June 2019 Dear Parents/Carers At Birkenhead High School Academy we strive to ensure a smooth and successful transition for your daughter/ward. We understand that some students can be nervous about the move and over the next term members of the Academy staff will be visiting feeder primary schools to reassure and maintain excitement ahead of September. To assist you and your daughter/ward in this process, please find enclosed an information booklet which outlines the expectations and general organisation of the Academy. The content includes details such as uniform, equipment, times etc., but also important information to help you to help us by maintaining our standards of work and behaviour, as well as the emotional and health needs of all our students. You are invited to the Academy on the evening of Tuesday 9th July at 7.00pm to hear about, and experience, life at the Academy. There will be an opportunity to meet with members of the Senior Leadership and Pastoral team on the night. There is no need for your daughter/ward to accompany you on the evening as it is aimed principally at parents/carers. Your daughter/ward is invited to an Induction Day on Wednesday 10th July and a separate letter is enclosed giving full details of this. We understand that the there is a lot to take in from the attached information booklet so please be reassured that staff will be happy to discuss any queries on the 9th and thereafter. This booklet serves as a point of reference for you. Could we please ask you, before the 9th of July, to click on the hyperlink in the email and complete the forms which ensures that we have the correct information for your daughter/ward. This academic year your daughter/ward will study either Spanish or French, should you have a particular reason for her to study either, please let us know in writing no later than 30th June.
We will be holding our Summer Fair Saturday 29th June and our Parents’ Association AGM on 24th September. Both of which you would be most welcome to attend. We look forward to your support in our shared task of educating the girls of BHSA. Yours faithfully
Principal
“High expectations and aspirations are promoted by teachers. Girls respond with enthusiasm and consistently make good and better progress” – Ofsted 2015
SCHOOL INFORMATION BOOKLET SEPTEMBER 2019
WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It is an honour and privilege to lead Birkenhead High School Academy, a vibrant learning community offering girls from the age of 3 to 19 years an outstanding education. There has been a school on our site for well over 100 years and we still embrace core traditional values, but also have a very firm eye on the ever changing future. Girls are given every opportunity to develop into confident, articulate and responsible young women. They are encouraged to be challenged, take risks and develop a life-long love of learning. We are sponsored by the Girls’ Day School Trust and we share their aims of excellence in girls’ education and driving innovation. All BHSA girls benefit from the many opportunities offered by the GDST throughout its extensive network. We expect our girls to adopt high principles for themselves and to expect the same from others. We have the highest standards in achievement, attendance, appearance and conduct. Our girls have access to outstanding levels of support both on the pastoral and academic front, coupled with plenty of stretch and challenge from our excellent teachers and support staff. We are very proud of our extensive enrichment programme and all girls are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of activities available to them throughout their time here. Mrs R Mahony Principal
SENIOR SCHOOL THE SCHOOL DAY
Registration
8.35am – 8.50am
Period 1
8.50am – 9.50am
Period 2
9.50am – 10.50am
Break
10.50am – 11.10am
Period 3
11.10am – 12.10pm
Period 4
12.10pm – 1.10pm
Lunch
1.10pm – 2.00pm
Enrichment Activities
2 pm – 2.30pm
Period 5
2.30 pm – 3.30pm
Collection of phones
3:30 pm – 3:35pm
Enrichment Activities
3.35pm – 5.00pm
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STUDENT TERM DATES 2019/2020
Autumn Term 2019
Term Begins
Half Term
Term Ends
5th September (Thursday)
21nd Oct – 1nd Nov (inclusive)
17th Dec (Tuesday) Juniors finish 12:15 Seniors finish 12:30
______________________________________________________ 6th January (Monday)
Spring Term 2020
17th – 21nd Feb (inclusive)
3rd April (Friday)
EASTER WEEKEND: Friday 10th April and Monday 13nd April 202_____________________________________________________
20th April (Monday)
Summer Term 2020
25th May – 29st May (inclusive)
10th July (Friday) Juniors finish 12:15 Seniors finish 12:30
May Bank Holiday:
Friday 8th May and Monday 25th May 2019
Staff Study Days: 2019: Tuesday 3th September Wednesday 4th September Wednesday 2rd October –
2020: Friday 14th February Monday 13th July
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ACADEMY EXPECTATIONS At Birkenhead High School Academy, we place a high value on academic achievement. Our aim is to enable every student to reach their full academic potential. If they are to do this, our students need to make full use of the opportunities they have to learn and develop good study habits. The way in which we expect our students to approach academic work is set out below. Academic Expectations 1.
Students are expected to play an active part in their own learning by: a) looking and listening attentively during lessons; b) working diligently at any given task; c) having an expectation that they will learn and absorb new ideas; d) being pro-active, seeking help and ask their teachers’ or support staff if they do not understand what is required.
2.
Students are expected to arrive at lessons punctually and to bring with them all the necessary books, kit and/or equipment.
3.
All work is to be done to the best of the student's ability. Content, accuracy and presentation should be of the highest achievable standard.
4.
All set work, including reading, learning and preparation as well as written work is to be done at the arranged time as directed by the teaching staff.
5.
All homework will be set as a task on Firefly by their class teacher. Students are encouraged to make a note of the deadline in their Student Planner which parents/carers are asked to sign weekly to monitor homework. The Student Planner also acts as a very useful communication tool between Form Tutor and home. Students are expected to read the homework contract in their Student Planner at the start of each year. They must tick the form on Firefly to show they have read the contract and agree to follow it.
6.
Subject teachers will inform students, at the start of the academic year, of when they will set homework for their subject. An excellent attendance rate is a key driver for success. If for any reason a student has been absent it becomes their responsibility for: a) copying up missed work; b) going through the work and seeing that she understands or learns it; c) approaching the relevant teacher for assistance and explanation; d) handing in any work completed prior to absence, immediately upon return to school.
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PASTORAL CARE At Birkenhead High School Academy, we pride ourselves on getting to know our students well, understand what motivates them and maximising their opportunities on a day to day basis. The Pastoral Team which surrounds your daughter/ward is wide and experienced to ensure whatever support, guidance or help is required there is someone there to provide it.
Pastoral Care Team The Year 7 Progress Leader is responsible for the co-ordination of pastoral care throughout the first year in school. Pastoral care for each student is provided daily by the Form Tutor who should be approached by your daughter/ward if any help with a problem is required. Additional specialist support is provided by Ms Cumiskay, the Inclusion Team Leader and the Learning Mentor, Miss Thomas.
Leadership Mr Wakefield– Y7 Progress Leader Mrs Saccheri – Assistant Vice Principal with responsibility for Year 7
Pastoral Support Form Tutors: Mr S Holleley Miss S Foreshaw Mrs P Perry Mrs H Murphy Mrs C Walker Ms Cumiskay – Inclusion Team Leader Miss Thomas – Learning Mentor
Inclusion Team Leader Our Inclusion Team Leader is Ms Cumiskay. She works with students at times when they need additional support. Ms Cumiskay helps girls overcome barriers to their learning and offers support to students when required. Ms Cumiskay also works closely with external agencies to support not only our girls but also their families.
Learning Mentor Miss Thomas is our learning mentor whose role is to support other staff and students in removing barriers to learning. She works with groups of students who may be struggling and need a little support with things like organisational skills or managing their emotions.
Correspondence All correspondence to the school should be made via the school office and through your daughter/ward’s Form Tutor in the first instance. 4
All correspondence concerning your daughter/ward should be addressed to the Form Tutor. Private correspondence should be clearly marked CONFIDENTIAL and addressed to the Principal. Your daughter/ward's name and form should be printed on any correspondence, please. All correspondence should be sent direct to school and not to any private address. This also applies during school holidays.
School Reports Parents/carers will receive two interim and one full report in each academic year. Reports and grade grids will be sent to parents via email. A copy will also be uploaded to Firefly.
Lockers All students will be allocated a locker. Students will need to provide a small, reliable padlock for their locker. Where possible, it is advised that a combination lock is purchased, however, if this not possible a spare key (labelled with name and form) can be left with their Form Tutor in case of emergency.
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BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING IN A HAPPY AND CARING ENVIRONMENT Rewards We believe that rewarding and celebrating success engages students in their education and encourages them to work hard. Students are rewarded in a variety of ways:
Verbal praise, in a variety of contexts Collective or individual praise in assemblies The acquisition of merits for good work, good effort or good progress Written or verbal communication with home, praising high standards of behaviour Displays of work on classroom displays, noticeboards and TV screen displays Articles in the school newsletter
General Rulings
Students must show respect to the school facilities and resources, each other, staff and crucially to themselves.
Any jewellery worn by students which is not on the standard uniform list will be confiscated and passed to the relevant Progress Leader or member of the SLT.
Students should not wear makeup or coloured nail varnish. Hair colour should not be dyed or dip-dyed and hair styles should be neat and tidy. Hair should not be worn in a high style on top of the head.
Students are not allowed out of lessons unless a prior arrangement has been agreed by staff or in the case of an emergency.
Tablets and iPods must be switched off at all times accept with the permission of a member of staff (see Bring Your Own Device section for more details).
Mobile phones will be safely locked away and returned at the end of the day.
Every student is responsible for maintaining a clean, healthy and safe environment by ensuring all litter is cleared away and bags are stored in the designated places.
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BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING EXPECTATIONS Guide to the Behaviour for Learning Grade At BHSA we expect all students to demonstrate positive behaviour for learning. What is expected by ‘outstanding’ Behaviour for Learning is shown below.
1 = Outstanding 2 = Good always takes responsibility for their own takes responsibility for their own learning learning actively participates by answering and participates in lessons by asking and asking questions; works independently answering questions and uses their initiative meets all deadlines set willing to take the lead when working in arrives to lessons prepared to learn a team can work independently with guidance is an effective team player is respectful to themselves and to others always meets deadlines is well organised. always comes to lessons prepared to learn reflects on their own learning respects both themselves and others in their learning is curious about her own learning is always determined to give of her best.
3 = Requires improvement 4 = Unsatisfactory because behaviour for learning is not does not always take responsibility for good. their own learning misses deadlines can come to lessons unprepared needs a lot of encouragement to participate can, on occasions, be disruptive to their own learning and that of others.
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SERIOUS MISCONDUCT 1.
Bringing cigarettes into school and smoking on school premises or elsewhere in school uniform are serious breaches of discipline and are strictly forbidden.
2.
Bringing alcohol into school, or taking it on a school activity, is strictly forbidden.
3.
The introduction of illegal drugs into the school, or a school activity, is sufficiently serious misconduct to lead to expulsion.
4.
Physical assault on, or intimidating behaviour towards, any member of the school community are serious breaches of discipline and will not be tolerated.
N.B. Any actions by students which might bring the school into distribute will be dealt with at the discretion of the Principal. Please refer to BHSA’s Senior School Behaviour and Rewards Policy on the school’s website.
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ATTENDANCE A regular, good attendance is proven to have the biggest impact on achieving success in school. Students who attend regularly with an attendance over 97% are significantly more likely to achieve, on average, two grades higher at GCSE than students with an attendance of below 90%. Our expectation is that students attend school for a minimum of 97% of the school year to ensure they achieve their full academic potential. Parents will be contacted if attendance falls below this level to discuss any problems which may need addressing. Absences From time to time it may be necessary for your daughter/ward to unavoidably miss school. If this is the case please follow the system below to ensure school are aware of the absence: Planned Absence (typically medical/dental) 1. Letter/Doctor’s note brought into school in advance of the appointment (note covers absence) 2. If student is required to leave the premises during the school day, a PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL slip will be completed by FT and passed to student. 3. Student to sign out at school office, parent/carer must collect. No student will be allowed to leave the school site without a parent/carer collecting them unless by prior agreement. Unexpected Absence 1. Please telephone the school absence line before 8.50am for each day of absence. 2. On return to school, an absence note, signed by parent/carer must be submitted to authorise the absence. Your daughter/ward should not be absent from school for any reason other than illness without prior permission from the Principal. Unauthorised absences will be investigated immediately. If leave is required for exceptional circumstances a request should be made in writing at least three days in advance to the Principal. Holidays It is against Academy and Government policy to permit absence for holidays in term time. If a pupil is taken on holiday without permission for 5 days or more the academy will issue (via the Local Authority) a Warning Letter or a Fixed Penalty Notice regardless of the pupil’s overall attendance. BHSA has longer holidays than other schools and we encourage you to take advantage of these when planning family holidays. Outings and Consent Forms Any academic events or trips that take place off site will not result in your daughter/ward being marked as absent. Trip Consent must be given using the SIMS Parent App at the start of the academic year to cover all excursions or visits in which your daughter/ward may be participating. If consent is not given then your daughter/ward will not be allowed to go on any trip. 9
UNIFORM A smart and tidy appearance is expected at all times. The requirements for the school uniform are outlined on the next page. We feel it is important that all the girls should be properly dressed and so be a credit to the school whilst in school and representing the school off site. We appreciate your support in this. Rules 1.
Correct school uniform is to be worn throughout the day and on the journey to and from school.
2.
No make-up or nail varnish may be worn with school uniform.
3.
Hair dye of any colour is not acceptable in school and hair should be tied back in a neat ponytail. Hair must not be worn in a bun or any variation directly on top of the head.
4.
No jewellery is permitted. A watch and one pair of small, plain ear studs are permitted in the bottom lobe of the ears. We do not accept any other studs higher up in the lobes of the ears or body piercings.
The school outfitters are: Wirral Uniform Centre Trinity with Palm Grove Church Alton Road, Prenton Opening times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2.00-4.45pm Extra opening times and Saturdays in the summer please phone 0151 651 2020 for details. Click and collect option: https://www.bhsauniforms.com/ The Parents' Association organise a second-hand clothing purchasing system and hold regular Uniform Sales. Only good quality items are sold at these events. Notification of Uniform Sale dates will be made available through Parent Pay or the school newsletter.
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UNIFORM LIST YEAR 7 TO YEAR 11 Blazer*
Black girls’ blazer as supplied by Wirral Uniform Centre
Jacket*
Black reversible jacket fleece lined with the logo on one side only, as supplied by Wirral Uniform Centre (optional). No other jacket is acceptable. Plain Black coat (no other colour is acceptable)
Coat Scarf
(Optional) black & white official school scarf available from Wirral Uniform Centre or plain black. No other scarf may be worn
Hijab
If a hijab is worn, it must be plain black
Ribbons, etc
Hair fastenings should be black or white only. Hairbands should be narrow and plain black or white. Narrow black or white ribbons are also acceptable. Long hair must be tied back where safety requires
Skirt
Black Skirt from Wirral Uniform Centre. Only the official styles may be worn
Trousers
Black Trutex Ref GTN-BLK available from the Uniform centre
Blouse
White (2 pack) Short Sleeve Rever Collar Non-iron Blouse from Wirral Uniform Centre
Jumper*
Black jumper from Wirral Uniform Centre
Shoes
Plain, flat, black school shoes. Black pumps are not permitted
Boots
Black boots may be worn to school in very cold weather. (No UGG boots or similar) These may not be worn indoors, but should be changed for shoes
Socks or Tights
Plain, black opaque tights from September to Easter. Plain black ankle socks for the Summer Term only.
Bag
School black rucksack is obligatory
*Items marked with an asterisk require a school logo.
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GAMES AND P.E. KIT ALL KIT IS AVAILABLE FROM THE WIRRAL UNIFORM CENTRE COMPULSORY: PE skort Sports top Hoodie Tracksuit bottoms Leggings Hockey socks Games socks Training shoes Astro-turf shoes Gum shield Swimming costume Swimming towel Black sports bag Shinpads
Black skort, with sky blue inserts Black with sky blue inserts and with school logo Black with Sky blue inserts and with school logo Black with sky blue piping or plain black (optional) Black with school logo (optional) Black, three quarter length with sky blue White, ankle length White with cushioned soles (NB, not leisure shoes such as Converse) Essential – any sports outfitters Mouthguards are advisable (and compulsory for matches) One piece, any colour Named Suitable for sports kit/swimming kit. Must be able to fit in school locker With ankle protectors
ALL THE ABOVE ITEMS SHOULD BE CLEARLY MARKED – PREFERABLY WITH WOVEN NAME TAPES – (IRON-ON NAME TAPES TEND TO WASH OFF, SO NEED REINFORCING WITH STITCHES). NAME TAPES SHOULD BE STITCHED TO THE TONGUE OF GAMES SHOES WHEREVER POSSIBLE WIRRAL UNIFORM CENTRE, FOR A SMALL FEE, WILL ALSO ADD STUDENT INITIALS TO THE OPTIONAL BOOK BAG AND PE KIT THE SCHOOL CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR MISSING ITEMS OF SCHOOL UNIFORM OR PE KIT
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SCHOOL EQUIPMENT All stationery and text books are provided. Girls should be equipped with the following: A pocket dictionary for English
Girls should carry this with them for use in all lessons.
A pen
No expensive pens
Pencil sharpener Rubber Ruler
30cm, marked in millimetres
Geometry instruments
Protractor, set square, compasses
Colouring pencils
A range of basic colours
Scissors
Named
Pritt stick Calculator
Casio scientific calculator
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PERSONAL PROPERTY Students are expected to be responsible for their own property and to show respect for other people's property.
Rules 1.
Property may not be borrowed.
2.
All property, including watches, calculators and purses, should be permanently marked with the owner's name
3.
Year 7 students must hand their phone to the form tutor and it will be locked away safely and returned at the end of the day. Girls are not permitted to use their mobile phones or other such device during the school day. If your daughter/ward is found to be using her mobile phone/device it will be confiscated until the end of the day when she will have to see a member of the Senior Leadership Team to reclaim it: an after-school detention will be issued to the student. The school accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage of mobile phones on school premises.
Insurance Student’s personal property is not covered by the Academy’s insurance when on Academy premises. The Academy will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to a student’s personal property on the Academy premises or on Academy visits.
Reception/School Office In an emergency, items may be handed in to school for your daughter/ward (e.g. equipment which she has forgotten and will need that day) and left with the reception. However, it is your daughter/ward's responsibility to check the screens around school for messages telling her to go to office. It is not possible for reception staff to contact her directly.
Lost Property Lost property can be collected from the lost property area in the main building at any time or from the PE Department.
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FIREFLY, PARENT PAY AND BIOMETRICS Many letters and notices are sent to parents during the school year via SIMS InTouch; you will receive an email notification. If a reply slip is required please return it to the correct member of staff prior to the due date, even if it is a nil return. SIMS InTouch & Parent APP At BHSA we use SIMS InTouch and the parent app to communicate between school and home. Benefits of SIMS InTouch & Parent APP
improves communication with parents no lost letters parents can inform school of a change in details – address; phone number; email consent for trips; biometrics; internet use; photographs etc is given via the app medical information can be amended via the app reports & grade grids are sent to parents via InTouch
Firefly Firefly is our Virtual Learning Environment. There is a wealth or resources for students to access on Firefly.
Benefits of Firefly
enables parents/carers to monitor homework tasks set and completed reports can be accessed on Firefly learning resources can be accessed
Internet and e-mail access Students are provided with Internet access in school as well as a school email account. Details of this will be provided on the first day of term. Students must read and sign both the Academy Trust Board’s acceptable user policy and Online Safety policy in order to be provided with an account.
Making payments At BHSA we operate a cashless system and we do not accept cash or cheques in school except for charity events. Our catering tills use the biometric system and funds are loaded using the ParentPay system. You are able to set balance alerts and view what your daughter/ward has bought.
Benefits of ParentPay
introduces an easier method of payment for parents for trips, school lunches and other school activities convenient anytime, anywhere payments 24/7 * 15
flexible, secure payment options peace of mind knowing funds have reached school
* It offers you the freedom to make payments for trips, lunches etc. on line whenever and wherever you like, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For the Academy : • less time for teachers collecting payments so they can concentrate on teaching and learning • less cash/cheques to count and bank • less cash held on the premises • payments go straight into our school bank account
Parent Pay FAQ What about our personal information? ParentPay holds a very limited amount of information about you and your child solely for the purpose of administering your account; however, ParentPay does not use your personal information other than for supporting the school. We do not share or give information to any other organisations. We operate under strict guidelines set out by the Data Protection Act 1998. Is it safe to make payments on the internet? Yes. ParentPay uses leading technology to process your card transactions securely. All communication with the bank is encrypted and neither ParentPay nor the school have access to your card details.
How can I check that it’s secure? Standard website addresses begin with http; the address for a secure site will always begin with https. You will also see a padlock at the bottom/top right of the screen on our login page and after you have logged into your account; never enter your card details or personal data on any web page whose address does not start https.
Additional Information Details of your local PayPoint store can be obtained using this link http://www.paypoint.co.uk/locator.aspx. For more information please visit www.parentpay.com.
Once your daughter/ward has started school we will send you information explaining how you can log into SIMS Parent App, Firefly and ParentPay. Biometrics The Academy biometric recognition system is used for the purchasing of food, student printing and the library loan system. The system works by scanning the fingerprint and then converting it to a unique numerical code. It is this code that the Academy stores not a fingerprint. When your daughter/ward starts at the Academy you will need to have a signed consent form which you should take to ICT Support office so you can enroll onto the scheme. 16
Please click on the link in the email sent with this booklet and tick to give consent for biometric use.
Benefits of Biometrics  
The probability of two people sharing the same biometric data is virtually nil Because a biometric property is an intrinsic property of an individual, it is extremely difficult to duplicate or share (you cannot give a copy of your hand to someone!), whereas sharing of PIN numbers or lunch cards is possible. .
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LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS We operate a main cafeteria area in the dining hall and also a ‘grab and go’ café bar. A choice of hot food is available each day, as well as sandwiches, snacks, fruit and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks. We are signed up to the School Food Plan and follow their guidelines on providing healthy and nutritious choices. A cashless system is in operation and balances are topped up via Parent pay. As an indication of the daily amount you might need to top up, a main course and dessert costs approximately £2.30 (subject to change). Water is available to refill bottles from coolers around the building or drinks are available to purchase from 45p. Please bear in mind if breakfast or a break time snack are taken you will need to increase this figure. If you have any specific questions on school meals please feel free to call Mark Allenson, Kitchen Manager on 0151 479 5616. Breakfast: 08.00 – 08.30 a.m. Toast, cereal, fruit, hot and cold drinks are available at breakfast club. Morning Break: 10.50 - 11.10 a.m. Toast, cereal, bacon batch, snacks and hot and cold drinks are available at morning break. Lunch: 1.10 – 1.45 p.m. The following are on offer every day: Full salad bar with a wide selection available daily Baked potatoes (assorted fillings) Assorted sandwiches and baguettes At least two main meals including a vegetarian option Desserts A selection of fresh fruit in season, yoghurts, cakes and home-made desserts are available every day. Drinks Water is available from coolers around the school and a selection of drinks are available including drinking chocolate, tea, milk, coffee, fruit juice and assorted bottled water. Prices range from 45p. Packed lunches It is possible for your daughter/ward to bring a packed lunch if you wish. Lunch boxes and drink containers should be named. Packed lunches are eaten in the dining areas and not in form rooms. We do endorse healthy lunches http://www.nhs.uk/Change4life/Pages/healthy-lunchboxpicnic.aspx. Free School Meals If your daughter/ward is entitled to Free School Meals, you must apply to Wirral Borough Council (WBC). For information, to check entitlement and apply, you can visit the Wirral.gov.uk. Or ring 18
WBC on 0151 666 4325 or visit any “One Stop Shop”. The Academy receives significant additional funding based on the number of girls claiming Free School Meals, so the Academy encourages all those who are eligible to apply. Since the academy operates a cashless system, the free school meal value is topped up electronically so is therefore entirely discreet.
HEALTH & SAFETY Students are expected to use the Birkenhead High School Academy premises, property and equipment sensibly and only in accordance with instructions given by staff. Any defect in school equipment is to be reported to staff. Rules 1. Students should be in form rooms for registration at 8.35 am. 2. Students must remain on school premises throughout the school day unless they have staff permission to leave. Students are to sign out at Reception on leaving, and sign in on their return. A permission slip must be obtained from their Progress Leader or Form Tutor and handed in at Reception before students are allowed to sign out. 3. Students are expected to leave school premises promptly at the end of the school day unless they are engaged in an official after-school activity, or they have the Principal's permission to remain. In the latter case, students must go to the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and leave by 5.00 p.m. 4. Students are required to comply with the specific health and safety rules of departmental areas. 5. Students should walk in single file in corridors and on stairways and keep to the left. 6. Absolute silence is to be observed during any type of emergency evacuation or ‘stay put’ situation. 7. Food and drink should be consumed in the dining hall, café area or mezzanine areas only. Students are responsible for the safe and hygienic disposal of any rubbish they create. Students must clear and tidy their own place in these areas when they have finished eating. Littering is unacceptable and strictly forbidden. Eating and drinking are not allowed in classrooms or on the corridors. 8. Chewing gum is strictly forbidden. 9. Bags should be stored safely in lockers and should not be left in corridors or other thoroughfares. 10. No bags may be taken into the dining hall.
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PARKING ARRANGEMENTS 1.
Travel Students are encouraged to walk, cycle or use the school bus for travel to school. Where possible please use the school bus services, details can be found using the following link http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/travelling-around/route-maps/Pages/Buses-ServicingSchools.aspx or contact Merseytravel on 0151 330 1342.
2.
Delivering and Collecting Students Parents/Carers delivering and collecting students by car are requested to use the drop-off facility and parking areas by the swimming pool or car park on Sandy Way. If parking in neighbouring roads is unavoidable, please ensure that our neighbours are not inconvenienced by inconsiderate parking.
3.
Event Parking The car park on Sandy Way will be available for evening parking during Parents’ Evenings and school events. We would be grateful if parents could use this area if at all possible. If parking in neighbouring roads is unavoidable, please ensure that our neighbours are not inconvenienced by inconsiderate parking.
4.
Collecting students after clubs, rehearsals etc. Parent/Carers are requested to use the drop off facility and parking areas by the swimming pool and community entrance to collect students. For safety, students should wait inside the community entrance area. They should be collected from there and not wait outside the school building.
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STUDENT WELFARE SUPPORT TEAM The Student Welfare Support Team supports and promotes the physical, emotional and social health of our students. The Team aims to enable the girls to reach their true potential by removing barriers to their learning in a caring and supportive environment. The Student Welfare Team is composed of:
Link School Nurse - Mrs Angela Renehan HSIS Nurse - Mrs Tracey McDonough Inclusion Team Leader – Miss Cumiskay Learning Mentor – Miss Thomas Youth Worker – Jo Seggie SENCO – Ms Kennerley
Illness in school If your daughter/ward becomes unwell during the school day and is unable to continue with her lessons, she should speak to any member of staff, who will initially assess the situation and as required will consult with her Progress Leader who will also be able to assist her. Parents/Carers will always be contacted if she needs to be taken home or go to hospital. It is anticipated that during your daughter/ward’s time at BHSA, there may be occasions, due to illness that she will need to go home. Whilst it is appreciated that many parents/carers are in work during the school day, it is essential that parents/carers provide school with up to date emergency contact details and that a plan is in place whereby they can make arrangements for the student to be collected from school. Should your daughter require first aid, there are many qualified first aiders throughout the whole school who will provide assistance within the limits of their training. If further professional emergency medical assistance is required, the ambulance service will be called to attend and if they determine that your daughter/ward needs to be taken to an accident and emergency department, they will always be accompanied by a member of staff and parents/carers will always be contacted. Health Records It is in the best interest of your daughter/ward if school is aware of any medical condition that may limit her academic progress or require treatment during the school day. Medical information is confidential, but the school may need to pass on some aspects of this information to staff as your daughter/ward will be within their care during the school day. Medical conditions of any kind (such as: Anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and epilepsy) that may require urgent care/treatment should be made known to school, including any specialist treatment for such can be held available at school. Any impairment of hearing or vision should also be made known so as to ensure that your daughter/ward is seated appropriately in the classroom. Please ensure that all such details are included on the Medical Form which will be sent to you and returned to the SENCO as soon as possible. If your daughter/ward has a medical condition requiring specific care, particularly in an emergency e.g. anaphylaxis, the SENCO will arrange an individual Health Care Plan. Parents/carers are welcome 21
to meet with the SENCO to discuss this plan or any other issues relating to their daughter/ward’s health. Diabetes/Epilepsy/Anaphylaxis/Asthma The school has policies in place for dealing with students with these medical conditions. Details of these policies can be obtained on request. Students with asthma are encouraged to participate in all school activities unless otherwise indicated. Please ensure that your daughter/ward has her inhaler with her at all times when she is in school – it should be clearly marked with her name and expiry date. If your daughter requires EpiPens – please ensure that she has in date EpiPens in school. She may carry these with her or they will be kept in Reception for easy access in an emergency. Medication If at all possible medication should be given at home. However, there may be occasion when this is required during the school day. The medication should be brought in and handed to a member of staff in Reception and a Request for storage and administration of medicine form completed. This will then be safely stored in the medicine cupboard/fridge. If your daughter/ward is currently on medication, please complete the form in this handbook, Request for storage and administration of medicine, and include this with the: Prescription medication, in a container clearly labelled (by the pharmacist) with name of medicine, instructions for use, date of dispensing, your daughter/ward’s name and expiry date. Non-prescription medication, in the original container, stating manufacturer’s instructions and a label with your daughter/ward’s name and expiry date. As a general rule, students should not carry medicine in school, except for asthma inhalers, insulin pens or antihistamines and Epipens for anaphylactic shock – please consult with the School Nurse and/or the Student Welfare Team if required. Please advise your daughter/ward that she should not take another girl's tablets/medicine. If she feels unwell she should report to her Progress Leader. It is the responsibility of parents/carers to ensure that: They notify school in writing of any changes to medication or dosage. Ensure supplies of medicine are replenished as necessary and note expiry date. Medication required while their daughter/ward is away on a school trip or holiday is sent with her or given to a member of staff for safe keeping – please liaise with school regarding this. Paracetamol Parents please note: Paracetamol is not routinely given out in school Medication will only be given to students with a signed Request for Storage and Administration of Medicine form. 22
The SENCO and/or School Nurse will see students for health interviews where a care plan is required for a specific medical condition e.g. anaphylaxis or diabetes, or on request by parents/carers. Parents/carers are welcome to attend these health interviews, but it is not a necessity. If there is anything identified by the SENCO and/or School Nurse that may require further investigation, parents/carers will be notified.
Immunisations WiSCH (Wirral Services for Child Health) school nurses will attend to give the following immunisations: Year 8 students are offered the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) immunisation; this is two injections Year 9 students are offered Diptheria/Tetanus/Polio (DTP) booster and Meningitis AWCY booster. Parents/carers will be notified in writing prior to any of the above taking place and will be asked to sign a consent form for any of the immunisations given. Health Education The role of the School Nurse is to promote the physical and mental health of all students to enable them to reach their optimum educational potential. She also supports the teaching staff with health education in conjunction with the school’s Personal, Social and Health Education Programme (PSHE) and the National Curriculum. This will cover a wide range of subjects including puberty, healthy eating, relationships, contraception and sexual health. BHSA is part of the Health Services in Schools Programme, whereby students also have access to a Youth Worker (a weekly lunchtime drop in session), school counsellors and a weekly lunchtime sexual health drop-in clinic, run by the Health Service in Schools Nurse. If there are any changes in your daughter/ward’s medical details, if she develops a medical condition or there are any changes to her medication/treatment for an existing illness, please inform school in writing as soon as possible. It is also important that we have emergency contact telephone numbers and these should be updated as necessary.
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