Key Stage 3
‘‘One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world” Malala Yousafzai
Welcome to Year 8 -
No longer the ‘newest and youngest’ An important year in preparation for GCSEs The ‘Year 8 dip’? Changes to class organisation/teachers Huge number of opportunities outside of the classroom Raised expectations (workload, maturity, independence, standard of work) - The opportunity to build on past success - The chance for a fresh start
Plan For This Evening • Sharing good news • Info on school values and new A2L criteria • Rewards and managing behaviour • How you can help us • Contact info • Key dates
Key Stage 5 A Level
A*/A 24% A*- B 47%
“Outstanding” ALPs rating for the last 3 years
A*/B Further Maths 82%; Politics 80%; English 78%; Maths 72%;
Straight A*/A: 16 students.
Key Stage 4 % A*-C inc EM
82.2%
A*/A Chemistry 65%; Physics 71%; PRE 48%; Art 48%; Biology 56% Students who gained, on average, straight A grades: 42 students
Vision
‘Aspirational, creative, independent and resilient learners who embrace risk, learn from mistakes and make outstanding progress’
Mission Statement Queens’ provides a safe, caring and challenging environment for learning, committed to the development of every student as an individual. We understand that while students have different gifts and talents we have a strong belief that everyone can be Great. Queens’ offers the best academic, cultural and sporting opportunities and a sense of moral and social responsibility to our students to live their lives as respectful, caring and responsible citizens.
Motto
‘Dare to be Great’
Values
•Scholarship •Tenacity •Altruism •Respect
The Star qualities of the GREAT
Scholarship Learning
Curiosity Knowledge Independence Aspirational Conscientious Endeavour
Tenacity Perseverance Determination Patience Diligent Resolve Stamina Courage Resilient
Altruism Integrity Principled Unselfish
Benevolent Community Humility Modest Compassionate
Respect Polite Courtesy Admire
Thoughtful Helpful Kind and Considerate Reverence Appreciate
Attitude to learning 1 Scholarship • You consistently embrace new knowledge and challenge • You take a keen interest, are curious and show independence about learning Tenacity • You are diligent, highly motivated and conscientious • You take initiative when tackling challenging work and positively act on feedback Altruism • You show integrity, kindness and empathy • You are committed to unselfish acts which support the learning community Respect • You are polite, considerate and helpful • You participate in lessons with enthusiasm and energy
Curriculum
Teaching and Learning - Growth Mindset ‘The hallmark of successful individuals is that they love learning, they seek challenges, they value effort and they persist in the face of obstacles’
Bouncebackability Those with a Growth Mindset will believe that failure is an important part of development as we learn from our mistakes.
The power of YET If our children claim they do not understand something or cannot do something, we need to remind them that they cannot do it ‘YET’, but with hard work they will!
Assessments and Reports • If a student continually exceeded our expectations of their progress in year 7, we will increase the level of progress we expect from them in year 8 by providing a greater level of challenge. • Constantly raising aspirations to reach every child’s true potential
Rewards Queens’ aims to promote high standards of behaviour, selfdiscipline and learning through positive encouragement and reward. • Verbal praise • Writing comments • Phoning home • STAR Points: Certificates • Presentation Evenings • Subject ‘Colours’ • Rewards trips
Managing welfare Deputy Headteacher Assistant Headteacher SAND House (House Assistant; Deputy Head of House; Head of House)
Tutor/Teacher
Expectations As ambassadors for Queens’, all students are expected to behave as respectful, responsible citizens.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Attendance and Punctuality: ‘Every day counts, every second counts’ Uniform: ‘Dress for success’ Equipment: ‘Ready to Learn’ Mobile phones - ‘Never seen or heard’ Behaviour: ‘Respect and Responsibility’
Attendance The target for all students is to have at least 97% attendance. In the event of illness: • On the first day of absence – contact the Attendance Officer – 01923478234 • Follow up absence with a written note Family holidays in term time will not be authorised
Punctuality: ‘Every second counts’ Why challenge punctuality? • Punctuality is an important part of self-discipline and is essential to good time management. • We will insist on punctuality to each and every lesson because we know that every minute of every lesson counts. • We also recognise that when students arrive late to lessons it disrupts learning.
• Registration is at 8.30am • ‘Movement time’, has been built into each transition. • Students late to school should sign in the late book • Students late to school or lessons may be given a detention
The School Day 8.30
Tutor time
8.45
Transition
8.50
Period 1
9.45
Transition
9.50 10.50 11.10
Period 2 Break Period 3
12.10
Transition
12.15 1.15 2.00 3.00
Period 4 Lunch Period 5 End of school day
Uniform: ‘Dress for success’ Why challenge uniform? • Evidence suggests that poor uniform, leads to poor behaviour and poor learning habits for many students. • We will insist on perfect uniform: not nearly perfect but perfect. • We want children at Queens’ to be proud and to respect our values • Top buttons should be done up • Ties should show the Queens’ Shield • Shirts tucked in • Perfect to and from school
Equipment: ‘Ready to Learn’ Why challenge equipment? • Every minute of every lesson is precious. • We recognise that students attending lessons without the correct equipment is a significant barrier to learning, and that time is often wasted issuing equipment. • Being prepared for lesson and genuinely ready to learn means bringing the correct equipment and a diary, which encourages effective organisation and the completion of Homework - an important aspect of Queens’ life. • Students will be expected to bring with them appropriate equipment to lessons. The minimum Equipment necessary being defined as: Pen; Pencil; Ruler; Diary; Exercise books / PE kit
Mobile phones: ‘Never seen or heard’ • Every student will be encouraged to use their locker • If a student carries their mobile phone with them but it is not seen or heard, this is not a problem. • If you see a student using a mobile phone or headphones in your lesson you should adopt the following course of action: “If we see it or hear it, we take it” • Confiscated mobiles will be taken to the Main Office, labelled and will be returned at the end of the day. They will be stored in the safe.
Behaviour - ‘The best we can be’ Why challenge behaviour? • Poor behaviour disrupts learning and prevents students making progress • Staff have the right to teach without disruption and this is important to staff wellbeing Chance, Warning, Detention
Consequences Students who fail to meet expectations will receive a consequence:
• Withdrawal of Privileges: Representing the school • Dets: If a student receives a detention, you will be notified by email and the detention will be served the next day (3pm – 4pm) • Internal Exclusion – If a student is placed into IE, you will be notified the day before. NB – IE will now run until 4.30pm • Exclusion
How can you help? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Encourage your child to read at home Read reports and discuss A2L scores with your child Read and sign homework planners weekly Attend parents’ evenings Ensure that your child has a reading book to bring to school every day (there are hundreds of books available in the LRC) 6. Homework – provide a quiet place for your child to complete homework tasks (no phones, games consoles etc.) 7. Support us in matters of uniform, punctuality and attendance
Home Learning Research suggests that home learning fosters independence improving thinking and memory Home learning is set daily and a timetable will be issued later this week. Homework will continue to be set via Smarthomework. Help your child by: • • • •
Checking and signing the planner on a weekly basis Ensuring appropriate time is spent on each activity Checking that deadlines are met Contacting the class teacher if there is a problem
The importance of reading 1. The more you read, the better you get at it 2. Reading exercises the brain 3. Reading improves concentration 4. Reading builds knowledge and vocabulary 5. Reading develops imagination 6. Children who read do better at school 7. Reading relaxes the body and calms the mind - Please encourage your child to read at home - Ensure that your child has a reading book to bring to school every day (there are hundreds of books available in the LRC)
E-Safety • Secondary school is often a trigger for: • Owning a mobile phone • Using social networking sites (often age guidelines)
• The average teenager can have up to 12 forms of social mediaBBM; Texting; E-mail; Facetime; KiK; Snapchat; Skype; Instagram; Twitter • The internet can now be accessed on many mobile devices – e.g. iPods; Game consoles; - many in the privacy of their own rooms
Three Golden Rules 1. Any image uploaded can potentially be seen by anyone or indeed everyone 2. Any comment or communication made can potentially be seen by anyone – there is no such thing as a private message 3. Never talk to anyone you don’t know in ‘real life’ Need more advice? • Childnet Guidance leaflet • Thinkuknow • CEOP
Key Stage 3 at Queens’ – Who can I contact? Matters related to student welfare (inc. student wellbeing, behaviour, friendship groups, attendance, punctuality etc.):
Form tutor Deputy Head of House Head of House Matters related to academic progress (inc. A2L, homework, options, exams etc.):
Subject teacher Head of department Mr Connolly – Assistant Headteacher i/c KS3 (progress and achievement)
Communication channels • Student planner • School website • Twitter • Newsletter • E-mail and texts • Phone We cannot contact you if your details are incorrect – please inform us of any changes
Key Dates • Parents Evening: 22th February • School Show: 12th – 14th December • Lower School Presentation Evening: 18th July
Development Fund To develop:
• Opportunities and potential • Teaching and learning • Facilities for students • The environment • School infrastructure • The curriculum
Development Fund • £1 per week • Standing Order, Cash or Cheque • Gift Aid if you can • One off donations through Wisepay
Welcome to Year 8 -
No longer the ‘newest and youngest’ An important year in preparation for GCSEs The ‘Year 8 dip’? Changes to class organisation/teachers Huge number of opportunities outside of the classroom Raised expectations (workload, maturity, independence, standard of work) - The opportunity to build on past success - The chance for a fresh start
Plan For This Evening • Sharing good news • Info on school values and new A2L criteria • Rewards and managing behaviour • How you can help us • Contact info • Key dates
Key Stage 5 A Level
A*/A 24% A*- B 47%
“Outstanding” ALPs rating for the last 3 years
A*/B Further Maths 82%; Politics 80%; English 78%; Maths 72%;
Straight A*/A: 16 students.
Key Stage 4 % A*-C inc EM
82.2%
A*/A Chemistry 65%; Physics 71%; PRE 48%; Art 48%; Biology 56% Students who gained, on average, straight A grades: 42 students
Vision
‘Aspirational, creative, independent and resilient learners who embrace risk, learn from mistakes and make outstanding progress’
Mission Statement Queens’ provides a safe, caring and challenging environment for learning, committed to the development of every student as an individual. We understand that while students have different gifts and talents we have a strong belief that everyone can be Great. Queens’ offers the best academic, cultural and sporting opportunities and a sense of moral and social responsibility to our students to live their lives as respectful, caring and responsible citizens.
Motto
‘Dare to be Great’
Values
•Scholarship •Tenacity •Altruism •Respect
The Star qualities of the GREAT
Scholarship Learning
Curiosity Knowledge Independence Aspirational Conscientious Endeavour
Tenacity Perseverance Determination Patience Diligent Resolve Stamina Courage Resilient
Altruism Integrity Principled Unselfish
Benevolent Community Humility Modest Compassionate
Respect Polite Courtesy Admire
Thoughtful Helpful Kind and Considerate Reverence Appreciate
Attitude to learning 1 Scholarship • You consistently embrace new knowledge and challenge • You take a keen interest, are curious and show independence about learning Tenacity • You are diligent, highly motivated and conscientious • You take initiative when tackling challenging work and positively act on feedback Altruism • You show integrity, kindness and empathy • You are committed to unselfish acts which support the learning community Respect • You are polite, considerate and helpful • You participate in lessons with enthusiasm and energy
Curriculum
Teaching and Learning - Growth Mindset ‘The hallmark of successful individuals is that they love learning, they seek challenges, they value effort and they persist in the face of obstacles’
Bouncebackability Those with a Growth Mindset will believe that failure is an important part of development as we learn from our mistakes.
The power of YET If our children claim they do not understand something or cannot do something, we need to remind them that they cannot do it ‘YET’, but with hard work they will!
Assessments and Reports • If a student continually exceeded our expectations of their progress in year 7, we will increase the level of progress we expect from them in year 8 by providing a greater level of challenge. • Constantly raising aspirations to reach every child’s true potential
Rewards Queens’ aims to promote high standards of behaviour, selfdiscipline and learning through positive encouragement and reward. • Verbal praise • Writing comments • Phoning home • STAR Points: Certificates • Presentation Evenings • Subject ‘Colours’ • Rewards trips
Managing welfare Deputy Headteacher Assistant Headteacher SAND House (House Assistant; Deputy Head of House; Head of House)
Tutor/Teacher
Expectations As ambassadors for Queens’, all students are expected to behave as respectful, responsible citizens.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Attendance and Punctuality: ‘Every day counts, every second counts’ Uniform: ‘Dress for success’ Equipment: ‘Ready to Learn’ Mobile phones - ‘Never seen or heard’ Behaviour: ‘Respect and Responsibility’
Attendance The target for all students is to have at least 97% attendance. In the event of illness: • On the first day of absence – contact the Attendance Officer – 01923478234 • Follow up absence with a written note Family holidays in term time will not be authorised
Punctuality: ‘Every second counts’ Why challenge punctuality? • Punctuality is an important part of self-discipline and is essential to good time management. • We will insist on punctuality to each and every lesson because we know that every minute of every lesson counts. • We also recognise that when students arrive late to lessons it disrupts learning.
• Registration is at 8.30am • ‘Movement time’, has been built into each transition. • Students late to school should sign in the late book • Students late to school or lessons may be given a detention
The School Day 8.30
Tutor time
8.45
Transition
8.50
Period 1
9.45
Transition
9.50 10.50 11.10
Period 2 Break Period 3
12.10
Transition
12.15 1.15 2.00 3.00
Period 4 Lunch Period 5 End of school day
Uniform: ‘Dress for success’ Why challenge uniform? • Evidence suggests that poor uniform, leads to poor behaviour and poor learning habits for many students. • We will insist on perfect uniform: not nearly perfect but perfect. • We want children at Queens’ to be proud and to respect our values • Top buttons should be done up • Ties should show the Queens’ Shield • Shirts tucked in • Perfect to and from school
Equipment: ‘Ready to Learn’ Why challenge equipment? • Every minute of every lesson is precious. • We recognise that students attending lessons without the correct equipment is a significant barrier to learning, and that time is often wasted issuing equipment. • Being prepared for lesson and genuinely ready to learn means bringing the correct equipment and a diary, which encourages effective organisation and the completion of Homework - an important aspect of Queens’ life. • Students will be expected to bring with them appropriate equipment to lessons. The minimum Equipment necessary being defined as: Pen; Pencil; Ruler; Diary; Exercise books / PE kit
Mobile phones: ‘Never seen or heard’ • Every student will be encouraged to use their locker • If a student carries their mobile phone with them but it is not seen or heard, this is not a problem. • If you see a student using a mobile phone or headphones in your lesson you should adopt the following course of action: “If we see it or hear it, we take it” • Confiscated mobiles will be taken to the Main Office, labelled and will be returned at the end of the day. They will be stored in the safe.
Behaviour - ‘The best we can be’ Why challenge behaviour? • Poor behaviour disrupts learning and prevents students making progress • Staff have the right to teach without disruption and this is important to staff wellbeing Chance, Warning, Detention
Consequences Students who fail to meet expectations will receive a consequence:
• Withdrawal of Privileges: Representing the school • Dets: If a student receives a detention, you will be notified by email and the detention will be served the next day (3pm – 4pm) • Internal Exclusion – If a student is placed into IE, you will be notified the day before. NB – IE will now run until 4.30pm • Exclusion
How can you help? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Encourage your child to read at home Read reports and discuss A2L scores with your child Read and sign homework planners weekly Attend parents’ evenings Ensure that your child has a reading book to bring to school every day (there are hundreds of books available in the LRC) 6. Homework – provide a quiet place for your child to complete homework tasks (no phones, games consoles etc.) 7. Support us in matters of uniform, punctuality and attendance
Home Learning Research suggests that home learning fosters independence improving thinking and memory Home learning is set daily and a timetable will be issued later this week. Homework will continue to be set via Smarthomework. Help your child by: • • • •
Checking and signing the planner on a weekly basis Ensuring appropriate time is spent on each activity Checking that deadlines are met Contacting the class teacher if there is a problem
The importance of reading 1. The more you read, the better you get at it 2. Reading exercises the brain 3. Reading improves concentration 4. Reading builds knowledge and vocabulary 5. Reading develops imagination 6. Children who read do better at school 7. Reading relaxes the body and calms the mind - Please encourage your child to read at home - Ensure that your child has a reading book to bring to school every day (there are hundreds of books available in the LRC)
E-Safety • Secondary school is often a trigger for: • Owning a mobile phone • Using social networking sites (often age guidelines)
• The average teenager can have up to 12 forms of social mediaBBM; Texting; E-mail; Facetime; KiK; Snapchat; Skype; Instagram; Twitter • The internet can now be accessed on many mobile devices – e.g. iPods; Game consoles; - many in the privacy of their own rooms
Three Golden Rules 1. Any image uploaded can potentially be seen by anyone or indeed everyone 2. Any comment or communication made can potentially be seen by anyone – there is no such thing as a private message 3. Never talk to anyone you don’t know in ‘real life’ Need more advice? • Childnet Guidance leaflet • Thinkuknow • CEOP
Key Stage 3 at Queens’ – Who can I contact? Matters related to student welfare (inc. student wellbeing, behaviour, friendship groups, attendance, punctuality etc.):
Form tutor Deputy Head of House Head of House Matters related to academic progress (inc. A2L, homework, options, exams etc.):
Subject teacher Head of department Mr Connolly – Assistant Headteacher i/c KS3 (progress and achievement)
Communication channels • Student planner • School website • Twitter • Newsletter • E-mail and texts • Phone We cannot contact you if your details are incorrect – please inform us of any changes
Key Dates • Parents Evening: 22th February • School Show: 12th – 14th December • Lower School Presentation Evening: 18th July
Development Fund To develop:
• Opportunities and potential • Teaching and learning • Facilities for students • The environment • School infrastructure • The curriculum
Development Fund • £1 per week • Standing Order, Cash or Cheque • Gift Aid if you can • One off donations through Wisepay
