Transition Booklet

Contents 1. Leadership Team and Head of Year 7

2. General contact information

3. Who to contact – Parents and Pupils

4. Student absence and attendance

5. Equipment required

6. Timings of the day

7. Homework

8. KED Inspired

9. Uniform policy

10. PE kit

11. Getting to Northgate High School

12. Merits and rewards

13. Clubs and activities

14. Our 5R Principles

15. Lockers

16. Catering

17. Mobile Phones/Electronic Devices

18. Detentions

19. Social Media

20. Term dates

21. Pupil Premium

22. Further information

1. Leadership Team and Head of Year 7

Mrs Zoe Galley and Dr Duncan Hone: Heads of School

Mr Ashley Darlow: Assistant Headteacher - Director of Personal Development, Welfare and Behaviour

Mrs Louise Beasley: Assistant Headteacher - Director of Teaching and Support for

Learners

Mrs Michelle Graves: Head of Year 7 and Transition

Mrs Anna Haggith: Chair of Governors

2. General contact information

Telephone number: 01362 697033

Email: office@northgate.norfolk.sch.uk

Website: www.northgate.norfolk.sch.uk/

Follow us on Twitter: @NgateDereham

We intend to respond to all contact with 48 hours. Urgent or emergency contact will be responded to sooner.

3. Who to contact - Parents We value the importance of good home/school communication. The following information gives details of your points of contact, dependent on the nature of your query.

In all instances first contact should be the main school office 01362 697033

office@northgate.norfolk.sch.uk

Subject Queries:

Class teacher Head of Department Assistant Headteacher Heads of School

Pastoral Queries:

Form Tutor Head of Year Assistant Headteacher (Mr Darlow) Heads of School

Additional Points of Contact:

School and Family Liaison Officer Mrs Shelly Culley – School & Family Liaison Officer & Designated Safeguarding Lead

01362 697033 sculley@ng6.unity-ed.uk

Our School and Family Liason Officer provides information, help and advice for all students and parents on practical matters, attendance and barriers to learning.

SEN Support

Mrs Beasley - Assistant Headteacher - Director of Teaching and Support for Learners - SENCO 01362 697033

lbeasley@ng6.unity-ed.uk Mrs Beasley is the School’s SENCO providing additional academic support for the students with special and

additional needs.

Transition Support Main Office

01362 697033 office@northgate.norfolk.sch.uk

Our office staff will be more than happy to help with questions and information regarding the transition process. They will pass your contact information onto Mr Darlow and Mrs Graves.

Who to contact – Pupils Throughout school there are always going to be times when a pupil needs a question answering or help and they are not in a classroom. At Northgate there is a simple solution – Go to Student Services. Here all issues, concerns, problems, mishaps, first aid and forgetfulness can be solved. If they can’t answer it they will find someone who can.

4. Student absence and attendance If your child is unwell, you must report it every day they are absent.

Please call the Absence Line 01362 697033

Leave a voicemail giving your own name, your child’s name, form group and the reason for their absence.

You may receive an automated call or text from our Attendance Team alerting you that your child has arrived late or is absent, if we have not received a message from you informing us of a reason for lateness/absence. Attendance is crucial to your child’s progress and attainment. For example, 95% attendance is equivalent to 9.5 days off school in one academic year. Punctuality is also vital for your child’s learning: 5 minutes late to school each day is equivalent to being absent for over 3 days. Please encourage good attendance and punctuality. We reward good attendance and punctuality with certificates, merits and prizes. Please avoid booking holidays that disrupt school time. These will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

5. Timings of the day

Time Period

8.45am to 9.45am Period 1

9.45am to 10.05am PART

10.05am to 10.10am Period 2

11.10am to 11.25am Break

11.25am to 11.30am Movement Time

11.30am to 12.30pm Period 3

12.30pm to 13.20pm Lunch

13.20pm to 13.25pm Movement Time

13.25pm to 14.25pm Period 4

14.25pm to 14.30pm Movement Time

14.25pm to 15.30pm Period 5

15.30pm School Ends

6. Equipment required Being prepared and organised is a key life skill. We want pupils to develop this and by bringing the correct equipment they are showing a readiness to learn. Please ensure your child has the following equipment for every school day:

Pens (black and green)

Eraser

Pencils

30 cm or 15 cm ruler

Sharpener

Mathematics set (containing protractor and compasses)

Scientific calculator (Students are taught using this specific calculator)

Optional but useful:

Colouring pencils

Highlighters

Please note that all equipment brought onto the school site remains the responsibility of the student.

7. Homework

All students are given access to our electronic homework journal – Show My Homework. The platform allows

staff to upload homework/instructions and gives pupils and parents the ability to log in and see tasks that

need completing and by when (https://www.satchelone.com/login).

Homework is set on a regular basis for each subject. In Year 7, each piece should take approximately 30

minutes to complete. The learning Hub is open 3:30pm - 5:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

and 3.30-4.30 Monday and Friday for Homework Club. Here students can access computers, books and staff

for support with homework so there is no excuse not to complete it.

8. KED Inspired At Northgate we are affiliated with Kunskapsskolan. This is a student centred, highly personalized

approach to education pioneered in Sweden and now used across the world. What this means for your child is they will be allocated a mentor and designated 1:1 time to discuss their future goals, approach to learning and coordinate and organise their time to make those goals a reality. We have found that it has helped pupils know, why they are learning a certain topic now and where this leads to by charting their goals using our knowledge organisers and curriculum maps.

9. Uniform policy

We believe it is important that our students maintain a smart appearance based on a common and consistent uniform. We want our students to take pride in our school and in their appearance. Students are expected to comply with our school uniform as detailed below.

Term Uniform

Autumn to Spring Term

White Shirt School Tie

Black Blazer with school logo Optional – School jumper with logo

Black trousers

We do not accept: a) Black jeans/denim b) Leggings c) Skinny trousers/tight fit trousers

Or

Black Skirt with school logo only

Please note skirts must be: a) Of an appropriate length

b) Of an appropriate style and fit.

Tight fit/stretchy tube skirts are not acceptable

Smart black school shoes.

We do not accept: a. Black trainers b. Black canvas shoes/plimsolls c. Converse, Vans or similar makes d. Flip flops e. Shoes with a significant heel f. Boots worn over the top of trousers

We do not accept: Hoodies of any kind Sweatshirts

Summer

Summer uniform is exactly the same as above but instead of the white shirt and tie pupils are allowed to wear a blue polo shirt with the school logo There is also the option of wearing tailored shorts with the school logo All appropriate school wear is available to purchase through Birds of Dereham.

Additional items

Jewellery One watch One pair of stud earrings We do not accept any other piercings in school

Make-up Subtle and minimal use of make-up is permitted in upper years Fake or extended nails are not permitted

Hair Natural hair colour only – no extreme hairstyles

10. PE kit Students are expected to bring the correct PE Kit to every PE lesson. This also includes lessons when they are ill or injured, in which case appropriate alternative activities will be arranged for them. Under no circumstances should any jewellery be worn during sporting activities. All earrings/piercings are to be removed for PE and Games. If your child has newly pierced ears (6 weeks or less) then earrings must be covered completely with micropore plasters; please supply any necessary plasters. Failure to remove or cover these will result in sanctions and non-participation. The following items of kit are compulsory items for the subject and can be purchased through Birds of Dereham: Boys PE Kit Girls PE Kit

Item Colour Colour Notes

Polo shirt Royal blue and

black

Royal blue and black

Northgate logo on chest with house colours

“Northgate PE” written under badge

Childs initials on opposite side

Rugby shirt Royal blue and

black x

Northgate logo on chest “Northgate PE” written under

badge

Childs initials on opposite side

Shorts or Skort Shorts Plain black Shorts or Skort

Plain black

Northgate logo on the leg

“Northgate PE” written under badge

Childs initials in opposite leg

Socks Royal blue with

black tops

Royal blue with black tops

Autumn and Spring terms only

Swimming Shorts/Costume

Plain design Plain design

Shorts should be a sensible length

No Bermuda style shorts Should be a one piece

swimsuit No bikinis

Footwear All footwear should be suitable for the activity being participated in and provide adequate support for

the activity being undertaken.

Indoors Sports trainers Vans, high tops or fashion shoes are not suitable

Trainers should have non marking soles

Outdoors

Sports Trainers/

Astro Trainers

Vans, high tops or fashion shoes are not suitable

Trainers should have suitable grip for outdoor use

Football/Rugby boots

For use on the artificial pitch all boots require moulded or plastic studs – No metal studs will be allowed

Optional items

The following items are optional extras that can be purchased

Item Colour Notes

Sweatshirt Black

Northgate logo on chest “Northgate PE” written under badge

Child’s initials on opposite side

Tracksuit Bottoms

Plain black

Northgate logo on leg

“Northgate PE” written under badge

Child’s initials on opposite side

Under layer Black or white Available from Birds or any other sports retailer

Additional items

The following protective items are required in order to abide by health and safety guidelines and should be deemed as an essential part of your child’s kit

Mouth Guard

Rugby/Hockey These can be purchased from most sports retailers and can be purchased with merits within school

Shin pads Football/Hockey These can be purchased from most sports retailers and can be purchased with merits within school

NB: Please not that sports leggings are not allowed

11. Getting to Northgate High School

Walk Northgate has two entrances. The main entrance is on Cemetery Road/Northgate and is

accessible by path in both directions. The path is quite narrow in places so please ensure your

child takes care to and from school. The other entrance is the back gate which is only open

at the start and end of the day. This leads out to the B1110 opposite the Golf Club. The traffic

here is busy, so please take care when entering or leaving the site.

Bus Transport is organised by Norfolk County Council. Bus passes are provided by them. These

can be applied for online at the NCC website. https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/education-and-

learning/school-and-college-transport/home-to-school-transport/apply-for-school-

transport

Bike There are covered cycle areas on the school site. There is a ‘no cycling’ policy on school

grounds: bikes must be walked to and from the gates to the cycle area. Please remember to

bring your bike lock and lights with you. Bikes are left on school site at your own risk.

Car Pupils may be picked up and dropped off using the designated Bus Park area at the front of

school. Please be aware that buses will be given priority. You may also arrange to collect your

child by car outside the school grounds. Please be mindful where you park as the area does

get very busy and congested at the start and end of the school day.

12. Merits and Rewards

The Rewards System gives you the opportunity to cash in your merits and choose your rewards. You may

spend merits on smaller rewards, such as pens and stationery, or perhaps you would prefer to save up your

merits for one of the larger rewards such as a football – it’s entirely up to you. You can find the rewards

catalogue on the school website.

Your teachers will award you merits for a number of reasons including effort in class, homework, club

participation, smart uniform, representing the school and being kind and polite. Students on the School

Council decided that these behaviours deserved rewarding.

There is also the opportunity to earn bonus merits for high attendance at school and also for gaining all

‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ grades for Attitude to Learning in your Screening.

Merit certificates will be awarded for 20 merits, 50 merits, 100 merits, 150 merits, 200 merits and 250

merits. You will also gain a merit badge - bar (100 merits), a small trophy (150 merits), a merit badge – star

(200 merits) and small engraved plaque (250 merits). These are given out every half term in a Year group

Celebration Assembly.

Here is a link to last year’s Reward Catalogue so you can see the type of rewards you can exchange merits

for: https://www.northgate.norfolk.sch.uk/rewards-scheme/

13. Clubs and activities Lunchtime - There is a wide variety of lunchtime clubs: Visit our website or ask your Form Tutor for more

details (https://www.northgate.norfolk.sch.uk/year-6-transition/).

After School – Similarly, there are lots of after school clubs and activities on offer. If you have a special

interest or a hobby outside of school, please tell your Form Tutor as we are very interested to find out!

(https://www.northgate.norfolk.sch.uk/year-6-transition/).

Clubs and Activities for the Wider Community - We offer a rich and varied programme of activities for the

wider community too. When not in use by our students, the school’s facilities are available for hire and are

used by many local clubs and groups. There are clubs and activities in the evenings and during the academic

holiday periods. Please see our website for more information.

14. Our 5R Principles At Northgate we firmly believe that every child deserves to be developed to their maximum potential in

every area of school life. We place supporting the whole child at the centre of all we do, in addition to

building a positive attitude to learning and the ‘5 Rs’. For us, this is at the heart of our school community-

every day.

RESPECT For yourself; for each other; for learning and the learning environment; for people who have beliefs

or lifestyles different from your own.

RESPONSIBILITY For your own actions; for looking after each other as part of the Northgate community; for

your own learning and increasing independence; for knowing what you need to do to improve and how to

do it.

READINESS To learn; to challenge yourself; to have an open mind; to accept that in order to develop there

will be setbacks along the way.

REFLECTIVENESS To be able to reflect upon your attitude to learning and make changes with support so you

can fulfil your potential; to reflect upon your own learning as a result of assessment and feedback; to reflect

on your place in society and your place as a valuable member of the community.

RESILIENCE To recognise that not everything will come easily to you, but that to keep trying and to learn

from your setbacks is as important as the end result; to develop moral courage and know that you are true

to yourself and the values of the school community.

15. Lockers

All pupils are given a locker free of charge. Lockers are intended as private storage for books and equipment.

They are not intended to provide secure storage for items of value and we cannot accept responsibility for

any losses from lockers. We have a ‘no bag’ policy during the school day: therefore, the locker should be

used to help organise and store anything which is not required for that particular lesson. There is movement

time allocated in the school day to allow any change over of equipment.

16. Catering Our canteen is open for breakfast from 8.15 to 8.35 and serves a selection of breakfast items.

Hot and cold snacks can be bought at break and lunch time from the main canteen.

Students are not allowed to leave school site at break or lunch times, except in exceptional circumstances.

If you wish to discuss your child leaving the site at lunchtimes, please contact Mrs Graves, Head of Year 7

and Transition.

Edwards and Blake is our contract caterer and work closely with the school in developing tasty, healthy food

menus which comply with the Government’s food and nutritional standards in schools. All food is freshly

produced, sourced locally, and includes traditional favourites as well as bistro-style lunches and snacks.

There are regular special offers, competitions and meal deals. Lunch menus run on a 4 week rota with new

menus offered each term.

17. Mobile Phones/Electronic Devices

The use of mobile phones and electronic devices is not permitted on the school site at any time during the

school day. This applies from arrival at school until 3.30pm. Whilst in school, mobile phones should be

handed into to Reception or turned off and kept in the blazer or locker. They should not be visible at any

time. If an electronic device is seen on site by a member of staff it will be confiscated and parental collection

will be required.

18. Detentions When poor behaviour or homework issues arise, wherever possible the student will be spoken to by their class teacher but in some cases they may be asked to attend a C2 (15mins) or C3 (30mins) Detention during the school day. Repeated issues can lead to a C4 After School Detention. These currently take place on a Thursday 3.30pm until 4.30pm. C4 detentions are very rare and only effect around 1% of the year group.

For further information please refer to our Attitudes to Learning Policy found on the school website (http://www.northgate.norfolk.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2019-Attitudes-to-Learning-Policy.pdf).

19. Social Media Please check our website in particular our Transition page (https://www.northgate.norfolk.sch.uk/year-6-transition/) for regular updates, or follow us on: @NgateDereham Facebook Page - Northgate High School @ngatedereham

20. Term dates: 2020 – 2021 The 2020-2021 calendar dates can be found on the Norfolk County Council website (https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/-/media/norfolk/downloads/education-learning/term-date-calendar-2020-to-2021.pdf). These are subject to change when the school calendar is finalised. Please see the school website for confirmed dates in September. Our anticipated first day back is Monday 7th September 2020.

21. Pupil Premium Pupil Premium is additional funding provided to schools and academies by the Government for particular

groups of students.

We are committed to the attainment and achievement of all students. We recognise that some students

are more disadvantaged than others and for this reason we are keen that the additional funds that we have

been allocated are used strategically and pro-actively to narrow any gaps in achievement that may exist.

If you would like to find out more then please contact Mrs Lou Beasley – Assistant Headteacher.

22. Further information

Our Prefects and Sixth Formers are happy to help and answer any questions your child might have.

Don’t be afraid to ask!

Peer Mentors will be assigned to your child’s form group for the first few months. These are students

in Upper School who can be a link between pupils and staff. They help new students to settle quickly

into high school.

Your child can get involved with the Student Year Council. Information will be available in

September.

Northgate High School Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 2EU

www.northgate.norfolk.sch.uk

Tel: 01362 697 033

E-mail: office@northgate.norfolk.sch.uk

Follow us on Twitter @NgateDereham