Year Seven Handbook 2023-2024

All Hallows Catholic College

Year 7 2023-24

All are welcome in this place….

All Are Welcome in This Place

Congratulations to all of the students from the following schools, who have been successful in gaining places at All Hallows Catholic College for admission in September 2023

Christ The King Catholic and Church of England Primary School

St Alban's Catholic Primary School

St Benedict's Catholic Primary School

St Gregory's Catholic Primary School

St John the Evangelist CofE Primary School

Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School (Congleton)

St Paul’s Catholic Primary School

Adlington Primary School

Bollington St John’s CofE Primary School

Bollinbrook CofE Primary School

Broken Cross Primary School

Disley Primary School

Gawsworth Primary School

Havannah Primary School

Hollinhey Primary School

Holy Family Catholic Primary School

Hurdsfield Community Primary School

Ivy Bank Primary School

Kettleshulme St James CofE Primary School

Lindow Community Primary School

Lower Park Primary School

Marlborough Primary School

Nether Alderley Primary Academy

Parkroyal Community School

Puss Bank School and Nursery

Rainow Primary School

Ryleys Preparatory School

St Peters RC Primary School

Whirley Primary School

Wincle CofE Primary School

All Hallows Catholic College is an inclusive and welcoming community, proud of its Catholic identity and mission. “Aspire not to have more but to be more,” underpins its every expression.

General E-mail: admin@allhallows.org.uk Website: www.allhallows.org.uk Child

30-31 Policies

32 Use of ICT

33 Safeguarding

34 Governors and Trustees

Enclosed Sheets: Signature Page/GDPR

Parental Gateway Login

Username:

Password: https://portal.allhallows.org.uk

Show My Homework Username:…………………………..

Password:……………………………

Parent Pay Username:……………………………..

Password:

A Warm Welcome to All Hallows

All are welcome in this place…

Dear Parents and Carers,

On behalf of the governors, staff and students, I am delighted to welcome you and your child to our College. All Hallows has a strong reputation for quality education and academic success. Education is our main purpose and we are very proud of the high standards achieved by our young people, and the excellent progress that each one of them makes, whatever their individual abilities, aptitudes or needs. Our successes are based upon the creation of a culture which provides opportunities for our students, and which helps them feel that they ‘can do’ and that no task is beyond them. In doing so we enable our students to SHINE. We have a disciplined and well-ordered environment, which emphasises the joy and excitement of learning. Discipline is based upon the provision of stimulating lessons and activities to keep students working with interest, and we promote a climate in which it is the norm for students to be praised for behaviour and work. We seek to build a College in which mutual respect for all is lived out through everything we do.

We welcome everyone, irrespective of ability or background. Above all, as a Catholic College we aim to create a community which enables children to grow in faith, and where every child or young person is known and valued. We welcome students from the Catholic community, the wider Christian community and also other faith backgrounds or none, where families are seeking the distinctive values and ethos of our College.

Making the right choice for your child’s education is one of the most important decisions that you, as a parent or carer, will ever make and we are delighted that you have chosen All Hallows Catholic College.

Mr Tim Beesley Principal

Term Dates

Term College Opens to Students College Closes to Students

Michaelmas Tues 5 September 2023 (Years 7 & 12 only)

Fri 20 October 2023

Wed 6 September 2023 (All students in)

Christmas Tues 31 October 2023

Fri 22 December 2023

Epiphany Mon 8 January 2024

Easter Mon 26 February 2024

Whitsun Mon 15 April 2024

Trinity Mon 3 June 2024

Inset Days 2023/2024

Mon 4 September 2023 Mon 30 October 2023

Fri 16 February 2024

Thurs 28 March 2024

Fri 24 May 2024

Fri 19 July 2024

Fri 28 June2024

Mon 22 July 2024 Tues 23 July 2024

Parents and carers should check our website for other key dates throughout the year. We ask that parents and carers do not take students out of College for holidays during termtime. SUCH ABSENCES WILL NOT BE AUTHORISED.

Aspire not to have more but to be more Saint Oscar Romero

All Hallows Catholic College is committed to embracing Christian values and showing honourable purpose in daily living and learning. We are inspired by the words and actions of Jesus Christ, wanting to make learning in our community a personal encounter with God and a preparation for life in all its fullness. Our core values are:

Honourable Purpose

We have faith in God and each other and act with integrity, ‘aspiring not to have more but to be more’. We show honourable purpose in all we do, taking responsibility for our actions by being reliable, honest, respectful, trustworthy and telling the truth.

‘I have come that you may have life and have it to the full’ John 10:10

Respect

We welcome and show respect for the dignity and diversity of every person. It is our belief that ‘Every Child and Everyone Matters’ to God because we are created in ‘His image and likeness’.

‘God created humankind in this image, in the image of God he created them.’—Genesis 1:27

Compassion

We show we love God and our neighbour by ‘treating each other in the way we would like to be treated ourselves’, and paying goodness forward with acts of kindness and charity. Compassion means we are humble and believe in being fair, showing forgiveness and allowing reconciliation.

‘Treat others as you would like people to treat you’ Luke 6:31

Co-operation

We co-operate with God and each other to build community and a sense of pride in belonging within our College, our neighbourhood and in our world. We co-operate by ‘living simply, sustainably and in solidarity’ with all members of the human family and especially those who are poor.

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbour as yourself’ Luke 10:27

Stewardship

We are accountable to God and each other. We show we ‘love God and our neighbour as ourselves’ by being good stewards of our gifts, talents and resources. We believe it is our duty to support everyone to reach their full potential in sustainable communities and to protect our world for future generations.

‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace’ Peter 4:10

‘

Education for the Whole Person

We provide an education for the whole person, for the formation of their human character through knowledge and skills, values and virtues to help them experience life in all its fullness.

Our Catholic ethos is based on a strong emphasis on helping students to:

‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more’.

Saint Oscar Romero

To help our children and young people become the ‘light that gives light to the world’, we expect them all to:

Speak politely

Have Respect

Follow Instructions

Never say never

Engage positively

We have the fantastic job of developing our young people into successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. It is our job to help them SHINE! Together, All Hallows staff, parents and carers, governors and, most importantly, the students themselves, make this happen.

Our Partnership Covenant

We rely on the commitment and support of all parents and carers to make this partnership work. We often run events to support this partnership and are always open to new ideas and feedback, so please contact us whenever you feel the need to.

This is a summary of the Home-College agreement that Form Tutors, Parents and Carers and Students are asked to sign up to. We know how important it is to build partnerships with parents and carers. This builds strength in our community and supports students in their development, spirituality and learning.

The College will try to:

• provide a safe and stimulating College life, based on Gospel values

• celebrate the achievements of students and inform parents and carers

• contact parents and carers with problems regarding attendance, punctuality, uniform, equipment and behaviour

• support parents and carers in ensuring the College uniform is worn correctly

• contact parents and carers when we use our legal right to place a student in an after College detention

• send home two academic reviews and a written report each year in addition to a verbal subject report at Consultation Evening

• let parents and carers know of any concerns we have about their child’s work, progress or behaviour

• insist all students observe our Rewards & Behaviour policy

• meet the requirements of students with Special Educational Needs within resources available

• set and mark homework as appropriate

• keep parents and carers informed about College activities through our website, letters, Friday SHINE newsletter, termly ASPIRE magazine, emails and texts

As a family we will try to:

• be aware that All Hallows has been established by the Catholic Church, to provide students with access to the National Curriculum and access to the Catholic faith in order to develop his or her understanding and practice of the teachings of Jesus and the Church

• ensure our child goes to College regularly and on time

• ensure our child wears the full College uniform correctly

• see our child is properly equipped for lessons

• support College policies regarding behaviour

• ensure homework set in College is completed

• take an active interest in our child’s College life

• attend Parent’s Consultation Evenings

• communicate to the College information which may affect our child

As a student at All Hallows I will try to:

• remember that All Hallows is a Catholic College and that I should take advantage of all the opportunities offered to develop my spiritual nature as well as my learning. I should “aspire not to have more but to be more”

• adhere to the College rules and behave correctly (SHINE)

• attend College every day unless I am ill

• wear all the College uniform correctly and with pride

• make sure my books and equipment are ready in my bag each night for College the next day

• do my best in all my lessons and follow each teacher's requests

• present my work neatly, taking pride in my writing and my ideas and always try to improve on my achievements

• respect other students and all the people who work here

• complete my homework on time

• behave properly on my way to and from College whether walking or on a bus

• uphold our 5 College values: HONOURABLE PURPOSE, RESPECT, COMPASSION, CO-OPERATION AND STEWARDSHIP

Tutor Groups and Key Pastoral Staff

Your child will be placed in a Form Tutor Group. There are seven tutor groups in Year 7. Each group is named after a well-known Catholic Christian who, as a witness to the Gospel, encourages us in our faith.

Students are positively encouraged to talk to their Form Tutor and Year Learning Leader about anything they may be worried about.

Key Pastoral Staff

Year 7 Learning Leader

Miss C Feely

Assistant Principal (Pastoral)

Mr M Blades

m.blades@allhallows.org.uk

Pastoral Support Manager

Miss H Taylor

h.taylor@allhallows.org.uk

SENCO

Mr B Mercer

b.mercer@allhallows.org.uk

Family Support Worker

Ms C Clements

c.clements@allhallows.org.uk

My Child belongs to Form 7

……………………………………

The Tutor’s name is:

……………………………………

The Tutor’s e-mail address is:

……………………………….@ allhallows.org.uk

Pastoral Care

The Principal is assisted in the planning and delivery of pastoral care at All Hallows by a team which includes the Senior Leadership Team, Year Learning Leaders, Form Tutors, Pastoral Support Managers and a Family Support Worker.

Form Tutors are the first point of contact at the College and will deal with the majority of questions or concerns that may arise. For more serious issues, the Year Learning Leader is there to support you and your child both in terms of their academic progress and for any serious pastoral issues which may develop.

Please get in touch with your child’s Form Tutor or Year Learning Leader either by phone, e-mail, letter or a note.

The pastoral staff should be kept informed about illness, absence, dental or medical appointments, or any change in home circumstances.

The College has seven form groups in Year 7, each of which has its own patron including:

St Teresa of Avila [A] Mr C Atkin

St Ambrose Barlow [B] Miss K Walker

St Margaret Clitherow [C] Ms V Elliot

St John Fisher [F] Mr S Ives

St Thomas More [M] Miss K Sutton

St John Henry Newman [N] Mr P Matthews

St Catherine of Siena [S] Ms L Robertson

PASTORAL SUPPORT FOR YEAR 7

YOUR CHILD’S FORM TUTOR

YEAR LEARNING LEADER

Miss C Feely

PASTORAL SUPPORT MANAGER

Miss H Taylor

Mr L Grimshaw

Ms S Roberts

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

Mrs C Clements

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Mr M Blades

Parents and carers and students are encouraged to follow the order of contact detailed here for any concerns or issues unless there is a serious or major concern that requires urgent assistance

‘ThecareshowntomychildrenatAllHallowshasbeensecond tonone,thankyoutoyouall.’ Year 7 Parent

Students Getting Ready for the New Term

First Day

On the first day of the Michaelmas term only Year 7 and 12 students attend College. This gives them the opportunity to settle in and navigate their way around the building.

The day is spent mainly with their Form Tutors, engaged in team building activities, receiving their timetables and getting used to College routines.

Building a Community of Learners

Your child’s induction to our College community will involve several enrichment activities which we believe help all our Year 7 students settle into life at the College. We look forward to meeting them on our Transition Day and spending time getting to know them during our residential at Liverpool Hope University.

Timings for the College Day

Students need to be on the campus by 8.45 am at the latest

Lessons are timetabled as 60 minutes.

Print-outs of timetables with subjects and rooms are issued in September. Students should keep a copy of this in their blazer top pocket and display a copy in a prominent place in their home. This is also available on ‘Show My Homework’. Homework is set through our online portal: ‘Show My Homework’.

A full choice of food and snacks are available in the Café during Lunch. The extra-curricular clubs are advertised in our weekly Newsletter.

...Students: Getting Ready for the New Term 10

Getting Ready for the College Day

You can help your child get ready for the College day by:

Checking ‘Parental Gateway’ and ‘Show My Homework’ daily and the College newsletter weekly.

Making sure your Parent Pay account has money on it for food and refreshments during the day. Remember the College café is cashless.

Ensuring they have a space on a shelf or desk where their exercise and text books are kept.

Making a copy of the timetable and sticking it to the wall or desk.

Helping them pack their bag properly and removing anything that is not needed for the following day.

Ensuring they pack their PE kit in a separate bag and only take it to College on days when they have PE.

Having their uniform ready to avoid a rush in the morning.

Making sure they get to sleep at a reasonable time and do not play on games consoles, computers, watch TV or use their phone when they should be sleeping.

Making sure they eat breakfast.

As starting secondary school is often a time when students get a mobile phone, please help your child understand the importance of keeping their personal information safe and the importance of staying safe online.

Communicating with others in an unkind way is contrary to our College values, it causes distress and is unacceptable.

‘The ethos of All Hallows is one that we share and we thoroughly endorse their values.’ Year 7 Parent ‘Iwasworriedabout comingtoAllHallows,I thoughImightgetlost!I havemadeloadsofnew friends. Ilovetheanimals especiallyPrimrosethe goat.’Year 7 Student

Being Equipped for Learning

A check-list for September

Tick Items

Pencil case with pen (plus spare), pencil, ruler and eraser

Calculator, protractor, set square and compass

English dictionary

Language translation dictionary (French-English / Spanish-English / German-English / Mandarin-English appropriate to the language studied)

Show my Homework Log in—issued in September

Bus Pass or App

Year 7 students will be provided with a pocket size New Testament following the Gideons’ Assembly ...Student: Getting Ready for

Understanding the Year 7 Curriculum

The Curriculum:

The core curriculum throughout KS3 (Years 7-9) includes the following:

Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, MFL (modern foreign languages)*, Music, PE, Performing Arts, Computer Science and ADT (art, design and technology) **, Health, Relationship and Sex Education. In addition to this, there is an extensive curriculum outside of the classroom including Music, Drama, Dance, Outdoor Enterprise and Sports.

*Based on student experience of MFL in KS2 and preference, the vast majority of year 7 students will study 2 languages in year 7. Students who have signed up for the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) will study Mandarin as part of the MFL curriculum. It is our College expectation that one of these languages is studied for GCSE. It is expected that students joining the MEP will study this at GCSE level.

Assessment:

We regularly assess all students in lessons. You will receive two ‘progress reviews’ and one report per year. The reviews and report will include a progress descriptor (highlighting where your child is currently ‘at’) and attitude to learning descriptors. The parental gateway is used to disseminate the reviews and full report.

Teaching Groups and Ability Setting:

Students are placed into a form group. A form group will belong to a particular year half. The year halves are Y (Yellow) and G (Green) Students in Year 7 will be taught in form groups for all subjects apart from Mathematics, ADT, MFL and PE.

Spiritual Development:

Religious, moral and spiritual development is nurtured across the whole curriculum, in RECC, residential retreats, away days, assemblies, form prayers, liturgies and social enterprise.

Health, Relationship and Sex Education is taught as part of the Science , PE and RE Curriculum and through dedicated Aspire days. Students have dedicated RSE and Literacy lessons.

Extra-curricular Activities:

All Year 7 students are encouraged to join extra-curricular activities, which are advertised in our weekly ‘SHINE’ Newsletter. This is emailed to parents and carers each Friday and is also published on our College website.

Rural Enterprise:

All students experience learning outside the classroom on the College farm. There are also many clubs and volunteering opportunities for students to get involved in.

Learning Model at All Hallows

All Hallows Catholic College is proud to be in partnership with ‘Best Practice Network’ and ‘The Cheshire Teaching School Hub’ offering pedagogical support for Teaching Professionals across all stages of their career.

Teachers are reflective and eager to share their professional practice, they work hard to make lessons inspirational and relevant to students’ interests and experiences.

Our model for teaching and learning expresses our values and ensures effective teaching, which fully engages learners.

We train all staff in the Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Programme (TEEP) model which draws on significant educational research that has identified what is required of teachers and of learners in order for them to gain the best learning outcomes possible. The model, represented in the graphic is made up of three significant components each with important elements that are connected but need to be recognised individually for their contribution to the teaching and learning process.

Staff from here regularly deliver training in other schools nationwide. In addition Head Teachers and other staff visit us to see our excellent practice in action.

Additional Needs Students

Inclusion is central to the Christian ethos and we firmly believe in the promotion of an inclusive environment that allows all of our students to succeed.

The College follows the current Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2020 by the DfE, and uses the same definition of special educational needs i.e. Students have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty that calls for special educational provision to be made for them. The College recognises that provision for students with special educational needs is the responsibility of the whole College and that all teachers are teachers of students with special educational needs.

The aims of the special educational needs policy are:

• To enable students with special educational needs to have their needs met.

• To take into account the views of the students with special educational needs.

• To encourage good communication with parents and carers of children with special educational needs.

• To facilitate full access to a broad, balanced and relevant education, including the National Curriculum, for students with special educational needs.

Some students receive additional support from a Teaching Assistant in the classroom. Some students may have a modified curriculum. Departments ensure classroom organisation, teaching materials, teaching style and adaptations are such that all students, including those with special educational needs, can learn effectively.

All staff are regularly trained in SEND matters and there is regular communication of student needs amongst key College personnel. We have a key worker programme for students identified with additional needs. This is an identified member of support staff who acts as an 'advocate or expert' for the identified child. It has an impact on many levels but is very helpful in allowing students to identify a particular person with whom they can communicate their worries, issues, but also successes and achievements. The key worker role promotes sound communication as part of a good and very real partnership between home and College. It allows for immediate access to key staff, and the implementation of strategies that allow for the sound education of your child. It also helps facilitate transition across the key stages, and the transfer into secondary education that can be worrying for SEND students and their parents and carers. We very much welcome contact with parents and carers and see it as the best way to help our students achieve their best, whilst they are with us.

We believe all our students to be gifted and talented in many different ways. We ensure that everybody has access to excellence and that whilst there are many students who are identified as more able, the learning of all students is given equal priority. As with all students, stretching and challenging tasks are provided for more able students in their subjects, as well as extra-curricular classes and workshops.

‘AllHallowshas apositive attitude towardsall students,not justthehigh achieversand encourages studentstotry theirbest’ Year 7 Parent

Relationship & Sex Education

Aims

To enable all students to develop an awareness of and sensitivity to their own and others’ sexuality.

Give opportunities for all students to consider their own knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in the light of Gospel values so that they can make positive and informed choices. Develop awareness of the sanctity of their human bodies as a unique creation in God’s image. Enable the students to enjoy relationships based on mutual respect, dignity and responsibility free from any abuse.

Ensure that All Hallows Catholic College meets all statutory requirements.

Help and support our students through their physical, emotional and moral development.

Show how human relationship education is taught through dedicated Personal Development days and Science and all aspects of the curriculum as part of moral education.

Emphasise the importance of working in partnership with the Church, Governors, parents and carers and the wider community.

Address all sensitive matters in a professional and confidential manner.

Parental Partnership

The RSE policy is available on our website. Although a parent and carer has the right to withdraw their child from the Sex Education (apart from those aspects taught within Science as part of the National Curriculum) they cannot withdraw them from the Relationship aspects of Education. Parents and carers wishing to exercise the right to withdraw their child from Sex education are asked to make an appointment with the Deputy Principal to discuss the issues but are under no obligation to do so.

Once a student has been withdrawn from this aspect of the programme, they may not take part in any further sessions without written parental approval. From the age of 15, specifically 3 Terms prior to their 16th birthday, students may exercise their right to opt back in if their parents and carers had made an earlier decision to withdraw them from SE.

There will be an awareness raising event for parents and carers regarding Relationships and Sex Education evening in the Autumn term, in the College Hall, presented by members of the Personal Development and Science departments.

I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.

(John 10:10)

Commonly Used Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, And blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners now And at the hour of our death.

Amen.

College Morning Prayer

O God, Our Father, Whose love has made us all one family in Christ, Into Your hands with Him, We commend our lives. May He live in us and work through us In all we do today through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in our lives.

Amen.

End of The Day Prayer

Loving God, I thank you for having given me life, and for having made me to know, love, and serve you all the days of my life and for eternity. I thank you for my faith and for the day that I am completing. I ask your pardon for any hurt I may have caused, or anything I have left undone that I should have done. I resolve to make tomorrow a better day. Be with me as I live out the rest of today and return to my home and family.

Amen.

encouraged to reflect on a

Attendance and Punctuality

All Hallows Catholic College is committed to encouraging all students to have excellent attendance and punctuality. We recognise that any absence from school is detrimental. It is the legal responsibility of parents and carers to ensure good attendance and punctuality and to inform the College of any reasons for any absences*. We understand that there are genuine reasons for absence, but as a College, we have a duty to monitor attendance and work with families to achieve the best possible attendance for each child and young person.

All Hallows Catholic College will:

Investigate all unexplained absence.

Contact parents and carers on the first day of absence (if parents and carers have not contacted College first). This will usually be done via a text message. Such contact will be logged for future reference.

Work closely with parents/carers (and external agencies if needed) should attendance or punctuality give cause for concern.

Recognise and reward high attendance (and significant improvement over time).

Inform the Local Authority of any students failing to attend regularly (students who have patterns of unauthorised absence or who has a continuous period of 10 or more days unauthorised absence.

Not authorise holidays in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Parents/carers need to be aware that applications for ‘exceptional circumstance leave of absence’ that are declined may result in a Penalty Notice being issued for 5 or more days of absence. Applications must be made in writing well in advance of the absence.

Students will:

Ensure that they attend College regularly and on time.

Not leave College without permission.

Parents and carers/carers will:

Be encouraged to contact College if they have any concerns about their child’s attendance and punctuality.

Provide an explanation if a student is absent on the first morning the absence occurs and each subsequent day. This may be by telephone, email, text, personally at the College office or by appointment.

Provide medical evidence to support absence if requested.

Lateness

Morning registration is at 8.55am but students are required to be in College for 8.45am. Students are expected to be in registration or at assembly on time, otherwise they will gain a L code.

Morning registration finishes at 9.15am and students arriving late after this time must sign in at the Student Attendance Office.

The register closes at 9.20am each day. Lateness after 9.20am is unauthorised and coded as a ‘U’ which counts as absence for half day.

Please refer to our Rewards and Behaviour Policy for sanctions relating to poor punctuality.

Appointments

If a student has a medical/dental appointment during the College day, they should have an appointment card/ written note from their parent/carer, email or phone call. Students must sign out at the Student Office (found on the RE corridor) and sign back in on their return. If the student has an early appointment, or if they are not returning to College because it is too late in the day, the parent/carer must inform the College via telephone.

This policy has been amended in the light of the Statutory Guidance ‘Cost of school uniforms’ 19 November 2021 and in consultation with the College Council, elected to represent the views of the student body.

Parents, teachers and students work together to ensure that the highest possible standards are maintained in all areas of College life at All Hallows. A student’s willingness to wear the correct uniform accompanies an attitude to College, which usually maximises success in learning and personal development. It also indicates a family’s commitment to the values and ethos of the College, which is crucial to the growth and development of our young people.

There are a number of good reasons for having a College uniform: It is a sign of commitment, pride and a badge of belonging to our College

• It is a way of avoiding an expensive ‘fashion contest’ in College

• It keeps young people focused on their studies

• It helps maintain equality among students.

College works with 2 local uniform suppliers Classworx and Finesse who stock College specific uniform items while many of our uniform items can be purchased from the High Street. The College also stock a supply of good quality ‘used’ uniform items donated to the College.

The uniform, which is clearly described in the policy while it provides a choice of items, is compulsory for all students. The Principal and his staff reserve the right to determine acceptable standards of dress and appearance with reference to this uniform policy. The aim is to help students learn that dress codes are a fact of life, and that ‘dressing for success’ is a good preparation for adult and working life.

All Hallows uniform is strictly enforced with rewards for students who ‘wear the correct uniform in the correct way’ and sanctions for those who refuse to conform. [See the Rewards and Behaviour Policy]. In rare cases where students arrive in College incorrectly dressed, parents will be contacted with a request to bring the correct items to College or there will be an expectation that loan items will be worn if available. Parents should provide their child with a written note if there is a good reason why they are temporarily not wearing the full College uniform. In cases of financial hardship, parents/carers should contact their child’s Year Learning Leader for confidential advice

It is expected that full College uniform is worn correctly during the College day and on journeys to and from College.

We are confident that our parents and carers will always understand the need to support the College to make sure that our high standards of uniform are maintained. Please do not allow your child to persuade you to buy non-uniform items, as this will cause unnecessary expense and heartache. It is vital that we as adults, College and parents and carers working in partnership, help our children to grow and mature by setting clear boundaries of behaviour.

Blazer - Black with pre-embroidered College badge. Worn at all times in, around and to/from College. Blouse - White College blouse with revere collar. No tie is required.

Or

Shirt and Tie - Plain white shirt. Must have a collar and top button suitable for wearing a tie (long or short sleeved shirt may be worn). A plain white tee shirt may be worn under the shirt. Plain red clip on tie with College badge (Y9 - 11 students may choose to wear the black stripped tie). The shirt must be tucked in.

Skirt - Tartan kilt in College colours (Yrs. 7&8 black & white kilt with red check, Yrs. 9-11 black & white kilt). All kilts should be purchased below the knee to allow for growth. It must not be rolled up.

Or

Trousers - Black, plain and tailored with a waist band.

Shoes - Black, sturdy shoes. Please note that fabric shoes, trainers or boots are not acceptable. Socks / Tights - Black knee length socks or plain black opaque tights to be worn with the kilt or black ankle socks worn with trousers. No other colours, no patterned tights.

Jumper - Plain mid-grey ‘V’ necked jumper with College badge (Y7&8). Plain black ‘V’ necked jumper with College badge (Y9-11). The jumper is compulsory. It must not be tucked in.

Outdoor Coat – Plain, dark coat to be worn when necessary in cold weather over College blazer. This garment should be regarded as the overcoat. Coats should be removed on entry to the building. College Bag - Bag bearing the College badge.

Scarf - Plain dark scarf. No fashion scarves. No football scarves, any caps or other headgear.

PE UNIFORM

PE Shorts – Plain Black (2 styles available). No Team logos/stripes or cycling shorts.

Or

Sports leggings /Tracksuit bottoms– Plain Black. No Team logos/stripes

Polo Shirt - Red with collar and embroidered College badge.

Tracksuit top – Black full zip tracksuit top with embroidered College badge. Worn for outdoor lessons in cold weather

Socks - Compulsory: white ankle socks and Plain Black football socks.

Astroturf Trainers/ will be required every lesson. If students require football boots for Rugby they will be advised as necessary.

Shin Guards & Gum Shield - For use in competitive contact sports e.g., Hockey, Rugby, Football

Optional

Rain Jacket – Black waterproof Jacket.

Undergarments - or “skins” if worn must be plain red, black or white. In extreme weather conditions plain black hats and gloves may be worn with the permission of the teacher.

Additional Notes

• Make-up, including fake tans, false nails, and nail varnish must not be worn: The College reserves the right to request removal.

• No jewellery (clear retainer ear studs/wristwatch permissible but not in PE): The College reserves the right to request removal and to confiscate if necessary. No responsibility is accepted for the loss of any confiscated items.

• Body Piercing: Nose studs/retainers and other forms of body piercing are not acceptable.

• No trainers to be worn in, around or to/from College*: They are not acceptable for College wear and must not be worn, except in PE.

• Hairstyles: Our college champions the right of staff and students to embrace all Afrohairstyles the Halo Hair Code. Extremes of hair style and hair colouring are not acceptable. Hair fashion accessories are not to be worn. When hair bands are worn, they should be dark & plain.

• Long hair must be tied up for practical lessons.

College Restaurant and Café

Sample Weekly Menu

Meal Deal - £2.45

Hot meal, dessert and water or sandwich, cookie and water

Monday Meal of the day/Vegetarian option

Tuesday Meal of the day/Vegetarian option

Wednesday Curry day

Thursday Roast day

Friday Fish and Chips day

A range of vegetarian options are available every day.

There is live cooking straight from the Tappan grill every day: you will see noodle and rice dishes along with freshly made wraps served daily. In addition, hot and cold ‘grab and go’ food is available in the ‘Grab and Go’ section.

If any student has any specific dietary requirements, please speak to the Chef Manager who will be happy to accommodate.

The Parental Gateway

All Hallows Catholic College is committed to keeping parents and carers informed about their child’s progress. One key tool is our Parental Gateway.

The Parental Gateway offers access to online reports, in depth information on your child's attendance, performance in College, their timetable and any exam information available.

We now publish all reports online and printed copies will only be produced for those parents and carers who have opted into the service. There will be details on this closer to the time.

Parents and Carers are supplied with a user name and password at the beginning of September.

To access the gateway, simply go to the All

If you require any support while using the Parental Gateway, you can contact us by and a member of our team will be happy to help. You may also phone the College who will direct your enquiry to

Biometrics Across the College

Lunch Arrangements

We are proud to say that All Hallows Catholic College is cashless! We have teamed up with , our catering partners and ParentPay, to create a cashless restaurant.

Students and staff use either their biometric print or a 6-digit PIN number to purchase meals in the restaurant. This is convenient, safe and fast, helping us to make sure that all students can make the most of their breaks, instead of spending time queuing.

Parents and carers will top up their child’s ParentPay account through the ParentPay website. The system is very user friendly and payments sent online are received in College instantly. We also use the ParentPay website for trip payments.

Students can purchase a meal which suits their individual requirements. Portions are individually priced and a meal deal may be purchased for £2.45.

Students may bring a packed lunch and dining facilities are made available for them. All Year 7 to 11 students stay on the College site, without exception, at lunchtimes.

Biometrics — Printing & Cashless Payments

The College uses biometrics for its ‘Follow Me Printing’ system and for cashless payments in the Café.

Each child will be registered with your consent. If you do not consent to your child’s biometric data being taken, they will be issued with a PIN which they can use to pay.

The system uses an image of the fingerprint to create a mathematical algorithm and then discards the fingerprint. Only the numbers remain and these cannot be reinterpreted back into the fingerprint.

Follow Me Printing

Students and staff use their biometric print or PIN number to collect their printing from any of the printers located around the College. It is linked to their computer account and allows them to print anywhere and at any time in the College. We use this system to help monitor and reduce waste printing in the College.

Free College Meals

If your child is entitled to a free meal, their entitlement will automatically transfer to this College. Their ParentPay account will be topped up automatically each day with the FSM entitlement£2.45 at present.

Using biometrics and PINs means that there is greater anonymity for free school meal students as they ‘pay’ for their meals in exactly the same way as everybody else.

How do I get set up for payment?

All Year 7 parents and carers will have received a letter in the post with their login details, to enable them to make payments. We advise that you log on and activate your account, so you are comfortable with the system before your child starts College. Once logged on, you will see a FAQ sheet. If you have any further queries, please call us at any time as Finance staff will be in College over the holidays.

Please note that your child’s account will need to be topped up before they can spend money in the College Café.

Trips

We also use ParentPay for trip payments. We ask all parents and carers to log on to their ParentPay account, where they can select the trip they want and pay with credit or debit card. The facility is very similar to online shopping – you add the trip to your basket and simply checkout. ParentPay does not hold any bank details. Online payments are much more convenient and can be done 24/7.

PayPoint

If you are unable to pay online, we can offer a PayPoint facility, where the Finance team can print off a trip letter including a barcode to be taken to your local PayPoint shop. Please bear in mind that PayPoint transactions can take up to 48 hours to show on our system. A PayPoint card can also be provided for meals as a more permanent measure. Your first PayPoint card is free, but any replacements will come at a charge of £3.00. By logging onto your ParentPay account, you will be able to see a history of all payments, including any made using the PayPoint facility.

I already have a ParentPay account

If you already have a ParentPay account, you don’t need to set up a new one. If you login to your existing account, you will see a tab towards the top right of the screen called ‘Add a Child’. If you click on this and then enter the additional login details you have, all your children will be on the same account. This applies if all of your children attend All Hallows Catholic College or if they are at other local schools (primary and secondary) that also use ParentPay. Further information can be found on the College website, or by contacting the College Finance Office.

Advice to Parents and carers as Partners

The following are some tips and ideas for how parents and carers/carers can support their children in their learning at secondary school. This is not intended to be a complete list and should you have any further suggestions we would love to hear from you.

As a parent or carer, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. When you speak you are a language teacher. When you helped your child recognise colour and shapes you were teaching reading skills. Before your child started school you probably also taught Maths, Science, Human Studies, Art and Physical Education.

Even after your child enters All Hallows you continue to be the most important influence on their life. Remember, most teachers see children only a few hours a day. Parents and carers are constantly teaching their children. The College will teach children a lot of important knowledge, but parents and carers play a critical teaching role. We know that children can learn even more when the College and parents and carers work together as a team.

This section of the handbook suggests ways you can help us to support your child’s learning. You may already be following many of these suggestions. Some may not be appropriate for your child. They are intended to get you started on home learning activities.

Stay Interested – We want you to feel as close to All Hallows as you hopefully felt to your child’s primary school.

Be visible - Attend the Parents and Carers’ Consultation Evenings so that you can get to know the teachers and your child feels supported. Our records of attendance at parents and carers’ consultation days show a clear link between parents and carers' support and young peoples' success.

Consider being a volunteer - Parent /Carers volunteers enable the College to grow as a community provide many extras for our young people. There are many ways to do this: You could consider joining the Parents and carers Association, helping with the College Farm, supporting reading, speaking to students about your work, supporting fund raising events, to name only a few ideas.

Be an engaged parent/carer - The College offers many opportunities throughout the year for parents and carers to learn about various educational issues such as RSE and E-safety. These events are advertised on the College website.

Support the College

Both parents and carers and teachers want the same thing for children - the best possible education. When we all work together we make a strong team. Here are some ideas for helping the College do a better job:

• See that your child attends College regularly.

• Monitor your child’s subject books and ‘Show My Homework’ account.

• Support the College in its efforts to maintain proper discipline.

• Be aware of what your child is learning in College the curriculum maps are al available on our website.

Let the Form Tutor know if your child has any problems outside College that might affect their College work.

• If you have any concerns or questions do share them with us.

• If you have any suggestions or ideas do let us know.

SELF-CONFIDENCE

Let your child know that you have confidence in them, so they believe in their own worth and are more able to face the challenges of College life.

GOOD DISCIPLINE

Try to establish clear, consistent rules for behaviour at home. This helps students adjust to specific rules for the classroom or College.

GOOD DIET

One important way to help your child in College is to make sure they eat well. Children need food energy to perform well. Try to provide a healthy diet that includes lots of vegetables, fruit, cereals, milk products, meat, poultry and fish. Ensure they drink lots of water and avoid fizzy drinks. As part of our curriculum throughout all years, we examine some of the issues around healthy lifestyles. We believe that good health is vitally important and depends not just on a good diet but also on exercise during the day. Encourage your child to play sport, ride a bike, skip or any other physical activity.

GOOD SLEEP HABITS

Sleep is vital to the health, well-being and educational success of children. The evidence shows that the successful students have parents and carers who set good bedtime routines and ensure their children get enough sleep.

7-12 Years: 10 - 11 hours per day. Most 12 year old's go to bed between 8pm to 9pm.

12-18 Years: 8 - 9 hours per day. Teenagers needs vary and they may actually need more than previous years. Parents and carers should help to limit the social pressures which conspire to prevent their teenagers getting the proper amount of sleep.

GOOD READING

Help your child become a good reader. Whether your child reads fluently depends partly on you. If a family encourages and enjoys reading children are more likely to read well and often. Certain things influence children’s success and interest in reading, such as wide knowledge and thoughtful talking. Thought-provoking questions stimulate curiosity.

• Encourage your child to think about past and future events. Help your child hold lengthy conversations to reflect on their experiences

• Television, in moderation, could inspire children to read the book about the dramatisations they watch

• Show interest and become involved in your child’s reading

• Try to give a feeling of “can do” confidence. Children who are good readers can make very significant progress in all subjects. As a parent you can encourage your son or daughter by reading to your child (if appropriate) or encouraging them to read to you

• Let your child see you reading. Let them know how important it is for the future. You could also make regular visits to the local library

• Reading well will help your child make progress

• Encourage your child to make the most of the All Hallows Ward Library

WRITING

• Help your child become a better writer. Clearly, writing is something we all do. It stimulates thought, enables us to communicate with friends and helps us express our feelings. To write well we must:

• think clearly

• have sufficient time

• read to become a better writer

• have an interest that we can write about

To help your child to write well and enable them to find it easier or more enjoyable, provide a place to write. Have paper, pencils and other stationery available. Respond to your child’s ideas but don’t write for them.

• Do say something good about their work such as, “it is interesting, thoughtful or accurate”

• You could write together, for example a business letter or an order. This would show the value of writing in the adult world

• Encouraging them to make lists will help your child to become organised

• The ability to express thoughts clearly in writing is an essential skill. As writing is based on spoken language, you could talk with and listen to your child at home. As you share experiences and talk about them you might help your child develop a love of words

• Let your child see you writing. As they see you correct or adapt your work your child will learn the importance of drafting and revision to ensure good writing

• Encourage your child to write. Perhaps it could be illustrated, so that the writing becomes a treasured gift for relatives or friends

HELP YOUR CHILD DO BETTER IN COLLEGE

Research has clearly shown that behaviour and attitude affect success in the classroom. As parents and carers, you can help to teach your child how to:

• pay attention

• be interested in their work

• learn and remember

• study and know how to get help when necessary

PAYING ATTENTION

Children can learn the knack of paying attention. Help them think positively so that they don’t say, “It’s hopeless”. Encourage them to think they “can do it”. Don’t let them give up. A useful saying might be, “Quitters don’t win and winners don’t quit”. Encourage them to answer and ask questions. This helps to focus attention.

TAKING AN INTEREST

Learning is a joint effort - teachers, parents, carers and students working together. Children must believe that the hours they spend studying, and the effort they put in, make the difference between success and failure. Do take an interest in your child’s work and results. Discuss them with your child. Reward your child for improvement. Stress the benefits of doing well in College.

REMEMBERING

Research has shown that success in College is determined not just by intelligence but by the strategies children use to master facts and ideas. Understanding a subject doesn’t just happen. Children need to be interested. Encourage your child to find an answer to a problem or to draw conclusions. Help your child to discover the main idea or most important point in the material they are studying. Help your child make up a mnemonic (a memory aid) to remember lists or facts e.g. “Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain” – ROYGBIV – for the colours of the rainbow.

YOU CAN HELP BY...

• Providing a quiet, well lit place for work. A desk is ideal but a corner on the kitchen table will do.

• Avoid distractions e.g. encourage your child to switch off their phone.

• Help your child to create a schedule that is flexible but allows study on a weekly basis.

• Make sure your child has stationery and a dictionary.

• Provide encouragement and support but most of all, be available.

• There is a time when television can help but do ensure that your child actively watches programmes and does not just sit in front of the television.

• Talk about the programme when it has finished. Have plenty of books around.

• Encourage them to study by reading a little yourself first so that you can help and take an interest.

• Your child cannot remember everything, so help them write notes as a summary of the important points. This helps memory and categorising.

• Encourage your child to prepare for tests by spacing study over several days.

• Help your child look forward to College as a happy place. Always talk about College in a positive way.

• Most of all - talk to your child.

Policies

The following policies are available on the College website www.allhallows.org.uk and are recommended reading: Attendance, Rewards & Behaviour, Homework, Uniform, Charging and Remissions, Special Needs, Medicine Advice and Complaints.

In the Event of Emergency Closure

EXTREME WEATHER (Snow or Ice)

These are the procedures we have in place for extreme weather conditions. The Principal takes advice from the Facilities Manager following a risk assessment of the site and then makes the decision as to whether or not a closure is necessary. Every effort will be made to make a decision as early as possible.

A decision to CLOSE will be announced on: All Hallows Website

And as soon as it is practical by: Text message

Twitter

If no announcement is made, then the College is OPEN. Please do not attempt to telephone the College as this will block the telephone lines which will be used for emergencies.

If the College remains open your child will need to make every attempt to get to their usual bus stop on time. If the bus fails to turn up, your child should return home after 30 minutes waiting time

In the event of heavy snowfall during the College day any decision to close early will be announced using the means above. Students are not allowed to use mobile ‘phones whilst in College, and we request that you do not rely on individual messages that come to you from any source other than the official announcements. If the College closes during the normal College day, parents and carers will also be informed by text-message.

If it is necessary to close the College for more than one day parents and carers will be informed, again, through the College website, text message and our Twitter feed.

The College will remain open unless the weather conditions present an obvious danger to safety.

In periods of adverse weather we ask parents and carers to use their judgement as to the weather conditions where you live and, the distance of travel when deciding if your child attends College each day. If you make the decision to not send your child to College when we are open and buses/cars are still running from your area, the absence may be unauthorised. Please call College to explain your circumstances if you will be keeping your child at home to assist us in ensuring registers are coded correctly.

Anti Bullying /Mobile Phones/Transport

All Hallows has a zero tolerance of bullying/child on child abuse. If your child ever feels bullied they must speak to their Form Tutor, Year Learning Leader or other member of staff. The 2 Pastoral offices are staffed throughout the day. All information will be dealt with sensitively. Year Learning Leaders and Pastoral Support Managers also run daily ‘Drop In’ sessions in their offices at break times for a student to talk about any issue. The College also has a confidential bully report email address. https://www.allhallows.org.uk/safeguarding-report

Advice and support is also available on our Wellbeing Hub | All Hallows College

IN ORDER TO REDUCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CYBER BULLYING OUTSIDE COLLEGE PARENTS AND CARERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT ACCESS TO SOCIAL NETWORK SITES IS STRICTLY MONITORED AND THAT CHILDREN RESTRICT THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBER TO PROVEN AND TRUSTED FRIENDS. For further details see policy on website.

Mobile Phones

Students are allowed to carry mobile phones to and from College, but they should be switched off and out of sight (in their inside pocket) from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Mobile phones, if seen or used, will be confiscated and kept in the College safe until a parent/carer collects them. There are NO exemptions to this rule. Mobile phones must always be handed over on request and the College reserves the right to ban a student from bringing the item to College, If they fails to comply with the rule. Parents and carers who wish to get urgent messages to their children during the College day should telephone the College reception.

Transport

The College will continue to ensure that there is an efficient transport system to All Hallows through its special partnership with Zeelo’s Transport (Roy McCarthy’s and Hollinshead). All students, who travel on Zeelo’s buses are subsidised. The Local Authority will continue to subsidise transport for students in receipt of free school meals and parents and carers should apply directly to the Local Authority. The College can assist in arranging staged payments with Zeelo’s and can also offer grants to some families in receipt of tax credits. Contact All Hallows Finance Office for the "Special Circumstances Transport Assistance Form".

Information on the bus routes can be downloaded from our website. Enquiries regarding transport provision should be directed to the Finance Office: finance@allhallows.org.uk. Tickets can be purchased from Zeelo’s Coaches direct. using their App. Further details will be provided on how to do this.

Behaviour on the buses is the responsibility of parents and carers but the College does all it can, by way of investigation and sanctions to assist the process of maintaining good order. Sanctions imposed can include withdrawing the right to travel on College transport, meaning the student has to make their own way to College using public transport. Sixth form students act as bus monitors, and are asked to report any incidents of poor/unsafe behaviour.

Acceptable Usage Policy

Before being issued with a user name and password, all of our students are required to read and sign the College 'Acceptable Usage Policy' this is available on our College website

Academy Policy

Digital technologies have become integral to the lives of children and young people, both within schools and outside school. These technologies are powerful tools, which open up new opportunities for everyone. These technologies can stimulate discussion, promote creativity and stimulate awareness of context to promote effective learning. Young people should have an entitlement to safe internet access at all times.

This Acceptable Use Agreement is intended to ensure:

That young people will be responsible users and stay safe while using the internet and other digital technologies for educational, personal and recreational use.

That school systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse that could put the security of the systems and will have good access to digital technologies to enhance their learning and will, in return, expect the students to agree to be responsible users.

All network activity is monitored and logged. All Internet traffic is monitored and logged.

E-Safety protection software exists on a number of levels to prevent access to inappropriate material.

When the student signs the agreement they are saying that: they understand that they are responsible for their actions, both in and out of school.

As a parent or carer please take the time to read through this with your child.

By completing the Jot Form students are confirming that they have read, and will abide by this Acceptable Usage Policy.

Specific Unauthorised Activities

• You must not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data.

• You should not attempt to go beyond your authorised access. This includes: attempting to log in through another person's account or sending e-mail while masquerading as another person.

• You must not use any facility to participate in any form of cyber-bullying. You must not engage in personal, prejudicial or discriminatory attacks. You should respect the privacy of any message sent to you and not re-send it to others without permission.

• The use of social networking sites such as TikTok and YouTube are not permitted. not permitted.

All Hallows Catholic College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families, children and staff at school. All concerns are passed through the members of staff who are trained as “Designated Safeguarding Leads” in College. All posts are offered subject to agreeing to sign the Catholic Education Service contract of employment and satisfactory DBS checks.

Cause for Concern

All staff are asked to report any causes for concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead using CPOMS. Any concerns will be shared with parents and carers as early as possible, as more often than not there are extremely reasonable explanations for the concern. Concerns may range from children being visibly upset to persistent lateness to children “disclosing” concerns.

The Safeguarding Lead is: Assistant Principal Mr M Blades Family Support Worker Mrs C Clements

With deputy safeguarding leads as follows: Deputy Principal Mrs M Garvey Year Learning Leaders

The Safeguarding Governor is: Dr D Roberts

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are available on the College website.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE STUDENT INFORMATION FORM HERE And CONSENT Form Enc.

Governors and Trustees

Chair of Governors

Mrs C Watson

Vice-Chair of Governors

Mrs A Caine

Foundation Governors

Mrs A Caine

Miss L Alberti

Mrs C Watson

Mrs A Jamieson

Ms C Pickles

Community Governors

Dr D Roberts

Staff Governors

Dr G Keogh

Mr T Beesley

Parent Governors

Mrs H Rawlinson

Mrs S Ainscough

Principal and Governor

Mr T Beesley

Clerk to the Governors

Ms H O’Sullivan

Foundation Governors are nominated by Diocese of Shrewsbury Colleges Commission. Parent Governors are elected by ballot and should a vacancy occur parents and carers will be informed.

CEO

Mr M Mountcastle

Trustees

Rt Rev. Mark Davies

Bishop of Shrewsbury

Diocese of Shrewsbury Colleges Commission

Curial Offices, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, Wirral, CH43 4UX

Governors and Trustees