Warden park family guide

Families Guide S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Part of:

Headteacher: Jonathan Morris

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Dear Parent/Carer,

Headteacher’s Welcome

I am delighted to be able to introduce myself having been recently appointed Headteacher of Warden Park Secondary Academy. It is a privilege to be joining an experienced team of colleagues and a school with a strong and enviable tradition for high standards in academic achievement and excellence in sport, the arts and charitable community projects.

I was born and raised in London and as a schoolboy it was my passion for sport that ignited my interest and set me on a path into teaching. I began my teaching career locally at St Paul’s before completing two Deputy Headships in Sussex schools, most recently at Steyning Grammar School.

I strongly believe that education has the power to transform lives and must therefore be focused on empowering young people; developing them personally, socially and emotionally, as well as academically, and crucially igniting in them a passion for learning that will sustain them throughout their lives.

The relationships been students, teachers and parents is fundamental in achieving this success and by working together we can ensure that students at Warden Park make outstanding progress and leave as wellqualified, mature young people. My expectations of the students in terms of their achievement and behaviour are very high. I expect all students to be ambassadors of the school, to wear their uniform with pride and to display the highest standards of personal conduct and I look forward to working in partnership with you to achieve this.

From September onwards I hope to meet many of you at events throughout the school year and I look forward to welcoming you into the school.

Yours faithfully

Dear Parent/Carer, It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Warden Park. Our aim is to provide an exceptionally high quality of education for your sons and daughters and to make sure that they all enjoy their time in our care.

Students have many opportunities to succeed at Warden Park and to realise their individual potential. Young people at Warden Park achieve highly in all areas of academy life including sport, music, the arts, and community and charity works. The celebration of personal success and achievement is very important to us; a culture of success permeates the whole academy community.

All our staff aim to work in partnership with you to achieve

Dom Kenrick Headteacher

the best possible outcomes for your son or daughter. I look forward to working with you and to encouraging your son or daughter to achieve great things.

Yours faithfully,

Jonathan Morris Headteacher

We are delighted that you have chosen Warden Park to educate your child. The academy is part of the Sussex Learning Trust which has aspirations for all its schools to be “world class”. We encourage you and your child to fully immerse yourselves in the wonderful opportunities Warden Park has to offer

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CONTENTS Introduction 6 Culture and Ethos 6 ‘The Best from All' 6

Settling In

6

Academy Life 8 Absence from School 8 Academy day 8 Accidents 9

Class Organisation

9

Communication between home and the Academy

9-10

Curriculum

10

Emergency closure information

10-11

Enrichment and extra curricular activities

11

Healthy eating with Parkes and the biometric payment system

13-16

Homework & individual study

16

Learning Resources Centre (LRC)

16-17

Medical Room

17

Partnership with families

17-18

Reception

18

Safety of personal property

18

Secure cloakroom: student services

18-19

Sports, music, dance and the arts at Warden Park

19

Supporting your child’s education at Warden Park

20

Travelling to the academy

20-21

Uniform 22 Community 26 Friends of Warden Park 26 Former Students Network 26 Additional information 26

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Introduction Culture and Ethos

The Best from All

As an academy we aim to: • Achieve the highest standards across the whole curriculum • Develop the potential of each child • Provide a ‘holistic’ education encompassing academia, morality, sporting participation and spiritual development.

At Warden Park, you can be sure of the highest standards of teaching and welfare for students. We have a very professional, dedicated and capable team of staff who work tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the best possible secondary education and preparation for life. Staff, Governors and Trustees are fully committed to success and work hard to ensure that the aims of Warden Park are embodied within the life of the academy. Staff are widely recognised for their professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm. OFSTED inspectors have highlighted the academy’s strong ethos and our high standards of student behaviour.

Our students’ success is due to our insistence that everything we do should be ‘world class’. Lessons are varied, enjoyable and challenging. Our national and international links encourage students to understand the wider world and communicate effectively.

Our curriculum is predominantly organised to prepare students for GCSE examination. Highly able students do well at Warden Park as do young people with special educational needs. We have a proud record of GCSE success with both these groups.

Every student is encouraged to take an active role and make a positive contribution to academy life.

This may be representing Warden Park in sporting or other activities, getting on stage as part of a music or drama production or being involved in our extensive charity work. Warden Park students demonstrate a powerful commitment to the wider community.

Our aim is for every student to do their best, stretch themselves to achieve their full potential and to be proud of their achievements. We believe good qualifications, independence, confidence and good manners are key foundations to success in life.

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Sport and healthy eating are key features of Warden Park. OFSTED reported, “Students’ understanding of the importance of leading healthy lives is outstanding as demonstrated by good eating habits and enthusiastic participation in sport”.

Your son or daughter will have access to an impressive range of extra curricular activities. We have excellent facilities and cater for all ages and abilities. All students are automatically eligible to join our supervised after school study in the Homework Club – the Study Zone in the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) until 4:15pm each day.

Settling In Many children are worried about transferring to a large secondary academy, especially if they are on their own or are used to a much smaller school. We understand this and have developed an outstanding induction programme to make sure that children settle in quickly. Our aim is to make sure that all young people are happy and feel secure in their new setting.

By getting to know as much as possible about the children before they join us, we are able to allocate tutor groups and teaching groups that provide the very best environment for a flying start at Warden Park. We seek information from previous primary schools and parents as well as from the children themselves. This helps us to keep young people together where relationships are already positive, but also to separate students where it would be in their interests.

Parents of students in Year 7 are invited to meet their child's tutor during the first half term to review progress across the curriculum and agree strategies to improve achievement.

Each tutor group has its share of young people with sporting, musical and different academic abilities. Each child will be placed in a House before starting at the school. Our aim is to develop the distinctive Warden Park ethos in which achievement, excellence, leadership and teamwork are celebrated.

Please contact Mr Peter Chisholm, Head of School (Lower), should you need more detailed information about our well‐regarded and successful induction programme.

Our experienced, caring staff are skilled at bringing out the best from young people. We recognise that all students are individuals with different needs and aspirations.

While academic qualifications are important, we also work hard to ensure that Warden Park is a happy, caring, inclusive school as well as a safe, secure and stimulating environment in which to learn. All students are valued and we support each one to achieve their best. As part of our very strong commitment to student welfare which OFSTED has recognised as “outstanding”, we run our own catering service providing healthy snacks and meals made from ingredients obtained locally.

“You are a wonderful school, a great team and we have been delighted to have sent our 3 children to Warden Park”.

“The transition into his first year was very well managed, having positive results and we could not have expected better at this stage”.

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Academy Life Absence from School Sickness

Student sickness can be reported either by following the prompts on the school switchboard or by using the “Studybugs” app, available at https://studybugs. com/ which can be downloaded to your phone or computer. This quick and easy app allows you to report sickness while you are on the move and immediately informs our data systems.

Special Leave

Students cannot learn and succeed unless they attend the academy. Absence can only be authorised for “exceptional circumstances” for example the illness/death of a close relative or friend. Holiday in term time for whatever reason does not meet the criteria of “exceptional circumstances”.

Request for absence for exceptional circumstances must be made in advance using the request form which should be returned to Mr Rob Stoneley, Head of School (Upper).

Please note that the nature of GCSE assessment means that students have important assessments throughout the academy year. Please ensure that your child's attendance is as good as it can be.

Academy Day The Warden Park day contains five lessons of one hour each. Some of these lessons are organised into “doubles” for practical work. We operate a fortnightly timetable in order to provide greater flexibility in the curriculum. Students quickly get used to this system and have a clear reminder on their iPad about whether it is week “A” or “B”.

Timings for the day are: PAGE | 8

7:45‐8:50am Breakfast service available in the dining hall 8:00am LRC opens 8:50‐9:15am Tutor Groups/Assembly 9:15‐10:15am Period 1 10:15‐11:15am Period 2 11:15‐11:35am Break 11:35am‐12:35pm Period 3 12:35‐1:10pm Lunch 1 12:35‐1:05pm Period 4 1:05‐1:40pm Lunch 2 1:40‐2:10pm Period 4 2:10‐3:10pm Period 5 Students in Year 7 are dismissed slightly early in the first half term so they can collect any items from the cloakroom.

Light refreshments are available in the dining hall during morning break. The two lunch sittings are 35 minutes each and students are able to bring in packed meals. Most prefer to buy their meals from Parkes, our own catering company. Students will be timetabled for different sittings throughout the week so they have turns at having an “early” or “late” lunch.

Students are registered officially twice each day; once in the Tutor Base at the beginning of the day and once in an afternoon lesson. However, there is a register taken in each class throughout the day.

They are expected to arrive promptly at the start of the day and at all lessons. Any student arriving after 8:50 will be classified as ‘late’. The Head of Year and their team examines reasons for late arrival.

Accidents Accidents are rare at Warden Park. Students should tell a member of staff about any accident that occurs on the premises or during an academy activity. We will arrange for medical treatment, as necessary, and get in touch with you. Academy insurance does not cover students for personal accidents.

Class Organisation During Year 7 students are placed in sets according to ability for English and mathematics. For most other subjects, learning takes place in mixed groups with tasks being made available for students of different ability as appropriate. Special provision is made for students who have made insufficient progress in literacy or numeracy at their primary school. Regular monitoring of progress allows us to change a student’s set quite easily when necessary.

Latin will be an available option for students entering Year 7. Study will be based on the Cambridge Latin course and the Cambridge tests, leading to certificates when the children are ready.

The class is run as part of the twilight curriculum, starting at 3:15 p.m.

Should you wish your son or daughter to opt into the Latin Class, you should contact the Director of Latin/Classics. You will then be contacted shortly after the start of the Autumn term.

Communication between Home and the Academy At Warden park we believe that communication is a key to successful partnership and we encourage you to tap into all the latest information by regularly visiting our user�friendly website www.wardenpark. co.uk. The website, together with the weekly newsletter will keep you up to date with the most recent achievements, news and forthcoming events.

We would also encourage you to sign up to Twitter @wardenpark and @wardenparkpe, a useful way to get immediate updates on school life.

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Schoolcomms, our electronic mail service is our preferred method of sending home information, including reports and we would encourage you to subscribe to ensure you are kept up to date. If you are the Priority 1 contact on the Data Collection Sheet and have given us an email address, you will automatically start receiving academy communication, including our newsletter in your normal email in‐box, unless you tell us otherwise – see further information included in the New Parents’ Pack.

Should there be an emergency, we will send the ‘Priority 1’ contact (as disclosed on the ‘Data Collection Sheet’ in your New Parents’ Pack) a text, providing you have included a ‘mobile’ number accordingly.

You are welcome to contact your child's Head of Year to discuss any matter. Heads of Year will involve subject teachers or curriculum leaders as necessary.

Most staff are teaching or on duty during the main part of the day and so may be difficult to contact.

We have a Parent Communication Charter in which we resolve to deal with email or telephone queries within the working day we receive it.

If you wish to contact us about something other than your child's progress, please be aware that our main ‘phone lines are busy at peak times. Contact email addresses for key members of staff are listed on our website at http://www.wardenpark.co.uk/ contact‐us or you can send a message to admin@ wardenpark.co.uk, but please let us know who your message is for or give a clear indication of its purpose. Please leave daytime and evening contact details so we can get back to you.

While we aim to return calls during the working day we receive them, we will always respond to an emergency as quickly as possible. In such cases please ask to speak to a senior member of staff.

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“I am always very impressed how quickly all the teachers in Warden Park reply to emails and follow up on any issues. It certainly sets an excellent example to other organisations and also to the students.”

Curriculum Warden Park provides a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum with opportunities for every student to follow courses appropriate to their aspirations and ability. Please refer to our prospectus for full details.

Emergency Closure Information If we have to close the academy due to adverse weather, heating malfunction or other unforeseen circumstances, the following procedure will apply: CLOSURE DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY: FOR ACTION PLEASE With a school of 1500 students, it is important to ensure their safe dismissal if the decision to close the school has to be made once the day has begun. It is not possible to ensure children’s safety if parents arrive on site to take their child home without some control by ourselves. We therefore ask you to refrain from coming to the school unless invited to do so via our email/texting system or updates on our web site.

CLOSURE AT THE START OF THE DAY: FOR INFORMATION Snowfall: If there is a heavy snowfall overnight making the access to school, roads and the site unsafe we will post details of our arrangements on our website by 7:00am. We will also use our Twitter account to update you. Please follow @wardenpark.

We believe an early notice is beneficial for many who travel long distances to school but does mean that we may be caught out by unexpected thaws!

We monitor weather forecasts very carefully, take soundings from members of staff local to the school and speak with other Headteachers in order to try and make the right decision as early as possible.

Please do not rely on Schoolcomms or local radio for announcements, although of course we will use both these methods of communication too.

Heating: Schools cannot open without heating and/ or hot water. Clearly this will be an unforeseen eventuality, i.e. breakdown of boilers. In this case we will send out a message via our school email and text messaging service. Again, our website and Twitter account will be updated.

Other unforeseen eventualities: We will communicate via text and email, along with updates on our website and Twitter account.

Any help and support you can give us by disseminating closure notices to other parents would be greatly appreciated If you are not on our system of emails and text messages please reconsider, or if you have changed your details, please let us know by contacting the office.

Please complete and return the “Travel Permission” form enclosed.

We hold on file your instructions to us in terms of permission to leave the site or remain with us.

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities Many special activities, day excursions and residential visits are arranged to add to the educational experience of students.

These include: • Special enrichment activities and master classes for able students.

• Language study visits to France, Germany and Spain for students studying the GCSE. • Ski coaching opportunities and adventure weeks.

• "Appreciation Visits" ‐ art department.

• Field visits ‐ various departments, including art, science, geography, history and technology.

• Author visits.

• Many theatre visits, including trips to the West End, and Italy ‐ English department.

• The annual expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

• Opportunities to run a business as part of our Young Enterprise scheme.

• Adventure Week for Year 8 in France.

• A variety of visits linked to careers.

• Enrichment days in the summer when the normal timetable is suspended.

• A twilight curriculum for students in Years 9 and 10 where students have the opportunity to obtain additional qualifications, at present this includes GCSE Classics, GCSE Latin, Level 2 Certificate in Finance and a Higher Project Qualification We organise an extensive extra curricular programme each year that includes: archery, art, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, choirs, cookery, cricket, cross country, dance, drama, Duke of Edinburgh, enrichment courses, football, information technology, jazz band, languages club, LRC (break, lunchtime and after school, with support provided by teaching assistants at homework club), netball, orchestra, peer support, revision classes, rounders, rugby (boys and girls), soccer, table tennis, technology, theatre visits, trampoline, War Hammer, year books, Young Enterprise and many more.

A full list may be obtained from our website and from our reception in September. The programme is also emailed home via our school communications system at the beginning of each term. The list is updated at the beginning of Autumn, Spring and Summer terms. Note, some of the sporting activities where there is a specialist coach may incur a charge.

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Healthy Eating with Parkes and the Biometric Payment System Students learn best when they have good food and plenty to drink. To guarantee good food at fair prices, we operate our own catering service (Parkes). Parkes provides refreshments to students and staff at breakfast, break and lunch times. Parkes has won a “Best in Class” award from the Health Education Council as well as the highest possible rating for food hygiene from the food standards agency and Warden Park is now a flagship Food for Life school.

We aim to:

Parkes breakfast service is available from 7:45am each morning.

Typical Breakfast Menu Bacon roll 93p; Fruit yoghurt 52p; Fruit juice 42p; Milk 36p

Parkes break time service offers a selection of savoury snacks, including hot panini’s, pizza baps and bacon rolls.

Each lunchtime, we offer a fully stocked salad bar, jacket potatoes, with a variety of fillings, and sandwiches and baguettes.

• Provide healthy and attractive meals • Involve students and staff in menu planning via the School Council • Buy fresh local produce when available • Offer excellent value for money • Always provide free drinking water • Make food allergy information readily available

Parkes offers two main meals every lunchtime, one of which is a vegetarian option. A dessert, fresh fruit and fruit salad are always available.

Parkes operates a cashless payment system. This means that students do not have to bring money to school. Instead they identify themselves through a fingertip scan at the food tills and this links to their personal credit account. You can put “money” on student accounts on line or by sending cheques to the school. Please sign up in advance to use ParentPay® for online payments. We have a cash loading machine for students who need to top up their account with small amounts of cash. We prevent overspending by setting a reasonable daily limit of £5 for student purchases. It is possible to reduce this limit if required, by application.

Beef chilli nachos Vegetable lasagne Sour cream and mixed salad Chocolate crunch and custard Chicken stir fry with noodles Pasta bar Potato wedges, sweetcorn and peas Apple and cherry crumble and custard Fish cakes and tartare sauce Macaroni cheese Mashed potato, sweetcorn and mixed salad Millionaire shortbread Chicken fajitas Spinach and ricotta cannelloni Salsa and mixed salad St Clements sponge Tuna pasta bake Vegetable toad in the hole Carrots and broccoli Baked rice pudding and jam

Menus are displayed weekly on our website.

Typical Weekly Lunchtime Menu

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Allergy Awareness

Pay each half term in advance

Parkes holds information on food allergies for all food provided in school. The information is updated for each menu cycle including special events. Parkes staff will be able to provide this over the counter, as well as on the school website www.wardenpark.co.uk/parents/school‐life/catering

Please use this option to reduce the academy’s admin costs and note that ParentPay® is the school’s preferred method of payment. (Minimum payment for lunches via ParentPay® is £20.00).

Your guide to making sure your child enjoys their meals at Parkes • The Academy preferred method of payment is ParentPay® or you may send a cheque payable to Warden Park Academy Trust, to Mrs Martine Jones, Assistant Business Manager in the Finance office.

• Your child's account is automatically credited with the money.

• They select their meal (spending limit £5.00 per day, which can be reduced, but not increased, by request).

• They go to the till and place their fingertip on the reader. Payment for the meal will automatically be taken from their account.

• Students can check the balance in their account at our cash machine.

• Students can top up their account if necessary by using the cash loading machine located in the Dining Hall.

• Any money that your son or daughter has not spent at the end of the term will be carried over to the next term.

Please pay through ParentPay® via their website, wherever possible. Most parents find this the most convenient method. Payments made via ParentPay® are credited to student accounts in close to real time.

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Different approaches to advance payment The recommended payments below may change nominally should there be a change in the Free School Meal allowance as we always provide our Meal Deal for the whole academy for the same cost as the Free School Meal allowance.

For £2.05 per day which is sufficient to purchase a hot main course.

• £75.85 for the first half of the Autumn term by 5th September.

• £77.90 or the second half of the Autumn term by 20th October.

For £2.30 per day which is sufficient to purchase the Meal Deal (main course and pudding) • £85.10 for the first half of the Autumn term by 5th September.

• £87.40 for the second half of the Autumn term by 20th October.

Advance Option 3 (Payment monthly by cheque in advance.)

£2.05 per day

£2.30 per day

September

£41.00

£46.00

October

£34.85

£39.10

November

£45.10

£50.60

December

£28.70

£32.20

Frequently Asked Questions How will my child's account be credited?

You may use one of the following methods: 1. U se ParentPay® to credit their account via the internet with a debit/credit card.

2. For small amounts of cash only, the students may use the cash loading machine in the dining hall

What if my son or daughter goes to the till and does not have enough money on my account?

Leave your food with the cashier and go to the cash loading machine to top up your account. If you do not have any money, see Mrs Pearce or Mrs Birch on the mezzanine in the dining hall.

How will my son or daughter be identified?

Students and staff have a record of biometric identification held on the school server. This is not a fingerprint and a fingerprint cannot be reconstructed from the data. Your son or daughter will place their finger on the scanner and the system will identify them.

If I am unhappy with biometric information?

Parents need to ‘opt in’ to our payment scheme but if you later become unhappy with us recording your child's biometric information, please contact Mrs Martine Jones.

How will my son or daughter claim their free school meal?

Free school meal allowance will be added to your child's account automatically on a daily basis. At present the allowance is £2.30 per day, enough to purchase a main course and pudding. This money will be available for lunchtime only. Free School Meal application forms are available from Mrs Martine Jones in the Finance office. If your child is already in receipt of free meals at a WSCC school, WSCC will inform us in time for the transfer. Please refer to the academy website to see if you are eligible.

How do I apply for free school meals?

The easiest way to apply is online via the West Sussex County Council website. Application forms for free meals are available from Mrs Martine Jones in the Finance office. Application forms have previously been sent with information regarding new parents’ evening and induction days. If your son or daughter is already in receipt of free meals and attends a school in West Sussex, WSCC will inform us in time for the transfer to Warden Park.

For more information contact Mrs Martine Jones, Assistant Business Manager mjones3@wardenpark.co.uk or 01444 457881.

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Homework and Individual Study

Your support for homework is vitally important.

Parents can help enormously by showing interest in the work and giving praise where it is due. Please We believe that homework encourages good establish a regular routine and ensure that your organisation and self reliance. It also increases the time available for learning. Homework may be in the son or daughter has a quiet place for homework.

For further detail on the current homework form of reading, learning key points or vocabulary, timetable please visit the parents section of our a written exercise, an investigation, a long term website http://www.wardenpark.co.uk/parents/ project or item of research. In some subjects such communication as Information and Communications Technology, it may be advisable for students to access computers iPads and Digital Learning outside the normal teaching day. Students who do not have access to a computer at home can make Our one to one iPad scheme greatly enhances stuuse of the supervised study facility in the Learning dents' learning. Students and parents who need help Resource Centre from 8:00am, at morning break, or advice with regards to their iPad should contact lunchtime and up to 4:15pm. the Digital Services team."

All teachers will set subject specific homework for each student they teach using an internet website platform called “Showmyhomework” (SMHW).

SMHW ensures that homework is set effectively by teachers and the ease of use and accessibility gives students a clear picture, allowing them to prioritise their workload and stay organised using their personalised calendar, to‐do list and email reminders. Each student will be able to access their SMHW account via their current school Google account and will be shown how to do this.

Learning Resources Centre (LRC)

At Warden Park we are proud to be able to offer this invaluable study facility from 8:00am to 4:10pm. The LRC can provide: • Over 16,000 fiction and non fiction titles selected to support the curriculum and encourage reading for pleasure.

• Literacy based games such as Top Trumps, Scrabble and Bananagrams along with chess sets.

• Computers – all with a range of software, printing and filtered internet access.

As a parent you will also be given the opportunity • Stationery shop selling a range of items at to play an active role in your child’s home learning competitive prices. by having access to their set homework calendar via • R

evision and dictionary guide ordering facility your own unique account, which we will set up and organised on a termly basis. send to you along with further advice in the middle to end of September. If you would like to know more • After school drop‐in homework club in the Study Zone from 3:10pm – 4:10pm. about SMWH you can visit their website at: Students in Years 7‐9 may borrow up to four items https://www.showmyhomework.co.uk/ at a time; students in Years 10 and 11 may borrow up to six items at a time. Books are issued for 3 When students have food technology lessons they are expected to bring the ingredients and a suitable weeks at a time and may be renewed. The online LRC catalogue (Eclipse.net) lists all the resources in container to school, which should be stored in the the LRC. Access to Eclipse is via https://u014991. food technology room. microlibrarian.net PAGE | 16

Access to the LRC catalogue is also available via our free‐ to‐download app (iMLS), available for all phones and tablet computers. Students can log in to check their borrower record, reserve items or contribute reviews by using their network username and date of birth as their password.

As part of Year 7 English lessons, students undertake an series of LRC induction lessons and as part of those lessons they are taught vital information literacy skills.

The LRC also offers a range of opportunities for students to assist as Student Librarians, Paired Reading partners or organisers of other activities relating to the LRC. A number of competitions are organised throughout the year and all students are encourage to participate.

Reading There is an expectation that every child will have a reading book with them in their school bag at all times.

We encourage a whole school reading community at Warden Park Academy and reading is often the focus of school events and visits from authors.

We regularly run initiatives to promote reading throughout the school such as Book Chat, which aims to help students with their reading choices and also encourage you to support your child’s reading at home.

Students in KS3 have a fortnightly English lesson in the Learning Resources Centre (LRC). During these lessons, they have opportunities to develop their reading and information literacy skills. There is also a weekly reading time in tutor for all year groups, where students are expected to have a book to read with them. The LRC has an extensive collection of books available for students to borrow, via their library borrowing account which is opened on their first day at school.

For more information about reading initiatives, opportunities for student involvement and the LRC in general, please see the leaflet provided or email lrc@wardenpark.co.uk

Medical Room The Medical Room is staffed by a trained Medical Welfare Officer between 8:45am and 3:15pm to assist students with ongoing medical conditions and to help if a student feels unwell or sustains an injury during the school day. If a student feels ill during school hours, they should report to the Medical Room where they will be assessed and a call made to home, if appropriate. Students should not phone home themselves asking to be collected.

Paracetamol can be administered between 10:45am and 1:45pm. Consent for this can be given / withheld on the Medical Information Form within the New Starters pack.

If your child holds an Adrenaline Auto‐Injector (e.g.

Epipen), requires prescribed medicine, is diabetic, epileptic or has any specific needs please contact the medical room directly. medical@wardenpark. co.uk Telephone 01444 457881 Ext 265

Partnership with Families A strong partnership between teachers, families and students is an essential ingredient for happiness and success.

Staff are available to help whenever required.

Students’ progress is monitored regularly to ensure they are on track and know how to improve their learning. Reports are sent home six times each year so that you know exactly how your son or daughter is progressing and parents of students in all years are invited to meet subject teachers to discuss issues such as coursework, exam preparation and courses that may be appropriate beyond GCSE. PAGE | 17

Appointments are made with parents by the pastoral team if we have general concerns about a student’s progress and need to agree a strategy for improvement. We also organise a series of special partnership evenings for parents and students.

These include: • An introduction to homework, monitoring and tracking using ShowMyHomework, assessment and reporting at Warden Park (Year 7).

• Choosing options for Key Stage 4 (Year 8 and 9).

• Choosing A levels and university courses (Year 10).

• Effective revision and exam preparation (Year 11).

• Large musical instruments and cricket bags cannot be left at Reception due to a lack of space. Instruments must be taken to the music room and locked in a cupboard. Cricket bags must be taken to the PE department and locked in a cupboard.

• If a student loses anything, they should check with the secure cloakroom first.

• If a student forgets their packed lunch, parents can leave it at Reception but should inform their child, who will need to collect it from the Year Office.

Reception

Safety of Personal Property

Hours of Opening: 8:15am.‐ 4:00pm. term time.

Warden Park accepts no liability for loss, damage, or theft of personal property left on our premises. We advise you to insure your child's personal property.

This can often be done as extension to your household policy.

Reception at Warden Park is often the first point of contact for both visitors and students alike. In order to make the process run as efficiently as possible, please note the following procedures and routines: • Students leaving the academy during the day for an appointment must bring in a signed letter from their parents or an email from parents, a few days in advance of the appointment, then get a ‘Permission to be out of school’ form from the Year Office to be handed into reception as they leave. It is the student’s responsibility to make their way to Reception in time for departure to their appointment.

• Items for collection by students may be brought to Reception who will notify the appropriate Year Office. Parents should advise students via mobile phone to go to the Year office to collect their belongings.

• iPads left at reception are collected and taken to Digital Services for secure purposes. Your child will need to collect their iPad from there and parents should inform their child of this where possible.

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Secure Cloakroom: Student Services Student services based in the secure cloakroom is a key interface for students and the academy.

Students may leave bags, coats and other belongings in the secure cloakroom in exchange for a tag. They can place items in the cloakroom from 8:30am until 3:30pm during the open times below. Items cannot be collected during lessons or after 3:30pm. Items not collected by 3:30pm will have to remain in the cloakroom until the next opening time. Please ensure that students take their property (especially PE kits) home at weekends and before a holiday.

Cloakroom Opening Times Before school: Break time: Lunches: After school:

8:30 am to 8:50am 11:15 am to 11:35 am 12:35 am to 1:45 pm 3:10 pm to 3:30 pm

The secure cloakroom also acts as a central drop off point for letters that need to be returned to the academy and is a collection point for lost property.

Please encourage your son/daughter to come and see us if they have lost any items.

Students can also borrow basketballs, footballs and tennis rackets (summer term only) for use at break or lunchtime. If you have a query relating to the services provided by Student Services in the secure cloakroom, please email studentservices@ wardenpark.co.uk Students should have a book bag or backpack in which to carry their iPad and books home carefully.

Books and PE kit should be kept separate.

Sports, Music and the Arts Sport and the arts are a vital part of life at Warden Park for girls and boys. We promote sport and the arts with all students as an important ingredient of their future life, health and well‐being as well as an opportunity to develop skills of co‐operation, teambuilding and leadership. We promote participation and healthy competition both within the academy, between Houses, and with other schools. Students have the opportunity to join academy teams and clubs in a wide variety of activities.

We are all committed to success in music and the arts and encourage all students to develop their skills and talents in at least one arts subject. Our commitment has been recognised through our Artsmark Award. There are also opportunities for students to become involved in the more technical aspects of our highly successful productions including set design, lighting and sound.

Recent improvements to facilities have included a new music suite, a refurbished assembly hall and plans for a new drama studio.

Our GCSE examination results in PE, art, music and drama have reflected the consistently high standards reached in these areas of the curriculum over a number of years.

Instrumental Tuition West Sussex Music Provides of the instrumental tuition offered at Warden Park. They provide tuition in a wide range of instruments including: violin, viola, ‘cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophones, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, piano, euphonium, tuba, keyboard, guitar and voice • Lessons last for 30 minutes each and take place during the school day (students use 30 minutes of a regular timetabled lesson and catch up anything missed).

• The lesson time rotates each week to avoid students having to miss part of the same lesson.

• Lessons are usually conducted in small groups of between 2 – 4 students, although one‐to‐one lessons are available for a greater cost.

• 10 lessons are given each term (making a total of 30 lessons for the year).

• Year 6 students currently already receiving lessons from West Sussex Music should automatically receive letters inviting them to continue with those lessons when they come to Warden Park Senior Academy.

• Further information, pricing and online application forms can be found at www. westsussexmusic.com In addition to the tuition offered by West Sussex Music, we also employ a specialist teacher who offers one‐to‐one lessons in drumming.

Whatever kind of tuition you prefer, letters and application forms will be made available for all students in their first week at Warden Park.

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Supporting your Child’s Education There are several ways you can make a real difference to the quality of the education at Warden Park. Giving a small cash sum to Warden Park each year (normally people donate between £25 and £100 per year) means that we can arrange for your donation to be topped up by the Government through the Gift Aid scheme.

Travelling to the Academy Warden Park actively promotes Safe and Sustainable Travel. The academy is served by a number of public and contract buses, and we encourage students to walk, cycle and car share when appropriate.

The main road at the bottom of the drive (Broad Street) and the drive itself are both extremely busy roads. It is with this in mind that we ask everyone to follow these simple safety rules.

Pedestrians • Always use the pelican crossing to cross Broad Street.

• Students must use the pavements adjacent to the drive and not stray into the roadway.

• Students must leave our site via the North Playground and must not walk between cars or across the staff car park outside Technology.

• Students walking into Cuckfield or using the pelican crossing must use the pavement to the west side (left) of the driveway. The zebra crossing point is at the top of the school drive by the exit from the tennis courts.

• Students walking to the Wheatsheaf Pub must use the pavement to the east side (right) of the driveway.

• Pedestrians must not cross the school driveway at any point.

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Cyclists • Cycle storage is available to students in our secure cycle storage area between the tennis courts and the assembly hall.

• Students should use their own lock to secure their own cycle.

• Cycles must be kept in a roadworthy condition and we encourage students to wear a helmet.

• Students who bring cycles to Warden Park do so at their own risk. We do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to cycles while on the premises.

• No cycling is permitted on the drive or pavement.

• Students must dismount and walk with the cycle along the footpath on their way in and out of Warden Park.

Skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades or mini scooters are not allowed on our site.

Motorcycles Motorcycles may only be brought onto our site if permission has been sought from Mr Stoneley, Head of School. Special regulations exist, a copy of which is available from Mr Stoneley. There is a dry storage area where scooters and motor cycles can be safely parked – this area is located opposite the main entrance to the sports halls.

Buses All students who board buses must assemble at their designated bus waiting area. They must only board buses when instructed by school staff.

Students living in the Warden Park catchment area, and entitled to free coach transport, will be issued with bus passes by West Sussex County Council. All other students will be able to purchase weekly or daily return tickets. In addition, a number of coach operators operate a service to and from Warden Park, including public service vehicles. All vehicles drop students off on the academy site in the morning and collect at the end of the day as follows:

Buses/coaches serving Warden Park Academy (correct as of June 2017): Contract buses (West Sussex Transport) 586 Crawley Luxury ‐ Warninglid, Balcombe 587 Crawley Luxury ‐ Bolney Public service buses – please use company website for routes and timetables 31 Compass to Bolnore, Haywards Heath 33 Compass to Sheppeys, Ashenground.

33 Compass to Burgess Hill, Hurstpierpopint 33 Compass to Balcombe, Three Bridges, Crawley (some places allocated to students entitled to free travel) 33 Metrobus to Sheppeys 39 Compass to Bolnore, Haywards Heath, Princess Royal 89 Compass to Warninglid, Mannings Heath, Horsham (some places allocated to students entitled to free travel) 166 Compass to Haywards Heath, Princess Royal, Wivelsfield, Plumpton, Lewes 271 Metrobus to Handcross, Pease Pottage, Crawley (some places allocated to students entitled to free travel)

Any problems regarding the use of County Buses (including the issue of bus passes), refer directly to Schools’ Transport or write to Transport Co‐ ordination Group, The Grange, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1RH. Please note replacement bus passes will incur a cost of £12.00. Any problems regarding use of public service buses, refer directly to the relevant bus company.

Privately operated buses – please contact company directly for routes and timetables 521 Heritage to Cowfold, Henfield 523 Heritage to Burgess Hill WP4 Heritage to Lindfield

If you wish to discuss any other aspect of school transport, please contact Mr Rob Stoneley, Head of School (Upper) at the academy (01444 457881).

Useful Contact numbers: County (School Transport Division)

Heritage Travel Metrobus Crawley Luxury Compass Travel

01243 753530

Further information, including detailed timetables can be found on bus company websites. Details are correct at the time of printing.

01403 711238 01293 449191 01293 521002 01903 690025

A number of county routes are due for contract renewal. Operators may therefore change.

Justin Handley

Please note bus routes and numbers are often subject to change.

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Uniform

• Formal black shoes made of leather or similar synthetic material. Trainers (including leather ones) or canvas shoes are not permitted unless Warden Park prides itself on the quality of the certified by a doctor. academy uniform provided by parents. Uniform is • Jewellery – the following may be worn : stocked by Broadbridges of Haywards Heath and

• One thin chain worn inside shirt Horsham and by Sussex Uniforms of Haywards

• One simple flat ring Heath. Both suppliers also operate a mail order

• One charity band service for Warden Park parents.

• Maximum of one matching stud earring per ear (no stretchers, hoops etc) Parents who need assistance with the purchase or • No other jewellery may be worn, including any provision of uniform should contact the relevant jewellery that necessitates facial or body piercing.

Head of Year in the first instance to discuss what assistance can be offered. Parents should consult the • Retainers are not permitted, ie to maintain hole openings. academy in advance if they have any doubt about • All jewellery is to be removed during PE lessons the suitability of any uniform that is not purchased or in Technology lessons when directed by the from our official stockists. teacher.

• Sensible light make up and clear nail varnish only may be worn. No nail extensions. No nail varnish to be worn when cooking (Food Technology).

• Hair must be worn in a conventional style and within the natural colour range. Minimum grade 2. No extreme styles ‘mohican/mohawk’. The definition of ‘extreme’ rests with the Headteacher • Outside coats should not be worn inside the buildings. A supervised cloakroom is available for the storage of outdoor wear.

• Hooded jumpers or hoodies are not allowed to be worn in combination with the academy uniform at any time.

• Navy blue blazer with Warden Park crest.

• Only badges associated with the academy’s • Plain black formal straight‐legged school type reward system or badges affiliated to an academy trousers with plain black belt (if required), buckle club may be worn on academy clothing. of a standard size, OR school tartan skirt to be • Blazers are to be worn at all times with the worn no more than 10cm above the knee. following exceptions : • Plain ‘cornflower blue’ formal shirt (polycotton).

• A teacher gives permission in a classroom.

All shirts must be tucked in, collars are to be

• At break/lunch times (they are to be fastened. worn when moving around the school/ • Academy tie (tied with ‘logo’ beneath knot). movement to/from lessons).

• Optional navy blue ‘v’ neck jumper with Warden • Earphones may only be worn before school, at Park crest. Jumpers are not to be tucked into break, lunch or after school. They are not to be skirts/trousers. visible at any other time, including movement • Plain dark socks with trousers OR plain black or around the school/to and from lessons. natural tights with skirt. White ankle socks may Teachers may instruct their usage when attaching be worn with a skirt in the summer term only. sound files or watching video clips etc in lesson.

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Physical Education Kit List • Navy PE shirt with House colours and academy crest.

• Reversible games shirt with academy crest.

This shirt is suitable for all games and outdoor activities.

• Plain navy blue shorts or skirt.

• Rugby shorts (optional extra).

• Navy blue football socks.

• White sports socks.

FAMILIES’ GUIDE

FAMILIES’ GUIDE • Football/rugby boots.

FAMILIES’ GUIDE

• Trainers (see 3G Pitch Footwear).

FAMILIES’ GUIDE

PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT LIST PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT LIST • Optional navy blue tracksuit (to keep warm when PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT LIST

PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT LIST • • Navy PE shirt with House colours and academy crest.

Navy PE shirt with House colours and academy crest. not participating).

••• Reversible games shirt with academy crest. This shirt is Reversible games shirt with academy crest. This shirt is Navy PE shirt with House colours and academy crest.

• Navy PE shirt with House colours and academy crest. suitable for all games and outdoor activities.

• suitable for all games and outdoor activities.

Reversible games shirt with academy crest. This shirt is •• Reversible games shirt with academy crest. This shirt is • Plain navy blue shorts or skort.

Plain navy blue shorts or skort. suitable for all games and outdoor activities.

All items must be clearly labelled with the student’s suitable for all games and outdoor activities.

••• Rugby shorts (optional extra).

Rugby shorts (optional extra).

Plain navy blue shorts or skort.

• Plain navy blue shorts or skort. name on the inside.

••• Navy blue football socks.

Rugby shorts (optional extra).

Navy blue football socks.

• Rugby shorts (optional extra).

Navy blue football socks.

•• White sports socks.

White sports socks.

• • Navy blue football socks.

•• Football/rugby boots.

White sports socks.

• Football/rugby boots.

• White sports socks.

All jewellery is to be removed during PE lessons.

•• Trainers (see 3G Pitch Footwear).

Football/rugby boots.

• Trainers (see 3G Pitch Footwear).

• Football/rugby boots.

• Optional navy blue tracksuit (to keep warm when not Trainers (see 3G Pitch Footwear).

Optional navy blue tracksuit (to keep warm when not ••• Trainers (see 3G Pitch Footwear).

• Optional navy blue tracksuit (to keep warm when not participating). participating).

• Optional navy blue tracksuit (to keep warm when not participating). participating).

All items must be clearly labelled with the student’s name on the All items must be clearly labelled with the student’s name on the All items must be clearly labelled with the student’s name on the inside. inside.

All items must be clearly labelled with the student’s name on the • Appropriate footwear must be worn by all inside. inside.

All jewellery is to be removed during PE lessons. students when accessing this facility.

All jewellery is to be removed during PE lessons.

All jewellery is to be removed during PE lessons.

All jewellery is to be removed during PE lessons.

3G Pitch Footwear

• The following are permitted :

3G PITCH FOOTWEAR 3G PITCH FOOTWEAR

• Molded football boots 3G PITCH FOOTWEAR 3G PITCH FOOTWEAR

• • Appropriate footwear Appropriate footwear must must be be worn worn by by all all students students when when

•footwear Multi‐studded trainers Appropriate footwear must worn students when • • Appropriate must be be worn by by all all students when accessing this facility. accessing this facility. accessing this facility.

• Molded blade football boots accessing this facility.

•• The following are permitted : The following are permitted : • The following are not permitted : The following are permitted : • • The following are permitted : ooo Molded football boots Molded football boots Molded football boots o Molded football boots • Flat soled trainers/shoes o Multi‐studded trainers Multi‐studded trainers Multi‐studded trainers oooMulti‐studded trainers o Molded blade football boots Molded blade football boots • Metal studded footwear Molded blade football boots oooMolded blade football boots

The following are not permitted : The following are not permitted : The following are not permitted : •••• The following are not permitted : Flat soled trainers/shoes Flat soled trainers/shoes Flat soled trainers/shoes ooooFlat soled trainers/shoes Metal studded footwear Metal studded footwear ooooMetal studded footwear Metal studded footwear

373737 37

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We are delighted that so many parents/carers want to “buy into” the ethos and standards of Warden Park. This is evidenced in the large number of students applying, and waiting, for places in each year group. We believe that the way students dress and appear is critical to demonstrating their support for all that the school stands for. This booklet is intended to reinforce our expectations in this area.

At Warden Park, we continually talk about wanting the “Best from All” and that we strive to be “World Class”. This is not just academically but in everything that students say and do. Therefore, we do set high standards but nevertheless, standards that are achievable.

By taking a pride in their appearance, students are showing that they are taking their education seriously and showing that they want to be at Warden Park. Please ensure that you help your child achieve this by sending them to school wearing the correct uniform and taking time to ensure that they wear it correctly and adhere to the guidelines for other aspects of their appearance.

The phrase “Look Smart, Learn Smart” will be continually reinforced with students with regard to uniform. I would ask you to reinforce these sentiments to your child.

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Guidance from the Department for Education allows for “the Headteacher to ask a student to go home to remedy a breach of the school’s rules on appearance or uniform... if the student repeatedly infringes the school rules on uniform or appearance this may constitute a disciplinary offence and may be grounds for exclusion”.

Please ensure that you read on before buying any new uniform items and if in doubt, contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance (current students) or contact school reception (current Year 6 students).

We expect our students to be outstanding in everything that they do, say and in how they look.

With your support, they will be!

As you will see from reading this booklet, we place a high value on the appearance of all of our students.

It is essential that in choosing to send your child to Warden Park that you recognise that we expect your full support on this issue.

If at any point you experience a particular problem with regard to supplying your child with the correct uniform, it is essential that you contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance. We can always find a solution or help you.

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Community Former Student Network Warden Park Academy has a thriving former pupils’ network, supported by Future First. We currently have nearly 600 alumni signed up, offering help ranging from work experience placements, mentoring, talks and assemblies to current students and donating funds.

For further details please email formerpupils@wardenpark.co.uk or sign up at networks.futurefirst.org.uk/former-student/ wardenpark

Friends of Warden Park Why not join the Friends of Warden Park?

• This is the parent fund‐raising group at Warden Park.

• Parents are automatically members of FOWP – we warmly welcome your active involvement and input.

• We meet monthly, at school, to discuss developments at the academy and arrange fund‐ raising activities.

• It’s a great way to get to know staff and the school.

• All monies raised directly support our children’s learning.

• Research has shown that children whose parents are actively involved with their school do better.

• We need you, whether it is to organise or help at events, to bake or donate a cake on request, or with financial contributions by buying raffle tickets or attending events, or join the 300 club lottery (the joining form can be found in your pack).

To get in touch, please email: friendsofwardenpark@gmail.com or 300club@wardenpark.co.uk

300 Club You might also wish to join the 300 Club with the chance of a cash prize each half term. Joining is easy. We enclose a form in your new parents’ pack for you to sign and return to us. Look out for details of events in the weekly newsletter.

Additional Information If you have not found what you are looking for in this booklet or in our prospectus, then please try our website www.wardenpark.co.uk where you will find comprehensive information about our academy and academy policies. We are always happy to answer your questions.

If you are not sure who to contact please email admin@wardenpark.co.uk asking us to contact you on an appropriate number for the time of day.

Information correct at time of going to press (June 2017)

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Warden Park Secondary Academy Broad Street, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5DP Tel: 01444 457881 Fax: 01444 417024 Email: admin@wardenpark.co.uk Website: www.wardenpark.co.uk @wardenpark