Welcome Letter from the Head of Year

Hello

Welcome to The Priory School. I would like to introduce myself as your new Head of Year. We will

have already met as part of your primary school visit and quite possibly on other visits that you have

made to the school to have a look around and get yourself more familiar with your new surroundings.

The change from primary school to secondary is a big challenge for you and I am sure that there are a

few butterflies in your tummy about what to expect. This booklet will help to ease some of those

worries, answer some burning questions and help make the move even more exciting for you.

I will see a lot of you over the next 5 years, both as Head of Year and in my other role as a French and

Spanish teacher. The next 5 years will fly by, before you know it we will be planning your prom to cel-

ebrate the end of Year 11. My expectations are high and I look forward to building a strong, positive

working relationship with you all. I aim to ensure that you receive the best education that we can offer,

in an environment that helps you to feel safe, happy, healthy and most of all able to learn. If we can do

all of these things together, your time at The Priory School will set you on a great path to a happy and

prosperous future.

Yours sincerely

Mrs J Pope

Head of Year 7

Who is there for me?

Friends

These will always be your first set of people to speak to. You will soon get to know the people in

your form group, other classes and the rest of the year group.

Peer Mentors

These are Year 10 students who are trained to help and support you and your form through the early

stages of Year 7. They know everything there is to know about the school from a student point of

view, and are happy to be spoken to and help you out at any time through the school day.

Form Tutor

This is the only teacher that you will see twice a day, every day, every week of every term. You will

get to know them very well and they will be the main member of staff for you to speak to for help,

support or to ask any questions.

Key Stage 3 Manager—Mrs Folgate

Mrs Folgate is a key member of support staff, talking to students, staff and parents to resolve issues

and help with any more complex issues within the year group.

Head of Year—Mrs Pope

Responsible for the whole of Year 7, will visit tutor groups and individual students and classes to

look at behaviour, effort and achievement. Will work closely with Mrs Folgate and the Form Tutors

to make sure both students and parents have the best environment for success at The Priory School.

Head of Key Stage 3 and 4 —Mr Nearney

In charge of all five year groups. Works with form tutors, Mrs Pope and Mrs Folgate to keep the

year group achieving the best it possibly can.

The 3 best things about me are: -

1.

2.

3.

3 things that I would like to be able to do better are: -

1.

2.

3.

What am I looking forward to the most about starting Year 7?

1.

2.

What am I nervous about for starting Year 7?

1.

2.

What can I do to try and reduce those worries? Or what can

The Priory School do to help you?

1.

2.

Facts About Me

Try to complete as many of the questions below as possible. You may not be involved in all of the

activities but make sure you write about anything you do in your spare time that you would like to tell

us about.

What is your favourite band or pop group?

What are your favourite subjects at school?

Do you play a musical instrument? If you do tell us which one and if you have done any exams or

grades for your instrument.

What are your favourite activities or hobbies you do in your spare time? You can list as many as

you want and maybe describe how good you are or how often you do these activities!

Do you support a football, rugby or other sports team? If so which one?

More About Me

When you start at a new school it is always a good idea to find out as much as possible be-

fore your first day. See how much you can fill in on this page then ask your friends about

how you will find more information.

The name of my new school is:

The address is:

The telephone number is:

The name of the Headteacher is:

The name of my Head of KS3 is:

The name of my Head of Year is:

The name of my Form Tutor is:

01462 622300

Mr Edwards

Mr D Nearney

The Priory School

Bedford Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 2UR

Facts About The Priory School

There are lots of adults at The Priory School and not all of them will teach you. Some of the

teachers have special jobs to do for the school as well as teaching classes. There are also many

staff that do not teach but help the school run smoothly. There are office staff, teaching

assistants, site managers, technicians and many others.

The Priory School has a structure with a Headteacher responsible for the whole school and

other people sharing out all the different jobs.

Some of the jobs have special names which you may need to learn.

Form Tutors

Head of Department

Deputy Head Teacher—Mrs Nearney

Head of Year

Mrs Pope

Assistant Headteachers

Mr Nearney, Mrs Hibbert, Mr Foster, Mrs Armitage

Head Teacher—Mr Edwards

Teachers

Other very important members of staff that work at the school

Key Stage 3 Manager

Mrs Folgate

Cover Supervisors LRC Staff Site Managers

Office Staff Mid-day Supervisors Cleaners

The School Structure

1. Which one of the people on the tree are you? Colour them in

2. Give 2 reasons why you think you are that person

I

II

Who Am I?

Everyday you will go to five different lessons. Each subject is taught in a different room, sometimes

an ordinary classroom, sometimes in a special classroom like a workshop or laboratory. Each

subject has a different teacher so you will move around the school building several times and meet

lots of new teachers. Here is an example of a time-table for you to look at. We run a two week

timetable which means you may not have the same lessons at the same time from week to week.

Every 2 week section is always the same though so you will get used to it! It is really important you

check your timetable everyday to prepare all the right books and equipment you need to bring for

the day. Colour code the different lessons e.g. English in blue, science in pink etc.

Room

RE

SM B2

English Language

DP A8

English Language

DP LRC

PE

DN SH

Art

TC B10

French

VM D1

PE

DN SN

Technology

AH T3

Maths

EA A11

French

VM D1

Geography

MH B9

French

VM D1

PE

DN SH

Geography

MH A13

Maths

EA A11

Maths

EA A11

Science

LY S6

Citizenship

SM B2

Science

BS1 D2

English Language

DP A8

Music

EG M1

ICT

LP B9

Maths

EA A11

Technology

AH T3

History

RC A16

Mo1 Tu1 We1 Th1 Fr1

1

2

3

4

5

Technology

AH T3

Maths

EA A11

Art

TC B10

English Language

DP A8

French

VM D1

English Language

DP A8

French

VM D1

Science

LY S6

Drama

CF DRS

Geography

MH A19

Science

GP S7

Science

BS1 D2

Technology

AH T3

History

RC A16

RE

SM R2

PE

DN SH

Art

TC B10

Maths

EA A11

ICT

LP B9

English Language

DP A8

French

VM D1

Music

EG M1

History

RC A16

Science

LY S6

Citizenship

SM B2

Mo2 Tu2 We2 Th2 Fr2

1

2

3

4

5

Teacher’s initials Subject

The Timetable

How much Homework will do we get?

Up to 3 subjects per night, expecting around 30 minutes to be spent on each one. You will be given a

Homework Diary to record all your homework and when it has to be handed in. It is also very useful for

organising yourself for books, PE kit or any other activities that are going on in school.

How do I know where all of my lessons are?

You receive a timetable that tells you the subject, the teacher and the classroom. In your first week you will

have Peer Mentors with your class who will guide you around the school.

Do I get rewards if I do well?

We know that students respond well to praise and rewards. We have a Rewards System that allows staff to

do praise you if they think you are deserving of it. As you collect the R’s throughout the year you can

exchange them for anything from a Priory School pen, water bottle or even an iPod!

What happens if I do something wrong?

We have high expectations of all our students and do not tolerate any silly, inappropriate or disruptive

behaviour. We use a Consequence System that allows us to monitor levels of behaviour throughout the

school. If you misbehave or do not work as your are expected to then staff will issue a warning, followed

by a Consequence appropriate to the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions: Students

We are proud of our uniform at The Priory School and students are required to conform to our high standards of dress.

We have attempted to define below what is an appropriate and reasonable appearance for our school. By joining The

Priory School you accept our definition of what is appropriate. We cannot admit variations to our dress code as this un-

dermines consistency. How your son/daughter dresses for school and leaves home says much about them as individuals

and about our school – they are The Priory’s ambassadors in the community. We welcome your co-operation. Specialist items of uniform may be purchased from Hawkins in Bucklersbury, Hitchin and North Herts

Schoolwear , Letchworth, whilst others may be obtained from school or most major stores. GENERAL UNIFORM: Years 7/8/9 Red V-necked jumper with school emblem - (available from Hawkins & North Herts Schoolwear) Years 10/11 Grey V-necked jumper with school emblem - (available from Hawkins & North Herts Schoolwear) Plain black sturdy shoes (no trainers, high heels, ‘dolly’ shoes, boots, suede, canvas or bows etc.) Outdoor coat (no leather, denim, tracksuit tops, cardigans, hooded sweatshirts, leisure-wear tops or body warmers. No

logos) No make-up or jewellery (including any kind of studs or sleepers) Optional woollen hat in Winter only: baseball caps are not permitted No patterned, unnaturally dyed hair or shaved heads (minimum cut Number 3, no undercuts, v cuts) Girls: White blouses (open neck with revers) – worn tucked in Plain black knee length skirts with badge or plain, black parallel trousers boot-cut, straight leg (no buckles, flairs, splits,

tight trousers, lycra, stretch material, skinny fit, tapered leg, pleats, buttons, creases) Plain black or white socks or natural/black coloured tights Boys: White shirt – worn tucked in School tie - (available from Hawkins & North Herts Schoolwear) Plain black parallel trousers Plain black or white socks SPORTS KIT: Girls: Red polo top with logo (initials optional) Priory School fleece (available from Hawkins & North Herts Schoolwear) Black shorts Trainers (non-marking) Plain black jogging bottoms (only to be worn outside between October and March) Black football socks - to be worn for all activities Boys: Red polo shirt with logo (initials optional) Plain black shorts Trainers Red rugby top (available from Hawkins & North Herts Schoolwear) Priory School fleece (available from Hawkins & North Herts Schoolwear) Football boots Black football socks GCSE/BTEC PE KIT: Black polo shirt (to be bought before September from Hawkins) Black shorts/leggings/tracksuit bottoms Black red football socks.

If in doubt, always consult the school before you make any purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: NO TRACKSUITS FOR BOYS

Dress Code

Using the school uniform descriptions try to correctly label the diagrams below….

School Uniform

This is an extract from our homework diary. You record your homework in this each day and at

the end of the week your parents should sign the diary. Your tutor will also sign the diary during

registration. You must bring your homework diary everyday. Have a go at entering some

homework and the date it is due.

Homework Diary

This is a Map of The Priory School to help you to find your way around the school. If you are

unsure where you are meant to go and you can’t find your way just ask someone to help you

find your way, we are all here to help you!

Finding Your Way Around

Induction Day—Thursday 10th July

Provisional Timetable

New Year 7 Induction Evening - Wednesday 16th July—7pm

First Day of Autumn Term - Tuesday 2nd September 2014

8.45 Arrive at school and go straight to the Hall

8.50—9.15 Registration with your form tutor

9.15—9.55 Session 1 ( you will be shown where to go)

9.55—10.35 Session 2 ( you will be shown where to go)

10.35—11.15 Session 3

11.15—1130 Break

11.30 - 1210 Session 4( you will be shown where to go)

1210—1.15 Lunch (you will be taken to The Café)

1.20—2.00 Session 5 ( you will be shown where to go)

2.00—2.40 Session 6 ( you will be shown where to go)

2.40—3.10 In the Hall

3.15 Leave school

Making the Right Choice

NEGATIVE BEHAVIOUR CONSEQUENCE

C1 Disruption of teaching/learning

Lateness without a reason

Inappropriate behaviour in, around or outside school

Failure to bring equipment/books/reply slips/PE/ kit//ingredients

Casual swearing

Defiance

Arguing with staff

1st VERBAL WARNING

C2(a)

C2(b)

Chewing gum (first offence)

Inappropriate use of ICT equipment (eg computer games)

Incorrect school uniform

Make-up

Persistent C1/C2(a)

Carrying a mobile phone (parents will be called in to collect phone)

Chewing gum (second offence)

Crisis called (member of staff to record as C2(b))

Failure to attend Homework detention

Inappropriate behaviour towards another student

Inappropriate use of ICT equipment

Serious disruption of Teaching & Learning

Smoking/suspected of smoking/possession of cigarettes (first offence)

Truancy (1 hour detention per hour truanted)

Verbal abuse towards another student

HALF HOUR AFTER

SCHOOL DETENTION

ONE HOUR AFTER

SCHOOL DETENTION

C3 Bullying

Persistent C2 behaviour

Abusive language to, or about a member of staff

Disrupting of C2 detention

Failure to attend C2 detention

Fighting

Inappropriate use of ICT equipment

Persistent bullying—verbal/physical

Racist/sexist or homophobic behaviour

Receiving 2 C2s in one day

Smoking/suspected of smoking/possession of

cigarettes (2nd offence)

ISC &

ONE HOUR DETENTION

SAME DAY

C4 Persistent C3 behaviour

Disruption/defiance in ISC

Inappropriate use of ICT equipment

Possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Posting offensive material on a website/MSN/text message/email

Severe bullying—verbal/physical abuse

Severe racist/sexist or homophobic behaviour

Smoking/suspected of smoking/possession of cigarettes (3rd offence)

Stealing

Swearing at/persistent abuse of a member of staff

Vandalism

FIXED TERM

EXCLUSION

C5 Multiple fixed term exclusions

Inappropriate use of ICT equipment

Possession of a dangerous object

Serious assault on a student or a member of staff

Supplying or intending to supply drugs

PERMANENT

EXCLUSION

Making the Right Choice

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR REWARD

Producing outstanding work in lessons

Working above and beyond what is expected in a lesson

A significant contribution to class discussions

Making a positive contribution to school life

Helping other students to improve behaviour and learning

Demonstrating leadership

Outstanding quality of homework

Representing the school for events

Charity work—whole school

Mentoring work

Attending out of school hours events

Community Service

Merit

Positive contact

With parents

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR REWARD

Exceptional Achievement (staff nominated)

Significant contribution to year group events

Significant charity and fund raising

Consistently high standard of work

Level 8s in end of KS3 tests

Student Voice representative at interviews

Headteacher’s

Commendation

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR REWARD

Redeem MERITS A selection of rewards

can be purchased using merits

when the required amount of

merits have

been collected

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR REWARD

60 merits

80 merits End of Term recognition in Assembly

100 merits

120 merits

Bronze Certificate

Silver Certificate

Gold Certificate

Headteacher’s

Commendation