Happy New Year!
In a recent email to me, Carol said “Working with both the staff and students at The Grange has been an absolute pleasure for me, I certainly I hope you and your family had a good holiday. This year will bring its believe that even if just one student has been able to relate and take away usual mix of opportunities and challenges and in particular 2013 will be anything from the presentation sessions that were given then it has truly significant year for the Grange as we move into our new building and our been worthwhile visiting the school.” current one, which has served us so well for over 50 years, will be In just 3 years since the Trust was set up, Carol has advised 25,706 people demolished. from 241 UK towns and cities; she has even received interest from 38 other New Year Honour countries too. Congratulations to Carol Highton on receiving an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. We were delighted for Carol that her tireless Typically, Carol is determined campaigning and support for victims of loan sharks has been recognised so to continue her good work; “Every chance that I get I will appropriately and deservedly. continue with my campaign to Sadly, her good work was prompted by the suicide of her son and former raise as much awareness and student of the Grange, Brian Shields, who became a victim of loan sharks. to educate the public both young and old about the perils of getting involved with illegal Since September, Carol has been working money lenders and also the with our students every week during many other bullies who prey PSHCE lessons helping to raise their on our society.” awareness about money management and the dangers of borrowing money from loan sharks. During the summer term also, Carol was a regular visitor to school and In the photograph above, Carol Highton receives a cheque for money brought in the Olympic torch that she raised by students for her Charity, The Brian Shields Trust. carried during the Halton leg of the relay. If you would like to know more about Carol’s work please visit her website, Carol was also our guest speaker at the The Brian Shields Trust at www.tbs-trust.co.uk Awards Evening in November.
The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.
January 2013 Issue
Safer Internet Day Safer Internet Day is celebrated around the world as an opportunity to promote the safe and responsible use of online technology. This year it will take place on 5th February and this will be the tenth anniversary of the event.
Dates for your Diary Tuesday 22nd January:
Y10 & 11 Biology Exam
Thursday 24th January:
Y10 & 11 Chemistry Exam
Thursday 24th January:
Y11 Parents’ Evening
Friday 25th January:
Y10 & 11 Physics Exam
The theme for Safer Internet Day Monday 4th February: 2013 is Online Rights and Responsibilities with the slogan “Connect with Respect”. Thursday 14th February:
Y10 DTP Vaccinations Y10 Parents’ Evening
In school we have planned to run Safer Internet assemblies for all year Friday 15th February: groups which will be followed up in curriculum time with a more detailed examination of the issues and strategies to enable us all to enjoy the Monday 25th February: internet safely. Wednesday 27th February: Further information and advice can be found at the following web sites: Thursday 28th February: www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-and-resources/parents Monday 4th March: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/ Thursday 14th March: The Learning Gateway As announced last year, we will not be issuing mid-year paper reports to Thursday 21st March:
Break for Half Term
parents and carers this year but instead would encourage your use of the Friday 22nd March: Learning Gateway instead. During Parent’s Evenings last year, Miss McGuffie and Mr Buckley were present to demonstrate the use of the Wednesday 27th March: Gateway. Thursday 28th March: If you are unsure how to use the Gateway or unable to access it, please Tuesday 16th April: contact Miss McGuffie at the school.
Red Nose Day House Event
The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.
Pupils return to school Y11 Maths Paper 1 Exam Y8 Parents’ Evening Y11 Maths Paper 2 Exam Y9 Parents’ Evening Y8 Pathways Evening
Inter House Swimming Gala Break for Easter Pupils return to School (new building)
January 2013 Issue
Uniform and Appearance
Students must also attend school with a sensible hairstyle, which is not extreme or which includes unnatural, bright colouring or outrageous hair School uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of our patterns. Jewellery is not allowed with the exception of a watch and one school and sets an appropriate tone. It instils pride; supports positive beplain, small stud earring in each ear; no other jewellery or piercings are haviour; encourages students to identify with the school and ensures that allowed. pupils of all races and backgrounds feel welcome. School uniform protects students from social pressure to dress in a particular way; nurtures The uniform for Physical Education is: cohesion and promotes good relations between different groups of students. A navy, red and white round neck T-Shirt Navy blue shorts Boys School Uniform is: Navy blue socks Trainers, but not canvas type shoes (E.g. Converse) White shirt (stiff collar) House Tie (clip on) The PE uniform can be purchased exclusively through the school office. School Blazer (blue with badge) School Jumper (navy blue with badge), which is optional Black Trousers (must be plain, not denims, jeans or cords) S Black shoes (plain, leather and polished) Girls School Uniform is:
White shirt (stiff collar) House Tie (clip on) School Blazer (blue with badge) School Jumper (navy blue with badge), which is optional Black skirt or Pinafore dress Black shoes (plain, leather and polished) White socks
The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.
January 2013 Issue
Building Update As the work on the building has progressed we have lost further car parking spaces. This will inevitably cause inconvenience to visitors and particularly parents and carers who attend parent’s evenings. Please accept my apologies for this; I trust you will understand.
Graduation Criteria Out of hours
Vivos
Attendance
Progress
BRONZE
3 hours
100
95% in any period
SILVER
6 hours
150
95% in any 2 periods
Reach target in English & maths plus 6 other subjects
GOLD
12 hours
200
95% at the end of period 3
Reach target in all subjects
Reach target in any 5 subjects
Community/out of hours criteria The focus is on school organised activities. Examples include: Form Reps, School Council Reps, School Sports Teams, Choir, School Performances, House competitions, Library helpers, Peer mentors, Open Evening/ Parents Evening/Induction Evening helpers, Enterprise, Form Competitions, CLUBS – sports, gardening, HW, music, cookery, ICT. Merits This remains unchanged. Attendance criteria Each of the three periods has been extended to 12 weeks follows: Period 1 4th September 2012 – 30th November 2012 Period 2 3rd December 2012 – 15th March 2013 Period 3 18th March 2013 – 28th June 2013 An absence of 3 days in any twelve week period remains within the 95% threshold. Attainment We have included English and Maths in both Silver and Gold Graduation levels.
The Monthly Newsletter for Parents and Carers from the Head of School, Mr B. Carney.
January 2013 Issue