Magdalen College School - School Information

MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL BRACKLEY SCHOOL INFORMATION

Founded 1548

Curriculum At Magdalen College School students in all years follow a broad and balanced curriculum which gives them the best preparation for progressing to higher education institutions or the world of work. The curriculum is reviewed each year to ensure that we explore new initiatives and make decisions which reflect the needs of our students in a constantly changing educational environment.

Years 7 & 8 The curriculum comprises English, Drama, Maths, Art, Technology, Music, Physical Education, Information Technology, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Religious Education, Geography and PCSHE (Personal, Citizenship, Social, Health and Education including Careers). Students are taught mostly in ability groups.

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Years 9,10 & 11 All students study English (Literature and Language), Maths, Science, Religious Education, ICT, Games and PCSHE (Personal, Citizenship, Social, Health and Education including Careers). Students will either follow a Triple Science pathway or one which leads to the Double Award Science GCSE. Students choose additional GCSE options that may include History, Geography, Sociology, Art, Business Studies, Music, Drama, and Modern Foreign Languages.

Sixth Form Students can choose from a particularly wide range of A Level courses which have been carefully selected to give a wide choice of subject and method of delivery.

All students participate in an extended curriculum programme.

Please refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for more information.

Parental Reports on Progress Parents receive regular reports home showing students’ grades and engagement in their learning. There are parents meetings during the year to discuss progress.

Information evenings are arranged to provide general advice on particular issues.

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Pastoral Care Student support services

Behaviour for learning

Special Educational Needs

Our student support team offers advice and help to students. From medical issues, general enquiries through to more specific needs for learning and development, the team is there to support and help our students.

The school has high expectations of students.

We expect them to conduct themselves well during classes and in break times so that they can achieve the best outcomes for their time in school.

At Magdalen College School we are committed to the philosophy of each student achieving his or her full potential.

Transition arrangements New students are likely to feel a little nervous and lost in those first few days and weeks when they join us. We aim to make the transition from the previous school to us as straightforward as possible. Students transferring to Secondary School in September are given opportunities to visit the School to meet staff and see the facilities. All new students take part in the School’s induction programme in July. Students meet their Form Tutors and spend time in tutor groups experiencing ‘taster’ lessons in some of the subjects which will be on their timetable in Year 7.

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They are expected to work diligently and conscientiously and not to disrupt the learning of others. We work on the basis that students make choices about how to behave and that they take responsibility for their actions.

We recognise the importance of rewarding commitment and respect through our Vivo House point system where students gain awards in recognition of all their achievements.

To achieve this, the Special Education Needs provision at Magdalen includes: • A comprehensive package of in-class and small group teaching targeted on specific objectives for students with learning needs.

• Provision for students with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

• An amended provision can be offered for a few students at Key Stage 4 for whom the full range of GCSEs is not appropriate.

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Liaison with Primary Schools, to ensure that appropriate provision is in place for all students with special educational needs upon entry in Year 7.

Attendance There is a clear link between students’ success in school and their attendance. It is important therefore that students attend school every day and only take time off school when they are too ill to attend. In accordance with the law, the school is unable to authorise absences for holidays other than in the most exceptional of circumstances. It is the parents’ responsibility to gain the school’s permission for such absences before they take place. Failure to do so will result in a referral to the local authority who have the power to administer a fine or to take court action.

Where a student’s attendance rate becomes a cause of concern a referral is made to an education welfare adviser who will raise concerns with the student and with parents/carers to ensure that there is an improvement.

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Enrichment There’s more to life at Magdalen College School than just gaining qualifications. We encourage all our students to get fully involved, make new friends and take advantage of the many extra opportunities that are available to them. Our aim is to ensure our students are able to excel in all aspects of their education; our varied enrichment opportunities enable them to be successful beyond the classroom.

Educational Visits

Extra Curricular Activities

• Snowdon

These are a part of every day life at Magdalen College School.

Most of our students participate in a least one of the many clubs that meet regularly.

• Ypres

These cover a wide range of sport, music and creative activities.

For example: Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, Sports Clubs, Chess Club, Art Club, Technology Clubs, Science Club, Chapel Choir, Jazz Bands and the Debating Society.

Music Lessons 6

Students have the opportunity to learn a wide range of musical instruments and take part in concerts and choirs throughout the year. Individual or shared peripatetic music lessons are also available in school, taught by external specialist music teachers.

A wide range of visits in the UK and abroad are well established at Magdalen College School. Recent trips have included: • Art trip to Italy • Geneva

• Ski Trip

Extended Learning Provision Through a number of off-timetable days, students have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities designed to extend their learning beyond the classroom. For example: • Dragons Den — Enterprise Day • Opening Minds Day, linking with our community • Creativity in the Rainforest • Forensics Day • Alumni Day — learning from past MCS students

House System All students and staff at Magdalen belong to one of 8 houses whose names have a historical connection to the school.

These are: • Lovell

• Barnard

• Waynflete • Beaumont

• De Quincey • Holdgate • Godwin

• Wodhams

Through our house system we aim to increase student’s motivation and encourage participation and commitment to all aspects of school life. The inter-house competitions develop a range of skills, promote team building across year groups and inspire all to achieve their best for their house.

Head Boy/head Girl Students have the opportunity each year to vote for their Head Boy and Head Girl.

Selection is based on contributions to school life and the wider community.

The Head Boy and Head Girl act as ambassadors for other students and represent the school at various functions in the community.

Student Council Our Student Council is active in the life of the school. The Council has representatives from all year groups and they have been involved in many initiatives and offer a valued contribution to the life of the school.

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Uniform Girls — Compulsory

Boys — Compulsory

Black blazer with Magdalen College School badge.

Black blazer with Magdalen College School badge.

Plain black skirt (of a respectable length) or plain black trousers — no fashion variations acceptable.

Plain black trousers — no fashion variations.

White revere collar blouse, short or long sleeve, not cap or three quarter (recommended from suppliers). Blouse may be tucked in or worn out, but must not show below blazer or jumper.

White formal shirt with collar (long or short sleeves) worn with top button fastened and tucked into trousers.

MCS tie worn at all times, fully knotted, and worn so that fastened top button cannot be seen.

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Plain black or white socks, or plain black or flesh coloured tights (no patterns).

Plain black or white socks.

Black formal school shoes (leather or equivalent). No heels.

Training shoes of any description, ballet shoes, boots or any other soft soled shoes are not permitted.

Black formal school shoes (leather or equivalent).

Training shoes of any description or boots are not permitted.

Girls – Optional

Boys – Optional

Black jumper with MCS logo to only be worn under the blazer.

Black jumper with MCS logo to only be worn under the blazer.

Belt, must be plain black with small buckle.

Belt, must be plain black with small buckle.

Jewellery The only acceptable items are 1 small plain gold or silver stud earring in each ear, and a watch. Any other piercings of any kind are not permitted.

Girls PE Kit – Compulsory

Boys PE Kit – Compulsory

MCS Polo shirt with logo

MCS Polo shirt with logo

MCS PE SKIRT

PE Shorts - navy MCS Rugby shirt with logo

MCS Socks – blue

MCS Socks – blue

Make Up

Socks – white

Training shoes

Training shoes

Shin pads

Should be unnoticeable.

No nail varnish is allowed.

Shin pads

Football boots

Hair

Girls PE Kit – Recommended

Boys PE Kit – Recommended

Gum shield

Gum shield

Girls PE Kit – Optional

Boys PE Kit – Optional

MCS Hoody with logo

MCS Hoody with logo

Blue Thermal base layer

Blue Thermal base layer

Tracksuit trousers - navy

Tracksuit trousers - navy

Hockey stick

Hockey stick

Badminton racquet

Badminton racquet

Natural colours only. Stripes, blocks, patterns, braids and shaved lines are not acceptable.

Football boots

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School Routine Term Dates 2016 Term1 (2016)

Term 2

Professional Development Day

Friday 2 September

Professional Development Day

Monday 5 September

School re-opens to students

The School Day is divided into five lessons:

Friday 21 October

Close for end of term

08:40-09:00

Tutor Time / Assembly

Monday 31 October

Re-open to students

Friday 16 December

Close for end of term

09:00-10:00

Lesson 1

Monday 19 December

Professional Development Day

10:00-11:05

Lesson 2

11:05-11:25

Break

11:25-12:25

Lesson 3

12:25-13:30

Lesson 4

13:30-14:20

Lunch

14:20-15:20

Lesson 5

(disaggregated) Tuesday 20 December

Professional Development Day (disaggregated)

Term 3 (2017)

Term 4

Wednesday 4 January

Professional Development Day

Thursday 5 January

Re-open to students

Friday 10 February

Close for end of term

Monday 20 February

Re-open to students

Friday 31 March

Close for end of term

Friday 14 to

Easter Weekend

Lunchtime Arrangements

Tuesday 18 April

Re-open to students

Monday 1 May

Closed for Bank Holiday

Friday 26 May

Close for end of term

Monday 5 June

Re-open to students

Students may eat school meals, bring a packed lunch or go home for lunch. Students who do not go home for lunch must stay on the Waynflete site during the lunch hour.

Friday 21 July

Close for end of term

Monday 17 April 2017 Term 5

Term 6

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School Day

Thursday 1 September

The dining room is open from 8am daily. A range of hot and cold food is available to purchase each day.

The school operates a cashless catering system.

School policies Homework All students are expected to extend their learning through homework. Homework will be set regularly according to a timetable agreed with students in the first few weeks of each school year.

Free School Meals Families who may be entitled to Free School Meals are encouraged to apply through Northamptonshire County Council on 0300 126 1000 or email freeschoolmeals@northamptonshire.gov.uk. Any students receiving free school meals will use the same cashless system as students who pay for their meals so that privacy is maintained.

Charging and Remissions Parents and Carers are asked to make a contribution to the cost of Educational visits. Trips may be cancelled if there are insufficient contributions to the costs.

For those requiring financial assistance, application forms are available on our website or via general enquiries on 01280 846300.

Please see www.magdalen.northants.sch.uk for all of our policies.

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Contact with School Please contact your child’s Form Tutor, Leader of Learning or the Pastoral Support Assistant for your child’s year group.

For subject specific enquires please contact your child’s teacher directly by either telephoning the school on 01280 846300 or e-mailing: generalenquiries@magdalen.northants.sch.uk www.magdalen.northants.sch.uk