ParentsHandbook_2016-17_v1.01

Welcome to the 2015-16 Parent and Student Handbook
This handbook is designed to give you an insight into how we work and what we
hope to achieve at Ken Stimpson Community School.
We are proud to be a local education authority, co-educational, multicultural,
comprehensive community school for students aged 11-18. We offer superb
facilities with a highly qualified and motivated teaching staff.
We place a great emphasis on partnership and co-operation between parents,
students and staff to ensure each child receives the best possible education. To
achieve our aim of sustained improvement in all areas we encourage and welcome
dialogue with you.
We set the highest standards and we have created a happy and ordered
environment where young people can develop and achieve.
Welcome to Ken Stimpson Community School!
Richard Lord, Principal
Contents
About the School......................................... 3
School Ethos.............................................3
Built for the Future.................................4
The School and the Community............4
Important Dates......................................5
The School Day........................................5
School Organisation.................................... 5
The School Curriculum...........................6
Supporting Learning.................................... 8
Homework................................................8
Planner......................................................8
Monitoring and Reporting Procedures.8
Study Club................................................8
Literacy Marking Policy..........................9
Examination Entry Policy........................9
Pastoral Care, Rewards & Expectations.10
School Pastoral Support.......................10
School Council.......................................10
Rewards..................................................10
Expectations...........................................11
Attendance and Punctuality................12
First Aid...................................................13
Lunchtime...............................................14
Cashless Catering System.....................15
IT Services...............................................16
School Uniform.......................................... 18
Communication.......................................... 20
Parental Consultation...........................20
Ken Stimpson Parents’ Forum.............20
Key Staff..................................................21
Governors’ Charging Policy..................22
Complaints.............................................22
Use of Cameras and Video...................22
Home School Agreement.....................22
Visit us Online........................................24
Bushcraft at KSCS
Changing the experience of learning
Visit our website for
more information on this
exciting opportunity for
Year 7 students
2

School Ethos
Values
At Ken Stimpson Community School we believe:
• students should Aspire for Success with Excellence and Integrity
• in providing a climate that encourages students to develop their abilities,
gain confidence to play their roles as active citizens in society and lays the
foundation for continuing learning
• in fulfilling the potential of students and teachers
• that students should have a strong sense of worth, self-esteem and
development of character
• in equality of opportunities for all
• that a purposeful partnership between parents, students and teachers creates
the most effective environment for learning
• that supportive relationships - locally, nationally and internationally - with
other schools, the local community, business and industry benefit all
Aims
To ensure the fulfilment of our values we aim to:
• promote the understanding that education is a lifelong process
• provide a curriculum that matches the ability of each student and allows them
to develop their full potential
• develop the academic, personal, spiritual and social aspects of students’ lives
and encourage adaptability, self-belief and tolerance
• nurture character through the promotion of trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship
• reward students for their achievements and to celebrate success
• ensure that everyone, regardless of race, creed, gender or ability, has equal
access to all areas of school life and that cultural diversity is celebrated
• create a welcoming atmosphere in which parents are encouraged to take
shared responsibility for their child’s education
• sustain mutually supportive links
About the School
3

Built for the Future
Ken Stimpson Community School is a single site school with superb facilities,
some of which are shared with Werrington District Library and Werrington
Sports & Recreation Centre. The school has access to sports facilities, drama
studios, music classrooms and practice spaces, dance theatres and performance
areas - all of which would be less likely to be found in a more traditional school. In
addition to our well equipped and resourced teaching blocks we also have a twocourt,
floodlit astroturf area and extensive playing fields. Ken Stimpson Community
School is a specialist International Business and Enterprise School.
The School and the Community
Linking with the community is not just about the shared use of some buildings. We
believe that education is a continuing process and that all ages and abilities should
have access to appropriate learning opportunities. Ken Stimpson is a place not
just for those involved in the compulsory element of education, but a place where
everyone is welcome. Opportunities exist for adults to use computers and other
facilities at the Library and to access specialist provision in the Sports Centre both
during and outside the school day. The school is also adept at utilising the skills
and knowledge in the local community to contribute to classroom presentations
and discussions.
If you believe that you could benefit from links of this nature or you are able
to contribute then please contact Andrea Ayre, our Business, Enterprise and
Community Co-ordinator, for further details.
4

Important Dates
School Organisation
Term dates for the 2015-16 school year are as follows:
2015
Autumn Term Opens
Half Term
Autumn Term Closes
2016
Spring Term Opens
Half Term
Spring Term Closes
Summer Term Opens
May Day
Half Term
Summer Term Closes
8 September
26 October – 30 October
18 December
5 January
15 February – 19 February
24 March
12 April
2 May
30 May – 3 June
22 July
The School Day
Our school day includes 6 lesson units, tutor time, morning break and lunch break.
08:45 - 09:35 Unit 1
09:35 - 10:25 Unit 2
10:25 - 10:40 Tutor Time/Assembly
10:40 - 11:00 Break
11:00 - 11:50 Unit 3
11:50 - 12:45 Unit 4
12:45 - 13:30 Lunch / extra-curricular activities and lunch clubs
13:30 - 14:20 Unit 5 and afternoon registration
14:20 - 15:15 Unit 6
15:15 End of school, start of extra-curricular activities
5

The School Curriculum
The school has high expectations of all its students and the pursuit of academic
excellence is very high on our list of priorities. There is a firm belief that students of
all abilities perform better and are happier if they are fully extended academically.
Year 7
Teaching classes are based mainly in mixed ability tutor groups of approximately
27 students for most subjects in Year 7. However, we anticipate that two express
groups will be established again next year consisting of students whose prior
attainment is well above national expectation. Setting according to ability takes
place in some subjects before the end of Year 7. We provide a broad curriculum
consisting of:
Subject
Units per week
Art & Design.................................................................. 2
Dance............................................................................ 1
Design & Technology..................................................... 2
Drama........................................................................... 1
English........................................................................... 4
French........................................................................... 3
Geography (including elements of RE).......................... 2
History (including elements of RE)................................ 2
Computing.................................................................... 1
Mathematics................................................................. 4
Music............................................................................. 1
Personal Social & Health Education.............................. 1
Physical Education......................................................... 2
Science.......................................................................... 4
We will also have a specialised curriculum provision for students who will find the
transition from primary to secondary school challenging. This nurture curriculum
will involve extended periods of time focussing on literacy, numeracy and project
based learning. It will offer students opportunities to develop their self-esteem,
build teamwork skills and to experience outdoor education.
Some of these subject areas may be unfamiliar to parents and during the year we
hold curriculum presentations at the Parents’ Forum when you will be invited to
learn more about each of them. Subject staff will be available to answer questions
in an effort to provide you with a full picture of what happens in the classroom.
These evenings have proved very popular with parents with a few surprises about
how teaching has changed for the better!
6

Year 8 and 9
The time given to subjects changes slightly from that allocated in Year 7 due
to a variety of pressures on the curriculum. The use of setting and banding
arrangements for teaching classes in a number of subject areas increases.
Year 10 and 11
Students follow a broad and balanced common curriculum at Key Stage 4 and
they have the opportunity to choose four additional GCSE courses of 3 lessons
each from a wide selection of subjects. We also offer a range of vocationally
based courses, such as Construction, which can be studied alongside common or
optional curriculum subjects.
Common Curriculum Subjects Units per week
English........................................................................... 5
Mathematics (Year 10) ................................................. 5
Mathematics (Year 11).................................................. 4
Science.......................................................................... 6
Personal Social and Health Education (Year 11)............ 1
Physical Education......................................................... 2
Pathways Subjects (x4).................................................. 3
Curriculum Subjects On Offer
NCFE Art
GCSE Art & Design
GCSE Business Studies
GCSE Computing
BTEC Construction
GCSE Dance
GCSE Drama
GCSE Economics
GCSE Food
GCSE French
GCSE Geography
BTEC Health & Social Care
GCSE History
GCSE ICT + ECDL
GCSE Italian
GCSE Media
Microsoft Academy
GCSE Music
GCSE PE
BTEC Performing Arts
GCSE Philosophy & Ethics
BTEC Sports Studies
GCSE Triple Science
Read more about
our curriculum on
our website
7

Supporting Learning
Homework
We believe that homework is central to our students’ studies and is a reinforcement
of work taking place in the classroom. In Year 7 most subject areas will give at
least one homework every sixth lesson. The amount of homework set is increased
as students progress through the school.
Homework can be viewed online at connect.kscs.org.uk/homework
Planner
Students in Years 7 to 11 receive a planner which is used to record homework set
and as a reminder to hand homework in on time.
We encourage parents to monitor the planner on a weekly basis and to use it as a
means of communication with the form tutor. Our school website will inform you
of the frequency and type of homework set throughout the academic year and
teachers place homework tasks on the school’s Learning Platform.
Monitoring and Reporting Procedures
Student progress is monitored through continuous assessment by teachers.
Subject areas have a variety of methods of assessment with the common aim of
providing feedback to students about their achievement.
A review of student progress in each subject takes place each term. This enables
us to praise students who are doing well, to identify areas of concern and to act
on them quickly. We will inform you of the results of this review process by letter.
You will receive a school report each term. This will give you details of the courses
being studied and the progress your child is making in each subject area.
There is a scheduled consultation afternoon in the first term when parents are
invited into school specifically to talk to form tutors.
Study Club
Study Club takes place in 4U06 after school every day during term time from
3:20pm to 4:30pm. Students can just drop in any day and do not have to stay for
the whole time (students sign in and out). Students attend for different reasons:
some need help with homework or coursework; others want to work collectively
with friends, some want to use the internet or access software such as PowerPoint
or Word. Homework helpers are on hand to assist students.
8

Literacy Marking Policy
Students’ work will be marked using the codes and notations below for their
extended pieces of work:
Mark
Sp
P
Means:
Incorrect spelling
Incorrect / missing
// Mark in where the paragraphs should be
Marking policy for Assessment for Learning (AfL)
Students’ exercise books are checked on a fortnightly basis.
Students also undertake at least two extended pieces of work/project work each
half term and the following marking approach is used by all curriculum areas to
inform students of their progress:
• WWW – What Went Well comments.
• EBI – Even Better If / Action to improve comments.
• Students are expected to respond to their comments and write targets of how
they can improve their assessments and then undertake their improvements
through a closing the gap activity/activities.
Examination Entry Policy
The School Examinations Entry Policy is to enter all students for public examinations
who we believe will achieve a recognised grade and who have satisfied all of the
following requirements:
• completed all coursework and assignments.
• attended the school as a full-time student and achieved a minimum of 90%
attendance rate during the last 12 months.
• achieved satisfactory examination and coursework standards.
9

Pastoral Care, Rewards & Expectations
School Pastoral Support
In Year 7 each student is placed in one of the four Houses – Aspire, Integrity,
Success or Excellence. We have 18 tutor groups with approximately 20 students,
made up of equal numbers of boys and girls of Years 7 and 8 in a vertical tutoring
system. Students will remain with this tutor group for two years within lower
school, before they move to their upper school tutor group for Years 9 to 13.
Students will remain in the same House throughout their time at Ken Stimpson
Community School.
Throughout Year 7 the group of students is led by Mr Treliving, Head of Lower
School, Year 7 and Transition. Each year group is then taken over by Miss Hollis,
Assistant Head of Lower School who remains with this set of students until they
complete Year 8. The pastoral team and Form Tutors provide strong pastoral
support and invariably act as guides, problem solvers, motivators and mentors.
School Council
School Council is an opportunity for students’ voices to be heard. Form
representatives are elected each year in order to share the voice of the form at
House Council meetings. Representatives go on to attend School Council meetings
where the student ambassadors prioritise requests and present them to the
Leadership Team and Middle Leaders, helping to continuously develop the school.
Rewards
Ken Stimpson School supports the view that students respond to positive
encouragement and success, regardless of context or level. Students are
encouraged to display the highest standards of work and behaviour in line with
the school ‘Expectations’. Every opportunity is taken to praise, to acknowledge
and reward achievement. The formal recognition of achievement is made through
Student Leadership, Governors’ Commendations, Principal’s Commendations,
Annual Rewards Ceremonies, postcards home, positive phone calls home and
awarding stamps to students. The criteria for awarding stamps cover a whole
range of social, personal and subject achievement, such as Behaviour Objectives,
Attainment, Business and Enterprise, Citizenship and Attendance. As students
gain stamps they are able to trade them for rewards.
10

Expectations
We have high expectations of
behaviour and discipline, both of
which are necessary to ensure
quality teaching and an orderly
community. In establishing a sense
of responsibility among students
we keep behaviour problems to a
minimum. The friendly, civilised
atmosphere resulting from this
approach is a noticeable feature of
our school and has been praised
by OFSTED. We will contact you
immediately if your child is giving
us cause for concern and will work
with you to find a solution to the
problem. Students are aware of
the high standards we maintain at
school and it may be necessary, in
some cases, to detain at break or
part of lunchtime the individuals
who do not meet our expectations. We reserve the right, as agreed nationally,
to request students to remain behind at school, without prior notice, for up to 10
minutes.
We also operate detentions from 3:15pm to 4:15pm for persistent offenders.
Parental notice is issued in the child’s planner.
If we are concerned about work or behaviour in lessons then students may be
given a report card with specific targets. Teachers can sign the card on a lesson by
lesson basis and the student’s behaviour can be monitored. The report will also
be sent home to be checked and signed by the parent or carer. We will inform you
if your child is placed on report.
It is expected that students will be on site at 8:40am, ready for a prompt start
to unit 1. Failure to attend school in time will result in a 45 minute after-school
detention on that day without parental notice.
Students in Years 7 – 11 must remain on the school site at break and lunch times.
If necessary students can be kept until 3:25pm without parental notification.
11

Attendance and Punctuality
Ken Stimpson Community School is committed to providing a complete education
for all students. We believe that all students benefit from regular attendance. We
will try to ensure that all students gain the maximum possible attendance. We
will do this by making sure that any problems which prevent full attendance are
identified and acted upon promptly. The school will make contact with parents/
carers when a student is absent from school via telephone, letter or a visit. You
should be aware that a referral to the Attendance Officer can be made if attendance
drops below 95%, an official meeting will be held at 90% and the Local Authority
officer will become involved at 85%. From this point onwards school will no longer
authorise medical absences unless accompanied by a note / appointment card
from a doctor explaining that the student will need to be absent from school for
a specific amount of time. Please ensure that you telephone on the day of any
absence and send a note explaining any unavoidable absences to the tutor on the
student’s return.
To help us, we would ask parents/carers to:
• Ensure that your son/daughter attends school regularly and arrives on time.
• Ensure that, unless unavoidable, holidays are not taken during term time. If
holidays do need to be taken these should be applied for via a holiday form
available from reception.
• Contact the school on each day of absence between 8:00am and 9:30am
whenever your son/daughter is absent, giving details of the reason for the
absence, and the length of time she/he will be away. If the absence is for the
afternoon session only then please contact the school before 1:00pm.
• Ensure that you provide an absence note when your son/daughter returns to
school.
• Attend meetings to discuss progress or problems.
• Contact the Head of House if problems arise which may keep your son/
daughter from school so that help and support can be provided.
• Ensure contact details are up to date to enable school to contact you if
necessary.
In the case of illness, accidents or emergency, the school will endeavour to contact
parents or carers.
12

Please note that penalty notices may be issued by the Local Authority for any of
the following:
• Your child has at least 10 sessions e.g. 5 full days of unauthorised absence
• Persistent late arrival to school after the register is closed contributing to a
level of attendance of 85% or below
• Leave of absence in term time which has not been authorised by the school
• Pupils identified in a public place whilst excluded from school
We have a very good attendance rate and have been commended by our
Attendance Officer and OFSTED for the excellent follow up procedures we have for
students who are experiencing difficulties.
First Aid
Ken Stimpson Community School does not have a resident School Nurse. For an
appointment with the nurse who supports the school, students or parents should
contact the school reception. Alternatively, you may call Werrington Health Centre
on 01733 758301.
We have a number of staff who are trained in First Aid to deal with emergencies
only. The First Aiders are neither able, nor qualified, to deal with ongoing medical
conditions. Injuries sustained at home should be seen by your medical practitioner.
Please notify the school of any ongoing medical conditions. This will enable us to
better support your child.
13

Lunchtime
Students are expected to stay on site during lunch times. We have excellent
catering facilities for students who buy a lunch or those who have packed lunches.
The school currently offers a nutritious, exciting and varied meal service at lunch
time (12:45pm to 1:20pm), as well as food and drinks at break (10:40am to
11:00am) and even a before school healthy breakfast service (7:45am to 8:30am).
Lunch time supervisors, teaching staff and three senior members of staff are on
duty each day.
During lunchtime many clubs and practices take place for students to participate
in.
14

Cashless Catering System
Ken Stimpson Community School operates a cashless system for all students/staff
in order to acquire school meals. Everyone at the school has an account, which
they must add funds to before buying their meals.
The school operates a biometric system, allowing students to use information
from their finger to pay for their meals. The major advantage of this system is that
there is nothing for your child to forget, lose or break: no swipe card and no money
in the pocket!
We will support new students in using the easy-to-use system as well as provide
parents/carers details about methods of topping up their child’s account before
starting the school.
• If your child is entitled to a free school meal (FSM) then you must ensure the
form is sent to the school before the start of term. Students receiving FSM
will have their accounts topped up automatically every day. Please note: the
remaining balance will not be carried over to the next day.
• We advise using the online service ParentPay to top up your child’s account.
Please email parentpay@kscs.org.uk with your name, your child’s name and
his/her form to request your logon details.
• Alternatively, you can provide your child with cash (notes, and coins 10p and
above) to top up their account before school and at break time only.
• You can also provide your child with a cheque (payable to ‘Bouygues Engergies
& Services’) to top up their account. Please note that cheques require at least
24 hours to be processed.
Please do not worry! All students new to the school will be shown how to use
the cashless system. The school has developed a supportive range of procedures
to ensure that every student who wishes to access the school canteen can be
provided with a meal. Finally, details are posted on to the school website to help
you nearer the time.
Before using the biometric system the school needs the written consent of at least
one parent. A form to complete will be provided when joining the school and
consent can also be given by emailing biometrics@kscs.org.uk.
15

IT Services
Ken Stimpson Community School has its own internal IT Services Department
which supports students and staff as well as managing and supporting many of
the services parents will use.
Upon joining the school students
are given their own individual
login to the school systems. This
will also be their email address.
Login details are also supplied to
parents to allow them access to
several of our systems.
IT Services support learning at
school and also in the home.
Students and Parents have
access to our Learning Platform
/ VLE, where they can see details
of their homework and have
access to many different learning
resources. With our remote
access system, students can
use any computer that’s on the
internet to remote onto school
systems, edit their documents
and use school software that
they might not have at home.
For details of all of these
resources, please visit the school
website at
16
www.kscs.org.uk

Contacting IT Services
The IT Services team operates from 8:00am until 4:30pm each school day during
term time. Students can visit the office (3L23) during breaks and before and after
school. Parents can use the Contact Us page on the school website.
Outside of the standard working hours we’ll still try and answer your queries as
quickly as possible.
We can support parents with:
• Making online payments to the school.
• Accessing online systems provided by the school.
We can support students with:
• Using the school computers.
• Communicating via email.
• Using personal devices (phones/tablets) on the school wireless network.
• How to use any software at the school.
• General IT advice.
• E-safety.
The IT Services Team
Lee Chambers - IT Services Manager
Adam Batchelor - IT Technician
Matt Hill - IT Technician
Paul Cuffe - IT Technician
Amy Collishaw - IT Content Systems Manager
17

School Uniform
General Rules
All students are required to wear the school uniform which was designed in
conjunction with students and parents to be practical, easy to buy and to allow
some flexibility in choice.
The list below shows approved items of uniform and those that are not acceptable.
Please note there are changes to our uniform from September 2015 which are
listed below. We ask parents to support the school and ensure that your child is
equipped in the correct manner with regards to their uniform.
Trousers - Black
Must be traditional formal ‘suit’ style trousers (non jeans style). No casual or
‘skinny-type’ trousers will be acceptable.
Skirt - Black
Must be to the knee and a traditional style. Fitted skirt, lycra, jersey, with slits or
zips is not acceptable.
Polo Shirt - White
School range - plain white with House Logo (only available in school shop). Other
polo shirts are not acceptable.
Tights - Black or neutral / Socks - Black or white
Plain, no patterns and not leggings
Footware - Black
Traditional/ formal style in leather or leather style - heels must not exceed 5cm. No
canvas/ trainer style shoes will be accepted.
Jewellery
One pair of small stud earrings allowed (to be worn one in each ear or a single
earring). A wrist watch. No other jewellery is acceptable. We do not accept any
other forms of body pierced jewellery.
Make up
Earring size
Must be discrete for Upper School (Senior Management to decide); Lower School
- no make up.
18

Hair styles - Natural colours
No extreme colours or style are allowed including tram lines (Senior Management
to decide)
PE/Dance kit
Plain House colour t-shirt. Black shorts or tracksuit bottoms. School rugby shirt.
Black sweatshirt (no logos).
School Shop
Our Uniform Shop is open Monday - Thursday from 3:00pm to 3:45pm during
term time. We’ve a large amount of stock of most school uniform and other items,
such as calculators and stationary. To visit it, please enter the school via the main
reception.
Uniform can also be purchased online via the link on our website. Online orders
can be collected from the School Shop by students and parents/carers.
View all uniform
requirements, including
PE and Dance on our
website
19

Communication
Parental Consultation
Parents/carers are given opportunity to meet subject teachers and pastoral tutors
each academic year. We issue Progress Reports on a termly basis. Information and
Curriculum Evenings are held at points of transition in a young person’s journey
through Ken Stimpson Community School.
We believe in a strong partnership between parents/carers and the school and
encourage parents/carers to contact the school to discuss any issues that may
arise.
Ken Stimpson Parents’ Forum
The Parents’ Forum has been established to provide an opportunity for parents to
meet with senior staff, to comment on their impressions of the quality of education
provided, to make suggestions for improvement and to comment upon proposed
changes within school. Meetings are held termly.
Read our Parents’
Forum minutes on the
school website
Contact Details
Ken Stimpson Community School
Staniland Way
Werrington
Peterborough
PE4 6JT
Telephone: 01733 765950
Fax: 01733 765951
Email: info@kscs.org.uk
Key Staff
A list of Key Staff can be found on
our website
20

E-Safety
If you or your child have an online safety concern and wish to seek guidance from
a member of staff within the school, the following individuals should be your first
port of call.
Whether it be to report an incident of internet abuse or bullying or simply seek
advice on ways to help your child stay safe online, any member of the e-Safety
team will be able to help.
Mrs S Wyton
Child Protection Officer
Mr P Swift
Head of Computing
Aimee Hunter
PCSO
Mrs K Kelly
Student Support
Mrs W Dunn
Student Support
Miss F Cupoli
Student Support
Mrs C Read
Student Support
Read more about e-safety
and how you can support
your child on our website
21

Governors’ Charging Policy
To conform with the requirements of the Education Reform Act 1988, the Governing
Body of Ken Stimpson Community School has agreed to a statutory charging and
remissions policy which is available from the school.
Complaints
We aim to achieve a first class education for all students and to care for their
wellbeing at all times. All the staff in the school are dedicated to achieving the very
best for your son/daughter.
Occasionally it may be possible that you feel we have not lived up to your
expectations. If this is so, then please tell us! If you do not do so then we will not
be aware of your concern and cannot set things right. The school has adopted
a complaints procedure which gives helpful information on the best way of
expressing such concerns. Copies are available from the school office. In the first
instance all complaints should be directed to the Principal who will follow them
up quickly.
Use of Cameras and Video
In line with Peterborough City Council guidance on the prevention of misuse of
images the school requests that parents obtain permission from the Principal
before filming or photographing any student event. The school reserves the right
to record images of students taking part in school activities.
Home School Agreement
When a student first joins the school you will be required to sign a Home School
Agreement for Partnership for Learning. You can obtain an additional copy of this
from the school website.
22

Visit us Online
This booklet is just a small subset of all available information to help your journey
through Ken Stimpson Community School. Visit our school website for news
items, photo galleries of events, our calendar, podcasts, curriculum information
and much more. Feel free to get involved with Ken Stimpson Community
School at www.kscs.org.uk, via our Twitter @ks_school and our Facebook page
KenStimpsonSchool.
Throughout the the pages you’ve just read you will have seen little boxes such as
this:
These are qrcodes which, once scanned with your mobile phone or tablet camera,
will take you directly to relevant pages on our website. You can install apps from
your appstore to scan these codes, just search for a qrcode reader or barcode
scanner (these are generally free to download and use).
23

www.kscs.org.uk
@ks_school
KenStimpsonSchool
Created by Ken Stimpson Community School IT Services