Parent & Pupil handbook - Rishworth School

RishworthSchool

Rishworth SchoolContentsPage TitlePage NumberHeadmaster’s Introduction 1Teaching Staff 2Attendance 3Before your child leaves home for School 3Delivery and Collection of Children 3Pre-school and After-school Care 4Rishworth School Shop opening times 4Sixth Form Students’ attendance 4The School Day 4Bag racks – security of bags and equipment 4-5The Start of the Michaelmas Term for Year 7 5Screening Tests 5School Organisation 5-6Rishworth Parent Teacher Association 6Academic/Curriculum Information 6Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education 7Children in the Public Eye? 7Data Protection 7E-safety 7School Uniform 7Girls’ Clothing List 7Boys’ Clothing List 8Sixth Form Dress & Presentation 8Sports Clothing List 8-9Missing Property 9Medical Information 9Music Tuition 10The School Library 10Religious Observance 10Important Information for all Pupils at the School 11What about discipline? 11-12Health and Safety 12Collection of pupils by car 12School Rules: to Pupils 13Code of Conduct for Pupils Using School Buses 13Bus Routes 14Problems? 15Concerns & Complaints 15-16Activities 17Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 17Facilities for Parents 17Rishworth School Sports Club 17School Fees 17-18School Polices:Admissions and Retention Policy and Procedure 18-19Anti-Bullying Policy 19-20Anti-Bullying Information for Pupils 21Promoting good behaviour, discipline and sanctions policy 21-28Drugs and Substance Abuse Policy 28-29Scholarship and Bursaries 29-30Forms for ReturnMusic Tuition 33Bus Pass Application 35-36Photographic Consent Form 37Rishworth School Term Dates 2011-2012 39The contents of this Handbook are as accurate as they can be at the time of publication but may be subject to change as the needs of the School vary.Parents are advised to check with the School the accuracy of any detail which is of particular importance to them or to their child.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS1Headmaster’s IntroductionI hope that this booklet will prove helpful and informative. Please take timeto read it carefully. There is an accompanying handbook for boarders andtheir parents.We all wish your child to make the best possible progress. In order for thisto happen a positive relationship between the School and you, the parents,is vital. Knowledge of school routines and expectations is a key ingredient inthis partnership and to this end we have put together this publication.We hope very much that your son or daughter will take every chanceto benefit from the many educational opportunities which are availableto pupils at Rishworth.At the end of the booklet there is a number of reply slips. It would beappreciated if these could be returned as promptly as possible where theyaffect your child.Please keep this booklet for future reference. The document is also availableon our school website, where it may be updated prior to the next publication.A.S. GloagHEADMASTER

2Rishworth SchoolTeaching StaffA. S. Gloag, BA HeadmasterP. Seery, BSc MEd Deputy Headmaster, Chemistry* Mrs I. Shelton, BA Director of Administration, ArtMrs S.J. Stamp, BScDirector of Marketing & Registrar, GeographyS. Ogden, BSc Director of Studies, Geography, MathematicsA.M. Wilkins, BA, MA (Lit.), MA (Hist.)Head of HeathfieldMrs. E.Allison BScLearning Support Co-ordinator, Key Stage 2 Teacher, HeathfieldT. Anderson Sports Coach, Games Teacher, HeathfieldMrs M. T. Arbelo-Dolan, BASpanish* Mrs R. Aujla BA GeographyMiss S. Beesley, BTECOut of School Care Deputy Manager & Foundation Stage Key Worker, HeathfieldP. Bell, BA, MSc ICTMrs. B. Blackburn, BAPart-time Foundation Stage Key Worker, HeathfieldC. P. Bouckley, BEd Deputy Head, ICT Co-ordinator, Heathfield* Mrs H. Bower, BSc Head of PE & Sport, MathematicsMrs J Bradley, LTCL, GTCL, CKMEMusic Co-ordinator, HeathfieldC Brass BScScience Co-ordinator, Key Stage 1 Teacher, HeathfieldMrs J. Bridges NVQ3Foundation Stage Key Worker, HeathfieldMrs S. Chatterton, BEdAssistant Head (Curriculum), Maths Co-ordinator, Key Stage 2 Teacher, HeathfieldMrs. T. Davidson, BA, LTCLHouse Mistress of Wheelwright, EFL* Ms. R. C. Davison, BA English* M.L. Dunn, BA ICT, Design Technology, Assistant HousemasterMs. K. Foster BScPart-time Foundation Stage Key Worker, HeathfieldMrs K. Fraser, BA Art, Press Officer, Day House Area Mistress for Hanson House (Year 11)* Mrs E. Gregory, BA Economics, Business Studies, HistoryMrs J Higgins, NNEBTeaching Assistant, Dyslexia Support, HeathfieldC. D. Holmes-Roe, BA, MA History, RS, Assistant Boarding House MasterD.I. Horsfall, BScMathematicsMrs V. Hutchinson, BARE Co-ordinator, KS 2 Teacher, HeathfieldMrs N. I’Anson, BAFoundation Stage Co-ordinator, Foundation Stage Key Worker, HeathfieldMrs J. JacksonSwimming Coach, HeathfieldP.W. Jones, MA (Cantab)Science Advisor, Teacher i/c BiologyMrs A.M. Kellett-End, BA, PGCLDCo-ordinator of Learning SupportMrs S. Kiy, BAFrench Co-ordinator, Key Stage 2 Teacher, Heathfield* Dr. J Ladds, MChem, PhD, MEd Science, Teacher i/c Chemistry, Careers Co-ordinator, Assistant Boarding House Mistress* A. Larvin, BSc Mathematics* C. Lewis, BA, LRAM, LGSM MusicS. H.J. McGarry, BEng, MSc Science, Teacher i/c PhysicsMrs L Meredith, BA, ARCMMusic, English, EFL, Teacher i/c Provision for Academically Most AbleMrs S. Moore, BAEnglish* D. Newby, BTech Design Technology, Day House Area Master for Hanson House (Years 9 & 10)Mrs R. Ogden, BEngMathematicsMrs P. PritchardOut-of-School Care Manager, Teaching Assistant, Heathfield* Mrs C. E. Rhodes, BA Psychology, RS, Staff Mentor for Management, Teaching & Learning, EPQ Co-ordinatorMiss E. P. Robinson, BAArt Co-ordinator, Heathfield* P.I.M. Robinson, BEd Business Studies, Head of Sixth Form, UCAS & HE Co-ordinatorMrs J. Roe, BAEFLMrs K. Rose, BAPE Co-ordinator, Key Stage 2 Teacher, Heathfield* Miss S. Rosling, BA DramaMs J. Sheldrick, BScScience, Head of Lower & Middle SchoolMrs S.P. SheppardLibrarianM.E. Siggins, BAEnglish, Co-ordinator of Enhanced Sixth-form Curriculum & General Studies* G. M. Smith, BA Modern LanguagesMiss K. Smith, BScMathematicsMiss H.E.A. Stembridge, BEdSection Leader (Early Years), Humanities Co-ordinator, Key Stage 1 Teacher, HeathfieldMrs G. Sunderland S.R.NSenior Teaching Assistant, Heathfield* A.J. Thomas, BSc Director of Physical Education and Sport* Mrs J. Thompson, BA EFLMiss L.V. Turner, BA, MAFrench, EFLMiss D. Van-Eda, BATeaching Assistant, HeathfieldJ. Western, BSc Mathematics, Assistant Boarding House Master, i/c Duke of EdinburghMiss H. Whiteley, NVQ3Part-time Foundation Stage Key Worker, HeathfieldMrs A.M. R. Wilby, BAEnglish Co-ordinator, Key Stage 2 Teacher, Heathfield* M. Wilson, BA HistoryMrs. L. E. Wood, BScPhysical Education & Sport, PSHCE Co-ordinator* denotes Head of Department

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS3AttendanceThe calendar is published each term in order to give you as muchnotice as possible about future events. Each pupil is given two copies,one for the parents and one for personal use.Attendance is compulsory:• During the working day Monday to Friday, 8.40 am until 3.40 pm;• At team practices, some of which, with due notice, take place after 3.40 pm;• At all school representative sports fixtures, where pupils are selected;this includes reserves, touch judges and scorers. Team lists will,where possible, be published 48 hours in advance;• On all occasions where a commitment undertaken by a pupil[for example acting in a play/opting for a school trip] involvespre-arranged attendance out of normal school hours;• Special events published in the calendar or with due notice.AbsenceIt is the School’s policy (and the DfE directive) that pupils should notmiss School for any but the most exceptional circumstances. Familyholidays, for example, would not normally be considered as anexceptional reason. Where such absences are genuinely unavoidable(for example, a family wedding or medical appointment) a Request forPupil Leave of Absence Form should be completed and forwarded tothe Headmaster, requesting the absence for the pupil and outlining thereason(s) for the request. Copies of the form can be obtained from theForm Tutor, the School Office or downloaded from the School’s website.A minimum of two weeks’ notice is expected in every case. Parents areresponsible for making sure that their children receive a full-timeeducation. If a child fails to attend school, under current legislation,parents may be guilty of an offence and can be prosecuted.Pupils must follow this procedure without fail and with immediateeffect. It is important that registers are always accurate and that everypupil can be accounted for in the event of fire or other emergencies atall times.In the Sixth Form, pupils may seek permission to leave school whentheir commitments for the day are over. However, sixth-form pupilsmust attend afternoon registration first and must sign out at the SchoolOffice when leaving.Before your child leaveshome for schoolParents are asked to note their responsibilities to• ensure that each morning their child has everything required forschool, including any medication* (e.g. inhaler), all the rightequipment and books for each lesson, all relevant games kit, anyother equipment needed (such as musical instruments), homeworkdiary (duly checked), any completed forms or letters to hand in onarrival at school• ensure that their child is properly and smartly dressed in full schooluniform (or in the appropriate attire for the activity in question).• be aware that School cannot accept responsibility for expensiveitems brought on to the premises by pupils. Parents should ensurethat their own insurance arrangements will cover any loss ordamage to such items.* Before any medication is brought into school, Matron’s prior consentmust be obtained.Absence from school is normally acceptable only for medical reasons,in which case it is vital that parents notify the School on the first day ofabsence. Telephone 01422 822217 between 8.30 and 8.50 am.Parents should also provide a written note of explanation to the Tutoron the pupil’s return.Absence from games is excused only on presentation of a note, at thestart of the activity, signed by a parent, guardian or the school matronto the member of staff concerned.Registration and LatenessMorning registration is at 8.40 am. There is a legal requirement foraccurate registers to be kept by schools, not least in the interests ofpupils’ safety. Your co-operation in ensuring that your son or daughterarrives in good time for registration is appreciated. If a late arrival isunavoidable (and this includes the late arrival of school buses) your sonor daughter must sign in at the School Office. Similarly if your son ordaughter needs to leave school during the day (for a medicalappointment, for example), he or she must sign out. In the caseof an emergency it is vital that we know who is on the premises.Any pupil(s) whose known schedule of extra-curricular commitmentsmakes it foreseeable that he/she will be, or will be likely to be, unableto attend a morning or afternoon registration (for example, because ofa music lesson or a sporting fixture) must register at the School Officebefore attending that activity.Delivery and collectionof childrenParents are requested to comply with the following arrangements:1. Please come up the drive and stop beyond the entrance to the courtyard along the front of the School when dropping off children.2. Please collect pupils from in school or on the main road, taking carenot to wait where the special buses collect pupils, or inhibit thecirculation of traffic. Please pay due regard to traffic regulations.3. Any pupils staying after 3.40 pm should go directly to the DiningRoom from where, between 3.40 pm and 4.10 pm, they can becollected. After 4.10 pm they will be taken by the duty member ofstaff to the Library. Here they should sign in and will be supervised.It is most important that they are collected from here before 6pm.At absit and holidays the library closes at 4.40 pm and there is noafter-school care.4. Pupils who normally wait for their parents on the main shouldnot wait there after the special buses have gone during the wintermonths. They should come up into the school and report to theLibrary from where parents can collect them.

Rishworth School4Pre-school andafter-school careThe School is responsible for day-pupils present on term-timeweek-days from the point at which school officially opens until the endof lessons (at 3.40 p.m.) or, if a day-pupil remains on the school site forup to a further 30 minutes, until 4.10 p.m. latest.Day-pupils may, by reporting to, signing in at, and remaining in, theLibrary when it re-opens at 4.10 p.m., remain in the School’s chargeuntil 6 p.m. However on Absit weekends, shown in the school calendar,all pupils (including day pupils) must be clear of the school site by4.40 p.m. on the Friday.For day-pupils in Years 9 – 13, school opens at 8.30 a.m.For day-pupils in Years 7 - 11, Haskett House is open and is supervisedfrom 8.00 a.m., so it is from that time and in that area that the Schoolcan assume responsibility for day-pupils in these year-groups.Day-pupils should not be on school premises outside these start- andfinish-times, as no supervision can be guaranteed and the Schoolcannot take responsibility for day- pupils in such circumstances.If pupils are engaged in an approved activity which is supervised byschool staff, the School is of course responsible for them, whether ornot such an activity extends beyond the official start or end of dayschoolhours. (In reality, there are many such activities, and thereforethere tend to be many day-pupils engaged under the School’s aegis atRishworth School Shop Opening TimesFrom Wednesday 24th July we will open Monday, Wednesday andFriday from 12.00 till 4.00pm until the bank holiday weekend.Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th Augustform 10.00am till 4.00pm, Saturday 31st August 10.00am till 2.00pmMonday 2nd, Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th Septemberfrom 10.00am till 4.00pmThen from Friday 6th September back to the usual of 12.00 till 5.00pm.Sixth Form Students’ attendanceSixth Form Students who wish to remain in school after the buses leavemust record their attendance by signing in with the member of staff onduty in the Library. The students can then spend their time in the 6thForm Centre rather than in the Library, but must return to the Libraryto sign out before they leave school.Leaving the School Grounds• Sixth Form Students are able to leave the campus and go down to thelocal shop at break times and lunch times BUT must sign out andthen back in again in the book outside the Head of Sixth Form`sOffice• Sixth Form Students are not allowed off the site during “free lessontime” in the mornings unless permission has been given by the Tutoror Head of Sixth Form for a Driving Lesson for example or, forauthorised absences such as medical appointments. In these casesthe student must sign out and then back in again at receptionGoing Home before 3.40pm• Sixth Form Students have the privilege of being allowed to go homein the afternoon before 3.40pm BUT the following conditions apply:o 1.30pm Registration must be attended unless the Tutor or theHead of Sixth Form has given permission to leave prior to thiso The Head of Sixth Form must have been given written parentalagreement that leaving before 3.40pm is acceptableo That if a student is free for both afternoon lessons it is expected(but not required) that students do one hour of independent studyprior to leavingo That prior to departure the student signs out at Receptiono That this privilege can and will be withdrawn if behaviour or workis unacceptableThe school dayMonday to Friday8.40 am Registration8.45 am Assembly [Monday, Tuesday, Friday]/Tutor Sessions [Wednesday]/Team Meetings [Thursday]9.00 am Lesson 110.00 am Morning Break10.20 am Lesson 211.20 am Lesson 312.20 pm Lunch and Activities1.30 pm Registration1.40 pm Lesson 42.40 pm Lesson 53.40 pm End of lessons; activities, games etc. follow3.40 pm Special buses arrive3.50 pm Special buses depart-4.00 pmSaturday Organised activities.Matches and other events as in the calendarSunday 10.00 am Chapel Service [on designated Sundays].Activities and events as in the calendarBag racks – security of bagsand equipmentDue to the extent of the opportunity for sport (curricular andextra-curricular) at Rishworth, pupils often have 2, and sometimes 3, bagswith them in School.The School site is very large and in order that pupils have a centrallocation where bags can be stored, the School provides bag racks outsidethe Teaching Block and, a smaller rack, outside the Library. Although theracks are not locked, CCTV cameras cover the area.These racks, introduced several years ago, have proved very effective andproblems have been rare. However, when problems do occur they fall intothe following categories:1. Bags left next to the racks rather than placed under the coverSpaces on the racks nearest the Teaching Block entrance doorsgenerally fill up first. Sometimes pupils finding the nearest rack full willleave their bag on the plinth next to the racks. The unpredictability ofthe Calderdale climate makes this a risky policy and although theteaching and support staff will place bags under cover when passing,bags still sometimes get wet.Required Action: Pupils must take care to place their bags under coverof the bag rack. In the bag rack, outside the teaching block, each yeargroup has its own designated area; the bag rack outside the Librarymay be used by all students.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS52. Bags left on the bag racks overnightBags are safe on site during the school day but the same cannot besaid for bags left on the racks overnight. Bags left overnight may temptthieves on to site in search of items to steal such as trainers andbranded sports kit.Required Action: Bags must not be left overnight on the bag rack.Bags that are left will be taken off the rack by the cleaners at 7.30pmand stored.3. Bags cannot be identifiedA recent analysis of bags left overnight on the bag racks showed thatmany items of the kit in the bags was not labelled. The loss of kit atSchool is one of the most common frustrations voiced by parents.In order to minimise the loss of kit, it is vital that lost kit can be matchedto the owner.Required Action: All sports kit and bags should be labelled clearly(including trainers). The School recommends that pupils should betasked with labelling their property.4. Valuable items are lostVery occasionally a pupil will report the loss of a valuable item (mobilephone, ipod, computer game etc.) from bags on the bag rack. It ispossible that we can track the bag using CCTV, however, this cannotbe relied upon.Required Action: Do not bring valuable items into School. Itemsbrought into school are brought in at the owner’s risk and are notinsured by the School. The bag racks are not to be used for these items.School organisationAll pupils from Years 7 to 11 are members of a Day House. The SixthForm has its own centre. Both day and boarding communities aredivided into four teams for the purposes of activities and competitions:Boothwood, Baitings, Ringstone and Scammonden.Contacting the SchoolPupils are divided into separate School Sections. Years 7 and 8 areLower School; Years 9, 10 and 11 are Middle School; and Years 12 and13 are Sixth Form. Within each Year, pupils are also divided into anumber of Forms. The first and main point of contact for parents on anymatter concerning your son or daughter is his or her Form Tutor whotakes direct responsibility for academic and pastoral care. At thebeginning of the school year, Tutors will usually make contact withparents and/or guardians so that you know whom to contact and howto do so.On some occasions it may be more appropriate to contact:Heads of School Section:Ms J. Sheldrick (Head of Lower and Middle Schools –Years 7 to 11)Mr P. Robinson (Head of Sixth Form)Mrs D. Robinson (Matron)Or, over serious matters relating to academic work;if Ms J. Sheldrick or Mr Robinson have been unable tohelp you, Mr S. Ogden (Director of Studies).Where none of these is felt appropriate, contact can be made withMrs. I Shelton (Director of Administration) or with Mr P. Seery (DeputyHeadmaster) or, in the last resort, with the Headmaster.The start of the MichaelmasTerm for Year 7 pupilsAll Year 7 pupils (except boarders) joining the School in September havea special afternoon arranged for them on the day before the start of thenew school year when other pupils return. This year the date for this isTuesday 3rd September at 1.40 pm.Pupils should meet in the Performing Arts Centre where they will firstof all be addressed by the Head of School Section. They will then beorganised into their Form Groups.Pupils will then accompany their Tutor to their form room and havetime to receive and organise their personal timetable. They will alsobe issued with their school planners.This afternoon session will finish at 3.40 pm when parents may collecttheir children.Screening testsAll pupils entering the School at the beginning of Year 7 will take theScreening Test during the first half of the Michaelmas Term. This test isdesigned to reveal weaknesses which may indicate Specific LearningDifficulties- dyslexia. If weaknesses are revealed, the School willcontact the pupil’s parents to discuss any further action which may benecessary.Contact DetailsMain School with extensions to all departments: 01422 822217.e-mail: admin@rishworth-school.co.ukwebsite: www.rishworth-school.co.ukWithin boarding two pay phones which do not receive incoming calls areavailable to pupils to make private calls and all 5 boarding houses havetheir own numbers which take only incoming calls and are as follows:Redmires: 01422 820904Ryburn: 01422 820905Wolden: 01422 820933Slitheroe: 01422 820934Wheelwright: 01422 820923Goat House Barn: 01422 820292School contacting Parents/GuardiansIt is vital for the School to be in possession of your current contactpostal address, email address and telephone numbers (home, work,mobile). Please let us know immediately of any changes.Parental SupportParents are most welcome to attend all Chapel Services, concerts,matches and other public events.Children ActThe Childline telephone number is published on the notice boardoutside the Surgery, in the Boarding Houses and elsewhere around theSchool. All parents and pupils are given details of a complaintsprocedure and the School is always mindful of the requirements of theChildren Act.

Rishworth School6Private PartiesThere have been occasions in the past where problems have arisenthrough lack of proper organisation. Concerns have also been raised,on occasions, with regard to the safety and welfare of those attending.Parents are requested to consider the following points if they wish theirson or daughter to attend a party:(a) the hours of the party;(b) whether or not the party is properly supervised;(c) the exact nature of the party;(d) the wisdom of holding birthday parties on weekdayevenings during term time;(e) whether or not they know who is organising the partyand on what lines this is being done.Rishworth Parent TeacherAssociationThe Rishworth PTA was formed a number of years ago with a view tosupporting the School and its various activities.It is a very active group, and your opportunity as a parent, to contribute tothe success of the School by giving a little time and energy for the benefitof the children within its community. Meetings generate a healthy mix ofcreative ideas for raising funds to support different schemes around theschool. Past events have included such things as ‘Music in the Quad’, aweekend celebration of music, the annual quiz night and curry, fashionshows and car rallies. Recent causes have included the renovation of thestained glass windows in the School Chapel and the planting of trees tocreate a Jubilee Wood that has the added attraction of creating a windbreak for the Games Field. The Headmaster regularly attends the monthlymeetings along with parents (past and present), teachers, and the pupilHead of School.One parent recent noted that, “It is very satisfying, as a parent, to be ableto contribute to the School legacy and actually see the changes that willno doubt last for the next 100 years or so”.All parents are members of the PTA by default and are invited to attendmeetings or make suggestions and ideas for events that might supporta need. The current Chair, Mr Richard Whitaker, can be contacted via theSchool if you would like any further information.Academic/curriculum informationYear 7All pupils take the same subjects largely in mixed-ability tutor groups,although setting will take place in Mathematics during the year.Subjects studied are:• English• Mathematics• Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)• Geography• History• French and Spanish• Art• Design and Technology• Information and Communication Technology• Home Economics• Music• Drama• Religious Studies• Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education• Games and PEYears 8 and 9The subjects are as in Year 7. However, from Year 8 onwards pupils willchoose to study either French or Spanish. From Year 8 onwardsMathematics and English will be taught in ability sets and this will alsobe the case in Science from Year 9.Homework: Three subjects are set each evening. The recommendedtime is 20-30 minutes per subject in Year 7, rising to 30-40minutes per subject in Year 9. Pupils in all years areassessed regularly in class, with more formal schoolexaminations taking place in the summer term.Years 10 and 11In Year 10 pupils begin their GCSE courses. The core subjects taken by allpupils are English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, and Science.All pupils will, in addition, study one of French, Spanish or English as aForeign Language, or have Learning Support lessons, and continue tohave Games and PSHCE. Pupils then choose three subjects to add to thiscore from the option list below:Art and Design, Business Studies, Design and Technology,Drama, Geography, Graphics, History, Home Economics,Information & Communication Technology, Music, Physical Education.Homework: Three subjects are set each evening.Recommended minimum time: 40 minutes per subject.It is also expected that self-motivated study will be carried out such asreading, research, revision etc.The ‘Science A’ GCSE is taken at the end of Year 10. All other GCSEcourses are examined at the end of Year 11. In addition, many subjectswill have continuous assessment tasks or coursework as part of theirspecifications during the two years of the GCSE courses.Sixth FormStudents most commonly study 4 subjects at AS level, dropping to 3subjects at A2 level. However, it may be possible to study 3 or 5 subjectsat AS level by arrangement. The following subjects are, subject todemand, currently on offer:Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design &Technology, Drama, Economics, English Language, English Literature,French, Geography, History, Information & Communication Technology,Mathematics (with Mechanics or Statistics), Further Mathematics, Music,Sports Studies, Physics, Psychology and Spanish.Students can, in addition, be entered for other language subjects if theyare native speakers (eg. German, Russian, Chinese)Resit GCSE classes are available in English Language and Mathematics.English as a Foreign Language is available as necessary for studentswhose first language is not English and all EFL students are normallyentered for the IELTS examinations.The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is available to students in thesixth form as an addition to AS/A2 Levels. This qualification, equivalent tohalf an A-Level, involves independent research and presentation on atopic of the student’s choosing.Students’ private study time in school or at home should amount to aminimum of six hours per week for each ‘A’ level subject in the LowerSixth and significantly more than this in the Upper Sixth.AS level examinations take place in May/June of the L6th; A2examinations take place in May/June of the U6th.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS7Personal, social, health& citizenship educationPersonal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education (PSHCE) is studied by allpupils in Years 7-11. In PSHCE lessons a variety of topics are coveredincluding bullying, decision-making, drugs awareness, citizenship andrelationships. Tutors are careful to ensure a class climate prevails in whichpupils can feel comfortable listening, discussing and asking. Students arealso delivered a careers programme for Years 7- 13. This includes ICTworkshops, work experience in Year 10 and an extensive Year 11programme focussing on Post- 16 options. In the Sixth Form studentsattend a Higher Education Fair and are given close guidance on Post- 18decisions.In addition to this, visiting speakers are used to introduce and reinforcekey messages.Annual talks presented are:Year 7 Safety.Changes at puberty.Year 8 Road Safety.Self Esteem.Year 9 Contraception and pregnancy.Charities.Year 10 Contraception and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.Alcohol awareness.Year 11Drugs awareness.Careers.Relaxation Techniques.The School Matron and visiting Healthcare Specialists are also available to allpupils who need assistance with personal and health related problems.Children in the public eye?The School, its parents and its pupils all love to celebrate theirsuccesses. This is done in any number of ways in-house, from thedaily use of Credits to our annual Prize Giving Day, and is part of ourphilosophy of giving praise when praise is due, of building pupils’ selfesteem and motivation, and of ensuring that individuals, teams and theSchool as a whole gain the recognition they deserve. We are especiallyproud that the media are showing an increasing interest in the achievementsof the School and its pupils. Mindful of the caution urged from a number ofquarters about the possible inappropriate use of individual photographscaptioned with personal details of minors, it is the School’s policy not tocombine in its own promotional material a pupil’s name with a close-up,individual picture of that pupil. Unless parental permission has been givenfor this to be done, either one or the other may be used, not both together.Towards the back of this Handbook is a form which parents are asked tocomplete and return to school if they wish to withhold such permission.For the media coverage, so prized by our highest achievers and no less highlyvalued by the School, the same applies. For reasons of practicality, weassume that both parents and pupils are happy for the latter to have thedistinction of representing the School in this way, and would ask that, if thisis not the case, parents advise us from the outset.Data ProtectionThis is a notoriously-complex area in which the School does its best to complysensitively and realistically with what it understands are the requirements. Ourdata protection policy provides for proper levels of confidentiality and access indata processing and in the appropriate use of subject data for the properfunction of the School, which would include, for example, the submission ofexamination results data to authorised bodies.For the brave or for the specialist, our data protection policy is available in itsentirety on request.E-safetyIn addition to the filtering and monitoring facilities which are part of theSchool’s IT network, we have been running since 2010 an e-safetyawareness programme for teaching staff, non-teaching staff, parents,guardians and pupils. The programme is essentially educational, layingprimary emphasis on the raising of awareness of digital capabilities andof the possible consequences, intentional or inadvertent, of their useand misuse. This includes:• how young people can remain in charge of their personal data andshut the door to cyber-bullying, paedophilic predation, and financialexploitation• how parents can help ensure their child remains safe in their useof the internet and mobile ‘phones as well as in their exposure tocomputer games and videos.The whole thrust of the programme is towards understanding andmanaging risks.New parents are warmly encouraged and strongly advised to attendthe after-school session laid on specifically for Rishworth parents. Thissession precedes the Year 7 Parents’ Meeting, as advertised in the SchoolCalendar. Because of the wide-ranging scope of the programme, to thissession are welcome not only new Year 7 parents but also new parents ofany child in the School, including Sixth Formers’, as well as any existingparents who either were unable to attend one of the e-safety awarenesssessions already held or who would like a refresher.School UniformAll pupils are expected to observe the School uniform or dress codes,which have gender-specific elements. Pupils who do not comply maybe sent home until they do. The parents of pupils who persistentlyallow their child to wear anything different from the uniform or dresscode for school should understand that this is likely to mean that theirchild will have to leave the School. The only possible exceptions mightbe where an individual assessment by the School of a particular, priorrequest made it possible for the School to authorise, on the grounds ofdisability or medical needs or of a mandatory obligation for strict faithobservance, a given pupil to wear a particular item that was not part ofthe uniform or dress code.Girls’ clothing listBlazer Regulation maroon with badge, Years 7 to 11.Skirt Regulation grey, no shorter than 4-5 cm above the knee.BlouseSchool TieRegulation plain white, shirt-type – long sleevedwith traditional collar.Regulation maroon, with crest.Sweater Regulation maroon, Years 7 to 10.Year 11 may wear mid-grey if preferred.Coat Winter coat/Anorak – single dark colour.Scarf and hat Regulation School scarf/hat or plain black/plain maroon.HosieryShoesBagLong black socks or tights. White ankle socks inSummer.Sensible low-healed black leather – heels not toexceed 5 cms. Narrow heels are not suitable.Parents are advised to consider the heavy weight of bookscarried by pupils when selecting a school bag.The School recommends, for ease of carrying andavoidance of back-pain, a two-strap ‘day-sack’ carriedsquare on the back. All bags should be of a dark colourwith no large brand names or motifs.

Rishworth School8Boys’ clothing listBlazer Regulation maroon with badge, Years 7 to 11.Shirts Regulation grey, Years 7 and 8.Regulation grey or white, Year 9.Regulation white, Years 10 and 11.Sweater Regulation mid-grey.Trousers Regulation dark grey or black.School Tie Regulation maroon, with crest.Coat Winter coat/Anorak – single dark colour.Scarf and hat Regulation School scarf/hat or plain black/plain maroon.Socks Dark grey or plain black.Shoes Sensible black leather. [No boots unless for use in snow/ice.]Bag Parents are advised to consider the heavy weight of bookscarried by pupils when selecting a school bag.The School recommends, for ease of carrying andavoidance of back-pain, a two-strap ‘day-sack’ carriedsquare on the back. All bags should be of a dark colourwith no large brand names or motifs.Looking After Your School UniformTo ensure the school uniform remains smart and fits well throughoutits life, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.A guide to washing and caring for all items of school uniform isavailable from the School Shop or Bursar’s Office on request.All items are available at the School Shop [see page 4 for opening times].Health & Safety – footwearThere have been instances (albeit rare ones) in the past where pupilssent to school wearing inappropriate footwear for a school day haveinjured themselves. It is highly unlikely that this would have happenedif the correct footwear had been worn.In the interests of Health & Safety, any pupil whose footwear, in theSchool’s opinion, represents an unacceptable risk will be sent home orwill need to be collected from school early.We do ask parents, when purchasing footwear for school for their child,to bear in mind both the uniform regulations themselves, and the moregeneral issues of practicality and safety.Please Note: The appearance of pupils is monitored by all staff whoare asked to enforce actively the guidelines on uniform.Parents are requested to support the School by observingthe guidelines above.Sixth-form dress & presentationExpectationsAll Sixth Formers are expected to look smart and be attired andotherwise presented in a manner which befits a professionalwork-place, and which does credit to the students themselves and tothe School. This applies both to when students are at school and whenthey are representing the School in any capacity.Dress CodeThe following guidelines should be understood and respected with allthis information in mind, including the Rationale, and their observancein spirit is at least as important as their observance to the letter.• Smart, tailored, plain-weave suit of a dark colour (trouser-suitor skirt suit for girls). Skirts to be of an appropriate style & length.• Appropriate plain shirt or (for girls) a plain and appropriate blouse.• Appropriate tie (or open-necked blouse for girls).• Clean, smart black shoes of a design and type which are notonly appropriate for a suit but which are also safe (e.g. not toohigh in the heel, not too slippery of sole).• Neat, clean hair of reasonable length and style (e.g. which is notreadily interpretable as “making a statement”).• Decorous (not gaudy) make-up and jewellery (girls only).Advisory Note: Before PurchaseFor the avoidance of unnecessary expense, disappointment and trouble,it should be noted that it is the responsibility of each student andparent/guardian to check with the School beforehand if they are in anydoubt as to what any of these expectations may or may not imply.This applies in particular to key-words such as ‘reasonable’, ‘neat’,‘appropriate’ and ‘smart’.RationaleWe value each individual, and encourage the personal development ofeach student. None the less, we believe that extremes in hair and dressdo not sit happily in an environment where all are encouraged torespect the right of others to an un-eclipsed life. Nor do we believe thatself-promotion or scruffiness express the respect that we seek to fosterfor the larger community of the School as a whole, whose cohesiondepends upon a certain degree of compliance from each and everymember. In short, we regard expressions of personal preference indress and hair as essentially matters for a student’s private life, not forthe professional place of work, which is the School.Any young adult who, on the basis of manner, attitude, conduct, dress,hair-style or any other aspect of outward personal expression, is notwilling temporarily to subordinate any idiosyncrasies he or she mayhave that conflict with the School’s norms or what the School regardsas modest and appropriate expectations of reasonable conduct andappearance can expect to be required to change (or failing that, toleave).Sports clothing & equipment listYears 7 – 10Boys – Compulsory ClothingSchool Rugby JerseySchool Rugby ShortsSchool Games SocksSchool Hooded SweatshirtSchool PE ShirtWhite Sport SocksNavy Blue Tracksuit BottomsBlack Swim Shorts / TrunksYears 7 – 10Girls – Compulsory ClothingSchool Hockey JerseySchool Hockey SkortSchool Games SocksSchool Hooded SweatshirtSchool PE ShirtNavy Blue Tracksuit BottomsBlack Swim CostumeWhite Sport Socks

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS9Years 7 – 6th Form Boys and Girls optional clothingSchool Waterproof JacketNavy Blue Waterproof TrousersWhite Base LayerPolar Fleece BeanyGirls’ Cycling ShortsYear 11 and 6th Form Boys and Girls compulsory clothingSchool Rugby Shorts / Hockey SkortSchool Games SocksSchool Hooded Sweatshirt (Navy Blue)School PE ShirtNavy Blue Tracksuit BottomsBlack Swimming Trunks/CostumeWhite Sport SocksCompulsory Games EquipmentGum shield for Boys’ Rugby / Girls’ HockeyShin pads for Boys’ Football / Girls’ HockeyFootball Boots for Boys’ Football & Rugby / Girls’ HockeyHockey Stick for GirlsTrainersRecommended for all pupilsJockstrap & Cricket Box [boys]Left hand protective hockey glove [girls]Scrum Cap, Upper-Body Padding [Rugby]Tennis RacketAll the above items (except Dentally fitted gumshilds) will be availablefrom the School Uniform Shop. Many of the items are also availablefrom other outlets but in the interests of equality and uniformity, nopupils will be permitted to wear branded clothing [such as Nike orAdidas etc].Please note: It is compulsory for a number of protective items ofequipment to be worn when participating in the sports listed below:Football: Shin padsHockey: Gumshield (dentally fitted, strongly recommended)and shin padsRugby: Gumshield (dentally fitted, strongly recommended)Missing propertyGuidance for PupilsPUPILS PLEASE NOTE• Pupils are responsible for the safety of their own property in School.• All property should be clearly labelled or marked with the pupil’s name.• Valuable items of property should not be brought in to School.REPORTING MISSING PROPERTYIf any of your property does go missing, you must take the following actionwithout delay:If neither 1 nor 2 above meet with any success (but not usually before), youshould take the following steps as soon as possible:3. You must inform your Tutor and request a ‘Missing Property Form’. If youare a boarder and an item of your property goes missing in your boardinghouse, you must inform the Housemaster/mistress on duty and obtain theForm from him or her.4. You must complete and return the ‘Missing Property Form’ to your Tutoror Boarding Housemaster/mistress, as appropriate.5. Your Tutor or Housemaster/mistress (boarders) will undertake aninvestgation of what has taken place and liaise with your parents, ifappropriate.Medical informationIt is the parents’ responsibility to declare before the child begins at theSchool any medical matters, and to advise the School immediately ifthere is a change to this state of play once the child is at the School.Administration of Prescribed Medication to Day PupilsPrescribed medicines will not normally be administered in School. Ifthere is a situation when a pupil has to recieve medication in Schoolthen ideally the parent or guardian should be available to administer it.However this may not be feasible and so a written request should besent to Matron to bring the medication into school for Matron and/orher staff to administer. If Matron and/or her staff consent to administersuch medication the following protocol must be observed:All prescribed medication should be accompanied by clear writtenguidance and written consent from parents / guardians or your familyGP. This written consent should state the pupil’s name, themedication, the dosage and the time when the medication is to beadministered. (All medication must be handed to Matron and will bekept in the School Surgery).Asthmatic PupilsPlease ensure that your son / daughter carries their inhalers with themat all times, especially on days when they are taking part in sportingactivities. Spare inhalers can be kept in the school surgery for yourchild to use in an emergency. If spare inhalers are brought into schoolthe above protocol should be followed, even if the pupil is to selfadminister this medication since it is vital that medical staff areinformed beforehand of any medical requirements pupils have.If there are any changes to the medication which your son / daughteris prescribed please let the School know immediately.Administration of Non- Prescribed Medication e.g. ParacetamolParacetamol is available in the school surgery to relieve symptomssuch as headaches, colds and period pains. If you consent for yourchild to be administered Paracetamol by Matron and her staff pleasecomplete and sign the appropriate section on your child’s MedicalInformation Sheet.1. You should make every effort as soon as possible to find the item of missingproperty by searching any area of the School in which it may have been left.2. Matron is in charge of Missing Property. Any property found by staff andpupils that may be missing property should always be handed in to Matron.You should enquire of Matron if the item of property in question has beenhanded in already.

Rishworth School10Music tuitionThere is a strong tradition of instrumental and vocal music atRishworth. Pupils are encouraged to learn a musical instrument andthe following arrangements have been made to enable this.Lessons are available for most orchestral instruments together withvoice, piano, organ, recorder, drum kit and guitar. Tuition is available toall, with or without previous experience.Choosing the right instrument for your child can be fun but it can be avery difficult decision and it would be unwise to make an uninformedchoice. Therefore, if you have any queries, please contact the Directorof Music, Mr C. Lewis. A book is recommended to help make such adecision: The Right Instrument for your Child by Atarah Ben-Tovim andDouglas Boyd [published by Gollancz]. This book is available in theSchool Library.As instruments are expensive and because a pupil may, having receivedsome tuition, decide not to continue, some companies operate a rentalscheme whereby it is possible to hire and eventually buy an instrument.The School also has some instruments that are available for hire.A pupil will usually have to be withdrawn from timetabled classes formusic tuition but these are arranged on a rota system to avoid missingthe same lesson every week. Priority for fixed times is given to Year 11and sixth-form students. Payment for lessons is in arrears at the endof each term. Costs are available on request.Music is charged for when appropriate.No refund is available if pupils fail to attend lessons, even through illness.A full term’s notice is required if you wish to discontinue music tuition.If you wish your child to have music tuition, please complete the slip inthe ‘returns’ section of this booklet as soon as possible, and no laterthan June 30th 2013. Lessons are charged for a term in advance.Pupil Responsibilities:1. Pupils must give at least 24 hours’ notice to subject teachers in orderto be released for their individual music lesson.2. Pupils must attend all music lessons.3. Pupils must catch up work they have missed whilst at amusic lesson.Please note:Pupils who fail to follow the procedure in points 1 and 2 above will stillbe charged for music lessons which they do not attend.A term’s notice must be given if a pupil wishes to withdraw frominstrumental/vocal lessons.The School LibraryAlthough books are naturally the basic core of the School Library, it isalso the centre for many other resources and all pupils are encouragedto use its facilities for both research and leisure. With a stock of over 8000titles, there are plenty of books for study purposes as well as an excellentchoice of fiction, from the classics to Harry Potter. The Reference sectionprovides dictionaries, atlases, encyclopaedias and subject-specificinformation books, and a separate Careers section stocks books anduniversity prospectuses. For overseas pupils studying English there is anarea devoted to specialised reading books, grammar books andworksheets. Five daily newspapers and a number of magazines arealso provided.The computerised cataloguing system allows pupils to search and utilisethe full range of Library resources speedily and effectively, while a bankof computers which students may use at any time gives access to thenetwork and the Internet. The Library is open during the whole of theschool day and, on entry into Rishworth, each pupil is given aninformation booklet containing further details of how the Library works,and a full-time librarian is always on hand to give help and advice.Year 7 have six half-hour introductory Library lessons to make themaware of the resources available and how to use them.Whatever their choice of reading, please encourage your child to makegood use of the Library and all its facilities. Developing a lively, enquiringmind will help all pupils to achieve their full potential.Religious observanceRishworth School was founded in the tradition of the Church of England.It is a school that takes faith seriously and in addition to this, the Chapel isused for non-compulsory ‘worship and reflection’ sessions attended byboth staff and pupils on a number of occasions each term.AssembliesIn various forms, assemblies, at which attendance is compulsory, areheld several times a week. The content is not necessarily religious atall, but, where it is, broadly Christian values are espoused and oftenmeaningfully linked with other religions. Every effort is made to ensurethere is something of relevance to everyone. At the very least, for thoseof a non- Christian faith or for those with no faith at all, an assemblywith religious content should be regarded as a cultural enrichment.The School ChapelThe School Chapel was the original school building, dating back to1724. It has now been used for worship for about 150 years and was formany years the local Church in Rishworth village.Services are held in the Chapel for given Year Groups. Attendance forchosen Year Groups’ Chapel services is considered as an integral partof the pupils’ broader curriculum and, unless principled religiousobjections are received in writing from the parents, is expected. ChapelServices are also held to celebrate special occasions. Parentsthemselves are also most welcome. The children participate in theServices in many ways throughout the year. Any other Services arevoluntary. Refreshments are available after Sunday Services at School.All collections are given to charities.The DioceseThe School is situated in the Diocese of Wakefield. There are stronglinks between the School and local churches whose clergy officiatefrom time to time at our Services. Our visiting Chaplain is a memberof the local clergy.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS11Important informationfor all pupils at the SchoolI sincerely hope that your time at Rishworth will be ahappy one and that the only pressures you are under arethe proper ones of work and study. However, from time totime, problems can arise and this section of informationtells you how to deal with them.If you are concerned about a serious situation, do not keepthe facts to yourself but discuss them with somebody.The following is a series of suggestions telling you howyou might approach any problems.If possible (and this is certainly true for most day pupils)you should share your concerns with your parents. If youwant a problem to be dealt with in school and it involvesthe behaviour of another pupil, you should not hesitate todiscuss this with your Tutor, Mr Robinson (Head of VIthForm), Ms Sheldrick (Head of Lower and Middle Schools),Mr Ogden (Director of Studies), Mrs Stamp (Director ofMarketing and Registrar), Mrs Shelton (Director ofAdministration), Mr Seery (the Deputy Headmaster), orme. Do not tolerate bullying or any other form ofunacceptable behaviour by others. You have a right to behappy at school, though you must recognise that you alsohave a role to play as a member of our community inhelping other people to be happy. You therefore have aduty to report any wrong-doing to a teacher.If you really do wish to make a complaint about thebehaviour of a member of staff, you should do so eitherto your Housemaster or Housemistress, or Mr Robinson,Ms Sheldrick, Mr Ogden, Mrs Stamp, Mrs Shelton,Mr Seery or me. If the problem involves one of the seniormembers of staff, you should come to tell me directly.You should even be aware of what to do if the complaintis about me and cannot be dealt with by your parents.In such cases you are free to speak to one of the localDoctors, whose telephone number can be obtained fromMatron and is listed by the telephone.The above complaints procedures should never be usedwrongly. Nearly all problems can be dealt with by talkingto your parents or your Tutors. I would equally add that ifa serious situation does arise, you should not hesitate touse the suggestions above to solve it.What about discipline?Orderliness prevails!Rishworth prides itself on being a friendly community in which, as theylearn, young people can ‘be themselves’ and develop their own talentsand interests whilst benefiting from, and contributing to, the orderlinesswhich makes these things possible.How is orderliness at Rishworth nurtured?The Educational ApproachWe are as understanding as we can be to individuals who slip up.But we owe it to the community as a whole, as well as to the injuredparty, to see that disregard for other people’s feelings or belongings isacted upon. We ensure whenever possible that sanctions are a lastresort. Our prime purpose, after all, is to educate, part of which involvespre-empting difficulties by opening pupils’ eyes to consequences of wordsand deeds and by helping pupils develop a sense of self-discipline, whichis the kind of discipline on which all discipline at this school is based.This we do, with specific regard to behavioural issues, directly throughPSHCE, Tutorials, Assemblies, (where appropriate) academic subjectsand (as necessary) individual guidance, and indirectly through day-to-dayliving in a community underpinned by the core values of courtesy, care,consideration, co-operation and common sense.When necessary, how does our community protect itself against thedamage done by disorderly conduct?SanctionsDepending upon the severity and/or frequency of a breach of discipline,we may invoke a graduated range of sanctions – from a stern word,through detentions, to suspension and expulsion. We are careful to matchthe sanction to the offence. Sometimes a sanction may not be required atall: further support or direction may be more appropriate, for instance.It would, however, be intolerable if the happiness, academic progress,personal growth or pleasant learning environment, which pupils,parents and teachers have a right to expect, should be compromised bythe actions of the selfish, thoughtless or recalcitrant.Rare though such occurrences may be, it is important for all tounderstand the consequences for any pupil who is found to have actedin a way that is profoundly or persistently detrimental to others’ qualityof life, their ability to work or progress, or their property (including theSchool’s environment). There is no place at Rishworth for any pupilwho, after proper investigation and consideration of both the principlesand specifics of the case, has been found to have breached disciplineseriously in this way. Any pupil who does so should expect to berequired to leave.What about my son or daughter?Some parents, reassured to hear a firm stand taken in suchcircumstances, may be convinced that this will apply only to otherpeople’s children and not their own. Let it be clear: in the interestsof all (and in fairness to all), this applies to everyone.Parents are referred to the “Promoting Good Behaviour, Disciplineand Sanctions Policy” included towards the back of this Handbook.A.S. GloagHEADMASTER

Rishworth School12What can I as a parent/guardian do to help?1. Discuss these matters now, and every so often, with your son ordaughter2. Take every opportunity to emphasise the importance of respect forother people and other people’s property3. Clarify the need for co-operation and tolerance in a communitywhose members are to live together harmoniously4. Dispel the myth (discredited decades ago) that ‘sneaking’ is ‘bad’5. Openly support the notion that wrongdoing thrives in a climate ofsecrecy and cannot be put right if nobody knows it is going on6. Stress that reporting wrongdoing is the duty of any right-mindedmember of a community7. Ensure that your son or daughter understands the likelihood andnature of the penalty the School will impose on any pupil found tohave seriously infringed these basic entitlements of others.Health & SafetyCare, consideration, co-operation and common sense apply especiallyto responsibility for Health and Safety of all.Examples of this expectation are:• Not running on steps, slopes, etc., or generally in the School.• Behaving sensibly in wet, icy or similarly adverse conditions(eg. not sliding/running).• Driving with due care and attention on site which includes:- driving within the speed limit;- not using hand-held telephones while operating the vehicle;- parking only in marked bays and not on double yellow lines or‘double parking’;- consideration of the presence of children of a variety of ages.• Not indulging in horseplay/pranks, etc.• Not fighting or otherwise causing a risk of, or actual, physical injuryto others.We understand that this may cause inconvenience, but we would begrateful for your understanding as our aim is to reduce the hazardsfaced by pupils as they exit classes via the car park.• Please could parents reverse into parking bays in the car park sothat they may exit forwards.• It is possible that space on the drive will be used up a few minutesprior to the barrier being raised. If the drive is full, a member of themaintenance team will be on hand to indicate this fact. In thesecircumstances please park on the road.• Cars will be allowed into the car park after 3.50pm. The pupils areoffered a drink and a biscuit between 3.40pm and 4pm and therefore,if you wished to pick up your children from the car park after thebarrier has been raised, this will not cause a problem.No smoking policyThe school campus is a no smoking zone and smoking is therefore notallowed on school property at any time. This policy applies to thegrounds as well as the buildings.DrugsAny pupil discovered in term time or holidays at school or elsewhereto be in possession of drugs, using drugs, passing drugs, under theinfluence of drugs or promoting the culture of drugs must expect to beasked to leave the School. The term drugs includes solvents andsimilar substances. If any pupil comes to request help and advice ondrugs from a member of staff, we shall do our best to offer asympathetic response. At the same time our prime duty is to protectother pupils as well as to protect the reputation of the School. TheHeadmaster reserves the right to require any pupil suspected of drugabuse to be tested by the School Medical Officer. Refusal to be tested inthis way will be likely to be interpreted as a sign that the pupil knows thathe or she will fail the test because drugs have been taken. Under suchcircumstances, the pupil must expect to be asked to leave the School.Random tests will not be administered, unless part of a specific contractarising from an individual’s previous abuse or suspected abuse of drugs.Collection of pupils by carIn 2010 the School introduced a new system for the collection of pupilsat the end of the School day. The main elements of this procedure, andabout which those collecting pupils by car should be aware, are:• A barrier at the entrance to the school car park will prevent accessto the car park from 3.35pm until 3.50pm.• Parents collecting children may wait in the queue which will form upthe School drive or park safely on the roadside (please park on theRishworth School side of the road to avoid pupils crossing theOldham Road)• Pupils will make their way to meet parents on the drive or outsideschool on the road.• Parents arriving before 3.35pm will be allowed to park in the car parkif a marked space is free. No vehicles will be allowed to waitanywhere other than a marked parking bay and the maintenanceteam have been briefed to ask politely for parents to leave the carpark if no places are available. Unfortunately this will mean parkingon the roadside outside school or joining the queue on the drive.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS13School rules: To pupilsRishworth is your school; respect it and take an active interest in allyour work and in the School generally. Your happiness and success,and its reputation, depend on your efforts as well as those of others.Do all you can to make the School even happier and moresuccessful. Do NOTHING to lower its reputation.There is only one rule: Behave with courtesy, care, consideration,co-operation and common sense.The points below follow from this rule.1. All possessions must be clearly marked with the owner’s name.2. School uniform must be worn throughout the day, including the journey toand from school. Outdoor clothing should not to be worn inside.3. Pupils should not enter the House area of another year group withoutpermission from a member of staff.4. Jewellery and make-up are not allowed, except for sixth-form girls.5. Hair styles should be neat, tidy and suitable for school. Eccentric or ‘cult’styles are not allowed. Long hair should be tied up for practical lessons andwhenever Health and Safety requirements demand this.6. Knives and other offensive weapons, alcohol, chewing gum* (see footnote),tobacco and other drugs are strictly forbidden.7. Permission to drive to and from school must be sought in writing byparents and may be granted by the Head of Sixth Form on the clearunderstanding that the car is not used during school hours unless use isspecifically authorised, and that no pupil is a passenger without the writtenconsent of the parents both of the student driver and of the passenger.8. Morning registration is at 8.40 am and is followed by Assembly on Monday,Tuesday and Friday. Any late-comer must sign in at the back of theAssembly Hall. If (s)he arrives after 8.40 am on Wednesday or Thursday, orafter 9.00 am on any day, signing in is at Reception.9. Buying, selling, betting and gambling of any sort are not allowed.10. Pupils can only enter a laboratory, workshop, the Sports Hall, theSwimming Pool, the Assembly Hall or the Performing Arts Centre whena member of staff is present.11. Pupils playing ball games in the courtyards must use the equipmentsupplied by the School. No ball games may be played in the Old Quad, ornear vehicles. The entrance/exit at the Wheelwright end of the Old Quadis not for day pupils’ use.12. Expensive items and large sums of money should not be brought intoschool. If mobile telephones are brought into school, they must be switchedoff throughout all lessons, activities and lunch.13. Pupils can only visit a patient in San with the permission of Matron.14. Pupils should report immediately to a member of staff any hazard, danger,potential danger or near miss.15. Pupils should alert a member of staff to the presence on the school siteof any stranger(s).16. Pupils should never tamper with fire extinguishers or prop open fire doors.17. Boarders must take all meals and Day pupils must take lunch. There areno exceptions unless on medical grounds when Matron may authoriseother arrangements. No food or drink should be removed from the DiningRoom.18. For safety reasons pupils going to Heathfield must cross the road at thepoint level with the former Baptist Chapel; Year 7 and 8 pupils must not goto or from Heathfield except under the supervision of a member of staff.Code of conduct for pupilsusing school busesAt the end of each school day, all pupils who travel by school bus mustreport to the dining room and remain there until the arrival of their bushas been announced.Pupils will leave the dining room in an orderly manner via thePerforming Arts Centre door.A member of the duty staff will issue all pupils with a token before theyleave the dining room, which will be collected by another member ofstaff at the bottom of the exit drive and before pupils board the bus.Pupils are not permitted to visit the ice cream van before boardingthe bus.Pupils must board the bus in single file.Heathfield pupils are to occupy the first three to four rows of seats, withRishworth pupils in the seats behind.Window seats are to be occupied and not left vacant.Safety belts are to be fastened as soon as the pupils are seated, andmust remain so throughout the journey.No food or drink should be consumed by pupils when travelling on theschool bus.No litter is to be left on the bus at the end of the journey.All pupils must act with common sense, good manners andconsideration for others.Pupils who ignore this code of conduct can expect to be prevented fromusing the bus service.Parents should understand that buses to and from school are publicbuses and that, whist the School expects pupils to behave decently –and may take disciplinary action if this is not the case – the School hasno direct control or supervision on buses.Route 77Halifax/Huddersfield19. Unless specific permission is granted to do otherwise, pupils should staywithin the bounds of the School at all times.20. No pupil should act in a way that endangers others or which causes, orrisks causing, damage or loss.*Chewing-gumCurrently, again, in fashion, chewing-gum is banned from the school premises,not only because of the damage it can do to the fabric of the School and toclothing (which is considerable) but also because of the unsightliness,umpleasantness and inappropriateness of protactedly chewing in what is aplace of learning. A very strong stance is adopted on this: any day-pupil foundchewing gum on school premises can expect to be sent home, at the parents’expense if need be. We take an equally firm hand with any offending boarder,as appropriate to their different circumstances.

14Rishworth SchoolBus routesCOURTESY COACHES LTD inc YELLOWAY MOTOR SERVICES LTDOperated by Courtesy Coaches Ltd, PO Box 632, Oldham, OL1 9HNTelephone: (0161) 287 2233 Email: info@yelloway.co.ukBus Pass system - Application Forms giving full details available from school, within this handbook or from www.yelloway.co.ukPlease note: All pupils travelling on the school bus are subject to Courtesy Coaches Code of Conduct.For copies of this please see www.yelloway.co.ukROUTE 44ROCHDALE / BURY ROADROUTE 77HUDDERSFIELD/HALIFAXAM PM FAREBury Rd Shops 0735 am 1645 pmWinston Churchill 0736 am 1640 pmEdenfield Road 0738 am 1635 pmHalifax Road, Albert Royds 0750 am 1625 pmLittleborough 0800 am 1615 pmWhite House, Blackstone Edge 0805 amRipponden Bus Terminus0815 amHeathfield School0825 amRishworth School 0830 am 1600 pmBus Fare - Cash £2.00 each journeyBus Pass system in operation on this routeAM PM FARESt Georges Square, Huddersfield 0725 am 1655 pmCavalry Arms 0733 am 1645 pmAinley Top 0739 am 1640 pmHalifax General Hospital 0755 am 1635 pmPeoples Park 0800 am 1625 pmCrow Wood Park 0805 am 1620 pm £2.00Sowerby Bridge 0810 am 1615 pm £1.50Ripponden 0815 am 1605 pm £1.50Heathfield School 0820 am 1555 PMRishworth School 0825 am 1600 pmCost of shorter journeys as shown.Bus Fare - Cash £2.00 each journey.Bus Pass system in operation on this routeROUTE 11LITTLEBOROUGH/WALSDEN/TODMORDEN/HEBDEN BRIDGEMYTHOLMROYD/LUDDENDENFOOTAM PM FARERochdale0720 amLittleborough 0730 am 1700 pmWalsden 0735 am 1655 pmTodmorden 0740 am 1652 hrsCross Stone Road, Todmorden 0742 am 1650 pmWhiteley Arches 0750 am 1645 pmHebden Bridge 0755 am 1640 pmDusty Miller, Mytholmroyd 0800 am 1630 pmCoach and Horses, Luddendenfoot 0805 am 1625 pmTuel Lane 0807 am 1620 pm £1.50Heathfield School 0825 am 1555 pmRishworth School 0830 am 1600 hrsCost of shorter journeys as shown.Bus Fare - Cash £2.00 each journey.Bus Pass system in operation on this routeROUTE 66GROTTON / UPPERMILL / DELPH (OLDHAM)AM PMCourtesy Garage 0720 am 1713 pmAsda, Chadderton 0718 am 1710 pmOldham College 0720 am 1702 pmYorkshire Street, Mumps 0725 am 1657 pmNew Earth Street 0730 am 1655 pmGrotton Hotel 0735 am 1650 pmLovers Lane, Lydgate 0739 am 1647 pmGreenfield Station 0742 am 1645 pmUppermill Square 0745 am 1640 pmWoolpack 0748 am 1630 pmDelph Cross Roads 0750 am 1625 pmJunction Inn, Denshaw 0810 am 1620 pmM62 0813 am 1610 pmCunning Corner 0816 am 1605 pmRishworth School 0820 am 1600 pmHeathfield School0825 amBus fare – Cash £2.00 per journeyBus pass system in operation on this route

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS15Problems?Pupils: what to do if you feel unwell, unhappy or havea problem at school.It is tempting if you have a problem, if you are feeling unwell, if youare upset or if you otherwise need to speak to someone whilst atschool, to phone home on your mobile ‘phone.Please do not do this without first seeing an appropriate memberof staff.Phoning home without first seeing a member of staff simplycomplicates matters, since parents, understandably worried, thencontact the School which cannot help because it knows nothing ofthe problem.It is much better, and less worrying for your parents, for the Schoolto contact them as necessary if there is a problem that concerns you.• Whilst at school, all members of the School are the School’sresponsibility. That is the understanding on which your parents sendyou here: they trust us to look after you.• If you are feeling unwell in the course of a school day above all do notphone home and ask to be collected from school. Not only can thisresult in your not receiving any immediate medical attention you mayneed; this can also lead to parents removing their child from schoolwithout the School’s knowledge.• This does not mean that you cannot go home if you are unwell; youjust have to be seen by Matron first, and to have the School’spermission, which of course will be given, to be collected.• Sign out at the School Office when you leave.Parents: what to do if your son or daughter rings you in the course ofa school day, saying they feel unwell, are upset or have a problem.Whatever the problem is, ask your child if (s)he has already spokenabout it to a member of staff.If the answer is ‘no’, tell him/her to do so. If the problem really doesneed your immediate attention, the School will not hesitate to get intouch.If the answer is ‘yes’, reassure your child that we shall be dealingwith the difficulty; if it is necessary to do so, we shall be in touch.Concerns & complaintsA distinction should be drawn between, on the one hand, anexpression of concern or an informal complaint and, on the other, aformal complaint. Of the very few complaints the School is asked toaddress in the course of a year, virtually all, if not all, are resolved atan informal level. Where at all possible, therefore, parents shouldseek to resolve matters at an informal level. This is usually bestdone by discussion and agreement.Expressions of Concern or Informal ComplaintsIf a parent has a concern about some aspect of their child’s life at school,they should contact the Tutor (or, if the matter is a particularly sensitiveone, the Head of School Section), who will try to assist or will refer thematter to another member of staff, as necessary. If the concern is aboutthe School, or some aspect of the School more generally, or about aparticular member of staff, or is an exceptionally sensitive matter, then theparent should contact a senior member of staff (generally the DeputyHeadmaster or the Headmaster or, for certain matters which are notrelated directly to teachers or pupils, the Bursar).Where this course is not deemed sufficient, or where it has been tried butthe outcome is considered unsatisfactory, the parent may refer the matter,still at an informal level, to a more senior member of staff. Where allreasonable attempts to resolve a complaint at an informal level have failed,or, in exceptional circumstances, where an apparently extreme situationwould appear to justify a formal complaint immediately, the followingprocedure should be used.Formal ComplaintsA parent wishing to make a formal complaint should (a) have alreadyfollowed the procedure detailed above regarding informal approaches and(b) submit the complaint, and the grounds for it, to the Headmaster, inwriting, stating clearly that and why they wish the matter to be dealt with byformal procedure. As warranted by the nature of the complaint, the matterwould be thoroughly investigated, and possible implications and solutionsconsidered. Investigations would be overseen by an appropriate, seniormember of staff/the Headmaster. All parties would be expected toco-operate with investigations and could expect to be required to givepromptly the necessary amount of time (which may be substantial) toassist with these investigations. Once investigations were complete, ameeting between relevant parties and conducted by a senior member ofstaff/the Headmaster would (unless genuinely too impractical) be heldwithin 13 week-day school days of the receipt of the complaint. Each partymay be accompanied by one other person at this meeting.This accompanying person would be a relative, teacher or friend, but notnormally a legal representative. Notwithstanding the possibility of yetfurther investigations being required, the ultimate purpose of such ameeting would be to try to obtain a resolution at that stage. Once thesenior member of staff/the Headmaster was satisfied that, so far as ispracticable, all of the relevant facts had been established, a decision wouldbe made, of which the complainant, and, where appropriate, the personcomplained about, would be advised, with reasons and anyrecommendations, in writing All of the above (under ‘Formal Complaints’)must be accomplished within a time-scale that ensures that the periodfrom the date of receipt of the original complaint to the communication toall parties of a final decision (allowing, therefore, not only for the complaintprocedure to be completed within this time-scale but also for an appeal tobe lodged, for the matter to be re-investigated as necessary, for the appealpanel to be convened, for the appeal to be heard, for all necessarycommunications throughout that relate to the process of appeal to beundertaken between relevant parties, for the appeal panel’s final decision tobe reached and for that decision to be communicated in writing to therelevant parties) does not exceed 28 week-day term-time working days.A parent wishing to make a formal complaint about the Headmastershould follow the above procedure, but submit the written complaint to theClerk to the Governors (the Bursar) in an envelope marked ‘Chairman ofGovernors’, who would be responsible for ensuring that the formalcomplaint was dealt with in accordance with the procedure above, but by aperson or people appropriate to the Headmaster’s case.A parent who was dissatisfied with the outcome of a formal complaintshould first consider an informal approach. This would be made in the firstinstance to the Headmaster (unless it was he who dealt with the complaint,in which case the informal approach would be to the Chairman ofGovernors (via the Clerk to the Governors)).

16Rishworth SchoolA parent not wishing to proceed informally (or if, having made an informalapproach, was still dissatisfied with the outcome), may make a formalappeal. This should be submitted in writing, with a clear statement as tothe grounds on which the appeal is being requested, to the Clerk to theGovernors in an envelope marked ‘Chairman of Governors’. An appealpanel would be convened of at least three individuals not directly involved inthe matters that were subject to complaint, one of these individuals beingindependent of the management and running of the School. Each of thepanel members would be appointed by a designated Governor. TheChairman of the panel would then acknowledge the complaint andschedule a hearing to take place as soon as is practicable and (unlessgenuinely too impractical) within 13 week-day school days of the receipt ofthe complaint. Each party would be entitled to be accompanied by oneother person at this hearing. This accompanying person might be arelative, teacher or friend, but not normally a legal representative. Thepanel would set a date (normally at least 5 week-day term-time workingschool days prior to the hearing) by which each party declared if it wishedto be accompanied and, if so, by whom. The panel might also require thatfurther particulars of the complaint or any related matter be supplied inadvance of the hearing. Copies of such particulars should be supplied toall parties by a date set by the panel but normally at least 9 week-dayterm-time working school days prior to the hearing. Parents would beexpected to attend any formal appeal hearing themselves. If possible, thepanel would resolve the complaint immediately without the need for furtherinvestigation. Where further investigation were required, the panel woulddecide how this should be carried out. After due consideration of all thefacts deemed relevant by the panel, and as soon as is practicable but withina time-scale that ensured that the period from the date of receipt of theoriginal complaint to the communication to all parties of the appeal panel’sfinal decision did not exceed 28 week-day term-time working days thepanel’s decision, with reasons, together with any recommendations, wouldbe made available in writing to the relevant parties, including (whereappropriate) the person complained of as well as the complainant andwould be made available for inspection, on the school premises, by theHeadmaster and Chairman of Governors. The panel’s decision would befinal.Notes:Flexibility: Whilst neither parents nor the School are obliged to follow theprocedure in every instance and whilst there may be occasions whenparents or the School consider it appropriate to change or omit parts of theprocedure, any flexibility in respect of this procedure on the part of theSchool does not include deviation from statutory regulation, specificallyfrom the ISI Regulations found at ISI Regulatory Requirements, Part 7,Paragraph 25, including the notes that follow this Paragraph. The Schoolmay amend this procedure from time to time. During the academic years2008-9, 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2012-13, the formal complaints procedurewas not invoked, nor has it been so far in the several years of its existence,during which any concerns/complaints have been dealt with, and anyresolution reached, informally.Proper consideration and confidentiality: Any concern or complaint(whether formal or informal) will be treated seriously and confidentially.A written record will be kept, with dates and with notes of the level at whichresolution was reached, of any complaint and of any meetings, interviews,statements or correspondence arising in relation to a complaint. These willbe kept confidential except in so far as is required of the School byRegulation/Law and will remain available for inspection in school by theHeadmaster and Chairman of Governors.Boarders and their parents can, for any complaints concerning child welfarein boarding, contact ISI by calling or e-mailing, or can contact the LocalAuthority Designated Officer by calling 01422 393296 or in case of problemsor distress can call the Children’s Rights Director on 0800 528 0731.This Concerns and Complaints document is readily accessible to all pupils(including boarders) and their parents, being published on the School’swebsite under ‘Policies and Documentation’ and in the Parents’ and Pupils’Handbook (which is issued to all parents/pupils on registration with theSchool and which is also published on the School’s website under ‘Policiesand Documentation’ ).Time-scales: in order to ensure due and proper process throughout and tofacilitate expeditious progress in consideration of the complaint, both parentsand the School should co-operate with the panel chair in such a way as toensure that the strict time-scale set overall for the completion of thetreatment of the complaint (that is of 28 week-day term-time working days,which is a statutory requirement) can be met. (For the avoidance of doubt,this statutory period, which is the period from the date of receipt of theoriginal complaint to the communication to all parties of the appeal panel’sfinal decision [if there is an appeal, which the panel chair hearing thecomplaint will not at that stage know but must allow for], must not exceed 28week-day term-time working days).In particular this means that the person overseeing the process of thetreatment of the complaint (the panel chair), whether at the complaint or atthe appeal stage, must ensure that the smaller time-scales set, asappropriate, for the completion of the various stages and phases of theprocedure, are not only sufficiently long to allow the parties to act as theyneed but also sufficiently short to allow the whole process (including anyappeal if there is one) to be concluded from start to finish within the overallstatutory time limit. It follows that to this end both parties must meet anyreasonable deadline set by the person conducting the process (the panelchair) for both a complaint and (if there is one) an appeal.Non-prejudice and vexatious or time-wasting complaints: No person willbe penalised for raising a concern or making a complaint when this is donein good faith, and the School will follow a fair and effective procedure in theevent of a complaint being made. However, vexatious or time-wastingcomplaints are serious matters and may result in serious action beingtaken by the School in respect of vexatious and time-wasting complainants.Such serious action may include legal action and/or ending the School’scontract with the vexatious or time-wasting parent (resulting in the childhaving to leave the School).

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS17ActivitiesActivities available for most pupils, both at lunchtime and after schoolare many and varied, most costing little or nothing at all, and includethe following. Some activities are restricted to younger pupils:AthleticsBasketballBusiness Studies ClubChess/Games and PuzzlesCricketChinese ClubCross CountryDanceDebating/Public SpeakingDramaDuke of Edinburgh’s AwardFootballHockeyICT ClubLanguages SupportModel ClubMusic:Concert BandChoirDance OrchestraString EnsembleBrass EnsemblePercussion EnsembleAcoustic and Electric GuitarNetballPaired ReadingProject Green Gardening ClubRoundersRugbySailing ClubSixth Form CouncilSki ClubSquashSwimmingTennisTheatre WorkshopVoluntary Action GroupWriting TeamIn addition a wide variety of Inter-team Activities take placethroughout the year.Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardThe Award scheme is well established at Rishworth, where it is open toall pupils over the age or 14 (Year 10 and above). The majority of pupilsbegin working towards the Bronze Award in Year 10, Silver in Year 11 andGold in Years 12 and 13. Each level of the Award has four main sections –Volunteering, Skills, Physical and Expedition.The Volunteering section is about making a difference in other people’slives. It can include undertaking a course leading to a recognisedqualification (such as First Aid), helping out with a project in your localcommunity or volunteering at an old people’s home, youth club ornursery.The Skills section offers participants the chance to choose one of over300 different activities, with the opportunity to gain recognition for timeand effort that they have put into a hobby, or to experience and learnsomething new and completely different.The Physical section of the Award is all about getting active and regularlytaking part in your chosen activity. This can be achieved through being anactive member of a sports team or club, or through involvement inregular physical activities in your own time.The Expedition section requires specialised training which is provided bystaff at the school. At Bronze level, following successful completion of thetraining programme, a weekend spent under canvas at a local campsiteis used to prepare participants for their assessed expedition whichconsists of two days of walking and one overnight camp. At Silver levelthe expedition comprises two nights camping and a three day journey onmore challenging terrain than at Bronze level. At Gold level groups travelfurther afield for expeditions, spend four nights camping out and undergoa more intensive training programme.For the Gold awards, participants are also required to complete a five dayresidential project. This section of the Award is designed to be anindependent venture where the participant may choose to build on anexisting talent, learn something new on an intensive training course, ortake part in a project to help others in the wider community.Each level of the Award provides opportunities for independent learningwhilst providing a supportive structure to aid participants in designing aprogramme of activities and experiences best suited to them. The Awardinvolves a regular long term commitment to attend training and tocomplete each section of the Award and, as such, is highly regarded byemployers and universities alike.For more information about the D of E programme and ideas of activitiesavailable in each section, see www.dofe.org.Facilities for parentsRishworth Sports ClubThe Sports Club offers swimming, gym, squash and badminton facilitiesand exercise classes on a very reasonable annual subscription basis. TheClub is based on the ground floor of Heathfield Mill. For details of currentopening times and prices visit the School’s website.The Club’s telephone number is 01422 820987.School FeesThe Governors reserve the right to vary the level of fees at any time, andwithout notice. However, the fees are normally reviewed once eachyear, and the changes, effective from 1st April, are announced as earlyas possible. Fees are payable termly in advance and must be receivedon or before the first day of term. Overdue fees are subject to 2%surcharge for each month or part of a month that they are outstanding.Fees may be paid by cheque, credit/debit card or through the Bank Girosystem. (A credit slip is attached to the fees account for this purpose).Tuition and boarding fees, lunches and deposits are charged at thebeginning of each term in advance. Other items, such as music tuitionand outings, are charged to fees accounts at the end of the term inwhich they occur. However, please note that we may be required tore-charge fees for public examinations, such as GCSE and A levels, inadvance. Charges for public examinations are not covered by the termlyschool fees.

Rishworth School18The School fees are calculated on an annual basis and are, to make iteasier for parents to budget, charged equally over three termsirrespective of the length of those terms. Parents sometimes, and quitereasonably, ask why “study leave”, “snow closure” or any similarabsences do not result in a school fee credit. The reason credits arenot available lies in the fact that the School is a “not for profit”organisation which seeks to cover costs with sufficient surplus to investin facilities for the benefit of pupils. This means that school feesreduced in one area must be increased elsewhere.For example, to be able to give a credit for study leave, school feeswould have to be increased earlier in a pupil’s career so that the sameamount of income is raised after the credit has been passed on.Similarly, when the School closes due to snow, the fixed costs of theSchool still need to be covered so that the School would have to takeout an insurance policy against this likelihood and the costs of thepolicy would have to be passed on to parents. In either case the systemwould lead to parents paying the same amount overall and probably atan earlier point.There are also certain practical reasons why costs should continuethroughout study leave. The School maintains the responsibility ofsupporting each pupil through the exam period via the tutors andadministration staff as well as providing the exam base with invigilationetc. In sum, no system is perfect but we believe that a termly feecharging structure is better for pupils and parents and reflects thecomplete education service offered by the School much more than onewhich is measured in daily or weekly usage of facilities.A full term’s notice in writing is required in respect of the withdrawalof a pupil or fees will be charged. A term’s notice, in writing, is alsorequired when changing a pupil from boarding to day status or whencancelling any extras, such as music lessons. For the avoidance ofdoubt, the last day on which notice can be given of withdrawal of a pupilat the end of a term is the first day of that term. Where the pupil’s future atthe School depends upon examination results, the notice period will, ofcourse, be reduced, provided you keep the School informed of your plans.Definition of ‘giving notice’‘Notice’ means written notice (by letter or e-mail) that has beenreceived by the Headmaster by the notice period, which is one full term.All letters providing notice will be acknowledged immediately. If aparent has not received a letter acknowledging receipt of the letter ofwithdrawal, he/she must telephone, and speak personally to, theHeadmaster’s PA, Bursar’s PA or Assistant Bursar within 3 workingdays of the start of the pupil’s final term at the School to query the lackof response. We regret that unless the procedure above is adhered tothe School cannot accept that sufficient notice has been provided and aterm’s fees in lieu will be applied.AllowancesWhilst a family has more than one child in the School, discounts areavailable as follows:Second child in school 5%Third child in school 20%Fourth and subsequent children 50%These discounts will apply while all the children are in school.There are reductions of 10% for the children of Church of EnglandClergy and of serving members of the Armed Forces. Please note thatdiscounts do not apply to children in the Nursery.Monthly payment and payment in advanceThose parents wishing to spread the fees over the term can do so byprior arrangement with the Bursar who can provide information ontermly payment plans. The School will not normally accept fees morethan one year in advance. If you wish to pay more than one term’s feesin advance then a discount is available. The Bursar will be pleased toprovide details in each case.InsuranceAny property brought to school by pupils is their own responsibility andparents should ensure that is covered by their domestic insurance.The School cannot accept liability for any items lost or damaged.No reduction of fees can be made by the School for absence throughillness and parents may wish to obtain school fees protectioninsurance. A special subscription rate for BUPA is also available.Particulars may be obtained from the fees office.The School carries public liability insurance to cover against claimswhich may result from injuries caused as a result of negligence on thepart of the School.Additionally, the School maintains a pupil’s Personal AccidentInsurance policy to cover for serious injuries suffered on Schoolactivities in the UK; the cover remains in force throughout the pupil’stime at Rishworth. The policy is in addition to any Public Liability.ConclusionFinally, we understand that financial misfortunes can happen to anyoneand the school fees still have to be paid. If you are having difficultymeeting the fees, it is important to contact the Bursar as soon aspossible. You may be assured that you will be given a sympathetic ear.School PoliciesAdmissions and RetentionPolicy and ProcedureAdmissions and Retention PolicyWhere places are available, the School may, at the Headmaster’sdiscretion, admit into the School pupils of any age (between 3 and 18) whobest satisfy the three criteria below. At the point of entry and throughouttheir time at the School thereafter, pupils should:• Demonstrate the willingness and ability/potential to benefit widely from,and contribute richly to, what the School has to offer• Have not only the financial, but also the moral, support ofparents/guardians to meet both Rishworth’s fee-paying requirements(as agreed between the Headmaster and the parents/guardians in eachcase*) and our educational expectations of a communicative andproductive home-school partnership• Have individual aptitudes which will serve to sustain a diverse andharmonious school community and which will otherwise help theSchool to achieve its aims.*Every effort is made, within the financial constraints of the School, to assist withfees and to minimise financial factors as a potential obstacle to admission: weprovide an advisory service, offer flexibility in methods of payment, and, wherepossible, award scholarships on merit and grant means-tested bursaries.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS19Admissions Procedure (available also in the School Prospectus)A Pupil can be considered for entry to Rishworth at any age from 3 upwards.Children who have reached the age of 3 by the September of the year ofentry may be accepted into Heathfield’s Nursery. Entry into other yeargroups, when places are available, is subject to satisfactory assessment.All pupils entering Heathfield as juniors sit a written test.The main points of entry into the Senior School are at 11, 13 or 16 years,but pupils are accepted at any age, provided there are places and the entryrequirements are met. A pupil then has the opportunity of a continuouseducation through to "A" levels at 18 years. Admission is subject tointerview and/or a satisfactory report from the child's previous school, anda written test may also be required. There is an Entrance Assessment forpupils at 11 years old. This is held in November, December or the earlySpring of each academic year. In the case of pupils seeking entry at othertimes, applications are dealt with individually and on merit. Specialconsideration is given to pupils with a brother or sister already at theSchool. Transfer from Heathfield to the Senior School is expected, but issubject to a satisfactory report from the Head of Heathfield. Students fromother schools are accepted each year into the Sixth Form. Admission isdependent upon a good report from the previous school, an interview, andsatisfactory G.C.S.E. results.Scholarships and BursariesEntrance scholarships may be available for candidates who demonstrateexcellence in academic work, sport, music, drama or any other recognisedfield. Means-tested Bursaries may also be available to help with fees.Details of these awards are available from the Admissions Officer or Bursar.Particular Learning NeedsRishworth is a main-stream school which is geared to offering extrasupport for Particular Learning Difficulties of a limited range and a mildnature. Each case is considered on its own merits, and we do our best toprovide what each child needs. If, after proper consideration andconsultation, it became clear we could not provide what a given child atthe School needed, we would help the parents to find a learningenvironment which could. In practice, this happens only rarely. A childcannot be admitted into the School if it is clear after proper considerationthat, even if specific reasonable adjustments were made in addition to anyextra provision arising from the ongoing implementation of existingaccessibility plans, that child could not be provided for.Anti-Bullying PolicyPreambleThis policy forms part of a series of policies whose purpose is to promoteand protect pupils’ welfare throughout their education at Rishworth. Thesepolicies, which should be read in conjunction with this policy, are thoserelating to (a) Child Protection and Safeguarding, (b) Health and Safety, (c)Health and Safety of Pupils on School Visits and (d) Promoting GoodBehaviour, Discipline and Sanctions. The keynote of all these policies isthat pupils will learn best in a safe and calm environment that is free fromdisruption and in which education is the primary focus.PrinciplesRishworth School will not accept bullying in any of its forms. This policyexists to help prevent and combat bullying, promote welfare and allow allmembers of the school community to live as one together. Prevention ofbullying comes first, followed by swift intervention to deal with anyincidents that do occur.What is meant by bullying?• Bullying may be understood as the persistent or systematic use ofsuperior strength or influence to intimidate another person (or persons)such that the repeated treatment received by that person (or persons)from the other (or others) causes, or is likely or intended to cause, hurtor harm. Such hurt or harm includes the physical, sexual, psychologicaland social (for example besmirching a person’s reputation).• It follows that bullying can take many forms besides the physical,including verbal, gestural, taking property belonging to another, and‘cyber’ (the misuse of technology, e.g. texts, mobile phones, emails andthe internet, including social networking sites, films and photographs),and can involve extortion, humiliation, spreading rumours and exclusion.• The intimidating treatment of a person on the basis of that person’sattachment to (or supposed attachment to) a particular group orsub-group is unacceptable. Such groups and sub-groups can be based,for instance, on sexual orientation, race, age, gender, colour, culture,religion, other beliefs, particular learning needs [or ‘Special EducationalNeeds’], disability, physical appearance).• The list of such sub-groups is virtually limitless, however; it is theprinciple of ostracism by identification with sub-groupings (perhaps bestunderstood through the concept enshrined in the Japanese languageand culture of ‘in-groups’ and ‘out-groups’) that is unacceptable.• Whatever form bullying takes, it is the effect on its victim, which can bedevastating, leading to psychological harm and even suicide, that is themain concern. Even words, gestures or actions not intended to causehurt sometimes can. On this point the School recognises, and tries toeducate pupils about, the fine line that sometimes exists between whatone party may regard as ‘harmless teasing’, a ‘joke’ or a ‘prank’ andwhat another may feel is genuinely hurtful and perceive as bullying,such as initiation ceremonies that might cause pain, anxiety orhumiliation.• There is no ‘hierarchy’ of bullying - all forms of bullying should betreated seriously and dealt with appropriately. Although bullying is not aspecific criminal offence, there are laws that make it a criminal offenceto assault, harass or threaten others.Policy Aims• To create an environment that prevents bullying being a serious problemin the first place.• To prevent and/or deal with any behaviour that might constitute bullying.• To promote an awareness of the need to ensure everyone is entitled tolive in the school community free from intimidation.• To respond to any incident of bullying in a reasonable, proportionate andconsistent manner.• To safeguard and provide appropriate support to any pupil who has beenthe victim of bullying.• To apply measures (including disciplinary sanctions, in accordance withthe School’s Discipline Policy), to any pupil who is found to beresponsible for bullying, in addition to providing them with appropriatehelp and guidance and to learn how they can take steps to repair theharm they have caused. As the School’s Disciplinary Policy makes clear,it is unwise to equate an offence, in abstraction, with a given sanction, aseach case must be considered on its own terms. None the less, itshould be noted that strong sanctions, including exclusion, may beappropriate in cases of severe and persistent bullying.

Rishworth School20Strategies• To create an ethos of good behaviour where pupils treat one anotherand staff with respect because they know this is the right way to behave.• To promote a climate of openness (a) in which it is widely perceived as‘right’ to report any instance of anyone being treated improperly byanyone else, (b) in which bullying specifically is understood to beunacceptable, and (c) which works on the twin principles that bullyingthrives on secrecy and prevention is better than cure.• To ensure that a clear and effective reporting system exists for dealingwith bullying and suspected bullying of which staff, pupils and parentsare aware.• To help prevent bullying by providing opportunities for discussion bypupils and staff within the School’s PSHCE and pastoral programmes,as well as through subjects’ curricular openings (e.g. through empathywork in History and English) and assemblies., To make sure staff arewell placed to administer the Policy by incorporating anti-bullying aspart of the induction of new staff.• To recognise that there are times and places in schools where bullyingis most likely to occur and to implement effective procedures to combatbullying at these times and places. The School identifies the most likelytimes and places for bullying to occur as:? from 8.00 – 8.30 am in the indoor day areas (from 7.45 am atHeathfield)? morning breaks in the outdoor play areas? lunchtimes in the outdoor play areas and the indoor day areas? morning breaks and lunchtimes in the pupils’ toilets? additionally, for boarders, out of day-school hours in the boardinghouses and the boarders’ social areas? when travelling to and from school by busSupervision (including patrols by Staff and Prefects) allows for the regularmonitoring of all of these areas at the times when pupils use them.Pupils travelling by bus are monitored by sixth form students.• To ensure, through vigilance and the education of pupils, that there areno ‘initiation ceremonies’.• To ensure that pupils are aware of the Anti-bullying Policy in particularthrough the information sheet for pupils (a copy of which is in everystudent’s Planner)• To ensure that pupils are aware of the standards and expectations set bythe School’s Student Acceptable ICT Use Policy (a copy of which is inevery student’s Planner) regarding cyber activities (as defined above).• To provide opportunities for continuing professional development to staff,via Inset and other means, regarding their roles and responsibilities inpreventing and responding to bullying.• To ensure that all pupils have access at all times to an adult in school towhom they may talk in confidence and know that that adult will dealwith the matter urgently and with discretion.• To make pupils aware of Help Lines, and that such numbers areprominently displayed in and around the School.• To follow up every incident of bullying so as (a) to take any initialprecautionary steps to ensure that a pupil who says (s)he has beenbullied feels protected and reassured (b) to establish by investigationthose facts which are knowable (c) to provide every possible support forthe victim and perpetrators, where bullying has indeed taken place (d) toensure that false allegations are identified as such and dealt withappropriately and (e) to help prevent any recurrence of bullying where ithas occurred.• To make clear to pupils and parents that bullying is unacceptable andthat the School will not tolerate such behaviour.• To review and update (as necessary) this policy and its proceduresbiennially and to circulate a copy of any updated version of it to staff• To be aware that although bullying itself is not a specific criminaloffence, it is important to bear in mind that some types of harassing orthreatening behaviour – or communications – can amount to a criminaloffence: for instance, under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997,the Malicious Communications Act 1988, the Communications Act 2003and the Public Order Act 1986. The School may seek assistance fromthe police in appropriate circumstances.• To involve parents and guardians by making a copy of this policy availablevia The Parents’ and Pupils’ Handbook and via the School’s website.Procedure• Tutors must inform all new pupils of the staff to whom they can talk to inconfidence about bullying e.g. Tutor, Head of School Section,Housemaster, Matron.• Any incident of possible bullying must be acted on by the member ofstaff who has witnessed it or to whom it is reported. Incidents may bereported from a variety of sources, parents, prefects, pupils andteaching, administrative or ancillary staff.• Administrative and ancillary staff who receive a report of suspectedbullying from a pupil or a parent must inform the Deputy Headmasterimmediately, or, in his absence the Headmaster or other member ofsenior staff.• In every case involving an incident of possible bullying, (a) considerationshould be given to what immediate, precautionary steps might be takento help the pupil feel safe and secure (b) the pupil’s Tutor must beinformed, and (c) the Tutor must inform the Head of School Section and,in the case of a boarder, his or her Housemaster or Housemistress.• Following a report of possible bullying a suitable member of staff, suchas the Tutor and/or the Head of School Section (and the Housemasteror Housemistress and/or Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress in thecase of a boarder) will investigate the incident in order to check the factsand assess its seriousness. If the incident constitutes bullying, themember of staff will decide how best to proceed: different solutions areneeded for different pupils. Consideration will be given, amongst others,to the following issues:(i) whether or not to contact parents, and at what stage(ii) if punishment is necessary, what sanction should be imposed(iii) if the victim (or perpetrator) needs guidance, what advice will beappropriate (e.g. for the victim, tips for reducing hypersensitivity, forcontrolling overreaction, for avoiding potentially fraught situations,for managing verbal exchanges, for avoiding escalation etc; for theperpetrator, tips for understanding others’ feelings andviewpoints, for increasing self-awareness of motivation, for behavingwithin stipulated guidelines etc)(iv) what, if any, follow-up work is required, and by whom it will beundertaken.• Written records of every investigation and any communication withparents should be kept in the pupil’s file.• The Deputy Headmaster keeps in School a central log of allegationsand/or incidents of bullying to help any patterns to be identified and forinternal review purposes and inspection, as required by the Headmasterand Chair of Governors.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS21Anti-bullying information for pupilsIs it bullying?It is bullying if you feel hurt because of things said about your ethnicbackground, religious faith, gender, sexuality, disability, specialeducational need, appearance or issues in your family. It is bullying ifyou feel hurt because individuals or groups are:• alling you names• threatening you• pressuring you to give someone money or possessions• hitting you• damaging your possessions• spreading rumours about you or your family• using text, email or web space to write or say hurtful things (cyberbullying).We do not tolerate bullying at Rishworth School. This is what we doabout bullying:• train teaching staff, non-teaching staff and prefects to identify anddeal with incidents of bullying• through lessons and assemblies, make pupils aware of what isacceptable and what is unacceptable behaviour• make sure that any person being bullied is safe• work to stop the bullying happening again• provide support to the person being bullied.What should you do?Talk to someone you trust and get them to help you take the right stepsto stop the bullying. If you feel you are being bullied:• try to stay calm and look as confident as you can• be firm and clear — look them in the eye and tell them to stop• get away from the situation as quickly as possible• tell an adult what has happened straight away or, if you do not feelcomfortable telling an adult, tell another pupil.If you have been bullied:• tell a teacher, another adult or a prefect in School• tell your family• if you are scared to tell a teacher or an adult on your own, ask a friendto go with you• keep on speaking until someone listens and does somethingto stop the bullying• don't blame yourself for what has happened.When you are talking to an adult about bullying be clear about:• what has happened to you• how often it has happened• who was involved• who saw what was happening• where it happened• what you have done about it already.Bullying thrives in a climate of secrecy• Tell someone if ever you feel you have been subjected to hurtfultreatment or words.• Tell someone if ever you witness someone else being subjectedto hurtful treatment or words.• This is not ‘sneaking’. It’s not ‘grassing’. It’s being a responsiblemember of a caring community.• If you do not tell someone who is in a position to help, the problemis unlikely to go away.• If you do tell someone, you put the School in a position to dosomething to help.… Also, the bully’s cover is blown - they are exposed and have nowhereto hide. So you help stop recurrences of bullying - in your own regardand generally.If you find it difficult to talk to anyone at school or at home, ringChildLine on freephone 0800 1111. This is a confidential helpline.Promoting Good Behaviour,Discipline and Sanctions PolicyThis Policy is intended to cover Discipline (including the promotion ofgood behaviour) as well as Rewards and Sanctions (from informalsanctions to exclusions, should be read in conjunction with theAnti-bullying Policy and has the following 3 Appendices: 1 Pupil Contact;2 Physical Restraint; 3 SearchesIn accordance with statutory regulation which requires a statement to thiseffect, the School confirms that corporal punishment (which would beillegal anyway) is not used.This Policy is to be understood in conjunction with the School Rules asset out in the Parents’ and Pupils’ Handbook and which amount to thefollowing (‘the Five Cs’): Behave with Care, Consideration, Courtesy,Co-operation and Common Sense.a. AimThe aim of all discipline is self-discipline.Specific desired outcomes for the School of developing and sustainingself-discipline within the community include:• an orderly, co-operative, purposeful atmosphere• high standards and expectations• the promotion of good behaviour• good relationships based on respect for other people and on courteousand considerate behaviour• an industrious approach to work• care for the school environmentb. Roles and Means1.The PupilIn the Parents’ and Pupils’ Handbook, under ‘School Rules’, the openingparagraph (quoted below), addressed to pupils, delineates the behaviouralexpectations the School has of its students:“Rishworth is your school; respect it and take active interest in all yourwork and in the School generally. Your happiness and success, and itsreputation, depend upon your efforts. Do all you can to make the Schooleven happier and more successful. Do NOTHING to lower its reputation.”Pupils are expected at all times , whether in or outside school andwhether during a school activity or otherwise, to respect the School’scentral rule, which is the “Five C’s”, as set out in the Parents’ and Pupils’Handbook:“Behave with courtesy, care, consideration, co-operation and commonsense”. In addition, pupils are expected to comply with requests, rules andregulations which are standing or which come into effect from time to time.Given that the core purpose of a student is to study, serious and/orpersistent deficiencies in such areas as effort and application in academicwork may also be considered as disciplinary matters.2.The ParentsOne of the reasons that many parents will have chosen Rishworth for theirchildren is because they want them to grow up in an atmosphereconducive to learning where high standards of behaviour are expected andprevail. Should measures to apply disciplinary sanctions have to be takenin respect of a pupil, it is vital that the parents of that child support theSchool in its actions so that the message received by the pupil is

22Rishworth Schoolconsistent between school and home. Where there is no such, orinadequate, support from parents, not only can this give unsettling andconfusing mixed messages to the child and reduce the chances ofimprovement, but also this could jeopardize the validity of the contractparents have signed with the School, which states:‘I/we and my/our child undertake to comply with all the rules, regulations,guidance, expectations and/or reasonable requests in force andunderstand that these may be varied from time to time … I/we accept that,if, in the opinion of the Headmaster, my/our child is unable to benefit fromwhat the School has to offer and/or if he/she and/or I/we fail significantlyand/or repeatedly to comply with the School's rules, regulations, guidance,expectations and/or reasonable requests, I/we may be asked or requiredto remove my/our child from the School and that my/our contract with theSchool may be terminated’.Understanding and respecting what is set out in the section entitled“What about discipline?” in the Parents’ and Pupils’ Handbook is anessential part of the parents’ and guardians’ role. The section inquestion contains the following sub-sections:Orderliness prevails!How is orderliness at Rishworth nurtured?The Educational ApproachWhen necessary, how does our community protect itself against thedamage done by disorderly conduct?SanctionsWhat about my son or daughter?What can I as a parent/guardian do to help?3.The SchoolDiscipline should:• be constructive and purposeful• be clearly defined and understood within a graduated framework• be preventive rather than reactive whenever possible• balance freedom and responsibility• be part of, not in conflict with, pastoral care• be explored and better understood through the academic, PSHCE andbroader curricula• be supported by, and reflected in, the standards expected and upheldday to day by the School• be practised by the whole community, not just by a few individuals• involve parents whenever necessary• be systematic and consistent, but also flexible• combine sensitively both rewards and sanctions• be fair and, where possible, help pupils and parents to appreciate thefairnessDiscipline ProceduresThe purpose of both rewards and sanctions is to promote good behaviour.A graduated structure of formal rewards and sanctions to complementless formal measures is necessary. The purpose of a reward is torecognise worthy achievement or effort, to motivate and encourage.The purpose of a sanction is to correct, to deter or, on occasion, to protect.The imposition of a sanction should never be an act of retribution.Principles of ApplicationIt is important, in order that discipline is fair and meaningful, for there tobe systematic and consistent use of rewards and sanctions throughout theSchool. It is equally important, however, for the same reasons that there issufficient flexibility in the application of disciplinary procedures to allowdiffering circumstances, such as disabilities and particular learning needs,to be taken into account in individual cases. A balance needs to be struckbetween the need for consistency on the one hand and for flexibility onthe other.For this reason, few are the cases where a direct equation canautomatically be made between a given offence and a particularpunishment, although there needs to be a generally accepted view of thekind of misbehaviour that is likely to result in a certain type of punishment:it is important that pupils as well as staff understand, for instance, thatthrowing a snowball is (depending upon circumstances) likely to fall withinthe sanction range of verbal reprimand to detention, whereas stealingfrom another pupil’s wallet would (depending upon circumstances) bemore likely to warrant expulsion. The School’s enforcement of its nochewing-gum rule is robust: a pupil can expect to be sent home if found tobe in breach of this rule; an equivalent, appropriate sanction can beexpected for boarders whose homes are a long way awayIt should be understood that, as one of the main purposes of any sanctionis to correct behaviour, pupils are expected to learn from their mistakes(and from any sanctions imposed), and not to repeat them. Persistentmisbehaviour, even of a kind that may, initially, and as a one-off, berelatively low level, can quickly become serious, if only as a mark ofdisobedience, and a pupil can in consequence quickly escalate through thegraduated sanctions. This is an example of how a given misdemeanour inone instance can lead to a particular sanction, and ostensibly the samemisdemeanour in another instance can lead to a more severe sanction.That a misdemeanour in one set of circumstances might fairly lead to onecourse of action while ostensibly the same misdemeanour in another setof circumstances might fairly lead to a different course of action can be apoint which both pupils and parents at times struggle to see as equitable.This difficulty can be made worse by the fact that the School, bound byconfidentiality, is unlikely to be able to explain to a pupil or parent queryingthe justice of measures taken in their regard either what, or even that,action has been taken in respect of another pupil who they believe alsomight have offended and who they therefore believe should be treated in agiven way.The latter difficulty notwithstanding, the best way to ensure bothconsistency and flexibility is for staff to liaise, as necessary, with relevantparties and for parents to contact the appropriate member of staff at theappropriate stage/level. (See ‘Chains of Communication’ below)Informal Rewards and SanctionsThese are frequently used as a natural and integrated part of a teacher’sinteraction with pupils: words of encouragement, smiles of approval andother approbatory demonstrations go hand in hand with the authoritativestance, the stern look, the cautionary gesture, the ‘quiet word’ and thefirm rebuke.A particularly effective way of recognising a pupil’s good performance orconduct is not only for the teacher concerned to congratulate the pupilpersonally but also to mention this to a relevant member of staff (FormTutor, Head of Department, etc.) who can then also congratulate the pupil.This creates a positive climate in which pupils feel their efforts are knownand appreciated. Verbal praise and written praise are given for good workand examples of pupils’ work is displayed in classrooms and around theSchool. Such referral and feedback also work well as a semi-formalsanction in the case of poor effort or conduct, whereby pupils realise that‘being unsatisfactory’ is noticed and taken seriously by more than just theteacher initially concerned.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS23Formal Rewards and Sanctionsa) RewardsCreditsThese are awarded by the teacher and usually recorded in a pupil’sexercise book although they may take the form of a ‘credit slip’ or a‘Positive Comment Sheet’. Credits are collected from the pupil by thetutor once a week and collated for the purpose of inter-team prizes.Pupils earn credit certificates for each multiple of 100 credits gained(a 1-star award for 100 credits; a 2-star award when 200 credits aregained, and so on. Credit certificates are presented in Year Groupassemblies (for the one-star award) and in full-school assemblies(for the 2-star, 3 –star and higher-star awards).Commended WorkStaff are invited to commend a pupil’s good work to the Headmasterwho then congratulates the pupil in Friday morning’s Assembly.Commendations may be given for academic work of a high standard, orfor community activities. Major awards such as those in sports, anddrama and concert achievements, as well as being announced inAssembly, may be published on the School’s web site and in thenewsletter.PrizesSubject and year group prizes are awarded each year on Speech Day torecognise success, academic or otherwise, over the year. Academicawards are given for both effort and achievement, as well as for a widerange of other accomplishmentsLetters of CommendationThe Headmaster may send such a letter to the parents of a pupil who has,for instance, received outstanding end-of-term reports.b) SanctionsThe member of staff should try to deal with any minor misdemeanoursin the first instance. If appropriate, a note for parents and tutor may beentered in the pupil’s Planner, which parents of pupils in Years 7 – 11are asked to check regularly and to sign, as checked, each week (with orwithout comment in the space provided), the Planner being a key point ofcontact between school, home and pupil When warranted, a complaintslip should be completed and passed on to the relevant tutor who shouldthen take the appropriate action in accordance with establishedprocedure. A complaint slip should be placed in the pupil’s file. Moreserious or recurring misdemeanours should be referred to the pupil’sTutor and/or Head of School Section/Senior Member of Staff, and suitableaction will be considered, again in accordance with established procedure,including whether or not parents should be contacted at a given stage andwhether or not the pupil should be placed in any of the detentions listedbelow. Any apparently-significant disciplinary matter will have beeninvestigated as thoroughly as is appropriate before any sanction isimposed.Complaint SlipsTeachers may give a Complaint Slip for any appropriate misdemeanour,including:• Inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour• Poor classwork• Poor homework or homework not done• Inappropriate uniform or appearance• Chewing gum• Any other misdemeanourWhat are the consequences of being given a complaint slip?• The teacher giving the complaint slip may decide on a sanction to beapplied (see below)• The pupil’s Tutor will always be informed when a complaint slip is given.If the pupil is a boarder, his or her Housemaster/Mistress will also beinformed.• The pupil’s Tutor records the number of complaint slips given and maydecide on a sanction to be applied (see below)If a pupil is given three complaint slips in a 2-week period• The pupil’s Head of School Section will be informed• The pupil’s parents/guardians are very likely to be informed in the firstinstance of the pupil receiving three complaint slips in a 2-week periodand will certainly be informed should there be any further occurrence ofthe pupil receiving three complaint slips in a 2-week period• The pupil’s Tutor or Head of School Section will decide on an appropriatesanction to be applied (see below)Some offences have their own particular sanction e.g. a pupil caughtchewing gum in school will be sent home. The sanctions below are inincreasing order of severity.Level 1 DetentionThese take place in classrooms, usually at lunchtime. A pupil receivingthree Level 1 detentions in any one half-term period will, in addition,receive a Level 2 detention.Level 2 DetentionThis takes place in the Library after School on Monday, Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m. and issupervised by the member of staff on duty. A form must be collected bythe pupil from the appropriate Head of School Section or Senior Memberof Staff concerned, to be signed by the parents/boarding staff at least 48hours before the detention. The signed form will then be kept in thepupil’s file. A pupil receiving two Level 2 detentions in the same term will,in addition, receive a Level 3 detention.Level 3 DetentionThis takes place in the Library after School on Friday afternoons from4.00 – 5.30 p.m. and is supervised by the member of staff on duty.The procedure for giving notice is identical to that set out in Level 2Detention above.Level 4 - Headmaster’s DetentionThis is held on Saturday morning, from 9.15 am to 12 noon. The detentionis supervised by the member of Senior Staff on duty and the work done isset by the Headmaster. A letter to parents/guardians is issued by eitherthe Head of School Section or a Senior Member of Staff.SuspensionAuthorised only (and rarely) by the Headmaster or the Deputy Headmasterfor severe disciplinary breaches such as certain kinds of bullying, or for arepetition of less serious offences, any one of which, on its own, maywarrant a lesser sanction but which, taken together, form a graver picture.As with any apparently-significant disciplinary matter, the case will havebeen thoroughly investigated before any disciplinary action is taken. Thiswill normally include the offender and other relevant parties beinginterviewed. Parents will also normally be contacted by the Headmasteror Deputy Headmaster or other senior colleague and invited into schoolfor consultation. A formal letter confirming the School’s action willbe sent.

24Rishworth SchoolRequirement to Leave and ExpulsionAuthorised only by the Headmaster and always after extensive consultationwith staff concerned, these are the School’s ultimate sanctions and theiruse is very rare. The offence will be of the severest kind; or will be theculmination of less serious offences that have already led to repeatedsanctions, usually (but not necessarily) including suspension.The difference between ‘expulsion’ and ‘requirement to leave’ is verysignificant indeed, even if both share the same central outcome: that thepupil has to leave the School permanently. Expulsion implies an enforceddeparture in disgrace, with a permanent stain left on that pupil’sdisciplinary record; ‘requirement to leave’ enables the School to provide asupportive (truthful) reference for the pupil. (Parental ‘agreement towithdraw’ in such a situation, in addition to allowing the School to providea supportive (truthful) reference, implies a level of co-operation on the partof the parents, which tends to be a particularly well-received sign on thepart of schools that may be considering an application from a pupil insuch circumstances. Parental ‘agreement to withdraw’ is therefore a waynot only of avoiding the stigma of expulsion or the unpleasantness of apupil’s being required to leave but also of improving a pupil’s prospects ofjoining a school of his or her choice).Examples of behaviour that could warrant Requirement to Leave orExpulsion include the following. It should be noted that this is not anexhaustive list:• Drug abuse• Alcohol abuse• Theft• Fraud• Gambling on school premises• Bullying, including racist, sexist or discriminatory bullying or abuse• Physical assault/ threatening behaviour• Fighting• Sexual harassment• Sexual misconduct• Violence• Disobedience• Improper behaviour towards a member of staff or another pupil• Using pornography in school• Jeopardising the health, safety and/or well-being of others• Damage to property• Persistent, or one (or more) very serious instance(s) of, disruptivebehaviour• Refusal to do work or to apply sufficient effort• Damaging the School’s reputation or acting in such a way as this mighthappen or might have happened• Infringing school rules• Acting in ways which are at variance with the School’s values• Where the continued presence of the pupil is incompatible with theinterests of the School• Unacceptable or unsupportive parental behaviour Any activity that isillegal under English Law• Interfering with the work of the School• Misuse of Information Technology• Some other substantial reasonAs with any apparently-significant disciplinary matter, the case will havebeen properly investigated before any disciplinary action is taken. This willnormally include the offender and other relevant parties beinginterviewed. Parents will also normally be contacted by the Headmasteror Deputy Headmaster or other senior colleague and invited into schoolfor consultation. A formal letter confirming the School’s action will besent. The parents will have a right to appeal against the decision. Theprocedure for appeal is as set out in the Concerns and ComplaintsProcedure (available on the School’s website and included in the Parents’and Pupils’ Handbook)Pupils who persistently fall below the standards expected of a pupil atRishworth School can expect to be moved up through these sanctions.For example, not doing homework is likely to result in a Level 1 detention.A pupil receiving three Level 1 detentions in any one half-term period will,in addition, receive a Level 2 detention. The pupil’s Tutor keeps a record ofall of complaint slips and all detentions at all levels for all pupils in his orher Form and so can monitor easily how pupils in that Form movethrough the different sanctions. Some offences will result in a higher levelsanction being applied straight away, therefore bypassing the lower levelsanction.At Rishworth School a record is kept by the Deputy Headmaster of seriousoffences, which are entered onto the pupil’s record. Examples of seriousoffences include those listed above (under ‘Requirement to Leave andExpulsion’):Chains of CommunicationWhen disciplinary action relates to academic matters, the typical chain ofcommunication is:Subject Teacher – Head of Department – Tutor – Head of School Section –(Senior Staff -) Deputy HeadmasterWhen disciplinary action relates to non-academic matters, the typicalchain of communication is: Teacher – Tutor – Head of School Section –(Senior Staff -) Deputy HeadmasterWhere a pupil is a boarder, his or her housemaster or housemistress iskept informed of disciplinary issues and, when appropriate, thedisciplinary issue and any subsequent allocation of a sanction may bedealt with by the housemaster or housemistress.Most (though not necessarily all) problems should follow this ‘chain’.There will be times when this does not happen and a disciplinary matter is‘fed’ in at the middle of a chain, at the far end of it or beyond it altogether:typically, this occurs when a parent, perhaps unwittingly, effectively‘short-cuts’ proper process – for example, by seeking to speak to theDeputy Headmaster or Headmaster about a matter which should bedealt with (or is indeed being dealt with) by another member of staff.The important principles here are:a) that staff should communicate with each other, each piece in the chain‘linking’ securely with the next – and be prepared to refer a matter tothe correct colleague in the system;b) that parents should accept that a matter which they may, for anynumber of understandable reasons, bring to the attention of aparticular member of staff may be best referred on to another, orothers, by that member of staff, so as to ensure proper process andthe best outcomePrefectsPrefects, who are appointed in part to help the staff run the School, are apart of its discipline structure. They receive training and on-going advicefrom the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and Head of Sixth Form whomonitor their progress. Prefects do not impose sanctions but may requirepupils to take certain actions (which include requiring pupils to see amember of staff in order for a disciplinary matter to be dealt with).Pupils are expected to comply.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS25Appendix 1 - Guidelines on Physical Contact betweenStaff and PupilsAimsTo provide a workable framework for healthy and constructive staff-pupilrelationsTo protect pupils from awkward and dangerous situations and fromgenuine exploitationTo shield members of staff from misunderstandings of their intentionsand from allegationsTo help define parameters of acceptability in staff-pupil interactions as areference point in dealing with any complaintsPolicy• There should be no physical contact between a member of staff and apupil unless such contact is necessary for the proper professionaldischarge of that member of staff’s specific responsibilities and/orgeneral duty of care.• If a member of staff has to use physical force with a pupil, the details ofthe circumstances should be brought to the immediate attention of theDirector of Administration, Deputy Headmaster or HeadmasterDefinitions, circumstances, guidelinesOut of context it is impossible either to provide water-tight definitionsof the key terms in the Policy or to catalogue all possible circumstancesand responses (acceptable and unacceptable) to such circumstances.The sheets held in school, which are duplicated with permission from theUniversity of Bristol Graduate School of Education Document SummaryService, provide guidance on these matters, as does the DfE advisorydocument ‘Use of Reasonable Force’ (2011). It is the responsibility ofevery member of staff to have read, and to act in accordance with, thispolicy and to consult these guidelines as necessary.The two important points are:1.Every member of staff should be aware of the potential difficulties of anyphysical contact with pupils and should avoid such contact wheneverpossible; equally, members of staff should be aware that there do arisefrom time to time situations in which it would be improper or neglectfulnot to have appropriate physical contact with a pupil or pupils.2.If a certain kind of physical contact between a member of staff and apupil in a given situation seems right, is there any other way (or othertype of contact) which that member of staff could use to deal properlywith the situation? If there is, no physical contact should be made.Pre-empting difficultiesEvery member of staff should be conscious of the risks of, and should tryto avoid or risk-manage, situations which could be awkward orcompromising for either the member of staff or pupil(s) concerned.Examples:1.A member of staff of one sex, alone in a small room with a pupil of theother, behind closed doors, is an example of a situation to be avoided ifpossible. (Sometimes this may not be possible: it is, for example, oftenpractical for oral examinations to be conducted, or appropriate for amedical matter to be dealt with, in such circumstances).2.Comforting (especially young) pupils when they are injured or distressedmay well form part of a member of staff’s proper duty of care in certaincircumstances. However, the risks of the teacher’s ‘comforting arm’being unwelcome – or misconstrued - tend to grow in proportion withthe age of the pupil and the privacy of the circumstances.Male members of staff should be aware of the implications of aperceived gender imbalance here: there seem to be more potentialproblems with a male member of staff putting a ‘comforting arm’around a girl’s shoulder than when the gender-roles are reversed.Appendix 2 - Guidance on Physical RestraintContextThis is very much a ‘just-in-case’ policy appendix and one which covers anarea which, if ever to be of relevance at all, is likely to be so in any of thefollowing:• As a very small part of an overall behaviour management programme,which itself appears to operate effectively by means that do not involvephysical restraint, and which is sustained by a prevailing ethos, bystaff-pupil relationships, by staff-pupil ratios and by expectations andstandards of conduct that make it hard to imagine circumstances inwhich physical restraint would be an appropriate option• As a last resort in a necessary, immediate response in an emergency,or when all other avoidance and de-escalation strategies will havebeen tried• As one point in a sequence, preceded if at all possible by a warning ofthe potential use of force (with the reasons for its possible use – e.g. forthe pupil’s own or for others’ safety), and by an opportunity to withdraw.ScopeThis guidance covers:• any physical restraint exercised by a member of staff or personauthorised by the Headmaster to be lawfully responsible for pupils atthe time, whether on site or not, whether during day-school hours ornot, whether the pupil is a Rishworth pupil or is from another school• the use of reasonable force, which should be understood to be forcewhich is proportionate to the consequences it is intended to prevent andis the minimum degree of force needed to achieve the desired result.AimsIn this context, the purpose of restraining a pupil would include any or allof the following and may or may not involve trying to calm the pupil orrestore self-control to the pupil in a dignified way:• Preserving personal safety• Preventing damage to property• Stopping a crime (or, if the pupil is under the age of criminalresponsibility, what would be a crime for an older pupil)• Maintaining good order and discipline (whether during a teachingsession or otherwise)ProcedureAny physical restraint exercised should• be reported by the member of staff concerned to the DeputyHeadmaster or Headmaster soon as possible after the incident hasoccurred and before parents or guardians are informed• be documented in line with the School’s incident-reporting procedures• be followed in particular by a prompt record of the circumstances andjustification for the use of the restraint• be reported to the affected pupil’s parents or guardians as soon aspossible, unless there is are reasonable grounds for believing that to doso might subject that pupil (or any other(s)) to risk of harm, in whichcase the Child Protection Policy and accompanying documentationshould be referred to)• further followed up as necessary by guidance/advice/counselling for thepupil and/or staff involved.

26Rishworth SchoolPrinciples Governing Physical Interventions to Maintain Control• The method of intervention must be in keeping with the incidentthat gave rise to it• The degree and duration of any force applied must be proportionate*to the circumstances• The potential for damage to persons and property in applying (and in notapplying) any form of restraint must always be kept in mind• The failure of a particular intervention to secure a child’s complianceshould not automatically signal the immediate use of another moreforceful form of intervention. Escalation should be avoided if possible,especially if it would make the overall situation more destructive and/orunmanageable• In some circumstances (e.g. where it is clear that feasible physicalintervention would be likely to avoid serious personal injury) it could beconstrued as a failure in the duty of care on the part of the teacher (orother responsible adult) not to restrain physically, or to persist inattempting further feasible restraint where one method has beenunsuccessful .• The age, competence and particular needs of the child should be takeninto account in deciding what degree/type of intervention is necessary.* “Holding” may be distinguished from “physical restraint” by the manner of interventionand degree of force applied. Physical restraint uses the degree of force necessary toprevent a child from harming him/herself or others or property; holding would discouragebut in itself not prevent such action. As both involve physical contact, both should beunderstood in the context of the School’s Policy on Physical Contact.Sources:Evaluation of Circular 10/98 on the use of force to control or restrain pupils (Brief No. 451,July 2003 ISBN 84478 041 4;Guidance on Permissible Forms of Control in Children’s Residential Care, 1993 LAC(93)13;Children Act 1989 (re the legal constraints on physical intervention to restrain in the childcare field);Bristol University Document Summary Service ‘Use of Force to Control of Restrain Pupils’,A Summary of the New DCSF guidance – Ref No. DCSF-00368-2010, April 2010.Relevant also: The criminal law relating to assaultAppendix 3 - Arrangements for Searching Pupilsand their PossessionsGeneral Approachto cultivate an environment of mutual respect and treat students and stafffairly and sensitively. In the unusual event of a pupil, or a pupil’s room,locker, bag or other repository for possessions, being searched, theSchool and its agents will take all reasonable steps to maintain the usualhigh standard of safeguarding. Professional judgement is to be used in allcases: if in any doubt, advice should be sought from a senior member ofstaff, unless the urgency or another overriding aspect of a situation makessuch referral impractical.The fundamental principles are two:1 Act with due care, consideration and sensitivity and remain mindful ofthe need to respect privacy; particular thought should be given toboarders for whom, during term time, the School is their ‘home’2 Remember that the need to protect persons/property frominjury/damage and from loss is paramount and that this duty of carecan in certain circumstances override all other protocolsAt all times a balance should be retained between, on the one hand,common-sense actions rightly taken in respect of ongoingly-assessedrisk in a real-world case and, on the other, the desirability of followingstep-by-step written guidelines which, however helpful, stand in isolationof a specific context and cannot embrace every eventuality. Specifically,there may or may not, in the assessment of such risk in a particular case,be good grounds for the member of staff who is dealing with the matter todeviate from guidelines. For instance deviation may be warranted, orindispensable, in response to or in pre-emption of immediate orpotentially immediate danger to persons/property involved.Whilst a search may be required for suspected dangerous/illegal items, asearch may also be justified for other reasons – for items that are simplynot allowed in school, for instance, but which are not necessarily ofthemselves dangerous (or illegal), or items which are allowed in schoolbut which are not being properly used.ConfiscationThe same applies to confiscation: such items found in school or on apupil’s person may be confiscated for a time. An example may be a laptopwhich a boarder persists in using after ‘lights out’ or a mobile ‘phone usedwhen it should not be or in an inappropriate way during school hours. Anyitem confiscated, should be kept safe and the details of the confiscation(item, date, time, location, owner, reason, etc) logged. An indicationshould be given at the time of confiscation to the pupil by the member ofstaff who has confiscated an item of when the item is likely to be returned.The duration of a confiscation should be reasonable and proportionateand, as in all matters, not unduly (or necessarily at all) punitive. 48 hoursmight be a reference-point for a confiscation period. Consideration shouldbe given to the possible consequences of keeping the item and the pupilapart (for instance travel safety in the case of a confiscated mobile ‘phone).External Agencies and Disciplinary ActionIf a pupil is suspected of carrying on their person or having in theirpossessions/room etc an item or items considered by the School to bedangerous and/or illegal, such as drugs, then the matter should bereferred to a senior member of staff and it may be appropriate to call thePolice. Irrespective of any action taken or not taken by external agencieslike the Police, the School may take its own action, such as suspendingthe pupil in the first instance from school if they refuse permission for thesearch to take place. Any subsequent decision related to any or to furtherdisciplinary actions from school would take into account any co-operation,or lack of it, on the pupil’s part and what might reasonably be inferredfrom that.Whilst it is not possible to have detailed procedures that cover everyeventuality, in general, the following guidelines should be borne in mindand, where possible, observed.Personal SearchesIf a pupil is suspected of carrying an unauthorised item (for example,alcohol or a laser beam pen) a member of staff should ask the pupil, iffeasible in the presence of a second adult witness, if the pupil is happy toturn out his/her pockets or bag. Throughout, the pupil should, if possible,be kept under close supervision in case there is an attempt to divesthimself/herself surreptitiously of any item. If the pupil refuses tocooperate, the member of staff should contact an appropriately seniormember of staff who should consider if it is appropriate to try to contactthe pupil’s parents. As appropriate, and if the parents can be contacted,they should be encouraged to persuade the pupil to agree to the searchtaking place. If the matter is of major concern and the pupil still refuses toapprove of the search, then the Police may be called in to conduct thepersonal search.Personal searches, especially forced personal searches, should if at allpossible be avoided, though may in extremis be necessary. For example,all reasonable steps should be taken, where there is a danger, or a risk ofdanger, to persons or property, to contain that danger/risk. This mightinclude, in extremis, all or any of the following: physical restraint, forcedsearch (of person and/or of property), and confiscation.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS27‘Forced Searches’Reasonable force may be used in exercising the statutory power to searchpupils, without their consent, for weapons and (with effect fromSeptember 2010) for alcohol, illegal drugs and stolen property (‘prohibiteditems’). At Rishworth, this search power may be exercised by staff wherethey have reasonable grounds for suspecting that a pupil has such items.However, the School’s guidance in this matter is that any such ‘forcedsearch’ should be undertaken only if absolutely necessary, such as inextreme situations where leaving a pupil with such a suspected item couldpose risks to others (or to that pupil), or mean that what might be the onlyopportunity to establish that such an item was in that pupil’s possessionas suspected, is lost. Other means of dealing with the pupil and thesituation should be used if possible – such as keeping the pupil underclose surveillance (so any item cannot be surreptitiously disposed of),isolating the pupil from others for the time it takes for matters to beaddressed, etc. Very strongly recommended wherever feasible are thefollowing courses of action:• Refer the matter to a senior member of staff before/rather than makingany physical intervention• Consider whether or not such a search might be better conducted bythe Police rather than by a member of staff (the former being preferablewherever possible)• If at all possible, do not be alone with a pupil if it really is necessary toconduct a searchMuch of this is common sense: avoid, if at all possible, any physicalcontact altogether with a pupil, most especially any kind of forced physicalcontact that might prompt resistance on the pupil’s part. Equally,however, preserving safety is paramount, and, where a ‘forced search’presents itself as the only or best way of preserving safety, not to conductsuch a search might be construed as a failure in the duty of care on thepart of the member of staff involved.The examples given at the end of the School’s Policy on Physical Contactwith Pupils highlight the point of how potential difficulties can beexacerbated by any situation or interaction between pupil and staff, wherethese are not of the same sex. Such matters should be borne in mindespecially where the need for a ‘forced search’ might be considered: if atall possible, it would be preferable for any such search to be conducted bya person of the same sex as that of the pupil, and, where practicable,witnessed by a person of the same sex; better still, leave such a search tothe Police.Searches of personal property or school property, for example in aroom or lockerBelongings are no longer ‘of the person’ when they are being stored atschool or in school property such as lockers. This allows for a greaterflexibility of approach. However if a search by a member of staff isundertaken the level of intrusion is potentially as great and so the offencesuspected needs to be sufficiently serious, the need for a searchlegitimate, and prospect of success reasonable.For ‘lost’ items of relatively low value, a pupil should be asked to searchhis own belongings to see if the item has been ‘misplaced’. If more thanone pupil is included, the scope of the search and the number of pupilsinvolved should reflect the nature of the loss and be legitimately targeted.Kit inspections fall into this category. Members of staff (one as witness)might watch the pupil(s) search, but this may not be deemed necessary orappropriate.Where a boarder’s room is to be searched, the boarder should be giventhe opportunity to conduct the search personally by emptying out drawers,opening the safe etc. under direction from the members of staff present.If a boarder refuses to co-operate, and the circumstances are deemed towarrant a search by staff, then the room should be searched by staff, withat least two members of staff being present throughout. Any suspiciousitems found should be deposited in a plastic bag & sealed.General GuidelinesGenerally, staff should not without very good cause (such as that providedby circumstances exemplified above):• Touch the pupil, especially forcibly. (Any restraint should be in line withthe School’s policy on the use of restraint)• Search the pupil’s person, which for these purposes extends to his orher outer clothing and pockets, or remove the pupil’s clothing - eventheir coat - for the purpose of searching it.• Search a pupil’s pockets: these should be turned out by the pupil.• Search a pupil’s room or bag without them being present and withoutanother adult witness being present.• Act in isolation: if in any doubt staff should refer to an appropriatelysenior member of staff.As a guide only and without any suggestion that these would be the onlyappropriate ways to proceed, here are some examples of suggestedcourses of action:• If a search reveals any offensive weapons, including knives, or evidencein relation to an offence, or anything suggestive of these things, the itemor items should be removed to a place of safe-keeping (confiscation) andthe member of staff should inform an appropriately senior member ofstaff, who will see that the finding of any weapons, or suspectedweapons, is reported to the Police.• If evidence of illegal substances drugs or of suspected illegalsubstances is found, the senior member of staff involved determineswhat action to take in accordance with the School’s Policy.• If tobacco or alcohol items are found in a pupil’s possession, they shouldbe confiscated by the member of staff, who will inform a senior memberof staff.. The senior member of staff involved determines what action totake in accordance with the School’s Policy.Further suitable courses of action might, depending on circumstances,include the following, but would not preclude other suitable ways ofproceeding:• In the case of initial refusal to co-operate, a member of SMT to contactparents/guardians and ask them to persuade the pupil to submit to therequest.• In the case of continuing refusal to co-operate, a member of SMT tosuspend and isolate the pupil in school and call the parents to attend.If appropriate (items of considerable value, illegal drugs, weapons etc.),advise parents and pupil that the police might be contacted and askedinto the School to make the search.• In the case of continuing refusal to co-operate, a member of SMT to callthe police so that they might make the search at School. If for somereason the police cannot immediately attend and the search is deemedurgent, then the pupil should attend while a member of staff, with amember of the SMT as witness, makes the search. Forcible entry is onlyto be used if reasonable grounds exist to search for illegal drugs (Misuseof Drugs Act 1971) or weapons, and then only on school property, notpersonal property.

28Rishworth School• A pupil’s room and belongings to be searched only when there are cleargrounds for suspecting something is untoward; unless impractical, thereasons to be explained to the pupil, In most circumstances the pupilto be present during the search• All searches to be undertaken by a minimum of 2 members of staff• Wherever possible the pupil to be asked to make available the requiredarea (such as a draw) and to remove contents• Parents to be informedRecording the results of personal and / or property searchesWhen a search has taken place the following items should be noted andkept on the relevant pupil’s file:• The reason for the search taking place• The date and time of the search• The results of the search• All staff involved• Other agencies involved• The outcome (including any disciplinary action takenin respect of theta pupil)Further sources: BSA Briefing Paper 15, 2005Drugs and SubstanceAbuse PolicyPurpose• The purpose of the policy is to help:a) clarify the legal requirements and responsibilities of the School;b) reinforce and safeguard the health and safety of pupils and otherswho use the school;c) clarify the School’s approach to drugs for all staff, pupils,governors, parents/carers, external agencies and the widercommunity;d) give guidance on developing, implementing and monitoring thedrug education programme;e) enable staff to know what to do should drugs or suspected drugsbe found on school premises, and to know how to manage anyincidents that may occur, with confidence and consistency, and inthe best interests of those involved;f) ensure that the responses to any incidents involving drugscomplement the overall approach to drug education and the valuesand ethos of the School;g) provide a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of the school drugeducation programme and the management of incidents involvingillegal and other unauthorised drugs;h) reinforce the role of the School in contributing to local and nationalstrategies.• The policy is routinely reviewed in the light of guidance from outsideagencies and the School’s own monitoring and assessment. Thepresent policy takes into account the guidance contained in ‘Drugs:Guidance for Schools DfES/0092/2004 and the DfE and ACPO drugadvice for schools issued in February 2004 and January 2012respectively.• Copies of the School’s Drugs and Substance Abuse Policy arereproduced in the handbook for parents and pupils and on line via theschool website; copies of the policy are also available to all teachingand non-teaching members of staff.• The policy applies to all staff, pupils, parents/carers and governors onschool premises, journeys in school time, work experience andresidential trips, and to persons engaged in any activity either whichconstitutes an approved, supervised school activity or which the Schoolregards as being part of its remit to respond to in the case of drugand/or substance abuse suspected, alleged, or actual. Where anychanges to the rules relating to pupil or staff use of alcohol or tobaccochange according to different school trips, this must be documentedand clearly understood by pupils, parents/carers, staff and other keypeople.• For the purposes of this policy, and in line with the definition containedin ‘Drugs: Guidance for Schools DfES/0092/2004’, the term ‘drugs’ isused throughout the policy to refer to all drugs, which includes:1. all illegal drugs (those controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971);2. all legal drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, volatile substances(those giving off a gas or vapour which can be inhaled), ketamine,khat and alkyl nitrates (known as poppers);3. all over-the-counter and prescription medicines.• Rishworth School will not accept the misuse of drugs, legal or illegal,nor their illegal supply. The School will always try to respondsupportively to a pupil seeking help and advice, and be alert tobehaviour which might indicate that the pupil is experiencing difficulthome circumstances, including the use of drugs by parents/carers orfamily members However, any pupil discovered at any time to havebeen involved in the misuse of drugs, legal or illegal, or in their illegalsupply, must expect to be required to leave.• The School is committed to protecting the health and safety of itspupils and will take action to safeguard their well being and thereputation of the School.• The School already has in place written guidelines for theadministration of prescribed medication in school.• The School reserves the right to have, with parental or guardianconsent, any pupil suspected of drug abuse tested by an outsideagency for testing at the School’s expense. If parents, guardian or pupildecline the test, they may expect their refusal to be seen asconfirmation that the pupil has, indeed, misused drugs, solvents oralcohol.Educational Aims• The School’s Drugs Education Policy shares the same aims as itsPHSCE Policy, which are to1. empower through raised awareness and informed choice;2. develop in pupils skills, knowledge and understanding for living afulfilled life and playing a full role in society;3. sharpen pupils’ critical faculties and, in particular, their ability toquestion, justify, judge and decide;4. enable pupils to know what society calls right and wrong, and tounderstand why.

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS29• Within the framework of its PSHCE programme, and the guidancealready referred to above, the School believes it should:1. provide accurate information about substances;2. aid understanding about the implications and possibleconsequences of use and misuse of substances;3. raise understanding of the interaction of drugs and the law and ofthe implications of a criminal conviction.• The School employs a variety of methods to implement its DrugEducation Policy, including the taught curriculum through PSHCE, itspastoral programme, Assemblies, talks by invited speakers,performances by theatre workshops, and other appropriate avenues.• Every teacher of PSHCE is provided with an up-to-date, year-groupspecificteaching file by the Co-ordinator of PSHCE at the beginning ofeach academic year; the pack contains lesson plans and teachingnotes on drug education.Strategies1. The Headmaster takes overall responsibility for the policy and itsimplementation, for liaison with the Governing Body, parents andappropriate outside agencies and for the appointment within theSchool of a ‘Substance Co-ordinator’, presently the Director ofAdministration, who will have general responsibility for themanagement of drug-related incidents and liasing with the police, andthe co-ordinator of PHSCE, who will have general responsibility for theplanning and co-ordination of drug education throughout the School.The Headmaster will ensure that all staff dealing with substance issuesare adequately supported, informed and equipped for the purpose.2. In instances involving suspected, alleged or actual substance misuse orsupply, either on or off school premises, and where possible followingdiscussion with staff who know the pupil well, the pupil’s parents willbe informed at the earliest opportunity by the Headmaster or hisrepresentative.3. Depending on the circumstances, there is not necessarily a legalobligation to inform the police. However, a school cannot, for example,knowingly allow its premises to be used for the production or supply ofany controlled drug, or the preparation or smoking of cannabis oropium*. Where it is suspected that substances are being so misusedon the School’s premises, details regarding those involved, togetherwith any other relevant information, will be passed to the police.4. It will be for the Headmaster, in consultation with relevant parties, todecide what action to take in any substance incident. The Headmasterwill take responsibility for liaison with the media.* This follows the wording of Section 8 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 concerning theoccupiers of premises.Scholarships & BursariesRishworth School provides an excellent, balanced education for itspupils and seeks positively to offer this education to offer as manypotential pupils as possible the opportunity of studying at the School.The scholarship and bursary schemes support these aims byencouraging applications from gifted pupils and from pupils who wouldotherwise be unable to afford to attend the School without financialsupport. Details of the schemes are set out below. All Scholarshipsand Bursaries are of course subject to the availability of funds.Recipients of our scholarships and bursaries are expected to behavein an exemplary manner and to act as role models for other pupils.The conditions and obligations that attach to these awards are alsoset out below.ScholarshipsFirst Form - Year 7Wheelwright Scholarships are awarded for academic excellence and basedupon performance in the Entrance Examination. Funds have been set asidepotentially to allow a number of full free-place awards each consisting of a50% Wheelwright Scholarship and a means-tested 50% Bursary. Anybursary support provided would be after application to the Bursar anddependent on a demonstration of financial need (see bursary section below).In addition, we can offer scholarships for excellence by assessment inMusic, Sport and Drama, subject to satisfactory academic performance.All scholarships are open to all pupils applying for entry to Rishworth intoYear 7 (11+ age).Past papers for the academic scholarships are available from theAdmissions Officer at the School.Sixth FormScholarships are available for the Lower Sixth. These are based onacademic performance. They will be valid for the full two years of AdvancedLevel study in the Sixth Form.In addition, we can offer scholarships for excellence by assessment inMusic, Sport and Drama, subject to satisfactory academic performance.BursariesA Bursary may be awarded to support a course of study following ademonstration of financial need and at the specific recommendation of theHeadmaster. Such awards are reviewable on an annual basis at which stagethe award may be renewed, changed or removed in accordance with eachnew demonstration of financial circumstances. In addition, bursary awardssometimes can be awarded for short periods of time to help supportparents with sudden demonstrable financial problems.All bursary awards are offered at the discretion of the School and aresubject to available funds, demonstrable financial need, academic andpersonal reports assessed by the Headmaster and any other significantfactors that the School feels might be applicable to the particular pupil.

30Rishworth SchoolHow to applyYear 7 ScholarshipsComplete forms for the Entrance/Scholarship AssessmentSixth Form ScholarshipsInternal Candidates: no action to be taken - they are awardedon performanceExternal Candidates: application should be made to the Headmasterduring GCSE yearsBursariesMake an appointment to speak to the Bursar.The Fielding ScholarshipThis is awarded occasionally to male pupils wishing to board that have livedwithin the ancient parish of Halifax for the previous six years at the date ofapplication. The Fielding Scholarship award is made at the discretion of theSchool. The level of any award will be based on demonstrable financial needand having regard to available funds.Old Rishworthians also have a limited fund to assist parents in financialneed – please contact the Bursar in the first instance.Conditions and obligations1) Obligations of the pupil: A pupil who is the subject of anAward is required to work hard, to contribute positively to thelife of the School, to be a credit to the School and to set a goodexample to other pupils. These are the Purposes of the Award2) Obligations of the Parents: The parents are expected tosupport and encourage the pupil to achieve the purposes ofthe Award and to uphold the aims and good name of theSchool. The parents are also required to pay the balance ofthe account by the first day of term..3) Withdrawal of the Award: The Award may be withdrawnsummarily (a) by written notification sent to a parent if in theopinion of the Governors and/or Headmaster acting in goodfaith the pupil or a parent has in one significant instance (ormore) failed to comply with the obligations set out atparagraphs 1 and 2 above or (b) if the pupil has over a periodof time fallen below the required standards of conduct andprogress and, in the opinion of the Governors and/orHeadmaster, there has been no significant improvementfollowing consultation with a parent and/or the pupil and awritten warning. Withdrawal of the Award shall take effectfrom the start of the following term. Further, the Award maybe withdrawn by written notice if the balance of the accountremains unpaid twenty-eight days after a written reminder hasbeen sent to the parents.4) Repayment events: Parents shall be required forthwith uponwritten notice to repay all or part of the benefits they havereceived under the Award in any of the followingcircumstances.a) up to three terms’ benefits (if received) if the pupil hasengaged in serious misconduct or has been expelled orremoved for reasons of misconduct by the requirement ofthe Head acting in good faith:b) up to three terms’ benefits (if received) in a case of the pupilbeing withdrawn for any reason during a school termwithout a term’s written notice having been given.5) Fees in lieu of Notice: For the avoidance of doubt, the benefitspayable under an Award do not apply to any term for which theSchool has required payment of fees in lieu of notice.6) Standard Terms and Conditions: These Conditions of Awardtake precedence over any of the School’s standard terms andconditions which are inconsistent with them but in all otherrespects the standard terms and conditions are amended fromtime to time shall apply and these Conditions of Award shall beinterpreted in accordance with them.

Rishworth SchoolForms for returnPlease complete the attatchedforms and return them to the School

✁ Please cut hereRishworth SchoolMusic TuitionA HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS33Name of Pupil......…………………………………………………….Form/Year …………………………..Delete as appropriate:• I would like my son/daughter to receive instrumental tuition• My child does/does not have his/her own instrumentTuition is available on the following instruments [circle chosen instrument]Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium,Cornet, Violin,Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Classical/Electric/Bass Guitar, OrchestralPercussion, Drum Kit, Voice, Recorder, Electronic Keyboard.I agree to the terms and conditions set out on page 10 of the Handbook for Parents and Pupils.Signed………………………………………………………………….....................………Parent/GuardianAddress ………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………….Email………………………………………………………………………………………….Home Tel Tel No. No. ………………………………………………………………………………………….Work No. ………………………………………………………………………………………….Mobile………………………………………………………………………………………….Date……………………………………….Please return this form to: the School Office at Rishworth School

✁ Please cut hereRishworth SchoolApplicationFormYelloway Motor Services Bus PassRISHWORTH SCHOOLA HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS352013/2014Pupil detailsFirst nameSurnameDate of birth Male Female Form/YearPupil photographPlease confirm you have written your name and date of birth in CAPITAL LETTERSon the back of your photograph by placing a cross in the boxYour photograph must be:> Recent> Colour> Passport-size> Showing your full face without a hat> Good qualityPlease seeleft fordetails ofhow yourphoto mustappearParent / Guardian detailsFirst nameTitleSurnameAddress………………………………………………………………….....................………Parent/GuardianPostcodeA ………………………………………………………………………………………….…Home phone numberMobile phone numberEmail addressRelationship to pupilFurther emergency contact details……………………………………….P the School Office at Rishworth School

PaymentFull Academic Year; September 2013 July 2014(five day daily return) Total £670 (includes Print, Post & Packing)Full payment is due by Monday 12 th August 2013Postal PO No. OrderCheque No.Debit/Credit P CardPO No.Cheque No.Please provide details below(payable toCourtesy Coaches Ltd)(payable to Courtesy Coaches Ltd)please write cheque guarantee number on reverse of chequeCard detailsCard VISA type Mastercard VISA Maestro Mastercard Switch Maestro Solo Switch SoloCard holder nameHouse numberCard numberPostcodePostcodeIssue number Valid from Valid from Expiry date Expiry dateSecurity Code ((this is the 3 digit number at the end of the signature strip on the reverse of your card)£Amount to debit £Payee printed namePayee signaturePayee signatureDeclarationTo be completed by Parent / Guardian and PupilWe acknowledge receipt of the Courtesy Coaches Ltd Code of Conduct 2013/2014 (available and confirm from we school) have read and and confirm we have read andwill adhere to these.Parent/Guardian Printed nameParent/Guardian signature Parent/Guardian signaturePupil Printed namePupil signaturePupil signaturePlease return the completed form, 1 passport photograph and payment to:Courtesy Coaches Ltd Inc Yelloway Motor Services Ltd, P O Box 632, Oldham, OL1 9HNPlease confirm you have provided the following with your application by placing a cross in the relevant box below:Cheque or Postal Order for £670 (made payable to Courtesy Coaches Ltd)Credit / Debit Card details (above)1 Passport Photograph of the passengerCourtesy Coaches Ltd incorporates Yelloway Motor Services LtdE&OE

✁Rishworth SchoolA HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS37Please cut hereRishworth SchoolRishworth SchoolPhotographic ConsentAt Rishworth School we celebrate the achievement of our pupils. This frequently includes mediacoverage, which pupils, their parents and the School are generally proud and pleased to be part of. Itis school policy that parental consent is obtained before any child’s close–up photograph is taken,named, then used for media purposes.Please sign and return this form if you are not happy for this to take place.Name of Pupil......…………………………………………………….................................Form/Year …………………………..I am not happy to give my consent for my son/ daughter to have his/ her photograph taken,named, and then used for media purposes.Signed: ……………………………………………………………. (Parent/ Guardian)

28Rishworth School

Rishworth SchoolA HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & PUPILS39Rishworth School Term Dates 2013 - 2014EXAMINATION RESULTSThursday 15 August 2013 Advanced Level results publishedThurday 22 August 2013 GCSE results publishedMICHAELMAS TERM 2013STAFF ONLY(plus designatedgroups of pupils)Sunday 1 SeptemberMonday 2 SeptemberTuesday 3 SeptemberNew Boarders Arrive (from 10am)INSET/ Boarding Induction for new BoardersINSET/ Induction for new Boarders (all day)Year 7 & Year 12 Induction – 1.40pmCurrent Boarders arrive 10am - 9pmTerm Begins Wednesday 4 September All Day Pupils return 8.40amAbsitFriday 27 SeptemberSunday 29 SeptemberThursday 24 OctoberBoarders return 5.00pm - 9.00pmPrize GivingHalf-Term Close Thursday 24 OctoberFriday 25 OctoberSunday 3 NovemberINSET Day (Staff only)Boarders return 5.00pm - 9.00pmRe-open Monday 4 November Day Pupils return 8.40amAbsitFriday 22 NovemberSunday 24 NovemberBoarders return 5.00pm - 9.00pmTerm EndsFriday 13 DecemberLENT TERM 2014Monday 6 JanuaryINSET Day (Staff only)Boarders return from 10.00am - 9.00pmTerm Begins Tuesday 7 January Day Pupils return 8.40amAbsitFriday 24 JanuarySunday 26 JanuaryBoarders return 5.00pm - 9.00pmHalf-Term Close Friday 14 FebruarySunday 23 FebruaryBoarders return 5.00pm - 9.00pmRe-open Monday 24 February Day Pupils return 8.40amAbsitFriday 14 MarchSunday 16 MarchBoarders return 5.00pm - 9.00pmTerm EndsThursday 3 AprilFriday 4 AprilINSET Day (Staff only)TRINITY TERM 2014Monday 21 AprilBoarders return from 10.00am - 9.00pmTerm Begins Tuesday 22 April Day Pupils return 8.40amAbsitFriday 2 MayBank Holiday Closed Monday 5 May Boarders return 5.00pm - 9.00pmHalf-Term Close Friday 23 MaySunday 1 JuneBoarders return 5.00pm - 9.00pmRe-open Monday 2 June Day Pupils return 8.40amTerm EndsThursday 3 July (12 Noon)

Rishworth SchoolNotes:

Notes:

Rishworth SchoolRishworth, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom HX6 4QA.Tel: +44 (0)1422 822 217 Fax: +44 (0)1422 820 911E-mail: admissions@rishworth-school.co.ukWebsite: www.rishworth-school.co.ukRishworth School: a company limited by guaranteeRegistered in England: Company Number 05855479Registered Office: Oldham Road, Rishworth, West Yorks HX6 4QARegistered Charity Number: 1115562‘Outstanding 2011/12’Designed and printed by 0161 303 9482