Excellence in Everything
• Excellent Leadership and Management
• Excellent Teaching and Learning
• Excellent Care, Support and Guidance
• Excellent Use of Resources
Welcome to YSGOL TREFFYNNON
11-16 English Comprehensive in Flintshire.
Our school is one that cares about every individual. We understand the impact that physical and emotional wellbeing has on our students’ ability to learn effectively and to achieve their full potential as ethically informed citizens of their local and wider communities.
We are a truly inclusive school, committed to working with the community to give our students the best possible start to their lives. We welcome all young people, whatever their religion, ethnicity or academic ability, and we will provide the environment where students will be nurtured and supported to succeed in their learning, whatever that means for each individual.
Our students will experience the excitement of learning and achievement, they will have their academic, sporting and creative skills nurtured and developed to their individual potential.
Students will develop the ambition, confidence, and resilience to achieve their dreams and aspirations as we encourage them to reach out and grasp all the opportunities life has to offer.
We are a community that works together, treating each other with patience and understanding. We seek to celebrate our individuality, our cultural diversity and to support and nurture those additional needs that make us all unique.
As a supportive parent you want the best for your children. So do I and all the hard working and dedicated staff of Ysgol Treffynnon.
I feel honoured to be Headteacher of a school that prides itself on being community focused, caring and committed to working with you, our parents (and carers), to prepare our children for a successful life. Our purpose is to shape young people’s lives and give them a bright future.
I invite you to visit our school and talk to us about your aspirations for your child. You will find the school friendly, the students smartly dressed and courteous, and myself and the team happy to answer any questions you may have.
John P Weir - Headteacher
High Quality Teaching and Learning
Ensuring high standards and expectations in everything.
We believe that positive encouragement, praise and rewards are essential to students’ success. Class teachers celebrate students’ achievements on a very regular basis. Students accumulate praise points and they receive certificates to commemorate these achievements. We have a rewards system and an Annual Awards Evening in July.
All students are provided with a diary to help them organise their work and to help ease communication between home and school. In addition to this each house will be supported by a dedicated Pastoral Support Officer.
Providing a broad, balanced, appropriate and challenging curriculum with opportunities for all to succeed.
In Years 7-9, the new Curriculum for Wales affords a wealth of opportunities for our students in terms of their experiences in school. The traditional core subjects Science, Mathematics, English and Welsh are complemented by a wealth of other subjects all of which combined allows our students to develop their ambition, confidence, creativity and wellbeing ready for their future as citizens of Wales and the world.
In Year 10 and 11 all students continue to study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Welsh and Welsh Baccalaureate. After consultation with students and parents in Year 9 they will have a free choice of other subjects suited to their aptitudes, aspirations and interests. A small group of students engage in an alternative course, undertaking challenges and activities which promote greater confidence and Independence leading to level 2 qualifications.
In Year 11 students are assisted in their further education or employment applications. We are proud of our strong links with Deeside Sixth and Coleg Cambria and ensure all students are fully supported with their onward learning journey.
Our Values
Self-belief
Perseverance
Inspiration
Respectful
Inclusive Trustworthy
to have the confidence to be the best we can be to develop our skills and resilience to achieve our dreams to be a role model for others to follow to treat everyone with kindness and understanding to be fair and always try to do what’s right to be honest, reliable, consistent and dependable
Developing the Whole Child
Taking responsibility to assist in the social, moral and cultural development of students.
We offer a wide range of sporting clubs including netball, rugby, hockey, football, tennis, gymnastics and athletics. The 5 X 60 officer who works at the school offers a wider variety of sporting activity including Cheerleading and Street Dance.
• We have highly successful Debating and Public Speaking teams.
• Our bespoke wellbeing curriculum develops student wellbeing, citizenship and other related issues.
• We raise awareness of, and money for, charities and good causes through our school council.
• Students’ learning is enriched through various visits and trips including tours throughout Europe, visits to France and Germany and many visits and activities throughout England and Wales.
• We promote the use of Welsh very strongly and are committed to the million Welsh speakers by 2050 through our development of Welsh culture across the school.
Keeping students and staff happy and secure in their learning environment.
The new school building includes a sports hall, a suite of music sound-proof practice rooms, a recording studio, a state-of-the-art design technology suite, two food serveries, multiple computers in the breakout areas and an open-planned library. All classrooms have Clevertouch boards.
The current outdoor facilities include a 3G pitch, grass football and rugby pitches, tennis courts, athletics facilities and an open area with seating at the front of the school.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
This National Award recognises both achievement and endeavour and includes many varied activities, skills and physical challenges.
Students in Year 10 have the opportunity to start the Bronze Award. Volunteering, starting a new skill and doing a physical activity are all part of the award.
Our team here at Ysgol Treffynnon organise campcraft training and help students prepare for the exciting and challenging expedition. During the expedition pupils must work together as a team to overcome the demands of being self-sufficient in the great outdoors. They can look forward to visiting some of the amazing North Wales scenery. This experience brings out the best in our pupil’s teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
In addition to the expedition, the award offers a weekly commitment to a physical, skilled and voluntary activity over a chosen timeframe. This is designed to encourage young people to undertake a variety of extra-curricular activities and try something new. Each activity approved by the DofE has the potential to increase confidence, embed essential life skills and create enjoyable memories that will last a lifetime.
Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers
All Parents or Carers are encouraged to contact the school over any matter relating to their child’s achievement and well-being.
Parents can access regular information celebrating the achievements of our students, highlighting the varied extra-curricular programme at Ysgol Treffynnon and other practical aspects of the running of the school on our social media pages, through the Ysgol Treffynnon App and the school website.
We also hold informative evenings throughout the school year for Parents and Carers to attend.
• Annual Parents' Consultation Evening for each year group.
• Parents' Meeting for Year 6 students.
• Settling In Evening for Year 7 students.
• GCSE Options Evening.
• GCSE Information Evening.
In respect of transition we hold our annual Open Evening early in the autumn term. We meet regularly with primary headteachers to discuss transition arrangements and to plan the annual induction week and Year 6 residential course. We host events for primary children at Ysgol Treffynnon in almost all subject areas. There is a Parents' meeting in the summer term when we meet with students and their Parents and Carers in order to clarify aspects of the residential course and prepare for the start at Ysgol Treffynnon in the following September.
Promoting worthwhile and effective links with the community.
We have close links with our partner primary schools organising joint events at the high school or in the primaries including the annual Year 6 residential.
We enjoy links with several higher education institutions: Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Chester University, Coleg Cambria, Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford University and Glyndwr University.
Members of the Governing Body are representative of the parent body and also the local community.
The school enjoys links with community organisations such as the Rotary Club, the Urdd, Holywell Town Council, Holywell and North Flintshire Communities First Boards.
We are very proud of our ongoing partnership with Airbus.
Opportunity for All
Enabling students to achieve with appropriate support.
All students are encouraged to aspire to achieve their best and to see learning as a lifelong and fulfilling process that can not only benefit them individually but also lead to playing their part in cohesive communities, both now and in the future.
• We provide a full induction programme for Year 6 students.
• Setting arrangements in some subjects ensure that all students are able to access the appropriate level of learning they need.
• Regular progress checks are made on the students throughout their school careers to ensure the fulfilment of their potential.
• Parents and carers are informed of their child’s progress on at least three occasions during the learning year.
• House group specific Pastoral Support Officers are available throughout the school day to support students.
Ysgol Treffynnon has always welcomed the interest of parents and the local community. Anyone wishing to visit the school can contact the school office to make an appointment.
Our School Day
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9)
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)
8:40am Warning Bell for Registration
8:45am – 9:00am Registration in Form Groups
9:00am – 10:05am Lesson 1
10:05am – 10:25am Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Break
10:25am – 11:05am Lesson 2
Lesson 2
11:05am – 11:25am Year 10 and Year 11 Break
11:25pm – 12:25pm Lesson 3
12:25pm – 13:10pm Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Lunch Lesson 4
13:10pm – 3:25pm Lesson 4
13:25pm – 14:10pm Year 10 and Year 11 Lunch
14:10pm – 15:10pm
Lesson 5
15:10pm End of School Day
Ysgol Treffynnon provide a free Breakfast Club and Homework Club which operate daily from 7.45am and 3.10pm retrospectively. No pre booking is required.
Admissions Policy
The school is able to allow up to 120 students into Year 7 each year. We are required to operate within the ‘Admission Arrangements’ as laid down by the Local Education Authority, copies of which are available from Lifelong Learning, Flintshire County Council, County Hall, Mold, Flintshire. Tel: 01352 704010 or 01352 704034
Ysgol Treffynnon is a fully inclusive school and is committed to providing a high quality comprehensive education for all students in keeping with the provision and resources available to it as a mainstream school.
Application for Admissions
Parents (or those with parental responsibility) of students in their final year of Primary School will receive a ‘Parental Preference Form’.
You can access applications forms on the Flintshire County Council website: (www.flintshire.gov.uk/schools/schooladmissions).
Use of Welsh Language
Whilst Ysgol Treffynnon is an English medium school, the Welsh culture is emphasised throughout the school in a number of different areas. The Welsh Department plays a key role in ensuring the delivery of the language through its teaching provision but also promotes the culture of Wales in a number of extra-curricular activities. These include Urdd Eisteddfod and theatre visits. The Welsh language is used in day to day activities and forms part of every lesson. The Curriculum Cymraeg is an integral part of learning throughout the school. The integration of elements of Welsh culture and language add an additional dimension to students’ studies throughout the school promoting bilingualism.
Our Welsh culture is celebrated through annual Eisteddfods, regular visits to the Urdd and Glan Llyn as well as many other learning experiences throughout the school year.
School Uniform
We expect a high standard of personal appearance from all students and anyone arriving at school in nonuniform clothing will be sent home to change.
• Hair colour and style must be appropriate for school (e.g. no bright coloured hair dyes).
• No facial piercings, long fingernails or false eyelashes.
• Coats and other outdoor clothing should not be worn in class or on the corridors.
• Ear studs/rings must be removed for PE lessons.
Years 7-11
Top Clothing:
• Coat or waterproof jacket (for wet weather)
• Black blazer (compulsory) with School Badge
– sew on badges can be purchased separately
• Grey V-neck jumper with school logo (optional)
• Plain white shirt/blouse with collar
• School tie (compulsory)
PE Kit
Top Clothing:
• Ysgol Treffynnon PE top
• Reversible red/black rugby shirt (for those doing rugby)
• Plain black cold and wet weather tracksuit top/ fleece/hoodie (Ysgol Treffynnon GCSE PE logo for those taking GCSE PE only)
Bottom Clothing:
• Plain black trousers or knee length skirt/ dress shorts
• Plain black socks
Footwear:
• Plain black footwear (leather is advisable for wet weather)
Bottom Clothing:
• Plain black shorts/skort/tracksuit bottoms/ leggings
• Plain red sports socks
Footwear:
• Trainers (any colour) suitable for sports hall
• Sports boots (for wet weather outdoor grass pitches and for use on the AstroTurf)
All personal property should be clearly labelled. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items (including electrical items such as mobile phones).
*Items of clothing purchased from school uniform suppliers: Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialist, 14-16 New Street, Mold, CH7 1NZ Tel: 01352 756636 Email: mold@monkhouse.com Web: www.monkhouse.com
1st Class Clothing Uniforms & Workwear Ltd, 19 King’s Avenue, Prestatyn, LL19 9AA Tel: 01745 887824 Web: www.1stclassclothes.co.uk
School ties can also be purchased directly from the School, please contact the School office.
Unacceptable items of clothing include: Jumper (other than school jumper) / White Polo Shirts / Jeggings (other than PE/Sports) / Hoodies / Leggings / Trainers / Short Skirts / Skinny Jeans or Denim
School Equipment Required
It is essential for all students to be supplied with basic school equipment at all times, including pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, and a suitable bag in which to carry equipment and books. It is highly desirable that students should have a good basic atlas for use at home. It is advisable that students possess a scientific calculator. Students must have their diary with them at all times. Many items of basic kit can be purchased through our Epraise online shop.
Acceptable Use Policy for Mobile Phones
There is an expanding body of evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, that there is a direct link between increased screen time and a range of negative outcomes including reduced academic performance, increased mental ill-health issues and reduced physical fitness.
Therefore the use of mobile phones by students during school hours or on school premises is completely forbidden.
Ysgol Treffynnon has an established Acceptable Use Policy for Mobile Phones to provide staff, students, parents, guardians and carers with guidelines and instructions for the appropriate use of mobile phones during school hours so that mobile technology does not detract from teaching and learning and allows everyone to work and learn in safety. This policy can be found on the school website.
Attendance Policy
In order for our students to take the fullest advantage of the learning experience available to them at Ysgol Treffynnon, they should maximise attendance rates and be fully engaged in all lessons.
It is essential that students arrive in time for registration at 08:40, so that they receive important information or letters and to take part in the registration activities that have been planned.
Parents are asked, if possible, not to make medical appointments during the school day, as missing lessons may cause gaps in learning. The Governing Body discourages any holidays during term time as doing so interrupts the learning process and can severely affect the students’ education.
Students with good attendance and punctuality will be rewarded throughout the year with certificates, prizes and rewards trips. We wish to celebrate achievement in the school, through examination results and other experiences, and we believe excellent attendance will help to facilitate this.
Religion Values & Ethics
The school provides students with a knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs and practices and an opportunity to explore and respond to other religious viewpoints. All students have regular assemblies or a daily act of collective worship in their tutor classrooms. Currently parents have the right to withdraw their children from both assemblies and Religious Education lessons, providing they state their religious grounds for doing so and provide work from that religious community and arrange for the leader of their faith community to come to school to provide a daily act of worship.
Relationship & Sexuality Education
In common with all schools, we have a Sex & Relationships Education Policy following national guidelines which has been approved by the Governors and which includes information about reproduction and contraception. These issues are dealt with in a sensitive fashion within the framework of broader emotional and ethical issues. The emphasis is always upon moral responsibility.
Charging & Remissions
The school follows the LEA’s charging policy document in relation to remissions, optional extras and activities organised by third parties. Charges made will be those permissible under the Education Reform Act 1988 and associated Statutory Instruments.
In addition, the Governing Body will seek to recover the cost of damage or loss to property or equipment as a consequence of students’ behaviour. The Governing Body will also seek to recover the costs of any examinations missed as a result of holidays or other non-emergency absences from school.
Voluntary contributions in cash or kind may be sought in some instances (practical subjects, projects assignment materials). This is on the understanding that students will not be excluded if no contribution is made. Similarly, for visits where a charge is not appropriate, voluntary contributions may be sought. Insufficient receipt of contributions may affect the viability of such visits. If any child is likely to miss out on any school related activities for financial reasons please contact the school to discuss this.
Students
with
Additional Learning Needs
Students will be admitted in accordance with the Admission Policy of the school and in line with the Local Education Authority’s Outline of Provision needed to Implement Policy.
Students with Additional Learning Needs, Individual Development Plans (IDP’s), statemented and non-statemented, will be integrated wherever possible and practicable into mainstream teaching groups to follow the full school curriculum.
Students are admitted with mild, significant and moderate learning difficulties. A small number with severe learning difficulties whose advised placement could have been special school but whose parents chose mainstream school, are also admitted.
The school has facilities for wheelchair users. There are ramps and lifts to upper floors and there are disabled toilet facilities situated on every floor. It is the School’s intention to comply fully with the requirements of the Equality Act.
Equality Act
The Equality Act 2010 identifies the legal duties placed upon the school to take positive steps to ensure that disabled students have equal access to education and the provision of services. In meeting our duty, we publish an accessibility plan which demonstrates how the school plan to:
• Increase the extent to which disabled students can participate in the curriculum.
• Improve the physical environment of schools to enable those with disabilities to take better advantage of education and service.
• Improve the availability of accessible information to those with disabilities.
Equal Opportunities
The school is committed to the general principle of equal opportunity for all, irrespective of gender, age, race, religion, socio-economic background or ability/disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity as required by Equality Act 2010. Initiatives designed to further this principle are actively promoted and supported.
We seek to encourage the development of attitudes which endorse the equal worth of all individuals and to ensure that all aspects of the curriculum and administration subscribe to the principle of equal opportunities. Staff aim to devise teaching, learning and class management strategies that emphasise the principle of equal worth and in doing this we attempt to lay the foundations of a just and equitable society.
It is Flintshire’s and the school’s policy to report instances of racial discrimination to the police.
Complaints Procedures
Under the terms of Section 23 of the Education Reform Act 1988, procedures have been laid down concerning complaints made by parents or others on specific items concerning the delivery of the National Curriculum. (These procedures DO NOT cover complaints of any other nature).
Any concerns expressed by parents and others about the school curriculum and related matters will continue to be considered and, so far as possible, dealt with through informal discussion with teachers and the Headteacher in the first instance. Where the issue is not resolved, the matter may then be the subject of a formal complaint and, if appropriate, referred to the Governing Body. If deliberations fail to provide a satisfactory outcome, the issue will then be referred to the Local Education Authority.
The school also has a procedure for dealing with general complaints and copies of the school’s Complaints Policy are available on the school website.
Health & Safety
Teams of duty staff supervise the school campus at the beginning of school, breaktime, lunchtime and at the end of the day. There are members of staff trained in First Aid. All accidents to students and staff are reported on the relevant form as designated by the LEA. We have a safe designated area for the arrival and departure of school buses.
The site is inspected on a half term basis by the Health & Safety Governor with a report prepared and sent to the governors.
Visitors to school are expected to sign in at reception and are issued with a clearly visible visitor’s pass.
Safeguarding
The Department for Education and Welsh Office guidance makes it clear that schools and colleges have an important role to play in the protection of children against abuse. This is confirmed by the Wales Safeguarding Procedures, which set out the necessary procedures to be followed by all staff.
Ysgol Treffynnon therefore has a duty to refer any concerns about the well-being of students to the Children Services Duty and Assessment Team for further advice.
Careers
Ysgol Treffynnon is working towards addressing all Learning Outcomes as outlined in the document which sets out the Welsh Assembly Government’s requirements for careers and the world of work. (“Careers and the world of work: a framework for 11 to 19 year olds in Wales”). Students are encouraged to make realistic and informed decisions about their future.
Careers Wales provides free, careers information, advice and guidance to help students make decisions about courses, jobs and training.
Home-School Agreement
Student’s Name:
Parents, Carers, Guardians:
Form:
As a parent, carer or guardian I will ensure my child follows all the rules and policies of the school and that he/she:
• attends school regularly
• is not taken out of school due to term time holidays where possible
• arrives at school on time
• has the correct school uniform
• has a school bag with the right equipment for lessons
• brings the correct PE kit for every PE lesson
As a parent, carer or guardian I will also:
• let the school know about any concerns or problems that might affect my child’s work or behaviour
• support the school’s policies and guidance for promoting positive behaviour
• support and encourage my child with their homework and other opportunities for home learning
• attend parents’ evenings (face to face or online)
• take an interest in my child’s life at school and sign his/her planner every week when homework has been completed
• meet with my child’s teachers to discuss his/her behaviour, attitude and academic progress when contacted by the school
Parent/Carer/Guardian Signature:
Students:
As a student I will follow all the rules of the school and treat everyone politely and with respect. I will also:
• arrive at school on time every day
• have the correct uniform and PE kit
• always give letters to my parent, carer or guardian
• complete all my homework
• try my best to be the best I can be
Student Signature: School:
As a school we will:
• recognise and celebrate your child’s academic and non-academic successes in school
• set, mark and monitor homework and where possible provide facilities for children to do homework in school
• send home annual reports on progress
• arrange Parents’ Evenings during which behaviour, attitude and academic progress will be discussed
• keep parents, carers and guardians informed about school activities through regular letters home, notices on the school website, Facebook and newsletters
• contact parents, carers and guardians if there is a problem with attendance, punctuality, behaviour, uniform or equipment
• let parents/carers know about any concerns or problems that are affecting their child’s work or behaviour in school
• do our utmost to prevent and to educate students about the inappropriateness of bullying and cyber bullying
N.B. Pupils with Additional Needs may have additional aspects to the Home School Agreement. The school will inform parents, carers and guardians when this is the case.
Parent/Carer/Guardian Comments:
Student Comments:
N.B. Copies of all policies are available on request. All policies are revised as part of a regular review cycle. Parents, carers and guardians are invited to contribute their thoughts and comments, in writing, on all policies that directly relate to their child’s education or welfare.
Data Sharing Agreement & Photography Consent
Student’s Name:
I agree that information about my child can be shared with other organisations* for the benefit of my child, to ensure my child gets the learning, wellbeing, and medical support they need to ensure their safety, wellbeing and learning provision.
I also give permission for my child’s name to be used in full on any schoolwork related documentation such as exercise books, folders, examination, and tests papers.
*for example: [other schools, Education Support Agencies, Education Welfare Service, Education Psychology Service, Children’s Services, Nursing Team, Post 16 Colleges and Education Institutes]
Name of Person with recognised Parental Responsibility:
Signature:
Photography Consent
Date:
Photographic images will be used for the following educational purposes:
• Displays of pupils learning
• School records and albums of school trips
• Performing Arts including dance and movement, concerts, drama and performances.
• Staff training and professional development activities, including the sharing of good practice with other schools across the region and beyond
• Parents evenings, presentations and exhibitions
• Assessment submissions to be shared professionally with teachers in other schools, advisors in Flintshire County Council and Support and Improvement Officers from the Schools Effectiveness and Improvement Service for North Wales (GwE)
Parents/Carers/Guardians have the option to consent for the following additional purposes:
• Publications by the school (including the school prospectus)
• School website and social media sites – Facebook and Twitter (use of forenames only where necessary)
• Publicity material for use in local/national newspapers and magazines
• Television and radio media publicity.
Yes, I give consent for my child’s photographic images to be used for the additional purposes above.
No, I do not give consent for my child’s photographic images to be used for the additional purposes above.
Ysgol Treffynnon, Pen Y Maes Road, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7EN
Tel: 01352 710011 Email: info@yt.flintshire.sch.uk
