Magdalen College School - School Information Booklet

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, apprenticeships or employment. 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.

All pupils participate in the extended learning programme.

Years 7 & 8 The curriculum comprises English, Drama, Maths, Art, Technology, Music, Science, Physical Education, Computer Science, History, French, German, Religious Education, Geography and PCSHE (Personal, Citizenship, Social and Health Education including Careers).

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Years 9,10 & 11 All students study English (Literature and Language), Maths, Science, Religious Education, Games and PCSHE (Personal, Citizenship, Social and Health Education including Careers). Students will choose one of History, Geography, Triple Science, Computer Science, French, German. Students then choose additional GCSE options that include History, Geography, Sociology, Art, Business Studies, Music, Drama, French, German and Product Design subject to demand.

Sixth Form Students can choose from a range of A Level Courses which have been carefully selected to give a wide variety of subjects and method of delivery.

All students participate in an extended learning programme.

Please refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for more information.

Parental Reports on Progress Parents receive regular reports showing students’ predicted grades and engagement with their learning. There are parents’ meetings during the year to discuss progress. Information evenings are arranged at the start of the year to provide general advice on particular issues and give an overview of the year ahead.

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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 First Aid 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.

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.

A sanctions ladder, consisting of lunchtime, afterschool detentions and isolation, is used as a measure of ensuring high standards of behaviour are maintained by all.

We recognise the importance of rewarding commitment and respect through our 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.

• Liaison with primary schools, colleges, universities, to ensure that information about pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is shared at times of transition, so that appropriate provision can be made.

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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CURRICULUM 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.

Extra Curricular Activities 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.

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 and jazz bands.

Music Lessons 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.

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Educational Visits A wide range of visits in the UK and abroad are well established at Magdalen College School.

Recent trips have included: • Day trip to Boulogne

• Cern 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. Many of these are based around PCSHE careers information and enrichment activities. Recent examples: • Plastics “No Way” day • Dragons Den – Enterprise Day • University visits • Opening Minds Day, linking with our community

Engineering and Maths) • Alumni Day – learning from past MCS students • Maths in industry

• STEM Day (Science Technology,

MAGDALEN DIPLOMA Students learn about the world of work and complete a qualification which is unique to Magdalen.

This focuses on the skills needed to be a good employee and can be achieved at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

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 students’ motivation and encourage participation in 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.

Each house is led by a sixth form student who takes house assemblies and organises other events.

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 each house 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.

Approved Magdalen College School skirt or plain black trousers – no fashion variations acceptable. No black jeans or leggings.

Plain black trousers – no fashion variations. No black jeans.

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 school shoes (leather or equivalent). No heels.

Black formal school shoes (leather or equivalent).

Training shoes of any description, boots or any type of canvas shoe/boot/trainer are not permitted.

Training shoes of any description, boots or any type of canvas shoe/boot/ trainer 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.

Make Up

Girls PE Kit – Compulsory

Boys PE Kit – Compulsory

MCS Polo shirt with logo

MCS Polo shirt with logo

MCS PE Skort

PE Shorts - navy

Tracksuit trousers – navy or black

MCS Rugby shirt with logo

MCS Socks – blue

MCS Socks – blue

Socks – white

Training shoes

Training shoes

Shin pads

Should be unnoticeable. No nail varnish or fake nails are allowed.

Shin pads

Football boots

Hair

Girls PE Kit – Recommended

Boys PE Kit – Recommended

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

Gum shield

Gum shield

Girls PE Kit – Optional

Boys PE Kit – Optional

Rugby/Football boots

MCS Hoody with logo

MCS Hoody with logo

Blue Thermal base layer

Blue Thermal base layer

Tracksuit trousers - navy or black

Tracksuit trousers - navy or black

Hockey stick

Hockey stick

Rugby or football boots are needed for grass use only.

Badminton racket

Badminton racket

Astro-turf trainers or standard trainers are needed for the artificial pitch. No studded or “bladed” boots are allowed on the astro-turf pitch.

MCS leggings with logo

For safety in Rugby, studs must be “rugby legal”. Metal “blade” style studs and some nylon studs are illegal for rugby.

Football boots

Please note that all MCS items are only available for purchase from T Kings of Buckingham: www.tkingassociates.com | Email: sales@tkingassociates.com

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School Routine Term Dates 2019/20 Term 1 (2019)

School Day

Monday 2 September

Training Day

Tuesday 4 September

Training Day

Wednesday 4 September

School re-opens to Students

The School Day is divided into five lessons:

Friday 25 October

Close for end of term

08:45-09:05

Tutor Time / Assembly

Monday 4 November

Training Day

Tuesday 5 November

School re-opens to Students

09:05-10:05

Lesson 1

Friday 20 December

Close for end of term

10:05-11:10

Lesson 2

Friday 3 January

Training Day

Monday 6 January

School re-opens to Students

11:10-11:30

Break

Friday 14 February

Close for end of term

11:30-12:30

Lesson 3

Term 4

Monday 24 February

School re-opens to Students

12:30-13:35

Lesson 4

Friday 3 April

Close for end of term

Term 5

Monday 20 April

School re-opens to Students

13:35-14:10

Lunch

Friday 8 May

VE Day

14:10-15:10

Lesson 5

Term 2

Term 3 (2020)

Term 6

Friday 22 May

Close for end of term

Monday 1 June

School re-opens to Students

Friday 3 July

Training Day

Friday 17 July

Close for end of term

Lunchtime Arrangements 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 break.

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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.

No student will be prevented from taking part however 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.

Safeguarding Statement We take our responsibility for safety and welfare of our pupils very seriously. Our aims are to: • Protect children from maltreatment • Prevent impairment of children’s health or development • Ensure that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care • Take action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcome

Safeguarding includes child protection, health care plans, health and safety, site security, safety on school trips, anti-bullying work, safer recruitment and so much more.

All staff receive annual Safeguarding update training and are aware of the procedures for passing on concerns within school.

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

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Contact THE 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 2019/2020