Academy prospectus 2015 16

St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy (part of the Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust) Oxford Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, WF13 4LL Telephone: (01924) 527000 Fax: (01924) 527004 Email: headteacher@stjohnfisher.org.uk Web Site: http://www.stjohnfisher.org.uk

ACADEMY PROSPECTUS 2015 - 2016 Mission Statement Following the example of our Patron, St John Fisher, priest and scholar, we aim to love one another throughout our life at school, to learn and develop our full potential in the image of Christ.

1

CONTENTS

Page The History of the Academy

3

The Life of St John Fisher

4

The Spiritual Life of the Academy

5

Curriculum

6

Home-School Links

10

Academy Uniform

13

Pupil Behaviour & Welfare

15

General Information

19

Transport Arrangements

22

Pound a Week

23

Admissions Policy

24

1

THE HISTORY AND AIMS OF THE SCHOOL .

St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy came into being on 1st October 2014. The academy is part of the Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust which includes a number of Catholic schools in the Kirklees and Calderdale metropolitan areas. The academy’s purpose is to serve the Catholics living in Dewsbury, Batley and surrounding areas.

The predecessor school, St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy was opened in 1958, under the trusteeship of the Diocese of Leeds. It was reorganised in 1974 and the Sixth Form was added in 1979.

Our academy is an 11-19 mixed Roman Catholic Voluntary Academy with 1200 pupils on roll, including 210 in the Sixth Form. The school was founded to help parents provide a Catholic education for their children.

We endeavour to create positive interaction between home, academy and parish that will provide a basis for the children’s future. We are committed to showing Christian care and concern for all staff, students and parents. The academy exists therefore:  to help pupils to know and love God and the wonders of creation  to help pupils to understand and live the Catholic faith  to enable pupils to grow in self-esteem  to help pupils to become responsible and responsive adults  to enable pupils to develop their physical potential  to enable pupils to develop their intellectual potential  to prepare pupils for life in a multi-cultural and technological society  to create a community in which individuals respect each other regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, religion or social status.

2

THE LIFE OF ST JOHN FISHER Born at Beverley, John Fisher studied at Beverley Grammar School and Cambridge University. In 1491 he was ordained a priest in York and returned to Cambridge to study and teach. He became Master of Michaelhouse College and was elected ViceChancellor of the University in 1501. At Cambridge he was largely responsible for the establishment of Christ’s and St John’s Colleges and later became Chancellor of the University, an honour he held for the rest of his life.

After his appointment as Chaplain to Lady Margaret Beaufort, the Queen Mother, John Fisher was held in such esteem by the Royal Family that he was chosen to preach at King Henry VII’s Requiem Mass.

John was appointed Bishop of Rochester in Kent and for thirty years was an active, outspoken and conscientious bishop, always making a point of visiting the sick of each parish, no matter how humble their circumstances.

Bishop Fisher was a zealous reformer who remained deeply committed to the living tradition of the Church and it was this conviction which brought him into active opposition to King Henry VIII. John’s refusal to accept Henry as Head of the Church led to his imprisonment, his trial for treason and his beheading on Tower Hill on 22nd June, 1535. During the imprisonment John Fisher was created a Cardinal.

This famous Yorkshireman, renowned for his holiness and courage, is now Patron Saint of the College of Cardinals. We share that patronage. Our academy motto reflects his life as well as his death.

PER CRUCEM VINCEMUS THROUGH THE CROSS WE CONQUER

BLESSED PETER SNOW Blessed Peter Snow was born at or near Ripon. He belonged to a prominent family in Ripon where his father, Matthew Snow had been Wakeman in 1545. Some years later records show that a Peter Snow was among a group of people accused of refusing to conform to the established church. Peter Snow arrived at the English College, Reims, on 17 April 1589. He became a priest on 31 March 1591. Six weeks later he set off for England and returned to Yorkshire.

Peter Snow was arrested about 1 May 1598, when on his way to York with Ralph Grimston of Nidd. Both were shortly after condemned by representatives of the antiCatholic government (headed by Elizabeth I). Fr. Snow was convicted of treason because he was a Catholic priest and Grimston of felony, for having aided and assisted Snow, a Catholic priest. They were martyred in York on the Knavesmire on 15 June 1598. Afterwards their severed heads were impaled on spikes and exposed in the town as a warning to all.

Very soon both would be venerated as members of that noble company of English Martyrs who gave their lives for the Faith during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Relics in Leeds Cathedral In 1845, two skulls were discovered under the stone floor of the ancient chapel of Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster. At the time they were thought to be relics of two other English martyrs, John Lockwood and Edmund Catherick and the skulls were placed in a niche near the altar. In 1909, it was stated that they were the relics of Peter Snow and Ralph Grimston.

In 1968, after the Carmelites had bought Hazlewood, the skulls were removed for forensic examination. They were found to be of male adults, consistent with types found in the North of England in the 16th and 17th centuries. Both skulls had been impaled on a sharp object and the estimated age of the two victims ruled out the earlier attribution to John Lockwood and Edmund Catherick. It would however support the tradition that they were the relics of Peter Snow and Ralph Grimston.

Feast Day: Yorkshire Martyrs 30th. May. In 2005, Arthur Roche, then Bishop of Leeds, decided to place relics in Leeds Cathedral altar. He ordered reconstruction of their faces using the latest techniques from the University of Dundee. The reconstructed face pictures of Blessed Fr. Peter Snow and Ralph Grimston can be found on Leeds Cathedral webpage. The story of reconstruction was covered in BBC's Inside Out.

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL The practice of our Catholic Christian faith is fundamental to the life of St John Fisher Catholic Academy. This is evidenced in the academy’s worship, involvement in charitable events, periods of retreat and reflection and in-house displays. Prayer life is closely linked to the Church’s year with services of reconciliation and meditation during Advent and Lent, prayers for the dead in November and the Rosary in October.

Additionally, the academy gives a public witness to her faith by re-enacting the Nativity story and Passion of Christ to the people of Dewsbury.

The academy is fortunate to have its own Chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved during term-time. The Chapel is open throughout the day providing peace and tranquillity amidst the bustle of academy life. Pupils are encouraged to use the Chapel for private prayer in their free time.

The academy also has a full-time Lay Chaplain whose responsibilities include being available to pupils, students and staff as a listening ear. The Chaplain organises days of reflection, retreats and pilgrimages for various year groups, and co-ordinates the masses. Our masses are real and genuine celebrations with many pupils and staff volunteering to take part in music, drama, readings and reflections.

All staff, especially those from the religious education and music faculties, support the work of the Chaplain therefore making a significant contribution to the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of the pupils. The Chaplain also liaises with the priests and teaching staff to ensure that all members of the community receive the spiritual guidance and pastoral help they need.

In December 2012, Diocesan Section 48 inspectors stated the following.

“The overall effectiveness of the school is Outstanding. St. John Fisher is a school that lives out its Mission Statement. There is an excellent shared understanding between all members of the community of the school’s ministry to young people and its service to the Church. A strong commitment to that statement, and to the Spiritual Development Policy, is evident in the practices of Governors, Headteacher, Senior Leaders and other staff, and in the way they express that commitment. They ensure that the mission of the school informs all policies including those related to curriculum, staff and pupils and the general life of the school. This commitment is clear in the status and role of the RE faculty (which includes PHSCE and Music); the good Chaplaincy provision; excellent liturgy and worship; high quality pastoral care; and the opportunities to support the social, moral and spiritual development of pupils, supported by a range of partners.”

For further details, please refer to the academy’s spiritual development policy which can be accessed via the academy’s website.

CURRICULUM

At St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy, we seek to ensure that the whole curriculum has a spiritual dimension highlighting the aims, values and teachings of the Catholic faith. To assist the personal development of all pupils, whatever their backgrounds or individual needs, we seek to provide a curriculum which has breadth, balance, relevance, differentiation, progression, continuity and which provides opportunities for all pupils to experience success. This was confirmed by Ofsted in November 2012 who concluded that:“The school enables students to study a suitable range of subjects for GCSE and work-related qualifications. Options for the current Year 10 show an increased emphasis on giving more students the chance to study subjects that contribute to the English Baccalaureate. In the sixth form, a broad mixture of courses caters appropriately for the range of students’ needs and interests.

The curriculum supports the school’s Catholic values in promoting students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well. Teachers foster good relations, help students to support each other and chair discussions that challenge students to think about difficult issues. For example, one boy explained to an inspector how his study of the book Of Mice and Men had made him rethink his attitudes to people with mental disabilities.”

Content A total of twenty-five hours is spent on timetabled lessons including Religious Education, PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education) and Form Period but excluding registration time.

Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3)

All pupils study Religious Education, Art, Design Technology (including Food/Textiles), , English, French, Geography, History, ICT, Mathematics, Music, PE, PSHCE and Science. Two lessons per week are devoted to “enhancement projects”. At these times, specialists from different subject areas work together to create a range of learning activities for the students that promote wider skills development such as working with others or becoming more independent learners. These skills are essential for success in both life in general and in academy study. Assessment in the enhancement projects will be based on the development of such skills.

Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) PSHCE 2% Options 39%

RE 10%

English 13% Maths 13%

PE 7%

Science 16%

All pupils take Religious Education, English, Mathematics and Science to GCSE or equivalent level. The most able half of the year group are expected to take three separate science subjects.

PE and PSHCE are also compulsory subjects.

In addition, pupils can select subjects from the following: Art, Business Studies, Computer Science, French, Geography, Health and Social Care, History, ICT, Computer Science, Media Studies, Music, PE/Sport, Spanish and Technology (four options available). ICT is also a part of all subjects.

All students are able to follow the advice of the government, and access qualifications in more traditional subjects. All students are asked to make either one or two selections from French, Spanish, History, Geography or Computer Science.

Success in these traditional subjects is increasingly necessary as students compete for jobs and places in Higher Education.

OCR National or BTEC courses are available in a limited number of the subject areas. Some pupils follow a modified curriculum to suit individual needs e.g. work based learning programmes.

It is possible for some young people to attend neighbouring schools/colleges for the equivalent of 2 hours per week to study additional subjects.

This offer is available through the Kirklees Collegiate programme and Dewsbury Learning Partnership which involves educational institutions working together to provide the best possible opportunities for our young people.

Recent courses studied have been Photography, Hair and Beauty, Dance, Drama and Construction.

a BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science (Sports Studies) or ICT. The following Advanced level courses are currently available: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Financial Studies, French, General Studies, Geography, Health & Social Care, History, ICT, Law, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, PE, Physics, Product Design, Psychology, Spanish, Sports Science, Science, Textiles, Theology, Travel & Tourism. In addition all sixth form students follow a certificated course in Religious Education. The availability of courses is subject to student numbers being viable.

Religious Education Religious Education lies at the core of the curriculum for all pupils and is in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. No alternative provision is made. The courses taught have the approval of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Years 10 and 11 follow either the GCSE course or a Religious Education Certificate course. Sixth Form students follow an approved General Religious Education course, except where they opt to study for the Advanced (or Advanced Subsidiary) Level course in Religious Studies.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Sex Education under the 1944 Education Act and subsequent Acts of Parliament. However, since there is an opportunity to discuss these matters when a place is requested at the school, it is not expected that parents in a Catholic school will exercise this right.

Sixth Form Most students choose to remain at St John Fisher to follow courses for one, two or three years. Oneyear Vocational Courses are available in Business, Health and Social Care, Finance, Product Design and Photography. These can be combined with GCSE courses eg Maths and English.

Students who have done well in their GCSE examinations, or after a one year Sixth Form course, may commence Advanced level courses in traditional AS/A-levels, vocational AS/A-levels or

Further information about the Sixth Form courses and entry requirements are included in the Sixth Form Prospectus.

Organisation of Teaching Groups In Year 7, pupils are placed in mixed ability registration forms; teaching takes place in these form groups or sets for some subjects. For other subjects and in Years 8 and 9 the teaching group is not usually the form group; ability sets, determined by each faculty, become the norm. During Years 10 and 11, teaching groups are based on ability sets or classes aimed at a particular examination.

Additional Needs At St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy our commitment is to the needs of every child. Our Additional Needs Policy (SEN and Disability Policy) addresses our responsibility for those pupils with special needs. This policy is reviewed regularly as is our Equality Policy. We aim to provide equal opportunities for all pupils to participate in all aspects of school life and to prevent disabled pupils being treated less favourably than other pupils by making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure no disadvantage, as defined in current legislation, occurs.

We welcome those parents of Catholic children seeking an inclusive mainstream education for their child with special educational needs. An extensive liaison process is undertaken when students transfer to St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy to aid the smooth transfer to

secondary school. Pupils with additional needs (SEN) are placed on the academy’s additional needs register and they are integrated into the

have particular strengths and/or interest in specific areas.

Such pupils are identified through nomination by themselves, peers, parents, teachers or support staff.

mainstream curriculum with access to all that the academy has to offer. Additional needs pupils are supported in the classroom, where appropriate by teachers and educational teaching assistants. The needs of all our pupils, including those with learning difficulties and those who are more able are met as far as possible within the normal curriculum. Appropriate provision for pupils with disabilities is well planned in curriculum areas in small groups and withdrawal situations as specified in statement and Individual Education Plans. The academy’s Learning Support Unit (LSU) provides short term intense support to enable progress in literacy and numeracy.

Enriching lessons and activities to target the More Able Gifted and Talented cohort should help them reach their potential but it may also raise expectations more generally and so benefits all pupils.

The academy works collaboratively for all pupils identified as having additional needs with close links to Local Authority (LA) agencies. Our accessibility plan identifies further improvements to the provision for pupils with physical access needs, which is already of a high standard.

The Accessibility Plan is available from the academy.

Careers Guidance Careers guidance is delivered by planned programmes of study to all pupils from Year 7 through their PSHCE lessons. The Year 9 programme offers guidance on pupil choices at GCSE. There are a number of activities for pupils to participate in, including visits out of school and ‘work experience’ for some based on need. Year 11 offers a wide range of speakers from the world of work, education and training in addition to some individual interviews with an independent Personal Advisor. A full programme of group and individual careers support is available to the Sixth Form with opportunities for work experience, visits to firms, talks and lectures and visits to Higher Education institutions.

More Able / Gifted and Talented St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy aims to support the learning of all pupils. However, those with particular gifts and talents must be recognised and helped to reach their full potential – intellectually, emotionally, aesthetically, spiritually, socially and physically. We work to provide a challenging and stimulating learning environment for all, which offers opportunities for pupils to shine and develop an enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Our work with more able students was recognised in March 2013 when the academy received a prestigious award from the National Association for Able Children in Education.

The NACE Challenge Award recognises the Academy’s excellence in working with the most able pupils.

Identification of particular gifts and talents allows us to target opportunities wisely. This means provision is targeted at a large group of pupils who are either outstanding in all areas or those who

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education aims to relate to the whole of the academy’s curriculum, and seeks to fulfil the academy’s Mission Statement in developing in pupils the skills and attitudes needed in life from an overtly Catholic perspective. It covers many topics: for example, drugs and sex education.

PSHCE aims to enable pupils to be at peace with themselves and with others, to develop a social and moral responsibility towards each other and those in authority, to encourage community involvement and how to be effective in bringing about change, to take an active Christian role in this world and to make fully informed choices and decisions during their life.

The academy delivers Enterprise Education through PSHCE and the suspension of normal lessons to allow for ‘Enterprise Days’ for KS4 pupils (i.e. Years 10 and 11).

Academy Student Council and Parents Forum The Academy Student Council is a very important part of the academy. This body represents the pupils and students and is made up of pupils elected from each year group. In addition, each year group has its own council. These bodies are consulted by management about new policies etc. and thereby all students can sample citizenship education in a real context.

A similar body exists to allow parents the opportunity to share their views about academy policies and to discuss key areas for academy development. The academy is currently looking to recruit new members to this body so as to further strengthen its role.

 to allow practice of skills learned in the classroom  to allow more ground to be covered and more rapid progress to be made  to allow classwork to concentrate on activities which require the teacher’s presence  to contribute to teachers’ assessment of attainment  to open-up areas of study using materials and sources of information. not available in the classroom  to involve parents in students’ work What tasks might homework include? 

Family Life Education (Sex Education)

 

At St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy, the pupils are provided with family life education at two levels. Firstly, there is that provided by the subjects in the National Curriculum and RE. Secondly, there is that which is provided in PSHCE.



The emphasis at all times is that the values taught are those held by the Catholic Church. The academy’s mission is to provide a Catholic education for all pupils, and this includes the area of sex education. Should parents wish to find out more about the academy’s provision, they are welcome to contact the Headteacher.

   

following-up or finishing off work begun in class applying what has been learned in class exploration in libraries, reading relevant newspapers or magazines, listening to relevant radio programmes or watching TV programmes visits to museums, shopping centres, or other places of interest quiet reading learning for a test. preparing and organising for the following day exercises (eg, in mathematics).

Not all of the above tasks involve written work, nor obviously would they all be completed for the following day. They are no less important because of that.

Homework

Public Examinations

Homework is a crucial part of schoolwork. It is often given to practice skills acquired in lessons.

It trains pupils to undertake independent study, an essential skill for future examination success. The organisation and planning necessary for GCSE will follow naturally if a pupil establishes a consistent pattern of homework in Years 7 to 9.

Details of homework timetables and departmental guidelines are given out to pupils in the first week of the academy year.

The academy enters candidates for appropriate examinations.

What is the purpose of homework?  to encourage students to study independently  to develop perseverance, self-discipline and self-organisation

When students satisfactorily follow the course leading to a public examination, the academy will pay the entry fees involved. Parents are informed of the academy’s intentions regarding examination entries for their son or daughter. In certain circumstances pupils may resit public examinations, subject to staff approval, but may be required to pay the fees.

HOME-SCHOOL LINKS value our partnership with parents.

Pastoral Care In December 2012, Diocesan inspectors reported the following.

Section

48

“The care of pupils and their wellbeing is outstanding…. All pupils described the school as “welcoming” and understood that they had a responsibility to maintain the ethos. There is an active anti-bullying policy, which is revisited yearly, during Anti-Bullying Week. Pupils are encouraged to report any bullying and know the different ways in which they can do this, including the possibility of anonymous reporting through a designated box or on the school’s website. Pupils said of the Assistant Head (Pastoral) “I’d always go to her – she listens then acts on what you tell her”, suggesting that there is a general belief that the policy is robust.

All pupils take good advantage of the many opportunities for spiritual development.”

In a large academy the Headteacher can only be responsible for the welfare and progress of individual pupils in an indirect way. Breakdown into smaller units within the academy is necessary and Directors of Study are in charge of pupil welfare, responsible to a Senior Director and an Assistant Headteacher.

The immediate pastoral responsibility for each pupil will remain with the pupil’s form teacher.

The academy is anxious to maintain the closest possible links with parents, who should have no hesitation in contacting the academy on any matter concerning their child’s welfare. The academy Chaplain and Diocesan Social Worker are also ready to see pupils, parents and staff on request.

The purpose of our pastoral care system is to provide a community, which is regarded by each student as a place where they feel:

The academy has a very effective anti-bullying policy, and copies are available on request or via the academy website.

The Pupil Planner The academy planner is a very important link between home and the academy.

The Planner is intended to provide parents and pupils with information about the academy.

Parents can use the Planner to send details about absences, change of address and emergency telephone numbers. Pupils use it to record their homework, attendance and achievements. Staff use it to record comments about pupils’ work and behaviour. The Planner is an important document that pupils should always have with them. Great care should be taken of it; otherwise records, comments and information may be lost. Should the Planner be mislaid, another must be purchased and the missing information completed as far as possible.

Attendance Parents should ensure that their child’s attendance at the academy is both regular and punctual. A full and uninterrupted attendance at school is essential if pupils are to make the best use of their education.

The academy considers that 100% attendance is ideal for success in public examinations but attendance should never fall below 95%. There are certain types of absence, which are considered as attendance, and therefore do not affect pupil’s records. These are absences from the academy in the following circumstances:

Happy ∙ Safe ∙ Valued ∙ Special ∙ ∙ Respected ∙ Challenged∙ At home

    

The two principles we operate on in this context are co-operation and partnership. We seek for and expect the co-operation of students and we

There are some absences that the academy authorises, and these are:

trips organised by the academy field work representing the academy in sports fixtures work experience education at a special unit

    

absence through illness study leave non-RC religious observance, where such is required by the faith of the child’s family interviews off site excluded by the academy

There are some absences that cannot normally be approved and these are:  late after registers close  holidays taken in term time  truancy  absences not satisfactorily explained Family holidays in term time are not authorised.

Parents should be aware that choosing to take holidays in term time for whatever reason could seriously affect pupils’ progress.

It is not recommended in Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) and can be extremely detrimental in Years 10, 11 and the Sixth Form.

Another category that pupils must avoid is constantly being late.

Punctuality will be monitored, and parents will be informed if there are concerns.

The academy monitors attendance very closely, and is concerned, in line with the Mission Statement and aims, that pupils get as much benefit from their education as possible. The academy works closely with the Educational Social Worker who seeks to have a close partnership with parents and children in order to maintain as good attendance as possible. The academy reserves the right to issue Fixed Penalty notices for unauthorised absence including for students absent for family holidays. A copy of the academy’s detailed attendance policy is available on request or via the academy website.

Attendance and Success are Closely Linked An attendance record will be included with each school report and is available online to all parents.

Attendance of 100% should be the target of all pupils. When a child is absent, parents should contact the academy by telephone by 10.00am on the first day of absence (01924 527000). When a child returns to the academy after absence, parents should write a note explaining the absence.

Certificates of Commendation will be presented to all pupils who achieve 100% attendance.

Rates of authorised and unauthorised absence: Number of pupils of compulsory school age on the school roll up to Easter 2014.

994

Percentage of half-days missed through authorised absence.

4.3

Percentage of half-days missed through unauthorised absence.

0.7

Calendar of Events This is sent to all parents early in the school year as part of the Newsletter and gives the dates of Parent Consultations, academy events, activities and holidays for the school year.

Reports and Records of Achievement A full school report will be issued during the school year. Effort indicators and Achievement Levels will also be communicated to parents each term and assessment information can be accessed via the parent portal into the school’s ICT systems Special Appointments Where any matter about a child’s welfare or progress at the academy is causing concern, parents should, in the first instance, contact the Form Teacher or Director of Study by telephone, letter or email office@stjohnfisher.org.uk.

Medical Matters A medical assistant is in attendance in the Medical Room between 9.00am and 3.30pm. Parents are asked to inform the academy of medical conditions that affect pupils in our care.

Medication used by pupils must not be carried to and from the academy with the exception of inhalers, travel sickness medication, insulin or adrenalin. Medicines should be handed to the medical assistant and collected when needed for pupils to administer themselves, or arrangements need to be made for parents to visit to administer medication. Pupils who use inhalers should carry them and also have spares, named, in the Medical Room. There is no supervised medical facility that can administer medication to pupils.

If a child has an accident or is taken ill at the academy, parents will be informed so arrangements can be made to take or send them home. If urgent hospital attention is required, the pupil will be taken immediately to Dewsbury & District Hospital, Healds Road, Dewsbury or to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield and parents informed.

SCHOOL UNIFORM AND APPEARANCE Academy Uniform and Appearance Uniform is compulsory for all pupils. The uniform has been chosen so that most items can be bought from large stores and several shops in Dewsbury/Batley. The exceptions are the tie, blazer with embroidered badge and the sweater.

These can only be purchased through Rawcliffes or Natasha’s in Dewsbury, or Batley Uniform Centre. Additionally, some items of PE kit are only available from the academy. Parents are asked to make a note in the Planner if an item of uniform cannot be worn for some reason. Pupils who opt for extremes of fashion or repeatedly abuse uniform rules may be excluded from class.

Boys’ Uniform (Years 7 to 11) Blazer: Plain black with academy badge Trousers: Plain black.

Shirt: Plain white.

Tie: Academy tie. (Clip on only Y710) Sweater: The wearing of a sweater is optional but if worn, it must be plain grey (V-necked) with embroidered badge.

Socks: Plain black or grey.

Shoes: Plain black – must be suitable for school wear.

Trainers/Canvas pumps are not allowed.

PE Uniform: Outdoor: Outdoor top and optional tracksuit bottoms, both with academy badge (available only from the academy). Black shorts, red football socks, soccer / rugby boots.

Indoor: Indoor top with academy badge (available only from the academy).

Black shorts, white socks, white pumps / training shoes.

Girls’ Uniform (Years 7 to 11) Blazer: Plain black with academy badge Skirt / Trousers: Plain black. Skirts must be of suitable length i.e, no shorter than 5cm above the knee and must not be made of lycra or other tight fitting material.

Shirt: Tie: Sweater:

Socks: Tights: Shoes:

PE Uniform:

Plain white Academy tie. (Clip on only Y710).

The wearing of a sweater is optional but if worn, it must be plain grey (V-necked) with embroidered badge.

White or black.

Black (thick).

Plain black – flat, suitable for school wear. Trainers/Canvas pumps are not allowed.

Outdoor: Outdoor top and optional tracksuit bottoms, both with academy badge (available only from the academy). Black shorts / games skirt, red football socks, soccer / rugby / hockey boots.

Indoor: Indoor top with academy badge (available only from the academy).

Black shorts, white socks, white pumps / training shoes.

General Appearance  Denim jackets, casual jackets, hooded tops, hats, caps, sports scarves, sweatshirts and sports shirts (polo shirts) are strictly forbidden. 

Hair styles change regularly. Extreme hairstyles (as judged by the headteacher) are unacceptable.

Tram lines, inappropriate shaving eg too short, very short styles, streaks, excessive colouring and highlighting are all examples of what will be deemed inappropriate hairstyles.



Girls may wear one pair of ear-studs in the lower lobe of the ears. Boys are not permitted to wear jewellery apart from as below.



A small crucifix, religious medal or similar worn under clothing around the neck and watch are the only permitted forms of jewellery.



Make-up is not permitted eg. Lip stick, eye mascara/shadow, fake tan, nail varnish etc.

Equipment Pupils’ equipment should include the following items:  pencils;  coloured pencils;  30cm ruler;  compasses;  protractor;  pencil sharpener;  pencil eraser (rubber);  pencil case;  scientific calculator (can be purchased from the Maths Department);  dictionary;  French dictionary (pocket);  Craft Design and Technology (CDT) apron.

Please Note: 1. If equipment becomes worn out or is lost, it should be replaced.

2. Parents should note that pupils who forget or who do not have the proper equipment often get off to a poor start in their lessons, as they try to ‘borrow’ pens, pencils, etc.

PUPIL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE Our Academy Standards Following the teaching of Christ, we will always try to:  Respect each other.  Be well mannered.  Be honest and reliable.  ‘Stamp out’ bullying.  Attend every day and arrive on time.  Follow instructions and co-operate.  Come and go in an orderly fashion.  Respect each other’s property and that of the academy.  Bring the right equipment.  Be smartly dressed and take pride in our academy uniform.

Ofsted stated in November 2012 that “The behaviour and safety of pupils are good Students, including in the sixth form, show positive attitudes to work and want to do well. They behave well in lessons, responding readily to the tasks set.”

Section 48 inspectors (December 2012) stated “Behaviour is good around the school and in lessons, informed by the Catholic ethos of the school. It is exemplary during worship.”

A high standard of behaviour and courtesy is expected from pupils both inside and outside the academy. In line with our mission statement, we assume that pupils have a right to learn, and teachers have a right to teach in an environment free from disruption. The Academy aims to provide an environment in which all pupils are helped to make the best possible progress and exercise self-discipline, and in which pupils and adults are valued and respected.

Staff attempt to promote good behaviour with public praise, affirmation and reward. In some situations, however, it may be necessary to write a note in the pupil’s journal or give a verbal reprimand where a pupil’s behaviour is unacceptable. All pupils can be put on detention.

For after school detentions, 24 hours notice is normally given to the pupil in the journal so that parents are informed. After school detentions are

a compulsory element of the academy’s sanctions. In addition, where a student has amassed a number of negative comments, they may be asked to attend a special detention that takes place on a weekly basis. Failure to attend this detention is viewed very seriously and may result in having to spend a period working alone in the academy’s inclusion unit or exclusion from the academy.

If misbehaviour persists or is serious, the Head of Faculty, Director of Study or a senior member of staff may be involved. On such occasions, parents will be informed. Pupils may be excluded from the academy by the Headteacher. This is a rare occurrence. In such circumstances, parents have the right to make representations to the Governors against the decision of the Headteacher to exclude their child.

Heads of Faculty and subject teachers will inform pupils of the equipment which they will need to bring to school. Pupils should not, therefore, bring into the academy any articles or materials which are either inappropriate or illegal.

The House System Everyone in our academy, students and staff alike, belong to a House. Brothers and sisters will be in the same House as each other. There are four Houses named after four English Saints who were martyred for their faith. They are: Thomas Beckett – Green

Edmund Campion – Yellow MargaretClitherow – Red

Thomas More – Blue

Over the course of the academy year, house points will be awarded to students who have 100% attendance each month and there will be various departmental competitions during which students can also gain house points. The final competition of the year will be Sports Day when students will compete for their House. The House with the most points at the end of the academy year will win the House Shield, to be awarded at our annual Prizegiving ceremony.

In addition to gaining house points, students can further their own development by becoming a Subject Student Leader. There is a Junior (Key Stage 3) and a Senior (Key Stage 4 and 5) Subject Leader for each subject area in the academy.

Together with the House Captain and Vice-House Captain we will have over 100 young Leaders in the academy.

such considerations as distance, safety and condition of the cycle would be taken into account.

Where cycles are brought to the academy they must be put in the designated shelter or place and secured with a locking device. Student cars, motorbikes or scooters are not allowed on academy premises.

The Academy Governors and the Local Authority do not accept responsibility for cycles or cars that are damaged or stolen from the academy. Parents are advised to insure cycles.

Insurance policies taken out by the Governors offer protection in the case of negligence. Parents should take out their own policies to cover against theft, accidental damage or accidental injury.

Bringing Pupils to the Academy by Car

EFFORT INDICATORS

Parents coming to the academy to pick up or drop off their children at the beginning and end of sessions are requested to comply, in the interests of safety, with the following procedures:

Effort Indicators are designed to help pupils improve their performance by celebrating strong effort and highlighting any slippage.



 

You should park, drop off or pick up pupils at the playing fields end of Oxford Road, well clear of the academy entrance. Failure to do so may incur a parking fine.

It is not permitted to enter the academy drive.

It is not permitted to turn around at the entrance to the academy or near the yellow zigzags.

We are concerned that vehicles do not injure pupils. The best way to avoid this is to park away from the entrance. Pupils will not suffer by walking a short distance.

The effort indicators have a point scale from 5 (high) to 1 (low).  To score highly with subject teachers a pupil should: - participate fully and constructively in lessons; - be respectful to staff and pupils; - complete all classwork/homework set to the best of their ability; - arrive to lesson on time, bring appropriate books, equipment and look after them properly.

The 5-4-3-2-1 scaling would correspond with:-

Parents are encouraged to sign up to our parking charter available from the academy. No vehicles are allowed to move within the academy grounds between 3.10pm and 3.35pm. This is to ensure the safety of those pupils using the buses.

Cycling Accommodation for cycles at the academy has been improved of late. Nonetheless, restrictions may have to be placed on the number of pupils allowed to use cycles. If this were to be necessary,

5 = always meets expectations on all four criteria.

4 = usually meets expectations on all four criteria.

3 = often meets expectations on all four criteria.

2 = occasionally meets expectations on all four criteria.

1 = rarely meets expectations on all four criteria.

 To score highly with the pupil’s form tutor a pupil should: - arrive to registration/assembly on time; - comply with uniform rules; - bring their journal every day, look after it and use it appropriately; - behave respectfully and co-operate fully.

Average Range 4.5 to 5.0 3.8 to 4.4 3.0 to 3.7 2.0 to 2.9 1.0 to 1.9

Description for Parents Excellent Good Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Poor

ASSESSMENT AND MARKING NB: Attendance will not be used as an assessment factor in effort indicators.

Effort indicators will be given three times per year for Years 7 – 11.

Should Effort Indicator scores not be satisfactory:    

A letter will be sent home noting concerns or A letter will be sent home and the pupils will be placed on form tutor’s report.

For more serious cases a parental interview will be scheduled with the Director of Studies in attendance.

Finally, for pupils with previous poor effort indicators, who continue not to improve, a parental interview with the Senior Director of Studies or Assistant headteacher would take place.

In the cases of the last two points, letters would be placed in the pupil’s file.

For excellent scores: 

A letter of praise will be sent home.

Achievement Assemblies: There are two during the academy year, the first in February and the other in July and these are normally attended by an academy governor. The first assembly takes note of term 1 performance whilst the second rewards achievement in terms 2 & 3 plus recognises sustained effort during the year.

Summary Reports: Reports will be given to parents, listing effort indicators and assessment at least three times per year.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 – 9)  Substantial pieces of classwork eg projects, lengthy homeworks will be marked according to National Curriculum levels for the time being however, levels are not a feature of assessment in the new National Curriculum.  Shorter classworks / homeworks/ tests will have marks for each section or comments on the skills that have been tested  a and c next to a level signify the upper and lower parts of a National Curriculum level. b is the mid level  The symbols + and – may be added to a level to indicate a very good effort or a poor effort for the work done.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)  Substantial pieces of work, eg controlled assessments and exam practice work will be marked according to exam board mark schemes and this will often be graded on the A*- G scale (Soon to change to a numerical system).  Shorter classworks / homeworks/ tests will have marks for each section or comments on the skills that have been tested Whole academy assessment points Pupils will be assessed three, four or five times during the year across all their subjects depending on age. After each assessment point students will receive a sticker in their planners which gives assessment information about each subject. Letters will be sent home with this data in October, February and May.

Assessment Calendar 2014-15 Year Group

Assessment Points

Reports

Parents’ Evening

7

December February May October February May October February May October December February April May October December February April May

May

June

June

November

June

June

Nov

July

March

May

September Yr 11

Feb

Feb

8 9 10

11

Elective Review

strong effort in homework or an excellent oral contribution. Teachers respond to this by placing a ‘good comment’ in the Planner and when three good comments are given in a subject a pupil is awarded a sticker by the subject teacher.

Three stickers (from any subject) merits a bronze certificate. This is presented in the form period by the form tutor and noted on the form tally.

Six stickers (from any subject) merits a silver certificate. This is presented in the year assembly by the head of year and is noted on the form tally.

Elective Review – the academy will use assessment data to identify some students who are underachieving and ask parents to attend a meeting to review progress

Twelve stickers (from any subject) merits a gold certificate.

This is presented in achievement assemblies (February & July) by the Headteacher and a Governor and is noted on the form tally.

ACHIEVEMENT RECORD

Twenty Four stickers (from any subject) merits a platinum certificate.

This is presented in the achievement assemblies (January & July) by the Headteacher and Governor and is noted on the form tally).

Effort indicators recognise strong efforts sustained over several weeks or, in contrast, significantly poor approaches to schoolwork. The Achievement Record was designed to recognise good work in a particular lesson, for example, a

A handful of pupils have gained a ’double platinum’ and a special award is given.

GENERAL INFORMATION The Academy Day (Monday to Thursday) 9.00 – 9.10 9.10 – 10.00 10.00 – 10.50 10.50 – 11.10 11.10 – 12.00 12.00 – 12.50 12.50 – 1.30 1.30 – 1.40 1.40 – 2.30 2.30 – 3.20

Morning Registration First Lesson Second Lesson Morning Break Third Lesson Fourth Lesson Lunch Afternoon Registration Fifth Lesson Sixth Lesson

Parents are asked to note that whilst there are always senior staff in the academy from 8.15am, pupils that come into the academy before 8.55am are not formally supervised unless taking part in a pre-arranged activity.

Personal Property Pupils are responsible for their personal property and each item should be clearly marked or labelled with the pupil’s name. Although we keep a close watch on property, we cannot accept responsibility for losses and/or damages. For this reason no expensive items of personal property, including mobile phones, clothing or jewellery, should be brought to the academy. Expensive items are confiscated until a parent comes to collect them.

Before PE lessons, money or valuables should be given to the teacher in charge for safekeeping.

Academy Lunches There are three options open to the pupils during the lunch hour:

On Friday timings are changed to allow for a Form Period, within which special programmes to promote literacy are followed and pastoral work can be undertaken. Timings are as follows:The Academy Day (Friday) 9.00 – 9.30 9.30 – 10.15 10.15 – 11.00 11.00 – 11.20 11.20 – 12.10 12.10 – 13.00 13.00 – 1.40 1.40 – 2.30 2.30 – 3.20

Form Period First Lesson Second Lesson Morning Break Third Lesson Fourth Lesson Lunch Fifth Lesson Sixth Lesson

 An academy meal or snack purchased and eaten in the dining room or hall. There is a cashless payment system in operation where parents/students pay in advance.  A packed lunch to be eaten in the hall or other designated area.

No glass bottles or containers should be brought into the academy.  A meal provided at home.

Parents should indicate clearly in the Planner if they wish their child to leave the academy premises to go home for lunch. In Years 7 to 11, only those pupils going to their own home are permitted to leave the academy premises at lunchtime. Pupils in years 7 to 11 may not leave the academy to go elsewhere.

Free Lunches / Uniform / Travel / Maintenance Grants

Parents wishing to obtain information concerning the availability of ‘free’ lunches or any of the above grants for children in their family should contact the Academy’s Education Social Worker at Oak House, Oates Street, Dewsbury. Tel: (01924) 465151 or contact the academy.

Additional Activities The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that the wide range of additional activities such as inter-school games, clubs, trips and residential experiences can make towards pupils’ personal, social, cultural and spiritual education. They therefore aim to promote and provide such activities as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils of the academy and as additional optional activities.

The academy has previously achieved Sports College status. There are academy teams in rugby, soccer, hockey, netball, rounders, golf, cricket, athletics, cross-country and badminton. Selection for these should be regarded as an honour and this means that, unless there are exceptional circumstances, the pupil should play for the academy.

Many other activities are available in the academy including chess, dance, gymnastics and music.

Residential trips are available at various stages of a pupil’s education both at home and abroad.

Countries recently visited include America, France, Poland and Belgium. All foreign visits are outside the normal curriculum and are not compulsory. Whilst fundraising may take place, parents must expect to bear the costs of such activities.

Day visits are regularly made to art galleries, museums, places of scientific, historical, cultural, industrial, geographical or religious interest and to important sporting events. Parental contributions towards the costs are generally asked for. There is a wide range of music groups active in the academy.

To levy no charge for examination entries except where:  

the academy has not prepared pupils for the examination in the academic year in which entry is made; a dual entry is proposed;



a pupil has failed, for no good reason, to complete the requirements of the examination or to attend for it;



a pupil has an unexplained poor attendance record;



a pupil elects to resit an examination.

To levy no charge in respect of books, materials, equipment, instruments or incidental transport provided in connection with the National Curriculum, statutory Religious Education or in preparation for prescribed public examinations or courses taught in the academy, except where parents have indicated in advance they wish to make a purchase.

To seek payment from parents for the cost of any replacement or repair cost of any book, instrument, fitting, fixture or other article damaged or lost through deliberate or careless behaviour of a pupil.

The Governing Body has approved a charge of £20 as costs for photocopying/printing a pupil's academy records should parents request to have sight of these.

Items Available on Written Request for Inspection

Charging and Remissions Policy The policy of the Academy Council (Governors) is as follows: To levy, except where pupils are entitled to statutory remission, a charge for all board and lodging costs on residential visits. To request voluntary contributions from parents for academy activities in or outside of school time for which compulsory charges cannot be levied but which can only be provided if there is sufficient voluntary funding, whilst ensuring that no pupil is excluded from such activity by reason of inability or an unwillingness to make a voluntary contribution.

The Academy Council have a Policy listing the information that is available to parents and others on request. Governors’ intention is to be as open and helpful as possible. Information available includes any Statutory Instruments, Circulars and Administrative Memoranda sent by the Department for Education, Schemes of Work, Syllabii for Public Examinations, The Academy Order, Certificate of Incorporation, Academy /Governance documents, Governors’ Policies and the Procedure for Complaints concerning the Curriculum or any other aspect of academy life.

Also available are appendices on:



  

Composition of the Trust Board and Academy Council including Names and contact addresses for Trustees and Academy Council members; Public Examination Results; List of teaching and auxiliary staff; Home-School Contract

Dates of pupil holidays may be obtained, on request, from the Academy Office.

Arrangements for Making Complaints Staff at St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy invite parents to offer constructive criticism and dialogue in order to continue to improve the service offered to pupils and parents.

Where parents have a specific concern it should, in the first instance, be brought to the attention of the relevant member of staff. If no resolution is found, it may be forwarded to the Headteacher and a complaints form completed. Should the complaint remain unresolved, the complaint may be forwarded to the Chair of the Academy Council (Governors) in writing c/o the Academy. The complaints procedure may be accessed via the academy website.

Smoke-Free Environment St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited in all the building and grounds of the academy, as well as its exits and entrances.

This policy operates throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.

TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS Parents of pupils resident in Kirklees who live more than three miles from the academy (judged by the walking route) should apply in writing to the Director of Children’s Services at Kirklees Council for a statutory pass BEFORE their child commences at St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy. If you live in a neighbouring authority area, you should apply there. Not all authorities are prepared to offer concessionary free travel to pupils. Pupils entitled to a Kirklees ‘free’ pass will normally be given that pass during the first week of a new academy year. Passes are normally sent to the academy.

The Authority, in conjunction with Leeds Metro, run special coaches from the following areas:-

Most of the pupils travelling on these coaches have a bus pass, but there may be some capacity for fare-paying pupils, i.e. those who live within three miles who can conveniently travel on one of the special buses. This is not guaranteed.

    

Good behaviour on any bus is expected of all travelling pupils. Misbehaviour on any bus constitutes a breach of the Behaviour Code and will be treated accordingly.

Birkenshaw Birstall Cleckheaton Gomersal Mirfield

Pupils from the Batley area living within the threemile limit may use a service provided by A Lyles Coaches; this is a fare-paying service. Information about the service can be obtained from A Lyles Coaches (Tel: 01924 464771).

Pupils living in the Shaw Cross/Earlsheaton/ Chickenley/Thornhill/Morley areas can travel on fare-paying services provided by A Lyles Coaches or Arriva.

‘POUND A WEEK’ SCHEME Our academy is committed to achieving the best possible education for its pupils.

Good examination results are very important, but we believe that our pupils’s spiritual and social development is paramount. The Government in recent years has committed extra money to schools, but invariably it has to be spent on particular projects. We do not receive any money to enhance our Catholic Ethos and until recently, have had to find up to 10% of the cost of building projects. In recent years, our academy has undergone a major building programme. This would not have been possible without the support of our local parishes and contributions from the Diocesan Voluntary Contribution Scheme (VCS).

As a community, the Diocese regularly asked us to find approx. £17,500 a year as our contribution to the total VCS. Now that the school is an Academy, we will not have to find 10% of all costs. Nonetheless, the ‘Pound a Week’ scheme will continue so that the money can contribute to making the environment of the Academy capable of supporting the highest quality of teaching and learning.

In the course of the academy year, our academy chaplain organises many events. We gather as an academy for Masses, liturgies and prayer meetings. We organise days of reflection, reenactments, pilgrimages and talks from invited speakers. Many of these initiatives are funded by the ‘Pound a Week’ scheme. Our Chapel is a beautiful and sacred place but we need to make sure it retains this high quality. The ‘Pound a Week’ scheme ensures the Chapel is properly maintained and that other projects happen.

In the last couple of years, we were able to achieve many other special projects through our voluntary scheme. The scheme supported some of the costs associated with supervising our year 10 and 12 students on pilgrimage to Lourdes. It has also paid for prizes etc. at our annual prize giving event.

It is possible to collect ‘Pound a Week’ contributions on a weekly basis but it is far better for us if you are able to pay by standing order.

Forms are available from the academy and if you pay income tax, as a registered charity, we can reclaim as gift aid, the tax paid on contributions.

This means that for every £1 contributed we can claim back 25p.

We thank you for your support and would not ask you for a contribution, but know that you have chosen St John Fisher because it is an academy committed to Gospel values and working in partnership with you to help our young people grow in every way.

ADMISSIONS POLICY 2015/16 Saint John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families resident in the Heavy Woollen Deanery of the Leeds Diocese. The academy is conducted by its Governing Body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its trust deed and instrument of government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

All students who are accepted into our academy will be offered and invited to reflect on the Gospel and the fundamental teaching of the Catholic Faith, in the light and insights offered by the Second Vatican Council. Conscious that to offer is not to impose; we will seek to respect their religious freedom and difference.

Whenever there are more applications than places available, priority will always be given to Catholic applicants in accordance with the oversubscription criteria listed below. In expressing a preference for St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy parents/guardians are assumed to declare their support for the aims and ethos of the Academy.

2.

Baptised Catholics who are resident in the Parishes of the Heavy Woollen Deanery and Morley attending a Catholic Primary School serving these parishes. The parishes are Holy Spirit, St Aidan’s, St William of York (Morley), St Joseph’s, St Mary’s, St Patrick’s, St Paul of the Cross, St Paulinus and St Thomas More.

3.

Other Baptised Catholic children resident in the above-named parishes.

4.

Other Baptised Catholic children in the Catholic primary schools serving these parishes. The schools are Holy Spirit, St Francis (Morley), St Joseph’s, St Mary’s, St Patrick’s and St Paulinus.

5.

Other Baptised Catholic children.

6.

Other looked after children or other children who were previously looked after but ceased to be so because they became adopted or became subject to a residence or special guardianship order.

7.

Children of other Christian denominations or of other Faiths whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the academy and who attend the catholic schools in the deanery area and Morley as identified in priority 4 of this policy.

8.

Children of other Christian denominations or of other Faiths whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the academy and whose application is supported by a minister of religion or an appropriate religious leader.

9.

Children whose parents are in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the academy.

10.

Other applicants.

The governing body has responsibility for admissions to this academy and intends to admit 198 pupils to Year 7 in the school year, which begins September 2015.

Over Subscription Criteria At any time where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority.

1.

Looked after children from Catholic families or children from Catholic families who were previously looked after but ceased to be so because they became adopted or became subject to a residence or special guardianship order.

Catechumens are to be given priority next after Baptised Catholics in each of the above categories.

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the categories listed above would lead to

over-subscription the following provisions will be applied.

above and advised of their right of appeal to an independent appeal panel.

The attendance of a brother or sister at the academy at the time of enrolment will increase the priority of an application within each category.

Applicants are requested to note that applications that do not include the supplementary information form will be considered as Category 10 in the oversubscription criteria as it is information provided on this form that enables the correct category to be applied.

Tie Break Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the sub-categories listed above would lead to over-subscription, the places up to the admission number will be offered to those living nearest to the academy. Distance is measured in a straight line from a child’s home address to the academy. Measurements are calculated using six-figure grid references for each address taken from Ordnance survey ADDRESS-POINT® data.

This grid reference relates to a point that falls inside the permanent building structure corresponding to the address. The boundary of the building structure for the address is derived from Ordnance Survey Land-Line data. For smaller, residential properties the grid reference denotes a point near the centre of the building.

For larger properties like schools with, for example, multiple buildings and large grounds, the grid reference relates to a point inside the main addressable building structure.

The distance calculated is accurate to within 1.0 metres.

Admission to Sixth Form See separate policy document.

Application Procedures and Timetable Applications must be submitted by 31st October 2014 to the Admissions Officer, St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy, Oxford Road, Dewsbury, WF13 4LL on the supplementary information form attached to this policy. A standard application form from the parents’ home Local Authority (LA) must also be completed and returned to the home authority by the same date.

For those pupils attending the primary schools identified in 4 above, this may be done through these schools. Parents will be advised of the outcome of their application on 2nd March 2015.

Unsuccessful applicants will be given reasons related to the over-subscription criteria listed

Admissions outside the normal admission round.

Applications should be made to the academy and will be dealt with by the admission authority of the academy i.e. the governing body Waiting Lists In addition to their right of appeal, unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be maintained in order of the over-subscription criteria set out above and not in the order in which applications are received or added to the list.

Names are normally removed from the list at the end of the Autumn term in the admissions year i.e.

December 2015.

Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs The admission of pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. This procedure is integral to the making and maintaining statements by the pupil’s home Local Authority. Details of this separate procedure is set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.

Notes (these notes form part of the oversubscription criteria) Catholic means a member of a Church in communion with the ‘See of Rome’. This includes the Eastern Catholic Churches. A certificate of baptism in a Catholic Church or a certificate of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church will normally evidence this.

Catechumens are those children who have expressed an explicit desire to be baptized into the Catholic Church and who are currently preparing to receive the same by regular participation in

Sunday worship and a recognized programme of preparation. A letter from the Catholic priest preparing the child is required.

Looked After Child has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Children Act 1989, and means any child in the care of a local authority or provided with accommodation by them (e.g., children with foster parents).

Looked After Children from Catholic Families – this has a dual meaning. It could be the child themselves who are baptised Catholic or it could be the family who are caring for the child that is Catholic. If it is the child who is a baptised Catholic normal rules apply and a baptism certificate should be seen by the admission authority. However, (in limited situations) this may not always be possible and in these cases the admission authority will seek to ensure that the child is baptised. If a child is placed with a Catholic family who wish the child to have a Catholic education this should be evidenced by a baptism certificate of either parent carer.

Distance will be measured as detailed above.

Siblings (Brothers and Sister) includes children with brothers and sisters (including step-siblings, adoptive siblings and foster siblings) of statutory school age, living at the same address, in attendance at the same school on the date of admission.

Twins or Triplets - where a family of twins or triplets request admission and if one sibling has been offered the last place the ‘excepted pupil’ rule comes in and the other twin/triplets are offered a place.

Live - In all categories “live” means the child’s permanent home address. A child is normally regarded as living with a parent or guardian and we will use the parent or guardian’s address for admission purposes. You cannot lodge a child with a friend or relation in order to gain a place at a school. For admissions purposes only one address can be used as a child’s permanent address. When a child lives with more than one parent/carer, at different addresses, we will use the preference expressed by the parent/carer at the address where the child lives the majority of the time during the school week as the main place of residence.

Where there is more than one application from a postal address contained within a block of flats, places will be decided by random allocation. If two or more pupils live equidistant from the school places will then also be decided by random allocation.

Parish Boundaries are as shown on a map available for inspection in academy.

Admission Appeal addressed to

–

Any appeal should be

The Clerk to the Appeals Panel Address as below Please see academy website www.stjohnfisher.org.uk for the admissions timetable.

Published by the Academy Council (Governors) of St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy Oxford Road Dewsbury West Yorkshire WF13 4LL Chair of Academy Council (Governors): Rev Dr J D Cortis

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FORM FOR ADMISSION TO A VOLUNTARY AIDED CATHOLIC SCHOOL / ACADEMY The school to which you are applying is a voluntary aided Catholic school / Catholic voluntary academy. The school is designated as a school with a religious character and as such is permitted to give priority to applicants who are of the faith of the school.

The governing body has responsibility for admissions to the school. In order to apply the school's oversubscri ption criteria the governing body requires additional information that is not collected on the local authority's Common Application Form. This information can be supplied by completing this Supplementary Information Form. Failure to complete this form may affect the oversubscription criterion in which your child is placed.

Name of school to which you are applying

Full name of child (including surname)

Gender (please tick box)

Male

Female

Date of birth

Child's permanent address including postcode

Contact telephone number(s)

Religion of child

Full name(s) of parent(s)/carer(s)

Relationship to child

1.

2.

If, at the time of admission, you will have other children attending this school, please provide details below: Full name(s)

Date(s) of birth

PLEASE TURN OVER...

CATHOLIC CHILDREN Date of baptism

Place of baptism

(Please attach proof of baptism i.e. baptism certificate)

Parish in which you live Address of your church

Name of your priest (to whom reference may be made)

NON-CATHOLIC CHILDREN Are you a member of a religious community?

Yes

No

Place of worship (including address) (reference may be made to the person named below at this address)

Name of your religious minister Signature of your religious minister (this should be on the letter-headed paper of the religious organisation or be stamped with the organisation’s official stamp)

Signature of parent/carer completing the application Please print name Date form completed

Please return your completed form to the school.

For school use only

Date SIF received

………………………………….

Verification of baptism ………………………………….

Year Group…………………….