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Terms & Conditions

and

Parental Handbook

Senior School

2019 - 2020

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Contents

School Aims & Ethos

Site Map

Governing Body

Staff List

Form Teachers

Safeguarding Children

Terms and Conditions Document

Section A: School Organisation

School Terms 2019-2020

School Uniform & Equipment

Admissions Policy

Assemblies and Liturgy

Bad Weather

Break Times

Charity Collections

Child protection

Complaints

Electrical Apparatus

Emergency Contacts

Equipment

Form Leaders and Prefects

House System

Illness and Accidents

Lockers

Lost Property

Medicines

Parking and School Access

Photographs

Punctuality

Registration and Form Time

Safety

Scholarships

School Buses

School Calendar

School Council

Valuables and Lost Property

Section B: Home-School Communication

Attendance

Book Lists

Bulletin

Complaints

Letters

Mobile Telephone

Other Emergencies

Parents’ Evenings

Reports

School Policy Documents

School Website

Signing In and Out

Section C: Curriculum

Curriculum 2019-2020

Careers Advice / Work Related Learning

Homework

Marking Symbols

Assessment

Examinations

Use of the ICT rooms for study

Section D: Pastoral System

Section E: School Rules

School Rules

Equality and Diversity Policy

Parent / Student / School Agreement

Code of Conduct

Damage to School Property

Travelling on the School Bus

Rewards and Sanctions

Bullying

Use of the Internet

Section F: Special Events and Extra-Curricular

Activities

School Trips

Year 7 Induction

Before and After School Provision

St. Dominic’s Parents and Friends Association

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Aims & Ethos of The School

Our School Mission Statement is: Living and Learning with Christ as our Guide.

Our Mission Statement, along with the Dominican motto ‘Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare’ (to Praise, to

Bless and to Preach the word of God), ensures that Christ is at the heart of our School.

Aims & Ethos of the School:

We aim to create a love of learning in a friendly and happy environment, nurture individuality

and instil in our students a sense of community spirit, rooted in Gospel values.

We wish to provide each child with tools that will equip them to, not only succeed academically, but con-

tribute positively to a society in which values of justice and compassion are paramount.

St. Dominic’s welcomes children of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds and, within our school community,

diversity is recognised and respected.

Educating the Whole Person:

Here at St. Dominic's we recognise that children have a wide variety of interests and talents beyond the

academic disciplines and these are encouraged and supported through our extra-curricular provision;

whether that be on the sports field or in a school production.

As a Catholic school, social, spiritual and moral development plays a part in all subject areas. Beyond the

classroom, students are encouraged to be involved in both supporting our chosen charities, and partici-

pating in the liturgical life of the school, either as an altar server or by taking part in collective worship as

lector or as part of our school choir.

Nurturing the Individual:

One of the strengths of our small community is that every student has a voice. There is a strong family

atmosphere, and a spirit of collaboration is promoted throughout the school.

Investing time and individual attention in all our pupils helps them to develop into confident, nurturing

and caring individuals who are ready to go out into the world and make a difference.

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Governing Body of St. Dominic’s Priory School

Lord Stafford Patron

Mr Mark Burton Chair of Governors

Mrs Karen Champ Vice Chair of Governors

Mrs Gina Brian Independent Governor

Mrs Angela Hughes Parent Governor

Mr Anthony Liversage Parent Governor

Mr Martin Melling Independent Governor

Mrs Vicky Titley Parent Governor

Mr Peter Thorpe Independent Governor

Mr Martin Ware Parent Governor

Please refer to the website to find out more about our Governors.

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Staff List

Leadership Team

Teaching Staff

Name Full/Part Time Subject Qualification

Mrs Victoria Banks FT Primary 4

B.A. Hons in Primary Education

QTS

Mr Andrew Bruno PT Physics and Maths B.Sc. Hons PGCE

Mrs Violet Burge PT Chemistry B.Sc. Hons PGCE

Miss Barbara Capper FT P.E. B.Ed. Hons

Mrs Sophie Cawdell FT Reception B.A.Hons QTS

Mrs Judith Cook PT R.E. and Leadership Team B.A. Hons PGCE Mrs Elizabeth Crofts PT Spanish B.A. Comb Hons PGCE

Miss Karen Davies FT Pre-School Teacher B.A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Kirsten Edmondson FT Learning Support Assistant (Prep) B.A. Hons

Mrs Tracy Gauvin PT Primary French B.A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Kirsty Gardner FT Music B.A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Karen Hesp

(Deputy Headteacher)

FT Design & Technology B..A. Hons PGCE

Miss Kelly Hodgetts PT Pre-School Practitioner Level 3 Diploma in Children and

Young Peoples Workforce

Mrs Lucy Holdcroft PT English B..A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Sarah Hopkirk FT Learning Support Assistant (Prep)

Mrs Alison Hughes PT Learning Support Assistant (Senior) Level 3 NVQ

Mr Glenn Irving PT Learning Support (Senior) B.A. Hons Btec Teaching Assis-

tant Level 2

Mrs Rachel Jardine PT Learning Support Assistant (Prep) Mrs Eliza Jarvis FT Primary 3 M. THEOL. PGCE

Mr Nathan Jones FT Maths B. Sc. PGCE

Miss Jane Jovanovic PT Art & Textiles B.A. Hons PGCE

Rachel Shelton FT ICT; Business & Communications

Mrs Suzanne Kemp PT History and Prep Dance B.A. Hons MA PGCE

Mrs Rebecca Harrison Headteacher B.Sc. Hons PGCE NPQH

Mrs Karen Hesp Deputy Headteacher B..A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Joanna Talbot Senior Teacher-Prep B.A. Hons GTP

Mrs Judith Cook R.E. B.A. Hons PGCE

Mr Wayne Mears Facilities Manager

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Teaching Staff

Peripatetic Teaching Staff

Name Full Time/Part Time Subject Qualification

Mrs Margaret Kitchener PT French B.A. Hons PGCE

Miss Sharon Lambe FT Head of English B.A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Joanne Longmore PT Geography B. Sc .Hons PGCE

Mrs Claire Marsden PT Laboratory Technician B.Sc. Hons

Mrs Alicia Mellor

(Maternity Leave)

FT Learning Support Assistant

(Prep)

B.A. Hons Childhood Studies

Mr Joseph Messenger PT Primary Science and P6 Form

Teacher

B.Sc. Hons PGCE

Mrs Nicola Moore FT Primary 1 B.A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Louise Moorhouse FT Pre-school Practitioner Level 3 Early Years’

Mrs Helen Payne FT Maths B.A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Dianne Perry PT Learning Support Assistant

(Senior)

HLTA

Miss Sonia Pickford PT Biology B.Sc. Hons PGCE

Mrs Sarah Shelton PT Primary 5 B. Ed. Hons

Mr David Swainston PT PE Assistant B.A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Joanna Talbot FT Head of Prep / P2 Form

Teacher and Leadership

Team

B.A. Hons GTP

Mrs Elaine Turner PT Learning Support (Senior) BSc. Hons

Mrs Rebecca Walsh PT Learning Support Assistant

(Prep)

Mrs Caroline West PT Senior Drama B.A. Cert Ed MBBO MIDTA

Mrs Lucy Wild

FT Learning Support Assistant

(Prep)

B.A.Cert Ed MBBO MIDTA

Name Subject Qualification

Mr Mark Davies Percussion LGSM

Mrs Susan Dickson Piano LRAM

Mr James Parkes Violin TBC

Miss Melanie Bird Singing B.A. Hons

Ms Heidi Potter Woodwind and Keyboard B.A. Hons PGCE

Mrs Caroline West Speech & Drama B.A. Cert Ed MBBO MIDTA

Mr Steve Westerholm Guitar TBC

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Administration Staff

Support Staff

Name Responsibility

Mrs Eleanor Bradford CH&Co Independent: Catering Assistant

Mr David Bradley School Minibus Driver

Mr Philip Burrows CH&Co Independent: Chef

Miss Leticia Camara Domestic Assistant/Lunchtime Supervisor

Mr Ian Challinor School Minibus Driver

Miss Zoe Hallows Domestic Assistant/Lunchtime Supervisor

Mr Steven Hickman Site Supervisor

Ms Jenny Lamb Catering Assistant

Mrs Karen Lovatt Lunchtime Supervisor

Mr Wayne Mears Facilities Manager - Leadership Team

Mr John Molloghan Domestic Assistant

Mrs Vicky Mollaghan Domestic Assistant

Mr Derek Sargeant Maintenance Assistant/Groundsman

Ms Melanie Simm Early Birds/Lunchtime Supervisor

Ms Luan Thomas Domestic Assistant

Mr Ken Walker School Minibus Driver

Mr Brian Weaver School Minibus Driver

Name Responsibility

Miss Samantha Bowman Finance Officer

Mrs Louise Brooks Finance Assistant

Mrs Ali Davidson General Manager – Marketing and Business Services and Leadership

Team

Louise Frodsham School Reception - Admin Assistant

Miss Kayleigh Hill Marketing Assistant & Out of Hours Supervisor

Miss Louise Lloyd Admissions Officer and Examinations Secretary

Mrs Michelle McCrory Head’s PA

Mrs Sarah Yeomans School Office - Admin Assistant

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Form Teachers: September 2019-2020

Safeguarding Children

The Safeguarding Policy Document is available on the school website.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs R Harrison (Headteacher)

Deputy Safeguarding Leads: Mrs J Talbot (Head of Prep)

Miss K Hill

Designated Safeguarding Governor: Mrs K. Champ

E-Safety Ambassador: Mrs V Banks

Designated E-Safety Governor : Mr M Burton

Class Tutor Registration Rooms Rooms for Lunchtime

Y7

Miss B Capper

Mrs K Gardner

Geography Room

Music Room

Geography Room

Music Room

Y8 Mr N Jones Maths Room (Old Library) Maths Room

Y9 Miss S Lambe English Room English Room

Y10 Mrs H Payne Maths Room Maths Room

Y11 Mrs Cook RE Room RE Room

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Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions

(a) In these Terms and Conditions

"Acceptance Form" means the form provided by the School for the parents to complete when accepting a place for their child at the School;

"child" means a child of whatever age admitted by the School to be educated and includes any pupil aged 16 or over;

"the Complaints Procedure" is the School's procedure for review of treatment of serious disciplinary matters and related decisions, as amended from time to time, a current copy of which is available upon request from the school;

"deposit" means the sum set out in the Schedule of Fees;

"due date" is the date upon which the payment of fees, interest and other monies be-comes payable;

"fees" means the fees set out in the Schedule of Fees as amended from time to time;

"Head" means the person appointed by the Governors of the School to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the School, including anyone to whom such duties have been duly delegated;

"School Rules" means the rules of the School, a copy of the current version of which is pro-vided to each child on entry and is sent to parents with the letter offering a place at the School, as those rules may be amended from time to time;

"term" means a term of the School as notified to the parents from time to time;

"a term's notice" means notice given not later than the first day of term preceding the term to which the notice relates;

"terms and conditions" means these terms and conditions as amended from time to time;

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"we" or "the School" means the legal entity carrying on as the School as identified in Clause 1 (b) below, or its duly authorised representative, as the context requires;

"you" or "the parents" means each person who has signed the Acceptance Form as parent or guardian of a child or who with the School's written consent has subsequently assumed parental responsibility for such child;

(b) The Acceptance Form, the Schedule of Fees, the School Rules, the Disciplinary Procedure and these Terms and Conditions constitute the terms of a contract between you and St. Dominic's Priory School, 21 Station Road, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8EN, Registered Charity Number 1141147. It is not intended that the terms of the contract shall be enforceable by your child or by any other third party.

2. Acceptance and Deposit

A. An offer of a place for your child at the School is accepted by you completing the Acceptance Form and paying the deposit of £250.

B. The deposit is not refundable if your child does not take up a place at the School.

C. The deposit will form part of the general funds of the school until the child leaves the School. All balances must be cleared before the deposit is returned.

D. Cases of serious illness or genuine hardship may receive special consideration on written request.

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3. School Fees

(a) All the costs incurred in the usual course of the education by the school of your child, includ-ing the provision of any necessary educational materials, shall be met by the fees unless oth-erwise notified by the school. Textbooks are charged additionally on ParentPay.

(b) Any extra-curricular activities such as private music lessons, trips and visits in which you agree your child may participate shall be deemed to be supplemental to items met by the fees and charged accordingly. In particular, all public examination charges and any addition-al charges incurred by the School in providing for the special educational needs of your child shall be charged as supplemental to the fees.

(c) Each person who has signed the Acceptance Form is liable for the whole of the fees due and any supplemental charges. The persons who have signed the Acceptance Form remain liable to the School for the whole of the fees and supplemental charges due, unless the School has agreed in writing to look exclusively to any other person for payment of the fees or any part of them.

If your child has been awarded a scholarship or bursary, your liability will be for the amount of fees due after taking account of that award. An award may be withdrawn with immediate effect if, in the opinion of the Headteacher, your child's attendance, progress or behaviour no longer merits the continuation of the award. Any such withdrawal of an award will not operate so as to increase the fees due in respect of a term which has already commenced.

(d) Payment of fees can be made in three instalments annually. This can be payable at the start of each term or by 11 monthly payments (starting from September 2019, ending in July 2020). These payments can be made via; GoCardless, direct debit, standing order; termly payments can also be made by cheque.

(e) We reserve the right to refuse to allow your child to attend the School or to withhold any reference while fees or supplemental charges remain unpaid. You consent to our informing any other school or educational establishment to which you propose to send your child of any outstanding fees. If payment is not made on the due date the School shall be entitled, without limiting any other rights it may have, to charge a late payment fee in the sum of £200. We may make an interest charge of 4% (four per cent) above the base rate of the School's bank on any late payment.

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(f) The fees will be reviewed from time to time and may be increased by such amounts the School considers reasonable. We shall endeavour to give at least a term's notice of any increase in the fees due for a particular term and in any event shall give you notice of any such increase not later than the final day of the preceding term. (If we give you notice of an increase in fees which exceeds 10% you will be entitled to withdraw your child from the start of the following term without giving a term's notice or paying fees in lieu, provided that you give notice of the withdrawal within 21 days from the date when notice of the increase is given).

(g) Fees and any prepaid supplemental charges will not normally be reduced as a result of ab-sence due to illness or otherwise. In the event that your child takes study leave at home before or during public examinations or stays at home following those examinations, no reduction of fees will be made in respect of such periods spent at home.

(h) In the event of repeated late payment of fees we may insist on the provision of a

Guarantor for outstanding and ongoing fees to facilitate your child’s continued attendance at the school.

(i) All costs incurred in the collection of unpaid fees including late payment fee and any costs and disbursements paid to solicitors and/or others acting on behalf of the School shall be recoverable in full.

4. Notice Requirements

(a) If you wish to:

(i) withdraw your child from the School (other than at the normal leaving date); or

(ii) withdraw your child from an activity charged for as supplemental,

you shall either give a term's notice to that effect or shall pay to the School a term's fees in lieu of notice, at such rate as would have been charged for the final term of provision if a term's notice had been given. In cases where notice is not given, the appropriate sum in lieu of notice will become due and owing to the School as a debt on the first day of the term, which would have been the final term of provision if a term's notice had been given.

(b) You acknowledge that the School's affairs are organised on a termly basis and that it is not possible for you to reduce the amount of fees due or to obtain a refund of fees by with drawing your child or by your child's ceasing to participate in an activity part-way through a term

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5. School Rules

(a) It is a condition of remaining at the School that your child complies with the School Rules, as amended from time to time. In particular, you undertake to ensure that your child attends school punctually and that your child conforms to such rules of appearance, dress and be-haviour, as shall be issued by the School.

(b) To ensure compliance with the School Rules on illegal drugs, the Headteacher may require your child to submit for testing for drugs in accordance with suitably approved procedures.

(c) The School reserves the right to monitor your child's email communication and internet use for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the School Rules.

6. Disciplinary Procedures

(a) The Headteacher may, at her discretion, require you to remove or may suspend or expel your child from the School if she considers that your child's attendance, progress or behav-iour (including behaviour outside school) is seriously unsatisfactory and in the reasonable opinion of the Headteacher the removal is in the School's best interests, or those of your child or other children.

(b) The Headteacher may, in her discretion, require you to remove or may suspend or expel your child if the behaviour of you or either of you is in the opinion of the Headteacher unreasona-ble and affects or is likely to affect adversely the child's or other children's progress at the school or the well-being of the school staff or to bring the school into disrepute.

(c) Should the Headteacher exercise her right under sub-clause 6(a) or 6(b) above you will not be entitled to any refund or remission of fees or supplemental charges paid or due and the deposit will be forfeited. However, in such circumstances fees in lieu of notice will not be payable.

(d) The School Rules set out examples of offences likely to be punishable by suspension or expul-sion. These examples are not exhaustive, and in particular the Headteacher may decide that suspension or expulsion for a lesser offence is justified where there has been previous misbe-haviour. All aspects of the student’s record at the School may be taken into account.

(e) The School will act in a way which is fair when taking decisions under Clause 6. The review of serious disciplinary matters is governed by the Complaints Procedure.

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7. The School's Obligations

A. Subject to these terms and conditions, the School undertakes to accept your child as a student of the School from the time of joining the School until the end of their primary/secondary schooling.

B. While your child remains a student of the School, we undertake to exercise reasonable skill and care in respect of their education and welfare. This obligation will apply during school hours and at other times when your child is permitted to be on School premises or is participating in activi-ties organised by the School.

C. In order to fulfil our obligations, we need your co-operation, in particular by: fulfilling your own obligations under these terms and conditions; encouraging your child in their studies, and giving appropriate support at home; keeping the School informed of matters which affect your child; maintaining a courteous and constructive relationship with School staff; and attending meetings and otherwise keeping in touch with the School where your child's interests so require.

D. In accordance with the law we undertake not to subject your child to corporal punishment, or to physical contact except where such contact may be deemed appropriate in order to avert an im-mediate danger of personal injury to, or an immediate danger to the property of, a person (including your child). Unless you notify us to the contrary, you consent to your child partici-pating, under proper supervision, in contact sports and in other normal sports and activities which may entail some risk of physical injury.

E. f your child requires urgent medical attention while under the School's care, we will if practicable attempt to gain your prior consent. However, should we be unable to contact you we shall be au-thorised to make a decision on your behalf should consent be required for urgent medical treat-ment (including anaesthetic or operation) recommended by a doctor.

F. Although our prospectus describes the broad principles on which the School is presently run and is believed to be correct at the time of publishing /printing, it does not form part of the contract between you and the School. We reserve the right to make changes to any aspect of the School, including the curriculum. We will give parents a term's notice of significant changes in the curric-ulum and where practicable will consult with parents on such changes.

G. We shall monitor your child's progress at the School and produce regular written reports. We shall advise you if we have any concern about your child's progress and will advise you if it is nec-essary to undertake to diagnose dyslexia or other specific conditions. A formal assessment can be arranged either by you or by the School at your expense. You may be asked to withdraw your child without being charged fees in lieu of notice if in the opinion of the Head the severity of the special need is such that the School cannot provide adequately for your child's educational needs.

H. Religious observance at the School shall be conducted in accordance with the School Rules.

8. The Parents' Obligations

A. It is a condition of your child's joining the School that you complete and submit to the School a medical questionnaire in respect of your child. You undertake to inform the School of any health or medical condition, disability or allergy that your child has or subsequently develops, whether long-term or short-term, including any infections.

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B. You undertake to inform the School of any situations where special arrangements may be needed in relation to your child.

C. The School shall be entitled (unless notified otherwise) to treat any communication from any person who has signed the Acceptance Form as having been given on behalf of each such person. Unless other arrangements are agreed between you and the School we shall be enti-tled to treat any communication from the School to any such person as having been made to each of them.

D. The Headteacher must be informed in writing of any reason for your child's absence from School. Wherever possible the School's prior consent should be sought for absence from the school.

E. We cannot accept any responsibility for the welfare of your child while off the School premis-es unless they are taking part in a school activity or otherwise under the supervision of a member of the School staff.

F. f you have cause for concern as to a matter of safety, care, discipline or progress of your child you must inform the School without delay.

9. Insurance

Your child is included in an obligatory personal accident insurance scheme, the charge for which is a supplement to the fees.

10. Confidentiality and References

A. You consent to our supplying information and a reference in respect of your child to any edu-cational institution which you propose your child may attend. Any reference supplied by us shall be confidential. We will take care to ensure that all information that is supplied relating to your child is accurate and any opinion given on his/her ability, aptitude for certain courses and character is fair.

However, we cannot be liable for any loss you or your child is alleged to have suffered,

resulting from a reference or report given by us.

B. You consent to us making use of information relating to your child whilst they are at the school and after they have left for the purpose of communicating and managing relationships with students and former student’s of the School.

11. Intellectual Property Rights

We shall recognise any intellectual property rights vested in your child.

12. Changes in Ownership etc.

For the purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation we reserve the right to transfer the un-dertaking of the School to any other natural or legal person, and to assign the benefit of this contract in connection with any such transfer, and/or to amalgamate the School with any other educational institution.

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13. Communications

All notices required to be given under these terms and conditions must be given in writing. You undertake to notify the School of any change of address of any person who has signed the Ac-ceptance Form. Communications (including notices) will be sent by the School to the address shown in its records. Notices that you are required to give under these terms and conditions must be addressed to the Headteacher and sent to the School's address. If sent by first class post, notice shall be deemed to have been given on the second day after posting.

14. Interpretation

Headings in these terms and conditions are for ease of understanding only and do not form part of these terms and conditions.

15. Jurisdiction and Governing Law

The contract between you and the School is governed by English Law. You agree with us to sub-mit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

16. Variations

We reserve the right to make reasonable modifications to these terms and conditions from time to time. The School will give you a term's notice of any such modifications.

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Term Dates: September 2019 - July 2020

Autumn Term 2019

Staff Inset: Monday 9th September

Term Begins: Tuesday 10th September – Thursday 24th October

Open Days: Saturday 12th and Monday 14th October

Staff Inset: Friday 25th October

Half-Term: Friday 25th October – Friday 1st November

Term Begins: Monday 4th November – Friday 13th December

Term Finishes: Friday 13th December (12.30pm)

Christmas Holiday: Friday 13th December – Tuesday 7th January

Spring Term 2020

Staff Inset: Monday 6th January

Term Begins: Tuesday 7th January – Thursday 13th February

Staff Inset: Friday 14th February

Half-Term: Friday 14th February – Friday 21st February

Term Begins: Monday 24th February – Friday 3rd April

Open Days: Date TBC

Term Finishes: Friday 3rd April (3.30pm)

Easter Holiday: Monday 6th April – Friday 17th April

Summer Term 2020

Term Begins: Monday 20th April – Thursday 21st May

May Day Holiday: Friday 8th May

Staff Inset: Friday 22nd May

Half-Term: Friday 22nd May – Friday 29th May

Term Begins: Monday 1st June – Friday 10th July

Term Finishes: Friday 10th July (12.30pm)

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School Uniform List

Uniform exists to ensure a neat and tidy appearance of all students at all times and students must comply

with the regulations. Uniform must be worn in school, when travelling to and from school, when attend-

ing school functions and games fixtures. Extremes of fashion are not permitted. Students’ appearance is

expected to be reasonable at all times and what is reasonable is determined by the Headteacher and

Deputy Headteacher.

Personal Appearance

Girls’ hair must be tidy, away from the face; tied up and back if it is long enough to do so

Boys’ hair should not touch shirt collar and boys must be clean shaven

Skirts must not be rolled up to shorten

All small hair fastenings must be navy or black

No extreme hairstyles or dyed hair permitted

Refrain from wearing make-up

No body piercing is allowed other than one stud in each earlobe

Tattoos are not allowed

One plain, flush ring may be worn

No bracelets are allowed, including friendship or charity bands

No smartwatches are allowed

Nails must be kept short. No false nails or nail varnish is allowed School uniform is available from Clive Mark Schoolwear, 25 High Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1QZ Tel: 01782 621721. We have an excellent second-hand uniform shop run by the PFA. Please see the school calendar for dates.

Senior Girls: Years 7-11

Autumn and Spring Terms

Compulsory School branded - optional

Blazer - School branded Scarf

Skirt - School branded Woolly hat

Tie/Prefect Tie for Y11 - School branded Navy coat

Jumper - School branded

White shirt

Black/Skin tights (no socks)

Flat black shoes (not trainers)

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Summer Term

NB: If students wish to come into school wearing a coat, it must be a school branded navy coat.

PE

Senior Boys: Years 7-11

Autumn and Winter Terms

Summer Term

NB: If students wish to come into school wearing a coat, it must be a school branded navy coat.

Compulsory School branded - optional

Blazer - School branded Summer dress

Skirt - School branded

Short sleeved white open necked blouse

White ankle socks/Skin tights

Flat black shoes (not trainers)

School branded - compulsory Compulsory

Skort Sports trainers (non-marking soles)

Polo shirt White/Navy Socks

Personalised hoody Shin pads (hockey/football)

PE holdall Gum shield (hockey)

Compulsory School branded - optional

Blazer - School branded Scarf

Tie/Prefect Tie for Y11 - School branded Woolly hat

Jumper - School branded Navy coat

White shirt

Grey trousers

Flat black shoes (not trainers)

Navy/Black socks

School branded - compulsory Compulsory

Blazer Short sleeved white shirt

Tie/Prefect Tie for Y11 Black/Navy socks

Grey Trousers Flat black shoes (not trainers)

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PE

Other Items

Branded school rucksack or plain navy school bag/rucksack

* PLEASE CLEARLY MARK ALL SCHOOL UNIFORM WITH NAME TAPES

School branded - compulsory Compulsory

Shorts Sports trainers (non-marking soles)

Polo shirt White/Navy Socks

Personalised hoody Shin pads (hockey/football)

PE holdall Gum shield (hockey)

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Admissions Policy Admission to the Senior School is by assessment, reference and informal interview. Details are on the School Website.

Assemblies and Liturgy Senior School students all attend assembly in the Priory Hall or have Form Prayers each day.

We are a Catholic School and assemblies and the celebration of the Mass, play an important part in the spiritual life and development of our community. We celebrate Mass once every Half Term usually on Holy Days or to mark special events such as Founder’s Day or Leavers’ Mass.

Bad Weather Please see school policy – ‘Severe weather school closure plan’ on the website.

In the event of the onset of bad weather during the day, School will not close early. However, students may be released early into the care of parents/guardians.

When there are extenuating circumstances, such as heavy snow first thing in the morning, and the School has to close, an announcement that the School is closed will be put onto the School website. (www.stdominicspriory.co.uk), Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and messages will be given out on local radio.

Break Times All students must stay on the school premises during break time.

At break and lunchtime students are allowed to stay in their Form Room. They are expected to behave in a responsible and sensible manner. Years 7-11 should eat their lunch in the School Dining Room or on the picnic tables in the summer.

CH & Co Catering provides snacks at break and sandwiches and meals for those who do not wish to bring a packed lunch.

Students must not eat or drink in the corridors or the school grounds (unless picnic arrangements are in place in the grounds in the Summer term).

Please encourage your child to adopt a sensible approach to litter.

Charity Collections As a school we encourage our community to think of others less fortunate than ourselves. During the course of the school year various events/ fund raising activities are held including School concerts in aid of charity, Harvest Envelopes, Red Nose Day, Lenten charity events and collections at school perfor-mances. Permission for all events should be requested from the Deputy Head/ Headteacher. As a Catho-lic school we support charities which are in keeping with our ethos. Charities are discussed and nomi-nated prior to the beginning of the school year.

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Complaints Please address all complaints to the Headteacher, Mrs R Harrison

No complaints requiring the School Conciliation Committee (formal procedure) were registered during the last school year.

St Dominic’s Priory School welcomes suggestions and comments from parents, and takes seriously com-plaints and concerns that may raise.

We hope that we will be able to satisfy your concerns. If we do not, you may wish to seek independent legal advice. There are certain circumstances in which the Secretary of State has an interest, and you could contact him directly or through your lawyer or MP: he would then ask the Registrar of Independ-ent Schools to investigate. Parents with a complaint relating to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) may refer complaints to ISI.

The school recognises and acknowledges your entitlement to complain and we hope to work with you in the best interests of the children and young people in our care.

The School’s Complaints Procedure is on the School Website.

Electrical Apparatus All portable electrical appliances are subject to an annual check which is organised by the Facilities Manager. Students should not bring electrical appliances into school unless they have been authorised and checked by the Facilities Manager who can be contacted via the Form Teacher/School Office.

Emergency Contacts When your child starts at the school you will have been asked to complete a form of your emergency contact numbers and child’s medical information.

If circumstances change during the course of the year, please notify the School Office as the information is extremely important to the safety of your child.

Equipment Every student is expected to possess a dictionary and to bring the following basic items of equipment to every lesson: Black or Blue Quality Pens Pencil / Ruler / Sharpener Coloured Pencils Textbooks Exercise Books Rough Books Personal Planner Maths – Maths equipment, Art – Folder, Brushes, Pencils. P.E. – Sports kit.

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Form Leaders and Prefects In the Senior Department each Form has a Form Leader for each new term. The duties of the Form Lead-er are at the discretion of the Form Teacher but would normally be expected to include the smooth run-ning of the day to day routine of the Form e.g. collection and return of ‘form correspondence’ and in-forming the School Office if a member of staff does not arrive to start a lesson.

House System The House system exists to promote the involvement of students of all abilities in a range of school activities. Students are allocated to Houses when they join the school and all year groups are represent-ed in each House. In both the Senior and Prep Departments the Houses are Teresa, Newman and Romero. There are House competitions for a variety of sports, drama activities, public speaking. House points are awarded for good work, effort and demonstrating good spirit.

House Captains and a Head student and Deputy Head student are announced at School Prize Giving. The post holders are expected to represent the school at a variety of events throughout the school year.

Illness and Accidents If your child feels unwell or has an accident, they must tell a teacher straight away. If they are too ill to remain at school, or if hospital treatment is necessary, then parents will be contacted by the School Office and suitable arrangements made.

If your child has been physically sick or experienced diarrhoea at home or at school, they should be kept off school for 48 hours after their symptoms have gone.

The Ambulance Service must always be contacted via the School Office to avoid confusion.

Under no circumstances should a student leave the premises or go home without permission.

Parents are advised to consult their GP for advice as to when their child should return to school if she has been suffering from an infectious illness, such as chicken pox or impetigo.

Lockers All students are allocated a locker and are given a key; if lost a replacement will be charged for. Valua-ble items such as purses / phones/wallet and/or musical instruments should be kept safely in lockers.

Lost Property In the Senior Department all lost property should be handed in to the School Office.

Property not claimed after half a term is disposed of. Uniform items are put into the Second-Hand Uni-form Shop. All items should be clearly labelled to avoid loss.

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Medicines If students need to take medicine at school, parents should send a letter stating what the medicine is and when it needs to be taken. Medicine has to be handed in at the School Office in the morning and students need to go to the office when they need to take their medication.

Inhalers need to be kept by a student as they move around the school and particularly for PE lessons.

Parking & School Access All students should be dropped at the main School car park .

All students, parents and staff must now enter and leave the school through the front gate, (by the Main School Reception and new Car Park), as the Convent building entrance and Gate 4 are no longer accessi-ble to us as a school.

All parents/families who use the car parking facilities will need to display a school parking permit which can be obtained through the school office or Main Reception.

School Buses and Site vehicles are parked behind Priory Hall and the Sports Centre.

Photographs A photographic permission form is supplied to both parents and students to complete. Your co-operation with permission for photographs for school purposes is much appreciated. As you can imagine it is very difficult and often upsetting for an individual child to be removed from an activity so as to ex-clude them from a photograph. Photographs are used for curriculum purposes, for school displays and sometimes for school marketing purposes. Every care is taken to preserve the individual identity of a child.

Parents are allowed to take photographs or record events in school although they are asked not to share any material electronically for safeguarding reasons.

Punctuality Punctuality is a courtesy to others and an important part of self-discipline.

Students should always make sure that they are in the right classroom at the right time and ready to begin the lesson. Students should remember to go to the toilet before school and at break and/or lunchtime rather than during lessons.

If your child arrives at school after registration, they must report to the Main School Reception to sign into the Late File and must give a reason for their lateness.

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Registration & Form Time The register is a legal document and is marked twice daily at the beginning of the morning and afternoon session. Students who are late for registration must report to the Main School Reception, persistent late-ness to school will result in a detention and behaviour points. All absences must be accounted for (see Section B).

Form Time provides the opportunity for classes to meet together with their Form Teachers and to engage in form matters. Each student will be expected to participate in Form Assemblies during the course of the year. Forms actively work together to raise money for the chosen Lenten Charity and in Form Market activities.

Each Form has a Form Leader who is responsible for the collection and return of ‘form correspondence’ and who will have other duties at the discretion of the Form Teacher. Each Form also has a representa-tive on the School Council.

Safety While travelling to school, on the school site or on field trips, students are encouraged to be responsible and to behave in a way that will not put themselves or others in danger. Students should report any con-cerns or strangers on site to the nearest member of Staff or to the School Office. Students should walk, not run on site.

Parents are asked to report to the Main School reception on arrival at school (outside normal hours) to collect their child or to attend a meeting with a member of staff. Emergency evacuation procedures are made known to students and practised regularly. Staff and students are aware of fire drill procedures.

Scholarships There are a variety of scholarships available upon entry to the Senior Department. Additional infor-mation is available from the Headteacher and also on our school website.

School Buses Information on school buses is available from the Facilities Manager Mr Wayne Mears - email address: FManager@stdominicspriory.co.uk.

The school minibuses depart and unloads on the car park at the back of the Priory hall and Sports Cen-tre .

School Calendar This is issued at the beginning of each term and provides the outline of major school events. It is also available on the school website. Students are expected to attend the Saturday Open Mornings, the Festi-val of Carols and Readings at Christmas and Prize Giving in July.

Outline dates for the academic year are issued a year in advance and parents are asked to note these when booking family holidays. Holidays should not be taken in term time so as to allow students full access to the curriculum.

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School Council The Council exists to give students a voice in the school and to be a vehicle for opinions on matters which students wish to express themselves.

The Council meets once every half-term. The Council is made up of the Council Leader and one repre-sentative from each Form, elected on a termly or annual basis. Form periods are used to discuss issues prior to and after a Council meeting.

Valuables & Lost Property Please do not allow your child to bring expensive items to school. Money and mobile phones should be kept in lockers. School insurance does not cover personal items.

Uniform, P.E. kit, books etc. should be clearly labelled with your child’s name.

Lost property should be handed in to a teacher or to the School Office without delay.

If your child loses something, they should enquire at the School Office and Main School Reception, and if the item has not been handed in already, they should tell their Form Teacher who may be able to offer advice.

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Home-School Communication

Attendance Daily attendance is a legal requirement and essential to good progress. If your child is ill and not coming to school, please telephone or email the School Office on the morning of the first day of absence.

Book Lists All text books are ordered through the Finance Office and charged back to parents through ParentPay.

Bulletin A weekly bulletin is emailed to parents on a Friday. This communication will keep students and parents informed of events, trips, schedules, clubs etc. taking place.

Complaints Please address all complaints to the Headteacher, Mrs R Harrison.

No complaints requiring the School Conciliation Committee (formal procedure) were registered during the last school year.

St Dominic’s Priory School welcomes suggestions and comments from parents, and takes seriously com-plaints and concerns they may raise. The School’s Complaints Procedure is on the School Website.

The school recognises and acknowledges your entitlement to complain and we hope to work with you

Letters/E-mail Correspondence Letters are frequently sent by e-mail to parents throughout the school year advising you of school trips, events and general updates. Please respond to all requiring a reply by the due date. Please email or send any consent forms to the School Office. Cost will be charged to your ParentPay account.

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Mobile Telephones Mobile telephones are not needed or desirable in school. However, we realise that as our students trav-el long distances they are sometimes useful out of school hours. The telephone must be switched off and kept in your child’s locker all day. If students are in homework or after school clubs, students may have access to their phones from 3.30pm onwards , but they must be kept on silent and not used with-out permission from a member of staff.

All communication during the school day must be made through the School Office. If your child needs to contact you, for example because an after school activity has been cancelled, they can ring from the School Office.

Unauthorised or misused mobile phones will be confiscated and parents informed.

Other Emergencies It is prudent for all schools to have emergency procedures in place and St. Dominic’s has clear guidelines in this respect. In the event of an emergency situation, parents may feel reassured that all students will be supervised by staff until such time that they may be safely dismissed or collected by parents.

Parents’ Evening A Parents’ Evening is held during the school year for each Year Group. Dates are as published on the school calendar. These evenings provide the opportunity for parents to discuss the progress of their child with subject staff.

In addition, there are other Parents’ meetings throughout the year which have a specific focus e.g. a special evening for parents is generally held in advance of a foreign residential trip.

Parents are always advised of the dates and times of these meetings in advance. Parents who are una-ble to attend a full Parents’ Evening may wish to make an individual appointment on an alternative date to come into school to discuss their child’s work and progress with the Form Teacher or Deputy Head.

If parents wish to discuss their child’s progress at any other time during the year they may make an ap-pointment to come into school.

Reports

Two full school reports and one interim report will be issued each year. Reports form part of our review

process where students are asked to reflect on their progress and to discuss future targets.

We are happy to provide duplicate reports to meet the needs of particular families. Please inform the

School Office.

School Policy Documents School policies are kept under review and are available on request. Relevant policy documents are avail-able from the School Website.

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School Website & Key E-mail Addresses

www.stdominicspriory.co.uk School Website

head@stdominicspriory.co.uk Mrs R Harrison, Headteacher

headspa@stdominicspriory.co.uk Mrs M McCrory, Head’s PA

Khesp@stdominicspriory.co.uk Mrs K.Hesp, Deputy Headteacher

JTalbot@stdominicspriory.co.uk Mrs J Talbot, Head of Prep

communications@stdominicspriory.co.uk School Office

marketing@stdominicspriory.co.uk Miss K Hill

admissions@stdominicspriory.co.uk Miss L Lloyd, Admissions Officer

Signing In & Out

It is best to make medical appointments outside school hours. If your child must leave school during the day for any reason, then please email or telephone in advance of the proposed absence. Your child must be collected from, and signed out at the Main School reception. If your child returns to school later on the same day, they must sign in again.

Senior students who do not leave promptly at 3.30pm must report to Homework Club and sign in the register. They must sign out before leaving the school premises.

We do not expect students to leave the school premises at the end of the school day and then to re-turn at a later time to collect bags or to attend any of our extra-curricular activities.

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Curriculum St. Dominic’s has an academic curriculum; our standards and achievements are high. We work to:

Educate the whole child giving equal recognition to excellence in the teaching of the spiritual, academic

and social aspects of each individual’s development, enabling all students to pursue excellence by

encouraging a rigorous and self-disciplined approach to academic study.

We are keen to ensure that our students receive a broad and balanced education, and that they under-take a wide range of educational experiences aimed at enriching and extending their abilities and under-standing. There is a strong emphasis on enrichment through educational visits both day and residential, at home and abroad; cultural visits, and building positive links with the local community and local indus-try.

The School’s Curriculum Policy Document is available on our website.

YEARS 7 - 9

The following subjects are taught:

Art; Biology; Chemistry; Dance, Design & Technology; Drama; English; French; Geography; History; Infor-mation Communication Technology; Mathematics; Music; Physical Education; Physics; Religious Educa-tion and Spanish.

Where appropriate, some students follow a study skills course rather than continuing with a second for-eign language.

YEAR 10 - 11

Compulsory - English Language and Literature; Mathematics; Religious Education; Physical Education IGCSE Science

Four options from a choice of: Art; Business; Geography; History; French Spanish, Music and Performing Arts.

Not all options run in every GCSE cycle; we endeavour to meet student demand. Individual students, with particular learning difficulties, may follow a curriculum plan that varies from this model.

GCSE Dance and/or Drama might be available as extra-curricular subjects, at an extra cost.

PSHE

PSHE is delivered through assemblies and the curriculum, at both Key Stage 3 and 4, and by professional speakers invited into school during the academic year.

Careers Advice/Work Related Learning Team building days are organised which provide opportunities for the development of interpersonal,

financial and community skills.

Post 16 Providers’ Recruitment Evening—Is held annually for our year 9,10 and 11 year pupils and their families. Schools, colleges, academies, companies/institutes and the forces, who offer apprentice oppor-tunities generally attend the event. All attendees give our students and their families an overview of what they can provide and have to offer.

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Careers Advice/Work Related Learning cont….

The event gives our students the opportunity to attend taster days and consider options in prepara-

tion for the next stage of their academic journeys.

Year 11 students who have completed their GCSE examinations are encouraged to pursue individual work experience in their chosen areas of interest out of school time.

Homework Homework helps students to meet the demands of the curriculum; to raise achievement; to encour-age independent work and study skills; to increase motivation; and to develop organisational skills.

The amount of time a student spends on homework will obviously vary according to age and ability but as a guide:

3 subjects will normally be set each night

A Homework Timetable is issued to each year group and emailed to parents

Y7 students should spend approx. 20 minutes per subject; Y8 & Y9 – 30 minutes; Y10 & 11 – 45

minutes.

Students receive support from School in respect of homework in the form of guidance from subject staff, access to resources, organisational support and study skills advice. Parents can help to maximize their child’s progress by ensuring that students have time and space for uninterrupted study.

Homework should be recorded in your child’s Personal Planner and ticked as completed. We ask par-ents to check and sign the Planner at least once a week. Parents are also encouraged to contact School if they feel that their child is struggling with homework or not finding it challenging enough.

There is a strong connection between high achievement, examination success and time spent on homework/independent study.

MARKING SYMBOLS

Symbol

written in the margin or by the target

Indicates :

ü A good point or correct

? What does this mean?

sp _______ Spelling mistake

Ù Ù Word or words missing

N.P. or // New paragraph

P ; Punctuation. Write in mark

W W Wrong word

E Error

X Incorrect point

plus comments alongside

T Check tense

* Add to text

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Assessment Assessment is an essential tool to allow learning to move forwards. It is therefore used formatively and summatively to evaluate student progress and to inform the planning of teaching and learning so as to foster continuous improvement.

Teachers assess work regularly. Individual pieces of work are not always assessed in the same manner but specific criteria are explained to students during the course of the year. Assessment takes place based on student performance in tests, independent research, coursework and homework. Oral and practical assessments are used where appropriate.

We encourage students to be involved in monitoring their own performance and in the setting of future targets. Students are encouraged to self-evaluate and peer assess elements of each other’s work.

Targets for improvement are set with subject staff and mentored by Form Teachers who meet with stu-dents individually at least once a term. We ask that parents help to monitor progress towards these tar-gets.

Examinations Students in Years 7 – 10 have one week of examinations during the year. For Key Stage 3 students a lev-el of performance is given so that progress can be seen in relation to nationally agreed norms.

Year 7 students also have tests in September/October. Year 11 students have mock GCSE examinations at the end of the Autumn term and reports indicate a GCSE grade based on their results at that time.

Dates of formal school examination periods are on the school calendar.

School examinations are carried out in a way best suited to preparing students for the demands of the public examinations in Years 11. For this reason, students must have all the necessary equipment they need in a clear plastic pencil case (They can also have a clear water bottle) and must not bring any other item including watches into the examination room. Sweets and lucky mascots are not allowed. All stu-dents should be present for School Exam Week

Specific information relating to public examinations for Year 11 will be sent home throughout the year. Parents are reminded of the need to check statements of entry very carefully and to notify any

discrepancies or concerns to Mrs Hesp our Exam Officer or Louise Lloyd, our Examinations Secretary, immediately.

Students must not take any item to an exam room that is not specifically allowed and must observe all regulations. Infringements of regulations including the possession of a mobile telephone in an

examination room are serious matters that have to be communicated to the Examination Board.

Late entries and/or amended entries incur an additional charge from the Examination Board, payable by the candidate.

Results are given out in August (dates and times are communicated to individual

students by letter). Results can be obtained by telephone or post by prior arrangement with the

Examinations Officer, Mrs Hesp.

Use of the ICT Rooms for Study The ICT Room’s are used for study by students and staff. Users should behave with consideration for others who are working or researching.

No food or drink or excess baggage is allowed.

Computers must be closed down and switched off properly.

Any damage to equipment must be reported immediately.

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Pastoral System The Pastoral System works in conjunction with all curriculum areas to ensure that a holistic perspective is maintained at all times. The Pastoral System contributes to and is underpinned by the School’s Domini-can ethos, which aims to educate the whole child giving equal recognition to excellence in the teaching of the spiritual, academic and social aspects of each individual’s development.

Aims of the Pastoral System To support teaching and learning.

To create and maintain a disciplined and supportive atmosphere in school which is characterised by

respect and care for the individual.

To encourage the personal, social, moral and spiritual development of students so that they may become

active and responsible citizens aware of the needs of others.

To provide continuity in student care.

To support teaching and learning

All students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to achieve their full potential

and high standards. The Pastoral System seeks to support students in their academic endeavours through

the careful monitoring of progress.

Each member of staff plays a key role in monitoring work and homework and students are encouraged to

reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and to work towards future targets through student reviews

and the setting of targets.

Opportunities are provided for challenge, development and achievement.

To create and maintain a disciplined and supportive atmosphere in school which is characterised by

respect and care for the individual

All students, staff and parents are made aware of the School’s expectations regarding behaviour both in

and out of school. This is reflected in the School Behaviour Policy, Code of Conduct and system of

rewards and sanctions. This is understood by students and parents and is applied consistently by staff

(See School Rules and Code of Conduct)

Students are actively encouraged to speak to staff about problems or concerns. Where there is concern

about a student’s conduct or attitude, a member of staff will inform the Form Teacher and/or the Deputy

Head and appropriate action will be taken.

The Pastoral System offers excellent support to students who may be experiencing problems and the School’s small size and referral system ensures that all students are supported in an appropriate way. Students are encouraged to speak to subject staff and their Form Tutor.

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in the first instance but the Deputy Head is also available for consultation and will liaise with parents or outside agencies as appropriate.

The Head is fully briefed about issues relating to students. She is aware of their successes, is kept in-formed of concerns and meets with students and their parents as necessary

The School has a clear anti-bullying policy which is known to all students and reinforced at all levels (see school website).

Older students are actively encouraged to support younger students e.g. through the House System, the Prefect System and the School Council.

To encourage the personal, social, moral and spiritual development of students so that they may

become active and responsible citizens aware of the needs of others

We are a Catholic school and the spiritual development of the individual as part of a community, is cen-tral to our school. The programme of PHSE and Citizenship is delivered across the curriculum and also within RE lessons, form periods and assemblies, and is supplemented by a range of extension lessons and activities. Students are encouraged to develop decision-making and discussion skills and emphasis is placed on nurturing independent thought and on taking responsibility for one’s own work and behav-iour.

Students are encouraged to develop empathy and to develop practical ways to help others such as char-ity events, social enterprise and fundraising activities, e.g. the Christmas Shoe Box Appeal, Lenten Chari-ties, Harvest Festival, Remembrance Sunday Parade, carol singing at St. Mary’s Home, Stone in Bloom and Form Markets. This process helps students develop teamwork and cooperative skills and to gain an insight into life beyond school and their own immediate environment.

Students are divided into classes and into the two School Houses. Forms send representatives to the School Council. Meetings are chaired by the School Council Leader. All these involve different degrees of decision making and provide students with some experience of the democratic process.

Throughout the year students are involved in team-building days, arts days, music concerts, drama pro-ductions, sports teams, residential experiences and curriculum enrichment opportunities which height-en awareness of working with others and provide opportunities for viewing the world from a different perspective. Opportunities exist for students to take on responsibilities which enable them to make a contribution to maintaining good standards of behaviour.

To provide continuity in student care

The development of student and assessment databases, the pastoral structure and close liaison be-tween teachers, the Deputy Head and Headteacher ensures that there is continuity of student care across the Key Stages. Students are well known to Staff and this ensures that students can be aided in working towards meaningful and appropriate longer term targets.

The Leadership Team has an overview of a student’s progress, interests and involvement in school life and this facilitates a strong partnership between home and school. Progression and continuity can be assured from Prep to Senior Departments and the best possible choices can be made at KS4 and as stu-dents move on to 6th Form and then on to University. Contact with and referral to external agencies is made as appropriate.

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School Rules Golden Rule

Treat others as you would like to be treated

Students are expected to:

show respect to all school staff

be polite, considerate, helpful and well behaved at all times

respect the religious beliefs of those within our community

refrain from swearing or bullying

follow instructions, particularly emergency evacuation procedures so as not to endanger them-selves or others

Walk, not run on site

wear clean and tidy school uniform and shoes; top shirt button must be fastened with the school tie worn correctly

respect property by not stealing or damaging other people’s possessions, the school grounds, buildings or furnishings

keep our school clean, tidy and litter free

respect out of bounds areas

behave in a sensible and responsible manner when travelling to and from school and when in-volved in a school trip

arrive at school and to lessons on time

bring appropriate equipment and books to class

keep Planners or Home/School Communication Books up to date and signed, complete home-work set and give it in on time

hair to be tidy and away from the face; tied up and back if it is long enough to do so. No extreme hairstyles or colouring permitted. Boys’ hair should not touch shirt collar and boys must be clean shaven

refrain from wearing make-up, nail varnish, false nails or jewellery. No body piercing is allowed except for one stud in each earlobe. One plain, flush ring may be worn

never bring chewing gum, cigarettes, matches, lighters, alcohol, aerosols or drugs into school

keep valuable items such as phones, money, sports equipment and musical instruments in lockers

Present a message from home after an absence from school, or if they need to be excused from a lesson

sign in at the school office if they arrive late, or leave early

remain on the school premises at lunchtime

Certain offences e.g. smoking, violent or unacceptable behaviour, or the bringing of illegal substances onto school premises, may warrant suspension from school.

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Equality & Diversity Policy

St. Dominic’s Priory School aims to heighten the awareness of all who work within the school in matters of equal opportunities e.g. gender, race, ability. This policy complies with UK and European legislation e.g. DDA, RRAA and the Children’s Act. Equal opportunities will be considered, where possible, in all

activities and resources.

In accordance with our mission as a Dominican School, we will promote a spirit of justice and universal brotherhood in all matters in accordance with message of the Gospels and the teachings of the Church. We will foster respect for the whole school community in which all individuals are valued.

We wish to encourage in all our staff and students an awareness of themselves and others, free from

stereotyping and negative discrimination. We believe that God created all men and women equal. We aim to provide equality of opportunity in education for both boys and girls throughout the school to

oppose sexism and to see that sexual stereotyping is positively challenged. As a result of our policy, we hope that our students will leave St. Dominic’s with attitudes which recognise equality between gender.

We aim to encourage respect for the racial and cultural differences that exist within the school and to take positive steps to combat racial and social prejudice and harassment. Inappropriate practices and attitudes of children, parents or colleagues should be challenged by staff. We will treat children with

individual and equal concern e.g. we will find out about family customs and beliefs, dietary

requirements, dress code.

St. Dominic’s Priory School offers a broad and balanced curriculum to all our students whatever their ability, ethnicity or social background. We recognise the entitlement of students with special needs and aim to provide an environment in partnership with parents, in which positive support is given.

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Code of Conduct A high standard of self-discipline and behaviour is required from all students who are expected to take responsibility for their own actions and to show courtesy and respect to staff, to visitors and to one an-other. Students should ensure that they do not do anything which could cause any danger to themselves or to others. Parents and students are required to sign a new annual agreement relating to the use of the Internet in school. Older students are encouraged to participate in the care of younger children. Students are expected to move about the school in a quiet and orderly manner, keeping to the left and not running. They are expected to hold doors open for other people. Students must respond to an alarm by following procedures and directions sensibly. Students must not enter classrooms or laboratories until directed to do so by a teacher, have all the books and equipment needed to do their work and to make sure that their behaviour helps others to learn.

If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to catch up on any missed work as soon as they return to school.

Alcohol, smoking or any other substance abuse is forbidden in school on school trips and whilst travel-ling to and from school or at any other time whilst wearing school uniform.

Damage to School Property Any damage to school property is regarded as a very serious matter. Students must not damage or de-face buildings, furniture, equipment or books. Parents will be asked to reimburse the school for any de-liberate vandalism.

Travelling on the School Bus Students travelling on school minibuses are collected and dropped off within the school grounds. Senior students are expected to:

Set the standard of acceptable behaviour.

Monitor the behaviour of students when boarding the bus and on the journey, to ensure that the five-point code of conduct is being adhered to.

Liaise with the Deputy Head or Headteacher to report any student who repeatedly breaks the code of conduct.

There is a Five Point Code of Conduct for behaviour on the school buses. Students using school buses:

Must wear seatbelts and not move around the bus when it is in motion Must not distract the bus driver’s attention in any way during the journey

Must not throw objects around the bus, including paper and must take all litter home with them

Must not block the aisle with bags

Must behave, and speak, in a courteous and appropriate manner, respectful of other people. This will include keeping noise to an acceptable level.

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On arrival at school in the morning students should make their way straight to their classroom. They need to move quickly to the minibus at the end of the school day and board promptly.

Rewards & Sanctions The school aims to promote high standards of behaviour, self-discipline and learning through positive en-couragement and reward.

When your child does something well, their teacher will recognise this by telling them in class and/or re-warding them with house achievement points.

These will be recorded in your child’s Planner and house points earned in this way contribute to their personal house point total and to the total number of points that their House achieves.

Certificates are also awarded for particular achievements such as participation in school teams or compe-titions and these should be kept safely to form a Record of Achievement.

If students fail to meet the required high standard of behaviour, sanctions will be applied.

Students may be placed in detention, or put on Homework Report or Daily Work Report. Parents may be contacted by school and asked to come in to discuss progress and attitude.

In serious cases, students may be excluded from school for a period of time and then invited to come in with their parents and agree to accept a written Code of Conduct before being re-admitted.

As a last resort, students may be expelled from the school.

Bullying

“Bullying is continuous deliberately hurtful behaviour. It may be physical, verbal, virtual or indirect”

Bullying is unacceptable in any form and will not be tolerated at St. Dominic’s Priory School. If you are being bullied, or you suspect or observe bullying YOU MUST ACT. Don’t suffer in silence.

Please encourage your child to tell a teacher if she is the victim of bullying or observes incidents involving others.

TELLING SOMEONE IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

The School has an Anti-Bullying Policy which is available from the School Office and from the School Web-site.

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Use of the Internet Access is available to all students at St. Dominic’s Priory School. We believe that the internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to students; With the internet providing access to computers, people, li-braries, agencies and organisations all over the world, students could also gain access to material that would not be considered of educational value, and which might be inappropriate in the context of a school setting. Although St. Dominic’s has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials, on a global network it is impossible to control access to all materials, and a very determined user could access controversial and/or inappropriate information. However, we firmly believe that the valuable in-formation and interaction available in this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the school.

Access to the internet relies on the proper conduct of the students and staff who must adhere to certain internet protocols and guidelines. In addition, St. Dominic’s has defined guidelines, addressing both the rights and responsibilities of students and staff who access the internet through school computers.

School Website: There may be occasions when we include pictures of children taking part in school

activities. If you would prefer your child’s photograph not to appear on the website at all, please indicate on the photographic permission slip.

General Comments: The use of the internet through school computers must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of the school.

Transmission of any material in violation of any UK laws is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material (as determined by the Headteacher), or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for advertising of any kind or nature or political lobbying is strictly prohibited.

Privileges: The use of the internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use as determined by the Headteacher may result in revocation of the privilege. A log of all internet access and activity is

monitored throughout the day so misuse of the system can be identified and dealt with.

Rules for the use of the Internet:

Students are expected to agree to an annual agreement which is co-signed by a parent.

If an internet resource is of a questionable nature, the burden of responsibility lies with the student to check with the relevant teacher to determine if the student should or should not access that resource and the staff member’s decision is final.

Security: Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Students may not access resources for which they do not have permission. If students feel they can identify an access security problem on the internet they must notify a member of staff. They must not demonstrate the problem to other users.

St. Dominic’s makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is provid-ing. St. Dominic’s Priory School will not be responsible for any damages, including the loss of data re-sulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruption caused by its own negligence or student errors or omissions.

St. Dominic’s Priory School specifically denies any responsibility for accuracy or quality of information ob-tained through its internet services, such as access from home.

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Special Event & Extra-Curricular Activities

A range of extra-curricular activities are available in the Senior Department. These are made known to parents and students the weekly school bulletin and the school website which is updated each new aca-demic year.

Special events include Saturday Open Mornings in October, March and May, Festival of Carols in Decem-ber, music concerts, drama productions, art exhibitions and artists in residence and School Prize Evening in July.

These events are made known to Students and Parents via the school calendar and by e-mail. Parents are asked to reply promptly to invitations to special events so that arrangements can be made efficiently. Student attendance at school events is compulsory.

School Trips

Senior students have the opportunity to participate in a range of day visits, fieldtrips and residential ex-periences. All provide enrichment and help to extend and to bring the curriculum to life.

The Modern Languages Department organise European visits and the students from our senior school visit Europe annually.

Day and residential visits require parents to have completed their permission slip in their initial ac-ceptance pack. Medical information must be kept updated for trips. School policy also requires students and parents to have signed a code of conduct for residential visits.

The School has a Visits Policy which is available on the School Website and from the School Office.

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Year 7 Induction Programme A programme designed to introduce new Year 7 students to the Senior Department while they are still Year 6 students takes place and culminates in a ‘Move Up Day’ in June with a meeting for parents at the end of the afternoon.

Before & After School Provision

Students may arrive on site from 7.30am and go to the Dining Hall. From 8.30am students should be in their form rooms. After 3.30pm students who are remaining on site should report to the ICT Room where there is a Homework Club and they will be supervised until 5.30pm. School is locked at 6pm .

If parents are delayed, they are asked to inform school at their earliest convenience. In the unlikely event of a student not being collected from the Homework Club by 5.30pm, they can attend the ‘Tea Club’ in the the Main School Reception block until 6pm. Parents should ring the ‘Tea Club’ telephone no. 07375 520084 to inform of any delay. Please be aware that late collections after 6pm does incur a charge of £10 per 15mins per child.

St. Dominic’s Parents & Friends Association (PFA) All parents are in membership of the Association for the period of time their child is in school. Member-ship is extended to also include other people who have the interests of the school at heart.

The main object of the Association is to further the welfare of the children and school of St. Dominic’s Priory, Stone and to give members of the Association the opportunity to meet for social occasions.

The PFA is responsible for organising and running the Second Hand Uniform Shop. Parents are asked to send in any unwanted items of uniform (in good condition) and when these are sold, a percentage of the money goes in to PFA funds and the rest goes to the parent.

The affairs of the Association are conducted by a committee consisting of the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and other parents, friends and members of the teaching staff.

The Annual General Meeting is held in the Autumn term and at this meeting at least 3 members of the Committee offer to step down.

Committee Meetings are held as necessary.

The Committee welcomes new members throughout the year. If you would like to help out at a specific event but do not wish to join the Committee, please contact the Chair of the PFA via the School Office. All help and suggestions for future events/activities are most welcome.