Monifieth High School Handbook_0

School logo/photo This document is available in alternative formats, on request Please contact the Head Teache MONIFIETH HIGH SCHOOL Handbook 2019 This document is available in altern

School logo/photo

This document is available in alternative formats, on request

(Please contact the Head Teache

MONIFIETH HIGH

SCHOOL

Handbook 2019

This document is available in alternative formats, on request (Please contact the Head Teacher)

o Role of the Pupils

o Role of Teachers and Support Staff

o Role of Promoted Staff

The Pupils’ and Parents’ Voice

The Curriculum at School, Local and National Level Assessment & Reporting

Liaison with Secondary School

School Improvement

Health Care

CONTACT DETAILS Monifieth High School Head Teacher: Mrs M-C McInally

Panmurefield Road Monifieth Angus DD5 4PT Tel: 01382 768100 School Website: www.monifiethhighschool.com

School Email Address: MonifiethHigh@angusschools.org.uk

Associated Primary Schools:

Grange PS, Seaview PS, Birkhill PS, Murroes PS, Liff PS, Mattocks PS, Auchterhouse PS

The School Roll 2018-2019

S1- 188 S2 – 186 S3 – 200 S4 – 233 S5 – 154 S6 - 124

Parent Council Email: MONParentcouncil@monifiethhigh.angus.sch.uk

SCHOOL DAY

Period 1 08.55 - 09.45 Period 1 08.55 – 9.45 Period 2 09.45 - 10.35 Period 2 09.45 – 10.35 Period 3 10.35 - 11.25 Period 3 10.35 – 11.25

Period 4 11.40 - 12.30 Period 4 11.40 – 12.30 Period 5 12.30 - 13.20 Period 5 12.30 – 13.20

Period 6 14.10 - 15.00

Period 7 15.00 - 15.50

This handbook was designed with you in mind to help you understand what Monifieth High School

is all about We ask that you use this guide as a resource throughout the course of the school year

so that you will have a basic knowledge of some of the policies, procedures, and courses that will affect your child

Information regarding our expectations for staff, pupil and parents, progress reporting, courses, extra-curricular activities, external partnerships are just some of the many entries you’ll find within this handbook Parents are asked to review its contents and to discuss items with their child Since this handbook offers a snapshot of what Monifieth High School is all about, pupils and parents are encouraged to ask questions to school personnel at any time so that individual needs can be addressed and met You are also directed to our school website (www.monifiethhighschool.com), Twitter (@MonifiethHigh) and Facebook (@ParentCouncilMHS) accounts for further updates on activities and events In addition, our Monifieth High School app is now live in the Apple and Google Play stores

On behalf of Monifieth High School, we look forward to another fulfilling school year In collaboration between the school and home, we invite you to work alongside us at the school so the school will be enhanced, fulfilling, and rewarding for all involved

Our staff are dedicated to providing the best opportunities for learning and achievement for all of our pupils and we are confident that school year 2019/20 will be a satisfying and productive one

M-C McInally

Head Teacher

Our Vision

Positive relationships are key to the success and wellbeing of our school community, we are committed to working with you to create a climate of trust, respect and aspiration

Our School Motto is: Fais ce que dois in French, which means ‘Do what you must’ in English

We encourage our pupils to model the 4 values found on the Scottish Mace by:-

Do what you must in Wisdom: Do you what you must in Justice:

2 Create the right Mindset – have a

‘can do’ attitude 2 Act appropriately when in school and in the community and

demonstrate high moral standards

3 Achieve success through hours of

Do what you must in Compassion: Do what you must in Integrity:

people can trust

The ‘Heart of Monifieth’ aims to ensure that all pupils are Healthy, Engaging, Achieving, Relating and Thriving To meet the needs of our young people we work closely with pupils, parents and

partner agencies This is carried out through 1:1 sessions, group work and community events Pupils and parents can self-refer during discussions with their Pupils, Care and Support Teacher

VISITS OF PROSPECTIVE PARENTS – see link below:

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2010/11/10093528/0

If your son or daughter is transferring from a school outside our delineated area, or into a year

group other than S1, please refer to the above document

Once your child has been allocated a place you will be invited to meet a senior staff member to find out more about the curriculum and to share information about your child

1 We will be keen to meet you and your child/children before the transfer takes place Please contact our School Office as soon as possible so we can make an appointment

2 At the meeting, we would like to discuss your needs, and what the school has to offer We will endeavour to provide you with any information you may need, and would be grateful if you could bring with you any information e.g course choices, report cards, which might be

of use in deciding on a suitable course

3 On the day your son or daughter begins school, he/she should arrive in time to be registered

at 8.55am when a timetable will be provided A meeting will be arranged with the appropriate Pupil Care and Support Teacher, a teacher who will have a particular responsibility for looking after your son or daughter while in school

Placing Request forms are available from the Head Teacher or the Children and Learning Directorate, Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar DD8 1AE, Tel: 03452 777 778

SCHOOL UNIFORM

School uniform is very important for four reasons:

• It helps pupils identify with the whole school community, rather than divide into sub-groups marked by different clothing styles

• It prevents competition based on expensive fashion statements, and so removes pressure from pupils and parents alike

• It is smart and business-like, and means that a pupil is coming to school dressed for work, and

so is mentally prepared for work

• It greatly improves school security, by making any intruder stand out clearly

The current uniform is the result of consultation with all parents, pupils and staff, which resulted in a

very high level of agreement and support by all Our uniform is worn by all pupils It is currently:

• Blazer for all year groups (Senior phase S4-6 blazer includes braid)

• White blouse/shirt, smartly worn and buttoned to neck

• School tie, knotted to neck

• Plain black v-neck sweater or cardigan with school logo or plain black v-neck or cardigan

• Black trousers or skirt (approx 20 inches in length) Lycra skirts should not be worn Likewise leggings/jeggings and all forms of jeans should not be worn

PE KIT

Pupils are encouraged to purchase the school PE uniform which will be worn for all PE classes and

when representing the school at sporting events This kit is available from the BE Schoolwear shop

in Dundee both in the store and online

The BE Schoolwear shop stocks a range of t-shirts styles, sweatshirts, hoodies, tracksuit bottoms and swimwear Pupils do not need to purchase every garment, shorts, t-shirt and swimwear are desirable for pupils, however all items are available if you so wish and will be utilised throughout the year

If the school PE uniform is not to be purchased, plain navy kit is preferred

Girls/boys

Indoor trainers Outdoor trainers Boys-swim trunks/jammers

Navy t-shirt Navy t-shirt (They must be tight fitting, not

Navy shorts Navy shorts/tracksuit bottoms baggy or knee length)

Navy hoodie/fleece Girls-one piece swimming costume

Swim Cap

All clothing brought to school should be named or marked in some way, as it is difficult for children to distinguish their own clothing from others

ORGANISATIONAL CHART SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mrs McInally Mr Lusby, DHT Mrs Ritchie, DHT

Head Teacher Head of Panmure Head of Dalhousie

Dr Matthew Denise Smith

Head of Balmossie School Business Manager

PUPIL CARE & SUPPORT TEAM

PARENTAL CONCERNS

Parents should contact the school immediately if they have a cause for concern It is our wish to deal with all matters as early as possible preventing them from growing into significant concerns Please contact your child’s Principal Teacher (Pupil Care & Support) in the first instance The staff will listen to your concern and agree a way forward with you

If it is helpful, you will be welcome to arrange a meeting with the appropriate Principal Teacher, or the Depute in charge of House or Mrs McInally, Head Teacher

THE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE – also see link below:

https://www.angus.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/complaints_and_comments/making_a_complaint_or_ comment_about_our_services

In the vast majority of cases, you will find that your concerns, once shared, are warmly supported

by staff so that a suitable support can quickly be agreed If however you wish to speak to someone at the centre, follow the above link

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT (ENGAGEMENT)

BECOMING INVOLVED IN SCHOOL

Your day-to-day involvement in your son/daughter’s learning will be the largest single factor in his/her success Practical ways in which you can give him/her support are described in detail

at the “How to Help your Son/Daughter Evening” for all S1 parents each September This is an evening attended by virtually all parents of S1 pupils and we will give you early notice of its date when your child joins the school

Also, attendance at your child’s Parents’ Night where you have an opportunity to discuss with the class teacher your child’s progress

Our Parent Council also annually seeks support from parents for on-going activities within the school day This may include joining a focus group, providing technical advice on website development, helping with a paired reading scheme or visiting a class to give an insight into a specific career

We also have an active ‘Friends of Monifieth’ who organise fundraising events to support the school Easyfundraising is a Parent Council fundraising scheme to raise additional funds for Monifieth High School If you join easyfundraising you can collect free donations for the school every time you buy something online It won’t cost you a penny https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/-

If you wish to be a regular parent helper, PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks have to

be completed Please discuss this with staff

As your son/daughter progresses through the school, you will be involved and consulted at each stage of his/her choice of subjects Many parents are also able to organise Work Experience for their children and this is of immense benefit

SCHOOL ETHOS

Our vision for the school, which has evolved over the last three years, is to provide the highest quality education for all the young people and a belief that every child matters We are a learning community that encourages lifelong learners, and equips young people with the skills for their future The three overarching themes that permeate everything that we do are:

• Attainment – our aim is to have every young person develop their potential, academically

and in other fields of endeavor Good examination results are an absolute priority, but where there is talent, we must nurture it

• Community – we believe the school is more than teachers and pupils: we work closely with

parents and the wider community; we are excited about the community using the school, and very much looking forward to meeting as many new partners as possible

• Health – We passionately promote the “healthy mind, healthy body” philosophy; Scotland

does not have a good health record; we want to do everything we can to assist Monifieth pupils lead healthy lives, physically and mentally, in the school and after they leave

The school offers a wide range of opportunities for wider achievement, from within the curriculum and out of class activities including, school trips and extra-curricular activities Even though we have approximately a third of the school population transported by bus to the school, we offer many activities at break and lunchtime to allow for greater participation

The examples of activities for wider participation and achievement for pupils are: Charities, Fair Trade, First Aid, Duke of Edinburgh, Boys’ Choir, Formula 1, Young Engineer’s, Sports Leaders, Dance and many sporting activities Many of our pupils receive the recognition of International status in their field and are proud to wear an International tie to celebrate their success There are two Learner Council groups; one for Transition to secondary and one for secondary school, each supported by a team of staff Senior pupils are given the opportunity to be ‘Buddies’ and assist with peer learning Many of our senior pupils become Befrienders and provide a valuable resource in our local community We work closely with the Rotary Club and other community groups enjoying an excellent partnership programme The school fosters an Ethos of Achievement and actively supports pupils with Supported Study sessions and the development of a Growth Mindset and Resilience In the BGE pupils experience a range of learning and teaching approaches and there is an emphasis on skills development The school has adopted Restorative Approaches and pupils and staff are developing the skills required to be fully restorative

The introduction of the new prefect system has allowed for greater inclusion and provided more opportunities for seniors to take up a leadership role within the school Leadership opportunities are also extended to younger pupils

Class Organisation

Clear care is taken in placing youngsters in their S1 class, making use of information from parents and primary schools Nearly every S1 and S2 class is ‘mixed-ability’, while there are limited opportunities to set pupils in S3 classes

as appropriate; additional research should be carried out using the internet and the school’s

“Glow” website

As in primary school, parents should discuss homework with their children each evening S1 Pupils should plan to study for approximately 30 minutes each evening, S2 for 45 minutes, S3 for 1hour, S4 for 1½ hours and S5/6 for 2½ hours Supported Study is also available for different year groups at lunchtime and after school

Diary Planner

Junior pupils is issued annually with a Diary Planner Pupils should keep in it a detailed record of each evening’s homework whether self-organised by the pupil and parent or set by the teacher The planner’s purpose is to assist pupils to manage workload, to make forward plans, to set individual targets, to identify strengths and weaknesses, to note key dates and homework, to record the results of assessments, and to remind pupils of important aspects of the school’s organisation: in short, to enable pupils to take responsibility for their own learning Equally it is a means of strengthening the partnership between school and home, and all teachers and parents are urged to enter comments if appropriate

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LINKS

Strong links with our community have been established, including the Community Council, Rotary, Befrienders Scheme, Volunteer Angus, local Care Homes and local community groups

We are also keen to raise money and support those in need, with fundraising activities coordinated by our enthusiastic pupil-led Charities Committee Senior pupils at Monifieth High School are also involved in community service in Nursing and Residential Homes, as well as helping

in several of our associated primary schools

Pupils of all age groups benefit from a wide range of field trips, whether to sites of geographical or historical importance, to science lectures at local universities, to theatres and concerts etc There are overseas visits to Switzerland and France, to New York and Berlin, to Iceland and WWI Battlefields Senior pupils visit South India, to work with the community and in particular our partner school in Uganda Our sports teams compete throughout Scotland while our senior orchestra performs locally and our musicians perform at our local care homes and community centres

RELATIONSHIP POLICY

https://www.angus.gov.uk/schools_and_young_people/parent_and_pupil_guidance/anti_bullying_policy

It is commonly recognised that high standards of behaviour in the classroom have a major impact

on effective learning and teaching In Monifieth High School, we seek to establish and maintain a positive learning environment which promotes mutual respect between staff (teaching and support) and pupils at all times Through a uniform and structured approach, we can nurture an ethos of achievement Working co-operatively, we can help young people to evaluate their strengths and encourage them to develop their levels of responsibility This should, ultimately, allow all pupils to achieve their academic and personal potential and feel safe within the school and wider community

Within the school we have adopted a Restorative Approach and there are many examples of good practice which have a positive influence on the behaviour of young people There is recognition that praise and commendation in supporting this, can be used to good effect This policy builds on the good practice currently undertaken in the classroom and encourages a consistent approach and application through following the procedures set out in the following pages All pupils, staff, parents and other agencies have a role to play in ensuring that young people know what standards of behaviour are expected and in supporting them to make the right choices

The Role of Pupils

• To make good choices regarding their behaviour

• To know that making the right choice produces a better working environment for all,

resulting in positive educational experiences and achievement in school

• To understand that positive educational experiences result in rewards both academically and personally

• To follow the expectations and responsibilities throughout the school itself and within all

school activities

The Role of Teachers and Support Staff

• To encourage pupils to achieve their goals/ best and give praise and recognition using

Restorative practice

• To promote good standards of behaviour set out in the Monifieth Classroom Way

• To foster a good working relationship with pupils and an understanding of their individuality, self-worth, strengths and development needs

• To follow and apply guidelines consistently

• To recognise the different systems for recording and responding to positive behaviour and use these accordingly

• To support and work with colleagues in applying the range of systems available