New Intake Booklet July 2018

West Hill School Aim High Welcome To Your New School The badge on the top left of the page is the one which you will wear on your blazer and it will identify you as a West Hill Pupil.

You will notice that it contains a soaring eagle and the motto… ‘Aim High’. This tells you and everyone who sees our badge that the school is all about aiming for the best we can possibly achieve in everything we do.

We hope you will be very happy and successful at West Hill School.

Everyone will try to help you in this, but remember, you have the main part to play.  At first the school will seem very large – totally different from your primary school but you will soon get used to it. You may even get lost in the first few days but ….. DON’T WORRY, there is always someone who will be glad to help – just ask.  The organisation of the school is very different from your last school and there are many new routines to learn, but again, don’t worry there are people on hand to help you. The most important people in the early days will be your Form Tutor and your Head of Year – Mrs Broadbent  The information in this booklet is designed to help you through the first few days. Read it through with your parents and get to know about the things which affect you on a regular basis.

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West Hill School Aim High Who’s Who at West Hill?

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Mr. A.F. Harrison Headteacher

Mr A Owens Deputy Head

Mrs G Wood Deputy Head

Mrs G Parkes SENCO

Mrs S Broadbent Head of Year 7

Mr M O’Dowd Assistant Head

7W Mrs Weeden/Mrs Miller

7E Mr Warburton

7S Miss Ridgway

7T Mr Garraway

7H Miss Swanwick

7H Mr Marson

West Hill School Aim High Finding Your Way Around School.

There are five blocks; they are The Main Block. This is the biggest building.

It is the one which looks the oldest and is the first building you see when you come up the drive. Part of the Main Block extends behind and over the dining room. All the rooms in this building start with the letter ‘M’. Maths, ICT, and Technology are taught in this block.

The Headteacher’s, Deputy Head’s and Assistant Head Teacher’s offices are located in this building. You will also find, The Reception, Admin Office, The Learning Support Unit and Behaviour Support unit here.

The Science Block.

This is the brick building across the passageway from the Dining Room. All the science labs are in this block, 6 on the ground floor and 1 on the first floor. There is also one English room.

Also in this block are two ICT Rooms, the Staffroom, and the Deputy Head’s office.

The Hewitt Building.

This is a new building for the school. English, Geography and History are taught in this block.

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Art, RE and Technology Block.

This is the building at the top of the banking on the back field. Art, Wood work and RE are taught in this block. This is where you will register in the mornings as your form room will be in this building.

The Sports Hall.

This contains the large indoor sports area, a teaching room, a climbing wall and a fitness suite.

The Dining Room This is a self-service dining area with a very large and varied selection of food. It is open in the mornings from 8.15am for the breakfast service, at break time for snacks and at lunch time. Halal food is available.

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School Hall If you bring in your own lunch you can eat it here in the school hall. School assemblies are held in here.

Cashless Catering We operate a cashless catering system at School. This means no cash can be accepted at the till points in the school dining room.

Each pupil in school has an individual ParentPay account and funds can be added either online via the ParentPay website, at any local store where the PayPoint logo is displayed or at the "top-up" machine situated within the school dining room. A scan of your finger will be taken in September and this will converted into a digital signature When you purchase food, you place your finger on the scanner the software matches the finger to the unique digital signature held in the database and money is taken off your account.

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West Hill School Aim High Essential Equipment.

Every day you must have with you: • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 x Pens (Black/Blue) 1 X Green Pen Pencil Ruler Eraser Scientific Calculator Glue Stick Private Reading Book Pencil Sharpener Protractor Compass Coloured Pencils

These are the essentials. It is a good idea to have other items such as coloured pencils and/or felt tipped pens. A well stocked pencil case is a very good investment.

For some subjects special equipment will be needed which your teachers will tell you about.

Looking After Your Equipment Your School Bag You will need a sturdy bag in which to carry your equipment like books, folders, pencil case, PE kit and other things you may need on a day to day basis.

Check your timetable every evening and make sure you have the right equipment in your bag for the following day.

You will notice that every boy in school has the same equipment and wears the same school uniform. It is very easy to mislay your equipment and, in the early days, several boys will. If your name is not on your equipment or stitched into your clothing it can be difficult to match lost property to its owner.

Avoid bringing expensive items of equipment to school such as MP3 players and mobile phones. If these items are seen to be used in school, they will be confiscated. Also bring only enough money for your daily needs.

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School Uniform.

All boys at West Hill are required to wear school uniform. This identifies you as a member of the school and we hope you will wear it with pride. You should wear your uniform properly on the way to and from school.

What is the School Uniform?

School uniform is non-negotiable and should be worn properly at all times. The uniform consists of: Crest Embroidered Blazer, White Shirt, Tie, Black Trousers, Plain Outdoor Coat and Plain Black Shoes.

Unusual hair styles are not allowed and all pupils should be clean shaven. Jewellery is not allowed. Only a wrist watch is acceptable.

We ask that outdoor coats are plain in colour without large logos.

Track suit tops and hooded jackets and sweaters are not allowed.

Shoes Shoes – Should be plain and all black in colour and able to be polished. Trainers or Trainer style shoes will not be acceptable shoes to wear to school.

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West Hill School Aim High PE Kit. There are two types of PE kit: indoor and outdoor.

Outdoor kit is: Games shirt Blue shorts Blue socks Football boots

Indoor kit is: White ‘T’ shirt Blue shorts White socks Trainers with non- marking soles You will also need a towel so that you can have a shower after you have done games or PE.

Where to purchase our Uniform and PE Kit: The only authorised seller in Tameside of our uniform and PE kit is The Uniform Shop (Debonair), 82 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7JT. 0161 3432900.

You may also purchase the PE kit online from Kit Traders: http://schoolsuniform.co.uk/

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West Hill School Aim High Your School Planner On your first day at West Hill, you will be given a school planner. This is provided by the school and is for your use throughout the year. You need to take great care of your planner and learn to use it properly. There is lots of information in it and plenty of space for you to write the things which you need to remember. Your parents will need to read and sign your planner each week.

Here is a sample page from a planner:

If you lose or destroy your planner you will be required to buy a new one at a cost of ÂŁ3.50

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West Hill School Aim High

Period 2

History

P.E

11.25 – 12.25 Period 3 Maths

12.25 12.55 –12.55 – 1.55

1.55 – 2.55

Period 4

Period 5

Music

ICT

After School Activities

Period 1

11.0511.25

Lunch

10.05– 11.05

Break

8.45 – 9.05 – 9.05am 10.05

Registration or Assembly

The Timetable

Things to Notice Registration with your Form Tutor takes place every morning.

After registration you will have either a form period or assembly.

For every lesson, you move to a different classroom to be taught by a different teacher.

You should make a copy of your timetable in your planner and get to know it as soon as you can.

Other Information About the School Day The school Dining Room is open from 8.15am for breakfast service.

The Dining Room is open every break time for drinks and snacks.

The Dining Room offers a wide variety of meals at lunch time which can be purchased either with cash or with a meal card which can be obtained from the Dining Room.

If you wish to bring a packed lunch, you may eat it in the School Hall.

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West Hill School Aim High School Rules Every community, club and organisation has to have rules so that it can operate safely and let everyone know what they can and can’t do.

The rules we have at West Hill are there so that everyone is safe and can learn in a calm, purposeful environment.

The rules at West Hill can be summed up by the 3 R’s. Be: 

Ready

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Respectful

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Responsible

Individual school rules concerning behaviour in and around school can be found in your planner.

You need to make yourself familiar with them.

For Your Safety All the external doors to every school building are protected by electro-magnetic door locks which will be activated throughout the school day. When you arrive, we will take a Biometric Imprint from your finger, this will enable you to enter through the doors when they are locked. You can gain access to the school buildings using your fingerprint: Monday to Thursday 8.15 – 4.00 and Friday 8.15 – 3.45. Your biometric access will not work outside these hours and you will need to see a member of staff if you need access. If we cannot scan your biometric imprint, you will be issued a security card which will allow you access to the buildings. It is very important that you look after your security card. If this card is lost or damaged you will be charged five pounds for a replacement.

Stamford Street at the front of school is a very busy road at all times of the day. When arriving or leaving school you must always use the Pelican Crossing.

Parents should not drive into the school grounds to drop you off or pick you up. It is much better to use the roads either behind or at the side of school.

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West Hill School Aim High

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West Hill School Aim High Good Advice Have a go at everything on offer. There will be new activities, sports and clubs which you have probably never had the chance to get involved in before. So take the opportunity to try everything.

Pin up a copy of your timetable at home – in the kitchen or somewhere obvious so that you can check it daily.

Get into the habit of packing your bag with everything you need for the next day before you go to bed.

Use you planner everyday for everything you need to remember. Record homework, commendations, test marks etc.

Remember, if you have any problems, speak to your Form Tutor, Your Head of Year, your class teacher or any adult or older pupil. You will always get the help you need.

There are a number of Year 11 boys called ‘Prefects’. These boys help the staff to run the school efficiently. They are also there to help you if you are uncertain about anything. The Prefects are easily spotted because they all wear a badge, like the one in the picture, and a different striped tie.

Any reasonable request made by a prefect must be followed.

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West Hill School Aim High Here is what some of our boys have said about their first days at West Hill.

On my first day at West Hill I felt frightened of who I would meet and what the teachers would be like, but by several days later I realised there was nothing to be scared of. All of the teachers are nice and so are my fellow pupils. Just think how great it is going to be and don’t worry. It was hard though as I did not know anyone and I was used to having loads of friends. It was a fresh start and it did not matter and I had a good day. So do not worry it will be fine. Cameron Anderson

I drove to school feeling terrified, but my first day is one of the best days of school. You come into west hill feeling scared or terrified but you come out with relief and excitement and ready to be part of the West Hill family. The motto “Aim High” explains what the pupils are. Jake Skelton

On my first day at West Hill School I was kind of scared and nervous but not at the same time.

Because most of my friends were not coming to this school. But it wasn’t as bad as I thought since I made lots of new friends and it was lots of fun. Another reason is because the lessons were a lot better than the primary school lesson because the teachers had more knowledge on that topic.

Harvey Cunningham

Everyone was very welcoming and friendly, we were all eager to make new friends. The teachers helped us to get to know what it is like in West Hill. William Taylor

My first day at West Hill I was very nervous but I soon realised it was easier than I thought. All the teachers were very calm and relaxed. If you are nervous don’t be everyone is here to help. If you get lost there is a map in your planner that you can sue to help. Oliver Williams

My first day of coming to this magnificent school was a nerve racking day. My first thoughts were “where am I?” “Who do I ask for help?” but with the help of older students, teachers, form tutors and head of year I found my way into the school family. Just about the biggest fear was about the size of the school and the school’s population because the school I came from wasn’t an eighth of this school size. But within the first couple of months of the school year I had strengthened my self-confidence so I pushed myself for school council and I gained the respect for the role an claimed the goal and I pushed myself for the head of year 7 school councillor. School and I have built a good relationship with my with my teachers and that’s why I am getting the best education possible. Finlay Rea

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On my first day at West Hill school I was nervous about getting lost on my way to lessons but I soon realised that it really isn’t a big deal and if you were to get lost (which isn’t likely) there will always be people to help. I was also nervous about the other small things but I immediately found out that there was nothing at all to worry about. All the teachers are very nice and it you make mistakes you will be forgiven because it is a new school and you won’t be use to rules at West Hill.

I soon settled in and it was as if had been there for ages. At West Hill there are many different after school activities for whatever you like, there are music bands and lessons. There are climbing, sports and chess and IT and more. Jack Gaskell

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West Hill School Aim High Message of Welcome from your Head of Year Mrs Broadbent To the class of 2023 welcome to West Hill. I hope that you are excited and looking forward to the next part of your school career.

Although coming to secondary school may seem scary, there are lots of people that are here to support you. This starts with your Form Tutors who will help you find your way and overcome any obstacles you may face.

There will also be a team of older boys called Peer Mentors that will guide you, especially through your first few weeks in school. Please make sure that you ask questions if you are unsure about anything, everyone is very friendly and will be willing to help you.

As your Head of Year I will work closely with your Form Tutors to make sure that your time at school is enjoyable and successful.

I have high expectations of our Year Group. I expect us to:    

Be polite and have good manners.

Wear our school uniform correctly and with pride.

Be respectful towards our fellow pupils and staff.

Try our best in everything that we do.

I hope that you settle into school, meet new friends, and enjoy learning new things. I want you all to make the most of your time here, and achieve everything that you aim for. Above all I hope that you will become a proud West Hill Boy. Mrs S Broadbent

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West Hill School Aim High Notes:

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