At Ysgol John Bright we aim to work together in securing the best outcomes for every student. Learning is placed at the centre of everything we do and we are committed to empowering students to become: • • • •
successful learners who enjoy learning, achieve and make progress; enterprising and creative people who contribute fully to life and work; responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society and confident and happy individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our curriculum is designed to stretch the more able and talented and to support those who need interventions or specific help. We believe competence in a variety of traditional and 21st century skills is an essential outcome for all students. Our enrichment curriculum ensures that students have the opportunity to access a wide range of activities and clubs during their time at YJB. These opportunities, together with our dedicated staff and innovative curriculum, enable students to get the most out of their school life and enjoy their time at Ysgol John Bright. We pride ourselves on the excellent care, guidance and support we provide for students and make sure that every child has the most appropriate and best quality educational opportunities throughout their school lives. We believe it is important that all students can access a safe, supportive and inspirational community where learning is a positive experience, which will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The recent success and achievements of the school can be directly attributed to the presence of a very supportive parent body; caring, forward thinking, dedicated and highly professional staff; energetic, thoughtful and determined students and a pro-active, ambitious governing body. We work collaboratively with young people and their parents to ensure that each student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and to enjoy their learning. We are very ambitious and pride ourselves on the culture of high expectations and high aspirations that is central to our ethos. We expect every student to achieve their absolute best in their studies and to involve themselves in the wider opportunities of school life. Every child is encouraged from the start of their school life at Ysgol John Bright to aim high and to believe that any future aspiration is possible.
M Vickery Acting Headteacher
We work very closely with our primary partner schools to ensure each student has a positive experience and to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible. Our Director of Transition visits partner schools to meet new students before they join and runs an introductory programme before the start of term. We also hold a Taster Week, an Open Evening and various activities to ensure that new students have made new friends and feel part of the community at Ysgol John Bright. The school’s current Admissions Policy is operated by the Conwy Local Authority (LA) and full details of the policy can be obtained by phoning the LA on 01492 575031 or via
their website at www.conwy.gov.uk.
When we are oversubscribed preference will be given to children according to the following criteria, in the order in which they are listed: 1 Residence within the catchment area 2 Sibling connection 3 Proximity of home address to school 4 Medical circumstances or Statement of Educational Needs. If you have any questions or wish to have a tour of the school, please contact Mrs J Pethig (Assistant Headteacher) on 01492 864200.
Acting Headteacher Mr M Vickery Acting Deputy Headteacher Mr K Lawson Acting Deputy Headteacher Mr H Parry Assistant Headteacher Mrs S Lewis-Jones Assistant Headteacher Mr B Williams Assistant Headteacher Mrs J Pethig Business Manager Mrs R Davies
Assistant Headteacher Mrs J Pethig Director of Learning Mrs C Beattie Assistant Director of Learning Mr T Laws Student Guidance Officer Mrs L Davies
Assistant Headteacher Mr B Williams Director of Learning Mr D Sweet Assistant Director of Learning Mrs G Edlington Student Guidance Officer Mrs L Davies
Acting Deputy Headteacher Mr H Parry - Year 10
Assistant Headteacher Mrs S Lewis-Jones - Year 11 Director of Learning Miss J Wedlock Assistant Director of Learning Mrs N Whitham Student Guidance Officer Mrs D Huzarski
Acting Deputy Headteacher Mr K Lawson Director of Learning Mr C Colbert Assistant Director of Learning Mrs S Hancox Student Guidance Officer Mrs B Smith
The Year 7 curriculum equips students with the skills and attributes they need to succeed as a learner at Ysgol John Bright and beyond as lifelong learners in the 21st Century.
Our aim is for each student to develop their talents and interests to the full, whilst experiencing a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. The courses enhance learning, attainment and achievement and help students to become: • successful learners who enjoy learning, achieve and make progress; • enterprising and creative people who contribute fully to life and work; • responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society; and • confident and happy individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Through exciting topics, such as Explore and Innovate, we push children not only to acquire new knowledge, but also to become more confident communicators and, importantly, thinkers! The 21-7 curriculum is a bespoke, skills-based curriculum which acts as a bridge between the way students are taught in primary school and the discrete, subject based teaching experienced in secondary school. Students experience a fascinating journey through learning, from the icy perils of Shackleton’s adventures to the mysteries of the life of John Smith. Along the way stuents tackle all of the traditional topics including literacy, numeracy, stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and the creative arts in real world contexts that capture their imagination and engage their brains. As well as learning content, they grasp new skills and develop their ability to apply their knowledge. The Curriculum at Key Stage 3 offers a balance of innovation and tradition which provides clear progression for all our students. A traditional subject-based approach remains the cornerstone of the students’ experience. However, the learning experiences exploit the very latest and best of 21st Century educational methodologies.
This combination has been highly successful with our students gaining outcomes that place them amongst the very best in Wales.
On entry to the school, students are placed in learning groups. During the year key stage setting is introduced in most subjects, to enable students to progress at a rate appropriate to their ability. In Years 8 and 9, students study subjects included within the framework of the National Curriculum with 60 lessons a fortnight. Students are regularly assessed throughout the three years of this key stage with Statutory Teacher Assessments in subjects towards the end of Year 9. There are a number of subjects which every Key Stage 4 student, in every school, is asked to study, because they equip young people with skills for further learning, training or employment. ‘Learning and teaching is central to the work of Ysgol John Bright. It is our core function and central to our aims of raising achievement and promoting inclusion. The highest standards of attainment can only be achieved by ensuring that all our students routinely experience learning and teaching of the highest quality; enabling all students to achieve their full potential. All students are entitled to learn and achieve in lessons, regardless of attainment level, gender, ethnic origin, socio-economic status, disability or additional learning needs.’
English Numeracy Science Welsh RE (short course) Welsh Baccalaureate Physical Education PSE Students have the opportunity to choose three more courses
Extra examination preparation lessons (for parents as well as students) • individual and whole group support in the run up to examinations • individual mentoring • revision school • grade improvement classes • ‘Exam Busters’ day Most students decide to progress into our thriving and consistently outstanding Sixth Form. Here, students have the opportunity to follow academic and vocational pathways. We are very proud of the support offered to students when applying for Higher Education and have links with many prestigious universities. Equally, we strive to ensure that students entering the world of work have access to a range of experiences and work closely with local and national businesses.
Sixth Form students contribute fully to the school’s values of excellence in learning and are represented by the Student Leadership Team, which is elected annually through a formal election process. Academic progress is carefully monitored and there are regular reports home. Students are supported and encouraged to use their time in school profitably and wisely. As the year progresses, students are encouraged to assume more responsibility for their own learning in preparation for Higher Education and employment.
Lesson 5
1.30pm
-
2.20pm
Up to 20% of all children have additional learning needs at some time during their school life. The Code of Practice provides a structured approach to addressing these needs and is incorporated into our Additional Learning Needs Policy. Children carrying statements have extra provision built-in. For other children whose needs are on “School Action” or “School Action Plus”, we organise a range of provision such as in-class support, short-term withdrawal, extraction for particular skills and specialist help or simplification of the curriculum to enhance basic studies. Each year, one learning group in Year 7 is kept smaller and a classroom assistant is allocated to provide such support. Students in this nurture group are identified from primary school as needing extra support. This support continues in Years 8 and 9 with students moving into and out of the learning group as the need arises. The school provides excellent interventions for students who need support in specific areas of the curriculum. Some of these include ‘Reading Buddies,’ Handwiting support, Numeracy and Literacy, Catch Up Programmes as well as Spelling Booster sessions. Regular monitoring of progress is shared with students and parents. The school also has a resource base provision for children with assessed Moderate Learning Difficulties. Entry to this unit is a shared decision between the LEA and the Headteacher. In our Learning Support Department students can access extra help or have space and support with home learning after school.
The Department for Education and Welsh Office guidance makes it clear that schools have an important role to play in the protection and well being of all students in the school. The school treats the welfare of its students as a paramount consideration. It considers that child protection issues override confidentiality and will take any responsibility to ensure the safety of these students. In cases where the school has reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill-treatment, neglect, or other forms of abuse, all staff have no alternative but to adhere to the All Wales Child Protection Procedures, which set out the necessary steps to be followed. We have a duty to refer such concerns to the social services department or the police without delay. We have no discretion in this matter. The Headteacher has overall responsibility for child protection matters. Mrs L Hughes is the designated Safeguarding Officer and Mrs S Lewis-Jones is the nominated Deputy Safeguarding Officer.
Ysgol John Bright celebrates its ‘Welshness’ and identity in many ways. We are proud of our language and heritage and this commitment is to be seen in much of our work. The Cwricwlwm Cymreig is an integral part of subject specific schemes of work throughout the school. Many events are held to celebrate our history and tradition including the School Eisteddfod, trips to Urdd language centres, National Eisteddfod and theatre visits.
The school has Welsh learner tutor groups where Welsh is used during spoken communication. All students are encouraged to develop their Welsh speaking skills as part of their continuing education for lifelong learning.
English is the day-to-day language of communication in the school. However, staff and students are encouraged to use Welsh as much as possible. All subjects use basic greetings and instructions in Welsh to develop students’ competency. All students study Welsh in KS3 and KS4 unless an exemption has been implemented. Whenever possible, parents receive communications bilingually and school policy documents, handbooks and administrative guidelines are available in both English and Welsh.
Home learning is an important part of school life and helps young people to work, think and learn independently, in addition to being an essential component of all courses. We aim to set tasks which genuinely engage and challenge students to achieve, giving them the opportunity to explore ideas and areas of interest incorporating a variety of activities: research, reading for information, collecting evidence, interpreting and analysing using different media and evaluation. At YJB there are a number of homework clubs, revision sessions and facilities to support learning beyond the normal day.
The emphasis in YJB is on encouragement, praise and an active interest in the personal and academic progress of students. We uphold values of respect and pride in both our school and ourselves. Therefore we expect students to address members of staff and each other with courtesy. We encourage and expect good behaviour. We have established firm expectations, which students know and understand within the school’s Code of Conduct. These rules express our requirements of tolerance for others, good manners, self-discipline, commitment and hard work.
Ysgol John Bright was the first school in Wales to gain the Gold Mark for RE in recognition of its excellent provision in this area. Religious Education at Key Stage 3 and 4 follows the Conwy County Council agreed syllabus and gives the students an opportunity to study aspects of the world’s major religions, whilst acknowledging the place of Christianity as the principal faith in this country. Students are encouraged to develop their own responses to the meaning and purpose of our existence and to begin to address guidelines of morality and spirituality. The daily act of collective worship is a time when the tutor groups unite for a Year Assembly or reflection time in their tutor base. Assemblies take into account the background of students, their age and aptitudes and they aim to offer common values within a broadly Christian context. Parents who wish to withdraw their children from either Religious Education or Assemblies in whole or in part, should contact the Headteacher.
For social and cultural purposes, the school community has been organised into four Houses: Gloddaeth, Gogarth, Maelgwn and Penrhyn, with an elected House Captain and Vice Captain. The House system fosters a healthy, competitive spirit in the school. Regular interhouse competitions are held during the year including the Eisteddfod and Sports Day. Students are also encouraged to support charity appeals and community projects organised by their House. Each student is allocated to a House on entry to the school. Members of staff are also allocated to one of the four Houses.
The Careers Education and Guidance programme develops throughout a student’s school career. An extensive range of activities are delivered during subject and learning tutor time. These are supported by a series of special events, which help to thoroughly prepare our students to make informed choices. Guidance interviews and portfolio building are combined with training and access to online interactive career programmes. This allows students to carry out independent research into a wide variety of careers, employment opportunities and courses available at further and higher education institutions. Training facilitators and external agencies provide the students with additional expertise and help the school to ensure a successful transition from school. A highly successful programme of work experience has long been established at Ysgol John Bright. Students in years 10 and 12 carry out a period of career based placements. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in a range of exercises and activities that are designed to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the world of work, as well as provide them with the necessary transferrable work skills.
Ysgol John Bright was the first school in Conwy to gain the prestigious Careers Wales Mark. Careers Wales included a report of the school’s accreditation as an example of a ‘best practice case study.’
Sex education is provided as part of the whole curriculum, accepting that education about sex and personal relationships has an important part to play in preparing young people for responsible adult life. The Governing Body has approved a programme of sex education which is designed to provide knowledge about loving relationships, the nature of sexuality, and the processes of human reproduction. Facts are presented in an objective, balanced and sensitive manner and are set within a clear framework of values of personal responsibility, self esteem, respect and consideration for others. We strive to provide knowledge and encourage the acquisition of skills and attitudes to allow students to manage their lives in a responsible and healthy way. It also includes, at a point appropriate to the age and maturity of the students, education about HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Health professionals will occasionally be invited into the school to help lead students through the programme.
We can accept up to 240 students into our Year 7
Students can choose from a range of activities on offer after school and, by doing so, are encouraged to develop lifelong skills and interests. Numerous school visits feature on the calendar, both in the UK and abroad, including cultural visits to other European countries, America, field trips and theatre visits. Visits to cultural, political and religious centres allow students to broaden their horizons and widen their thinking. We have a Challenge Week once a year. During the week the normal timetable is paused and students take part in activities which complement their outstanding education experience with enriching and inspirational life experiences. The thriving Performing and Expressive Arts faculty produce our annual musical production, playing to near sell-out audiences at Venue Cymru, as well as a variety of other performances every year. In-house programmes help develop rounded individuals, enhanced by links to the local community. Success with projects, completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, participating in work experience or mentoring younger students can all create memorable experiences, as well as developing leadership skills and encouraging independence. The PE Faculty run many school teams, enjoying considerable success at local and national level.
Students strive to achieve their best in practical and theoretical learning environments. Personal skills are enhanced such as co-operation, self-reliance, self-discipline, sharing, confidence and leadership. Students learn the importance and benefits of an active healthy lifestyle and are encouraged to regard physical education and sport as long-term life skills. Work within the Physical Education Faculty is designed to support whole school developments and school objectives. We aim to provide an enjoyable, satisfying and balanced programme with opportunities for all students to develop physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. We encourage active involvement by all as performers, observers and officials. Students plan, practise and improve their performance so that they can enjoy being able to perform consistently well. Students will take part in activities that become technically more demanding. They will learn the benefits of working with others and understand that engaging in activity is beneficial to health, well-being and fitness. These processes are achieved in curriculum time through experience and development in games (striking and fielding, net and invasion games), dance, gymnastics, athletics, outdoor and adventure activities.
Lower School • Sportswear International polo shirt, shorts and sports socks • Sportwear International fleece jacket and tracksuit trousers (optional) • Track shoes\Astro trainers.
Facilities at YJB offer our students a wealth of opportunities inside and outside the classroom in our contemporary state of the art, school. We have an impressive range of specialist areas and use the most up-todate technology to teach our students, including a 3D learning suite. We have a science block with 12 laboratories, a technology suite which includes provision for workshops, specialist textile rooms, commercial standard catering provision, art/design areas, pottery and a photographic dark room. Our Sports and Recreation area includes a sports hall, gymnasium, squash courts, spinning room and dance studio. We also have 20 acres of playing fields with hockey, football, rugby and cricket pitches as well as 2 floodlit astro turf pitches. Provision for the Disabled The school meets all requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. A lift enables access to all parts of the building (which also has colour schemes to assist with those students with visual impairments). There are toilet facilities for students in each block. Male and female toilets are open daily in C and D block. Disabled facilities are also available on each floor. There are separate toilets for KS3 and KS4 students. All toilets are cleaned twice daily. A Sodexo employed cleaner is on hand throughout the day to call upon for any emergency cleaning.
We believe that the pastoral care for each individual in the school community is of the greatest importance. Therefore we have a highly developed pastoral system to ensure that every student’s progress is closely monitored. Students respond well to praise and encouragement, and these are key factors in our teaching and learning. Our treatment of the students is positive and sensitive but with a clear understanding of the code of behaviour expected of everyone. We make it our mission to foster a sense of self worth and the capacity to work as contributing members of a team or community and we are committed to offering equal opportunities for all. We encourage parents to be involved in the life of the school and the progress of their child, through a programme of regular reports and parent consultation evenings. We are committed to keeping in close contact and working in partnership with parents and guardians and carers of YJB students.
We expect our students to take pride in themselves and the school by wearing the full uniform. We ask that parents take responsibility for ensuring that their son/daughter is in the correct uniform each day. The uniform can be purchased from two local retailers. Boppers Boutique, 1-3 Woodland Road West, Colwyn Bay. LL29 7DH. Telephone No: 01492 534421. School Talk, 159 Mostyn Street, Llandudno, LL30 2PE. Telephone Number: 01492 866995 Ysgol John Bright new uniform Years 7 to 11 from 1st September 2014 Price and Buckland Navy blazer with thin gold trim/piping (with school logo) Price and Buckland Navy jumper with gold trim (with school logo) Price and Buckland Tie – navy with double thin gold pinstripe Banner charcoal grey Plymouth senior pleat boys trouser Banner charcoal grey GPR girls trouser Banner charcoal grey Charleston skirt Plain white shirt. Plain black socks or tights for girls Black shoes – not more than 2inch heel, no boots, no trainers, leisure shoes or any logo. Hair should not be cropped, patterned, shaved (less than grade 3), dyed an unnatural colour, braided and should always be tied back for practical lessons. No make-up, false nails or nail varnish. Jewellery - for health and safety reasons the only acceptable items of jewellery are : a wristwatch, one pair of small plain stud type earrings and one plain signet ring Nail varnish must not be worn No tattoos or body piercings are allowed
Some students may be entitled to free lunches. Free School Meals can only be awarded if you or your partner are claiming either: Income Support Job Seekers Allowance - income based Employment and Support Allowance - income related Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit (Information correct at time of going to print) Contact the Free School Meals Team on 01492 576491 to find out if you qualify and for an application form.
In the first instance, parents are expected to contact the Headteacher to discuss any complaints. The Headteacher also holds two drop-in sessions a week where parents are welcome to discuss any issues of concern. These are held on Wednesday at 8.15am 9.15am and Thursday 3.30pm - 4.30pm. Any unresolved matter can be referred onto our Chair of Governors, Mrs C Forfar, through the school or, in exceptional circumstances, the Local Education Authority, which has an established complaints procedure. This procedure is outlined in a bilingual document, available at the school.
The School’s charging policy complies with current regulations and a detailed copy of these can be obtained from the school.
• • • • •
We want all our students to feel safe and happy We want all our students to enjoy school We want all our students to be ambitious We want all our students to achieve their potential We want all our students to make a positive contribution • We want all our students to develop into good citizens • We want all our students to be successful and to leave YJB with the life skills and qualifications that will give them the best possible start in life
At Ysgol John Bright we have a culture of high expectations this is central to our commitment to ensuring achievement for all • We expect our students to have positive attitudes to learning • We expect our students to have excellent attendance and punctuality • We expect our students to have respect for each other • We expect our students to have respect for adults • We expect our students to have respect for themselves • We expect our students to have respect for the environment • We expect our students to participate in the life and work of the school • We expect our students to believe that anything is possible • We expect our students to be determined to succeed
For any further information about our school or to arrange a tour of the school, please contact: Present : Authorised : Unauthorised :
94.2% 3.7% 2.2%
Mrs J Pethig, Assistant Headteacher (Admissions) at: Ysgol John Bright, Maesdu Road, Llandudno, LL30 1LF Tel 01492 864200 E-mail general@johnbright.conwy.sch.uk www.johnbright.uk