might have settling in to school, however big or small. • support a child throughout their school career in curricular and non-curricular matters. • assist families and their children in making appropriate course choices prior to Standard Grade

or National Qualification Courses. • put a family or their child in touch with appropriate professional agencies if they request help. Head of House Each Pastoral Support teacher works with a Head of House who is responsible for the welfare and discipline of students in that House group. Gosford Head of House – Mr Stewart Mrs Welsh – 1Go1, 2Go1, 3Go1, 4Go2, 5Go1, 6Go1 Ms McGeachie – 1Go2, 2Go2, 3Go2, 4Go1, 4Go3, 5Go2, 6Go2 Grange Head Of House – Ms Binks Mrs Patterson – 1Gr1, 2Gr1, 3Gr1, 4Gr1, 5Gr1, 6Gr1 Ms Dalgliesh/Mrs Proudfoot - 1Gr2, 2Gr2, 3Gr2, 4Gr2&3, 5Gr2, 6Gr2 Seton Head of House – Mrs Robertson Ms Blakey – 1Se1, 2Se1, 3Se1, 4Se1, 5Se1&3, 6Se1 Mr Bell – 1Se2, 2Se2, 3Se2&3, 4Se2, 5Se2, 6Se2 Auxiliary Mrs V Donaldson provides auxiliary support: • to look after any child who is unwell • to contact parents before a child is to be sent home • to administer simple first aid to cuts and bruises See Appendix 4 for more details of our school’s approach to medical care. Information about how we consult with students, and child protection procedures can be found in Appendix 12.


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Students with Additional Support Needs The Authority has a policy of inclusion. Underpinning this is a philosophy that all children have the right to be educated locally and additional support is given to the school to enable the support of all children. Further information about how we support students with Additional Support Needs can be found in Appendix 10. Personal and Social Education Personal and Social Education is designed to help developing young people cope with the many changes they encounter during their school life and in the years beyond. Issues are discussed in groups, often with assistance from outside agencies. Topics covered include: Relationships Physical Development Emotional Development Safety Alcohol Health & Hygiene HIV/AIDS Bullying Drugs Study Skills Through information giving exercises, discussion and personal reflection students can adopt strategies to allow them to maximise their potential. Careers Education Our aim at Preston Lodge is to provide all students with skills, knowledge and confidence to plan for their future. Pastoral Support staff and Careers Scotland plan and deliver a Careers Education programme through personal and social education classes. This programme is fully detailed in Appendix 7. A Lunchtime drop in session with our Careers Adviser is open to students of all year groups during term time. Any student can request a 1:1 interview and all S4-S6 students are guaranteed an interview. Information on Higher Education, Further Education and employment is obtained through open days, visits and speakers.

S5/6 Students with Ellen McArthur at the ReDesign Seminar


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Our Pastoral Support Staff – Putting Faces to Names! • Our Pastoral Support Teachers Gosford – Mrs Welsh, Ms McGeachie

Grange – Ms Dalgliesh/Mrs Proudfoot, Mrs Patterson Seton – Mr Bell, Ms Blakey

• Our Heads of House Gosford - Mr Stewart Grange – Ms Binks Seton - Mrs Robertson

• Mr Clark, Head teacher, is always available for contact by the parent of any student in the school.

Mrs Binks Mrs Proudfoot Ms Dalgleish Mrs Patterson

Mrs Robertson Ms Blakey Mr Bell

Mr Stewart Ms McGeachie Mrs Welsh


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Homework Homework is a very important part of school. It helps form good study habits as well as reinforcing course content. All students are issued with a personal organiser in August. Its use is monitored by staff and parental monitoring also helps good student effectiveness. For students in S3 and upwards, homework is an integral part of courses. Full details are printed in course choice booklets. There is also a homework club on Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school, when teachers are available to help. Although it is difficult to generalise, approximate minimum times that should be spent on homework are: S1/2 1 hour per night S3/4 2 hours per night S5/6 3 hours per night

Sculpture by Rachel Cunningham (S6 2010/11)

Regular homework is the key to academic success. Parents have a key role to play.


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School Library Our Library aims: • to offer a welcoming, supportive, secure and supervised environment • to provide a range of differentiated materials to support both the curricular and recreational

needs of students and staff. • to develop and foster a positive attitude to independent, lifelong learning. The library is available for use throughout the school day during class time. Other opening hours are 8.30 – 8.39; 1.15 – 1.45; 3.45 – 4.15 and 10.45 – 11.00 (hand in books only). Resources The library houses a wide range of differentiated materials in a variety of formats, including books, CD roms and other software, video tapes, book and audio tape packs, newspapers, periodicals and the internet. Students have the opportunity to use computers in the library for word processing and information research. The use of computer facilities and the internet can be booked in advance. Information Skills All students have timetabled information skills and careers library lessons at appropriate times throughout their school career from the librarian.

Our staff are always learning. Mrs Nanson, Mrs Beattie and Mrs Robertson pictured at a recent training event at Cramlington Learning Village


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School Curriculum Many parents will know that over recent years secondary schools have been making significant progress in implementing Curriculum for Excellence. The introduction of Curriculum for Excellence is a seven year project in secondary schools and as of December 2011 we are mid-way through year two. What has been achieved so far? Following an extensive consultation with our wider school community in November 2010 (led, at our invitation, by school inspectors) we have formulated a ‘curriculum rationale’. We have also formulated what is called a ‘high level curriculum plan’. This is essentially an explanation of how we will organise lessons. So we now have a clear way forward for S1 and S2, and a provisional programme for S3 in 2012-13, in line with the government’s timelines. Discussions are still taking place amongst all secondary schools, and with East Lothian Council, regarding how S4-6 will look in our authority. We will update all parents on the progress of these discussions in 2012. Those discussions will be informed by national advice being given about qualifications. All our departments are now in possession of rough outlines of their S4-6 courses and further details will be released over the course of the next year. What is a ‘Curriculum Rationale’? This is a statement of the purpose of our school’s curriculum or, put simply, what we are trying to do with young people who enter our building. The curriculum is the totality of learning experiences children encounter and our school’s rationale is printed on the next page. You will notice that it has a date on it. That is because we review it each year. We are really pleased with our curriculum rationale because it fully reflects the extensive discussions that have taken place across the school in the last two years. Do let us know what you think about it, and we will ask all parents for feedback on our curriculum rationale when we review it each academic year. So what does the ‘High Level Curriculum Plan’ say? The High Level Curriculum Plan is a set of diagrams which explain exactly how many periods each student will spend in each subject. It is guided by five key principles which we have established. These are:

• Curriculum for Excellence will be primarily delivered in our school by very high quality learning experiences in all of our classrooms. This will be the key focus of all school development in the coming years

• The plan is how we will develop the school’s aims and values and the school’s curriculum rationale

• The plan will be reviewed on an annual basis • The plan outlines the core school curriculum. Many further programmes and courses will

ensure that the needs of all learners are met • The plan includes a comprehensive learning skills programme for S1-3 students. This

programme is called Learning to Learn (L2L).


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What is the purpose of the S1-3 curriculum? Through our S1-3 curriculum we are trying to ensure that all students can experience the key principles of Curriculum for Excellence. Namely, that they experience: • challenge and enjoyment • breadth • progression • depth • personalisation and choice • coherence • relevance In essence, we have to ensure that all students experience what is called a “Broad General Education” from S1-3, but we also have to allow a great deal of personalisation, or choice. Each Curricular Area (see next page) will take a different approach here. For example, it is likely that Science will offer a common course in S1-3. In Social Subjects it seems likely that student will experience a common course in S1 and 2 but will select one social subject in S3. Individual Curricular Areas will make their own decisions about how students can best meet the experiences and achieve outcomes whilst specialising appropriately. Curriculum Rationale—2011-12 Our school’s curriculum • Reflects our school’s aims and values: • Encourages our young people to: • Offers opportunities to our young people to improve their school and their community

• Offers continuity of learning

Sources CfE materials, PLHS aims and values, Feedback from 18.11.10 PLHS planning day

- community

- learning

- achievement

- happiness

- respect

- be curious

- make good decisions

- show initiative

- think things through

- push themselves hard

- make choices, take ownership and plan their learning

- be aware of their progress


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So what does the curriculum look like in 2011-12? This session all S1 and S2 students are experiencing Curriculum for Excellence. The diagram below shows the way in which the 27 periods are divided amongst the different subjects.

Subject

Depts

Periods 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Technologies

Bus Ed, CDT, Computing

Whole School

PL Chall, ITV, L2L

HE, PE, SE

Science

Biol, Chem, Phys

Expressive Arts

Art, Drama, Music

Social Studies

Geog, Hist, Mod St

Numeracy

Maths

Languages

English, Mod Lang

Health & Wellbeing

Exp Arts Soc Su TechITV

RE S2

PL Chall

ITV

RE S1

S2L2L

Maths Language Health & Wellbeing Science

S1L2L

Maths Language Health & Wellbeing Science Exp Arts Soc Su Tech

Curriculum Diagram 2012/13Curricular Areas

RE

There are eight “Curricular Areas”. Students study three periods of Mathematics in S1 and S2. Within Languages students study three periods of English and two periods of Modern Languages. The five periods of Health & wellbeing are divided between PE, Home Economics and Personal & Social Education. Social Studies, Technologies, Sciences and Expressive Arts each provide students with five periods of study over the course of S1 and S2. All students will continue studying one period of Religious and Moral Education in S1 and S2. We have retained the very successful PL Challenge in S1. We are convinced that this flexible learning challenge offers our students meaningful opportunities to learn in new ways. You will also notice that all S1 and S2 students are studying Learning to Learn (L2L). We are very excited about the introduction of this comprehensive learning skills programme. If our students are to be able to maximise their learning potential then they need to know as much as possible about themselves as learners. You will hear more about L2L in the coming years and we will shortly be providing more information on our school website. Parents should note that for this year only all S1 and S2 students are studying Module 1 of a three module programme ie S1 and S2 students are studying the same course. Eventually, students will study all three L2L modules over S1-3. The Interventions (ITV) period in S1 and S2 is likely to grow and change in the coming years. For session 2011-12 all students have this time as a library period but we are currently discussing how best to use this time in future.


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What foreign language will my child learn? Our Modern Languages Department are currently running a new programme of study in S1. All S1 students now begin their secondary foreign language experience by participating in an Italian transitions unit. The main language encountered in S1 and S2 will still be French but each student will also experience a short block of German and Spanish over the course of their first two years in our school. This is very ambitious, and we are confident that this wider experience of modern foreign languages will provide great benefit for our students. My child is in S2 just now – what will happen to them in S3? Because discussions around our S4-6 curriculum with East Lothian Council are only now concluding we are still finalising what S3 will look like in session 2012-13. However, we are likely to offer the following structure in our S3 curriculum in 2012-13:

Subject

Depts

Periods 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

S3Soc Su Tech Option A

Option B

ITV

RE

ITV

RE S2

S3L2L


Exp Arts

S1

S2L2L

Maths Language Health & Wellbeing Science Exp Arts Soc Su Tech

Exp Arts Soc Su TechPL

Chall

ITV

RES1L2L


Whole School

Maths English, Mod Lang

HE, PE, SEBiol, Chem,

PhysArt, Drama,

MusicGeog, Hist, Mod St

Bus Ed, CDT, Computing

PL Chall, ITV, L2L

Curriculum Diagram 2012/13Curricular Areas

Numeracy LanguagesHealth & Wellbeing

ScienceExpressive

ArtsSocial Studies

Technologies

RE

You will notice that the L2L period remains and that the allocation of periods to curricular areas is broadly similar. However, there is one big difference in our S3. Within each curricular area there will be a much higher degree of ‘personalisation’ ie student choice. We will also introduce two option columns where we intend to offer a range of options to students – everything from additional opportunities to study traditional subjects to options such as furniture making! We will retain the ITV period although we have not yet finalised how we intend to use this time.


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So how many subjects will my child study in S4? This has yet to be resolved. Discussions are currently taking place across the East Lothian secondary schools. There are a range of opinions about the best way to offer progression into S4 and we are currently participating actively in the resolution of this issue! So what happens next? We are now focussing on introducing our new S2 curriculum whilst planning for the introduction of a third year of Curriculum for Excellence in 2012-13. We will also inform parents next session about what our S4-6 structure will eventually look like. Watch this space. The S3 and S4 Curriculum in session 2011-12 There is progression in all subjects that are studied in S1 and S2 into the S3 and S4 curriculum. These subjects are available at Standard Grade, or in National Qualifications courses at Access or Intermediate level. All students are expected to study a certificated course in • English • Maths • French or German • A Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) • A Social subject (Geography, History, Modern Studies or Business Management) In addition, all students must undertake one period a week of RME, PE and PSE. Full course choice booklets will be issued to all students entering S3 and S5/6 and are available from the school office. A sample Course Choice Sheet is printed at back of this prospectus. The range and levels of the courses we offer can be tailored to suit particular needs of students. All S4 students undertake one week of Work Experience as preparation for the world of work. By 2012-13 S3 students will be studying a new Curriculum for Excellence common course. Further details will follow. The S5 and S6 Curriculum Students entering S5 are currently offered Intermediate I, Intermediate 2 and Higher Grade courses which allow them to continue the study of subjects taken in S3/4. Students entering S6 are also able to study a range of subjects at Advanced Higher level. A sample course choice sheet can be found at the end of this booklet. Some of our students access courses at College and in other schools. Preston Lodge also caters for students from other East Lothian secondary schools and supported self-study programmes will be offered where appropriate. We are currently planning for a new structure in our senior curriculum.


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Religious and Moral Education We believe that any school that ignores the religious and spiritual dimensions of life cannot offer a complete education to its students. We are therefore committed to high quality religious and moral education within Preston Lodge, and we comply with the Government’s requirements in this area. Our courses never attempt to indoctrinate, persuade or compel students to accept a particular belief; the aim is rather to allow them to make informed choices or, if they so desire, no choice at all. • S1 and S2 – beliefs and practices of major world religions are studied alongside personal and

social issues. • In S3 students look at how religion affects life and how beliefs affect how we live and behave. • In S4 students explore the nature and meaning of existence and contemporary modern issues. • We also have a regular spiritual input to our assemblies from local faith organisations. Music Tuition Free instrumental tuition is given be visiting music specialists. If your child is already receiving tuition in Primary school, this tuition will automatically continue on transfer to Preston Lodge. Opportunities exist for S1 students who show an aptitude for Music to begin instruction. Instruments are usually supplied by the school. All students receiving tuition are strongly encouraged to play in the school orchestra and other musical ensembles. Cultural and Community Development Cultural Services can facilitate enhanced learning opportunities for students through provision of and support of:

• School Library Services • Instrumental Music Tuition • Drama provision/Theatre • Educational visits in Museums/projects. • Study Support and After School Activities • Sport

The Service is committed to facilitating access to the widest range of creative and learning opportunities and supports a broad range of information services and access.

Parents have a legal right to withdraw their children from RME if the principles of the subject are in conflict with home beliefs. In such cases please contact the Head Teacher.


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Appendix 1

Information For Parents - 2011 Secondary Schools

School: Preston Lodge High School Id No.: 210 - 5556139

Leaver Destinations Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2010/2011 And Percentage With Destination

As: Total Number of Leavers (=100%) 174 Higher Education 36 Further Education 26 Training 11 Employment 17 Other Known 9 Not Known 0

Key to symbols: Percentages for schools where the number of leavers is greater than 0 but less than 5 have been replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals. The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years because the school has recently opened or merged with another school, or is temporarily closed.

Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2011-2012 School Roll at September 2010 1,010 Total School Running Costs at April 2011 (£) 6,677,336 Cost per Pupil (£) 6,611

Key to symbols: The symbol ## indicates that the data are not available.

Attendance And Absence For School Year 2010/2011 Stage

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S1-5 Total Number of Possible

Attendances (Pupil Half

Days)

55364 65785 72314 53747 47420 294630

Percentage Authorised Absences

5.5 5 5.9 5.8 4.7 5.4

Percentage Unauthorised

Absences 2.3 3.4 3.5 5.1 5.3 3.8

Key to symbols: Asterisks (**) have been inserted instead of figures for some schools and categories:

• Counts and percentages based on data for more than 0 but fewer than 5 pupils, because they could be misleading or lead to the identification of individuals.

• In other cases, it is not possible for the school to have any data for the category, for example, cases where the relevant year group roll figure is zero.

The symbol (##) indicates that the school has recently opened or merged with another school and this information is not available.


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Information for Parents – 2011 Secondary Schools


Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll In September Of The Previous Session

2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 67 75 76

Examination Results (within Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)

(2010/2011 results are pre-appeal) Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:

By end of S4

5+ @ level 3 or better 5+ @ level 4 or better 5+ @ level 5 or better 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 87 95 88 72 76 74 27 36 26

Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving: By end of S5

1+ @ level 6 or better 3+ @ level 6 or better 5+ @ level 6 or better2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 42 44 47 19 19 22 7 7 8


3+ @ level 6 or better 5+ @ level 6 or better 1+ @ level 7 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

092009/20

102010/20

112008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

1124 33 29 16 21 16 11 15 11

Key to symbols: Counts and percentages for year groups which contain more than 0 but less than 5 pupils are replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals. The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years. Possible reasons for this include: the school has recently opened or merged with another school; S5 and S6 results for S1-S4 schools; S4, S5 and S6 results for S1-S2/S3 schools; cases where the relevant year group roll figure is zero.


39



Minimising Overall Absence Absence recorded

(2009/2010) Average number of half days absence

per pupil

Absence recorded (2010/2011)

Average number of half days absence

per pupil Absence 35 32.4

Where schools have 9 openings per week, please note that all local authority and national figures are based on 10 openings per week, and so are not directly comparable. Key to symbols: The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years. For Information:

Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels: Level 7 CSYS at A-C; Advanced Higher at A-C Level 6 Higher at A-C Level 5 Intermediate 2 at A-C; Standard Grade at 1-2 Level 4 Intermediate 1 at A-C; Standard Grade at 3-4 Level 3 Access 3 Cluster; Standard Grade at 5-6


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Education Authority: East Lothian Leaver Destinations

Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2010/2011 And Percentage With Destination As:

Total Number of Leavers (=100%) 1087 Higher Education 36 Further Education 23 Training 6 Employment 22 Other Known 13 Not Known 0

Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2011-2012 School Roll at September 2010 5,773 Total School Running Costs at April 2011 (£) 38,199,930 Cost per Pupil (£) 6,617


S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S1-5 Total Number of Possible Attendances (Pupil Half Days)

333151 338301 359413 346065 272097 1649027


5 5.7 6.3 5.8 5.9 5.8

Percentage Unauthorised Absences

1.4 2.2 2.6 3.9 3.9 2.7

Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll In September Of The Previous Session

2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 68 74 76



By end of S4


09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 95 96 95 84 83 82 38 39 37


41

Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:

By end of S5


09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 45 46 47 27 26 27 12 12 12


3+ @ level 6 or better 5+ @ level 6 or better 1+ @ level 72008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 34 37 39 24 25 25 16 19 16



per pupil



per pupil Absence 27.7 29.6


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National Data

Leaver Destinations Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2010/2011 And Percentage With Destination

As:Total Number of Leavers (=100%) 54073 Higher Education 36 Further Education 27 Training 6 Employment 20 Other Known 11 Not Known 0

Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2011-2012 School Roll at September 2010 299,616 Total School Running Costs at April 2011 (£) 1,702,108,639 Cost per Pupil (£) 5,681


S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S1-5 Total Number of Possible Attendances(Pupil Half Days)

19561953 19996998 20211642 20145865 15556206 95472664


5.3 6.2 6.8 6.3 5.9 6.1

Percentage Unauthorised Absences

1.6 2.3 3.2 3.5 3.1 2.7

Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll

In September Of The Previous Session 2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011

67 72 75



By end of S4


09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 92 92 93 78 78 78 35 36 35


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Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:

By end of S5


09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

092009/20

102010/20

112008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

1141 43 44 23 25 26 11 11 12


3+ @ level 6 or better 5+ @ level 6 or better 1+ @ level 7 2008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

11 2008/20

092009/20

102010/20

112008/20

09 2009/20

10 2010/20

1131 33 35 21 22 23 14 15 15



per pupil



per pupil Absence 33.9 34.1


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Appendix 2 – Communication with Parents/Guardians This can sometimes be difficult when parents separate or divorce. If parents are separated or a divorce was granted after November 1996 both parents will retain parental responsibilities, unless a court has specifically removed those responsibilities. In relation to placing requests, appeals against certain educational decisions and access to students’ records both parents will normally have equal rights. Even if a divorce was granted prior to November 1996 the parent without the custody may not have lost all rights to information and to be involved in decision making. The above definition may also give others rights. We will therefore request the names and addresses of both parents at the time of enrolment and at the annual update of data. The parent(s) with whom the student resides will automatically receive all communications from the school. If a parent lives away from the family home they will, when the school is first informed of their address, receive a Recorded Delivery letter enquiring whether or not they wish to receive information about their child’s education. If no reply is received it will be assumed they do not wish to be kept informed and there will be no further communication unless a request for information is subsequently received. If they wish to be kept informed they will receive copies of all communications regarding the student including copies of reports and notification of Parents’ Meetings. The parent with whom the student resides will be informed that this is happening. The school is dependent on the parent with whom the student resides supplying the appropriate information i.e. the address of the parent not living in the family home, details of Court proceedings prohibiting that parent’s involvement in the child’s education or any other relevant documentation. Parents/Guardians should note that children can only be collected from school by the parent with whom they reside unless the parents/carers have authorised an alternative arrangement. If someone else is to collect the student, the school should be informed in advance. The school has copies of a leaflet “Resolving Issues – Parents and Schools working in Partnership”, which is available on request. Information about the way we use data that we hold on your child is contained in Appendix 12.


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Appendix 3 – Exclusions Exclusion Of Students From School Attendance for Disciplinary Reasons Information Provided by East Lothian Council East Lothian Council, Department of Education and Community Services acknowledge the vital partnership between schools and parents. Student’s views must be taken into account in accordance with the principles of the UN Convention 1989 and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 provides for the rights and responsibilities of students to exercised in accordance with age, maturity and understanding of the students. In implementing the Council’s guidelines and procedures Head Teachers and other Agencies must take into account the child’s best interest. The education and welfare of the individual student has to be given the highest priority in any balance the Head Teacher requires to make between the needs and safety of the school as a whole and the needs of individual students. In this respect, the Secondary School Head Teacher shall be advised by the School Liaison Group (SLG) or Integrated Student Support Team or a representative at the earliest opportunity. The Head Teacher will be expected to take this advice into consideration and to advise the School Liaison Group of the outcome. Primary Head Teachers should seek consult with the Integrated Support Team or seek advise from the Director of Education & Childrens’ Services and should consult with other agencies e.g. Psychological Services. The council is committed to supporting the Head Teacher in doing everything possible to ensure good behaviour and effective attendance at school. Where there is indiscipline, Head Teachers must use all means at their disposal to bring about improvements in behaviour and this must include extensive contact with parents and other agencies, seeking their support. Four criteria will be used to judge indiscipline; whether the effective education of the student is possible given the indiscipline, whether the level of disruption to the education of other students is such that serious action must be taken to prevent this, if there is behaviour which is dangerous to students and/or staff or as a last resort, if the parent/career is unwilling to cooperate with the school. N.B. It is not appropriate to exclude a student for failure to attend school, as this does not meet the above criteria. Temporary Exclusion Under delegated power the Head Teacher may exclude a student for a maximum of 5 working days but it should be shorter than this in the first instance. The aim of such Temporary Exclusion is to allow a cooling-off period during which the school, the student and the parent can consider and develop strategies which will help to bring about improvements in behaviour. Crucial to the success of any strategies will be the willingness of parent, student and school to work together. Every effort should be made to welcome parents as active partners in the process of improving behaviour, whilst recognising that changing behaviour is not easy and will require extensive and extended support. In East Lothian, the Department of Education & Childrens’ Services, who has in turn, delegated to Head Teachers the power to exclude for a period of up to 5 days. Where the proposed period of Temporary Exclusion is longer than 5 days, the decision reverts to the Director of Education & Childrens’ Services. Under delegated power a Head Teacher is acting on behalf of the Council in any decision on Temporary Exclusion.


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It must be emphasised that the delegation of power is to the Head Teacher, or in his/her absence to the teacher nominated to represent him/her. Therefore, only the Head Teacher, or if in his/her representative, may sign letters dealing with Exclusion matters. Head Teachers must ensure that a record is kept detailing incidents of student’s difficult behaviour and assessments of progress. It is important to record all strategies employed to support the student to remain in school and that copies are kept of notes of all meetings with parents and of letters to them in respect of behavioural matters. In views of the fact that there may well be important and critical events in an appeal case when the Head Teacher has to give evidence and may be questioned by the Appeal Committee, the appellant and/or the appellant’s representative, reports should be legible, preferably typed and on official note paper. Exclusion (Removal from the Register) A Head Teacher may recommend Exclusion (Removal from the Register) to the Director of Education & Childrens’ Services when he/she has serious doubts as to the ability to continue the student’s education in the school. A Head Teacher may not remove such a student’s name from the roll unless the Director had agreed to its removal and the student is on the roll of another school. Where the Head Teacher wishes to recommend Exclusion (Removal from the Register) and is supported in that recommendation by the Director of Education & Childrens’ Services, the Head Teacher of the excluding school will actively help the Director of Education & Childrens’ Services to arrange for the admission of the student to another main stream school where this is indicated.


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Ms Binks and Louise Dobie (Grange) with the

2011 House Trophy

Appendix 4 – Medical Care Administration of Medicines Prescribed medicines may be administered to students by the nominated auxiliary and only with the written consent of parents. No other medicines of any kind shall be administered by school staff at any time. It is important that parents inform the school of any changes to prescribed medication to be administered to their children within school. This policy is in keeping with best practice in order to safeguard the health and welfare of students. Illness Notification When a student becomes ill or injured, the school will make every endeavour to contact parents by telephone or the nominated emergency contact person. Parents are then requested to outline the arrangements to be made in support of their child. Where a young person is involved in a medical emergency, emergency services will be called: this may lead to removal of the sick or injured student to hospital. School staff will normally accompany students to hospital and remain with them until parents/guardians arrive. All such episodes of injury or illness are recorded and reported appropriately to safeguard both students and staff. Minimising the effects of disabilities The school takes very seriously its responsibilities in terms of compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) whereby ‘reasonable adjustments’ are made to facilitate access for all students to the mainstream life of the school. Every attempt is made to remove or reduce the barriers to learning by minimising the effects of disabilities: lifts and ramps at key locations in the school allow access to all departments while the deployment of learning auxiliaries assist students with a disability to access the mainstream curriculum. The school implements East Lothian Council’s Policy ‘Learning and Teaching for All’ by promoting an inclusive approach to supporting all young people by developing positive attitudes to youngsters with disabilities. The School Health Service Throughout your child’s years at primary and secondary school, a team of specialist Health Service and Education staff will be seeing him/her as part of a planned programme to make sure that he/she benefits as much as possible from all that the school has to offer, and to help prepare him/her for life after leaving school. The School Health Service is part of the Community Child Health Service and has direct links with those who carry out health checks of children before they start school. Many different services are provided. The issue of maintaining confidentiality is taken seriously by the School Health Team at all times. The staff involved make every effort to work closely with parents and with others who care for your child, both at school and in other branches of the Health Service.


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From August 2000 there has been a change in the School Nurse Programme for Vision Screening carried out in Secondary Schools. The Lothian University Hospital NHS Trust change affects routine vision screening of all students at S3 level. This decision has been made by the Vision Link Group at Community Child Health following a Study of S3 vision screening which showed that very few cases of vision defects were picked up on screening and most of those were of a minor nature which did not affect their vision. The School Nurse will still be offering vision screening at S3 to those students where there are concerns about their vision, and those who meet the selection criteria. Parents are not notified of these screening tests at the time of screening tests and any parent who does not want a child to be included should notify the school at the beginning of the session. Naturally, if treatment is thought to be requires the child’s parents will be informed and consent requested. Some of the staff concerned and the parts they play are as follows: - School Nurses are involved with health promotion and education, prevention of ill health, immunisation, health surveillance and screening. The attention of School Doctor is drawn to any possible problems and parents and the family doctor are informed if any further action is considered necessary. The Nurse reviews the notes of all children in Primaries 1,4,7 and S3 as well as those of all new entrants. An information booklet about the School Health Service is issued to all Primary One students and any new student coming from outwith the Lothian Area. Parents are also asked to complete a health questionnaire about their child at Primary 1,7 and S3 and asked if they would like their child to have a medical consultation with the School Doctor. The School Doctor is trained in community paediatrics and is part of a team of school doctors, including a consultant community paediatrician, for your area. In addition, the doctor may ask for your consent to examine your child if his/her medical records are incomplete or if the doctor particularly wishes to check on his/her progress. You will be invited to be present at any medical examination and keep informed if the school doctor wishes to see your child again or thinks that he/she should be seen by your family doctor or a specialist in paediatrics. You can, if you wish, arrange for your family doctor to undertake the examinations instead of the school doctor but you may be charged a fee for this. In Secondary schools the school doctor may consider whether any special information should be provided for the Careers Service. The School Doctor will be pleased to see you and your child at a mutually convenient time if you are concerned about his/her health or general progress at school. With your consent, the school doctor also carries out immunisations to protect against various diseases: Age 14-15: Booster immunisation against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. The audiometric team, who check children’s hearing, will not visit the school to check students hearing. Instead they will provide a local clinic based, appointment only service for all school aged children requiring a hearing assessment. These include: - All children who are due to have a routine re-test as a result of being found to have a hearing

loss at a previous test in school or as a pre-school child.


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- All school age children newly referred for assignment, either Primary 1 or other years. - The school medical officer will inform schools of the result of any assessment. The speech and language therapist can provide assessment and, if necessary treatment, if you, a teacher, your GP or the school doctor feels that your child may have a speech or a language problem.

Any enquiries concerning the provision of dental services should be made to the Director of the Community Dental Service, 16 Duncan Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1SR (Telephone number 0131 667 7114). We hope that the School Health Service can, together with yourselves, contribute to your child’s overall well-being and development. Please do not hesitate to arrange through the Head Teacher to see the school doctor or school nurse if you want any more information.

Administration of Medical Procedures

All members of staff who have agreed to be trained in the administration of specific drugs to students suffering from all epileptic seizure or a severe allergic reaction and who are required to apply specific drugs to those students will be covered by East Lothian Council’s Public Liability Policy.

Hanging from a High Wire!


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Appendix 5 – Occasional and Emergency Arrangements

The first priority of the Head Teacher is to keep the school open if at all possible. However, the early closure (or part closure) of the school in an emergency may be required because of fire, flood, loss of building services, extreme weather conditions, or some other event. Head Teachers will not normally close schools early on grounds of inclement weather. This can only be justified where the possibility of students reaching home safely is reduced by delaying their release from school. Heavy falls of snow or severe fog may justify such action.

When children have to return from school at a time earlier than normal, parents may not be able to arrange for them to be received at home by themselves or by an adult who will look after them. Head Teachers must be reasonably satisfied that there will be a responsible adult available to receive the child. If not the school will make arrangements for the supervision of certain children in school, until the normal closing time of the school. In all cases where a Head Teacher is considering an early closure because of an emergency, contact will be made with either the Director of Education and Children’s Services or the Head of Education before a decision to close a school is made. The Director of Education and Children’s Services or Head of Education will need to consider whether the media should be used, bearing in mind that only one person in the Education Department will issue press releases and notices, normally through Corporate Communications. The same system will apply where an emergency requires that a school does not open the following day or week. In extreme cases, Head Teachers may be required to use temporary local accommodation for students, such as a Church or a Community Hall. Contractors providing student transport will be informed as soon as possible. It is important to remember that in a number of areas school transport is co-ordinated to meet the needs of a number of schools, and also that contractors may be providing a service at the same time to other agencies. In these circumstances a contractor may be unable to provide transport at a time other than normal.

Two of our sixth years on their way to winning St Andrew Universities 2011 Chemistry Challenge


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Appendix 6 – Some Legal Issues Employment of Children

Children under the statutory school leaving age can only be employed within their terms of the bye-laws on the Employment of Children. These regulations do not permit the employment of children under 13 years of age, and for those over the age there are limits on the hours and type of employment which are allowed. Parents and employers must both complete an application form for an employment permit before the employment begins. Forms and information are available from the school office. Further details can be obtained from the Department of Education & Children’s Services, Inclusion and Equality (Student Support). Advice is also available from the Education Welfare Service. School Leaving Dates

The statutory school leaving date in Scotland is as follows: • If you are 16 between 1 October 2011 and 28 February 2012, you may leave school at

Christmas 2012. • If you are 16 between 1 March 2012 and 30 September 2012, you may leave school at the end

of May 2012. Health and Safety The Education & Children’s Services Department statements of safety policy for all areas of its responsibility in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. School staff are fully instructed in their responsibilities in this respect, and safety regulations apply to aspects of school life, both on and off the premises. It is expected that students will behave responsibly and comply will all safety requirements. The support of parents in promoting good practice in health and safety matters of great importance to the school.

PL on top of the world – the Quilotoa Crater, visited as part of the School’s 2011 expedition to Ecuador


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Appendix 7 – Careers Education Our approach to Careers Education covers: S1 Recognition of Skills, Qualities. Introduction to Careers Adviser S2 An introduction to the careers library, how to access information: Use of IT - Planitplus.org.uk ; Careers Scotland website 1 : 1 interview with Guidance Teacher S3 Continued use of IT for Careers info Opportunity for vocational placements at local colleges (S3 S4) S4 Work Experience – a week spent with an employer Careers Scotland Jobs Fair CV Writing Interview Technique Application for jobs/further education Guaranteed careers interview for all students planning to leave end of S4 Continued use of IT Class session with Careers Adviser 1 : 1 interview for all students to support transition post S4 S5 Higher Education Convention Class session with Careers Adviser Guaranteed careers interview for all students planning to leave end of S5 1 : 1 interview for all students to support transition post S5 Higher and Further Education (UCAS) S6 Guaranteed careers interview for all students planning to leave end of S6

Higher and Further Education (UCAS) Post school planning Higher Education Convention 1 : 1 interview for all students to support transition post S6

Aims and Values Wristbands


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Appendix 8 – Financial Assistance There are a number of areas in which the East Lothian Council or the school can give financial assistance to parents. Meals Under the Council Committee for Education policy, children in attendance at schools under the management of the Council are entitled to free school meals if their parents are in receipt of Income Support or Income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance or Child Tax Credit but NOT Working Tax Credit with an annual income of less than £15,860 or Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with and annual income of less than £6,420. No other children are eligible for free meals. Assistance with Provision of School Clothing The Council operates a scheme of provision to ensure that a student is sufficiently and suitably clad to take full advantage of the education provided. Families in receipt of Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance will qualify for such a scheme. Other cases may be considered in the case of exceptional personal circumstances. Parents who wish to apply for the scheme should complete an application form which is available from the School Office or Education & Children’s Services, Inclusion and Equality, John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA. Free Transport The council’s current policy is to pay the travelling expenses of those students attending the district school who live more than two miles away from that school. Bus passes are issued where public transport exists and contract transport is arranged where there is no suitable public transport. Where there are vacant seats on contract buses, these may be made available to students who are normally entitled to free transport on a “grace and favour basis” but must be applied for each session. These can be withdrawn should the seat be requires for those students who qualify for this provision. Travelling expenses are also met in the case of any student whom the Council requires to attend a school other than the district school, if the student meets the distance qualification. Where appropriate free travel is provided for students receiving special education. Consideration may also be given to requests for assistance with travel in exceptional circumstances e.g. where the road between home and school is deemed dangerous by the Council (through consultation with Police Road Safety Department) and where there is no public transport available. Parents who choose to send their children to a school other than the district school will not receive assistance in relation to travel to and from school. Other Financial Assistance Occasionally, the school has managed to gain assistance for students who have particular financial difficulties. If you feel that your child’s education is suffering in any way because of family difficulties in this area, please contact the Head Teacher. Some help may be available. All enquiries will be dealt with in complete confidence.


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Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is available to 16-18 year olds who show reasonable promise of successfully completing a sound programme of study. Award holders are expected to attend school throughout the standard school session. They must complete a minimum of 21 hours per week of timetabled study. The amount of money, which may be given, depends on the family’s income. EMA is a weekly payment of up to £30 paid directly to the student. Information is available from the School Pastoral Support Department or Education & Children’s Services, Inclusion & Equality, John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA.


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Appendix 9 – Road Safety In East Lothian there are currently almost 15,000 nursery, primary and secondary school pupils. In 2009, 24 school age children were injured on East Lothian’s roads, four seriously. Nearly 33% of all pedestrian casualties occurred (2009) to children in the 5-15 year age group. East Lothian Council working with Lothian and Borders Police and other agencies are committed to reducing the numbers and severity of road casualties. They have identified a number of important initiatives to help reduce the number of road casualties. These will require a notable change of behaviour by everybody, particularly from drivers in built-up areas. These initiatives aim to reduce the number of car journeys to and from school by pupils, parents and staff to:

• Encourage children to walk or cycle to school, thereby improving the safety for the pupil on the journey to school.

• Provide pupils and parents with appropriate training to allow them and their children to journey to and from school safely.

• Improve pedestrian safety in and around school. • Raise awareness amongst pupils, parents, and staff of the wider health and environmental

problems associated with increase car use. • Improve the local environment for everyone by reducing pollution, congestion and

addressing safety issues around the school. Parents are asked to review their current or intended mode of travel to and from school and consider whether or not it should be changed or modified to help the school, pupils, staff and other parents to reduce the number of child casualties. (Statistical source: Road Casualties Scotland 2009)


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Appendix 10 – Students Who have Additional Support Needs The Council’s Policy document ‘Framework for Meeting Additional Support Needs’ provides a framework for full and effective inclusion of students who have additional support needs. There is a range of specialist provision available to meet the learning and development needs of all children and young people. There are outreach teachers who work with those pupils from whom English is an additional language, those who have long-term absence from school due to illness, those who have visual or hearing impairment and also pre-school pupils who have severe/complex additional support needs. There are various approaches used to support children and young people who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. These include in-school support bases, enhanced curriculum groups and input from the Children’s Services Integration Team. Preston Lodge has a Learning Zone where provision is made for students with additional needs. Students follow a carefully planned learning plan that may involve working in mainstream classes, in the Zone, in small groups or one-to-one tuition. Individual Education Plans or Action Plans are formulated in consultation with parents and teaching staff. Student Support aims to support and develop positive learning in a wide variety of contexts: • Using ‘Fast Track’ systems to build confidence and skill in basic literacy and numeracy • Providing support for learning in mainstream classes by targeting additional teaching resources

where they are needed most • Implementation of specific learning strategies for individual students and small groups within

our Learning Zone to improve and develop more effective learning behaviour Student Support is firmly focused on removing barriers to learning whatever the origin – cognitive, social, emotional or behavioural – with the aim of gaining positive learning outcomes for all youngsters needing extra support. At present we have 17 young people who have a Record of Needs or Individual Action Plan. Special Examination Arrangements Students who have recognised disabilities, difficulties or some physical/sensory impairment may require special arrangements in Standard Grade or National Qualification examinations. By agreement with the school Educational Psychologist and SQA, additional support for particular examination candidates may be arranged eg a reader, a scribe, extra time or use of a word processor. Minimising the effects of disabilities. In keeping with the Council’s Accessibility Strategy and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), the school is committed to ensuring equal access to educational provision for all by making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to room location and practical activities to support disabled students. The school has been upgraded to cater for wheelchair users.


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The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2009 This piece of legislation states: • A child or young person who has additional support needs, and also his/her parents or carers,

should be involved in any decisions-making. They can have a supporter with them at meetings or have an advocate present to present their case for them. A young person’s views must be taken into account for post-school transitions.

• Young people and parents/carers should be provided with information and advice about their own, or their child’s additional support needs. They can also request, at any time, an assessment to establish additional support needs or if a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) is required, or for a CSP to be reviewed.

• A young person who has additional support needs or his/her parent or carer can make a placing request to another education authority or an independent school.

• The local authority is required to prove a free mediation. Common Ground Mediation is East Lothian Council’s provider. It promotes collaboration between parents, children, school and education services. Anyone involved in a disagreement can access this service. Information is available from Inclusion & Equality.

• Young people and parents or carers can make an application to use the free, national Dispute Resolution process to resolve certain types of dispute. Information is available from Inclusion & Equality.

• Young people and parents or carers can appeal to the national Additional Support Needs Tribunal to challenge a decision about a CSP and certain other matters relating to additional support needs. Free advocacy can be provided for this. Information is available from Inclusion & Equality.

East Lothian Educational Psychology Service Educational Psychologists are part of the Department of Education and Children’s Services within East Lothian Council. They make regular visits to all nursery, primary and secondary schools in the authority. What do Educational Psychologists do? Educational Psychologists work collaboratively with other professionals, parents and carers, to help children and young people overcome barriers to learning. They support school staff to enhance learning environments, to ensure they are effective for all children and young people, whatever their learning needs. How does an Educational Psychologist become involved with my child? If you have any concerns about how your child is getting on at school, the first thing to do is share them with school staff. If staff feel that an Educational Psychologist may be able to help, they will contact their link Educational Psychologist for a consultation or invite them to a staged assessment meeting in school. If the Educational Psychologist is going to become formally involved with your child, then parental permission for this will always be sought. You are also welcome to contact the Educational Psychology Service directly if you would prefer. You can find out more at our web pages on the East Lothian Council website or you can phone 01620 827944 or write to East Lothian Council Educational Psychology Service, John Muir House, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3HA


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Appendix 11 – Anti-Bullying Policy “Bullying can take different forms. It can leave children hurt, distressed and frightened. Only by openly acknowledging the problems caused by bullying and by seeking to involve the whole school community – students, parents, teachers and support staff – can we hope to tackle it effectively.” This statement comes from the Scottish Government and forms the basis of our own Anti Bullying Policy. It is fundamental to the values of this school that we will create and ensure for children “a safe and friendly environment”. Bullying is clearly at odds with these values and will therefore not be tolerated. Our Anti-Bullying Policy is part of East Lothian Council’s policy and procedures and incidents are recorded as part of that policy. Within our Code of Conduct and throughout our Social Education Programme our students are encouraged to: • Act Responsibly • Act with Consideration • Work in a Positive Manner Behaviour which is not acceptable within this school community is clearly identified: • Bullying • Insults, Verbal Abuse, Swearing • Racism • Sexual Harassment • Smoking, Drug Abuse • Theft • Vandalism • Violence Bullying may come under a number of these headings, and will be dealt with in line with our normal disciplinary procedures. All staff should be alert to the problem and should report any suspicion immediately. In all cases the Pastoral Support Team will play a key part in investigating and following up any reported incidents, liaising with students, staff, parents. Bullying which involves violence will always be dealt with directly by a member of the Senior Management team. Leaflets are produced for staff, students and parents with clear advice on what to do when bullying occurs or is suspected. Our aim, of course, is to create an ethos where bullying is eliminated. We have various pro-active procedures to back this aim such as buddying, peer support & social skills training in Social Education. A.B.E.L. (Anti-bullying East Lothian), located at Brunton Hall, Musselburgh actively supports school-based projects to combat a bullying culture.


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Appendix 12 - Transferring Educational Data About Students The Scottish Government and its partners collect and use information about students to help to improve education across Scotland. This note explains why we need this information, how we use it and what we do to protect the information supplied to us. Why do we need your data? In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service, Scottish Government, education authorities and other partners such as the SQA and Careers Scotland need accurate, up-to-date data about our studentss. We are keen to help all our students do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better examination results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows us to: • plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all students, • plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of students, • better understand some of the factors which influence student attainment and achievement, • share good practice, • target resources better. Data policy Information about students’ education is collected in partnership between the Scottish Government and Local Authorities through the ScotXed Programme which aims to help schools and Local Authorities by supporting efficient collection, processing and dissemination of statistical information. The Scottish Government then provides analysis of the data to support research, planning, management and monitoring of education services as well as to produce National Statistics publications. Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure systems and is exploited as a valuable corporate resource, subject to confidentiality restraints. As part of its data policy, Scottish Government will not publish or make publicly available any information that allows individual students to be identified, nor will data be used by Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of individuals. Data is held securely and no information on individual students can or would be made publicly available by Scottish Government. The individual data collected by Scottish Government is used for statistical and research purposes only. Your data protection rights The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we will use your data. This note can give only a brief description of how we use data. Fuller details of each individual ScotXed survey, including the purpose of each and the published data, can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net). Scottish Government works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of Education, Careers Scotland and the SQA. On occasion, we will make individual data available to partners and also academic institutions and organisations to carry out research and statistical analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control of Scottish Government, which will ensure that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that these data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual. Decisions on


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the sharing of data will be taken in consultation with relevant colleagues and individuals within and outwith Scottish Government. Concerns If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the Senior Statistician, Peter Whitehouse, at [email protected] or write to The ScotXed Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print. Want more information? Further details about ScotXed data exchanges are available on the ScotXed website, www.scotxed.net., which contains a section on ‘frequently asked questions’ at https://www.scotxed.net/jahia/Jahia/lang/en/pid/220. Schools can call on professionals from a number of different agencies/services for help and advice. These include Educational Psychologists, Outreach Teachers, Officers within the Inclusion and Equality Division, School Doctor, School Nurse, Careers Advisor, and Social Worker and Integration Team Worker. Formal referral to any of these agencies/services would only take place with the consent of parents/guardians. There will however be occasions when issues may be discussed in confidence without formal referral and therefore without such consent. If parents are concerned about this they should contact the school for further information. In Secondary Schools individual students may be discussed at the Multi Agency Support Team meetings (MAST). This is attended by representatives from the school, Community Child Health, Community Development, Educational Welfare Service, Psychological Services, Integration Team and Children’s Services. The meeting considers strategies to help students having difficulties in school. All matters discussed in these meetings are understood to be strictly confidential. Parents are not invited to these meetings in every secondary school. Consulting with Students Under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 the views of children should be taken in to account when major decisions are being made which will affect their lives. Generally children over 12 are presumed in law to have a view but younger children may also be mature enough to have a view and should be given the opportunity to express it. While schools may not be bound by this they do consult with their students and the methods used. This includes formal consultation through Student Councils, students co-opted to Parent Councils, questionnaires, suggestion boxes, review and planning meetings, as well as arrangements to consult with individual students at appropriate times (subject choice, exclusions etc. Child Protection Procedures Edinburgh, the Lothians and Borders, including East Lothian Council, have reviewed and re-issued the “Inter-Agency Child Protection Procedures”. The procedures promote a high level of inter-agency co-operation when working with children who may be in need of protection. Training is available for all staff in East Lothian Council to ensure that their skill and commitment is used effectively in identifying and protecting children who have been abused or may be at risk of abuse. The Procedures will further encourage the partnership that exists between the Department of Education & Children’s Services, Health and the Police in East Lothian and will help towards buildings a partnership with parents in carrying out our duties and responsibilities to East Lothian children and young people.


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Appendix 13 – School Session Dates 2012/13

TERM 1 In‐service Day 1 Monday 13 August 2012 In‐service Day 2 Tuesday 14 August 2012 Pupils Resume Wednesday 15 August 2012 September Holiday (schools closed for staff & pupils)

Monday 17 September 2012

All Resume Tuesday 18 September 2012 All break (October break) Friday 12 October 2012 October break Monday – Friday 15‐19 October 2012 In‐service Day 3 Monday 22 October 2012 Pupils Resume Tuesday 23 October 2012 All break (Christmas) Thursday 20 December 2012 TERM 2 In‐service Day 4 Monday 7 January 2013 Pupils Resume Tuesday 8 January 2013 All break Friday 8 February 2013 February break Monday – Friday 11 – 15 February 2013 All resume Monday 18 February 2013 All break (Easter) Friday 22 March 2013 Good Friday Easter Monday

Friday Monday

29 March 1 April

2013 2013

TERM 3 All resume Monday 8 April 2013 Spring holiday (Schools Closed) Monday 15 April 2013 May Day (Schools Closed) Monday 6 May 2013 All resume Tuesday 7 May 2013 Victoria Day (Schools Closed) Monday 20 May 2013 In‐service Day 5 Tuesday 21 May 2013 Pupils Resume Wednesday 22 May 2013 Term ends Friday 28 June 2013 The start date for session 2013/2014 for pupils has been provisionally identified as Wednesday 14 August 2013


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Appendix 14 – Useful Telephone Numbers All based at Education & Children’s Services, John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA. Director of Education & Children’s Services Don Ledingham 01620-827596 Head of Education Richard Jennings 01620-827572 Head of Children’s Services Ronnie Hill 01620-827881 Quality Improvement Manager Sheila Ainslie 01620 827572 Principal Psychologist Leisa Randall 01620-827587 Business Manager Richard Parker 01620-827494 Principal Inclusion & Equality Officer Fraser Parkinson 01620-827961 Parental Involvement Act (Parent Forums/Councils) Val McIntyre 01620-827228 Free School Meals and Clothing Grants, EMAs, Pupil Placement, Home to School Transport Policy

Fiona Brown 01620 827415

School Lets Frances McInnes 01620-827811 Service Development Manager, Development Team (Planning)

Gill McMillan 01620-829910

All of the undernoted are based at Randall House, Macmerry Business Park, Tranent, EH33 1RW Service Manager (Children’s Services) Marion Wood 01620-827881 Integration Team Raymy Boyle 01620-829909 Area Resources Manager, Children’s Services Celia Borland 01620-827930

Scottish Government Education Department Victoria Quay EDINBURGH, EH6 6QQ Telephone Number 0131-556-8400

Two of our wonderful staff ….

plhs prospectus 2012-13

Documents

school inspectors

school community

school year

school rules

school library

school uniform

school improvement

school website