Y7

Parents’

Handbook 2019 – 2020

School Address:

Printshop Lane, Tyldesley

Manchester M29 8JN

Tel. Number 01942 883796

Website: www.flhs.org.uk

Foreword

Dear Parent/Carer

I would like to welcome you and your child to the Freddie’s family. I have been

fortunate to meet most of the students that will start with us in September

and, I have to say that I am as excited as they are for the new school year.

There are lots of things to look forward to during this coming year and I want

as many of my Year 7 students to take advantage of what is on offer and make

the most out of being a student at Freddie’s. The students are fortunate in that

an outstanding pastoral team and exceptional teaching and support staff who

are dedicated to ensuring that they unlock your child’s true potential will

support them. Your support and encouragement will, as always be paramount

in during this process and a positive home and school relationship will help

going forward.

We have very high standards at Fred Longworth and we have an excellent

relationship with the local community, we expect our students to maintain

these standards at all times. Excellent behaviour and a positive attitude to

learning is also an expectation and it is important that all the students settle in

quickly and adapt to life in secondary school. For your child to succeed at

school it is important that they attend every day, evidence shows that students

with 96% or less attendance achieve at least 1 or 2 GCSE grades lower than a

student with attendance above the benchmark. 100% Attendance OVER 3

TERMS is classed as outstanding and 93 to 95.99% is room for improvement,

this is something to be aware of. Our attendance team are always available to

offer support and guidance on this matter.

If you have any issues or would just like a catch up on your child’s progress

then please do not hesitate to contact me at the school. Thank you in advance

for your support and here’s to a successful and fun five years at Freddies.

Mrs J Brook

Head of Year

Home – School Agreement Ethos Statement

By working together, we enable everyone to experience success and fulfil

their potential within a caring and effective learning environment.

The School

The school will:

encourage students to do their best at all times and achieve excellent

standards of work

provide a broad and balanced curriculum and aim to meet your child’s

individual needs

operate a code of good behaviour and discipline to ensure a safe and caring

environment

regularly communicate with the family on all aspects of your child’s

welfare and education

treat students with respect

encourage a responsible attitude and tolerance and understanding of others

set homework in line with the school’s homework policy.

The Family

I/we will:

make sure my child attends regularly, punctually, properly equipped and

dressed correctly in full school uniform with an acceptable hairstyle

contact school on the first day of absence and provide an explanation for my child’s

absence

support the school’s code of good behavior, discipline and conduct for students’

and parents’

inform the school of any concerns about health, education, behaviour

and general welfare

support the school’s homework policy

attend parents’ evenings to support my child’s education

The Student

I will:

attend school regularly and on time

do all my classwork and homework as best I can and meet deadlines set by

staff

keep to the school rules and classroom ground rules

bring all the equipment I need every day

take school letters straight home and give them to my family

wear school uniform correctly and be tidy in appearance

treat people and the school environment with respect.

Welcome to the Year 7 Team

Head of Year 7

Mrs J Brook

Direct Line: 01942 881988

brookj@flhs.wigan.sch.uk

Deputy Heads of Year

Mr B Mcphail

Mr M Dunning

Mrs R Edwards

Mrs C Clarke

Mr E Bailey

Mr J Whalley - SLT

Year 7 Form Tutors

Miss L Downey 7LD

Miss C Hilton 7CH

Mr M Bradley 7MB

Mr P Madigan 7PM

Mr J Perrot 7JP

Mr R Coull 7RC

Mrs L Boardman 7LB

Mr S Adamson 7SA

Miss E Potts 7EP

Miss R Broadbent 7RB

Parents/Guardians as Partners

Parents/Guardians are the best resource the school has in helping individual children succeed.

How?

• Check students’ notebooks

• Talk about homework

• Discuss what is taught in lessons

• Provide somewhere quiet to work with NO television

• Contact school if you have any worries or concerns

• Understand and support your child’s method of learning

‘For success, attitude is as important as ability’

CODE OF CONDUCT

In and around school we expect students to:

• be punctual

• bring the correct equipment

• respect and value people and their property

• listen carefully and follow instructions

• produce their best classwork and homework

• always has their student notebook

• wear correct uniform to and from school

• respect all school facilities and property

• use designated corridors

• use appropriate language and manners

• eat only in designated areas

In and around school students must not:

• have mobile phones switched on

• chew gum

• bring drugs/cigarettes and knives into school

• drop litter

• smoke cigarettes

• leave the school premises without permission

SCHOOL UNIFORM

We expect all students to wear the correct school uniform in the correct way.

Black blazer with the school badge (compulsory)

A school tie with the school badge visible

A plain white shirt/blouse (without motifs) that must be tucked in at all times

An approved black skirt or tailored school trousers with school logo. Approved skirts must be worn on the knee or

no more than 5cm above

Black ‘v’ necked jumper (not to be worn as an alternative to a school blazer)

Black socks only. Black tights (plain or opaque) must be work with skirts

Sensible black shoes with black laces (see school website - no trainers, trainer style shoes or high heels)

A plain warm showerproof outdoor coat (no leather or denim jackets, hoodies, track or sweat tops to be used as top

coats)

Basic equipment needed every day:

A student notebook, an appropriate sized bag to carry their belongings, blue/black pen, green pen, a set of ear phones, a

ruler and calculator. Students should always carry a reading book in their bag.

Physical Education Kit and Accessories

Boys

Black shorts with school Logo

Black Performance training top with Logo

Black Socks

Football Boots

Gym/training shoes (with non-marking soles)

Black Base Layer (additional warmth in colder months)(Optional)

Zipped Training top (Optional)

Black Training Pants (Optional)

Girls

Black shorts with school logo

Black Performance training top with Logo

Black Socks

Gym/training shoes (with non-marking soles)

Zipped training top (optional)

Black Base Layer (additional warmth in colder

months)(Optional)

Black Sports Legging (optional)

GENERAL POINTS

1. Brightly coloured T-shirts should not be worn underneath shirts.

2. Cosmetics and coloured nail polish should not be worn to school.

3. Extreme hairstyles in terms of colour and cut e.g. tramlines/patterns are not permitted. Braids must be the same

colour as the hair and must be secured by bands of the same colour. Any hair bands or bobbles should be plain and

of a sensible size. No haircuts less than a ‘Number 2’ are allowed.

4. Jewellery (including badges) other than a wristwatch is not permitted. Ears and other body parts should not be

pierced if it means that sleeper/studs have to be worn during the school day.

5. Mobile phones, iPods and MP3 players must not be seen or heard during school hours. If seen they will be

confiscated until the end of the week. Students are permitted to use mobile phones at the end of the school day

outside the school buildings.

6. If students wear incorrect footwear without an appropriate reason they will be isolated at break and lunchtimes.

Students who arrive at school not wearing the correct school uniform may be sent home to change.

Holidays in Term time

There is a growing concern about the amount of time lost by pupils due to family

holidays in term time and disruption it causes to their education. In addition, there is a

general misunderstanding of the law in relation to the absence of pupils from school

whilst on holiday in term time.

If your child has to be away from school, only the Headteacher can authorise the

absence. Parents cannot authorise the absence themselves. Whenever possible, absence

from school should be avoided as it can have a serious effect on a child’s educational

development. There is a responsibility on parents, in consultation with the school, to

ensure that their child catches up on any work missed whilst on holiday.

Family holidays should be arranged during school holidays in order to ensure

continuity of education for your child. It is only in exceptional circumstances that a

Headteacher has the legal authority to grant leave of absence in term time. In

considering a request the school will take into consideration the child’s age; the time

of year for the trip; the nature of the visit and parental wishes; the child’s stage of

education and progress; and the overall attendance. We need to stress that in the

vast majority of cases, requests for holiday absence will not be authorised.

It is important to minimise the level of disruption to your child’s education. In order that

he/she obtains the maximum benefit, please arrange your family holidays during periods

of school closure.

We trust that you will make every effort to co-operate in this matter in

partnership with Fred Longworth High School.

ATTENDANCE

Parents/Carers have a responsibility to contact School on their child’s first day with an

explanation of absence:

Absence Line: 01942 881986

Please ensure you notify school of any changes to emergency contact numbers.

School has a clear Attendance Policy. School makes the decision to authorise absence. In certain cases

medical evidence will be requested. Wherever possible please avoid medical/dental appointments during

school hours.

If NO message is received on Day One of absence, Attendance Officer, Ms J Rea will operate our Parent

Call System. It is vital that you contact school on Day One with a reason for your child’s absence

If on Day 3 no contact has been made, school will undertake a welfare check.

Parents are notified of their child’s attendance regularly i.e. Progress Review Day, parents’ evening,

interim reports and on-line reporting.

If your child’s attendance becomes a cause for concern, a letter will be emailed or posted to the child’s

home address. Parents/carers could be invited to an attendance meeting in School with our Attendance

Officer and HOY. A home visit could be undertaken.

Unauthorised absences may result in a fine being issued / legal court proceedings. Holidays

during term time, unauthorised absences will prevent your child attending the prom.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance please do not hesitate to contact

Ms J Rea on the above line.

% ATTENDANCE DEFINED

100% over 3 terms Outstanding

100% Excellent

96% - 99.9% Good

93% - 96.99% Room for improvement

90.01% - 92.99% Danger Zone

90% & Below Serious cause for concern / potential legal

action

Absence from School

The Government states that every student’s

attendance should be at least 96%. Being LATE after

registration will also LOWER your attendance.

Attendance during

one school year

Equals – days

absent

Which is

approximately -weeks

absent

Which means this

number of lessons

missed

96% 9 days 2 weeks 50 lessons

90% 19 days 4 weeks 100 lessons

85% 29 days 6 weeks 150 lessons

80% 38 days 8 weeks 200 lessons

75% 48 days 10 weeks 250 lessons

% Attendance Defined

100% over 3 terms Outstanding

100% Excellent

96% - 99.9% Good

93% – 95.99% Room for Improvement

90.1% - 92.99% Danger Zone

90% & Below Serious cause for concern/potential legal action

TERM DATES 2019 / 2020

Autumn Term

Starts

Monday 2 September 2019 – (staff training day)

Tuesday 3 September 2019 – Year 7 only

Wednesday 4 September 2019 – All Year

Groups

Half Term Monday 21 October – Friday 25 October 2019

End of Term Friday 20 December 2019

(School closes 12:15pm)

Spring Term

Starts Monday 6 January 2020

Half Term Monday 17 February – Friday 21 February

2020

End of Term Friday 3 April 2020

Summer Term

Starts Tuesday 20 April 2020

Bank Holiday Monday 4 May 2020

Half Term Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May 2020

End of Term Thursday 16 July 2020

(School closes 12:15pm)

Key Dates/Events 2018/2019

Y7 Progress Review Evening Thursday 28 November 2019

Y7 Residential trip Tuesday 12 – Friday 15 November 2019

Y7 Student Led Conferences Monday 13 July 2020

Use of Computers, the Internet and electronic mail

Fred Longworth High School is pleased to offer the students access to a computer network of ICT

curriculum work, electronic mail and the internet. To gain access to email and the internet all students

must obtain parental permission, verified by signing below.

What is possible?

Access to email and the internet will enable students to explore information and communication with

other users from all over the world. While the purposes of the school are to use Internet resources for

educational goals, students may find ways to access unsuitable materials. We believe that the benefits to

students from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for

collaboration exceed the disadvantages.

What is expected?

Students are responsible for appropriate behaviour on the school’s computer network. General school

rules for behaviour and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with strict standards

set out below. The use of the network is a privilege not a right and may be revoked if abused.

Dos and Don'ts

These are guidelines to follow to prevent the loss of network privileges at school.

You will be given your own personal username to log on to the school network which will

remain with you throughout your time at school. You will have a fixed password.

Do not reveal your password to anyone. If you think someone has learned your password then

make a request to change it immediately.

Do not use another person’s password.

Do not use a computer to harm other people or their work.

Do not cause damage to the computers, computer systems or networks in any way.

Do not interfere with the operation of the network by installing any software, shareware or

freeware.

Do not violate copyright laws.

Do not view, send or display offensive messages or pictures.

Do not bring in programs or games on a disk or download them from the Internet.

Do not waste limited resources such as disk space or printing capacity.

Do not trespass in any other person’s folders, work or files.

Do notify an adult immediately, if by accident you encounter materials which violate the rules of

appropriate use.

Do not attempt to break or bypass our web filters and security software.

BE PREPARED to be held accountable for your actions and for the loss of privileges if the

rules of appropriate use are violated.

You will be asked to periodically renew your agreement to these terms electronically.

NEVER

Hit

Threaten

use bad or rude language

refuse to follow teacher’s instructions

spit at another student

use discriminatory language or comments

damage property or equipment

DON’T

talk when a teacher is talking

answer back

interrupt

shout out

behave inappropriately

chew in class

DO

say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ ignore talkers put your hand up wait your turn respect the teacher, other students and equipment work well with other students in class work hard showing resilience and determination take responsibility for your own behaviour and learning follow teachers instructions at all times

Anti-bullying Contract

DfE definition

‘’Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally.’’

TELL! TELL! TELL! Form Tutor or Head of Year

In September students will sign an anti-bullying contract. This contains the following

statements:

We will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind.

We will not pass by if we see someone being bullied - we will either try to stop it

or go for help.

We will not allow bullying or harassment of students travelling to or from school

either on the school bus, public transport or walking.

We will allow those who wish to sit quietly in the yard/field area, the freedom

and space to do so.

We will be kind to others even if they are not our friends and we will make new

students welcome.

When on school visits we will act in a manner which will bring credit to our

school.

If we are told about bullying we will listen and act appropriately.

Cyber-bullying - we will not send any messages or pictures that will hurt or upset

the person they are sent to.

Use of Mobile Phones

Mobile Phone Policy

Mobile phones are now part of modern society and the majority of students will

now own a mobile phone. We understand that for safety reasons students will

carry a mobile phone in order to contact parents/carers after school/before

school; however, mobile phones can lead to several problems in school such as

bullying, disruption to lessons and inappropriate web usage. As a school, we

strongly encourage our students to talk to each other and develop friendship

groups at break and lunchtime, as opposed to using their mobile phones. As a

result, the use of mobile phones during school hours is completely forbidden and

students found using their mobile phone during school hours will be dealt with in

accordance with this policy.

Guidelines

1. Mobile phones must remain switched off during school hours. This includes break and lunchtimes.

2. Any student seen using their mobile phone during school hours will have their phone confiscated.

Phones must not be seen or heard.

3. Confiscated phones must be taken to reception where the phone will be secured in the school safe.

4. Parents may collect the mobile phone following the confiscation. Students are only allowed to collect

the phone at the end of the week in which the phone is confiscated.

5. When a student hands in their mobile phone, they must also hand in their ‘Sim’ card. When a phone

is confiscated, parents need to be aware that there may be a time delay before the phone is able to

be collected.

6. After the school ‘end of day’ bell students are allowed to use their phone outside of the school

building as they exit the site.

7. Students are allowed to use their phone to contact home relating to safety/transport or for personal

reasons after a drama, music or sporting activity. In this instance, staff should allow students to use

their phone on the school site where appropriate.

8. Students who persistently infringe the mobile phone policy will be spoken to by their Head of Year. If

this continues, the student will be referred to the Pastoral Deputy who will then consider strategies

such as a pastoral meeting, detentions, or Room 101.

9. Students will receive assemblies explaining the mobile phone policy and the policy will be placed on

the school website for parents/carers to access.

When issues with mobile phones exist that involve serious misuse of the phone such as transmitting

images or cyber bullying, parents will be brought into school and the Malicious Communications Act will

be explained to them. This states that parents are responsible for the phone and any issues resulting from

the phone when it is used by a ‘minor’.

ROAD

ROAD MAP

KS3

Pathway

Band

Y7

Advanced

Secure

Intermediate

Developing

Y8

A exceptional

A Strong

A Expected

A Below

A exceptional

A Strong

A Expected

A Below

A exceptional

A Strong

A Expected

A Below

A exceptional

A Strong

A Expected

A Below

A exceptional

A Strong

A Expected

A Below

Each year you will be placed in a pathway for each subject you study. This provides a route of progression that

will take you through GCSE. We encourage you to work to the highest level of your pathway and to progress

into the next pathway where possible.

Y9 Target

Y10 Target

Y11 Target

Numerical

Grades

2017

onwards

Old style

GCSE

Grades

A* -A

9-8-7

B

5-6

C

5-4

D-E

3-2

F-G

1

Foundation

Exceptional (X) – Pathway to be

reviewed

Strong (S) – Working Above

Expected (E) – Working At

Below (B) – Working Below

Rewards Criteria

In order for students to qualify for rewards and trips,

the following criteria must be met:

Attendance 96% or above

Students should be making good progress across all subjects and achieve at least a Bronze Award

Homework should be completed on time and to a good standard

No exclusions

No Room 101 unless students have completed Community Service tasks such as

Litter picking equal to time spent in Room 101

No more than 10 late marks in a year, or 3 per term

No unauthorised absences (including holidays).

The above criteria is at the HOY’s discretion

KS3 EXAMINATIONS

Key Stage 3 Examinations - Information for Parents and Students

Your child will be sitting a series of examinations in most subject areas during designated exam weeks.

Where possible, we try to emulate the experience of sitting GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11.

We would ask that you help to prepare your child for the end of year examinations by encouraging them to revise at home. By

encouraging your child to form effective study habits early on in their school career, it helps to prepare them for the rigours of

GCSE study at Key Stage 4.

Things that you can do to support your child:

Talk about the examinations with your child. Ensure that in the weeks running up to the exam, your child is revising in the

evenings and at weekends.

Try to ensure that your child has a quiet place at home to study

Your child’s teachers will provide access to revision materials and/or direct them to on-line revision resources. Talk to

your child about these resources and familiarise yourself with them. If your child appears to be missing suitable resources,

encourage them to be pro-active in speaking to their teachers.

In the weeks leading up to examinations, try to minimise distractions from things such as television, phones and games

consoles.

Encourage your child to strike a balance between study and ‘fun’ activities.

Whilst study is important, maintaining a healthy balance between study and other activities is good for managing

stress in the run up to examinations.

HOW TO REVISE

Word Games

Create a tongue - twister to sum up key ideas from a topic;

Macbeth murdered many men madly

Create a poem or story using phrases and ideas that need to be remembered

Use A Mnemonic; Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain

Create a crossword puzzle of interlocking words you need to remember.

Clock Sequences

A clock face can help you sequence key ideas. Remember different topics as hours of the clock.

Hitler becomes Chancellor, 1933

Invades Poland, 1939

Seizes Sudetenland, 1938

Marches into Rhineland, 1936

Mind Maps

Create an illustrated poster summarising all the information you need.

Start with a large piece of paper, use a selection of words and diagrams,

use colour, shapes

and symbols, pictures and cuttings to bring the information to life. Use lines

and arrows to connect ideas. Stick the learning map to your wall / door -

anywhere it can be seen easily and often.

Internet Revision Sites

www.learningthings.co.uk (The Guardian) www.revisiontime.com

www.s-cool.co.uk www.getrevising.co.uk

www.projectgcse.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

www.schoolsnet.com www.channel4learning.com/apps/homeworkhigh

Dos and Don'ts.

Don't leave all the revision for your examinations until the last moment then have a cramming

session.

This is inefficient.

It is exhausting.

It creates tension that reduces effectiveness.

Don't work all night. Long periods of revision without a break are not effective.

You will get very tired.

You will learn inefficiently as time goes by.

Don't watch television or have background music on. This is obviously inefficient

since it is distracting.

Don't learn everything you’ve written. Learn the important points - these need to be

selected first.

Don't skip lessons to revise. Some of the most important revision you will do is with your

teacher, who will understand the problems and what is expected in the exam.

Do plan a revision timetable for the weeks leading up to the examination. Once worked out -

keep to it. Leave a little slack (spare time) in your revision programme in case something comes

up and you miss some of your work.

Do put a series of rewards in your programme to give you a break and an incentive to work

hard, e.g. an hour off to watch your favourite TV programme or a break to listen to some

music / see your friends.

Do make sure your programme is designed so that you do not have a very long period without

a break and that you do not go on too late in the evening. Get plenty of sleep. This will reduce

boredom, increase efficiency and keep you reasonably fresh.

Do make sure you have in your programme some periods of time for recall of material

you’ve already learned. This will help to keep information in your brain.

Do find somewhere quiet to revise.

Do ask your teacher if you are stuck, can't understand something or need advice. Your

teacher cannot read your mind

Planning for tests and examinations

Preparation before each set of examinations or tests is considered to be as important as your

performance in each exam, so use the guide below as a checklist.

1. Plan Revision

Make sure that all your notes are in order and up to date.

Find out the date and the length of each exam.

Draw up a revision timetable, and stick to it.

2. Preparation

Obtain copies of the syllabus/past papers/revision guides. Understand what each exam

involves and what the examiners are looking for.

Read through your notes, highlighting or rewriting key words/phrases.

Aim to work in 45 minute stretches, taking 15 minute breaks.

3. Before each exam

A good night's sleep is very important!

Re-read through your notes but take a quality break, e.g. have a bath/shower.

Make sure that you have all the equipment needed, including refills for your pen(s)

Make sure that you are comfortable and have a light snack/meal before each exam.

4. In the exam

Read the instructions carefully - do the right number of questions.

Plan your time - allocate enough time for each question you must answer.

Answer the question set - not the one you hoped for.

5. At the end of the exam

When you think you have finished, check your script for mistakes and complete any

unfinished sections.

Cross out any rough work you do not want to be marked.

Ensure that all diagrams have titles and are fully labelled.

6. After the exam

Do not worry about the exam you have just taken.

Have a rest/meal or take part in a leisure activity.

Begin to concentrate on the next test or exam.

Belonging

Engaging

Succeeding

Together