Welcome to Kingsmead
Dear Parents, Welcome to Kingsmead! Thank you for choosing Kingsmead and welcome to our Parents Evening. This evening will consist of a few words of welcome and a short presentation from myself and our Headteacher, Mr Bryant. You will also have the opportunity to meet your child’s Tutor. Please visit our school dining room during the evening and have a chat with the staff there. A variety of meals from a typical Kingsmead menu will be on display. House Ties, Maths sets, calculators, gum shields and shin pads will be on sale in B25 (adjacent to the Dining Hall) if you wish to purchase any of these items. We have enjoyed two successful induction days with our new Year 7 students and we are looking forward to them starting with us in September. We look forward to many years of working together in partnership with you, as your child progresses through secondary education. Yours sincerely
Mrs N J Ryder Senior Leader
Headteacher’s Welcome I am pleased to be able to welcome you as parents of students who will form our new Year 7 in September. I am proud that you have chosen Kingsmead as the school you are entrusting with the education of your child for the next seven years. Every child is different; they arrive from various primary schools and live varied lives outside school. They have a range of interests and learn in different ways. At Kingsmead, we aim to respond to students’ individual needs and differences in many different ways. These include:
Small Tutor Groups which allow Tutors to get to know their students well. A strong student support team who are available to solve problems and to mentor in individuals and small groups. A broad curriculum with subjects which are appropriate to a wide range of students. A full programme of sporting and extra-curricular activities.
We have well qualified and committed staff, who are effective in engaging and challenging our students to do their best and achieve their full potential. Our school is very well resourced and equipped. We have extensive ICT provision with over 600 computers available for students to use in dedicated ICT classrooms and in rooms across other subject areas. Our Technology Department is resourced with equipment and machinery from cookers and sewing machines to a vacuum former and a laser cutter. We have a modern Drama studio, large sports hall and extensive pitches. We encourage students to get involved in activities outside the classroom. There are many different sports and clubs on offer as well as opportunities to take instrumental lessons. Students take part in Music Concerts, Dance and Drama Shows and the School Production throughout the year, performing and working behind the scenes. There a many opportunities for trips and visits - this year’s have included visits to the London Theatres, Quarry Bank Mill, Jaguar Land Rover and Warner Bros Studios to name a few. Further afield trips have included a History trip to Berlin, a Business Studies trip to New York and a Ski trip to France. I hope that this introduction gives you a flavour of some of the learning experience we offer to students at Kingsmead. As with any aspect of life, the amount you benefit from depends on the amount of time and effort you are willing to put in. I want to encourage Kingsmead students to aim to be the best they can be in everything they do and to aim high at all times. By doing this they will achieve at Kingsmead. They will leave us with no regrets and knowing they have achieved the absolute best they can. Ian Bryant Headteacher
Introducing Mrs N Ryder – Senior Leader I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Kingsmead. It may be that some of you will already know the school well, either as parents with children currently here or as former students. For others, it will be a new experience. Either way a warm welcome is extended to you all. I have enjoyed meeting your child along with the other prospective Year 7 students. They certainly seem enthusiastic as they approach this important step into ‘school’ life. I have high hopes for them and look forward to working with them. Each student in Year 7 has been placed in a House and a mixed age Tutor Group. The team of Tutors and Head of Houses will be responsible for the guidance of the students during their time at Kingsmead. Tutor groups are identified by the initials of the Learning Tutor. I am confident that the students will settle down quickly. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to telephone the school to make an appointment to see your child’s Tutor or Head of House. A successful school career depends upon a close partnership between the school and the family: therefore the liaison between school and home is vitally important. At Kingsmead we aim to provide a caring and well-disciplined environment in which each child can develop and reach their full potential. First Day Arrangements for Year 7 Students Year 7 should arrive in school on Wednesday 3rd September at 9:50am and should meet on Rocky Car Park, Wood Lane Entrance. They will be greeted by myself, Heads of House and Tutors and taken to the Hall. Following a welcome meeting by the Headteacher, Mr Bryant, they will then proceed to their Tutor rooms to make arrangements for the day. HEADS OF HOUSE
Mrs J Davies Coppice House
Mr P Bradbury Hayes House
Mrs K Greenwood Littleton House
Mr M Cavanagh Uxbridge House
Mr R Broomhall Valley House
Ms A Evans Wimblebury House
Term Dates 2014-15 The term dates for the academic year 2014-2015 are as follows: Autumn Term 2014: 1st Half Term:
Wednesday 3rd September to Friday 24th October
Half Term Break:
Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October
2nd Half Term:
Monday 3rd November to Friday 19th December
Spring Term 2015: 1st Half Term:
Monday 5th January to Friday 13th February
Half Term Break:
Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February
2nd Half Term:
Monday 23rd February to Friday 2nd April
Summer Term 2015: 1st Half Term:
Monday 20th April to Friday 22nd May
Bank Holiday:
Monday 4th May
Half Term Break:
Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May
2nd Half Term:
Monday 1st June to Friday 17th July
Staff Training Days Monday 1st September 2014 Tuesday 2nd September 2014 Friday 3rd October 2014 Thursday 16th April 2015 Friday 17th April 2015
WHAT YOUNEED TO KNOW Uniform Kingsmead operates a uniform for its students. This is for the following reasons: So that students wear suitable clothing for school work; So that parents can dress their children healthily and economically in the years of speedy growth; So that all students develop a sense of identity with the school. We expect students to wear:
Official Kingsmead blazer with embroidered badge. Kingsmead House tie. Straight black school trousers (not hipsters, jeans or leggings) or a straight or pleated skirt (within 2”/5cm of knee length) – this must not be very short or close fitting style. Plain white school shirt, with a buttoned neck capable of taking a tie and long enough to be tucked in trousers or skirt. Plain black footwear with low heels – these should not have white or coloured soles, coloured laces or large logos (such as Nike ticks). Canvas shoes should not be worn. Plain black leather looking boots may be worn under trousers. Plain black, grey or white socks or plain black or skin coloured tights.
In addition, they may wear:
Black plain v-necked jumper long sleeved or sleeveless jumper or waist length cardigan (with buttons, no zips). Plain black belt with conventional buckle worn through belt loops (no fashion belts or large buckles). A wristwatch, one plain ring and up to one small stud in each lower ear lobe. One charity wristband of a standard size, with the charity name clearly marked.
We do not allow students to wear:
Hooded tops (except as part of PE kit) or hats/caps. False nails, nail extensions or coloured nail polish. False eyelashes. Make-up below Y10. Bracelets and bangles. Visible body piercings.
Whilst there is a need for appropriate coats or other outer garments in cold and wet weather these should be not be worn under blazers or in place of them. Note: Artificial hair colours should be of a natural shade only. No extreme hairstyles. In addition, students will need an apron to protect their clothing while in Art and Technology. It is important that all students maintain high standards in personal dress at all times.
Physical Education If your child cannot take part please send a note of explanation to the PE staff. This needs to be written in their student planner. PE Kit:
Black and gold Kingsmead polo shirt. Kingsmead shorts. Kingsmead football/hockey socks and white ankle socks. Football boots/trainers. Shin pads and gum shields (available from reception) must be worn for hockey/rugby. Shin pads (available from reception) must be worn for football and hockey. Gum shields must be worn for rugby and hockey.
In addition students may wear:
Kingsmead multi sports top. Kingsmead sweatshirt. Plain black tracksuit. Black base layer can be worn under PE Kit.
No jewellery to be worn. Long hair must be tied back. All equipment and kit should be marked clearly with the owner’s name. Equipment The highest standards of work are expected at all times. To help your child prepare for lessons, the following equipment should be provided: Blue or black cartridge or ball pen and refills Pair of compasses Coloured pencils Pocket English dictionary Eraser Ruler Protractor Calculator Small glue stick Pocket French dictionary ‘Tippex’ type correcting fluid is not allowed in school Bicycles If students do come to school on a bicycle, we strongly recommend that they wear a helmet and security mark their bicycle. The school cannot be responsible for bicycles, but would encourage students to place them in the secure bicycle area which is monitored by cameras and locked throughout the day.
Lunch Arrangements and School Meals In order to be sure that our students are safe and well cared for, all students are expected to remain on the school site at lunchtime, unless they are going home, in which case parents are expected to supervise them. Lunch operates between 12.20pm—12.55pm. Snack meals at various prices are available in the Dining Hall. At present the cost of an average meal is £2.80. Students have a choice of eating in the Dining Hall, where a range of tasty meals are available or bringing sandwiches and eating them in allocated rooms. Parents who wish their son or daughters to go home at lunchtime should write to the school to request this and a pass will be issued. This pass may be withdrawn from any student who does not use it properly to go home for lunch. Students who are found off site without a pass, at any time during the school day, will be returned to school by the police. If this happens an appropriate sanction will be used and parents will be informed. Guidance for Parents/Carers Most people know what it feels like to wake up in the morning and not want to face the day. Teenagers may sometimes feel the same but the fact is that if your child doesn’t attend school regularly, he or she will not be as successful as other children. That means that he or she will have fewer choices and fewer chances in life. Hopefully this information will help you to understand the requirements. Parents You have a legal duty to ensure that your son or daughter attends and stays at the school and that he or she arrives on time. Students should arrive at school no earlier than 8.00am and no later than 8:40am. If students arrive after 8:50am but before 9:00am they should go to their Period 1 lesson. If they arrive after 9.00am, sign in at Resources. You should ensure that students are appropriately dressed in their school uniform and bring all relevant equipment. If you are not sure about uniform or equipment, please look at the relevant section of the student planner or the school website. There will be times when your child cannot come to school: for example, if they are ill. However, taking time off for holidays, shopping or days out is not acceptable. If your child won’t come to school and you are struggling to deal with them, please let their Tutor or student support worker know. We will then be able to put you in touch with someone who may be able to help.
When is it acceptable for your child to stay away from school? If a student is ill: Parents/carers should inform the school on the first day of absence. Telephone, 01543 512464 or email studentabsences@kingsmead.staffs.sch.uk. If your child is absent for more than two days, please ring every two days. To attend a hospital appointment: Please try to arrange appointments during holidays or out of school hours. Naturally there may be times when this isn’t possible, in this instance let the Attendance Office know in advance of any appointments. Bereavements Please let the school know as soon as possible if someone in your family dies. At Kingsmead we want to make sure that we treat children sensitively when they are experiencing difficulties. Exclusion If your child has seriously misbehaved, the Headteacher may exclude them from school, for a set number of days. You will be sent a letter to explain the situation and to tell you what you need to do to support your child to return to school. Students who have been excluded are not allowed on the school site. They must stay at home and work. They must not, by law, be in a public place during school hours. Work will be supplied by the school. On rare occasions, students may also be permanently excluded by the Headteacher, if their behaviour is damaging the education of other students, or compromising their safety. If this happens, you will receive a letter to explain the situation. When is it not acceptable for your child to stay away from school? If your child is not absent for one of the reasons above, the absence can only be authorised as ‘leave’ by the school (not by the parent). Headteachers do not grant leave simply on request to do so. Leave can only be granted on certain grounds. Family Holidays
There is no entitlement to leave for family holidays and we strongly discourage parents from taking holidays in term time. If you wish to take a family holiday in term time, you should send a letter to your child’s Head of House or the Attendance office to explain why you wish to take your child out of school.
Parents should also be aware that students who miss GCSE exams do not have any opportunity to take them at a later date. Students who miss exams for which they have been entered may be charged for them.
Unauthorised Absence Any absence which has not been authorised by the school is recorded as unauthorised. You will be contacted by text or phone call within two days of the start of the absence, if there has been no communication from you. The Education Welfare Officer will be asked to visit after 3 days of absence without adequate explanation, or earlier in the case of a persistent absentee. Parents of persistently absent students will be expected to attend a meeting to resolve problems of attendance. Legal action will be taken if persistent problems cannot be resolved. Days away from school for birthdays, days out, shopping, preparing for holidays etc are unauthorised absences. First Day Cover Where the school or the parents have a concern that a student may be truanting, a First Day Cover Plan may be implemented:
Parents should ring and let us know on the first day of absence. If we do not hear that the absence is genuine, we will ring or text parents to inform them that their child may be truanting. If the student’s attendance improves over a period of time, then first day cover may be withdrawn at the discretion of the school.
Truancy Truancy is absence from school or individual lessons without permission:
Please let your child know that attendance is important and that it is not right for them to miss school. It is important to know where children and teenagers are. Truancy is often linked with other serious problems. If your child makes excuses to try to get out of school, take time to listen to them, there might be an underlying problem (Are they having problems with their learning, or being bullied, for example?). Contact your child’s Tutor if you think we may be able to help.
For further information please contact your child’s Tutor or a student support worker. Alternatively, contact: Intervention Attendance Manager Kingsmead School Kings Avenue Cannock Staffs WS12 1DH Telephone: 01543 512455
Miss S Evans Locality Support Team 16 Springvale Wallhouse Street Cannock Staffs WS11 0DY Telephone: 01543 512333
Child Protection At Kingsmead we believe that it is important that our students feel safe at school and that they are confident that there is always someone whom they can talk to and who will listen when they have any serious concerns. The staff at Kingsmead will always work hard to create an environment in which the students know that they will be cared for and be protected. To reinforce the school’s commitment to protect students from harm, the school has a Child Protection policy. This policy lays down the responsibilities of parents, students, school and governors, and the procedures to be followed when there is concern that a student has been harmed or is thought to be ‘at risk’. It is the school’s legal duty to work with other agencies in protecting our students. Hence, advice will be sought from outside agencies, or a referral made to Social Services, if there is a reason to believe that a student is in need of protection. Sanctions When behaviour or work does not meet the expected standards, it may be necessary to issue a sanction of one type or another. If a punishment is needed, due consideration will be given to its suitability, and Subject Leaders and Senior Staff may be consulted. In certain cases, parents will be contacted if this is deemed to be necessary. Sanctions may include:
Extra work. Detention: a letter will be issued to inform parents beforehand. Withholding privileges. A community task e.g. collecting litter. A report card to monitor progress. Target sheets to help improve work or behaviour. Internal suspension i.e. removal from lessons for a short time. Interview with parents. Offsite exclusion i.e. a student works at another local school for the day. Exclusion.
For the majority of our students, the above sanctions are rarely needed. All of these sanctions involve contacting parents.
Student Behaviour Kingsmead is committed to enabling all members of the school community to work together harmoniously and with mutual respect. The following expectations must be met by all members of the school.
4Ps: Prepared, Polite, Proud, Positive PREPARED:
I am ‘Prepared’ if: I produce good homework. I am always on time. I always have the correct equipment. I always hand in homework.
POLITE:
I am ‘Polite’ if: I help and encourage other students. I help teachers. I always use good manners. I use correct English.
PROUD:
I am ‘Proud’ if: I take part in school events. I always wear my uniform properly. I always volunteer. I read aloud in class. I perform in front of the class. I get a good Progress Check.
POSITIVE:
I am ‘Positive’ if: I work hard. I am always enthusiastic and optimistic. I improve the quality of my work. I answer questions in class. I do high quality work in class. I make an extra contribution to class. I show initiative. I join teams or activities. I make healthy eating choices.
Bullying Kingsmead prides itself on providing a warm, safe and caring environment for all members of the college community. Bullying, therefore, whether verbal or physical will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of everyone to try to prevent it happening. Should bullying occur, it must be acted upon immediately with appropriate action being taken as regards both the victim and the bully. Parents can help to stamp out bullying. Ways in which you can help are by:
Keeping up to date with your child’s activities and friendships, learning about any disagreements or difficulties. Watching for signs of distress, such as not wanting to attend school due to minor illness.
Noticing if your child’s equipment keeps going missing or clothes and bags are often damaged. Realising that you’re frequently being asked for extra money, or indeed finding money missing from home.
If you discover or suspect that your child is being bullied, please inform the school immediately via student support or your child’s Tutor. Drugs Definition A drug is any substance which may affect the way in which the mind or body works. In some circumstances, these may be illegal. Our Policy
The school is committed to the health and safety of its members and will take action to safeguard their well-being. The school condones neither the misuse of drugs nor the illegal supply of such substances. The school will strive to ensure that its ethos and climate encourage the students to come forward with their concerns.
The school believes that it has the duty to inform and educate young people about the consequences of drug use and misuse. The school takes a pro-active stance on this matter, believing that health education is a vital part of the personal and social education of every student. The school believes in sharing the responsibility for education of young people with parents, by keeping them informed and involved at all times. Effective communication and cooperation are essential to the successful implementation of this policy. Should any parent wish to read either of the above policies in full, copies for inspection are available at the school.
Work for Charities An important part of the experience of our young people is the development of an awareness of those who are under-privileged, whether in the local community or the wider world. Each House, has its own local charity which it regularly supports and promotes through assemblies and tutor time. The students have eagerly organised and taken part in various fund raising activities and have raised money for their House Charity. Each House has also elected to sponsor an under-privileged child through Compassion UK. The students have increased their awareness of their child’s home country, send contributions to help support them and write to the child they sponsor. House
Charity
Compassion UK
Coppice
SNAP - Special Needs Adventure Playground National Memorial Arboretum
Fray from Columbia
Littleton
Riding for the Disabled
Bernice from Ghana
Uxbridge
Midland Air Ambulance
Vergiel from the Philippines
Valley
Katharine House Hospice
Akpene from Togo
Wimblebury
Breatheasy
Chanda from Bangladesh
Hayes
Lucas from Brazil
The Year 7 Curriculum In Year 7, all students will study a range of subjects designed to meet the legal requirements of the National Curriculum and to provide a broad and balanced education. At Kingsmead, we follow a two-week timetable of 50 one hour periods. The number in brackets after each subject denotes the number of periods per fortnight it receives. Art (2) In Year 7, students follow the National Curriculum Programme of Study for Art. Work is usually divided into termly projects, which may be based on for example: the natural environment, surfaces and textures and people. Projects will involve a variety of approaches to the creation of artwork including painting, drawing and three-dimensional work in card, clay and wire. Particular emphasis will be given to working from direct observation and to students developing their ideas through different materials and in response to the work of other artists. Research skills are also developed and students produce studio diaries which are used to illustrate their thinking. Specialist materials are provided: however, the students will be expected to provide basic equipment, for example a pencil, a rubber and an apron. Citizenship (2) Citizenship covers three main focus areas: Democracy and Justice, Rights and Responsibilities and Identities and Diversity. Students have the opportunity to work on live projects such as charity work, campaigning in the local community, environmental as well as debating and analysing current world issues such as global conflict, asylum seekers, crime and punishment etc. Students are encouraged to formulate opinion based on fact and judgement and to value others opinion and the breadth of diversity in our culture today. Students are actively encouraged to find ways that they can make a positive impact on the world, locally and globally. Drama (1) Drama is very popular at Kingsmead and our students enjoy the new challenges that the subject presents them with. Lessons are varied and exciting, exploring a wide range of skills, at the same time as encouraging cooperation and mutual respect. We also explore a range of themes and take ideas from many different sources and texts – the days of ‘drama’ just being about reading plays out loud are long gone! At Kingsmead, students learn how to create excellent quality drama of their own, and opportunities will be made for them to showcase their work in live performances. We provide students with many opportunities with a popular KS3 Drama Club; opportunities to gain an Arts Award. This is in addition to the opportunity to work towards London Academy of Music and Art (LAMDA) certifications, and the full school production staged each year. ‘In Drama we learn how to entertain, to communicate, and to create meaning. We know how to make people see us, hear us, and to understand. In Drama we learn how to make people THINK!’
English (6) The English course aims to develop the students’ potential in the four modes of language – speaking, listening, reading and writing. In speaking and listening the work is designed to build confidence in speaking to different audiences in a variety of situations, and to develop listening and concentration skills. Students experience a wide range of reading materials, both for pleasure and for the purpose of research. They practise many different types of writing: producing poems, stories, reports, plays, descriptions and letters. Emphasis is also placed upon spelling, punctuation and handwriting skills. Geography (3) Geography aims to build upon the students’ experiences at their primary school. The students study their local area, and look at topics including my place, fantastic places, coasts and investigate where they go on holiday. The students will be encouraged to adopt enquiry approach to their work in order to ask questions about their surroundings: our aim is to provide a stimulating environment in which the students will want to learn about the world in which they live. History (3) In Year 7 students will look at: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
What is History? Norman Invasion Living in the Middle Ages Henry VIII – Star or Monster? Elizabeth I English Civil War
Students will use a range of sources including text books, the Internet and videos. They will learn key skills such as judging sources and working out what evidence can tell us. Information Communications Technology (ICT) (2) Our aim is to ensure that all students who leave Kingsmead will be practised users of computers and will be familiar with current software. To make sure that this happens, students will take ICT lessons throughout their time at Kingsmead. In Year 7, the students will study a wide range of uses of ICT including the use of computers to control movement, the use of Word processors, Graphics packages, Desk-Top Publishing, Databases, Spread sheets and programming. While the students come to Kingsmead with a wide range of experience, by the end of Year 7, they will have acquired the basis skills necessary for them to develop into independent users of ICT.
Mathematics (6) The Mathematics course follows the guidelines laid out in the Framework for Teaching Mathematics: Year 7, 8 and 9. It aims to build on the skills and knowledge developed in the primary school. Students continue to develop their work in the areas of using and applying mathematics to solve problems, numbers and the number system; calculators, algebra; shape; space and measures and handling data. Mental arithmetic; written methods and calculator methods are all used to develop confidence and skills. The aim of the course is that through enjoyment of Mathematics, children will develop the confidence to use the Mathematical skills learnt not only in Mathematics but also in other subject areas and in real life situations through the introduction of functional skills. Modern Foreign Languages (5) All students learn French from Year 7. Our Modern Language teaching at Kingsmead aims to foster communication skills and enable the students to develop as independent, reflective learners. We challenge their thinking and creative skills through a range of problem-solving activities and help them to be confident when confronted with different cultures. We systematically improve their grammatical awareness so that they become more confident in creating new language. All students in KS3 at Kingsmead may have the opportunity to take part in a study visit to France to communicate with students in our partner schools there. Music (2) Listening, performing and composing are very much part of the carried out on keyboards and even iPads. However, we do encourage those students who are learning to play musical instruments outside the lessons to play these alongside the classroom instruments. During Year 7 the students will study different aspects of music through six topics. They will also be given the opportunity to learn an instrument.
Physical Education (4) Physical Education is a compulsory subject taken by all students in school. In Year 7 the students will study the following activities: gymnastics, badminton, trampolining, handball, fitness, swimming, athletics, tennis, football, rugby, cricket, netball, hockey and rounders. There are sports clubs in many of the above activities which the students can take part in during lunch or after school. Students need to ensure that they bring their kit to every lesson.
Religious Education (2) Y7 RE begins by looking at how people’s beliefs affect their way of life such as conservation, communities and living as a Muslim. Students examine some key beliefs and practices in Christianity, Buddhism and Sikhism. Later pupils have an opportunity to discuss different beliefs about God and look at how a person’s life is marked by special ceremonies. Students are encouraged to investigate religion with open and enquiring minds and to develop their abilities to listen and respect the views and beliefs of others as well as express their own ideas. Science (6) Kingsmead Science Department follows a new Scheme of Work written by teachers in school based on National Curriculum Program of Study guidelines. In Year 7 the students will cover a wide variety of topics covering aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course is practically based, with work carefully chosen to ensure interest and a high degree of success. In addition to the knowledge content, the development of student skills is also focussed on in order to improve their scientific abilities. Students will be taught in mixed ability groups during Year 7. From the beginning of Year 8, they will be grouped by ability. This grouping will be reviewed regularly. In many activities the students work at their own level, and for the more able and faster workers there is a variety of extension work. After half-term examinations, students write a review of their progress in their exercise books: parents are encouraged to read this. Technology (4) Learning Design and Technology at school helps to prepare young people for living in a technological world. It teaches the knowledge and skills needed to produce quality practical solutions to real problems. Design and Technology utilizes Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) and develops skills in: communication, problem solving, application of number and information technology developing the personal qualities needed to complete a design project. Design proposals are manufactured by using equipment and an increased range of materials. Students in Year 7 follow five short courses involving: food, resistant materials (wood, metals, plastic), textiles and structures. In later years students complete further projects including electronics and graphics.
Homework At Kingsmead we believe that homework makes a valuable contribution to the education and development of children. The purpose of homework is to:
Provide opportunities for students to work independently and to take responsibility for organising their work. Help students recognise the link between good study habits and higher standards of achievement. Check that students have understood class work. Consolidate or extend work covered in school. Prepare for future lessons. Improve students’ attitudes to learning. Improve students’ organisational and study skills. Raise the standard of achievement. Help parents understand what their children are learning in school and to encourage them to participate in that learning.
Students will be expected to read through their class work at home and complete any homework set. If at any time you feel that your child has completed their daily homework to an acceptable standard, but is not being challenged by their homework, please contact the Subject Leader or their Subject Teacher for additional work. We do not intend that students should be working every minute of the day and night and some very conscientious students may try to do too much homework – or students may be struggling with the work. Please let their Tutor know immediately if this is the case and they will be able to help plan the work at a more reasonable pace, and also speak to subject teachers to arrange more time or support. Study support facilities Kingsmead helps students with homework in the following ways:
The school learning study centre is open from 8.30am each morning, at break and lunch and at the end of school until 4.30pm. Support with homework is available at the end of the day from 3.15pm - 4.15pm Monday to Thursday in Room B21 and the Learning Resource Area with computers and the Internet available for homework activities; A quiet work room will be provided for each year group to complete work during lunch; Subjects hold revision and coursework clubs when needed and give help with study skills; In addition to this, the study centre is open 10.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday mornings for Saturday School.
Reports and opportunities to discuss student’s progress We work in partnership to encourage all our students to achieve the best they are capable of and we will do our best to keep you informed and involved as your child progresses through school. You will receive Progress Checks (reports) at regular intervals. These will contain information about targets, attainment and attitude to learning in each subject. There are planned evenings during the year when you can meet with staff – either the Tutor or subject teacher – in order to review progress. As your child progresses through school there are also evenings which focus on issues such as careers, option choices and progression into the Sixth Form. If, at any time, you would like more information on your child’s progress or the opportunity to discuss his or her attainment, please contact your child’s Head of House. Literacy Kingsmead aims to develop our students’ skills in and enjoyment of reading. All subjects value and promote reading; recognising that it is a fundamental aid to learning. Students are encouraged to use our excellent study centre regularly, both for subject based research and to select personal readers. Kingsmead requires students to carry a personal reader with them at all times. To support this there are special events during the year to encourage students to read. Past events have included ‘Book Week’, ‘Book Fairs’ and national competitions. Students are encouraged to take pride in their written work and aim for accuracy and detail. With this in mind, all subjects take responsibility for teaching and spelling and grammar and offer a variety of approaches to writing.
Extra Curricular Activities Kingsmead is committed to providing a range of activities for our students to become involved in outside the classroom. We believe that these help to develop an interested well-rounded student as well as a well-educated one, and help our young people to learn how to use their leisure time positively and productively.
Theatrical Productions Kingsmead has built up a reputation for successful musical productions, including ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ’Grease’, ‘Oliver’, Calamity Jane’, ‘The Sound of Music’, Bugsy Malone’, ‘Annie’, ‘South Pacific’, ‘Pirates of Penzance’, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘High School Musical’ ‘After Juliet’ , ‘No Way Out’, and recently ‘Grease’. These productions offer our students the chance to become involved either on stage or backstage. Music Kingsmead boasts a strong musical tradition, and there are many opportunities for singers and instrumentalists. There are a number of groups in operation, Junior and Senior Vocal Groups and two orchestras. Instrumental tuition is available to those interested in learning the following: brass, woodwind, strings, guitar and drums. We offer a varied curriculum including traditional music, popular music and music technology. School Visits and Journeys During the year there will be many visits arranged for students. These will be to a variety of places (e.g. theatre, places of historical or geographical interest, local industries and places of worship) and are designed to support and enhance the curriculum. The school has one minibus: it is in constant use transporting our students to sporting fixtures, field visits and other places of interest. Kingsmead students are also provided with the opportunity to visit other countries to support their language studies or to visit historical sites. In the past visits have been to Austria, America, France, Germany and Italy.
Help available to Parents/Carers The school has a wide range of people to help parents and carers with any issues they may have. Please ring the school reception on 01543 512455 to request an appointment giving least 24 hours’ notice. Issue
Who to contact
‘Routine’ and ‘non urgent’ issues.
Group Tutor
Specific ‘lesson’ or ‘subject’ issues.
Subject Teacher/Leader Curriculum Leader
‘Urgent’ issues and concerns. Helping students overcome difficulties with their learning. Give support and support to students.
Student Support Worker
General ‘progress concerns’. ‘Serious’ concerns regarding behaviour and curriculum.
Senior Leader
Support students with ‘special’ learning needs. Support ‘children in care’. ‘Child protection issues’.
Assistant Headteacher Mr C. Bury
Issues not resolved satisfactorily after all other channels have been explored.
Senior Team Member of staff on duty