heolddu comprehensive school - Inset Days

HEOLDDU COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
I BAWB EI GYFLE
YSGOL GYFUN HEOLDDU
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
1

CONTACT INFORMATION
The full address of the school is:
HEOLDDU COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
MOUNTAIN ROAD
BARGOED
CF81 8XL
Headteacher
Mr. P. M. JONES B.A. (Hons), MA (Ed), NPQH
Telephone: 01443 875531
Facsimile: 01443 875561
Email: heoca@caerphilly.gov.uk
Website: www.heolddu.org.uk
Chair of Governors
Cllr D G Carter
49 John Street
Bargoed
CF81 8PH
Tel: 01443 839744
CAERPHILLY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
Local Education Authority
Mrs. S. Aspinall, Director of Education and Leisure
Education Offices
Ty Penallta
Tredomen Park
Ystrad Mynach
CF82 7PG
Telephone: 01443 864948
School Admissions
Mrs Andrea West
Senior Admissions and Placement Officer
Education Offices
Ty Penallta
Tredomen Park
Ystrad Mynach
CF82 7PG
Telephone: 01443 864870
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HEOLDDU COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY
COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATION (5) - Elected by Caerphilly County Borough Council
CB/Cllr D. Price, 1 St Gwladys Court, Bargoed, CF81 8UG
CB/Cllr H Andrews MBE, 14 Victoria Place, Gilfach, Bargoed, CF81 8JB
CB/Cllr D.T. Davies, 26 East View, Bargoed, CF81 8LU
CB/Cllr D.G. Carter, 49 John Street, Bargoed, CF81 8PH
Mrs L. Thomas, 27 Fairways, Bargoed, CF81 8TQ
TEACHER GOVERNORS (2) - Elected by the Teaching Staff
Mr J. Price, Heolddu Comprehensive School, Mountain Road, Bargoed
Mr I. Blunt, Heolddu Comprehensive School, Mountain Road, Bargoed
STAFF GOVERNOR (1) - Elected by the Support Staff
Mrs A. Shide, Heolddu Comprehensive School, Mountain Road, Bargoed
PARENT GOVERNORS (6) - Elected by the Parents
Mrs H. Bookless, The Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Bargoed, CF81 8TR
Mrs S. Hamer-Thomas, 14 Park Crescent, Bargoed, CF81 8PL
Mr W. Turner, 13 Maes-Y-Graig Street, Bargoed, CF81 8JE
Mr M. Waythe, 8 Gelli-ron, Penpedairheol, Hengoed, CF82 8HF
Mr. J Holifield, 79 Bailey Street, Deri, Bargoed, CF81 9HW
Mr K. Davies, The Willows, Llancayo Street, Bargoed, CF81 8TP
CO-OPTED GOVERNORS (5) – Elected by the Governors
Mrs C.A. Price, Groesfaen Farm, Deri, CF81 9GH
Mrs K. Watkin, 86 Pwll Yr Allt, Tir-Y-Berth, Hengoed, CF82 8FR
Mr G. Carless, 37 Hillside Park, Bargoed, CF81 8NJ
Mrs M. Viney, Brynteg, Cardiff Road, Bargoed, CF81 8NY
Mrs K. Bengough, 37 Heolddu Crescent, Bargoed, CF81 8UR
HEADTEACHER GOVERNOR - Ex Officio
Mr P.M. Jones, Heolddu Comprehensive School, Mountain Road, Bargoed
3

STAFF OF THE SCHOOL
Headteacher:
Senior Assistant Headteacher:
Assistant Headteachers:
Business Manager:
Mr P.M. Jones B.A. (Hons), MA (Ed), NPQH
Mr M.S. Cleverley
Mr N.H. Evans
Mrs L. Prosser
Ms T. Blackwood
Heads of Department and Teaching Staff
Art and Design:
English:
Geography:
German:
History:
Information and
Communication Technology:
Law:
Mathematics:
Music:
Personal and Social
Education
Physical Education:
Religious Education:
Science:
Mrs T. Evans (Head of Department)
Mrs S. Johnson (Head of Department)
Mrs L.A. Kernick
Mrs R. Griffiths
Miss. N. Crandon
Mr A Johnston (Head of Department)
Mr N.H. Evans
Mr I.N. Blunt (Head of Department)
Ms K. Bowd (Head of Year 7/ Transition)
Mrs J. Jones (Head of Department/ Welsh Baccalaureate
Co-ordinator)
Ms J. Neads (Head of PSE)
Mr M. Windsor (Head of Department/ICT across the Curriculum)
Mrs L. Prosser
Mr M. Cleverley
Mr C Rees
Mrs M. Stanitzke (Head of Department/Literacy Co-ordinator))
Mrs B. Dean (Head of Department)
Mr B.D. Wakefield (Head of Year 8)
Mr J. Price (Head of 6th Form/Vocational Education)
Mr T. Lancaster (Numeracy Co-ordinator)
Miss E. Roberts (Head of Department)
Ms J. Neads (Head of Department)
Mrs M. Owen (Head of Department)
Mr G. Davies (Head of Year 11)
Miss J. Price
Mrs C. Battrick (Head of Department)
Mrs E.S. Edmunds
Mrs D. Nind (Head of Department)
Mrs P. Poole (2 nd in Science)
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Miss L. Brinkworth
Mr O. Griffiths
Mr I. Thomas
Mrs O. Wilkins
Special Needs:
Technology:
Welsh:
Welsh Baccalaureate, Key:
Skills & Essential Skills Wales
Clerical Staff:
Pastoral Support:
Technicians:
Curriculum Resources Support:
Learning Support Assistants:
Learning Coach:
SuccessMaker Co-ordinator
Cover Supervisors:
Caretakers:
Education Welfare Officer:
Mrs H.L. Evans (SENCO)
Mr K. Murphy
Ms H Barnes
Mr N.S. Waythe (Head of Department)
Mr P. James (Head of Year 10)
Mrs E. Hughes (Head of Year 9)
Mrs J. Hovestadt
Miss L. Watkins (Head of Department/Curriculum Cymraeg)
Miss S. Plumley
Mrs J. Jones (Co-ordinator)
Mrs A. Shide (Office Manager)
Mrs K. Clarke (Assessment Manager)
Mrs E. Davies (Headteacher’s PA, Careers Co-ordinator,
Community Co-ordinator, Attendance Officer)
Mrs S. Evans (Examinations Manager)
Miss C. Watkins (Receptionist)
Mrs A. Cridland
Mrs R. Morris (Technology)
Mr R. Pritchard ( Science)
Mrs A. Lewis (Senior Science)
Mr D. Parkinson (Technology)
Mr G. Lavender (IT)
Mrs L. Horton
Mrs D. Forbes
Mrs W. Horley (Senior LSA)
Mrs D. Jones
Mrs S. Votier
Miss K. West
Miss L. Dacey
Mr G. Carless
Mrs S. Hearne
Mr T. Gapper
Mr K. Kilby (Site Manager)
Mr L Stephens (Caretaker)
Miss S. Ryan
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Lunchtime Supervisors:
Mrs R. Morris
Miss J. Wooldridge
Miss S. Phillips
Mrs A. Meek
The school also employs a team of Examination Invigilators / Proof Readers / LSA Role Models
6

THE SCHOOL
Heolddu Comprehensive School is a secondary school in Bargoed, Caerphilly County Borough. It is
an 11-19 mixed school serving the areas of Bargoed, Gilfach, Aberbargoed, Deri, Brithdir and Tirphil
and is increasingly attracting pupils from out of the catchment area. The school overlooks Bargoed
and is set in green surroundings near the Golf Club and the mountain road to Gelligaer. It is one of
14 secondary schools in Caerphilly LEA.
It is a mixed school with approximately 760 boys and girls on roll. In July 2012 there were 650
students on roll in years 7 to 11, plus over 100 in the 6th Form. Forty-four teachers work in the
school and over 30 other staff support the teachers in their work on a daily basis. In September 2012
15 pupils requested a place at Heolddu despite living out of the catchment area.
The school has excellent sporting facilities and shares its site with Heolddu Leisure Centre whose
facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool and squash court, are available for the pupils
during the course of the school day. It has up-to-date modern facilities and buildings, which are well
cared for. The school has good ICT facilities with plenty of computers with Internet access available
for use.
Heolddu is proud of the work that it does. It has excellent examination results. The school also offers
students many opportunities to join clubs, travel in Britain and abroad, and serve the community.
The school provides a high standard of education for all its pupils within a safe, caring and stimulating
environment. In the last ESTYN report Heolddu is described as providing pupils with ‘the high level of
care, guidance and support that contributes effectively to learners’ outcomes and wellbeing’.
Heolddu is delighted to share its facilities with Flying Start enabling parents and young children to
experience an early introduction into their secondary school learning.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF HEOLDDU COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
1. Provision of a pupil entitlement which complies with statutory requirements for National
Curriculum, agreed syllabuses in Religious Education and offers pupils choice in other areas
including vocational courses.
2. Provision of experiences across the curriculum that enables pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and
cultural development.
3. Provision of quality teaching and learning experiences.
4. Assessment procedures that plan for the future.
5. Equality of opportunity for all.
6. Promotion of good behaviour.
7. Promotion of the school as a community.
8. To maximise attendance at school so that pupil potential might be reached and to diminish the
possibilities of risk to students who might not attend school.
9. A safe and attractive environment.
10. Continuation of productive relationships with the local education authority.
11. Productive working relationship with the governing body to ensure effective and efficient
management of the school.
12. Promotion of productive, co-operative and open relationships with parents.
13. Encouragement of parental involvement with our Community Partnership Group.
14. Maintenance of mutually fruitful relationships with other institutions and the community at
large.
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ADMISSIONS TO THE SCHOOL
Children normally transfer from primary school to secondary school at the beginning of the school
year following their eleventh birthday. If your child was born between 1st September 2001 and 31st
August 2002, he/she will automatically transfer to Heolddu in September 2013.
Primary school Headteachers make all the necessary arrangements for transfer.
If a pupil living outside Heolddu’s traditional catchment area wishes to apply for a place, parents
should contact the Headteacher.
Places will be offered (up to our admissions limit) according to the following criteria listed in priority
order:
1. Children recommended for placement because of medical, psychological or special
educational needs. These must be confirmed by the LEA’s professional advisers.
2. Children with siblings (brothers or sisters) attending the school.
3. After taking account of the above categories, priority will be based on the closeness to
the school measured by the nearest available walking route.
TRANSITION
The school’s transition co-ordinator is Miss Bowd. Various events and visits are organised
throughout the school year.
In the summer term, the Headteacher and Miss Bowd will visit Heolddu’s feeder primary schools.
There will be an Open Evening early in the autumn term where year 5 and 6 pupils and parents are
invited to come and see Heolddu and its staff and pupils at work. Some teachers from Heolddu will
come into the primary school and teach, including the Welsh teachers, who will give some taster
lessons to help prepare pupils for any new subjects, and primary children are often invited to
participate in sporting activities at Heolddu.
Other staff will also visit the primary schools to find out information about pupils to make sure that
Heolddu knows as much as possible about the children coming to us and to make the move as
smooth as possible.
In June, during the transition week, primary pupils spend several days at Heolddu during which time
there will be a Drama Production, mathematics quiz, as well as a concert at the end of the music day.
Pupils with Additional Learning Needs also have additional opportunities to familiarise themselves
with staff and the school throughout the summer term prior to commencement in September.
For pupils wishing to transfer to the school during the course of their secondary education, enquiries
should be made in the first instance to Mr P.M. Jones, Headteacher at Heolddu Comprehensive
School.
TIMETABLE FOR ADMISSIONS TO SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2013
13 th September 2012 Admissions forms sent to parents (from the LA)
25 th October 2012 Forms returned to LA
12 th December 2012 Parents notified of outcome by the LA
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THE CURRICULUM
Heolddu operates a two-week timetable made up of 50 one-hour lessons, 5 lessons per day. At Key
Stage 3, Years 7-9, the following subjects are studied:
English & Literacy
Mathematics
Science
Welsh
German
History
Geography
Religious Education
Music
Art
Design Technology
Information Technology
Physical Education
Personal & Social Education
In Key Stage 4 and the 6th Form, various subjects are chosen in options, details of which will be
published in the relevant course booklets produced by the school.
WELSH
Welsh is taught as a second language - National Curriculum foundation subject. Heolddu will use
Welsh as a medium of instruction, the intensity depending on the age/ability ranges of the pupils.
Heolddu seeks to promote the Welsh dimension through incidental Welsh, and organises an annual
"Eisteddfod" and a variety of other cultural activities.
CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE (CEG)
The traditional concept of a career often meant a job for life; this is no longer a reality. Increasingly,
the introduction of flexible work patterns, restructuring in organisations and the continual need to
update working practices in response to new technology, mean that people need to be adaptable.
These changes require our pupils to develop new skills, to take more responsibility for their own
learning and development, and to manage their careers.
Effective careers education and guidance, linked with other areas of the curriculum, plays a key role
in helping all young people develop the skills they will need in the jobs market, in challenging their
preconceptions and stereotypes, raising their ambitions, and making them fully aware of the
opportunities available in education and work.
Heolddu has been successful in achieving the All Wales Quality Standard for CEG.
WORK RELATED EDUCATION (WRE)
Work Related Education plays a central role in preparing all young people to make a full, effective
contribution to adult and working life. Employers support the learning programme and other ‘real life’
experiences to ensure pupils have up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to today’s workplace.
All 14-19 year olds at Heolddu have access to work experience. This lies at the heart of WRE and all
students have the opportunity to learn directly in the workplace before they leave full time education.
Year 10 can spend one week in industry with a further week available should they return to Year 12.
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The following work related activities are also on offer:
Year 9-12
Year 9-13
Year 10/11
Year 10-13
Year 7-13
Enterprise activities, with participation varying in length from one week to one year
within the Young Enterprise Scheme. “Exploring Business” and “Enterprise In Action”
are two employer-based events on offer to Year 10.
“Progress File” has a significant role to play and its value is emphasised and also reenforced
via PSE, CEG and WRE.
The Compact Initiative encourages ongoing mentoring support from employers
including mock interviews and is in operation throughout Years 10 & 11 and is
supported by the Education Business Partnership.
Vocationally related courses are on offer e.g. Princes Trust, Construction, Motor
Vehicle Maintenance, Sports Studies, Hair and Beauty and Science.
Direct input from employers into the curriculum, e.g. Technology/Business Challenges,
coursework assignments, talks to Career groups, advice on coursework or as part of
an external qualification such as Coaches of the Future, support during competitions,
and out-of-hours study such as homework clubs.
It is the school’s intention to maintain and develop work related activities available to its pupils.
Employer input is vital and if you feel you are able to support any of these learning opportunities or
suggest new ones please contact the Careers Co-ordinator to discuss it further.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
The school complies with the 1988 Education Reform Act. This means that religious education and
collective worship will be predominantly Christian in nature. Religious Education at Heolddu
Comprehensive School is of a non-sectarian nature. Each day commences with an act of collective
reflection. This is undertaken in the tutor groups. There are also whole school assemblies and prayer
days. If, as a parent, you wish your child to be excused from the act of worship or from religious
education lessons on the grounds of conscience, a request, in writing, should be submitted to the
Headteacher.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION
The school strongly believes that pupils should be introduced to sexual behaviour and relationships
education on a phased basis depending upon their age and maturity. Thus, facts, opinions, contexts
of sexual behaviour, etc. are introduced at different stages. In general, our sexual behaviour and
relationships education programme is set within the framework of caring relationships in which
partners exercise a mature sense of responsibility.
Sexual behaviour and relationships education takes place in well-structured lessons and we are
fortunate that our staff deal sensitively in this aspect of education.
A very important part of sexual behaviour and relationships education, for some young people, is
having an adult to whom they can express their problems individually. Staff also act in this capacity.
It will not always be possible for us to guarantee confidentiality to a young person. We may be
presented with information, which we believe parents have a right to know. There may be cases
where the law of the land is broken where it is our duty to invoke outside agencies.
Before the sexual behaviour and relationships education programme begins, a letter is sent out to
parents outlining the topics to be covered and inviting them into school to discuss any queries they
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might have. If parents decide that they do not wish their child to be present for the lessons,
arrangements will be made for them to use another room to work. It is hoped that parents visit the
school and discuss the issue before taking this decision.
* Some topics such as human reproduction are included in the National Curriculum and therefore the
right of withdrawal by parents does not apply to these lessons.
Any pupil who would like individual advice can see Mrs Prosser who is readily available for a private
discussion.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS
Catering for students with a wide variety of additional learning needs is a high priority in the school.
Students identified as having additional earning needs in a mainstream class will receive appropriate
support in that area from the subject teacher and, where appropriate, specialist ALN staff will also
provide remediation.
Where learning needs are more complex, students will be placed in a Learning Support class. Here,
they will continue to have full access to all aspects of the curriculum although the number of Welsh
and German lessons are reduced to allow them to have extra tuition in the basic skills of reading,
writing and number work.
Certain students may, because of identified need, receive extra support even though they are in the
mainstream.
Every effort will be made to ensure that students who have been issued with a Statement receive the
support outlined in that document.
All students receiving additional support will be registered and monitored on a termly basis and
parents are encouraged to attend bi-annual review meetings to discuss progress and determine
effective methods of remediation. The school also offers extra support by way of extra-curricular
activities, e.g. reading schemes, SULP, Safe Room.
There are also students who show high levels of achievement in their studies. Heolddu always does
its best to ensure that there are differentiated programmes of learning so that these students receive
an education appropriate to their needs.
The term ‘more able and talented’ encompasses approximately 20% of the total school population,
and is used to describe pupils who require enriched and extended opportunities across the curriculum
in order to develop their abilities in one or more areas.
Ability and talent can manifest itself in many different ways at Heolddu in academic, practical, creative
and social fields of human activities.
Pupils will be tracked throughout their education at Heolddu and parents informed of their child’s
progress. This ensures that the potential of the pupils is realised at all times.
BASIC SKILLS
The school will select a group of students in the incoming Year 7 to form two special focus groups.
The pupils are those identified as having fallen marginally short of the government’s Key Stage 2
targets. The class has the additional services of a classroom assistant who supports the teachers
across curriculum areas. Each student has literacy and numeracy targets identified and progress is
carefully monitored and regularly reported to parents.
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The school became the first in Caerphilly to secure the Basic Skills Standard award in July 2009 and
successfully retained this accreditation in 2011.
A range of strategies including literacy and numeracy “warm-up” sessions, computer basic skills
programmes (SuccessMaker), Word Wasp, a lunch hour club and home/school work packages are in
place to encourage accelerated progress in meeting personal and group targets. The scheme now
covers both Year 7 and Year 8 and teaching assistants are attached accordingly.
ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS
There will be a total of three assessments carried out during the academic year. Parents will be
informed of the results of these assessments. There will also be a full formal report for each pupil
and all pupils are expected to sit a formal examination. All parents are invited to attend the Parents’
Evenings held at the school. Parents will be informed by letter of the dates and times of these
events. If you have any concern about the progress of your child then please contact their group tutor
in the first instance.
HOMEWORK
Homework is a compulsory part of pupils’ education. Homework tasks set by teachers have to be
completed and handed in on time. To help pupils to manage their homework, the school provides
each pupil with a Personal Planner, in which they have to enter details of the homework set and the
date it has to be handed in by. Pupils should also use their Planner to record the results of any
assessments in their subjects.
Subject teachers plan homework according to the requirements of the syllabus. Homework tasks
may take the form of practice, preparation for class work, individual research, project work, learning of
information or revision.
Parents are requested to support the school in this regard and have an active responsibility for
ensuring that pupils complete the homework set. Consequently, parents are required to sign the
Personal Planner and add comments as necessary, each week. Any queries that arise should be
taken up with the relevant Head of Year.
SCHOOL DAY
Pupils should be on the school premises five minutes before registration and in their tutorial room by
8.40 am in the morning and their classroom at 2.00 pm in the afternoon. If, for any reason pupils are
late, they must report to Reception where a member of our administration team will register them.
There are four lessons in the morning with a break halfway through. There is only one lesson in the
afternoon.
School times are printed below:
Morning Registration 8.40 a.m. - 8.50 a.m.
Lesson 1 8.50 a.m. - 9.50 a.m.
Lesson 2 9.50 a.m. - 10.50 a.m.
Break 10.50 a.m. - 11.10 a.m.
Lesson 3 11.10 a.m. - 12.10 p.m.
Lesson 4 12.10 p.m. - 1.10 p.m.
Lunch 1.10 p.m. - 2.00 p.m.
Lesson 5 2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.
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SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2012-2013
Term Begins Half Term
Starts
Autumn 2012 Monday 3 rd Monday 29 th
September 2012 October 2012
Spring 2013 Monday 7 th Monday 11 th
January 2013 February 2013
Summer Monday 8 th Monday 27 th
2013 April 2013 May 2013
May Day Bank Holiday Monday 6 th May 2013
Half Term Ends
Friday 2 nd
November 2012
Friday 15 th
February 2013
Friday 31 st
May 2013
Term Ends
Friday 21 st
December 2012
Friday 22 nd March
2013
Monday 22 nd July
2013
INSET days for 2012-2013 are as follows:
Monday 3 rd September 2012
Tuesday 4 th September 2012
Thursday 25 th October 2012
Friday 26 th October 2012
Monday 22 nd July 2013
SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2013-2014 (Provisional)
Autumn 2013
Term Begins Half Term
Starts
Monday 2 nd Monday 28 th
September 2013 October 2013
Spring 2014 Monday 6 th
January 2014
Monday 24 th
February 2014
Summer Monday 28 th Monday 26 th
2014 April 2014 May 2014
May Day Bank Holiday Monday 5 th May 2014
Half Term Ends
Friday 1 st
November 2013
Friday 28 th
February 2014
Friday 30 th May
2014
Term Ends
Friday 20 th
December 2013
Friday 11 th April
2014
Monday 21 st
July 2014
INSET Dates have not yet been set for 2013-2014
HEOLDDU SCHOOL UNIFORM
CC Sports in Bargoed sells all items necessary for a full Heolddu uniform:
FOR GIRLS
1. Plain black A-line skirt (from January 2)13) / black tailored trousers
2. White blouse/shirt buttoned to the neck
3. V-neck burgundy jumper/cardigan with Heolddu badge
4. Plain burgundy tie with Heolddu badge
5. Plain low-heeled black shoes (NO BOOTS OR TRAINERS ARE ALLOWED)
6. Knee length plain socks (white or burgundy with a skirt and black with trousers) or burgundy
tights
7. Suitable rain/shower-proof coat
FOR BOYS
1. Burgundy blazer with Heolddu badge
2. Black or dark grey school trousers
3. White shirt buttoned to the neck
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4. Plain burgundy tie with Heolddu badge
5. Plain black shoes (NO BOOTS OR TRAINERS ARE ALLOWED)
6. Suitable rain/shower-proof coat
ALL PUPILS
• Denim or leather coats are not allowed.
• Designer jackets are also discouraged in case they are lost.
• No jewellery or make-up is allowed, and no deviant hairstyles (including tramlines) or primary
colours.
A waterproof coat in school colours with the school badge is available from CC Sports, which costs
approximately £15.00.
GENERAL SCHOOL EQUIPMENT
1. Writing equipment including pen (more than one in case it runs out or breaks), pencil and
sharpener (check the pencil point is sharp), coloured pencils, 30 cm ruler and rubber
2. Rough book - handy for making notes, etc or working things out
3. Set of geometrical instruments and electronic calculator
4. Old apron/overall/shirt for Art lessons
5. Bag/holdall (haversack or rucksack for example) sufficiently strong and large enough to carry
your equipment, books and belongings
COMPULSORY SPORTS KIT
FOR GIRLS
1. Short sleeved open neck white polo shirt – school PE and shirt
2. Short wrap-over burgundy games skirt/black shorts – black shorts
3. Trainers – please note that daps and high tops are not suitable footwear for PE. Sports
trainers must have laces.
4. Swimsuit
5. Shower towel
6. Sports bag
FOR BOYS
1. Burgundy rugby jersey
2. Plain white T-shirt
3. Pair of black rugby socks
4. Black shorts
5. Rugby/football boots
6. Trainers
7. Shower towel
8. Swimming trunks
9. Sports bag
There are also additional optional items that pupils can buy, such as tracksuits and t-shirts.
UNIFORM GRANT
The Welsh Assembly also provides a grant towards the cost of uniform in year 7. If parents/carers
are eligible for free school meals then they may also be eligible for a voucher for £105, which can be
used in the shops that supply the school uniform.
SCHOOL RULES AND DISCIPLINE
Any community needs rules and Heolddu is no exception. We need certain rules so that everybody
knows how to behave and pupils can enjoy their school days in safety.
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GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT
Pupils should be properly and neatly presented in the correct school uniform.
No make-up is allowed, and this includes nail varnish.
No jewellery except a wristwatch is allowed.
Deviant hairstyles / colours such as primary colours and tramlines are not allowed.
Valuables should be left at home. Any items of value should not be left in pockets or bags. Pupils
should keep money on their person.
Medication (including inhalers) should be handed to the Pastoral Support Officer.
Smoking is forbidden in school and anywhere on school premises, and on the journey to and from
school.
The use of mobile phones, mp3 players, ipods, etc is not allowed, and such items may be confiscated
if necessary.
Pupils should always respect the safety of others and conduct themselves in a way that minimises
risk.
Pupils should keep to the left in corridors.
Bullying in any of its forms (physical, verbal, emotional) will not be tolerated.
Pupils should always respect the rights and belongings of others by being considerate and courteous.
Pupils should be proud of Heolddu and respect the school environment and equipment. We should
all aim to eradicate graffiti and litter. We are an Eco-school. Where wilful damage is caused to
school property or premises, parents will be charged for repair or replacement.
Pupils should always give of their best and learn to take responsibility for their own actions.
Pupils should always comply with instructions given by teaching and support staff.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Pupils should line up outside classrooms in a disciplined way until being invited to enter.
Entry to classrooms should be conducted in a quick and quiet manner.
Pupils must not prevent others from learning.
Pupils should ensure that they are prepared for lessons with the equipment they need and having
completed set homework.
Pupils should raise a hand to gain attention or express an opinion.
The environment of the teaching area should be respected.
Pupils should leave each lesson in an orderly fashion.
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PARENTS
If the code of conduct is broken then your child must accept the consequences of their actions.
There are various sanctions that can be applied and your child may:
• Lose break or lunch time privileges
• Be given detention after school. You will be given 24 hours notice of this via your child.
• Be placed on daily report. You will be asked to sign this to show that you are fully aware of
your child being on report and the progress they are making.
You will be notified of persistent bad behaviour and may be asked to visit the school. In very serious
incidents the Headteacher may suspend your child from school for a limited period or permanently,
subject to ratification by the Governing Body. Parents/pupils have the right to appeal.
The school always tries to encourage good behaviour and aims to work in partnership with parents
and Behaviour Support to overcome any problems that may arise.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, ABSENTEEISM AND PUNCTUALITY
Absence from school can seriously affect pupil progress and parents are asked to bear this in mind
when deciding on family holidays. Where it is unavoidable and such holidays have to be taken in
term time, parents are required to complete a holiday request form, available from the School Office,
in advance of the holiday. A maximum of 10 days may be granted.
Where a pupil is absent due to illness, or any other reason, parents are asked to notify the school on
the morning of the each day of absence. If they fail to do this, a member of staff will contact the
parent, guardian, or other family member, either by text, telephone or letter, to determine the reasons
for the child’s absence from school. Attendance is a key element in the School Development Plan
and Miss Sharon Ryan, Education Welfare Officer, supports the work of the school.
If the absence is likely to be a lengthy one you should contact your child’s Tutor so that we can
arrange homework or home tuition.
Pupils should not leave the school premises without permission. All pupils should remain within the
school grounds during the morning break and lunch break. If a pupil wishes to have lunch at home,
then they will need to obtain a lunch pass, on the understating that pupils will only spend their lunch
break at home and not visit local shops, etc. If a child is unwell they should, in the first instance,
present themselves to the Pastoral Support Officer, who will contact parents. If the Pastoral Support
Officer is not available, then pupils should go to reception.
Pupils must arrive punctually at school and for the start of every lesson. If pupils are persistently late
then they may be placed in detention.
The school aims for pupils to have at least 93% attendance.
ATTENDANCE DATA 2011/2012
(Percentage attendance to 25 th May 2012)
Percentage Attendance 92.2%
Percentage Authorised Absence 6%
Percentage Unauthorised Absence 1.8%
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EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL
The Headteacher is empowered, as an ultimate disciplinary sanction, to exclude a pupil from the
school. This can be for a fixed period or on a permanent basis. In all cases of exclusion, the
Headteacher will inform the parent/guardian of the pupil concerned of the decision, the reason or
reasons for it, and the length of the exclusion.
The Headteacher will also advise the Governing Body and the Local Authority of the decision.
Parents/guardians have the right to make representation against the Headteacher’s decision
including, ultimately, at a statutory Appeals Committee of the Governing Body.
Heolddu considers itself to be an inclusive school and will only use exclusions after carefully
considering all other possible sanctions.
REWARDS SYSTEM
There is an expectation that pupils will work hard, behave appropriately, follow school rules, attend
regularly, be punctual and dress correctly. Those pupils who routinely meet these expectations
deserve to be recognised and rewarded.
During the year, reward trips are organised for those pupils who have been identified as deserving
such recognition. Attendance certificates are presented to pupils each term in Assembly. Letters of
commendation from the Headteacher and Heads of Year are sent home.
Pupils who achieve 100% attendance are rewarded with a special plaque during our annual
“Celebration of Achievement” evening. Plaques are also awarded for Academic Excellence,
Academic Achievement and many other categories.
PASTORAL ORGANISATION
Heolddu Comprehensive School enjoys an excellent reputation for the way in which it looks after the
pastoral needs of its pupils. The happy atmosphere in the school helps to ensure that each pupil is
valued as an individual, contributes to the school community and the community in general.
Each year group is divided into mixed ability tutor groups. Usually pupils will remain in these classes
for registration and pastoral periods up to the end of Year 11. The Head of Year along with the form
tutor is the first point of contact for parents with any queries about their child.
The school employs a Pastoral Support Officer who works on a regular basis with Heads of Year and
the Education Welfare Officer to offer advice and assistance in dealing with any problem a pupil may
have of a non-academic nature. This could range from behaviour issues, truancy, attendance
problems, etc.
TRANSPORT TO AND FROM HEOLDDU
Pupils make their own way to school unless buses are specially provided. Caerphilly County Borough
Council is responsible for arranging transport to and from the villages of Tirphil, Brithdir and Deri and
they supply bus passes for pupils entitled to travel to school. If you experience any transport
difficulties you should contact the Transport Department at Ystrad Mynach (Tel No: 01443 864841).
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Morning Pick-Up Times
Howells Coaches
Time Pick up point
7:50am Leisure Centre Bus Stop, Fochriw
7:58am Bargoed Inn, Deri
8:01am Library, Deri
8:05am The Darran Pub, Deri
8:10am Groes Fan Terrace, Deri
Howells Coaches
Time Pick up point
Bus 1
8:00am Top of Duff Hill, Aberbargoed - Spar Shop
8:02am Aberbargoed LC
8:04am Lewis Street, Aberbargoed
8:05am Highfield Stores, Aberbargoed
8:06am Sannan Street bus stop
8:07am The Green, Aberbargoed
Bus 2
8:15am Britannia, Aberbargoed
8:17am The George, Aberbargoed
8:20am The Balfour, Aberbargoed
Howells Coaches
Time Pick up point
7:50am Tan Y Lan Square, New Tredegar
7:55am VG Stores, Phillipstown
8:00am The Dynevor, Tirphil
8:03am Top bus stop, Brithdir
8:05am The Cenotaph, Brithdir
8:07am Bottom bus stop, Brithdir
Buses arrive at school at approximately 8.30 am.
Pupils are expected to behave on the buses as they would do in school. Remember that the school
and/or the transport operators have the right to refuse permission for travelling if pupils cause
problems.
Buses leave school soon after 3.00 pm and pupils who remain in school for whatever purpose (sport,
homework clubs etc) should arrange with their parents for a safe journey home.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There are many clubs in Heolddu. Some are run during the lunch hour and others after school. It is
important to make the effort to join a club because pupils will:
Meet new friends
Do something exciting
Learn new skills
Have the opportunity to go on extra trips
Take part in competitions
Represent the school
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The list below will give parents and pupils a taste of the activities on offer:
Library Club
Homework Club
Computer Club
Reading Club
Young Enterprise
Choir or Orchestra
Sport Teams: Football, Rugby, Netball, Hockey
Millennium Volunteers
Kickboxing
5x60 activities
Dance
Dodgeball
Spanish
Sol.V.E Groups – Gardening Club, Science Club & Eco Group
Tag Rugby
Needlework
Cookery
Mountain biking
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
SPORTS
The school enjoys what are amongst the best sporting facilities in the Caerphilly County Borough
because of our shared use of Heolddu Leisure Centre. The excellent facilities include:
• a 25 metre indoor heated Swimming Pool
• a 30 metre Sports Hall
• a Squash Court
• 2 large Tennis Courts
• 3 full-scale Rugby and Football Pitches
• an Athletics Stadium
• floodlit multi-games area
• fully-equipped fitness suite
• 3G Astroturf – there are strict footwear rules in place.
We encourage pupils to take part in sport because we believe that sporting activities are a healthy
and enjoyable way to be part of a “team”.
We encourage:
• all pupils to play a full part in sporting life
• staff to gain sporting/coaching qualifications
• parents to play their part as supporters / volunteers
• links with sporting clubs and well-known sporting personalities
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SCHOOL MEALS
Meals are provided every day through a cafeteria system operated by Caerphilly Catering in the
school hall. The school has achieved a ‘Healthy School’ status. There is a wide and varied healthy
menu available. The school operates a cashless system with swipe cards. Pupils who bring packed
lunches to school should eat them in the hall.
The school operates a pre-ordering system, where sandwiches, baguettes and drinks can be ordered
and paid for in the morning, using their swipe cards, and collected at lunchtime.
Pupils are not allowed to leave the premises at lunchtime unless they are going home for
lunch. A lunch pass must be obtained from the school.
EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMA) - Year 12 and 13 pupils
EMA comes in weekly payments of £30, which go directly into the pupil’s bank account. However,
they will only receive the payment if they attend regularly and work hard.
To qualify for EMA in the academic year starting September 2012, parental annual household income
must be below £23,077.
Annual household
Household Income Number of children in the Weekly EMA entitlement
household
£0 – £20,817 1 £30
£0 - £23,077 2+ £30
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
If parents/carers are receiving Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance then free
school meals may also be able to be claimed.
Parents/carers may also be able to claim free school meals if they are in receipt of Child Tax Credit
without Working Tax Credit.
Parents who are eligible will be sent claim forms. Evidence of either Income Support/Job Seekers’
Allowance or a current Tax Credit award notice will need to be provided. If eligible, forms should be
completed and returned to the address provided on the form.
DESTINATION OF SCHOOL LEAVERS
It is a statutory requirement to report on the destination of pupils from Heolddu Comprehensive
School, aged 15 and over:
Destination 2010/2011
Age 16 years
Course at any school or in Further/Higher Education 111
Employment 7
Other/not known 5
Total 123
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CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY
Any charges made by the school must meet the requirements of the Education Reform Act 1988.
The governors endorse the guiding principles contained in the Act, in particular that no child should
have its access to the curriculum limited by charges.
AIMS
1. To make a broad programme of trips and activities accessible to as many students as
possible.
2. To establish and maintain a fair and coherent system of charges within the constraints of the
school budget.
PRACTICE
Charges will not be made for any activities which form part of a prescribed examination syllabus or
are in fulfilment of National Curriculum requirement.
Instrumental music tuition and/or loan of instruments will be compulsorily charged unless it is part of a
public examination or National Curriculum course. For September 2012 this is £1 per lesson.
In practical subjects parents may be asked for the full or partial cost of material or ingredients if they
have indicated in advance that they wish to own the finished product.
Voluntary contribution may be invited for trips taking place mainly within school hours. No child may
be excluded because of inability to pay but the school is entitled to cancel the trip if the level of
contributions does not meet its budgetary requirements.
Trips taking place mainly out of school hours are chargeable.
Board, lodging and travel costs will be charged on residential trips, subject to statutory exceptions.
The cost of examination entries for subjects taught within the school will normally be met by the
school. In cases where candidates have failed to meet the schools entry criteria but still wish to be
entered they may be asked to pay entry fees, returnable on the achievement of grades in those
subjects. In cases where candidates fail to turn up for examinations without just cause, the school
will charge the relevant entry fee for the examination.
In cases where charges are to be levied, parents will be advised in advance and monies collected
prior to the activity. Requests for help from parents on income support will be considered and
assistance provided within the limits of the school’s budget. Complete confidence will be observed in
all matters. Any insurance costs will be included in charges for trips and activities.
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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
You should use the formal complaints procedure if you have raised a concern or requested information
or an explanation from the school and you are not satisfied that the matter has been resolved or dealt
with appropriately. If you wish to make a complaint you should follow the school’s formal
complaints procedure as laid down below.
The school has a three stage approach:
Stage 1
What you should do What will happen Who When
It is recommended that a complaint should be put in
writing either in the form of a letter, with your name,
address, contact telephone number, and if you are a
parent of a child in the school, stating the name of that
child, and should outline:
• the nature of your complaint
• any dates or times that are relevant
• who was involved
• what action you have already taken to try to
resolve the issue (eg who you have spoken
to, and what was the response
• what actions you feel might resolve the
problem at this stage
Or you may wish to complete a complaints form,
available from the school, if you prefer.
• We will send you a letter acknowledging our
receipt of your complaint and a copy of the
school’s Complaints Procedure will be
included.
• Your complaint will be investigated. This may
involve further communication with you, and/or
inviting you to a meeting at the school, at a
mutually convenient time. You are welcome to
bring a representative with you to any such
meetings.
Senior Assistant
Headteacher
(Mr Cleverley).
Posted within
24hours, or the next
school day, if
appropriate
You will be notified,
in writing, within 5 to
10 school days of
the decision
reached and any
action taken by the
school.
Stage 2
What you should do What will happen Who When
If you are unhappy with the decision that has been
made by the Senior Assistant Headteacher you will
need to ask the school to take the complaints
procedure to Stage 2.
You can do this by either writing a letter to the
Headteacher stating why you are unhappy with the
decision, and what actions you feel might resolve the
problem at this stage, or by filling in a request form.
• We will send you a letter acknowledging the
fact that you wish to take the procedure to the
next stage.
• Your complaint will be investigated. This may
involve further communication with you, and/or
inviting you to a meeting at the school, at a
mutually convenient time. You are welcome to
bring a representative with you to any such
meetings.
The Headteacher
(Mr P. M. Jones)
Posted within
24hours, or the next
school day, if
appropriate
You will be notified,
in writing, within 5 to
10 school days of
the decision
reached and any
action taken by the
school.
Stage 3
What you should do What will happen Who When
If you are unhappy with the decision that has been
made by the Headteacher you will need to ask the
school to take the complaints procedure to Stage 3.
• The Chair of the Governing Body will ask the
Clerk to the Governors to acknowledge receipt
of your complaint
The Chair of
Governors
(Cllr D G Carter).
Within 5 school
days.
You can do this by either writing a letter to the
school’s Governing Body stating why you are unhappy
with the decision, and what actions you feel would
resolve the issue at this stage, or by filling in a request
form.
• The Clerk to the Governors will write to you to
make it clear that all involved parties are
entitled to provide written evidence /
documentation they wish the committee to
consider and the timescale for receipt of this,
and will arrange a suitable date, time and
venue for the hearing.
The Clerk to the
Governors
Hearing within 15
school days.
You will be given at
least 5 school days
notice of the date of
the hearing, in
writing
• The hearing will be independent, impartial and
fair to all parties.
The Chair of the
Complaints
Committee
• The committee will reach its decision and will
write to all parties. If your complaint is upheld,
the Governing Body will notify you of any action
to be taken by the school. If your complaint is
not upheld, the Governing Body will make clear
that the matter will not be re-opened.
The Chair of the
Complaints
Committee
Within 5 school
days of the hearing
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