Saintfield High School Prospectus 2009

Prospectus

SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

2009

Welcome

Welcome to Saintfield High School Our School Prospectus aims to provide you with an overview of our School days at Saintfield High School ~ enclosed is some background information regarding our teaching environment and learning experiences.

Our prospectus includes information on Pastoral, Curricular (including extra curricular) structures and supporting policies. We welcome applications from children from a wide and diverse range of religious, cultural and international backgrounds. I hope you find our prospectus informative.

It would be impossible to deal in full with every aspect mentioned, therefore, comments have been kept as brief as possible. We are very proud of our pupils who make this School such a success. These successes are a result of three great strengths: 1 A strong School ethos built upon family values and principles.

2 The support and co-operation of parents.

3 A highly motivated and professional team of teaching and non-teaching staff.

V Watt Principal

Contents

Contents

Page

Location Map

Page

Governors/Staffing

Page

Mission Statement

Page

Primary Aim of School

Page

Pastoral Care

Page

Building for the Future ‌

Page

Curriculum Details

Page

Sport/Extra Curricular

Page

Admissions Information

Page

Examination Details

Page

General School Information

Page

Uniform

Page

Charging and Remission Policy

Page

Child Protection Arrangements

Page

Disclaimer

Page

Board Of Governors 2005 - 2009 Chairman Mr W J Dick Secretary Ms V Watt Vice-Chairman Mr S W Carlisle Mr R Burgess, Mr D Donnan, Mr G Jebb, Mr J Megraw, Dr R Montgomery, Mr R Patterson, Mrs M Sore

STAFF 2008 - 2009 Principal Vice-Principal

Ms V Watt, B Ed, M Ed, PG Dip G & C, PGCEd.Man Mrs M Sore, M Ed, BSc(Hons), PGCE, PQH Mr B F Adams, BA, Dip Ed Mrs H Birt, PGCE, B Mus Mr T Bolton, B Ed (Hons), Cert Ed Mr M Carter, BSc (Hons), PGCE Mrs D Cheshire, BA (Hons), PGCE Mrs C Christie, BA (Hons), PGCE Mrs J Collis, B Ed Mrs J Crowe, BSc, PGCE Mrs L Cullen, BA (Hons), PGCE Mrs A Dempsey MSc, PGCE Mrs L Douglas, B Ed (Hons) Mr M Elliott, BA (Hons), PGCE Mrs R Elliott, BSc (Hons), PGCE, Dip PD (SEN) Miss V Harrison, B Ed (Hons) Miss R Herron, BA (Hons), PGCE Mrs E Hyndman, MA, B Ed (Hons), Dip Ed Miss S L Hynds, MA (Hons), MA Hons), PGCE Mrs E Irwin, B Ed, DASE Mrs W Johnston, B Ed, MSc Mrs A Laffin, Cert Ed, DASE Mr T Long, BSc (Hons), PGCE Mr D McCann, BSc (Hons) DIS, PGCE Miss A Mullen, B Ed Mrs J Stranney, BA (Hons), PGCE

Foreign Language Assistant

Mlle L Guèrot

Laboratory Technician

Mrs L McClurg

Technology & Design Technician tba I.C.T. Technician

Mrs M Espeso-Shaw

Classroom Assistants

Mrs C French, Mrs B Hale Mrs C Payne Mrs K Roy, Mrs J Thompson

Administration

Mrs C Gibson (School Secretary) Mrs K Maxwell, Mrs B Fletcher (part-time) , Mrs S J Reid Library Assistant (part-time)

Building Supervisors

Mr T Bland Ms I Leckey

Saintfield High School’s Mission Statement

“All that can be expected from the most perfect institutions is that they should make it possible for individual excellence to develop itself, not that they should produce the perfect individual.”

Henri-Frederic Amiel

The Primary Aim of the School To develop a well ordered school community, in which staff and pupils work together with mutual respect in the pursuit of individual excellence for all pupils.

TO ACHIEVE THIS PRIMARY AIM, WE HAVE FIVE SUBSIDIARY AIMS

Aim 1

Aim 2

Aim 3

Aim 4

Aim 5

To promote the spiritual, moral, cultural and physical development of each pupil

To provide a broad balanced and relevant curriculum for each pupil

To foster a positive, caring environment and develop attitudes through which individuals may learn respect from others and become responsible members of society

To establish a creative and secure educational partnership between the school, the home and the community

To promote self-esteem, confidence and self-discipline among all pupils

Pastoral Care Our Partnership with You, Parents ~ our Partners As members of the teaching and non-teaching staff of Saintfield High School we consider ourselves to be partners with you, the parents, in your child’s learning process. We believe that a pupil’s education is enhanced when parents and teachers share common objectives.

Pastoral Organisation On enrolment at Saintfield High School all pupils are allocated to a tutor group, the maximum size of which rarely exceeds twenty-five pupils. Year 8 pupils are grouped into three mixed ability classes.

In Saintfield High School we believe that pupils learn best when they are in a happy and caring environment where they are respected as individuals.

The team of staff who provide overall pastoral care and who monitor attendance and academic progress include: 1

The Form Tutor Each tutor has specific responsibility for pupils in his/her class group and is the main point of contact for parents. Form Tutors monitor academic progress and exercise pastoral care of the boys and girls in their form class. If pupils have any concerns they may talk to their Form Tutor.

Pastoral care is extended beyond the classroom through a wide range of extra curricular activities.

2

School Counsellor The pastoral guidance given by Form Tutors is supported by the School Counsellor, Mrs E Irwin. Mrs Irwin is also the School’s designated teacher for Child Protection (including bullying). Mrs Irwin has access to appropriate specialist external agencies through the SEELB, South Eastern Trust and Contact Youth.

3 The Head of Senior School and The Head of Junior School The Head of Senior School is Mrs M Sore with Mrs W Johnston as Head of Junior School. Both teachers have special responsibilities for all the classes within their Year groups. They liaise with the Form Tutors and the Principal in all matters pertaining to Pastoral Care.

4

The Vice-Principal for Pastoral Care Mrs M Sore is our Vice-Principal for Pastoral Care. It is her role to provide support for all members of staff in implementing the School’s Pastoral Policies and will liaise with parents, external agencies and the Principal.

The aims of the Pastoral Care Policy underpin the following Policies: • • • • • • • • •

Anti-Bullying Child Protection Crisis Management and Bereavement Drugs Education Personal, Social and Health Education Programme Promoting Positive Behaviour Relationships and Sexuality Education Special Educational Needs Suicide Policy.

If you wish to receive a copy of any of the above documents, please contact the Principal’s Secretary, Mrs C Gibson.

Building for the Future………

The Curriculum Organisation

Subject Art & Design

Junior School

Compulsory

Senior School







Compulsory

Business Studies



Careers Education









English and Media





English Literature Geography

 



Health & Social Care

 

History







Home Economics







Information & Communication Technology







Learning for Life and Work



Modern Language (French)





Music





Mathematics





Occupational Studies Physical Education









 





Physical Education ~ GCSE



Performing Arts





Religious Education









Science ~ General









Science ~ Additional Applied



Science ~ Additional



Technology & Design







For the first three years (Key Stage 3) pupils follow the programmes of study as set out in the Education (NI) Order 2006. The new Revised Curriculum for Key Stage 3 was introduced to Year 8 in September 2007. In Year 8 classes are of mixed ability while in Years 9 and 10 classes are organised into pre-determined groupings.

After parental, pupil and teacher consultation, choices in subject options are made at the end of Year 10. All pupils at Saintfield High School follow examination courses – pupils have the opportunity to study up to 9 GCSE subjects. Results are above the Northern Ireland averages for a school of our type.

The Curriculum Organisation DEPARTMENTS • Business Studies • English And Media Studies • Geography • Health & Social Care • History • Home Economics • Information Technology • Learning For Life And Work • Mathematics • Mordern Languages • Music And Performing Arts • Occupational Studies • Personal Development • Physical Education • Religious Education • Science • Technology & Design

HOME STUDY Parents are encouraged to ensure that each week day evening some one to two hours are spent on hard uninterrupted study.

This will cover not just homework but also extra work, and much needed revision. This is a necessity if work done in class is to be adequately reinforced and developed.

Pupils are provided with a homework diary and a homework timetable is produced for each class to ensure a relatively uniform distribution of homework throughout the week. Parents should ensure that pupils are given privacy, quietness and reasonable facilities for study. Written homework should frequently be signed by parents.

Where in parents’ opinion a homework is too long or difficult for a pupil to finish, a consultation with the subject teacher or form tutor is encouraged.

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMME The progress of all pupils is monitored throughout the year through a process of formal testing, assessment, reviews and reports. Our aim is to ensure that prompt intervention strategies are put in place when deemed necessary.

Specialists in English, Science and Mathematics are involved in supporting teaching and learning in the classroom. Our aim is to maximize the learning opportunities of all our pupils.

Those pupils identified as having a a Special Education Need will benefit from Individual Education Plans drawn up according to the recommendations of their statement of need. The School follows the requirements of the SEN Code of Practice.

Sport School’s Sporting Aims The interaction of individuals and groups through Physical Education.

1 2 3 4

5

To prepare a child for living.

To help them acquire skills.

To prepare them for leisure and recreation.

To encourage the pupil to be critical and inventive and to develop as a person.

To create an appreciation of cultural heritage.

We aim to make pupils proficient competitors in the major sports while giving them a knowledge and understanding of as many sports as resources and time allows.

Sports Available Athletics Badminton Basketball Cricket Cross Country Running Dance (Aerobic, Creative, National) Golf

Gymnastics Hockey Netball Rugby Soccer Swimming Trampolining

Sports Facilities 2 Soccer Pitches Use of Council Hockey Ground

Hire Facilities at: Robinson Centre (swimming pool) Newtownards Leisure Centre

The Department of Education has granted the School an additional Sports Hall, a Sports Pavilion and an upgrade of the School’s playing fields.

Extra Curricular Activities There are lots of clubs and societies in Saintfield High School which pupils are encouraged to join: DAY

ACTIVITY

Monday

Choir

TIME 2.45 - 3.30

DAY Wednesday

SUPERVISION Mrs Birt

No After School Activities - Staff Development, Curriculum Development, etc

Tuesday

Wednesday

Netball Club

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Irwin

Year 11 Coursework Clinic

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Elliott

GCSE Technology Club

2.45 - 3.45

Mr Bolton

Football

2.45 - 3.40

Mr McCann, Mr Carter

Mathematics Year 12

2.45 - 3.40

Mr Long

Mathematics Revision Foundation

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Dempsey

English Pupil Support

2.45 - 3.30

Miss Hynds

English Coursework Clinic

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Stranney, Mrs Cheshire

History/Health & Social Care Support

2.45 - 3.30

Miss Herron

RE Revision Class (after Christmas) 2.45 - 3.30

Miss Harrison

Badminton/Table Tennis – Term 3 2.45 - 3.30

Mr Elliott

S.U.Club/Share Club

12.20 12.50

Miss Harrison, Mrs Cullen, Miss Mullen, Mrs Hyndman, Mrs Cheshire

Drama Club & Performing Arts Group

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Stranney, Mrs Birt, Miss Hynds

Thursday

Friday

ACTIVITY

TIME

SUPERVISION

Senior Art Club

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Christie

Computer Club

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Crowe

GCSE French Study Class

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Collis

Mathematics – Higher Level Yr 11

2.45 - 3.40

Mr Long

Mathematics – Finishing Paper

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Johnston

Judo

2.45 - 3.30

Mr Lightfoot

Duke of Edinburgh Map Work

2.45 - 3.30

Mr Carter (May/June)

Craft Club

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Hyndman

Geography Club

2.45 - 3.30

Mr Carter

Hockey Club

2.45 - 3.45

Miss Herron

Mathematics – N3

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Johnston

Yr 12 Coursework Clinic – Computer Rm

2.45 - 3.30

Miss Mullen

General Fitness (in gym)

2.45 - 3.30

Mr Elliott

Senior Art Club

2.45 - 3.30

Mrs Christie

Duke of Edinburgh (term 2-3 Yr 12)

2.45 - 3.30

Mr Adams

After School Detention/Study

2.45 - 3.45

Mr Adams

The Library is open every break and lunchtime

Admissions Criteria (Transfer Procedure) 2009 Admissions will be determined by a designated sub-committee of the Board of Governors, which shall include the Principal. The Board of Governors, reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on the Transfer Form.

You will be required to present verification documents AFTER your child has been offered a place at the school. Original documents are required and not facsimiles or photocopies. The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide verifying documents according to the required deadline may result in either the withdrawal of a place or the inability of the school to offer a place.

In the event of the school being over-subscribed pupils will be admitted according to the following criteria, applied in the order set down: (a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e) (f)

Pupils transferring who have an older brother/sister including step brother sister enrolled at the school at the date of completion of the Transfer Report Form. Applicants should record on the Transfer Form the name of brother/sister, step brother/sister and date of enrolment at the school.

Pupils who have had an older brother/sister including step brother/sister who attended the school. Applicants should record on the Transfer Form the name of brother/sister, step brother/sister who attended and date he/she left Saintfield High School.

Pupils whose parent/parents are permanent employees of the school at the date of transfer.

Pupils who are transferring from primary/preparatory schools which have contributed to the school’s enrolment in the past five years as part of the Transfer Procedure. (List detailed below).

Pupils who are the eldest or only child in their families.

Pupils who have had a parent/parents* who attended the school Applicants should record on the Transfer Form the name of the parent parents (maiden name if applicable) and the dates when they attended Saintfield High School.

*This includes those with Parental Responsibility

If following the application of the above criteria in order there comes a point where there are more pupils who meet a particular criterion than there are places available then preference will be given to pupils whose normal place of residence is closest

to the school. This will be determined by the measurement of distance between the pupil’s normal place of residence and this school’s Belfast Road entrance, as the crow files, using an Ordnance Survey web distance measurement tool.

Should the measurement of distance prove to be inconclusive, in any given instance, preference will be given to the younger pupil.

The following primary schools have contributed pupils to Saintfield High School as part of the Transfer process in the past five years: Academy Primary School Alexander Dickson Primary School Andrews Memorial Primary School Ballycloughan Primary School Ballykeigle Primary School Ballynahinch Primary School Beechlawn Primary School Cairnshill Primary School Carr Primary School Carrickmannon Primary School Carryduff Primary School Cedar Integrated Primary School

Comber Primary School Derryboy Primary School Down High Prep Downpatrick Primary School Glasswater Primary School Harding Memorial Killinchy Primary School Knockbreda Primary School Moneyreagh Primary School Newtownbreda Primary School Strathearn St Mary’s Primary School, Comber

ARRANGEMENTS IN RELATION TO APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO YEAR 8 AFTER 2009/20010 SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS If admission becomes possible after commencement of the 2009 School year, the above criteria will also be applied, in the first instance, to those applicants who have previously been refused a place in the School during Transfer procedure and who are on our Waiting List on the day a place becomes available providing: 1

2

Their Parents have informed the School in writing, after the transfer placement has been received that they wish their child to be placed on a waiting list which will be effective from 1 September 2009; Their parents have informed the School in writing which School their child has been allocated to in the Transfer Procedure.

Admissions APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSIONS Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Admission 65 65 68 68 68

Enrolment 329 336 343 348 353

September 2004:

71 applications

65 pupils admitted

September 2005:

96 applications

65 pupils admitted

September 2006:

105 applications

68 pupils admitted

September 2007:

112 applications

68 pupils admitted

September 2008:

114 applications

68 pupils admitted

ADMISSION DETAILS

Destination Of The 66 Year 12 Pupils (June 2008) ATTENDANCE: In 2007 - 2008 the Average Daily Attendance rate was 93.8%.

Year

School Percentage

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

94.10% 94.30% 94.20% 93.80%

Northern Ireland Average Percentage 90.68% 90.42% 90.40% not available

A Levels at FE College (1) A Levels Grammar School (25)

Employment (6)

FE College (30)

SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Apprenticeship (2)

Seeking Employment (1)

Emigrated (1)

Examination Results The importance of examinations for entry to further education and employment cannot be overlooked. Our teaching organisation encourages pupils to attempt external examinations. It is our experience very few pupils opt out of the full range of subjects. Results in these examinations have been of a consistently high standard over many years. It is school policy that all pupils attempt the fullest range of subjects possible at GCSE level plus other non-GCSE options. On average each pupil attempts seven GCSE examinations.

GCSE Examination Results 2007-2008 Number of Year 12 Number of subjects offered Of the 66 pupils 64 were entered for 8 or more subjects Of these: 45 achieved 5 or more subjects at grades A* - C 64 achieved 7 or more subjects at grades A* - G

66 16 97%

Grade A* English 66 Entries

69.5% of all GCSE examination entries produced A*, A, B, & C grades

Grade B

Grade C

Grade D

Grade E

1 1.51%

12 18.18%

28 42.42%

18 27.27%

6 9.09%

Grade F

2 3.03%

3 4.54%

17 25.75%

22 33.33%

14 21.21%

5 7.57%

2 3.03%

Science: 65 Entries

3 4.61%

2 3.07%

17 26.2%

29 44.6%

10 15.4%

3 17.6%

1 1.5%

Learning For Life And Work 66 Entries

9 13.63%

19 28.78%

15 22.72%

9 13.63%

7 10.60%

3 4.54%

French 36 Entries

3 8.33%

10 27.77%

15 41.66%

5 13.9%

2 5.5%

1 2.7%

15 30.0%

9 18.0%

6 12.0%

6 12.0%

8 16.0%

3 6.0%

History 17 Entries

1 5.9%

1 5.9%

9 52.94%

1 5.9%

3 17.64%

1 5.9%

Art & Design 9 Entries

1 7.69%

3 23.07%

2 15.38%

5 38.46%

2 15.38%

3 15.8%

7 36.8%

7 36.8% 7 53.84%

2 15.38%

1 7.69%

8 47.05%

1 5.88%

Geography 50 Entries

2 4.0%

2 10.5%

Business Studies 13 Entries 4 23.52%

English Literature 11 Entries

4 23.52%

7 77.77%

Home Economics 9 Entries

98.5% of all entries gained A* - G grades

Business And Comm. Systems 17 Entries

As well as their academic achievements no pupil left in 2008 without having developed a wide range of skills in sport, music, hobbies plus personal and social skills.

Religious Studies 66 Entries Technology & Design 17 Entries

1 5.9%

1 5.88%

Performing Arts 2 Entries

U

1 1.51%

4 6.06%

1 2.0% 1 5.9%

3 23.07%

2 22.22%

1 5.9%

3 17.6%

7 41.2%

1 5.9%

2 11.7%

2 11.7%

3 4.54%

7 10.6%

24 36.36%

16 24.61%

6 9.23%

4 6.15%

3 4.61%

2 3.07%

4 23.52%

3 17.64%

8 47.05%

1 5.88%

1 50.0%

1 50.0%

F 17 3.06%

G 8 1.44%

U 8 1.44%

Physical Education 21 Entries

1 4.76%

1 4.76%

2 9.52%

10 47.61%

3 14.28%

4 19.04%

Totals 554 Entries

A* 13 2.34%

A 57 10.27%

B 114 20.54%

C 202 36.39%

D 87 15.53%

E 49 8.75%

% OF RESULTS GRADED A* - C = 69.5%

Grade G

1 1.51%

Mathematics 66 Entries

Additional Science 19 Entries

68.2% 97%

Grade A

% OF RESULTS GRADED A* - E = 94.0%

% OF RESULTS GRADED A* - G = 98.5%

Examinations EXAMINATIONS OFFERED GCSE Art and Design Business Studies English English Literature French Geography Health & Social Care History Home Economics Information & Communication Technology Learning for Life and Work Mathematics Occupational Studies Performing Art Physical Education Religious Studies Science: General Science: Additional Science: Additional Applied Technology & Design

EXAMINING BOARD

KEY STAGE 3: TEACHER ASSESSMENT AND TEST OUTCOMES 2007/08 Subject

CCEA CCEA CCEA CCEA AQA AQA AQA AQA CCEA CCEA CCEA CCEA AQA AQA AQA CCEA AQA AQA AQA CCEA

English Teacher Assessment English Test Mathematics Teacher Assessment Mathematics Test Science Teacher Assessment Science Test

Working towards Level 1

1

2

3

-

-

-

1.5

-

-

-

-

-

-

7

8

Level not achieved

Abs

Ex

18.2 53.0 27.3

-

-

-

-

-

1.5

9.1

-

-

-

1.5

-

-

1.5

21.1 50.0 31.8

4.5

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6.1

36.4 43.9 10.6

-

-

3.0

-

-

-

-

-

10.6 45.5 43.9

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

16.7 39.4 40.9

-

-

-

3.0

-

4

5

6

50.0 27.3

NICCEA (Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment); AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance).

Not everything that happens in a school can be measured by examination results. Personal and social skills, motivation, loyalty, idealism and spiritual qualities, more important to many, and largely immeasurable in examinations, are developed in this school.

School Code Of Behaviour These are in place to help the School to run smoothly and to protect both people and property.

1 Good behaviour and respect for others is expected both inside and outside school and when travelling to and from school including the school buses.

2 Pupils are expected to be punctual, both arriving at school each morning by 8.25am at the latest and when changing classes.

3

Pupils are not allowed to leave school before 2.40pm. Any Doctor Dental appointments should be after school. Exceptions to this rule require a note from a parent or guardian. If absent from school a pupil must bring a note of explanation to his/her Form Tutor on the day of his/her return.

4 Pupils do not leave the school grounds at lunchtime unless they are going HOME for lunch and have gained a lunchtime pass from the Vice-Principal.

5 Pupils should keep to the left hand side of the corridor when WALKING through the building.

6 Damaging school property or the property of other pupils is a serious offence. Any damage should be reported without delay. Pupils may have to pay for damage caused.

7 Pupils must abide by the rules regarding school uniform as the wearing of school uniform is compulsory. Pupils must change into full school uniform at the end of after school sporting activities.

8

All personal property should be clearly marked with the owner’s name.

Pupils are responsible for their own belongings and valuable items must NOT be left in the cloakrooms or changing rooms. They must be kept on the person or placed in the care of a responsible person.

9 Pupils are not permitted to bring mobile ‘phones into school. If, because of exceptional circumstance, a ‘phone is needed after school, the ‘phone should be given to the School Secretary or to the Form

Tutor on entering the school building and collected at the end of the day.

10 Chewing gum should not be brought into school. It is not permitted in any part of the school.

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR • Good behaviour is expected from each pupil in the school, indeed unless good behaviour is present effective teaching and learning cannot take place.

• Society rightly expects that a school sends out its pupils with high standards of behaviour.

• The three most important spheres of influence on behaviour are home, church and school. Each needs to play a full part in the education process.

• In this school we seek to encourage the development of self discipline with mutual respect for others. Abundant opportunities are provided for children to be engaged in worthwhile activities where such development may readily take place.

• When behaviour in school is unacceptable there is a need for sanction and punishment. These include, in ascending order or seriousness: (a) Sanctions within the classroom - rebuke, repetition of work, detention.

(b) Sanctions within the school - referral to particular staff, being put on daily report, parents asked into the school, temporary exclusion.

(c) Sanctions outside the school - suspension and expulsion following communication with Board Officers and Chairman of Board of Governors.

Parents should note that normally they will be informed in advance when pupils are detained and that entitlement to free transport does not itself exempt a pupil from detention.

The school policy on Promoting Positive Behaviour is circulated to all parents of Year 8 pupils each June and reviewed annually.

REPORTS Progress of all pupils is monitored throughout the year by continuous assessment and by examinations in the Summer Term. Those taking external examinations are given a trial examination also in the Spring Term of Year 11 and Year 12. Reports are issued twice a year. Parents should feel free to enquire about their children’s progress at any time and likewise the school will bring to parents’ attention any problems needing their assistance either by letter or Daily Report Card. There is a separate Parents’ Consultation Meeting for each year group annually and parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend.

School Trips

• Austria

• Belgium

• Switzerland

• Spain

• France

• America

• Italy An educational visit to a destination within Northern Ireland is organised in June each year for all year 8 (first form) pupils. Educational visits occur throughout the school year and parents are kept fully informed of such events in advance.

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH SCHEME This Scheme is very popular with pupils of fourteen years of age and over and aims to provide an introduction to worthwhile leisure activities and voluntary services, as a challenge to the individual in discovering the satisfaction of achievement.

Career And Counselling Routine counselling is offered to all pupils with the emphasis being on helping them to make their own decisions in life. Pupils are also able to consult the school counsellor to discuss personal problems and problems affecting their lives in general. Current careers information is freely available on request from the Careers Library which is managed by senior pupils.

Pupils in Year 11 spend a week in the Summer Term on a Work Experience opportunity.

The Careers Officer from the Department for Employment and Learning visits the school weekly to give any practical help necessary. Careers talks and visits are provided for school leavers.

Year 12 pupils experience simulated interviews which provide invaluable experience of the real thing. Year 10 pupils begin the process of personal career planning through the Learning for Life and Work programme which is continued into Year 11 through timetabled careers periods and the ‘Employability’ programme of study.

A Whole School Approach to the Management of the Issues Pertaining to Bullying Behaviour In Saintfield High School we firmly believe that every child has the right to learn and every teacher also has the right to teach in an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation. We do not tolerate any form of bullying.

If a teacher witnesses a bullying incident or has a bullying incident reported to them, they will immediately investigate by speaking to the parties involved. Each case will be followed up to support/prevent a recurrence of the problem. It is the bullying behaviour we disapprove of … not the pupil(s).

The lines of communication are illustrated on the following diagram: PRINCIPAL Ms Watt VICE-PRINCIPAL Mrs Sore

MRS JOHNSTON

MRS IRWIN

MRS SORE

(Head of Junior School)

(School Counsellor)

(Head of Senior School)

FORM TUTOR

TEACHER

Parents and pupil(s) are the central focus of our lines of communication.

School Uniform Every pupil wears school uniform. Details are as follows:

GIRLS Blazer

A black blazer with school badge

Skirt

Grey - length NOT shorter than midway between end of blazer and knee

Shirt

White with Junior or Senior School tie

Jumper

Maroon ‘V’ neck

Shoes

Plain black low heeled, soft soled school shoes (no fashion shoes, trainers or pumps)

Tights

Black tights

Outwear

Official School outdoor coat

Bag

Plain black

Summer Term In the summer term a short sleeved white blouse can be worn.

PE Skirt

Black pleated games skirt

Blouse

Maroon polo shirt

Shorts

Black stretch shorts

Socks

Maroon long sports sock with 3 black bands

Coat

Black outdoor coat with school badge

Trousers

Black tracksuit bottoms

Gym Shoes White with non-marking sole

Shin pads and gum shield are recommended

School Uniform BOYS Blazer

A black blazer with school badge

Trousers

Black

Shirt

White with Junior or Senior School tie

Pullover

Maroon ‘V’ neck

Socks

Grey or black

Shoes

Plain black, soft soled school shoes (not gym shoes or boots)

Outwear

Official School outdoor coat

Bag

Plain black

Summer Term In the summer term a short sleeved white shirt can be worn with tie

PE Shorts

Black two tone soccer short

Vest

Maroon rugby shirt with white collar

Socks

Maroon long sports sock with 3 black bands

Coat

Black outdoor coat with school badge

Trousers

Black tracksuit bottoms

Gym Shoes White with non-marking sole Football boots

Shin pads and gum shield are recommended The official outfitters to the School are:

Messrs David A Marshall & Son, 74 Main Street, Saintfield • Tel: 02897 510315

For both Boys and Girls a CONVENTIONAL hairstyle is considered to be part of the uniform requirement.

Jewellery is kept to a minimum for reasons of safety, distraction and loss of property: •

• • •

One small plain gold/silver stud ear-ring is allowed in the lobe of each ear – rings/hoops are not permitted.

One small ring and watch allowed.

Only badges associated with school to be worn in school.

No chewing gum, peanuts or nut products are permitted within school premises.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ALL ARTICLES ARE CLEARLY MARKED WITH PUPIL’S NAME IN INDELIBLE INK

DRUG EDUCATION POLICY “Children are influenced by their peers, their parents, youth culture, the media and others - but education, in particular through the schools, has a key role to play in ensuring that young people know the risks of drug taking and have the knowledge and skills to resist”. (Drug Prevention and Schools: DFE 1994)

Within the curriculum of Saintfield High School drug education is organised through the Personal, Social and Health Education Programme (PD) of the school and augmented by the subject programmes of study. Appropriate external speakers are invited to expand on relevant topics throughout the year.

The PD Programme takes into account the age and perceived level of maturity of the pupils in each year group.

Resources and materials included in the Personal Development Programme will be under constant review

CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY The Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 retains a general commitment to the concept of free education for all pupils throughout the period of compulsory schooling. However the Board of Governors seek an annual voluntary contribution of £20 per family to a School fund designed to support a wide variety of extra curricular activities for pupils in years 8-12.

All teaching of subjects prescribed in the Northern Ireland Curriculum is given free of charge to parents, as are all entries for public examinations offered by the School and taken by pupils for the first time. Parental requests for the re-marking of External Examinations will be charged for in full.

Individual tuition in a musical instrument is at a nominal fee of £150 tuition and £35 instrument hire per annum – subject to review. The instrument hire is free to pupils whose parents are receiving Income Support. No charges are made for transport of pupils representing the School, for example in team games, inter school quizzes, community service or musical events.

However, charges are made where parents indicate in advance a wish to own a finished product, for ingredients, materials and/or components used within practical areas of the curriculum like Home Economics or Technology and Design. Similarly, where parents have agreed to their child’s participation in a residential trip which takes place mainly outside School hours, charges are made to cover the costs involved. Optional activities organised by the School which require charges to be made, require the written consent of parents before their children are permitted to participate in them.

Fuller details of the School’s policy on Charging and Remissions may be had from the Secretary to the Board of Governors.

All documentation related to the delivery and management of the School curriculum plus South Eastern Board information and departmental circulars are accessible in the School Office subject to an appointment being made through the school office.

SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL’S CHILD PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS (a) If any parents have concerns about the safety of their (or another) child they can inform: (i) Ms Watt, the Principal, or (ii) Mrs Irwin, the School Counsellor, who is the Designated Teacher

responsible for co-ordinating action on Child Protection

Arrangements,

or (iii) Mrs Sore, the Vice-Principal, in the absence of Mrs Irwin. (b) Reporting back on the progress and outcome of a complaint will be by the Designated Teacher approached. (c) Other avenues open to parents to pursue their complaint if they remain dissatisfied with the outcome is first to refer the matter to the Principal if she has not as yet been involved, or second to refer the matter to the Chairperson of the Board of Governors. A flow-chart of the process is shown below.

HOW A PARENT CAN MAKE THEIR CONCERNS KNOWN TO THE SCHOOL

I have a concern about my/a child’s safety I can talk to the class/form tutor If I am still concerned, I can talk to the Designated Teacher for child protection Mrs Irwin - School Counsellor/Mrs Sore - VP If I am still concerned, I can talk to the Principal – Ms Watt If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the Chairman of the Board of Governors At any time, I can talk to Social Services or the Police LOCAL CARE Unit

The details contained in this Prospectus are correct at December 2008, but should any subsequent changes take place, these will be published in the Board of Governors’ Annual Report and records of the changes will be available from the School Office.

Term dates and holidays for 2009 - 2010 will be known in May 2009. Details of these dates are issued to pupils in September 2009.

Please take time to visit our school website on: www.saintfieldhighschool.ik.org

Golden Jubilee Celebrations 1958 - 2008

Location Map for Saintfield High School BELFAST

Ballygowan & Comber

Playing Fields

Entrance to SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL on Comber Road

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r be

m Co

Lisburn Bank

Ro

SHS

SAINTFIELD

Killyleagh

Ballynahinch

Crossgar & Downpatrick

SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL 21 Comber Road, Saintfield BT24 7BB Tel: 02897 510356 • Fax: 02897 510254 E.mail: info@saintfield.saintfield.ni.sch.uk • Web: www.saintfieldhighschool.ik.org