Priory school prospectus 2014-2015

Prospectus 2014 / 2015 The Priory School, Shrewsbury Business & Enterprise College An Academy Trust

“In pursuit of excellence - together we can make it happen”

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk The Priory School, Longden Road Shrewsbury, SY3 9EE

View videos on our YouTube Channel by clicking the links below: Welcome Art Business Design Technology Drama English Food and Textiles Geography History Computing & ICT Languages Learning Resource Centre Life Maths Music Physical Education Religious Philosophy Science

“In pursuit of excellence - together we can make it happen”

Welcome ................................................................4 GCSE Results .........................................................6 Examination Results 2014........................................7 The School Day.......................................................8 The School Curriculum ............................................9 Curriculum ............................................................11 Content and Organisation of Curriculum .................12 Beyond The Classroom .........................................14 Activities and Visits ................................................16 Homework ............................................................18 Communcation with Parents on Student Progress...19 Academy Status....................................................21 Provision for Students with Special Needs ..............22 At The Priory School, We Believe In... .....................23 Our School Code of Conduct ................................24 Student Life...........................................................25 Charity Fundraising ................................................26 Absence and Illness ..............................................27 Uniform.................................................................28 Getting To and From School ..................................28 Parent Pay @ The Priory School .............................29 What is the Priory School’s Admission Process? .....30 Mid-Term or In-Year Admissions..............................32 The information in this booklet is correct at the time of printing but it is possible that changes may be made before or after the school year starts.

More detailed information, including policies and procedures can be found on our website: www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk 3

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Welcome from the Chair of Governors Dear Parent/Carer We are delighted that you are considering The Priory School for your child.

The Priory School prides itself on providing a safe and happy environment which has been described by parents and students as like being part of a large family.

All of our efforts are aimed at achieving our motto:

“In pursuit of excellence - together we can make it happen�

We believe that every student has the capacity to achieve their own personal excellence and it is our pleasure to support them on their educational journey through secondary education.

We provide students with a rich and wide variety of learning, both within and outside of school, that aims to fully engage students. We encourage students to grasp the wide range of extracurricular activities offered by the school.

We hope that our prospectus provides you with the information you require but would urge you to visit our school website: www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk, where you can find out even more about the school.

Yours sincerely

David Coull Chair of Governors

4

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

At the Priory School we aim to help each student by... enriching his or her life prepare them for educational choice supporting their learning through monitoring their progress against expected grades and taking appropriate action as and when required offering guidance or counselling, helping them to make their own decisions assisting them to develop their own life-style and to respect that of others maintaining an orderly atmosphere in which all this is possible

At The Priory School we believe that...

The education of every child is of equal value, so that the best possible opportunities shall be pursued according to individual ability and aptitude All academic ability should be recognised and fostered so that individual excellence can be achieved The social, moral and spiritual development of the students is of equal importance and that, in seeking to develop these, high standards of conduct, speech, social awareness and personal relationships shall be fostered and encouraged at all times

5

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Overview of GCSE Results 2014 All

Boys

Girls

Number of Candidates

168

95

73

Achieving 5+ A* (including English and Maths)

132

73

59

45

20

25

Achieving 5+ A*- C

141

79

62

Achieving 5+ A*- G

168

95

73

APS

440

435

446

Average Capped Score

354

348

360

Achieving 5 A*/A

NOTES The comparative tables of school performance information provided by the Department for Education and Shropshire Education Authority are published in November and may be obtained from school on request.

APS - In order to report all approved qualifications in the Tables, the Department for Education (DfE) assigns a points value to all qualifications in order to allow comparison between qualifications of different level, size and grading system. These performance measurement figures are based on the relative challenge and size of a qualification.

6

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Examination Results 2014 Number of students: 169 Boys: 95 Girls: 74

GCSE Results Art & Design

48

2

9

11

15

5

Graphics

28

Drama

20

Music

4

0

5

10

9

4

0

3

12

2

3

0

0

16

1

2

5

3

4

0

Business Studies

47

3

9

16

9

6

3

D&T Food Tech

28

5

10

5

4

3

0

Product Design

40

0

8

10

10

6

4

Child Development

20

1

1

6

5

3

3

Economics

13

1

4

4

1

1

English

118

9

26

39

27

English Literature

118

5

32

35

34

English Language & Literature

50

3

9

16

French

68

8

20

14

Spanish

10

0

2

Geography

79

16

26

History

78

7

26

Religious Study F

63

12

19

1

1

77.08

41.88

0

0

85.71

43.43

0

0

100

50.50

0

1

68.75

41.50

1

0

78.72

43.57

1

0

85.71

47.29

2

0

70

40.90

1

0

65

39.70

2

0

0

76.92

44.62

11

5

1

0

85.59

44.78

10

1

1

0

89.83

45.03

14

6

2

0

0

84

43.96

22

3

1

0

0

94.12

46.44

2

2

4

0

0

0

60

41.20

18

14

3

1

1

0

93.67

48.35

18

13

5

3

2

4

81.01

43.90

23

9

0

0

0

0

100

49.24

Religious Study S

100

0

7

31

36

10

9

4

3

73.27

39.19

Information Technology S

143

14

65

46

13

4

1

0

0

96.5

48.90

Mathematics

163

16

26

46

55

8

7

3

2

85.12

42.63

50

0

5

13

19

8

3

2

0

74

40.36

Media Studies Psychology

93

14

40

20

13

3

2

1

0

88.68

44.30

136

4

21

38

56

14

3

0

0

87.50

43.18

Biology

29

3

9

9

5

2

1

0

0

89.66

46.62

Chemistry

29

5

8

8

5

3

0

0

0

89.66

47.45

Statistics

Physics

29

4

7

7

8

2

1

0

0

89.66

46

Science Core

139

1

14

26

41

32

17

6

2

58.99

38.37

Science Additional

118

3

13

28

39

31

4

0

0

70.34

41.22

16

0

7

2

3

4

0

0

0

75

44.50

12

0

2

3

3

4

0

0

0

0

100

Sport/PE Studies A Level Equivalent EPQ

7

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

The School Day The building is open for access by the children from 8.15am and the school day starts at 8.35am. Lessons end at 3.00pm and the building remains open until 10.00pm as we encourage community use of the building for adult leisure, recreation and learning.

The Learning Resource Centre is open every day until 4.00pm.

The day is divided into five lessons of 60 minutes each as follows: 8.35am

Registration

8.40am

Lesson 1

9.40am

Lesson 2

10.40am

Break

11.00am

Lesson 3

12.00am

Lesson 4

12.50pm

Year 7’s go into the canteen for lunch

1.00pm

Lunch Break

1.40pm

Assemblies or Tutor Period

2.00pm

Lesson 5

3.00pm

End of Day

We believe that it is important for students to feel part of the larger school community through regular Assemblies. Assemblies are led by senior members of staff and are either for individual year groups, combined assemblies for Years 7, 8 and 9 or Years 10 and 11. Building a sense of community is very important to us.

8

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

The School Curriculum The school’s curriculum aims to offer a broad and balanced education suited to students of all abilities.

We want our students to: do their best enjoy learning and come to see education as a life-long process develop the attitudes, understanding and skills necessary to build high self-esteem, exercise independence and initiative and to work, participate and thrive in a democratic society develop lively, enquiring minds and the ability to: find and use information question and debate rationally apply understanding and skills in order to address issues, solve problems and carry out practical tasks develop personal values and gain understanding of the values and ways of other people and other cultures; understand the world in which they live and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations; develop appreciation and concern for the environment; work co-operatively with others

Students follow a broad and balanced two year Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) during which the foundation for further learning is embedded. Please refer to the chart on page 10 for a full list of the subjects studied.

In Year 9 students have an enrichment year during which they have the opportunity to have a real flavour of higher study within their subjects.

Core subjects (English, Maths, Science, including those students going on to study Biology, Physics and Chemistry) have the opportunity to start elements of their GCSE courses towards the summer term in Year 9. Students are provided with an opportunity to make some subject choices for their studies in Years 10 and 11.

Students in year 7 and 8 will receive 6 hours of Chinese/Mandarin.

Chinese is delivered by withdrawing students from lessons on a rolling programme.

9

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

The School Curriculum (cont) We currently offer five different pathways in Year 10 and 11 and continuously strive to ensure the curriculum is as personalized as possible. For students who are more academically able, we offer the opportunity to study up to 12 GCSE’s and for academically gifted students there is also the opportunity to study the Extended Project Qualification at A/S level. Other students study between seven and ten GCSE’s.

We also offer very personalised routes for these students who are not yet ready for GCSE’s, with courses at ‘entry level’ which provide a good foundation to go on to study GCSE’s at a later stage.

Parents can be confident that the school ensures that they are fully informed and involved in student choices for Years 10 and 11.

The school also aims, through its emphasis on business and enterprise, to enhance the curriculum by: Building and extending on our excellence in academic standards Active involvement with the local community Preparing students effectively for the world of work and further education through enterprise curriculum enrichment and partnerships with business that leads to diversified 14-19 educational pathways Business is taught for one hour per week in Years 7, 8 and 9.

Students can then opt to study Business or Economics GCSE in Years 10 and 11.

10

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Curriculum 4 lessons GCSE course in English Language and English Literature

3 lessons

3 lessons

3 lessons

3 lessons

3 lessons

3 lessons

4 lessons GCSE course inc Statistics for some students

3 lessons

3 lessons

3 lessons

5 hours triple Science, (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), OR Core Science and Additional Science OR Cambridge National Science

2 lessons

2 lessons

2 lessons

2 lessons Core

1 lesson

Resistant Materials, Food Technology 1 lesson each

2 lessons optional GCSE courses

2 lessons optional GCSE courses

Art, Drama & Music 1 lesson each

French 3 lessons

French and Spanish 3 lessons

French and Spanish 3 lessons

2 lessons optional GCSE courses

Students experience 6 hours of Chinese per year

Geography, History, Business & Enterprise, Religious Philosophy 1 lesson each

Religious Philosophy 1 lesson GCSE short/full course

2 lessons optional GCSE courses

Literacy/ Numeracy for students who do not study French 3 lessons

Setting in Maths and English from first half-term.

Mixed ability in all other subjects PE do set students on occasions according to the sport / activity being undertaken

28

Literacy/ Numeracy for students who do not study Spanish 1-3 lessons

Yr 10 & 11 Students chose 4 options from the following subjects: Applied Art, Art & Design,Business, Child Development, Drama, ‘AS level’ Extended Project (AS), Food, French, Geography, History, Computing & ICT, Law, Music, PE, Personalised Learning,Psychology, Spanish, Computer Graphic Design, Product Design.

Setting within broad ability bands in Maths, English, Science, Languages, Humanities Mixed ability in other subjects

Setting in Core subjects

PE do set students on occasions according to the sport / activity being undertaken

28

28

25

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

25

Content and Organisation of Curriculum The school has moved to a two year Key Stage 3 with the Key Stage effectively ending at the end of Year 8. Students then move onto a “bridging / enrichment year� (Year 9) where they are given a wide range of experiences of work at GCSE level.

Business and Enterprise College activities extend throughout the school. Students are provided with opportunities to develop business and enterprise skills through learning experiences in academic areas.

Students are placed in classes according to their ability in English and Maths shortly after they arrive in Year 7 to ensure they continue to make progress in these subjects. In Year 7 English and Maths are taught in eight classes to allow for more focussed intervention. In Physical Education there is some grouping according to ability and the sport that is being taught.

Drama, Music, Art and Technology are taught in mixed ability groups throughout the school.

All other subjects are taught in mixed ability groups in Year 7 and in sets according to their ability and level of achievement from Year 8 onwards.

Those students who arrive in school below Level 4 in English and/or Maths are withdrawn from French. Parents are consulted on this decision. The students then study extra numeracy and literacy.

The size of the teaching group varies according to the subject and set. The average number in a classroom based group is usually 28, and in Design and Technology the average is around 20.

The Learning Support Department offers help and guidance for those children who experience learning difficulties, as well as students who have statements of special educational needs.

The school has a policy of including all students in the broad and balanced curriculum.

Students with mobility difficulties gain access via two lifts in the school to the first floor of the building and so have access to all subject areas.

12

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Content and Organisation of Curriculum (cont) We encourage the use of ICT as a learning tool in all subjects. The school maintains an internal network, which can be accessed in five specialist computer rooms and across the school in teaching classrooms and the Learning Resource Centre. There is also a Business and Enterprise Resource Centre which provides students with a learning experience akin to a miniconference centre. The school also has a Virtual Learning Environment which students can access from home as well as at school. This allows access to subject specific software and resources as well as students own work.

Each academic area is led by a School Improvement Facilitator (SIF). They are responsible for the subject content, in line with published national curriculum criteria and programmes of study, the deployment of teachers in the team and the allocation of children to groups or sets.

Teaching Assistants are deployed to support individual students with their learning and also provide support for the teacher in carrying out their professional duties.

13

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Beyond The Classroom Providing students with opportunities to be involved in school productions and sporting activities is essential.

Our school calendar of productions is as follows: 26 – 28 November – School Production – Fame 12 March – Pro 15 9 July – Summer Concert We continue to achieve success across a range of sports.

In football Years 8 and 10 won their tournaments to be crowned District 5 a side Champions for 2014. In addition, Years 7 and 10 were runners up in the district 11 a side competition.

The Year 8 boys cricket team defeated 5 other Shropshire schools before finishing as runners up in the U13 County Cricket ‘Chance to Shine’ competition.

The school also enjoyed great success in netball with Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 ending the year as District Cup winners.

The district rounders’ tournaments also went well for the girls with Years 7 and 8 finishing as runners up and Year 9 winning their tournament.

The school also entered the badminton competition in the Wenlock Olympics and students won silver and bronze medals.

We believe that clubs and activities taking place outside the classroom and after school hours are an important part of the life of the school. These activities enrich the education we provide, they help our young people to develop their own personal qualities and strengths and use their initiative.

14

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Beyond The Classroom (cont) Activities and clubs available are: Business & Enterprise:

Year 10 Young Enterprise, Business Academy Key Stage 3

Sport:

Netball, Rugby, Dance, Gymnastics, Badminton, Football, Table Tennis, Tennis, Rounders, Athletics, Cricket, Softball, Volleyball, Trampoline, Health and Fitness and Basketball.

Music:

Violin, Woodwind, Guitar, Brass, Drumkit, Piano and Keyboard, instrumental lessons are available. The tuition is provided by a range of teachers and further details are available on the school website in the Parents sections entitled Music Provision Booklet.

Clubs include Wind Ensemble, Violin Ensemble, School Production, PRO talent shows and Showstoppers Choir.

Drama Club:

Drama Club. In addition, there are yearly school productions and the series of PRO shows which showcase talent.

Art & Design

A chance to catch up with work after school. A variety of themed Art Clubs run throughout the year.

Geography/History Psycology/RP:

Weekly help and homework club, extra revision sessions, GCSE one to one support when necessary.

Food Technology:

Weekly GCSE support, GCSE One-to-one support when necessary, Study support Year 7 – 9 (Food and Textiles as required).

Religious Philosophy:

Help and homework club, extra revision sessions, “top up” sessions after school to students wishing to do full course GCSE

Languages:

French and Spanish conversation practice after-school for Year 11

Learning Resource Centre:

The Learning Resource Centre is open all day and students can use this at break and lunch time and for an hour each evening after school. There is homework club on two evenings per week and a reading club called Blurbs at lunch time three times a term

Other Clubs:

Ju Jitsu & Martial Arts, Rock Solid Club, Jewellery making.

Duke of Edinburgh Award:

Bronze Award for Years 10 and 11. Open Gold Award expedition in collaboration with Shrewsbury Darwin Rotary Award for Year 11.

Charity:

Fund Raising - through the year group and other organised events

Houses:

Competitions - Sport, Quiz, Pro 15, House Credits and Commendations for good work.

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

15

Activities and Visits A wide range of activities and visits has taken place during the 2013-2014 academic year. The purpose of these is to engage students in learning beyond the classroom and build links with the community through extending learning opportunities. These visits also provide opportunities for personal and social development.

Residential visits were made to New York (Year 11, Business Studies/History), Paris (Year 10 French), Cantabria, (Year 8), Arthog (Year 9), Amsterdam, Andorra (skiiing all years) and PGL, (Year 7). In addition, expeditions were organised for Year 10 and 11 participants in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Visits out of school during the day or evening have been made to various businesses such as Enginuity, RAF Cosford, Chester Zoo, Crocky Trail, The Quarry, Cineworld, Pizza hut, Radbrook Shopping Centre, Charles Darwin Shopping Centre, NEC, Telford Ice Rink, Theatres, Magistrates Court, High Ropes Course, Liverpool Art Galleries, AMF Bowling and Big Bang Fayre.

16

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Activities and Visits (cont) The following are guest business speakers who have visited the school: Film Technology Group

Morris Care

Armed Forces

Shrewsbury Hospital

Saxonby Construction

Harper Adams University

Alstrom

Farm Friends

Royal Navy

Turtle Doves

Reaseheath College

Kelly Dancewear

The Fergus Care Home

Fran O’Boyle Storyteller/Writer

Ringway

Shrewsbury College

Faulkes Telescope

Dyke Yaxley

Barclays Bank

Walford & North Shropshire

Robotics Renewable Energy

Cruckton Hall

College

Book Feast, R. Robinson Author

Aanar Heating

RAF

Caterpillar

Andrews, Orme & Hinton

Andrew Fusek Peters

Shrewsbury Sixth Form College

Whittingham Riddell

Coverage Care

Wave-length

Community Fire Service

Police Service

The Priory School always ensures the right level of supervision as safety is priority.

17

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Homework A well-planned and well-managed homework programme helps students to develop the skills and attitudes they will need for successful lifelong learning. Homework also helps create in students a sense of responsibility for their own education, provides opportunities for them to reflect on their learning, supports the development of independent learning skills and provides parents with an opportunity to take part in their child's education.

Any learning activity that students are asked to do outside of normal lesson time can be regarded as homework.

We offer a variety of tasks for homework which include: Reading

Report writing

Listening

Drafting

Watching

Model making

Researching

Revising

Drawing

Designing

Memory work

Interviewing

Investigating

Essay writing

18

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Communication with Parents on Student Progress We provide parents with information about their child’s progress at a consultation evening with subject teachers, via an annual written report to parents and then through the Personalised Planning Day interview with the Form Tutor.

We also actively encourage parents to contact us to discuss any concerns or where they want clarification about any issue.

We provide a variety of ways by which you can contact us: Email contact for parents for all teaching staff. These can be found on the Contact Us section of the website.

By phone. Our school is open all year and there is always someone that can help.

We also communicate with parents in a range of ways: Email and texting.

Parents receive a calendar of events for the academic year in September and a copy of our “Essential News for Parents” newsletter is sent home at the start of each term and at the end of the Summer Term with copies also posted on our website.

Our website is very important in providing parents with lots of up to date information on the school, including but not limited to: School Policies The termly Priory News which contains information on activities at the school Governing Body information, including minutes and Headteacher’s termly reports Curriculum provision Examination results A link to the School’s Admissions processes A link to the Department for Education Achievement and Attainment Performance Data A Home-School agreement which reflects our commitment to parents and student and how we hope you will support us, has been produced after consultation between teachers, governors, parents and students. All parents and students joining the school are asked to sign this.

19

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Communication with parents on student progress (cont) The school recognises achievements in a variety of ways….

We also believe in rewarding students for their positive approaches to learning and have a wide ranging reward system.

End of term assemblies are used to celebrate success.

“Student of the Term” Certificates are awarded in each year group at the end of each term.

“The Sheila Laws Award for Services to the Community” is awarded annually.

Trophies for outstanding contributions in academic areas are presented annually to students in Year 11.

Book tokens are presented annually to students in Year 8 for outstanding contributions in relation to ‘progress’, ‘effort’ and ‘achievement’ in all academic areas.

Year 9 are awarded subject awards based on specific projects at varying points in the year.

“Fab Fridays” are awarded to students in recognition of exceptional performance.

They are invited to join the Headteacher to share their achievements during registration time the following Friday and receive a Headteacher’s award, which is equivalent to 3 house credits.

House credits are awarded to students for producing very good work in Year 7 and 8 which they collect and can work towards Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Awards.

Throughout Years 9, 10 and Year 11, students are awarded Commendations by their subject teachers. Commendations are awarded for students working consistently hard and achieving their own personal bests. Students who achieve Commendations in the majority of subjects are presented with certificates.

All members of staff share the responsibility for the wellbeing, welfare, discipline and safety of the student at the school. Form tutors are supported in their work by our Heads of Year who act like mini-headteachers of each year group, our Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and four senior members of staff, including the Headteacher.

The form tutor is the key person in our school and, if any Parent/Carer has a particular concern regarding the wellbeing of their child then we encourage parents to contact them. If a parent has a concern about a specific aspect of their child’s academic work at school then we encourage them to approach the appropriate subject teacher in the first instance. The average size of each tutor group is 28, which ensures that the form tutor can get to know the students well.

20

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Academy Status As an academy, we have freedoms not enjoyed by local authority schools. We have freedom to set our own curriculum which allows us to ensure we deliver the right programmes of study that will develop assertive, confident students who are able to achieve their own personal best at GCSE. In addition, as an Academy, we have total control over our finances. Our first priority is to sustain our staffing levels and we continue to develop our buildings and have redesigned and refurbished our dining hall so that it has more modern fixtures and fittings.

In 2013 we were given a grant to replace the flat rooves around the school which are also now insulated.

During the last academic year we have totally redesigned and opened our Learning Resource Centre which provides a wonderful place for students to study. Students have access to a set of laptops. We also have a great selection of fictions books that students can take out on loan.

We have also spent money refurbishing the senior girls toilets and one of our Science Laboratories into a multi use classroom.

21

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Provision for Students with Special Needs We welcome students with a range of special educational needs and barriers to learning and take pride in our ethos of a caring and orderly environment, within our comprehensive policy for meeting the needs of all students.

Special educational needs is a broad term and covers a wide range of need, from those students who may require some temporary support with their spelling or handwriting, to those who have long term needs recognised in a statement issued by the Local Authority.

Our policy is based on the following principles: That all teachers are teachers of children with special educational needs and have a responsibility to meet those needs with the advice and support of the learning support team.

That all children are entitled to access to a broad and balanced curriculum.

Those students with special educational needs will be integrated as fully as possible into the life of the school, enabling them to maximise their potential as learners and experience and contribute to the social and cultural activities of the school.

That provision for students should: match needs take account of the wishes and feelings of the student be in partnership with the student’s parents.

Please follow our link to see full details of our SEN provision.

22

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

At The Priory School, We Believe In...

It is important to be constantly thinking about “what next?” in terms of sustaining our outstanding teaching and learning. After all, we live in a world that is forever changing.

However, it is equally important to remember those things that remain consistently important to retain.

The consistent features of The Priory School are setting the highest expectations of all students in terms of behaviour and ‘doing their best’. Being polite, courteous and friendly to all are important qualities in society. We expect all members of our school community to be able to work in a safe environment that supports learning.

Equally important is that when students make a mistake and behave inappropriately, they are dealt with fairly. For this reason, we have a very consistent approach to consequences for poor behaviour, which operates throughout the school.

In a school community of 800 children there are sometimes incidents of bullying. This is not surprising given that children are still learning how to form relationships. The school has clearly defined systems for dealing with incidents of bullying. Our Life programme involves a programme of study which stresses the importance of telling people when problems occur in relationships. This builds on the great work already done in our local primary schools.

Full details of our strategies for dealing with bullying can be found on our website in the Parents section under Policies.

In addition, we work in partnership with parents when students are experiencing problems with their behaviour. Through working in partnership we aim to support students in changing their behaviour.

Support for families….

Students and families can have times in their lives when they need additional support and help.

For this reason, we have a Student Support Officer and Learning Mentor. They are both full time members of staff who work exclusively with students and families who need support.

23

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Our School Code of Conduct We believe in ‌.

Trust, respect care and honesty Doing our best Being happy, healthy and safe Personal responsibility Creativity and enterprise Being polite, courteous and friendly to all Embracing diversity

Priory school students should... show respect and courtesy towards all members of the school community at all times be hardworking and considerate of others. take a pride in the school and their uniform. use mature means of resolving difficulties.

Priory students should not be involved in... racism or offensive language. physical or verbal bullying. any form of violence

24

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Student Life Joining the school at eleven We hope to make the transition from primary to secondary education as smooth as possible.

The Head of Year (HOY) for Year 7 acts as a mini-headteacher for the year group with responsibility for monitoring students progress and wellbeing and works with the Assistant Headteacher on Inclusion to ensure there is a smooth transition. We arrange to meet all children transferring to us at eleven in their primary school and have an induction day in early July. Parents are also invited to an Induction evening in July when they can meet form tutors, view the school and discuss the details of arrangements for joining us in the Autumn Term.

Our liaison programme involves curriculum discussion with primary colleagues, visits for staff and students and access to facilities where requested. We are also involved in outreach work with primary schools as part of our Primary Liaison programme.

Student Responsibilities Giving students responsibility is important in developing self-esteem and providing opportunities for students to engage in the wider life of the school.

There are lots of opportunities for students to take on responsibility, whether as a member of a sporting team, contributing to school productions, through our House system or via the School Parliament.

The school has a House system. The Houses’ names are Acton, Baxter, Clive, Darwin, Housman and Webb. In each year group, one form is linked to a House, i.e. 7 Acton, and each house has a total of 5 forms, one from each year group.

The house system is run entirely by Year 11 House Officials. The activities they run vary from sporting activities, inter house competitions and to the annual Priory Review shows which showcase the talents in performing arts of the students.

Year 11, as senior students, hold a range of responsibilities – approximately 60 different roles currently exist, including the Head Boy, Head Girl and Deputy Head Boy and Girl, who are elected by the school community. We believe these are important additions to students’ experiences.

The School Parliament allow students to take on key responsibilities and is an important consultation groups on key issues. During the last year they had a major role in discussions on the Students Code of Conduct and how to spend the money raised for Rainy Days.

25

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Charity Fundraising The school has a strong tradition of raising funds for charity. During the academic year each Year group holds a Charity half-term when they organise events to raise money.

During the last academic year the students raised in excess of ÂŁ4,000 for Rainy Days. This is the last Rainy Days fund raising for the school. The students raised money through a wide range of activities such as non uniform days, business projects (Year 7), discos, sponsored events, big bakes, trips and other very enterprising activities run by individuals, small groups and year groups. Students have elected to purchase a 3D printer for use in Design and Technology.

26

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Absence and Illness For the last four years The Priory School has been awarded The Shropshire Attendance Award for the highest student attendance figures in Shropshire.

Our average rate of attendance stands at an amazing 96%. We know that students enjoy coming to school and only stay at home when they absolutely have to.

Good attendance is vital for effective learning and we are delighted that parents understand the importance of their child coming to school.

There are, of course, exceptional occasions when parents will need to request leave for their child and on those occasions parents are asked to write to the Headteacher setting out the reasons. This process emphasizes that the school expects these occasions to be rare.

The school will actively seek to encourage all students to achieve a full attendance record. We celebrate good attendance at regular intervals and attendance information will be provided in the students’ annual reports and on request with all absences, authorised and unauthorised, being reported to parents/carers.

The school has a very clear process for supporting students with medical conditions that are long term with acute episodes which can be found on our website.

27

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Uniform We are often asked the question why are you so strict with uniform? Well, the answer is quite simply that smart appearance reflects a readiness to learn. We believe boys should wear their ties in a business-like manner and girls’ skirts should be worn at an appropriate length.

We want students in school to focus on learning and not be distracted by fashion and, for this reason, we restrict jewellery to stud earrings and a watch.

Year 11, as senior students, enjoy the privilege of wearing a different colour sweatshirt, which also means that younger students can clearly identify someone who might be able to help them.

We know that buying a new school uniform and replacing it as children grow can be an expensive process, so we always keep an eye on the cost, to ensure it is affordable.

Full details of our uniform requirements can be found on our website. Key school specific items of uniform can be bought from our suppliers:

www.schoolshopdirect.co.uk

Getting To and From School We think that one of the ways of developing students’ independence is through them travelling to and from school under their own steam. Walking to and from school where possible is a good way to socialise and is healthy. Safe Cycling is also a great recreational activity and one we like to encourage.

For several years Priory has had one of the largest numbers of regular cyclists than at any other Shropshire School. We provide three cycle shelters with a total capacity of 140. Cyclists can access the school via the main pedestrian entrance on Longden Road or from Bank Farm Road. Although, cycling is not permitted on the school site itself.

28

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Parent Pay @ The Priory School In 2013, The Priory School introduced a new cashless biometric system for students so that school lunches can be paid for without having to bring cash into school.

As part of this project, we introduced ‘ParentPay’ where parents could top up their child’s dinner money account on line as well as pay for school trips, activities and revision guides. This has been enormously successful for both parents and the school. The benefits for parents include: • • • • •

Being able to pay for school dinners / trips without the need to find cash; Children can only spend money on schools lunches, they can’t spend it on the way to and from school; Improves student safety; Parents can keep track of their child’s eating habits through the ParentPay portal.

It saves having to return a trip permission slip as this is done on line.

During the summer holidays parents are emailed with a username and password so they can activate the ParentPay account. They can then start paying for their child’s dinner money and make payment for the PGL trip.

However if you would still prefer to make payment via cash or cheque this is still possible. We will be showing your child how to do this in September.

29

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

What is The Priory School’s Admissions Process?

As an Academy, The Priory School has decided that it’s Admissions policy will remain as set out by Shropshire Council for Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury’s admissions procedures are complex.

All admissions from Year 6 to Year 7 are dealt with by Shropshire Council’s admissions team.

They produce a booklet called “Parents’ Guide to Education in Shropshire” each year with up to date information about schools and a full explanation of the admissions processes. The booklets are available in school or from the Admissions Team or can be accessed on the Shropshire Council website. Parents and Carers who may wish to speak directly to an Admissions Advisor may also contact them through the Admissions Team.

The contact address is:

or email: website: Catchment areas for schools can be viewed on Shropmap which can be found on the above website address.

Before making decisions on which schools to apply for, Parents/Carers and their children are invited to visit the school. An Open Evening will be held each autumn term, as well as the school’s Open Morning when the school is in session or please contact the school to make a personal appointment.

This school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 168 for the Year 7 intake in 2014. In September 2014 this number will apply to all years For the year commencing September 2014 the number of preferences received and places allocated was as follows:

Date of Allocation March 2014

Admission on Limit 168

No of 1st Total Places 2nd 3rd preferences allocated preferences preferences recieved allocated allocated 200

168

4

0

30

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

What is The Priory School’s admissions process? (cont) Parents/Carers of Year 6 children and residents in Shropshire will be required in the Autumn term, prior to the school year of transfer, to apply online via the Shropshire Council website where 3 preferences can be stated. Where there are more applications than there are places available, allocations will be made in accordance with the oversubscription criteria. Full details of these criteria are given in the Parents’ Guide To Education in Shropshire (Page 38); therefore it is essential that parents read the booklet before completing an application form.

Children who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs which names this school as the appropriate school to meet those needs will be offered a place.

Most secondary schools work closely with their local primary schools and often invite students to attend for various activities. Such visits have nothing to do with the admissions process and do not in any way give any guarantee of a place at the school. Shropshire does not operate a system of feeder schools, as the home address of your child is the arbiter of being offered a place. That home address will be checked against data sources to ensure potential applicants are not, for example, using other relative’s addresses, work or office addresses to achieve a higher priority under the published criteria.

Where applications are not successful, parents/carers may wish to put their names on a waiting list or appeal against the decision. The Admissions Team will be able to advise you on these matters. Members of the school staff and Governors are legally not allowed to write a letter of support for appellants so please do not ask them to do so. Nor is the school allowed to give any guarantee that a place will be offered at the school.

31

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

Mid-Term or In-Year Admissions Where families move house at other times of the year after the start of Year 7, please complete a Mid-term Application Form available from the school or directly from the Council's Admissions Team. The completed form should then be returned to The Priory School for consideration. Where there are more applications than places available, the published admissions criteria will be used to determine priority for places. The School will then ensure that the parent/carer is advised as soon as possible about the outcome of their application.

The Priory School operates a waiting list for any unsuccessful applications for admisions and places are allocated as outlined in our oversubscription admissions criteria published on our website.

32

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk

The Priory School, Shrewsbury

T: 01743 284000 // www.priory.shropshire.sch.uk The Priory School, Longden Road Shrewsbury, SY3 9EE