Student & HandbookParent 2022-23
Table of Contents Welcome to CFGS6 3 Term Dates 2022/23 ..........................................................................................................................................4 Timings of School Day........................................................................................................................................4 Key Staff 5 A Central Education ...........................................................................................................................................5 Home School Agreement...................................................................................................................................8 Attendance 9 Holiday and leave during school time 11 IT provision, E Safety and ICT Agreements......................................................................................................12 Study Support ..................................................................................................................................................15 Support and Student Services 15 16 19 Bursary ................................................................................................................................................16 AssessmentEducationalHomework........................................................................................................................................................16TripsandVisitsinSchoolTime17&Progress18 Parents’ Consultant Evening............................................................................................................................19 SIMS Parent App ..............................................................................................................................................20 The biometric school lunch system 21 Free School Meals 21 Safeguarding you child and working with external agencies...........................................................................22 What do I do if…? 22 Medical Needs 24 F.A.QPhotographicIndependentCentralCentral+............................................................................................................................................................24Skills.....................................................................................................................................................25CareersServicelettertoparentsandcarers26andvideopermission26.................................................................................................................................................................28
Welcome to CFGS6 Dear Student & Parent, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to CFGS6 to start the next stage of your educational journey. At CFGS6 we offer students a range of exiting opportunities to develop in an incredible and well resourced educational setting with a dedicated Sixth Form Team. We have high expectations of learning and behaviour and expect all students to demonstrate the schools core values of Transform, Challenge, Empower and Value. In addition to this in order to prepare students for the Key Stage 5 we also expect students to embody CFGS6 values in all that they do and expect all students to Aspire, Believe and Achieve throughout their education.
The academic achievement and personal development into young responsible adults is central to what we do. Aside from the range of academic subjects and courses on offer, CFGS6 offers a wide range of extra curricular opportunities and experiences for all. Throughout your time at CFGS6 students are encouraged to aim high, be aspirational and realise their full potential no matter what their Post 18 options are. I look forward to working with you and wish you all a successful and enjoyable journey at CFGS6.
Mrs K DirectorRichardsofSixth Form CFGS Vision Statement
TRANSFORMING
Transform lives through our high expectations and high standards for all CHALLENGING Challenge and support each other through our passion for learning VALUING Value all members of our community and celebrate success
EMPOWERING
Empower ourselves to be a positive, creative, innovative and inspirational community Sixth Form Learning Expectations Be curious, constantly asking questions, reading around your subject, keeping up to date with current affairs and enjoying your learning. Challenge yourself to be the very best that you can, making the most of every opportunity experiencing something new every half term, and challenging your own opinions and views as well as those held by others. Show real independence, working hard when no one is watching, showing high levels of initiative and ensuring that you are always fully prepared for every lesson. Be determined to overcome any difficulties that may happen and readily ask for help if and when it is needed.
Term Dates 2022/23 AUTUMN TERM 2022 From: Thursday 1st September 2022 To: Tuesday 20th December Half Term: Monday 24th Friday 28th October Key INSET:Dates:Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September SPRING TERM 2023 From: Wednesday 4th January To: Friday 31st March Half Term: Monday 13th Friday 17th February SUMMER TERM 2023 From: Monday 17th April To: Friday 21st July Half Term: Monday 29th May Friday 2nd June Key YearDates:13Parents Consultation Evening: 25th January 2023 INSET Day: 20th February 2023 – School Closed Year 12 Parents Consultation Evening: 16th March 2023 Eid Al-Fitr: 21st April 2023 School Closed Eid Al-Adha: 28th June 2023 School Closed INSET Day: 7th July 2023 School Closed Timings of School Day At CFGS we operate a 2 week timetable, Week A and Week B, and your timetable will be different for each week. On a Tuesday Week B the timings of the day are altered to accommodate our PSHEE programme. All days except Tuesday Week B Tuesday Week B Before and after school The Aspire Café is open for breakfast (toast, cereal and a drink) from 8.00 8.30am, and throughout the day for lunch / break / snack until 2.30pm. Students are able to use the Aspire Library and Hub between 8.00am and 5.30pm for quiet study. There are opportunities for students to volunteer to support students in Years 7 10 with Central Plus and in the Learning Lounge homework club. Year 12 Year 13 8.40 9.30 Period 1 Period 1 9.30 – 10.20 Period 2 Period 2 10.20 10.40 Break Tutor Time 0.40 – 11.00 Tutor Time Break 11.00 11.50 Period 3 Period 3 11.50 – 12.40 Lunch Period 4a 12.40 1.30 Period 4b Lunch 1.30 – 2.20 Period 5 Period 5 2.20 3.10 Period 6 Period 6 Year 12 Year 13 8.40 9.25 Period 1 Period 1 9.25 – 10.10 Period 2 Period 2 10.10 10.30 Break PSHEE 10.30 11.05 PSHEE PSHEE / Tutor Time 11.05 11.25 PSHEE / Tutor Time Break 11.25 12.10 Period 3 Period 3 12.10 – 12.55 Lunch Period 4a 12.55 1.40 Period 4b Lunch 1.40 – 2.25 Period 5 Period 5 2.25 3.10 Period 6 Period 6
Ms S El Damanawi Ms S Baldwin Mr B Rackstraw Director of CFGS6 Ms K Richards Head of Years Ms S Quinn (Year 12) Mr L Williams (Year 13) KS5 Progress Manager Ms S Gale KS5 Academic Learning Co ordinator Mrs F Ali
Ms C Prince Deputy Headteachers
Attendance Officers
Email:
or sixthform@central.towerhamlets.sch.uk
There may be times when you need to contact the school. All staff can be contacted by the main school telephone number or email address. Telephone: 0208 981 1131 welcome@central.towerhamlets.sch.uk
Headteacher
Mr K Ali Community Manager
Mr A Tavares Parent Outreach Worker Ms A Begum Home School Support Worker
• You must wear your own ID badge visibly with the image facing outwards and swipe it on entry and exit to all school buildings
Ms S Khatun Attendance Welfare Advisor
Mr C Catherine (DSL) & Ms U O’Neill (Deputy)
Mr J Pioli SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) Ms S Lowrie Designated Safeguarding Leads
Sixth Form Code of Conduct Students are responsible for their behaviour and are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. They are expected to display exemplary behaviour which shows respect for their learning and the learning of others. They are ambassadors for CFGS and are expected to be polite, courteous and to behave in such a way that is a credit to the school at all times. In addition to this they are role models for all Key Stage 3 and 4 students therefore we expect the very best behaviour and attitude from all Sixth Form students. Around the School site
Key Staff
A Central Education Central students are ambitious, independent, resilient, respectful and enquiring. They take responsibility for their actions and display exemplary behaviour which shows commitment for their learning as well as respect for the learning of others. Our students are polite, courteous and behave in such a was that is a credit to the school.
The Student Code of Conduct ensure that students stay safe and achieve well. It is underpinned by the ‘Central Essentials’ and all students are encouraged to develop these characteristic. These positive qualities enable students to flourish as individuals, and to respond to challenges with strength and positivity.
• Keep left when walking through corridors or using stairs
• Be courteous towards the staff and students at all times
• Not to congregate on the road or outside school buildings, in reception areas, on stairs, on corridors or in breakout areas
Dress Code
• Be mindful of the language that is used around the school no offensive language
• Respect others’ learning by being quiet and considerate as you walk through the buildings
Lesson Time
• No mobile phones or electronic devices to be seen at all in Harley Grove or Explore.
CFG6 students are encouraged to develop a greater sense of personal responsibility as part of their preparation for further study and for entering the work place. They adhere to the CFGS6 Dress Code:
• Do not use the Fire Exit in the Café unless there is a fire and the alarm sounds
• Students must not dress in leisure wear (including hoodies or tracksuit bottoms)
• Sensible shoes to be worn at all times. There is to be no trainers, stilettos, wedges, extremely high heels, or sliders. Spare footwear is available in the Aspire Office if needed and using this can avoid a student being sent home
• No chewing gum
• To clear up any waste after eating in the Café, Common Room and Break Out areas
• Lifts to be used with signed lift pass only
• Maintain acceptable noise levels there should be no raised voices in the café, break out areas or corridors that disturb lessons, meetings or work taking place
• The niqab and the burkha are not part of the CFGS6 dress code
• Students with a GP note are granted permission to wear trainers providing this has been seen and agreed by the Director of Sixth Form, Head of Year 12 or Head of Year 13.
• Remember that posters can be put up in designated areas only, after permission has been granted by the Director of Sixth Form
• Remember that only disabled students have access to the disabled/staff toilets
• Not to congregate at reception or by the bottom of the stairs during break and lunch times
Technology
• Clothing must be smart clothes that are appropriate to a school and a working environment
• Mobile phones can only be used in the Common Room or Aspire Café before school, during break time and lunchtime or after school
• Respect and use your Common Room effectively keep the room clean and tidy, during lesson time this is a place for quiet work therefore there should be no music or loud noise that disturbs students or staff working
• All students, while on site, must be wearing their lanyards displaying their ID cards
• Aspire Café, The Hub, Library, Common Room and Break Out areas can be used throughout the day for private study, unless fully occupied
• Checks are carried out on a regular basis at the Aspire entrance and in form rooms. Sixth Formers who break the Dress Code will be referred to the Head of Year 12, Head of Year 13 or the Director of Sixth
• There is to be no denim or denim looking trousers, skirts, shirts or Jackets to be worn inside the school buildings
Break and Lunch Times in Aspire
• Ensure that there are no shoes in the prayer room. It is not for study or a meeting area
Form for a follow up conversation. If deemed appropriate, a uniform pass will be issued when it is a first occasion of wrong dress. If this is repeated students will be asked to go home and change into appropriate clothes before they return to lessons. Should the Sixth Former break the Dress Code again, they will be placed on report and monitored regularly Equipment You should ensure that you come to school prepared for the day, dressed appropriately and with the correct equipment, including • Being dressed according to the Dress Code in the Sixth Form Code of Conduct • ID Card and lanyard • A bag large enough to carry A4 folders and books • Folder and books for your lessons for the day • Basic writing equipment and any additional stationary for your subjects • USB memory stick if you wish • Planner (if you wish to use a planner, you can bring your own or there is a limited supply at Aspire reception)
• Ensure my daughter attends school on time, in appropriate dress and with correct equipment
• Keep you regularly informed of your progress and provide opportunities to discuss any concerns that may arise.
• Support school policies regarding behaviour.
• Work to the best of your ability at all times.
Home School Agreement
• Support the school in the Sixth Form Referral Process by signing report booklets daily when issued
• Contact the school each day before 9.00am if my daughter is unable to attend school e.g illness, bereavement
• Fully commit to the course(s) you are enrolled onto, to follow the School Code of Conduct and Aspire Code of Conduct and embrace the values of the Sixth Form.
2. STUDENT As a student of Central Foundation Girls' School I will:
• Inform the school if there is a problem that would affect my daughter's education or wellbeing
• Embed the Sixth Form ethos of Curiosity, Independence, Challenge and Determination in to lessons and activities.
• Successfully complete work experience (Year 12 only)
1. PARENT/CARER As a parent I carer of a student at Central Foundation Girls' School I will:
• Not use mobile phones or mp3 players (except in Sixth Form common room during break and lunch times only)
• Attend all parents' evenings and other meetings concerning my daughter's progress or attendance.
• Agree to my daughter having her photograph taken, kept on school databases and used within the school for identification purposes.
• Complete all coursework, assignments, class and homework tasks satisfactorily and to the deadline set by staff.
• Catch up on all work missed due to absence.
• Organise targeted academic mentoring and tuition with outside agencies as required.
• Support the completion of Central 16+ to develop skills relating to Leadership, Enrichment, Community and Employability.
• Remain on site during your personal study periods and work quietly in the Library, The Hub, Common Room or Break out areas to complete assignments, revision or independent research.
• Understand that if I do not meet any of the above expectations I will receive 1 verbal warning and any further breaches of expectations then I will be transferred to the Sixth Form Referral Process, whereby ultimately my place at CFGS Sixth Form may be terminated.
• Show consideration to staff, visitors and other students and where possible offer help and support for school activities.
3. SCHOOL As individual staff and the whole school we will:
• Follow the Sixth Form Absence Procedures, by calling in every day you are absent and return a completed Absence Note form to your Form Tutor within 2 days of your absence.
• Aspire to meet all the aims of the CFGS Vision Statement and transform lives through our high expectations and high standards for all.
• Understand that if my daughter does not meet any of the above expectations she will receive 1 verbal warning and any further breaches of expectations she will be transferred to the Sixth Form Referral Process, whereby ultimately her place at CFGS Sixth Form may be terminated.
• Attend all timetabled sessions and on time including lessons, assemblies, form time, tutorial appointments, organised Sixth Form events and intervention / mentoring sessions.
• Follow the Internet Agreement and E Safety Guidelines
• Fully prepare you for your examinations, including Trial Exams
• Support my daughter to do homework and monitor by logging on to Show My Homework
• Be a role model for younger students and an ambassador for the school and Sixth Form in the local community at all times.
Unauthorised absence Unauthorised absence is either when a student has truanted from school or when the reason for absence is not accepted. Examples of unauthorised absences are:
• Provide you with ongoing help, support and guidance throughout your Sixth Form career to prepare you for your Post 18 options, whatever they may be.
Attendance Good attendance is vital for good progress in the Sixth Form. All students are expected to reach at least 98% attendance and 100% punctuality, but should aim for 100% attendance. Please look at the chart below to see the effects of decreasing attendance on attainment. A student whose attendance is 95% (which means she has half a day off per week, or 3 days over a half term), will potentially achieve 1 grade below her ability. This will remain true even if she works very hard the rest of her time at school.
At CFGS, we use an automated system to contact parents / carers via text message if students are absent from school without a reason. If you receive one of these texts, please let the school know as soon as possible why your daughter is absent from school. Please also ensure that you update the school with your phone numbers if they change. If you have any concerns with your daughter’s attendance, please contact the Attendance Team or Head of AttendanceYear.
aims: In order to gain the most benefit from education, students must attend regularly and punctually. Central Foundation expects all of its students to attend regularly and punctually to:
• Allow students to reach their full potential
• Deliver a comprehensive pastoral support programme throughout the year.
• Ensure the health & safety of students. If your teacher is absent, then you must register and work in the Aspire Library and complete the work set on SMHW / TEAMS. If you are not in the room when the register is taken, or you leave the room / school without permission then you will get an unauthorised absent “O” code.
• Reduce the level of truancy and unauthorised absences
Authorised absence Absence is authorised when a student has been absent and the school accepts the reason given by the parents / carers. Only the school can authorise absences.
Examples of unauthorised absence:
• Hand in proof of this such an official letter or email to Attendance Officer or Aspire Reception
• Let your teachers know you will be absent and get any work you will miss.
•
• Shopping Central Foundation expects that family holidays will be taken during school holiday periods. Following government and local authority guidance, requests to take leave during term time are not granted. Any unauthorised holidays in term time will be referred to the Attendance Welfare Advisor. This policy is agreed by Governors of this school and will be applied to all cases where a request is made to go on holiday in term time.
(e.g. illness / family emergency)
• Interpreting / translating for family or friends
• Visiting relative in the UK or abroad Looking after siblings
•
Parents’ / Carers’ responsibilities Parents / carers have a legal duty to make sure that their child attends school as defined in the Education Act 1996. They also have a responsibility to ensure that their child arrives on time, properly attired and in a condition to learn. Owing to the raising of the school participation age, our attendance, leave and sickness procedures apply to ALL students from Year 7 to Year 13.
Absence
• Under no circumstances should you leave the School or go home without permission Foreseeable absences (e.g. hospital appointment, interview, open day, driving test)
• Staying at home e.g. for a delivery or electric or gas company Spending a long weekend away Taking holiday time (please see Governors Policy on Leave)
• Caring for parents / other family members
• Going to the airport
• You need to complete an Absence Note Form explaining your absence (being ill / unwell is not sufficient reason), and have this signed by your parents and your Form Tutor on your return for your absence to be authorised.
• If an absence is for longer than 5 days, you will be required to provide a doctors note to confirm the reason and duration of the absence.
• You or your parents must phone the School before 9.00am on 0208 981 1131, Option 2 every morning that you are absent
•
• Dentist / Doctor / Optician appointments must be made outside School hours, except for orthodontist and emergency appointments.
If you are feeling ill during School hours (including during Personal Study Time or break and lunch):
Unforeseeableproceduresabsences
• You must go to the nearest First Aid point (Aspire Reception or Harley Grove Medical Room) to be seen by a member of staff who will discuss the best course of action for you, and contact home if you are to be sent home.
Registration Students are expected to be on the school site by 8.30am at the latest and to be in classrooms for 8.40am if they have a lesson Period 1. Any students arriving after 8.40am will be marked late and must sign in using the Ipad at reception. Registration is at 10.40am for Year 12 and 10.20 for Year 13 and all students must attend morning registration daily. You are enrolled as a full time student and this includes Tutor Time, Assembly and PSHEE. Your tutor will be the one to provide you with references for University / College / Employment so it is key you build up a relationship with them. Notices and notes are also gives out during registration so not attending means you will miss important information.
(2) The evidence necessarily warrants the child being absent from school in term time does the child have to be absent in term time due to the circumstances or can it wait until the school holidays?
Requests for leave in term time for other reasons can only be agreed in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest possible period. They must be submitted at least 10 days in advance to the Headteacher. Applications received during or after a student has been taken on leave during term time cannot be considered and the absence will be unauthorised.
Any applications for holidays in term time will be refused by the Headteacher. Leave in term time for other reasons
When considering an application for leave in term time for exceptional circumstances, the Headteacher must be convinced that:
Where parents/carers choose to take students on unauthorised leave in term time then the students will be referred to the Attendance & Welfare Service for follow up and consideration for action using the LBTH Penalty Notice Scheme to address Attendance related Concerns September 2013.
(1) The exceptional circumstances are justified by supporting evidence provided by the parents/carers related to the circumstances and that the supporting evidence is valid; and
The School Governing Body has authorised the Headteacher to act on its behalf in ensuring that the school fully complies with the requirements. Applications for holidays in term time
If your attendance becomes a concern, then you may be placed on report by your Form Tutor or Director of Sixth Form see Sixth Form Referral Process for more information. Additionally, you and your parents may be called to a meeting with Mr Tavares, the Attendance Welfare Advisor from London Borough of Tower Hamlets to discuss the reason for absence. The Attendance and Welfare Service also requires the school to refer students whose attendance and punctuality falls below 90%; this is defined as Persistent Absence Students will also be referred to the AWA for continued lateness. The AWA will:
• Write to the family
Rewards and incentives
Central Foundation will recognise good and improved attendance through:
• Praise
• Public acknowledgement in assemblies
• Certificates & badges for attendance
The guidance from the Department for Education states that applications from parents/carers for students to take leave in term time for the purpose of a holiday should not be authorised. Parents/Carers are expected to arrange holidays during school holiday periods when children can enjoy them without their education being disrupted. This position is fully supported by the Local Authority.
• Form Tutor acknowledging improved attendance / effort
Holiday and leave during school time
Taking of Unauthorised Leave in Term Time
• Provide support and information to families in need
• Visit the family
Parents/Carers must provide supporting evidence of any exceptional circumstances and why the leave must be taken in term time instead of in the school holidays. All applications will be considered carefully, including how the student's educational progress could be affected. Where the request for leave involves travelling abroad parents are asked to produce the return tickets before leave is approved.
IT provision
Students are issued with a computer login and password, as well as a school email address when they join YourCFGS.computer login is your exam number, which is the 4 digit number on your ID card. Please do not share this with anyone else. Your email address will be in the format of examnumber@cfgs.co.uk (e.g 1234@cfgs.co.uk)
A Penalty Notice may be served on an individual parent/carer per individual child basis when the child has had 6 sessions (3 days) of unauthorised leave in term time. Where 2 parent/carers take 3 children on unauthorised leave in term time then they will receive 3 Penalty Notices of £60 each £180 per parent and £360 in total. There is no right of appeal. Losing the school place Parents are responsible for returning their child to school on time. If there is continued unauthorised absence, the student's name will be removed from the register. Parents will then have to re apply for admission via the Local Authority when they return, but it may not be possible for the student to return to this school.
Computer logins and emails
It is vital that you check your school email regularly as you will be sent a weekly bulletin containing opportunities for placements, events and workshops. It is also the only email address you should use when contacting teachers or the school for any reason.
If you have any problems with your accounts, you need to ask your teacher / form tutor to contact Helpdesk for you, so it is best to ask a teacher who you see regularly Internet access Safe, filtered internet access is provided on all computers at CFGS (for study purposes) via school’s internet filter and the London Grid for Learning. All students are allowed to use the Internet for educational use only and need to sign the Internet agreement in the permission booklet. Students who abuse this privilege will lose their access. Show My Homework (SMHW) All students are given logins to the school’s Show My Homework site and Microsoft Teams. Here students will find homework, coursework, resources and activities related and enhancing their class learning. There is an App you can download to your smartphone so that you can easily access this site and check what homework has been set. Accessing student work from home Students can access their files and learning materials via the Internet from the school’s website or at https://remote.central.towerhamlets.sch.uk/rdweb using their network user ID and password. Long term laptop loans
CFGS6 Students may borrow a laptop for an academic year, with a £30 deposit. Deposits will be refundable on the return of your laptop providing all the terms of the loan have been met. Deposits can be negotiated based on individual circumstances. To make a request for a laptop loan, students must collect the approval form and terms and conditions form from the Aspire library. The approval form must be signed by the Head of Year and Form Tutor. The Home School Agreement must be signed by the student and the parent. Completed forms are to be handed to the Aspire Librarian.
www.ceop.gov.ukwww.saferinternet.org.ukwww.thinkyouknow.co.uk(thisisto
• Some people on the internet are not who they say they are. Be careful who you chat to and make friends with on Social Networking sites like Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram.
You must sign the copy of this document in the Permission booklet.
• Never agree to meet anyone you have met online without telling an adult first.
The internet is an excellent resource for those who use it carefully and wisely. All students are expected to act safely and responsibly when using the internet on computers, laptops, phones and tablets. If a student receives or comes across anything that makes them feel uncomfortable it is essential that it is reported to an adult. It is also essential that students only post or share positive comments, and they understand that they are breaking the law if they write anything offensive or abusive.
7. I will not use the internet without permission from a member of staff. I will log off from the internet if I am asked to do so
4. I will avoid plagiarism (copying) by providing clear references to sources and websites that I have used for my work
Keeping safe online
11. I will not try to access the school Wi Fi without permission from my teacher
6. I will not play computer games during the school day unless they support my learning
1. I agree to only access sites and download content that are related to my school work and I will tell adults about any sites that I am worried about.
• Keep your personal information safe.
• Only post photographs which you would be happy with your parents/carers seeing and make sure they don’t show where you or others live. Once a photograph has been put online, you can never get it back or stop it being sent to others, even after you have deleted it.
3. I will not download or install anything onto the school network
• Always respect others cyberbullying is not acceptable and causes distress. This is now an offence; the police can be called and people can be charged with harassment. Treat people as you would like to be treated.
2. I will only use my own login, email address and password, which I will not share with others
10. I will notify an adult immediately if I suspect someone else of misusing ICT facilities or the internet
• Use a nickname online and be very careful about your privacy settings on sites like Facebook. Check privacy settings regularly this can help keep you safe.
• Do not become ‘friends’ with people on social networking sites whom you have not met in person.
5. I will scan all USB devices for viruses before I download any files on to the network
CFGS Student ICT Acceptable Use Agreement
• Don’t give out personal information like email addresses, home or school addresses or mobile phone numbers to people you do not know. Do not give information about clubs you are in or where you are at specific times of the day. Be careful about tagging yourself in photographs as it can give your location away.
Key things to remember to stay safe:
• Report any worries you have about what you see or read on the internet to an adult
• Never send any video clips, films, pictures or documents that are in any way inappropriate, offensive or illegal.
If you want to find out more about using digital technology safely go to:
• Do not share your passwords and log in details as people could access your information without your permission.
8. I will only print copies of my work when it is really necessary.
9. I will not use chat rooms and social networking websites during the school day
report offensive or abusive material)
Non fiction books are shelved by subject (using the Dewey Decimal System). Reference material such as encyclopaedias, dictionaries, careers/further education, general reference books, newspapers and journals need to be read and used in the Library.
access is strictly for educational use only. Finding information Non fiction books can be located by subject. The Dewey number of each subject (found on the spine label of each book) is listed in the Subject Index in alphabetical order. There are signs and notices around the library to help with your searches. The counter computer has a complete list of resources in the library catalogue. It can be searched by author, title or keyword. Please ask! Or use Eclipse.net our library catalogue which can be found on any school computer or at home by logging onto the schools network and clicking on Library in the Student Tools area. Please ask at the library desk for your library number so you can login.
I am responsible for my actions and it is my responsibility to keep myself and others safe online and while using other technologies.
Non fiction books can be borrowed for 3 weeks. Kindles can be borrowed for 3 weeks Long term laptop loans please see a librarian for the approval/terms and conditions form, a £30.00 deposit will be required (refundable in the new academic year if all conditions of the loan were met.) To make a request for a laptop loan, students must collect the approval form and the terms and conditions form from a librarian; the approval form must be approved / signed by the Head of Year and your Form Tutor. The home School Agreement must be signed by you and your parent/carer.
Computers/Internet
• Inform the Police
The school may decide to:
Aspire Library guidelines
I understand that the school must take appropriate action if I have broken the Student Acceptable use Policy.
Fiction books can be found by author and genre
• Isolation or exclusion.
Conduct Make the best use of your time. 1. Respect the needs of others by working and moving around quietly.
Fiction books can be borrowed for 3 weeks
Opening times
The Library is open from 8.00am to 5.30pm every day. You can use it before school, after school, at break or lunchtime and for private study. Sometimes your teacher may book the Library for a lesson or send individuals / small groups of students to do independent research.
Resources There are books, encyclopaedias, newspapers, journals and a career/further education section. There are computers for finding information and presenting work. You may borrow up to 4 books.
• Inform my parents • Detention
.
• Restrict my access to the school ICT systems
• Give a sanction/warning
For 2022 23, the Government have increased the required guided learning hours for Key Stage 5 students. Therefore, all students will have 150 minutes (3 lessons) a fortnight in S8/The Hub on their Timetable When students are in these sessions, they are required to independently work on subject work set by their teachers. If students fail to attend these sessions, their attendance will be impacted and classed as truancy. These sessions are compulsory and will be supervised by teachers. They will also be monitored by the Director of Sixth Form throughout the year
Break out areas
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers School Nurse Social Worker
Support and Student Services
2. Return books and equipment to the correct place when you have finished with them.
Study Support
SA in Rooms S8/Hub
Every student at Central Foundation is able to access a variety of support for their learning should they need it. Available in school are:
Photocopying & Printing
There are 2 fire exits at either end of the library, if the fire alarm rings, stay calm and follow instructions.
• School
Students must be out of the Common Room, Classrooms and Breakout areas by 3.10pm, but may use the Aspire Library or Hub until 5.30pm
3. Return resources you have borrowed on or before the date they are due so that other students can use them.
4. Do not bring food or drink into the Library! Only bottled water is allowed.
Mrs Ali also organises after school tuition with tutors from Queen Mary, SOAS and other organisations to help students who are underachieving in subjects. Students can either refer themselves for tuition or be referred by subject staff. Students identified must attend all sessions provided by the school in order to support academic progress.
Spaces in the corridors on the Ground, First and Second floor in Aspire can be used by students for quiet study throughout the school day.
The Common Room
•
The Hub (AB05) The Hub in Aspire is a supervised space where students can go during personal study time to work independently, or to seek advice and support from Mrs Ali, the KS5 Academic Learning Co ordinator.
All students will be issued with credits for photocopying and printing. Should you run out of credits, you will need to request additional credits. Please use your print credits wisely - Save paper, Save Trees, Save the FirePlanet.
The Common Room on the 3rd Floor in Aspire is available for students throughout the school day to use for studying. It has a number of computers and a printer in there as well. During break and Lunchtime sandwiches, drinks and snacks are also available.
• Special Educational Needs (SEND) teachers
• Negotiating with students when homework is to be done as a student’s free time is important too
CFGS will provide parents with a unique PIN number, which will allow you to set up your SMHW account and link to your daughters account. If you have more than one daughter at CFGS you will eb directly linked to each of their SMHW accounts. Please contact Ms Mahil if you need any support logging in to the SMHW parent app.
The amount of money available is dependant on each students’ circumstances, and is designed to assist in the costs of attending school such travel, lunch, specialist clothing and equipment.
• Attendance and Welfare Adviser • Home School Support Worker • Parent Outreach Worker • Key Stage 5 Academic Learning Co ordinator • Counsellors • Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead Teacher 16 19 Bursary
Successful applicants will receive payments up to 5 times a year directly into their own bank account, providing they meet the requirements on 96% attendance, no more than 7 late marks, no N / O codes (truancy) and no multiple or serious behaviour incidents during half term 1 to 5.
The role of parents is crucial if a student is to gain success from homework. To reinforce its value through positive feedback will give students the confidence to persevere, work hard and reach high standards of Parentsachievement.cansupport
by:
CFGS6 students are welcome to apply for the 16 19 Discretionary Bursary providing their household income is less than £20,817. There is also a bursary available for students who are In Care / Care Leavers or in receipt of certain benefits themselves.
The online application form for the bursary is available on the Bursary page on the Sixth Form area on the school website. Applications should be received by the end of September for eligible students to be considered for payments from the start of the academic year. Homework Central Foundation Girls’ School is committed to providing homework for every student that supports their accelerated progress. Students are required to complete all set homework and independent tasks by the specified deadline. Failure to do so will result in detentions set by faculties. All homework is posted on Show My Homework. Students and parents can access this via the school website or they can download the app to their smartphone or tablet. Parents should set up their SMHW account and login.
• Checking what homework has been set by logging into the Show My Homework app
• Providing a table, chair and a quiet place to work or supporting students remaining in school to study
The role of parents
• Providing the school with information about any problems Personal Study Periods
As part of your daughter’s normal programme of learning at CFGS Sixth Form, we will regularly enhance her experience by providing trips to places of educational interest. All our trips and visits are planned safely and your daughter will always be accompanied by school staff, though there are occasions when your daughter is required to travel to / from a venue by herself. When the trip involves a change in your daughter’s normal school routine, the Headteacher will write to you to give you information about these trips and to request your permission for your daughter to attend and to travel by herself if necessary. When the trip takes place during your daughter’s normal lesson time, we will not write to you. Trips and visits in lesson time are normally within walking distance from the school.
Educational Trips and Visits in School Time
As a Sixth Former, students do not have lessons on their timetable from Period 1 to 6 every day. However, we expect all students to use these periods where no lessons are scheduled to conduct independent study, revision, wider reading, complete homework and work in their personal development and prepare for Post 18 progression.
Charges can apply for trips and visits. This does not undermine the school’s responsibilities in terms of the 1988 Education Act. Please note that we always consider circumstances of special need and will find a way to support your daughter if you contact the school. If insufficient funds are forthcoming, trips will not go ahead.
Assessment & Progress During the academic year, there are a number of assessment points where your progress will be assessed and reported on by your teachers which will inform conversations you have with your teachers, Form Tutor and / or Head of Sixth Form. Key Assessment Dates Year 12 Date of Assessment Assessment method w/b 19/09/2022 Transition exams w/b 31/10 + 7/11/2022 GCSE Resit Public Exams w/b 02/01 + 09/01/2023 Level 2 & 3 BTEC Public Exams w/b 16/01/2023 Trial Exams for A Level subjects in Auditorium w/b 15/05 + 26/05/2023 Trial Exams for A Level subjects in class 15/05 30/06/2023 GCSE Resit Public Exams + Level 2 & 3 BTEC Public Exams Year 12 Parents Consultation Evening – 16/03/2023 Year 13 Date of Assessment Assessment method w/b 19/09/2022 Trial Exams in class w/b 31/10 + 7/11/2022 GCSE Resit Public Exams w/b 05/12/2022 Trial Exams in Auditorium w/b 02/01 + 09/01/2023 Level 3 BTEC Public Exams w/b 13/03/2023 Trial Exams in Auditorium 15/05 30/06/2023 A Level, Level 3 BTEC and GCSE Resit Public Exams Year 13 Parents Consultation Evening 25/01/2023 For students resitting GCSE English Language and / or Mathematics, results for November exams will be published in January, and if they achieve at least a grade 4 in the exam then they no longer have to resit the subject. Progress Reports We will report to you about your daughter’s progress via ‘Progress Reports’. These reports will be sent home to you via SIMs Parent App twice a year. Understanding the grades on a Progress Report A Level and GCSE grades will be subgraded with h, m, l whereby h is the higher end of the grade, m is the middle and l is the lower end. Students taking Level 3 Extended Diploma will have 3 grades e.g DDM A Level Grades A*h Highest ECCChmll Lowest U Fail Vocational Grades D* Distinction* Highest D Distinction M Merit P Pass U Fail Lowest GCSE Grades 9h Highest 1444hmll Lowest U Fail
How and when can I expect the school to contact me about my daughter’s progress?
• Aspirational Target Grade is the grade your teachers expect you to aim for by the end of the course, and is based in part on your GCSE results. These grades are deliberately challenging in order to support you in being the best that you can. In order to achieve these targets, you will need to work hard throughout their time in the sixth form and take advantage of all of the support that the school provides.
• Attained Grade is the grade you are currently working at based largely on the assessment point
• Parents evenings are held for three main reasons:
• There is one parents evening during the academic year for each year group (see Key Dates).
• To talk about the next steps. Do we have to attend? It is crucial that you (and ideally your parent/carer) attend these sessions as they are your opportunity to discuss your progress. The education system can sometimes seem very complicated and confusing to parents. There have been many changed during the last few years in the way subjects are taught and assessed. The school will not expect you to be familiar with all the subjects and teaching methods used, but attending Parents’ Evenings will help you understand how your daughter is being taught. Attending these meetings will give a positive message to both your daughter and the school, and of course you hear first hand how she is getting on.
On these occasions, you will be contacted and invited into school to speak to a member of staff. We will also contact you when we feel your daughter is working exceptionally well.
At Central Foundation, we aim to work in partnership with parents / carers. To help achieve this there are several opportunities for you to meet with us. As well as the Progress Report mentioned above, you will also receive our regular newsletter ‘Central Issue’. This is always a great read; a real celebration of student achievement. We also send home letters during the year informing you about a wide range of events, activities and information. The majority of letters will be sent home to you via your daughter so please ask her on a regular basis if there are any letters from the school, but will also be available on SIMs Parent App.
• Current Predicted Grade is the grade your subject teacher believes you will attain at the end of the course based on all your work to date, including coursework submitted.
Parents often worry about talking to their daughter’s teachers during a consultation session. They fear they will be told all about the things that have ‘gone wrong’ during the year. This is never the focus, although if there has been concerns, particularly about behaviour or learning, the school should have informed you when the problem first occurred. What will be discussed?
All schools want to work together with parents to provide the best possible education for every student. Teachers will talk to you about your daughter’s general progress, performance in a specific subject, attendance, attitude to school and if she has taken on extra responsibilities. Awards gained and behaviour will probably be discussed as well.
• Home Learning grade is an indicator of the student’s academic achievement in their home learning tasks.
Parents’ Consultant Evening
• Commitment to Learning grade indicates the effort and learning attitude of the student during their lessons.
There might also be occasions when we need to contact you when things are not going so well in school.
• To talk about your daughter’s progress at school with her teachers
• To discuss strengths and areas your daughter may need more support in
Parents can support by: Having a copy of her lesson timetable at home Downloading “Show My Homework” app so that they can check what homework she has Asking questions about her work
• Exemplary behaviour to learning
How can parents support your progress?
Other organisations that offer guidance and support for parents in supporting their daughter’s learning are: Parents Advice Centre (PAC) 30 Greatorex Street, London, E1 5NP 020 7364 6489 or email: pac@towerhamlets.gov.uk Department for Education: www.education.gov.uk
• Attendance • Punctuality
• Contribution to the life of the school
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• Attendance
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Students can gain Bronze, Silver and Gold awards to recognise the number of Central Gold points they have achieved. SIMS Parent App
• The Central Essentials
SIMs Parent App is a secure, password protected app and website that allows you to view your daughter’s achievements, attendance, timetable and behaviour incidents 24 hours a day via any mobile device and the Instructionsinternet. for setting up SIMs Parent App: An invitation email will be sent to you from noreply@sims.co.uk to the email address that you provide CFGS with. When your receive this email, click on the ‘Accept invitation’ link within the email and follow the instructions.
Teachers have to see the parents of all the students in their classes, so meetings can rarely last for more than 5 minutes. If you have particular concerns to discuss that may take longer, please make an appointment for another day.
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How will my daughter be rewarded when she has done well? At CFGS, we believe that positive behaviour is best promoted and developed by recognising, celebrating and rewarding outstanding behaviour. When you do well, your teachers and Central staff will recognise, praise and reward you. This can be in a variety of ways, including verbal or written praise, postcards home, certificates, recognition badges, subject specific prizes or a reward trip. You can also accrue Central Gold points, and these are awarded for achievement in the following areas:
• Using “Insight” to monitor her progress online
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This website consists of useful information such as Performance Tables, Parental Rights and Responsibilities, and School Rights and Responsibilities
• Making sure she is appropriate dressed and has all her books and equipment Ensuring she is leaving on time in the morning Reinforcing the school’s expectations parents’ consultation events and keeping informed about her academic achievement
To open the SIMs Parent App website go onto the school website www.central.towerhamlets.sch.uk and follow the links to SIMs Parent (via ‘Portals & Links’ or ‘Parents’ ‘Login’), or alternatively, you can go straight to the login page by typing www.sims parent.co.uk
For those who are already at CFGS, fingerprints will continue to be active as they have been. For those joining CFGS6 in Year 12, we will give details of the arrangements for students to be set up on this system in September. If you pay for lunch, when the finger is scanned you can see how much is on the account. We encourage all students to take responsibility and regularly check that their accounts are always topped up.
• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income related Employment Support Allowance
• Working Tax Credit run on paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
School Lunch Payments
• It removes the need for students to bring money into school.
• It takes away the stigma attached to free school meals.
• Income Support
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
For students already at CFGS, SIMs Parent should continue to work with existing login details. For SIMs Parent App queries, please contact Ms A Begum (Parent Outreach Worker) on Ext 1524 or email welcome@central.towerhamlets.sch.uk
• It prevents problems of students forgetting to losing their lunch cards
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
Central Foundation Girls’ uses an online system called Pay360 Education to add and top up funds to your daughter’s account for her lunches.
The school uses a biometric fingerprint reader to enable students to pay for lunches. This system has several advantages:
When your daughter enrols in Year 12, we will send you an email from Pay360 Education that allows you to sign up, top up and see your daughter’s balance and lunch / break snacks. For students who are already at CFGS the login will remain the same. The website you will use to log in and see this information is pay360educationpayments.com
Free School Meals Your daughter may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
in the first instance. The biometric school lunch system
• Students are able to get their lunch more quickly. Parents can be assured that the fingerprint images cannot be used by any other source for identification purposes. The biometric system uses an image of the fingerprint to create a numerical code and then discards the fingerprint. Only the code remains which cannot be changed back into a fingerprint.
• Parents / carers can check that lunch money is being spent correctly.
Sixth Form students are allowed out of school grounds during break and lunchtime, however, they can also choose to bring in a packed lunch or purchase food from our Café or Servery in the Common Room. School lunches cost the LEA rate currently £2.30 (unless you are entitled to free school meals). Packed lunches can be eaten in the Café, Common Room or breakout areas in Aspire, but any drinks should be in plastic bottles or cartons. Glass bottles are not allowed in school.
Your safety and welfare are important to us. The Laming Report (2009) emphasises that safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility, therefore everyone should know who to contact if they are concerned about a child or young person.
Safeguarding also includes a duty to ensure:
• Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parents or guardian, can also get free school meals.
Safeguarding you child and working with external agencies
Safeguarding is not just about protecting children from deliberate harm; in school it includes a duty to protect children from:
• Risks associated with educational visits
• Risks associated with use of the internet • Extremist ideology or persons
• Safe use of physical intervention
• Drug and substances misuse
• Pupil health & safety
• Provision of first aid
at Central Foundation have a training session with our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) before they meet and work with students. This meeting is to update them with all current Safeguarding and Child Protection legislation., and to ensure that they know and understand the school’s policies and procedures regarding these issues. What do I do if…? If you or your daughter have concerns regarding her wellbeing or academic progress, then her Form Tutor, Head of Year or Subject Teacher will be the first point of contact. All problems are treated with respect and with confidentiality, where appropriate. If your daughter is being bullied, it is essential that any concerns are reported to the school so that the matter can be investigated promptly and sensitively.
• The needs of pupils with medical conditions are met. Staff are well trained in safeguarding and child protection, and understand their responsibilities in order to achieve positive outcomes, keep pupils safe, and complement the support that other professionals may be CFGSproviding.works with various external agencies, for example the Targeted Youth Support, NSPCC, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and Step Forward to help deliver a range of support and / or additional learning opportunities which will enable students to succeed and reach their potential. All school staff, professionals form outside agencies and parent volunteers are DBS checked before they can work with students. Alternatively, a risk assessment is undertaken and the professionals are not left unsupervised with Allstudents.adultsworking
• Issues which may be specific to a local area or population, for example gang activity
• Bullying and discrimination
You can apply to London Borough of Tower Hamlets online via their website. If you live outside of Tower Hamlets, please check with your local authority as to how to apply.
• School security
• Universal Credit if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get).
What to do if you are being bullied?
Students must talk to an adult. This can be any member of staff in school, or an adult outside school such as a parent/carer or friend. If they do not feel comfortable approaching an adult, they can report their concerns through SHARP anonymously or speak to a responsible student.
Bullying is not and will not be accepted at CFGS. Students have a responsibility to report any bullying that they witness or experience to a member of staff, usually their Form tutor or Head of Year, so that it can be investigated and dealt with. If students prefer, they can report any bullying through SHARP. People can be targeted through:
• PHYSICAL BULLYING: includes pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or use of any violence.
Parent/carers are encouraged to report any concerns that they have about bullying to the school, normally the Head of Year, by phoning the school reception to request a phone call back or to arrange a meeting.
Bullying is often rooted in intolerance and prejudice, and therefore it may also be:
• FAITH BASED BULLYING: the fear or hatred of someone due to their faith or religion, or belief that they are inferior.
• BIPHOBIC BULLYING: the fear or hatred of bisexuality and bisexual people, or belief that they are inferior.
• SEXIST or SEXUAL BULLYING: the fear or hatred of a person based on their gender, including treating them differently because they are not perceived to conform to gender norms, or belief that they are inferior. This includes bullying behaviour with a sexual element.
• CYBERBULLYING: includes using social media and electronic devices to send nasty, prejudiced or inappropriate messages, spread rumours, sharing private information, post or share photos or videos without permission.
• TRANSPHOBIC BULLYING: the fear or hatred of transsexual or transgender people, or belief that they are inferior.
• HOMOPHOBIC BULLYING: the fear or hatred of homosexuality and homosexual people, or belief that they are inferior.
CFGS is proud to have received Gold status for the Anti Bullying Alliance All Together Programme. This is in recognition of all the work that is done by both staff and students throughout CFGS in order to reduce incidence and impact of bullying both in school and online.
• VERBAL BULLYING: includes name calling, baiting, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing, intimidation, threatening or hurtful comments (‘banter’).
• EMOTIONAL BULLYING: includes spreading rumours, leaving someone out, gossiping harming someone’s reputation, ignoring them.
• RACIST BULLYING: the fear or hatred of a person based on their colour, ethnicity, nationality or race, or belief that they are inferior.
Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.
• DISABILITY BASED BULLYING: the fear or hatred of someone with a physical or mental disability, including making assumptions about their abilities, or a belief that they are inferior.
Gold Status for the Anti Bullying Alliance All Together Programme
Medical Needs
Central 16+ Central 16+ has been specifically designed to challenge our Sixth Form students and provide new and interesting activities that take you outside of your “comfort zone”. In order to provide students an extended skill set and access to a variety of enrichment schemes we have devised a programme where by students are to complete 4 competencies over the year; Enrichment, Community, Leadership and Employability. Throughout these 4 competencies students would embody the ethos of the Sixth Form to be curious, independent, determined and resilient.
You will normally take your medicine at break or lunchtime but if you feel that you need to take your medication during lesson time you must ask your teacher to sign your planner to give you permission to go to the Medical Room and you will take it there.
Central+ is our programme of fun, focused learning activities that run after school and in the holidays, and provides enjoyable wider learning experiences outside the classroom designed to develop student’s cultural capital and give opportunities that they may not otherwise have access to. During the holidays students can expect anything from Laser Tag, Zorbing, Roller Skating and paintball to trips to Harry Potter World, Theme Parks, London Zoo, the Theatre and many more.
Activities are provided either free of charge, or are heavily subsidised. Sixth Form students can be paid to work alongside the Community Manager on the school through an application and interview process.
Central+ Students in every year group up to Year 13 are expected to take part in activities and learning experiences outside the normal school day, and the range of opportunities on offer at CFGS are wide.
If a student becomes unwell during the school day, they gain their teacher’s permission to visit the Medical Room so that a First Aider can assess their medical need.
IfMedicinesyouhave medicine, prescribed by a doctor, that you need to have in school then this should be brought in, clearly labelled and in its original container and given to the Medical Room staff. Your parents/carers must sign a Parental Agreement form to say that: a) You have permission to carry your own medicine b) The school have permission to administer your medication to you
It is important that the school holds accurate and up to date records of any medical needs or conditions that might affect your child whilst they are in school. Parents and carers are responsible for providing the school with this information about your health on admission to the school through the Pre Admission Forms and on enrolment interview.
Your parents need to inform the school if you have a medical condition diagnosed at any point during the school year, is due to return from a long term absence, or if your medical needs change. If you have a long term medical issue, supported by a medical diagnosis, which may impact on your day to day school life then an Individual Healthcare Plan may be developed to ensure you are able to participate and excel in school. This will be developed in collaboration with the student, parents / carers, SENDCO and the School Nurse.
What if my medical needs change?
If a student needs to take prescribed medication in school then the relevant Consent Forms will need to be completed and it is the parent ‘/ care’s responsibility to give the school the prescribed medication that you require and keep it up to date. Please note that parents are expected to request that their doctor, wherever possible, prescribes medication in frequencies that allow the student to take it outside of school hours.
Central Foundation Sixth Form students are also encouraged to show willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings including volunteering in their local community through the Community Action Group. In addition to students can volunteer to working with local Primary Schools as part of the Reading Buddies Programme and become an in school Reading Mentor with Year 7 students. We encourage students to become community leaders through raising awareness for charities as well as becoming Subject Mentors to support departments and inspire other students. Students can take part in volunteer programmes across the school as well as volunteering to work with Years 7 10 students in the Central Plus offer and in the Learning Lounge. Central Skills At CFGS6, we aim to provide our students with all the opportunities they need to be prepared for the world of work and to be able to compete as confident, global citizens. The world is an every evolving landscape and in order to ensure that our students have the right skills and are resilient enough to be successful in the 21st Century we introduced our Central Skills: Your daughter will be encouraged to identify the skills and explain how she is demonstrating their use in her work at KS5. All students will have access to the skills’ descriptors relevant for KS5 to assist her in this process via TEAMS Student Leadership While we recognise that our students are intellectually dextrous, we also want them to feel empowered, confident leavers and be able to articulate their ideas, thoughts and feelings. We want our students to be part of the decision making process at CFGS6 and feel ownership of the school community. We run student leadership opportunities across all year groups, and all students are welcomed and there are leadership roles to suit a wide variety of students. Opportunities available to Sixth Formers are:
• Form Representative • Digital Media Ambassadors • Student Council • Student Tour Guides • Student Panel Interview Ambassadors • Subject Ambassadors • Central+ Junior Assistants • Head Girl Year 13 only • Senior Prefect Year 13 only
Activities range from innovative sports such as climbing, horse riding, ice skating, stand up paddle boarding & zorbing to residential trips, debating, educational visits and accredited courses including First Aid, Sports Leadership Awards, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards, driving lessons and many more.
Independent Careers Service – letter to parents and carers Dear Parents and Carers
Under the banner of ‘Friends of CFGS’, we currently offer parents, carers and the community various courses and workshops at CFGS including ESOL E1 and E2 (English), Parenting programmes, Exam stress management, First Aid, Aspirations and Work skills workshops, E safety training, Community interpreting, Volunteering in schools, Sewing and Gardening. Parents also have the opportunity to attend educational
INDEPENDENT CAREERS SERVICE AND THE DATA PROTECTION ACT
The school works with parents in a number of ways to ensure a successful partnership. We have established a well attended Parents’ Forum that takes place evert half term with our Parent Outreach Worker Aysha Begum, the Headteacher and with other key members of staff present. Parents have the opportunity to become parent ambassadors and inform and consult on parental engagement. This gives parents the opportunity to raise issues related to their daughters’ learning and about concerns in the local community and work together with school to address them.
Photographic and video permission
How does the school work with parents and carers?
We often take photographs and / or make video clips of students to celebrate their achievements. These images and films may sometimes be used in our school magazine Central Issue, our student produced magazine Central Star, the school prospectus, our school website and in other publicity material.
Students will have access to a range of opportunities for Work Experience, University Taster Days, UCAS and Apprenticeship events as well as presentations form employers and specific industries during their time at CFGS6, which all aim to help them think about their next steps after Sixth Form.
All students in the Sixth Form who are listed as having Special Education Needs will automatically be given an appointment with a careers advisor. All other students may request an appointment via Aspire Reception and they will be allocated on a first come first served basis when spaces are available. Alternatively, students may be referred by the Head of Sixth Form if they are unsure of their career path.
In line with the data protection act, the school is now required to ask you for your consent for this information to be given. If you are in agreement that the school can continue to provide this information, you need take no further action. If you do not wish to give your consent to this please contact me at the school as soon as possible. Yours sincerely, Ms E Holland Headteacher. How we can help with careers advice
Careers Advisors work in Central Foundation School with students in Year 9 13. In order to provide the best services, they ask the school to provide basic information about our students. The data will be used to provide you and your daughter with information to help you make decisions about your daughter’s future.
Parental Engagement
The Independent Careers Service is a government funded body that provides advice and guidance for students at key points in their school life. It aims to remove barriers to learning and progression and ensure that young people make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life.
If you object to photographs or film clips of your daughter being used in this way, please either indicate this on the back of the permissions booklet or contact the sixth form office.
Classes for parents and carers
visits and cultural experiences to universities, museums, exhibitions and London landmarks. Working alongside our parent outreach worker, ‘Friends’ also organise exhibitions, cultural events and social visits to restaurants and parks to facilitate networking and support within the community. ‘Friends’ are also welcome to use the fitness suite at the Sports Centre.
Our parents and carers have found the Parents’ Forum, classes and workshops to be a great eau of getting to know the school and other parents/carers, boosting self confidence as well as having greater involvement with the school’s decision making. This has been a step forward in engaging parents to help raise their daughters’ achievement levels as well as to improve their own academic and vocational skills. We provide a range of services and events to adapt to the needs and requests of our parents. For further information about parents’ classes, workshops and events and becoming more involved with the school, please contact Ms A Begum (Parent Outreach Worker) on ext 524 or email@ parentoutreacher@central.towerhamlets.sch.uk
There is a window of 2 weeks in September to discuss changing subjects with the Director of Sixth Form / Head of Year 12. If a space isn’t available on your chosen course, then you will be put on a waiting list should a space become available. All requests to change courses must be signed off by the department whose subject you are leaving, the department you are joining and the Head of Sixth Form.
You can only request to change class if there is a genuine need or issue with the group you are in. If you are having difficulties in class, you should speak to your class teacher or Head of Department or in the first instance. If things do not improve, then please see your Head of Year / Director of Sixth Form.
Can I change form group? You can only request to form group if there is a genuine need or issue with the group you are in. If you are having difficulties in form time you should speak to your form tutor in the first instance. If things do not improve, then please see your Head of Year / Director of Sixth Form.
If you have less than a 4 in GCSE English or Maths, then legally you have to be entered to re sit these subjects whilst you are in the Sixth Form. Universities and employers will look for a 4 or 5 in these subjects so it is important that you try your best. Can I change classes within a subject?
Do I have to come to Registration? Yes you do. You are enrolled as a full time student and this includes Tutor Time, Assembly and PSHEE. Your tutor will be the one to provide you with references for University / College / Employment so it is key you build up a relationship with them. Notices and notes are also gives out during registration so not attending means you will miss important information. I’ve been referred for tuition – do I have to attend? Yes you do, unless there is an issue with the day or time in which case you need to discuss this with Mrs. Ali. Tuition is free to students, and is there to help you better understand the course content which will help you to achieve the best possible grades. Can I leave school during the school day? You may leave the school grounds at break and lunchtime, however, during the day, you should be on site studying. This is for your safety and wellbeing. It is vital that you tap your card on the entry / exit points every time you enter / exit Aspire and Bow Road so that we can locate you in the event of any emergency. If you need to leave for a legitimate reason e.g. appointment, feeling unwell, then you must sign out at Aspire / Bow Road reception before you leave. What do I do if I have forgot or lost my ID card? If you have forgotten to bring your ID card, you will need to sign in on the Ipad at Aspire Reception or Bow Road Reception, and wear a temporary badge. If you have lost your lanyard / card, you will need to pay for a new one at Aspire Reception for a cost of £3.25
I’ve got GCSE English and / or GCSE Maths on my timetable do I have to attend?
F.A.Q If I change my mind, can I change subjects?
