Induction Handbook 2020 2021 - Ryburn Valley High School
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Ryburn Valley
High School
Induction Handbook
2020 - 2021
Dear Parents/Carers,
I am very pleased to introduce this year’s Induction Handbook
to you. I hope you will find it useful and informative.
I am very much looking forward to your children joining our
school and to working in partnership with you. In the coming
years I hope to meet with you all and get to know you well.
Our staff are eager to work with you and want all the pupils in
school to be settled and successful in all areas of school life.
Yours sincerely
Mr D Lord
Headteacher
Holiday List
2018
Autumn Term Re-open Wednesday 5 September
Half Term Close Friday 26 October
Re-open Monday 5 November
Staff Training Day Friday 30 November
Christmas Close Friday 21 December
2019
Spring Term Re-open Tuesday 8 January
Half Term Close Friday 15 February
Re-open Monday 25 February
Easter Close Friday 12 April
Summer Term Re-open Monday 29 April
May Day Monday 6 May
Half Term Close Friday 24 May
Re-open Monday 3 June
Midsummer Close Friday 19 July
Management and the School Headteacher Mr D Lord D.Lord@rvhschool.co.uk Deputy Head Mr R Clarke R.Clarke@rvhschool.co.uk Mrs K Parker K.Parker@rvhschool.co.uk Assistant Head Mrs C Evans C.Evans@rvhschool.co.uk Mrs S Roberts S.Roberts@rvhschool.co.uk Mrs N Ramsden N.Ramsden@rvhschool.co.uk Mrs L Clarke L.Clarke@rvhschool.co.uk Key Stage 3 Manager Ms J Bosbury J.Bosbury@rvhschool.co.uk Key Stage 4 Manager Mr N Jones N.Jones@rvhschool.co.uk Head of Year 7 Mr V Wagstaff V.Wagstaff@rvhschool.co.uk Assistant Head of Y7 Mr A Sykes A.Sykes@rvhschool.co.uk Business Manager Mrs J Kendall J.Kendall@rvhschool.co.uk Chair of School Governors Mr M Cross Contact via admin@rvhschool.co.uk
General organisation The school is organised so as to accommodate nine forms in each year. On entry, pupils will be placed in one of nine form groups and assigned to a Form Tutor. Each form is a group of mixed ability pupils. There is a regular contact each day between the form group and the Form Tutor who is responsible for the welfare of members of the form group. The work of the Form Tutors in each year is coordinated by the Head of Year. There is a strong liaison between the Key Stage 3 Manager, the Head of Year 7 and all the Primary Schools in our catchment area. Organisation of education in the school For at least the first year in school, pupils are taught mainly in form groups to allow pupils to settle in and for staff to assess pupils’ abilities. After this initial diagnostic period the block timetabling gives the staff the opportunity set by subject. Teaching groups are continuously assessed and adjustments made to groupings as the child progresses through the school. Pupils will be in different sets for different subjects avoiding the problems of banding or streaming. Punctuality and attendance Punctuality is an important part of self-discipline and is essential to good time management. Always make sure that you arrive to school on time and that you are in the appropriate classroom on time. Anyone arriving to school after registration must report to Student Services. Failure to do so will result in an unauthorised absence. Any child arriving at school after 8:55am will be deemed late unless the delay was unavoidable. Being late to school will result in a 20 minute lunchtime detention. The proper place for you to be on a school day is at the school. If you are not in the school you must have a justifiable reason and your parent/carer should telephone the student office before 8:55am. You should always bring a note from your parents when you return to school after being off sick. Parents/Carers should avoid taking school holidays other than in the holiday pattern set out by the school. Permission for holidays taken in term time cannot be granted and will be deemed as unauthorised absences, which may result in a penalty fine. Appointments in school time This is actively discouraged with the exception of hospital and urgent dental appointments. A letter must be sent to the Head of Year who will then issue an “EXEAT” from Student Services prior to the appointment. Contact between parents and school For many parents/carers this booklet will be your first contact with the school and we hope that firm links between school and home will be quickly established. Without parental co-operation this aim cannot be achieved. We ask you to encourage your children to make the most of all their opportunities in school, to give them support with extended learning and school assignments and develop hobbies and interests in and out of school, which will help them to achieve their full potential. We would like to be informed of any circumstances which might affect your child’s work or give rise for concern.
Timetable
The school timetable consists of five periods, each period lasts for an hour but time is also given
for registration and assemblies at the beginning of each day. Year 7,8 and 11 follow the timetable
structure below. Years 9 and 10 have a different break and lunchtime. All students are registered
electronically during registration and at the beginning of every lesson. A shortened timetable
applies once a fortnight on a ‘B week’ Wednesday. This time is used for extra staff development
and departmental planning time.
Standard timetable
8.55 9.15 10.15 10.35 11.35 12.35 1.15 2.15 3.15
Form Period 1 Break Period 2 Period 3 Lunch Period 4 Period 5 End of
school
‘B Week’ Wednesday timetable
8.55 9.15 10.05 10.25 11.15 12.05 12.45 1.35 2.25
Form Period 1 Break Period 2 Period 3 Lunch Period 4 Period 5 End of
school
Breakfast
The canteen is open from 8:15am, serving breakfasts. Students entitled to ‘pupil premium’
funding can receive a breakfast if they so wish. The Library is open for exchanging books or
working quietly and using the reference section from 8:30am in the morning.
Morning registration
Form groups register with their Form Tutor at 8:55am During this time notices will be given out,
homework collected and planners checked. There will also be assemblies. Any absence notes or
request for absences will also be dealt with. This is only a short registration period so punctuality
is essential. A detention system is in operation for those pupils who do not attend registration on
time. Contributory factors i.e. school buses arriving late are taken into consideration.
Break
At 10:15 am Year 7, 8 and 11 pupils will take a short break. Refreshments can be purchased
from the school canteen. Pupils are not allowed off the premises at break and it is advisable not
to take advantage of the extensive grounds otherwise the bell cannot be heard. In the event of
inclement weather pupils will remain inside the main building.
Lunch
Pupils are able to purchase from a selection of both hot and cold food, some suitable for
vegetarians. Pupils may bring their own packed lunch and eat it in the dining room or picnic
outside (please dispose of litter carefully.) Any pupil eating lunch at school must remain on the
premises. Pupils are not allowed out of school to go to the shop for their lunch.
On wet days a designated area will be available and supervised.
The Canteen
Since September 2011 the school canteen has operated a “cashless” catering system. This
provides us with a more efficient, faster and ultimately better quality of service.
This system incorporates the latest technology and eliminates the need to carry cash around
during the day. It also operates biometrically, which will allow your child to authorise payment by
placing their finger on a scanner at the till.
When students register their fingerprint, no image is saved. Instead approximately 40 to 60
minutia points are recorded – minutia points are the location and direction of where a ridge ends
or splits in two. The rest of the information from the fingerprint is discarded. The information
used is encrypted and called a template. The data is extremely secure in its encrypted form, but
even if it were not encrypted it is impossible to recreate the original image of the finger from this
data. The system only stores a short string of encrypted numbers – too few to provide enough
detail for the original print to be reconstructed.
Students who are entitled to free school meals are also included in the system. More information
is available on our school website at www.rvhs.co.uk/meals.
Instrumental lessons
At Ryburn students can receive professional tuition from several visiting specialists. The Music
Department organises lessons on a wide variety of instruments including brass, woodwind,
vocals, keyboards, drums and guitar. Application forms are available from your music teacher.
Apply early as places are limited on certain instruments.
The curriculum
All students study the same curriculum
throughout their first two years. The subjects
studied are :
English, Science, Technology, Mathematics,
French, Music, Physical Education, History, Art,
Religious Studies, ICT, Geography, Drama, PSHCE.
From the beginning of Year 9 pupils will undertake
a programme of study which will involve an
element of individual choice. This programme of
study leads to external examinations for almost all
pupils. This in turn is linked to career aspirations.
Throughout the school special provision is made
for pupils with additional learning needs.
Equipment list
In order to achieve the highest standards of classwork and homework pupils need to be well
equipped. The equipment they require is as follows :
• School planner - issued on date of admission
• 2 blue or black pens (fountain or biro)
• Pencil
• 15cm or 30cm ruler
• Rubber
• Pencil sharpener
• 5 coloured pencils (not felt tips)
• Pencil case
• Maths protractor
• Pair of compasses
• Scientific calculator
• Glue stick (small)
• NO correction fluid is
allowed e.g. Tippex.
Pupils will also need a suitable bag to carry books, equipment and sports kit. Most pupils use a
rucksack type bag/shoulder bag.
All uniform and equipment should be clearly marked. If the planner is lost or defaced a
replacement has to be purchased at a cost of £5.
Presentation of work
The following guidance will help your child to present their written work correctly.
• Please bring a pencil case with appropriate equipment (listed above) to cover all lessons.
• All your exercise books will be backed with plastic covers, provided by school, in September.
• All books and folders should be “graffiti” and “doodle” free.
• When drawing diagrams, pictures, maps and graphs, in your work, please do so in pencil,
using a ruler where appropriate.
• All written work and diagrams should have titles and titles should be underlined using a ruler.
• Please write the date in the left margin and, again, underline it using a ruler.
• Work should be well spaced out to facilitate easy reading and revision.
• Written work should be done predominantly in blue/black ink or biro. A purple pen can be
handy for reflecting on and improving work.
• If you make a mistake, simply rule a straight line through it. Liquid paper should not be used
and work should not be scribbled out, please.
• If you are word processing work, then use 12pt font, in Open Sans, Arial, Calibri or Times
New Roman, so it is easy to read. Remember to put titles in bold, or underline them, then
leave a line before typing each paragraph.
Extended Learning Policy
Traditionally, schools have operated a homework timetable that you will have been very familiar
with when you were a pupil yourselves! It was an inflexible, rigid system where the timetable itself
dictated when homework was set. This resulted, in some cases, homework being set just for the
sake of setting it. This, of course, can mean some homework had little educational value.
We have entered into a long, far reaching review of current practice. We have surveyed parents,
pupils, staff and governors to seek their views on homework. The results showed that there was
no overall consensus of what homework should look like and views ranged from there being too
little set to abolishing homework completely.
The draft policy underwent many consultations: through Heads of Department, Heads of Year,
Senior Leadership group, Whole staff, School Council and parents (PFTA).
The policy’s main features can be summarised as:
• First of all, the name has changed to ‘extended learning’ to reflect that this is about learning
beyond the classroom.
• It consists of three parts: Principles, Guidelines and Department statements of what types of
learning will be set and when.
• The guidelines are written for three different audiences: teachers, parents and pupils as all
three have an important responsibility to take in ensuring that work is completed and to the
best of a pupil’s ability.
• Extended learning is no longer set according to the dictates of a timetable. Instead, it is set
on an educational basis that is at an appropriate time in the learning process. This will lead
to better targeted homeworks that are more meaningful and should prevent pupil work
overload.
• Extended learning is still important and necessary.
• An additional new feature is that work set is quantified in how long it should take to achieve.
• This policy took effect from September 2007 and is now well embedded.
The full policy can be viewed by accessing it through the school’s website, VLE or alternatively
hard copies are available from Mrs Roberts or through school reception. Time spent per week
differs and depends on the combination of subjects taken, especially in Years 9, 10 and 11.
• Years 7 and 8 should spend between 6 and 8 hours per week but should lean towards 6
hours in Year 7 and to 7-8 hours in Year 8.
• Years 9, 10 and 11 should aim at 10 hours per week.
• Years 12 and 13 should be 15 hours per week.
Tasks range enormously and reflect the strength
of the teaching and learning at this school.
Remember that this is a flexible arrangement!
Useful websites include:
www.samlearning.com
www.qca.org.net
www.nc.uk.net
Sam Learning and Amazing Grades can be accessed via the school’s homepage (VLE).VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) This is a secure place where learners and teachers can interact. The interaction is likely to include electronic communication including discussion groups, e-mail, forums etc. a place for extended learning (homework), a place for notices and information, and also a place where the pupils will be able to receive, complete and submit work set by their classroom teachers. All new Year 7 pupils will be introduced to the VLE on transition day. They will be able to log on securely to their online workspace that will be accessible both in school and outside. The acceptance of a VLE/Network use is included in the ICT user agreement at the back of this booklet. School days that are a little different Opportunities will arise throughout the year to go on a variety of day trips and extended visits and drop down days in school, these may be educational, social, local or abroad. Year 7 all have chance to spend a week on Camp in Staffordshire
Expected behaviour
One of the basic elements of education is self-discipline. A high standard of self-discipline and
behaviour is required from all students. You are expected to take responsibility for your own
actions and to show courtesy and respect other people’s property.
• Take care of your property and respect other people’s property.
• Please move about the school in a quiet and orderly manner. Keep to the right on corridors
and do not run, push and carry bags safely.
• Students must not enter classrooms, laboratories, theatres or workshops until directed to do
so by a teacher.
• Civilised use of the toilets is essential and toilets must be left clean and tidy. Only the second
floor toilets should be used during lunch.
• Always pay careful attention during lessons and do not allow your mind to wander; Learn to
Listen and Listen to Learn.
The school has a strict behaviour policy. When students behave badly they will be punished. This,
in line with Government guidelines.
Punishments include;
• A telling off
• A letter /text/phone call home
• Removal from class/group
• Confiscating anything considered inappropriate for school
• Detention – Schools don’t have to give parents notice of after school detentions or tell
them why a detention has been given. However, at Ryburn we believe positive relationships
between home and school is a key requirement, so a note in planner, texts or a phone call will
be made when a detention is issued.
Pastoral Detentions will occur on the same day as the breach of school rule(s). The detention
will take place at lunchtime for 20 minutes. Parents will be informed and details recorded in the
student planner.
Pastoral Detention will be given for:
• Being late to school
• Breaches of the Uniform Policy
• Not having their planner, pen and pencil
If your child misses the detention, they will do a longer lunch detention the next day. Failure to
attend this detention would lead to more serious sanctions.
Departmental Detentions will occur at lunchtime or after school and details will be recorded in
the student planner.
Students will be given a formal department detention for:
• Failure to complete or hand in Homework
• Late to class
• Behaviour that leads to removal from class
• Refusal or answering back
If a child fails to attend a departmental detention, you will receive a phone call and your child will
be given a longer detention. Failure to attend the second detention will lead to a Head of Year
referral.
More serious offences will be dealt with by the Head of Year and the Pastoral team. In some
instances, isolation, fixed term exclusion and permanent exclusion will be used. It is very rare,
but there may be times when reasonable force is used to control and restrain students.General rules
• Remove outdoor clothing when entering the school building.
• Only eat in the dining room not on the corridors.
• Chewing gum is not allowed in school.
• Energy drinks are not allowed in school.
• Mobile phones are not allowed in school.
• Do not drop litter.
• Do not leave the school grounds without permission or go in areas that are out of bounds.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in a school detention
Smoking
Smoking (cigarettes/e-cigarettes/shisha pens) or the use of any illegal substance is strictly
forbidden in school. It will result in exclusion from school. Pupils caught smoking in the school
grounds will have their parents/carers contacted, followed by a Pastoral Detention.
Weapons
Weapons of any kind, fake or real are not allowed in school and may result in exclusion from
school.
Bullying
Bullying is not accepted at Ryburn. Take action! Tell a teacher immediately and the schools
Anti-Bullying Policy will be put into action.
Pupils’ progress and attainment
At regular intervals throughout the year, we ask teachers to provide you with an update as to
how your child is progressing in each of their subjects. This includes:
• Academic progress – how they have done recently in their work or what they think they will
achieve at the end of the course.
• Attitude to learning – how well they work in lesson and at home on their homework
This information will be sent home and students will receive a sticker, summarising their
progress.
All Interim Assessments are recorded in the Student Planner
There is at least one parents’ evening for all pupils each year. Parents are requested to attend
and are invited to meet subject teachers and form tutors to discuss their child’s progress. All
parents also have ready access to staff by appointment at a mutually convenient time.
There may be occasions, however, when you wish to discuss a matter immediately with the
school. In these circumstances it will usually be best to contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first
instance, or the Head of Year (HOY) who has overall responsibility for the welfare of all children
in a year group. Alternatively you may wish to contact the Key Stage Manager, one of the Deputy
Headteachers or the Headteacher. In each case it is helpful if you can telephone or send a
message to make an appointment as all members of staff have teaching commitments.School policies The school has a wide range of policies including Positive Behaviour (Rewards), Sanctions and Strategies, Attendance and Punctuality, Positive Handling, the Access Centre, Anti Bullying, Child Protection and Curriculum. If you would like a copy of any of our policies, please access these through the school website. www.rvhs.co.uk/policies Application for pupil leave of absence in exceptional circumstances during term time The Department for Education requires schools, to implement government amendments to the regulations regarding the taking of Leave of Absence in term time, which came into force on the 1st September 2013. The new law gives no entitlement to parent/carers to take their child on holiday during term time. The Headteacher can only grant leave in exceptional circumstances, otherwise the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Although we have the greatest of sympathy, no parent/ carer can demand Leave of Absence as a right. The ability to access a reduced cost holiday, does not constitute an exceptional circumstance. Therefore any term time holiday would not be classed as exceptional. Evidence will be needed for an exceptional circumstance holiday application. Why you should not take holidays in term time • Only attendance which is over 95% is considered acceptable by Government guidelines • Research has proved time after time that students who miss school do less well in examinations Parents are legally bound to support their child’s education and work with the school by ensuring consistently good attendance. What is legally allowed? • Up to 10 days’ absence may be authorised only by the Headteacher but... • Only in exceptional circumstances - this really means once in a school career • The leave must be requested in writing to the Headteacher well in advance of the date • No holiday should be booked before leave has been granted • Leave will not be authorised if the student’s attendance is already below 95% • What happens if I do take my child on an unauthorised holiday? • The Education Welfare Officer, Kay Kidney, will be informed • The EWO may get in touch to discuss the situation or you may be asked to meet with the Head of Year or Key Stage Manager in school WARNING: If the school refuses your request and the child is still taken out of school; this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. This may result in a fine per child being issued by Calderdale LA. The fine must be paid within 21 days. For further advice, please contact Kay Kidney, Education Welfare Officer on 01422 832070. The application form should be completed by the parent/carer and returned to the school as far in advance as possible and at least 6 weeks before the first date of the period of leave being requested. Parent/carers must obtain the schools permission before making any arrangements. The Headteacher will consider the individual circumstances of each application based on the evidence provided linked with the exceptional circumstances you have highlighted on the form. This is not an exhaustive list and other relevant information will be considered.
Home School Agreement Policy As parents/carers, we will do our best to: • Send our child to school regularly, on time, smart and in full uniform. (Planner has full details of uniform/jewellery and hair requirements) • Ensure they have all the necessary equipment and kit they need • Take an interest in their education by encouraging completion of homework and providing other opportunities for learning • Keep the school informed about any problems which might affect learning • Attend Parents’ Evenings • Support the school and its policies as fully as possible, including full backing for after school detentions • Read all correspondence from the school and respond quickly when necessary • Ensure our child is properly prepared each day to take part in the life of the school • Encourage a positive attitude to school • Encourage our child always to do their best • Check and sign planners on a weekly basis As a student, I will do my best to: • Work to the best of my ability at all times • Come to school with all the equipment I need • Show respect for others both in and out of school • Follow the school’s Positive Behaviour code and rules • Attend school regularly on time and in full uniform. • I will not bring a mobile phone into school or other banned equipment outlined in the planner • Co-operate with teachers • Record and complete all my homework on time • Respect the school environment and the local community. • I will not leave the school grounds without permission • Adopt a positive attitude towards, and participate fully in the life of the school • Keep my planner up to date and make sure that books are properly used and looked after • Be responsible for taking communications to and from school and home As a school, we will do our best to: • Provide a safe, well-ordered and caring environment • Have clearly stated and published policies • Set and mark homework regularly • Encourage work to the best of each pupils’ ability • Provide a balanced and challenging curriculum which meets all students’ needs • Listen to and respond quickly to any concerns you or your child may have • Contact you promptly should a problem arise • Keep you informed about the school • Provide you with regular reports and meetings on progress • Encourage attendance and punctuality • Record and reward good performance and progress • Provide high quality teaching and a variety of enrichment activities. Signed ......................................................... (Headteacher)
As Governors of the school, we will do our best to: • Monitor all school policies • Consult with and report to parents/carers • Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, including health and safety regulations • Monitor and review all aspects of the school’s work. • Seek financial efficiency and value for money Signed ..........................................................................(Chair of Governors) ICT / Use of Photographs - User Agreement At Ryburn we believe that all students have the right to access the most up to date facilities we can provide. The school has extended its computer network, and continuous improvements to the system are being made. We currently have approximately 750 desktop PCs, laptops, iPads and Apple Macs and all rooms have a projector and interactive whiteboard. This is supplemented by a range of digital technologies in the form of cameras, video recording, podcasts etc. As part of your child’s curriculum and the development of ICT skills, Ryburn Valley High School is providing access to the Internet. We believe that the use of the World Wide Web and e-mail is worthwhile and is an essential skill for children as they grow up in the modern world. Although there have been concerns about pupils having access to undesirable materials, we are taking positive steps to deal with this risk in school. Our school Internet provider operates a filtering system that restricts access to inappropriate materials. The system is also be monitored by the ICT technicians to ensure that no attempts are made to access undesirable material. The school uses a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support the teaching of all subjects. This can be accessed by parents, students and teachers and displays information regarding the school and resources for them to further their learning. These resources are protected by copyright and should not be distributed to anyone other than Ryburn students. Whilst every endeavour is made to ensure that suitable restrictions are placed on the ability of children to access inappropriate materials, the School cannot be held responsible for the nature or content of materials accessed through the Internet. The School will not be liable for any damages arising from your child’s use of the Internet facilities. As all pupils can now access the Internet (from all the computer rooms and from our banks of laptops) and all pupils will have a school email account, we require students to behave in a particularly responsible way so that use of the system is not jeopardized. Please would you read the attached Rules for Responsible Internet Use, use of photographs and video footage and sign and return the consent form so that your child may use the digital technologies available at school.
Rules for Responsible Use
The following activities will not be permitted.
• Sending, accessing or displaying offensive messages or images, unsuitable material or other
inappropriate material. Should students encounter such material by accident it must be
reported to a member of staff immediately.
• Taking photos or videos of people without their permission. Any videos or photos taken
without permission must not be uploaded onto the Internet without the written permission of
the subject.
• Sending or receiving e-mails during lessons without the permission of a member of staff Using
obscene language.
• Violating copyright laws by copying, saving or redistributing copyrighted material.
• Using or attempting to use other students/staff passwords or accounts.
• Trespassing into other students folders, work or files.
• Accessing chat rooms, social networking sites, newsgroups, games or materials not pertaining
to school needs.
• Subscription to any service or ordering of any goods/services.
• Intentionally wasting resources by printing non-school material.
• Password protecting or encrypting files (as this disables the virus checker).
• Sharing of pupils’ home address, phone number or any other personal details.
• Sending anonymous messages.
• Downloading or installing any software, shareware or freeware on network drives or disks.
• Amending any system setting (including the design of the desk top)
• Resources published on the VLE are not to be re-distributed to other students.
• Bypassing or attempting to bypass the schools’ internet filter
• If any of the above conditions are not met in full then you, the student, will forfeit your rights
to free access to this system. This may mean that you lose access to the Internet, have your
login hours restricted or lose access to the system altogether.
• If you are a student following an examination course in ICT and any of the above conditions
are not met then you are likely to be removed from the course.
Use of Usernames and Passwords:
• Do not under any circumstances give your username and password to any other student.
Make sure that you choose a secure password that other students can’t guess as you are the
person responsible for its use.
Backup Procedures
• All school work should be stored in your ‘My Documents’ folder on the curriculum PCs as this
area is backed up on a regular basis. If you accidentally delete any of your work you need to
inform an ICT Technician as soon as possible.
• If you store work on a memory pen (USB stick or equivalent) then you are responsible for
backing up this work on to the school network. This should be done on a regular basis. The
lost of a memory pen is not classified by the exam boards as a reason for not submitting
work.
Use of Photographs / Videos etc
• We may use image(s) / videos of your child(ren), in publicity material produced by school
or partner organisations including printed publications, videos, VLE, Social Media and our
website. We regularly send publicity material about our school, including photographs where
appropriate, to the news media, especially the local press.
• We assume that this permission is granted unless you write into the school to notify us
accordingly. This must be done within a week of your child starting at this school.Bus Agreement The journey to and from school is an important part of the school day. If this journey is planned and carried out with care, the start and finish of a child’s day will be less stressful - which should help them to attain the greatest benefit from their education. Parents/Carers 1. Always make sure your child is punctual and gets safely to and from the authorised pick up point (usually the bus stop.) 2. If your child has a Bus Pass, they must take it on every journey to school. Ask them if they have it before they leave the house. 3. If your child pays a daily fare on the bus make sure they have sufficient money with them and their Young Person’s or Scholar’s Metro Permit. 4. Teach your child to behave sensibly on and around vehicles. 5. Make sure your child understands that passengers are not allowed to smoke on public transport. 6. The law says that you may be held responsible for any vandalism caused by your child whilst on school transport, and you could be required to meet the cost of repair. 7. Transport operators have the right to withhold services, or may refuse transport to any persistent offenders. 8. Ensure your child knows that they must report any incident of dangerous behaviour or bullying to a teacher. Students 1. Always queue for the bus sensibly, keeping away from the road. Indicate clearly that you would like the bus to stop. 2. Don’t push or rush towards the bus when it arrives. This is dangerous, as you may push someone into the path of the moving bus. 3. If you have a bus pass, always take it with you, and show it to the driver. The driver is not allowed to let you travel unless you have a valid pass. 4. If you pay a daily fare on the bus always make sure you have enough money with you and your Young Person’s or Scholar’s Metro Permit. The driver is not allowed to let you travel unless you pay the fare and will charge you full fare if you forget your permit. 5. Show respect for the driver and follow instructions. Do not speak to the driver while the bus is moving unless there’s an emergency. Remember that lots of noise can disturb the driver, and could cause an accident. 6. Find a seat quickly without pushing and stay seated for the journey. If there are no seats make sure you can hold onto a rail. Do not stand next to the driver, near the doors, on the stairs or on the top deck. Do not stand or kneel on your seat. It is a legal requirement that students wear seat belts where fitted. 7. Never open emergency exits unless in a real emergency. This can be very dangerous. 8. Make sure that your bags do not block the gangway. 9. Do not smoke, eat or drink on the bus. 10. Don’t damage the bus, graffiti, spit or leave litter on the bus. 11. Always consider the needs of other passengers, whether they are students at your school or members of the public. 12. When approaching your stop ring the bell once, if it has already been rung do not ring it again. Wait until the bus has stopped before moving to the front to get off. 13. If you have to cross the road after you leave the bus, wait until the bus has moved off and you can see the road is clear both ways. Even better, go to the nearest available crossing. 14. Always report any incidents of dangerous behaviour or bullying to a teacher. 15. I understand that if I break the rules, I will not be allowed on the bus.
Frequently Asked Questions “What if I’m ill and I can’t attend school?” Your parent/carer must telephone Pupil Services (01422 832070) before 8:55 am. A letter of explanation must then be given to your form tutor on your return. “Can I go to the dentist in school time?” Only emergency medical appointments will be authorised in school time and must be applied for in writing to your Head of Year. All other routine appointments should be made out of school hours. Holidays should also be taken within the approved school holiday pattern. “When is the school canteen open?” The school operates a “cashless” system and is open before school, at morning break and lunch. “Can I go home for lunch?” If you live locally and will be supervised by a parent/carer you must make an appointment to discuss this with your Head of Year. All other pupils must stay on site. “Does the school have a detention system?” Detentions are part of the school’s Behaviour Policy and can be given at break time, lunch time or after school. If a detention is given after school, pupils/parents/carers will be given 24 hours notice. After school detentions are given, for example, for poor punctuality. “Can I bring a mobile phone to school?” Mobile phones, personal music systems/games consoles, hair straighteners and excess jewellery are not allowed in school. If they are brought into school they will be confiscated and a letter will be sent home.
School Copy Enclosed in the booklet are a number of school policies that cover the responsibilities of both pupils, parents/carers and the school. Please read them carefully and then sign the following. I agree to the terms and restrictions stated in the : • Home - School Agreement Policy • Bus-School Agreement Policy • ICT User Agreement & Use of Photographs Name of Student: ................................................................................. Form .............. In addition, I agree that: My son/daughter’s work may be published on the school website, Social Media, in printed publications, and other external publications. Yes No Photos or video that include my son/daughter may be published on the school website, Social Media, in printed publications, and other external publications. Yes No I consent to my son/daughter having a digital image taken of their fingerprint to access the Cashless Payment System for all meals and snacks purchased in school. Yes No I can confirm that i have read and understood the school Privacy Notice, available at www. rvhschool.co.uk/privacy Yes No I have read and understood the school rules for responsible Internet use and I consent to my son/daughter having access to the computer network including the VLE system and Internet facilities. I understand that if the terms of the agreement are broken access will be withdrawn. I understand that the school cannot be held responsible for the nature or content of materials accessed through the Internet. I agree that the school is not liable for any damages arising from the use of the Internet facilities. Signed by Pupil ....................................................................... Date .......................... Signed by Parent/Carer ............................................................. Date ..........................
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