Walton High Leading Learning

Parent Handbook

CONTENTS Who should I contact?

1

Learning & Teaching

2

Health & Safety

3

Organisation of the day

4

Discipline and behaviour

5

Code of Conduct

5

Dress Code

6

Walton High Uniform

8

Safety Equipment in PE at Walton High

9

Equipment

10

Charging Policy

11

Catering

13

Walton High’s Learning Programme

15

Attendance

17

Homework

18

Data Protection Act

20

Who should I contact? WALTON HIGH Fyfield Barrow Walnut Tree Milton Keynes MK7 7WH Tel: 01908 677954 Fax: 01908 677191 For Year 7-11 Attendance Issues please telephone: 558769 Mrs Wood – Water and Earth Houses Mrs Temperton – Air and Fire Houses For Post-16 Attendance Issues please telephone: 558766 Mr Giles Voicemail before 8.00am and after 5.00pm Personal Tutor: ____________________ Website: www.waltonhigh.org.uk Notes

Current and all back issues of the Newsletters are available in full colour on the website. Please contact the Main Office if you would like a paper copy.

Parent Handbook

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Information for Students and Parents The Principal and governing body reserve the right to make such changes as are necessary for the effective organisation and management of Walton High

Learning & Teaching Q

What do I study at Walton High?

A

Walton High is a centre of learning. The fun and fundamentals of learning matter. Our Learning Programme (pages 14-15) gives the outline: National Curriculum, Short Courses, Advanced Learning Days, Master Classes.

Q

How are students grouped?

A

Following the meetings with students and families in June, tutor groups will be compiled and communicated to you before the start of the autumn term. Ability setting in some subjects may occur in the course of the academic year.

Q

What if my child has special needs?

A

Walton High recognises that all children have individual needs. Additional support, both in-class and out-of-class, is provided for able and less able students. Entries for GCSE and other external examinations will be made when students are ready for them and in discussion with parents.

Q

How do teachers and students address one another?

A

Politely! Teachers will use a student’s first name in class. Students should use Mr Smith, Ms Currie – and not ‘Sir’ or ‘Miss’.

Q

When can I talk to a teacher about my child’s work?

A

Appointments should be made in advance, via the school office, with the Personal Tutor or subject teacher. The Personal Tutor is the key point of contact. Details of parents’ consultation evenings will be sent home. To make an appointment please telephone 01908 677954. Please see your copy of ‘Who’s Who’ for further guidance. All ‘Who’s Who’ updates are published in the newsletter, Walton Highlights

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Health & Safety Q

What do I do if my child is away from school for any reason?

A

Telephone the school on the day in question. Confirm in writing please the reason for absence. The Student Diary has particular pages for recording student absence and serves as a very important home-school link. We expect 100% attendance and reward students for this. Unauthorised absence will be reported to the Education Welfare Officer. Holidays are not to be taken in term time please.

Q

What if I’m taken ill at school?

A

Please report to Student Services desk. The medical room has basic first-aid facilities and designated staff have appropriate first-aid training. In the case of an emergency, an ambulance is called and parents informed promptly. An Accident Report log is kept.

Note: If there is any medical condition of which we should be aware, this should be sent in writing (marked confidential) to the Principal by the start of the Autumn Term. Q

What arrangements are there for site security?

A

All visitors (including parents) must report to Reception. Students use an alternative entrance. Students leaving the site for dental appointments etc, need to sign out at Reception. CCTV cameras are located both internally and externally. Everyone entering Walton High should know that they are being videoed to ensure the safety of staff, students and visitors and to protect Walton High’s property.

Q

What car parking facilities are there for parents and visitors?

A

We expect students to walk, cycle or bus to Walton High. If parents do bring children to school, please drop them off in the parking area in Hindhead Knoll. This will ensure that all students are safe when arriving at and leaving the school site. Please note that parents should not go down the school drive or park or drop children off in the car park in front of the school. Bike racks are provided in front of the main building, protected by CCTV. It is recommended that students lock their bicycles.

Q

How will I know if my child has stayed behind for Session 9?

A

It is your child’s responsibility to inform you whether they will be staying to attend Session 9 and which activity they are taking part in. All students must register with their teacher when remaining for Session 9.

Parent Handbook

There is a total non-smoking and non-chewing gum policy applying to students, staff and visitors anywhere on the Walton High site.

3

Organisation of the day

Q

What are ‘school hours’?

A

Walton High opens from 7.45am to 5.30pm for normal business. Students are legally registered at 8.30am and 1.40pm. Registration is electronic and immediately records any absence. Parents are telephoned if absence is unexplained.

Q

What is Session 9?

A

A wide range of activities takes place during Session 9: 3.15pm - 5.30pm. Students must register if they are staying in school.

Q

What happens at break and lunchtime?

A

All students have to remain on the school site. Students can purchase a range of different foods available from approximately £1. A packed lunch may, of course, be brought to school. Glass bottles and cans of drink are prohibited as part of our Health & Safety Code.

Students in receipt of free meals are strongly encouraged to make use of this facility. Families entitled to free meals should contact the Finance office. The cost of a meal will be credited to the student’s cashless catering account, which ensures complete confidentiality.

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Discipline and behaviour Q

How does this work at Walton High?

A

Every member of the Walton High community has the right to attend classes, take part in activities and to carry out their duties without being hindered by any other person or group. We stand by this Code of Conduct with rigour. Good attendance, effort and achievement are rewarded. We treat each other with dignity. Positive behaviour is celebrated. Negative actions are quietly challenged. Any student breaking the Code of Conduct is isolated from his or her peers. Parents are informed and involved as appropriate. Formal exclusion procedures are available from the Principal. The Governing Body closely monitors our Code of Conduct. Students may be detained at break time or lunchtime, and may be kept after school for 20 minutes – without prior notice – if there is an issue requiring their presence. Parents will be given 24 hours notice of any formal detentions, which will generally last up to one hour. Friday detention lasts for one hour. A Student Council operates to represent the students’ voice; a number of other positions of responsibility (e.g. librarians) will become available.

Code of Conduct Walton High is a centre of learning – a place where the fun and fundamentals of learning matter. Everyone at Walton High community has the right to attend classes, take part in activities and to carry out their duties without being hindered by others. There are no innocent bystanders when learning is being disrupted, or when someone is being hurt or belittled. Students, Staff, Parents and Governors at Walton High have a responsibility to see that this Code of Conduct works in practice.

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Walton High Dress Code Boys’ Uniform Item of uniform

Comment

Black single breasted boys’ blazer Black tailored trousers Plain dark belt without an oversized buckle

No turn ups

White shirt, either long or short sleeved

 Neck size to allow top button to be done up comfortably  No button down collars Clip on ties available as an option from Walton High

Walton High tie Black socks Black shoes Walton High jumper Plain white t-shirt under shirt

Girls’ Uniform Item of uniform

No trainers, boots or canvas shoes Optional Optional

Comment

Black single breasted girls’ blazer  Black tailored trousers (see below)

   

Identical in style to those supplied by John Lewis, Asda or M&S No exposed zips or rows of buttons No skinny/drainpipe or overly wide trousers No turn ups Slight bootleg acceptable.

Plain dark belt without an oversized buckle Black knee length skirt White blouse, either long or short sleeved Walton High tie Black socks with trousers Black tights or short white socks with skirts Black shoes Walton High jumper

 Skirts should either be straight or A-line as illustrated below  Fully pleated or half pleated skirts are not acceptable  Slits in skirts should be short and at the back or side  Tube skirts are not acceptable Blouse must button to collar Walton High clip on ties available as an option from Walton High No trainer liners  No trainers, boots or canvas shoes  4cm maximum heel height  For protection, shoes should cover the top of the foot  No kitten heels Optional

Girls’ Trousers and Skirts Supplied by John Lewis

Black Trousers £16 – £19

Parent Handbook

Black Skirt £23 - £28

Supplied by Asda

Black trousers £5.50 - £6.50

Supplied by M&S

Black Trousers £10 - £15

Knee length skirt £10 - £13

Available from Walton High

Knee length skirt £8.50 - £16

6

Hair, Make-Up and Jewellery Dress Code Hair should be presentable in style, avoiding extremes of fashion Subtle natural looking highlights or hair dyed to look natural will be acceptable. Hair extensions Long hair should be tied back This is for safety reasons during practical lessons and to encourage eye contact in other lessons Hair bands / scrunches Religious headwear Make-up is not allowed for students in Y7 – Y9. Students in Y10 and Y11 may wear subtle make-up Nail extensions and nail polish are not allowed Only one small plain stud earring allowed in the lobe of each ear. No other piercing allowed No jewellery other than a wrist watch

Comment

We would prefer hair not to be dyed. These should be natural in colour

Plain black or burgundy Plain black or burgundy

Clear nail polish may be worn

Walton High does not have lesson bells, so wearing a watch is important. For safety and security reasons other jewellery should not be worn

PE Kit Compulsory        

Maroon shorts Maroon socks White polo shirt with Walton High logo (indoor and Summer only) Walton High rugby shirt, maroon/black (outdoor only) Trainers with non-marking soles Shin pads Gum shield – optional, but strongly recommended Football boots – optional, but strongly recommended

Optional   

Maroon and white track-suit top Maroon and white track-suit bottom Black rain jacket

Please note: John Lewis is Walton High’s outfitter although selected items can also be bought from other retailers, e.g. Marks and Spencer and Asda (Items bought elsewhere must conform to the uniform style guidelines above.)

A condition of student entry to classes at Walton High is the wearing of full school uniform and strict adherence to our dress code

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Walton High Uniform JOHN LEWIS PRICE LIST 2013. Available online at www.johnlewis.com Parents may wish to purchase uniform from other stores, if so please ensure it is identical in style to those below. If in doubt, please contact Walton High for clarification.

Boys’ Uniform Description

Colour/ Style

Stock Number

Size

Price

BLAZER

Black 3 front pockets

53831401

Chest 30 - 46

£23.00 - £27.00

SHIRT (pack of 2)

White Long sleeve

53801103

10 - 16yrs, 16 Collar

£10.00 - £14.00

SHIRT (pack of 2)

White Short sleeve

53802104

10 - 16yrs, 16 & 16.5 Collar

SCHOOL TIE

Maroon with logo

53486020

One length

PULLOVER

Maroon with logo

54153604

Chest 32 - 44

£16.00 - £23.00

TROUSER

Black Tailored

53822711

10R - 16Lyrs/ Waist 32R - 36R

£14.00 - £17.00

Description

Colour/ Style

Stock Number

Size

BLAZER

Black 3 front pockets

53931301

Chest 30 - 46

£23.00 - £27.00

BLOUSE (pack of 2)

White Long sleeve

53903104

10 - 16yrs/ Chest 38 - 42

£10.00 - £14.00

BLOUSE (pack of 2)

White Short sleeve

53904104

10 - 16yrs / Chest 38 - 42

£9.00 - £13.00

SCHOOL TIE

Maroon with logo

53486020

One length

PULLOVER

Maroon with logo

54153604

Chest 32 - 44

£16.00 - £23.00

SKIRT

Black Pencil

54375303

10R - 16Lyrs/ 30R - 34L Waist

£23.00 - £28.00

SKIRT

Black A Line

54360705

W22/22L - W32/24L

£21.00 - £25.00

TROUSER

Black Belted

53923601

10 - 16yrs/ Waist 30

£16.00 - £19.00

TROUSER

Black

53921701

10 – 16yrs/ Waist 30

£14.00 - £17.00

£9.00 - £13.00 £9.00

Girls’ Uniform Price

£9.00

Boys and Girls PE Kit Description

Colour/ Style

Stock Number

Size

Price

TRACKSUIT TOP

Maroon with logo

53376602

Chest 30 – 42/44

£23.00 - £27.00

TRACKSUIT BOTTOM

Maroon

53376610

Waist 22/24 - 38/40

£17.00 - £19.00

SHORTS

Burgundy Shadow stripe

533 30640

Waist 22/24 – 38/40

£6.00 - £8.00

SOCKS

Maroon

53253360

S, M, L

£5.00 - £6.00

RUGBY SHIRT

Burgundy/ black

53317804

Chest 30/32 - 42/44

POLO SHIRT

White with logo

54012804

Age 9/10 - 13/ Sml - Xlge

£25.00 - £31.00 £9.00 -13.00

Please note prices/codes may be subject to change. Regulation lines - ties, jumpers and sportswear with logos are only available online.

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Walton High uniform items are available to buy on line at www.johnlewis.com. You are able to order items of Walton High uniform online at your convenience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please follow the ‘Uniform by School’ link from the Baby and Child page at johnlewis.com and click on Walton High’s name to access a full listing of the uniform. Click on the individual item of uniform and indicate the size required. Once you have completed your shopping, proceed to the checkout and select your delivery option. If you need your uniform urgently, use the ‘Click & Collect’ service which will enable you to place your order (before 7pm) and collect your purchase from the Milton Keynes store. The service is free of charge and your items will be available after 2 pm the following day. Alternatively, your order can be dispatched to your home address. Delivery will take place within 5 working days. Orders of £30 or more will be free of charge; for orders under £30 or a named day delivery, there is a charge. You can still go to the Milton Keynes John Lewis store where you can get assistance with placing your order. Sample sizes are available for your child to try on and to help you order the correct sizes. If you do not have debit/credit card or an email address, which you will need to make an independent online order, please visit the Milton Keynes store to place your order.

Safety Equipment in PE at Walton High Cricket Students must wear helmets, gloves, pads and boxes; these are made available through the school when students are playing with a hard ball! Football/Hockey Shin pads are a compulsory item that need to be worn when playing football and hockey. Students must have their own pair that they bring to lessons. There is a limited supply available at the school to loan out.

Rugby/Hockey We recommend that students wear a properly fitted mouthguard for rugby and hockey lessons. We do not supply students with mouthguards as one size does not fit all. It is advised that students get a mouthguard fitted professionally by their dentist to ensure that they fit correctly!

It is not permitted for a parent to write a letter removing their child from the above rulings.

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Equipment Q

What happens about storage of books and equipment?

A

Students are allocated a locker, for which there is a £10 charge (payable in the first week of term). Should a key be lost, a further £5 is payable for its replacement. Bags, top-coats, cycle-helmets, sports equipment, etc are to be stored in lockers. The Principal reserves the right to have individual lockers searched if concerned about a breach of Health & Safety or the Code of Conduct.

Q

What classroom equipment is needed for the start of term?

A

The Walton High Equipment Pack and Art Pack are recommended for all students. Student Services sell stationery items on a regular basis. Textbooks and exercise books are provided for all students. They are ‘on loan’ from Walton High and should be treated with due care and attention. A £10 deposit is payable in the first week of term to cover loss or damage to school property including books lost or returned in poor condition. Deposits will only be returned if there are no monies owed to the school.

Q

Can I bring other items to school?

A

We recognise that mobile phones are considered essential equipment for many young people and most students own one. If it is necessary for a phone to be brought to school, it must be kept in lockers during lesson time and must not be used in class. Walton High takes no responsibility for loss or damage to mobile phones while in school. For all other equipment, unless required for lessons, the answer is no. Personal stereos, audio/video equipment, computer games, skates are not allowed. Walton High will not spend time investigating the theft, loss or damage to any of the above items. Should any of the above appear, they will be stored in the Time Out room and returned to students at the end of the day. Students who repeatedly bring banned equipment to school may have it confiscated for a longer period and parents may be required to collect it. The governing body accepts no liability for the loss of banned items on the Walton High site. Similarly, large sums of cash should not be brought to school. Student Services collects cash/cheques for school trips, photographs and parents are encouraged to use the WisePay system, details of which are available on our website. Cash/cheques should always be posted into the Red Box in Student Services early in the day and should be in an envelope clearly marked with the student’s name, tutor group and details of what the money is for.

ces

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WALTON HIGH CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY AIM Walton High aims to provide for its students a first class education that encompasses many enriched learning opportunities that go well beyond the statutory national curriculum funded by the government. The aim of this policy is to set out what charges will be levied for activities, what remissions will be implemented and the circumstances under which voluntary contributions will be requested from parents. RESPONSIBILITIES The Governing Body of Walton High is responsible for determining the content of the policy and the Principal for implementation. Any determinations with respect to individual parents will be considered jointly by the Principal and Business Manager. CHARGES (a)

the cost of materials for products made at school that are taken home or consumed

(b)

board and lodging on residential visits that do not to exceed the actual costs

(c)

the proportionate costs for an individual child of activities wholly or mainly outside school hours to meet the costs for: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

travel materials and equipment staff costs entrance fees insurance costs

(d)

individual musical instrument tuition

(e)

optional re-sits for public examinations

(f)

costs of some examinations for which the school has not provided tuition

(g)

breakages and replacements as a result of damages caused wilfully or negligently by students

(h)

extra-curricular activities and school clubs

(i)

use of a student locker

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REMISSIONS

All students who have an entitlement to free school meals will be entitled to remission of charges for board and lodging costs during residential school trips It is also recognised that, from time to time, parents who are not on benefits may experience financial difficulties and that, should this be the case, they should contact the Finance Office to discuss discretionary remission. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS Parents will be invited to make a voluntary contribution for the following: a) b) c) d)

Short Courses Advanced Learning Days Trips and visits Walton High Venture Trust

The terms of any request made to parents will specify: a) that the contribution is voluntary ; and b) that registered students at the school will not be treated differently according to whether or not their parents have made any contribution in response to the request. c) that due to constraints on the school budget, the proposed activity, trip or visit will be cancelled if insufficient voluntary contributions are made to cover the cost of the activity, trip or visit The responsibility for determining the level of voluntary contribution is delegated to the Principal. Voluntary contributions will be used to meet the actual costs of the activities for which voluntary contributions are sought.

HOW TO MAKE PAYMENTS TO WALTON HIGH The preferred methods are by our online payment system, Wisepay, or by cheque. In exceptional circumstances cash will also be accepted.

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Catering Each day our exciting Café will serve a variety of foods to students, staff and visitors. The menu will reflect the changing seasons and there is guaranteed something for all tastes and fads! 

The Café is open for breakfast club, morning break, and lunch time. After school a range of cold drinks and snacks is available until 5.30pm



We serve a variety of nutritious and popular dishes from around the world which includes a choice of rice, pasta or potatoes and fresh fruit salad



We serve: A full baked potato menu Filled baguettes and panini Freshly cut sandwiches Our salads have been particularly popular Vegetarian choices and special dietary needs are catered for daily Average cost for a main meal and dessert is approximately £1.90 Student birthday parties can be provided for 10 or more students – please book ahead for a buffet style menu priced at £3 per person Catering is also available for outside parties such as birthdays or anniversaries in the evening or on a weekend. Please contact Mr Farley-Hulse for more information

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Sample Menu Day

Breakfast

Break

Lunch

Monday

Toast Cereal Yoghurt Bacon Muffin Sausage Muffin Beans On Toast Full English Croissants

Sandwiches, Baguettes Jacket Halves Soup \ Pasta Pots Chicken Burger Veggie Pizza Cereal \ Porridge Teacakes Fajita Croissants

Tuesday

Toast Cereal Yoghurt Bacon Muffin Sausage Muffin Beans On Toast Full English Croissants

Sandwiches, Baguettes Jacket Halves Soup \ Pasta Pots Chicken Burger Veggie Pizza Cereal \ Porridge Teacakes Fajita Croissants

Wednesday

Toast Cereal Yoghurt Bacon Muffin Sausage Muffin Beans On Toast Full English Croissants

Sandwiches, Baguettes Jacket Halves Soup \ Pasta Pots Chicken Burger Veggie Pizza Cereal \ Porridge Teacakes Fajita Croissants

Sweet ‘n Sour Pork Chicken Drumsticks Spicy Bean Burgers Jacket Potato Fresh Fruit Jam Sponge Custard

Thursday

Toast Cereal Yoghurt Bacon Muffin Sausage Muffin Beans On Toast Full English Croissants

Sandwiches, Baguettes Jacket Halves Soup \ Pasta Pots Chicken Burger Veggie Pizza Cereal \ Porridge Teacakes Fajita Croissants

Roast Beef Chinese Chicken Quorn Chilli Jacket Potato Fresh Fruit Lemon Meringue Custard

Friday

Toast Cereal Yoghurt Bacon Muffin Sausage Muffin Beans On Toast Full English Croissants

Sandwiches, Baguettes Jacket Halves Soup \ Pasta Pots Chicken Burger Veggie Pizza Cereal \ Porridge Teacakes Fajita Croissants

Fish & Chips Chicken Curry Salad Jacket Potato Fresh Fruit Chef’s Choice

Main Meals Spaghetti Bolognaise Sausage Rolls Fritata Jacket Potato Fresh Fruit Chocolate Pudding

Healthy Day Meat Kebabs Fish Kebabs Veggie Kebabs Fresh Fruit Kebabs

All meals served with fresh vegetables Fresh fish/chicken when available Fresh wraps, sandwiches and baguettes made daily Meal deals available

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Walton High’s Learning Programme abridged from ‘A Golden Bridge June 2000’

Walton High, Milton Keynes, opened in September 1999 as a leading learning centre and school for the 21st century. A five-year building programme provided a range of local and national educational services for all ages, with statutory responsibility for 1200+ students in the 11–19 age range.

Walton High was launched by its governing body and staff in the knowledge that those we serve have clear views about what a school means. Families look back to their own experience, they compare notes with others in their family and with their friends; they go by reputation and often examination results. In the end, we each wish for a child an environment which matches our own family values and expectations of what formal education should provide.

Five fundamental truths: 1. Schools matter; each child has one chance and has the right to a well ordered, stimulating learning environment 2. Schools need to redefine, refine and articulate social and moral values and respect for others 3. School must promote the highest achievement in youngsters 4. We celebrate, value and reward all skills 5. We work with parents and the community in a genuine spirit of partnership

How do we turn these ideas into practice? 

The ‘learning day’ operates ‘Eight till late’, with Breakfast Club from 7.45-8.20am and Session 9, from 3.15-5.30pm, not viewed by students as extra-curricular but rather as an integral part of their day



Short Courses, Wednesdays 1.35-3.15pm, bring together Walton High staff and external tutors to work with students in small, mixedage groups for an extended block of time, enjoying anything from Politics, Health Education and First Aid to Dancing, Fencing, Batik, Cookery and Digital Video

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Walton High’s Learning Programme continued



Advanced Learning Days serve to highlight that each of us learns in various ways, using different intelligences – days when the normal timetable is suspended in favour of ‘The Science of Drawing ‘(Science and Art) or ‘Spymission’ (Maths) or ‘Newsday’ (English and Humanities) or ‘Global Diversity’, during which youngsters and adults alike can work in small groups with tutors and experience the challenge, fun and excitement of learning something anew



Master Classes operate during evenings, weekends and (historical term!) school holidays in Maths, Literacy, Music, Sailing – whatever students express an interest in and staff expertise/visiting tutors can match. The Yamaha Music Point runs four evenings a week and at weekends to provide family music-making of the highest order



In an e-age, curriculum schemes of work, guides for parents on how to help their children, homework schedules and the rest are readily accessible on-line. These are areas of our work which will surely expand to serve the connected community of 3000+ families in the Walton Partnership of schools

National Curriculum, GCSEs Vocational and A Levels Support from printed and internet materials

Residential Visits & Fieldwork

Individual Mentoring & Target Setting

Short Courses

OUR PROGRAMME TO ENSURE HIGH QUALITY LEARNING FOR ALL STUDENTS

Session 9

Master Classes Advanced Learning Days

© Walton High

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Attendance As you know, parents have a legal duty to make sure their child attends school on a regular and full time basis. Good attendance at school is very important and Walton High is committed to recognising and rewarding good attendance. 100% attendance certificates will be awarded to individual students; the Tutor Group with the highest attendance each half term will be presented with a certificate and weekly attendance graphs will be displayed. Walton High uses the following procedures when dealing with absences:



Illness and other legitimate reasons If a student is unable to attend, parents should contact the school on the first day of absence. When the student returns, he or she must have, for each period of absence, either completed an absence slip, (available at the back of the Student Diary) or a letter signed by a parent and put in the Red Box in Student Services. It is not usually appropriate for Walton High to authorise absences for shopping, looking after other children, day trips etc. However, leave may be granted in an emergency, for example, a family bereavement



Holidays Holidays in term time should not be taken and will not be authorised by Walton High. If a holiday is taken without permission from the school the absence will be recorded as ‘unauthorised’ and will be reported to the Education Welfare Officer, who may issue a fixed penalty notice



Lateness Students must attend on time. As lessons begin at 8.30 am, students should be in school by 8.20 at the latest. Similarly lessons begin at 11.55am and 1.40 pm – our expectation is that students are in the room ready to learn at those times. If a student is late, i.e. arrives at school after 8.25am, he/she must sign in at Reception, then report to his/her class and politely explain the lateness to the teacher concerned. Lateness will be recorded on the attendance record and a detention may be issued



Appointments Where possible medical or dental appointments should be made out of school hours. If an appointment is made during school hours students must attend school before and after the appointment. A copy of the appointment card should be put in the Red Box in Student Services. Students will not be permitted to leave school without the appointment card or a letter from parent.

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Homework Principles The purpose of homework is to:  develop in students the skills, confidence and motivation needed to study effectively on their own. This will help prepare them for life long learning  consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding developed in lessons and to revise for tests  extend school learning by using other sources, e.g. people, books, the internet, TV  encourage the involvement of parents in the student’s learning and to keep them informed about the work they are doing Practice Walton High will:  ensure that homework is set on a regular basis and in manageable amounts. In Years 7and 8 students should expect to have between 60-90 minutes a day  provide a Student Diary to help students manage their work. This will be checked weekly by Personal Tutors  set tasks that are suitable and achievable within the time available; see exercise book or website  mark homework promptly and give feedback to students  provide study support facilities on site for homework tasks to be carried out  take appropriate action when students fail to complete homework by the due date Walton High expects students to:  accurately record all homework set in their Student Diary  complete all tasks set, to the best of their ability, by the due date  make the most of the study support facilities offered by Walton High  see their subject teacher or Personal Tutor if they have a problem completing a homework task by the due date  have their Student Diary signed weekly by their parents Walton High asks that parents:  provide a suitable place for students to do their homework and/or encourage them to attend Walton High’s study support sessions  make it clear that they value homework, and support Walton High in explaining to students how it can help them make progress  encourage students and praise them when they have completed homework  check homework is completed by the due date and sign the Student Diary weekly The effectiveness of Walton High’s approach to homework is monitored and evaluated by the Vice Principals. This is done each term by sampling a representative selection of Student Diaries and homework assignments. A small-scale annual survey of students and parents is also carried out

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Homework continued

Homework is an important part of a student’s independent learning. Session 9 is available at Walton High for students who might prefer to complete their homework in the library or ILA where staff support and resources are available. Each Curriculum area also offers lunchtime or after school Support Sessions where students can receive support and advice on their learning. In the event of a student failing to complete or hand in homework, the class teacher will take appropriate action.

Parent Handbook

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DATA PROTECTION ACT - INFORMATION FOR PARENTS Schools, Local Authorities (LA) and the Department for Education (DoE) (the government department which deals with education) all hold information on students in order to run the education system, and in doing so have to follow the Data Protection Act 1998. This means, among other things that the data held about students must only be used for specific purposes allowed by law. We are therefore writing to tell you about the types of data held, why that data is held, and to whom it may be passed. The school holds information on students in order to support their teaching and learning, to monitor and report on their progress, to provide appropriate pastoral care, and to assess how well the school as a whole is doing. This information includes contact details, National Curriculum assessment results, attendance information, characteristics such as ethnic group, special educational needs and any relevant medical information. From time to time we are required to pass on some of this data to the Local Authority, to another school to which the student is transferring, to the Department for Education which is responsible for the National Curriculum and associated assessment arrangements. The Local Authority uses information about students to carry out specific functions for which it is responsible, such as the assessment of any special educational needs the student may have. It also uses the information to derive statistics to inform decisions on (for example) the funding of schools, and to assess the performance of schools and set targets for them. The statistics are used in such a way that individual students cannot be identified from them. The Department for Education uses information about students for statistical purposes, to evaluate and develop education policy and to monitor the performance of the education service as a whole. The statistics (including those based on information provided by the QCA) are used in such a way that individual students cannot be identified from them. The DoE will feed back to the LAs and schools information about their students where they are lacking this information because it was not passed on by a former school. On occasion, information may be shared with other Government departments or agencies strictly for statistical or research purposes only. Students, as data subjects, have certain rights under the Data Protection Act, including a general right of access to personal data held on them, with parents exercising this right on their behalf if they are too young to do so themselves. If your child wishes to access their personal data or you wish to do so on their behalf, please contact the relevant organisation in writing:  Walton High, Fyfield Barrow, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, MK7 7WH;  The LA’s Data Protection Officer at Milton Keynes Council, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, CMK;  The DoE’s Data Protection Officer, Caxton House, Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9NA Please note that all rights under the Data Protection Act to do with information about your child rest with them as soon as they are old enough to understand these rights. This will vary from one child to another and you will wish to consider the position for your child, but, as a broad guide, it is reckoned that most children will have sufficient understanding by the age of 12. We would therefore encourage you to share this note with your child if he/she is aged 12 or over. Separately from the Data Protection Act, DoE regulations provide a student’s parent (regardless of the age of the student) with the right to view, or to have a copy of their child’s educational record at the school. If you wish to exercise this right you should write to the school. A charge may be made for any records copied.

Providing Information for ‘Youth Support Services’ (previously known as Connexions) For students approaching or above age 13, the school is required to pass on information to the Local Authority for ‘Youth Support Services’. This information includes the name, date of birth and address of the student and name and address of the parent, and any further information relevant to support young people, helping them to achieve their potential and to realise benefits from education, learning and employment. However parents, or students themselves if aged 16 or over, can ask that no information beyond name, date of birth and address for students and name and address for parents is passed on.

If as a parent, or as a student aged 16 or over, you do not want them to receive from us information beyond name, date of birth and address for students and name and address for parents, then please tick the appropriate box under the Data Protection Section on page 6. Since, for some students aged 16 or over, the right to ask for information beyond name and address not to be passed on rests with the student rather than the parent, it is particularly important that you share this note with your child if they are of this age. The LA and DoE may provide share information which they have about your child, but will not pass on any information they have received from us if you (or your child if aged 16 or over) have notified the school that they should not receive information beyond that outlined above.

Parent Handbook

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Parent Handbook

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