I am very pleased to be able to welcome you and your daughter into the Weatherhead High School community. In choosing Weatherhead for the next stage of your child’s education you are entrusting her into our care and I can assure you that we will do our best to ensure she succeeds. A strong and positive partnership between school and home is essential to every student’s success - as students enrol into Year 7, we see this as an opportunity to build an enduring relationship with parents/carers.
Weatherhead is aspirational for every student, wanting them to succeed in the classroom and beyond. During her time here, your daughter will be challenged and encouraged to do her very best. She will be supported by a team of people around her, including her Form Tutor, Year Leader and wider pastoral team as well as her subject teachers. Expectations will be high in terms of attendance, school work and behaviour, and your child will receive excellent care, guidance and support, preparing her well for the demands of high school and life beyond Weatherhead. In turn, every student is expected to make a positive contribution to school, showing care, kindness and respect to others, and demonstrating active citizenship within the school community and beyond. We want every Weatherhead student to work hard and try their best. We also want them to take part in the wide range of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities, enabling them to form strong friendships and lasting memories along the way. I am sure your daughter will be excited to find out more about the clubs, trips and other activities on offer to Weatherhead students.
To support you and your child through the transition from primary school to Weatherhead, we have created this guide which contains a wealth of valuable information about what to expect in September. Along with various transition events that are planned for the summer term, it will help your child prepare for this new and exciting venture, overcoming those inevitable fears and settling well into school.
I shall look forward to meeting you at one of our forthcoming transition events and, in the meantime, if you have any queries, please feel free to contact school.
Mr Mackenzie, Headteacher
WeatherheadValues
Students'experienceduringtheirtimeatWeatherheadand ourexpectationsofthemareframedaroundtheschool'sfo values: resilience, respect, reach and reward. The values provide students with a common approach to life at school and they understand that if they display the positive attributes of a Weatherheadstudentbybeingresilientlearners,showingrespectand having high aspirations and goals to work towards, they will be recognised and rewarded for their effort and contribution to the school community. Students should try their best to 'live out' the Weatherheadvaluesinallthattheydo.
Our Core Values
We are committed to creating an inclusive, engaging and supportive environment where every member of our community belongs and aspires to excellence.
Our school is driven by the values of the 4 Rs: Resilience, Respect, Reach and Reward. Our commitment to the 4 Rs guides us in creating an environment where every student can thrive, and we aim to be one of the best schools in the country by fostering a culture of hard work, aspiration and success.
Resilience:
We foster resilience in our students and staff by encouraging perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
Respect:
We cultivate an environment where mutual respect is paramount, ensuring that all individuals feel valued and respected.
Reach:
We inspire our community to reach for their highest potential in academic, artistic, physical and leadership pursuits.
Reward:
We recognise and reward positive behaviour, achievements and acts of kindness, creating an engaging and motivating atmosphere.
The Weatherhead Charter
The Weatherhead Charter represents the collective aspirations and commitments of the school community. It outlines the behaviour and values to which members of the community should adhere, and serves as a guide by which we can hold each other to account. By applying these principles, we can work together towards a shared goal of creating a supportive, inspiring, and successful environment for all.
In addition, Breakfast Club offers free tea and bagels from 8.00am each morning in the dining room and the LRC is open on Monday
Five A Day
We believe in focussing on the basics, promoting ‘calm corridors, calm classrooms’. During Tutor Period each morn g students are encouraged to keep good routines and to engage in our Five A Day.
Punctuality
Arrive to school and all lessons on time.
“Arriving late is a way of saying that your own time is more valuable than the time of the person who waited for you.”
Uniform
Blazer, pin badge, no false nails / eyelashes, no nail varnish, no bows, one set of stud earrings, one flat ring.
Equipment
Planner, pens, pencils, calculator, PE kit, ingredients etc.
“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
Mobile Phones
Switch your mobile phone off and put it in your bag. Any phones seen by staff through the day will be confiscated.
Recognition and preparation for the day
IRIS rewards for attendance, equipment, punctuality and achievements.
Daily notices and any other relevant announcements.
Assemblies
One morning each week your year group will have an assembly. Assemblies are led by your Year Leader or a member of the Senior Leadership Team and cover a broad range of topics and issues linked to the 4Rs. Each term ends with specific celebration assembly.
School Uniform
We take pride in our students and expect them to take pride in their uniform.
Compulsory items:
• navy school blazer/jacket
• white, short sleeve revere collar shirt
• navy blue skirt or trousers (skirts must be knee length, pencil skirts and pleated gym skirts are not permitted)
• plain navy blue, black or white socks or tights
• plain, flat, black school shoes (pumps, trainers, Kickers/Dr Martens or any style of boots are not permitted)
Optional items:
• navy blue V neck jumper or navy cardigan
PE kit
• navy blue shorts
• Weatherhead polo shirt (choice of two styles)
• tracksuit trousers
• trainers
Please ensure that all items are labelled with your child’s name to avoid confusion and to help us return lost items. Uniform and PE items can be ordered from our supplier, Baker & Son. Full details are available online with current prices and sizes, www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/school-uniform
Additional expectations:
• one pair of stud earrings, one ring and a wrist watch (no necklaces, bracelets or smart watches)
• no facial or tongue piercings allowed (for health and safety reasons)
• make up should be kept to a minimum
• no false eyelashes or lash extensions
• no nail varnish or acrylic nails
• no extreme hair colour or styles (including partially/fully shaved hair)
• pin badges denoting Year Group must be worn on the jacket
School Routines
Lunchtime Arrangements
Your child may bring a packed lunch or purchase or cold meal from the dining room. We oper biometric system, and with your permission, your child’s fingerprint will be scanned on their first day. You can then use ParentPay to top up their account. If your child is eligible for free school meals, you need to re-apply for this to continue via the school website: www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/school-information/fsm.
Chartwells provide three menus which are rotated weekly, so that students have the option of a balanced and nutritious diet. Menus are available on the school website. Prices vary but there are ‘meal deal’ options which provide value for money and are popular with students. Year 7 students have designated, supervised areas at lunchtime, including break out areas, lunch rooms and the playground.
Mobile Phones
We feel it is important that students have time away from their mobile phones. They are are not permitted to use them during the school day under any circumstances. This includes use of blue-tooth, phoning, messaging, photography, as a clock or calculator. Mobile phones must be switched off on the first bell and remain in bags during the day. Students using mobile phones will have them confiscated and parents/carers will have to collect them from Reception. Any student who needs to contact home during the day may ask the Student Services office or Reception.
Smoking
Smoking and vaping are not permitted in or around the vicinity of the school premises.
Personal Property
We advise that valuables are not brought into school. All personal property should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Lockers are allocated to all Year 7 students in September to store bags, PE kits and coats. The school cannot accept responsibility and is not liable for the loss of students’ personal property.
Lost Property
Students should enquire about lost property items at Student Services. We aim to return all named lost items; however, items are only kept for three months and if not claimed, they are donated to charity.
Homework
Progress, Assessment and Examinations
Homework is a vital part of learning. It consolidates what is learnt in lesson and encourages students to be independent. Students will receive a homework schedule in September, along with guidelines regarding the quality and length of time to be spent completing tasks. Homework can include an extension task, revision, learning facts and independent research. Supervised homework support sessions run twice a week and the LRC is available for independent work until 5.30pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
As well as ongoing assessment in lessons, e assessed through written or practical assess d of each term. Parents will be invited to a Y r meeting in October, a Year 7 Parents’ Even g term, and an end of year report is sent home
Attendance
Attendance is vital if your child is to fulfill their potential, make progress and take advantage of the opportunities available at Weatherhead. Students should only be absent if they are genuinely unwell - in the case of minor ailments, we ask that you send your child to school. Parents will be contacted if their child is unwell during the day and needs to be collected. Students should not contact home themselves but should report to their Year Group office or the Student Services office.
Parents should contact the school on the first and every subsequent day of absence by telephoning the school on 0151 631 4410 and following the instructions via the options provided.
If a student has been absent, they should provide a note to their Form Tutor upon their return to school.
Appointments
Punctuality
Wherever possible, hospital and dental appointments should be made out of school hours. Students must show an appointment letter or a note from parents to the Student Services office, who will issue an Authorised Absence Pass, which must be shown to Reception upon leaving school. Students must be collected by a parent or a nominated adult whose details are held on the school’s system.
Students must be in school by 8.35am and be prompt to lessons. Students who are late to school will be required to complete a detention on the same day and if students are repeatedly late, there will be a meeting held with key pastoral staff.
Leave of Absence
Family holidays should be taken during school holidays. Absence during term time as a result of a holiday interrupts the continuity of teaching and learning, and is often detrimental to a student’s progress. Family holidays during term time will not be approved unless in very exceptional circumstances. A week of work missed can have a significant effect upon a child’s welfare and a week of absence adds up to 25 hours of missed learning.
Useful Contacts
School Main Reception: 0151 631 4400 (switchboard)
Reception/Switchboard opening hours:
8.00am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday 8.00am-4.15pm on Friday
Student Absence: 0151 631 4410 (direct line)
Year Leader and Pastoral and Academic Support Worker: year7office@weatherheadhigh.co.uk
Supporting Your Child
At the start of Year 7, students are allocated a Tutor Group with a dedicated Form Tutor. There are also a number of additional members of staff to support your child through their high school journey.
Pastoral and Academic Support Worker:
This member of staff deals with student concerns, gives support and guidance in relation to well-being, academic concerns and offers a listening ear. Students may also be supported with homework and all other matters relating to school.
Year Leader - every year group has a designated lead for the duration of their time at Weatherhead. Year Leaders oversee all concerns involving academic progress, attendance, welfare and safety.
Subject Teachers deal with matters relating to academic progress or concerns.
Teaching Assistants support teaching staff with teaching and learning.
The Form Tutor establishes effective daily routines and positive relationships with students in their tutor group. Your child’s Form Tutor acts as a point of contact for parents/carers, supports attendance, recognises and celebrates students’ success and is the first point of contact for queries.
Headteacher and SLT deal with unresolved concerns after all other channels have been explored.
Additional Support:
Heads of Department deal with escalated matters relating to academic concerns.
Mental Health Lead promotes positive mental health and initiates intervention for students in need.
SEND Office liaises with students, parents/carers, external agencies and staff to ensure that learning needs are identified and supported. Safety and Welfare Officer provides support for vulnerable students and their families.
CLA (Child Looked After) and Young Carers Lead provides support to looked after children and young carers.
School Equipment
So that students are ready to learn and prepared for lessons, we expect them to have the following items:
• strong school bag (ideally a rucksack, big enough to carry A4 size books)
• pencil case
• pencils
• pencil sharpener
• colouring pencils
• colouring pens
• black, blue and purple ball point pens
• rubber
• glue stick
• Maths set (including protractor, compasses and ruler)
• highlighter
• scientific calculator
• water bottle
Lockers
Please ensure that all items are labelled with your child’s name to avoid confusion and to help us return lost items.
Year 7 students will be allocated a locker in the first week of term at no extra cost. Lockers are operated with a combination code.
Edulink One
We have recently launched a new school app, Edulink One, which will streamline home-school communication, give parents/carers easy access to important information and allow them to book Parents’ Evening appointments. Additional functions will be available in due course.
You will receive further detailed instructions on how to access your Edulink One account before your child joins us in September. Please ensure that you check that your contact details are correct and update them by selecting the ‘Update Information’ option.
Curriculum
For the first time, students will have specialist teachers for each subject and lessons will take place in different classrooms. At Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) students will study the following subjects:
English Mathematics Science History
Geography
Computing
Spanish
Art
Design Technology
Dance
Drama
Food and Nutrition
Music
Physical Education
Religious Education
In PSHCE, students look at important issues such as online safety, British values, relationships, mental health, road safety, alcohol and drugs awareness.
School Trips
School trips play an important part in student enrichment, complimenting studies, exposing students to different experiences and creating memories. Students regularly enjoy theatre trips, visits to art galleries and restaurants, attending careers fairs and university events.
The Year 7 residential to the Conway Centre is a highlight of the school calendar. Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities including; raft building, canoeing, abseiling and mountain biking. Over the three days students develop confidence, leadership, teamwork and problem solving skills.
Extra-Curricular
We pride ourselves on an extensive extra-curricular provisi
Students are encouraged to take part in at least one club per week. Here are just a few of the clubs that we offer:
• Art and Textiles
• Boxing
• Choir
• Computing and Coding
• Cookery
• Dance Company
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Years 9-13)
• Drama
• Filmmaking
• Football
• Gardening
• German
• Gymnastics
• Netball
• Rounders
• Rugby
• Photography and Photoshop
• Science and STEM
• Tennis
• Trampolining
• Volleyball
The extra-curricular timetable is available on the school website: www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/enrichment/extra-curricular-clubs.
Students are provided with wide ranging opportunities to play in inter-form competitions along with entry into national competitions. We are fortunate to benefit from excellent facilities, including a four court sports hall, gymnasium, fully equipped fitness suite, 3G pitch, netball and tennis courts.
Peripatetic Music Lessons
We offer a variety of instrumental lessons (piano, singing and guitar) with qualified peripatetic teachers. Students receive one 20 minute lesson per week. Times of lessons are rotated to ensure that the students do not miss the same subject every week. Students can opt to take grade exams, join the choir and perform at events.
Learning Resource Centre (LRC)
Weatherhead has a vibrant Learning Resource Centre run by our dedicated Learning Resource Manager. Students benefit from regular library lessons and are able to borrow books for free. The LRC is open at break and lunch time every day, and most days after school, as well as hosting clubs, running writing competitions and events.
Literacy
Year 7 students are introduced to engaging texts to promote ‘reading for pleasure’ before progressing to study texts such as Frankenstein and Lord of the Flies. Set texts are carefully selected to ensure that we are promoting literary and choosing books to engage and enthuse students of all abilities. This is underpinned by regular LRC lessons and an enriching extracurricular programme. The English department aims to stretch and challenge more capable readers, whilst less enthusiastic readers may be energised by reading intervention groups and events, including Author Week, World Book Day and Lit Fest.
Online Learning and e-Safety
e-Safety guidance is delivered in lessons and in form time and students are taught about online safety as part of the Computing and PSHCE curriculum. Information for students and a directory of useful online resources for parents/carers to help understand the range of websites and apps is available on the school website: www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/online-safety. Further guidance for parents/carers about keeping your child safe online is available at www.internetmatters.org.
Students are expected to sign an Acceptable Use Policy, agreeing to act responsibly and respectfully whilst online. The school also uses filters and software to protect students from inappropriate content and to monitor online applications.
Personalised login details are issued to students in September as part of their induction programme.
The school boasts outstanding facilities with a 400 seat theatre providing an excellent stage for performances and awards i evenings, as well as a dance studio and two drama studios. The Performing Arts department offers many opportunities for students to perform in events, concerts and productions.
We believe that a high standard of behaviour from all of our students is essential. Students are expected to conform to our Framework for Learning which is vital to the efficient and safe running of the school. There are two key principles:
Every student has the right to learn. No student can be allowed to prevent others from learning.
Achievement and Behaviour
Every student has the right to feel safe. No student should ever be allowed to make another person feel uncomfortable or threatened.
It is the school policy to recognise and reward positive behaviour, effort and student achievement through our rewards system, including: improved or excellent standard of classwork or homework; effort in class; contribution to extracurricular activities and service to the school community. Staff adopt a range of strategies to recognise and reward, including postcards home, achievement points, celebration assemblies and a Headteacher’s recognition award.
It is important for consequences to be used consistently. Students may be issued with IRIS sanctions/concerns or detained for a short period at lunchtime or after the school day ends for lateness or poor behaviour. If students need to be detained for a longer period of time, parents will be given at least 24 hours notice.
Equal Opportunities
All students have equal rights, equal opportunities and equal access to education, and are entitled to receive the appropriate support they need to become valued and active members of the community. Weatherhead aims to provide an environment in which each student is treated as an individual, giving them the opportunity to develop to their maximum potential in all aspects of school life irrespective of gender, race, religion, health or ability. Our equal opportunities policies are available on the school website: www.weatherheadhigh.co.uk/school-information/policiesprocedures. page 17
• Help students achieve their potential in all aspects of school life.
• Provide a balanced curriculum and set work appropriate to the student’s age and ability.
• Encourage, reward and celebrate the successes of our students.
• Keep parents informed about progress through written reports and Parents’ Evenings and to advise about general school matters through regular communication.
• Provide a safe and supportive environment in which students can pursue their studies.
As a Parent/carer you agree to:
• Ensure your child attends school every day, on time and properly equipped.
• Encourage your child to complete homework.
• Inform the school about any problems that might affect your child’s work or behaviour.
• To provide written confirmation to school to explain any absence.
• Attend Parents’ Evenings and engage in other discussions about your child and their progress.
Keeping You Informed
Our digital school magazine, Weather Report, is published every two weeks and keeps students and parents/carers up to date on school life, activities, successes, school information and news.
Weatherhead TV is shown to students and shared with the wider school community every September and reflects ‘a year at Weatherhead’. Weather Report is shared with parents/carers via email and is also available on the school website along with Weatherhead TV. Parents/carers and students can follow us on social media:
