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St John Plessington Catholic College

a Specialist Science, Technology and Humanities College

Parent Handbook

2011/2012

“This is an outstanding school in which exceptional things happen.”

OFSTED

All are welcome in this place... Christ The King Catholic Primary School Our

Lady & St Edward’s Catholic Primary School St Anne’s Catholic Primary School St John‘s Catholic

Junior School St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (Birkenhead) St Michael & All Angels Catholic

Primary School St Peter’s Catholic Primary School St Werburgh’s Catholic Primary School Abbey

Junior School Bedford Drive Primary School Bidston Avenue Primary School Bidston Village C.E.

Primary School Brackenwood Junior School Bromborough Pool Primary School Cathcart St

Primary School Christ Church C.E. Primary School Church Drive Primary School Cole Street

Primary School Devonshire Park Primary School Fender Primary School Grove Street Primary

School Hayfield Primary School Heswall Primary School Heygarth Primary School Higher

Bebington Junior School Holy Cross Catholic Primary School Ladymount Catholic Primary School

Liscard Primary School Manor Primary School Mendell Primary School Mersey Park Primary School

Millfields Primary School Mount Primary School New Brighton Primary School Orrets Meadow

Primary School Overchurch Junior School Oxton St Saviours Primary School Pensby Junior School

Portland Primary School Poulton Lancelyn Primary School Prenton Primary School Raeburn

Primary School Riverside Primary School Rock Ferry Primary School Sacred Heart Catholic Primary

School Somerville Primary School St Alban’s Catholic Primary School St Andrew’s C.E. Primary

School St George’s Primary School St Laurence’s Catholic Primary School St Paul’s Catholic

Primary School St Peter & Paul’s Catholic Primary School St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

(Upton) St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (Wallasey) Stanton Road Primary School The Dell

Primary School The Priory Parish C.E. Primary School Thornton Hough Primary School Townfield

Primary School Well Lane Primary School Woodchurch Road Primary School Woodlands Primary

School Woodslee Primary School

Contents

Page Section

4 . . . . . . . . .Welcome

5 . . . . . . . . .Our Catholic Ethos

6 . . . . . . . . .Aspire not to have more but to be more

7 . . . . . . . . .Governing Body

8 . . . . . . . . .Management and Staffing

10 . . . . . . . . . Pastoral Care Years 8-11

11 . . . . . . . . . Tutor Groups KS3

12 . . . . . . . . . Tutor Groups KS4

13 . . . . . . . . . The SJP Experience

14 . . . . . . . . . SJP Year 8 Experience

15 . . . . . . . . . SJP Year 9 Experience

16 . . . . . . . . . SJP Year 10 Experience

17 . . . . . . . . . SJP Year 11 Experience

18 . . . . . . . . . Partnership Agreement Years 8-11

19 . . . . . . . . . Term Dates Years 8-11

20 . . . . . . . . . Timetable

21 . . . . . . . . . Curriculum Years 8-11

26 . . . . . . . . . College Library

27 . . . . . . . . . Uniform and Appearance

29 . . . . . . . . . ICT Years 8-11

30 . . . . . . . . . Rewards and Sanctions

33 . . . . . . . . . Attendance and Punctuality

34 . . . . . . . . . College Dining Hall

35 . . . . . . . . . College and the Home

38 . . . . . . . . . College Map

39 . . . . . . . . . Sixth Form Handbook

40 . . . . . . . . . Sixth Form Welcome

41 . . . . . . . . . General Principles

42 . . . . . . . . . Pastoral Care

45 . . . . . . . . . Tutor Groups Sixth Form

46 . . . . . . . . . Sixth Form Experience

47 . . . . . . . . . Learning Agreement

49 . . . . . . . . . Curriculm

52 . . . . . . . . . Sixth Form Facilities

53 . . . . . . . . . ICT

54 . . . . . . . . . Rights and Responsibilities

56 . . . . . . . . . Attendance and Punctuality

57 . . . . . . . . . Careers

“This is an outstanding school in which exceptional things happen.” (OFSTED)

Contact Information

College Address

St John Plessington

Catholic College

Old Chester Road,

Bebington,

Wirral CH63 7LF

Telephone:

0151 645 5049

Fax

0151 643 1516

General Email:

[email protected]

Website

www.stjohnplessington.com

Child’s Form Tutor

Your child’s form tutor is your first

point of contact with the College

Sam Learning Centre ID: ch63pc

Username:

Password:

www.samlearning.com

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) /

College Network

Username:

Password:

www.stjohnplessington.com

On-line reporting for parents

email log in:

Password:

www.stjohnplessington.com

Mymaths

Username:

Password:

www.mymaths.co.uk

Welcome

We are delighted to welcome you and your son or daughter back to St John Plessington Catholic College for the new

academic year 2011-12. This year will provide another year of challenge and hard work as well as fun and excitement as

your child builds important foundations for success.

“The atmosphere of calm confidence and excellent relationships in the College is second to none.” (OFSTED)

The College goes from strength to strength.

Following our Outstanding OFSTED reports in

2007 (Full Inspection), 2008 (Subject Inspection)

and 2011 (Interim Report), our results continue to

smash all records. This means year-on-year that

we continue to be the highest performing

comprehensive school on the Wirral for GCSE

success and yet again we are the top school

overall for achievement. At the time of writing we

are again expecting another record year of

results at GCSE and Advanced Level. Our

winning the prestigious Times Educational

Supplement Secondary School of the Year for

2010-11 has attracted a huge amount of interest

from other schools with over 40 institutions the

length and breadth of the country visiting us to

sample the secrets of our success.

OFSTED recently confirmed their interim

assessment which indicates that our performance

across a wide range of measures has been

sustained and, because of this, they will not be

inspecting the College until further notice. It is

another further accolade to everyone across the

community for helping us maintain our high

levels of performance - a fantastic platform to

enable the College to grow and develop further

in new and exciting ways! I can assure you that

we are always looking to build on this success

and will continue to provide an education that is

truly second to none on the Wirral.

It has been an exciting year as our widespread

reputation for excellence in all aspects of school

life has filtered out. The former Prime Minister,

the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, said this when he

visited us earlier in the year: “What I have heard

about this school makes me incredibly proud that

it is the top school in this country.” The Bishop of

Shrewsbury, in his congratulations to the College

community on achieving this award, described SJP

as “all that is best in Catholic Education” and we

were very honoured when one of our pupils was

asked to make a presentation on behalf of all the

children in Catholic schools in the UK to Pope

Benedict during his State Visit.

Here at SJP, you know that we expect the highest

standards of behaviour from our students and we

encourage them to be self-disciplined and well

behaved at all times. High standards of uniform

and appearance set the tone for all that we seek

to achieve here and your support in this area is

crucial if we are to further build our community.

Pupils are proud to be here at SJP and understand

that when they wear our uniform they are our

ambassadors. High attendance is another vital

ingredient if your child is to be successful. I

cannot authorise term-time requests for leave and

ask that parents do not book holidays when their

child should be in school, tempting as it is with

cheaper holiday packages.

We never take for granted the fact that it is our

partnership with parents that is crucial to our

success.

I hope you will take the time to read through this

Parent Handbook. It is an attempt to make clear

to parents what our expectations our, to give you

an idea of some of the exciting opportunities that

lie ahead and to outline how we can work in

partnership together.

Tom Quinn

Headteacher

Our Catholic Ethos

Our mission is to be a Catholic College where every individual is highly valued and where care and concern for others is central to our work. All our pupils

are expected to achieve their potential and become equipped for adult life able to make a full contribution to society.

At SJP everything we do is guided by Gospel values, that of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, justice, faith, integrity, humility, service, peace, hope and

prayer. The College Mission Statement is on display in every room and guides us in everything we say and do at St. John Plessington Catholic College. Each

day begins with prayer and there is a Collective Act of Worship each day that takes

place during Academic Review Time or in a formal assembly which is led by a Senior

Member of Staff.

The fruits of our faith can be evidenced in a range of provision and activities. We have a

full time Chaplain, Rev. Gerard Boyle who gives important direction to the spiritual life

of the College as well as supporting the work of the Pastoral Teams. We have our own

Chapel space, a Chaplaincy Meeting Room and last summer we opened our ‘Peace

Garden’ a place of tranquillity and rest. Through our Chaplaincy provision, we offer the

experience for pupils in all year groups to experience a retreat, using Savio House

(Cheshire), Castlerigg Manor (Lake District) and St.Cassian’s Kintbury (Berkshire) as

opportunities to pray, reflect and build community together. We engage in fundraising

events for our chosen charities throughout the year. This year we have adopted ‘Street

Child Africa’ as our whole school charity, raising money to support children who live

desperate lives of poverty and who are among the most vulnerable.

We also support CAFOD and the Catholic Children’s Society as well as a host of others.

In Advent this year we are performing the SJP Nativity which will provide a rich tapestry

of music and drama to help us prepare for the great feast of Christmas. We hope you

will come along and experience the many talents of our wonderful youngsters.

Safeguarding Statement

Our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of young people is of

paramount importance and we believe that safer students make more successful

learners.

At SJP we seek to build a community of faith,

where prayer and worship are at the heart of

what we do; where people are respected and

treated with dignity; where the sort of person

that we become is of first importance and where

we have a real sense of duty and of service to

others. This is articulated in the phrase “Aspire

not to have more but to be more”.

We believe that to be educated is to be more

fitted for life; to have a greater capacity for

appreciating what life is, what it has to offer, and

what the person has to offer in return to wider

society. Thus, if we would apply our modern

educational skills and resources to this

philosophy, we hope to succeed in offering

something of lasting value to our pupils and

students.

An important aspect of the SJP Experience is to

allow our pupils and students to articulate what

they have learned from the many opportunities

and events that are available. Staff have a crucial

role in framing this. On all trips and events, it is

important that in the planning stages, staff make

clear what the impact will be for the pupils and

students. Both during and after the trip, the

member of staff organising the event will need to

build in opportunities for self-reflection on the

part of the pupils and students.

In aspiring not to have more but to be more,

there needs to be an element of service to others.

We want SJP to be the best school in the country,

we want our children to have the best education

and the best opportunities. By achieving this we

will instill into the pupils and students a desire to

be the best they possibly can and so make a

difference. The gaining of qualifications, skills and

experiences is not just about what I get out of it

but how it helps me to help others. Again, staff

have a pivotal role in this; not only in the way

that they model such principles in their behaviour

but also how they help the pupils and students to

personify and articulate it.

The ambience of the College is such

that all are encouraged to develop

their talents as fully as possible and

to use those gifts for others in the

spirit of 'What more can I do, what

more can I give?'

At the end of seven years at SJP it is

hoped that young people are:

• developing and deepening a

relationship with God, and are able

to find God in reflection on their

own experience

• happy, friendly, and self-confident,

with a sense of humour and an

awareness of their God-given gifts

and talents and the need to fulfil their potential

for good

• seen to have a generosity of spirit and a

readiness to place their talents at the disposal

of others

• well prepared to take their place in wider

society unmotivated by prestige or selfish

ambition and aware of how fully they can

contribute to the common good

• ready to ask 'What more can I do, what more

can I give?' in every area of life

• proud of having belonged to the SJP

community with respect for its values and those

who taught them.

Aspire not to have more but to be more…

Aspire

not to

havemore

but to

...

Archbishop Romero

Chair of Governors

Mrs Margaret Marks

Vice-Chair of Governors

Mr Brian O’Connell

Foundation Governors

Mr Christopher Carroll

Ms Carol Johnson-Eyre

Fr Nick Kern

Mr John McCaffery

Mrs Julie Spencer

Mrs Veronica Statham

Mr John Williams

Mrs Christine Wilson

LEA Governor

Mrs Lynn Merity

Staff Governors

Ms Faye Clinton

Ms Sandy Skillen

Mrs Caroline Eckersley

Parent Governors

Mrs Penny Carty

Mr Quentin Neal

Mr Paul Baxter

Associate Members

Dr Robert Crawford

Head Teacher and Governor

Mr Tom Quinn

Clerk to the Governors

Miss Helen Caul

Diocese of Shrewsbury Schools

Commission

Mr A Scott,

Curial Offices,

2 Park Road South,

Prenton,

Wirral CH43 4UX

Director of Children and Young

People’s Dept.

Mr H Cooper,

Hamilton Building,

Conway Street,

Birkenhead, CH41 4FD

NB. Foundation Governors are nominated by Diocese

of Shrewsbury Schools Commission; Parent Governors

by ballot and should a vacancy occur parents will be

informed.

Governing Body

STAFF TEAM DEPT

Mr T. ANDERSON Technician - DT

Mrs A. ASHCROFT Teaching Assistant

Mrs R. AUSTIN Head of Learning

Mr R. AUSTIN Technician - AVA/Music

Mr J. BADGER Cover Supervisor

Mrs W. BAKER Teaching Assistant

Mrs C. BEDKE RE / Social Sciences

Mrs K. BELL Maths

Miss T. BENSON Maths

Miss F. BERTHIER Teaching Assistant

Mrs J. BLACK Office

Miss S. BLAIR Maths

Mr L. BOTES Business Studies

Miss K. BOWDEN Maths

Ms J. BOYHAN Teaching Assistant

Rev G. BOYLE College Chaplain

Miss C. BREEN Teaching Assistant

Mrs A. BROAD Midday Assistant

Mrs J. BROOM Librarian

Mr I. BURROWS ICT KSC

Mrs J. BYRNE Office

Mrs L. CAMERON Office

Miss A. CANDIANO English

Mrs L. CARROLL RE

Mrs C. CARTER Head of MFL

Miss S. CARTY Drama

Miss H. CAUL PA to Headteacher

Miss H. CHADWICK Maths

Miss F. CLINTON Learning Coach

Mrs C. COOGAN Head of Learning

Mr M. COOGAN Head of Learning

Ms I. COOK Science

Mr K. COOPER DT KSC

STAFF DEPT

Miss R. COPE Science

Mrs D. CRAWFORD Head of RE

Mrs D. CUSHION RE

Mrs C. DAVIDSON RE KSC

Mrs L. DAVIES History

Mr M. DAVIES Asst Head of Learning

Mrs J. DAVIS Learning Coach

Miss A. DEENY Teaching Assistant

Mrs P. DIXON Maths KSC

Mr T. DOLAN Head of Assisi Centre

Miss L. DONNELLY Music

Miss J. DWYER Maths

Miss J. DYER Learning Coach

Ms D. EASBY MFL KSC

Mrs C. ECKERSLEY English KSC

Mrs L. EVANS SENCO

Mr P. FAITHFULL Music

Miss V. FERRIE Teaching Assistant

Mrs A. FINLEY Teaching Assistant

Mrs J. FLEET Teaching Assistant

Ms K. FLETCHER English

Miss E. FRANCIS Head of Learning

Mr N. FRANCIS ECM

Mrs J. FRANKLIN Technician – Science

Mr O. GARDNER Science

Mrs H. GARLAND Science

Mr J. GATRELL Head of Maths

Mrs B. GORMAN DT

Miss K. GOULDING Maths

Ms T. GRETTON Midday Assistant

Mrs D. GRIFFITHS Maths

Mr G. GRIFFITHS ICT

Mrs J. GULLIDGE Head of Learning

Management and Staffing

The Senior Leadership Team

The Headteacher has a Senior Leadership Team to

help run both the curriculum, pastoral and

administration of the College.

The Senior Leadership Team is responsible for a

range of specific subjects, for developing their

staff, for the effective use of cross-curricular work

within the overall curriculum, and administrative

and pastoral tasks. The management approach

enables cross-curricular links to be more readily

achieved and encourages teamwork across wide

subject disciplines.

HEADTEACHER

Mr T. QUINN

Deputy Headteachers

Mr S. RYLANCE Pastoral

Mr B. LALLY Curriculum

Assistant Headteachers

Mr N. HARRISON

Mr. J. JONES

Ms P. PHILLIPS

Mr. A. REAY

Mrs E. SHARMAN

Mrs C. SINGLETON

Ms C. VEITCH

Operations Manager

Ms S. MITCHELL

Mrs E. HALE Teaching Assistant

Miss E. HALL English

Mr M. HARRIS PE

Miss V. HARRIS Head of PE

Mrs K. HARRISON Maths

Mrs P. HARRISON Reprographics

Mr S. HARVEY Head of ICT & Bus St

Miss S. HERAGHTY Head of Drama

Mrs A. HILL History / Vocational

Mrs L. HOWARTH Science KSC

Mrs D. HOWELLS Science KSC

Mrs C. HUGHES Technician - Science

Miss E. HUGHES DT KSC

Mrs M. HUGHES Teaching Assistant

Mrs A. JACKSON Reprographics

Mr K. JOGLEKAR MFL

Mr B. JOHNSON Caretaker

Mr A. JONES Teaching Assistant

Mrs D. JONES Office

Mrs J. JONES Site Supervisor

Mrs K. JONES Teaching Assistant

Mrs M. JONES English KSC

Mr P. JONES RE

Mr J. KENNEDY DT

Miss C. KINGSLAND MFL

Mrs C. LAMB Office Manager

Mrs T. LAWSON Head of Vocational

Mrs L. LEDSOM Office

Mr P. LEICESTER ICT & VLE Manager

Mrs J. LLOYD First Aid/Medical

Mrs A. LOCK Director of 6th Form

Miss C. LOUGHRAN Maths

Mr P. LOVE ICT KSC

Mrs L. LOWE Media / English

Miss J. MARNELL Drama

Mr K. MARSH Head of Science

Mrs S. MAY Teaching Assistant

Mrs K. McCULLOCH Office

Miss A. McGAGH Maths KSC

Ms S. McGANN Choir Co-ordinator

Mr L. McHALE Geography

Miss N.McKENNA RE KSC

Dr D. McKILLOP Maths

Mr P. McLOUGHLIN Asst Head of Learning

Mrs R. McMAHON Work Related Learning

Miss E. McNALLY English KSC

Mrs C. McNEILL Head of Learning

Mr S. MEEHAN English

Miss R. MOON Teaching Assistant

Mr A. MOORE Science KSC

Mrs H. MOORE Science

Miss A. MORRIS DT

Miss A. MUMBY English

Mrs S. MURPHY Head of History

Mr S. MURPHY Teaching Assistant

Mrs J. NEEDHAM Cover Supervisor

Mr D. NIBBS Technician - Science

Mr B. NUNNERY PE KSC

Mr A. OWEN 2nd in Dept MFL

Miss L. OWEN History

Mrs C. PEARSON Science KSC

Mrs K. PENNY Business Studies KSC

Miss K. PERRY PE

Miss L. PEYTON Science

Mrs L. PLANT Teaching Assistant

Miss J. PRITCHARD PE

Mr M. REGAN Head of Art

Mrs M. REID Learning Coach

Mr L. ROSE Technician ICT

Ms H. ROSSITER English / Media

Mrs H. RUSCOE Examinations Officer

Mr D. SACUI Technician ICT

Mrs D. SADLER MFL

Mrs L. SANDLAND-JONES

Mrs C. SEFTON Technician – DT

Mr G. SEFTON Caretaker

Mr J. SEWELL PE

Ms A. SHAW Teaching Assistant

Mr J. SHELDRAKE Science / AST

Mr S. SHERLOCK Network Manager ICT

Mr B. SHILLINGLAW DT KSC

Ms S. SKILLEN ECM Co-ordinator

Mrs J. SLADE Office

Mrs J. SMITH Head of Geography

Miss T. SMITH Science

Ms L. STEARNE DT

Miss A. SUTTON Learning Coach

Mrs J. SWANN Learning Coach

Mr. P. SWEETMAN MFL

Mrs L. THIERRY SEN

Mr R. THOMAS Head of Performing Arts

Mrs V. THOMPSON Head of DT

Ms H. THOMSON DT

Mrs M. THOMSON Maths

Miss A. WALKER Geography

Mrs A. WALKER DT

Mrs C. WALSH Teaching Assistant

Mrs K. WARDLE Office

Mr L. WELLENS Teaching Assistant

Mrs P. WILDING Midday Assistant

Miss J. WILLIAMS Office

Mr M. WILMSHURST Science

Mr J. WILSON Head of Learning

Mr S. WITCHER Head of Media Studies

Miss R. WROE Head of Social Sciences

STAFF DEPT STAFF DEPT STAFF DEPT

The Head Teacher is assisted in the planning and

delivery of pastoral care at SJP by a team which

includes the Senior Leadership Team, Heads of

Learning, Learning Coaches and Form Tutors.

Form Tutors are the first point of contact at the

College and will deal with the majority of

questions or concerns that may arise. For more

serious issues, the Head of Learning is there to

support you and your child both in terms of their

academic progress and for any major pastoral

issues that may arise. Please get in touch with

your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Learning either

by phone, e-mail, letter or a note in your child’s

Pupil Planner. The Pastoral staff should be kept

informed about illness, absence, dental or

medical appointments, or any change in home

circumstances.

Every year group has a full-time ‘Learning Coach’

to support the work of the Head of Learning. The

Learning Coach will meet your child for a formal

meeting three times per year. In the meeting the

Learning Coach will discuss with your

son/daughter their academic progress (via the

College reporting systems) and set short term

targets. This then forms the basis of an

Achievement Plan which will be sent home

shortly after. Learning Coaches are always

available for parents to discuss particular issues

re- your child’s academic progress and work

closely with Heads of Learning and Form Tutors.

The College has eight form groups in Years 7-11,

each of which has its own patron and forms a

‘House’ across all years. Pupils can earn House

Points throughout the year, which not only attract

personal recognition (such as Bronze, Silver and

Gold Awards) but also contribute to competitive

totals for each House.

The Houses are: Bernadette (SB), Vincent de Paul

(VP), Bosco (JB), Romero (OR), Kolbe (MK), Hume

(BH), Mother Teresa (MT) and Thérèse of Lisieux (TL)

ACADEMIC REVIEW

Your child will spend 30 minutes each day with

their form during a period of time called

‘Academic Review’. During this time, pupils will

meet with their Form Tutor. A daily ‘Uniform and

Appearance’ check is carried out to ensure the

highest of standards are maintained. An act of

worship also takes place at this time of the day

and your child will have at least one assembly

each week with a Senior Member of staff. As

part of our drive to encourage all children to

enjoy the pleasure of reading, we actively

promote this by asking all pupils to read silently

during a part of Academic Review. It is important

therefore that they come equipped with a

suitable reading book. This then allows the Form

Tutor to focus on the tracking and monitoring of

pupils academic progress through individual

meetings, supporting the work of the Learning

Coach and Head of Learning.

Each form group elects representatives to the Year

Council, where pupils have the opportunity to put

forward suggestions for further developments at

SJP. This group feeds into the main College

Council, which meets regularly to discuss matters

raised by pupils and respond to ideas from staff.

The pastoral care at SJP was recently described by

OFSTED as “outstanding.” In order to maintain

these high standards for your children, we

maintain a flexible approach to form groups and

reserve the right, if it is considered in the best

interests of pupils, to facilitate movement

between the different groups.

BUDDIES

To ensure that your child will become quickly at

ease with life at SJP, we have identified a number

of older pupils who are there to be a friend to

your children. These ‘Buddies’ can help the pupils

if they are in need of support or just want

someone (other than staff) to talk to.

Pastoral Care

“Students’ personal development and well-being are outstanding in

the main College and in the sixth form.” (OFSTED)

“Relationships between students and between students and staff make students feel valued, listened to and

positive about seeking help if required.” (OFSTED)

Year 8 Head of Learning:

Mrs R. Austin

Year 9 Head of Learning:

Mr J. Wilson

Form Year 8 Tutor Year 9 Tutor

SB (Saint Bernadette) Mr A. Owen Miss J. Dwyer

JB (John Bosco) Mrs C. Pearson Ms D. Easby

BH (Basil Hume) Mrs C. Davidson Miss T. Benson

MK (Maximilian Kolbe) Mrs B. Gorman Miss E. Hughes

OR (Oscar Romero) Ms L. Stearne Miss E. Hall

MT (Mother Teresa) Miss K. Bowden Mrs D. Sadler

VP (St. Vincent De Paul) Mr G. Griffiths Mr P. Leicester

TL (Thérèse of Lisieux) Mrs.L. Carroll Mr I Cook

Tutor Groups KS3

In Years 8 & 9, your child will be placed in a mixed Form Tutor

Group. Each group is named after a House Patron, a famous

Catholic Christian who as a witness to the Gospel encourages us

in our faith. Each Form will participate in a wide variety of House

Competitions through the year led by the Head of House who is

a Senior Member of staff. Your child will gain House Points

through their efforts in curriculum time and through participating

in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Year 8 Learning Coach:

Miss F. Clinton

Year 9 Learning Coach:

Mrs M. Reid

Assistant Head Teacher for KS3:

Mrs C. Singleton

Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral):

Mr S. Rylance

Key Pastoral Staff

Year 10 Head of Learning:

Mrs C. McNeill

Assistant Head of Learning for

Year 10 Mr. M. Davies

Form Year 10 Tutor Year 11 Tutor

SB (Saint Bernadette) Mrs D. Crawford Mr M. Wilmshurst

JB (John Bosco) Mr S. Harvey Mrs A. Walker

BH (Basil Hume) Mrs M. Jones Mr P. Love

MK (Maximilian Kolbe) Mr A. Moore Mr K. Marsh

MT (Mother Teresa) Ms K. Fletcher Miss A. Walker

VP (St. Vincent De Paul) Miss H. Chadwick Miss A McGagh

TL (Thérèse of Lisieux) Ms H. Rossiter Mr H. Garland

OR (Oscar Romero) Miss N. McKenna Mr S. Meehan

Tutor Groups KS4

In Years 10 & 11, your child will be placed in a mixed Form Tutor

Group. Each group is named after a House Patron, a famous

Catholic Christian who as a witness to the Gospel encourages us

in our faith. Each Form will participate in a wide variety of House

Competitions through the year led by the Head of House who is

a Senior Member of staff. Your child will gain House Points

through their efforts in curriculum time and through participating

in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Year 11 Head of Learning:

Mr M. Coogan

Year 11 Learning Coach:

Ms J. Dyer

Year 10 Learning Coach:

Miss A. Sutton

Assistant Head Teacher for KS4:

Mrs C. Veitch

Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral):

Mr S. Rylance

Key Pastoral Staff

Life at SJP extends well beyond the classroom.

Throughout their seven years at SJP, students will

have the opportunity to go on major trips that

will broaden their horizons. Not only will each

subject area provide your child with regular

opportunities to extend their learning outside of

the classroom through curriculum linked projects,

trips and extra-curricular activities, our

international links are growing rapidly and

students are already involved in exchanges and

visits to parts of Europe, China, USA and South

America.

As part of our Catholic Christian ethos, we also

take very seriously our role as educators to ensure

that children leave the College with a strong

sense of their own mission and calling. When

they are ready for the outside world, we want

our students to leave with a desire to serve and

to become the next generation of leaders. We

call the preparation for this ‘ The SJP Experience’

which aims to develop the academic, professional

and character skills needed to be successful in

life, so that all students can make the most of

their abilities and interests and fulfil their true

potential.

Raising children's aspirations is extremely

important at SJP and we aim to develop the

understanding that learning (and the experiences

that take place within and around this learning)

can be the route to enhanced opportunities. We

want to encourage as many of our pupils as

possible to consider taking up further studies

after SJP. The experience of university is life-

changing and opens up doors to all kinds of

exciting possibilities. Working in partnership, we

will equip pupils with the experience, skills and

qualifications necessary to achieve their goals.

Year 7 pupils will reflect on their hopes and

dreams from early on. As they grow, we will give

them lots of opportunities to research where they

want to be in life, the qualifications they need to

get there and how they are going to achieve it.

Here at SJP we believe that celebration of

achievement plays a crucial role in preparing

students for a place at university, their career and

for lifelong success. The SJP Experience places

leadership and service at the heart of everything

we do and so it is vital that your child

participates in all aspects of school life. We know

that you will do everything to encourage them as

we journey together.

The SJP Experience

YEAR 8 is an important building block towards

future success. If this success is to follow, the

hard work in College must be matched by a

regular and sustained level of effort at home. Our

pupils have settled in really well and we now look

to ensure they have lots of opportunities to

develop their gifts and talents through a variety

of extra-curricular activities.

As part of your child’s on going development

within our college community and building upon

their successful Year 7 Experience to the Conway

Centre, we offer them in Year 8 a three day

residential experience that takes place in

Castlerigg Manor in the Lake District.

This experience takes place in the week

commencing 16th January 2012. While at

Castlerigg Manor our students will be involved in

team building games, outdoor activities and small

groups sharing activities. They will also be

encouraged to reflect on what’s important to

them in life; as well as having free time to enable

them to socialise together and build community.

Castlerigg Manor offers wonderful facilities to

our young people during their time there. The

Manor is set in 4 acres of mature grounds and is

situated less than 10 minutes walking time from

Keswick town centre. The front of the building

looks directly onto Skiddaw and Latrigg, while

the rear of the house gives a view over Derwent-

water to Borrowdale.

The experience is deliberately placed at the

beginning of the spring term as this allows

parents time to meet the cost of the experience

over a period of time. We believe that this year

group experience will provide our students not

only an enjoyable time together, but will also

enable them to develop both socially and

spiritually as they grow in maturity.

If you wish to discuss any matter pertaining to

the Year 8 Experience, please do not hesitate to

contact Mrs Austin (Head of Learning Year 8).

At certain points during the academic year, your

child may also have the opportunity to participate

in exciting and enriching subject specific activities.

These include the Science Club; going to see

“Scrooge the Musical;” a residential Performing

Arts trip to Ingestre Hall; a visit the International

Slavery Museum in Liverpool and to Quarry Bank

Mill; a trip to the Herpetological Society and a

Coastal Walk; an engineering competition; a visit

to Cadbury’s World and visits to a graffiti

workshop or local Art Galleries and Museums.

Throughout the year we will be working on our

hugely successful “Project Week” initiative. Pupils

work with staff in their Houses in a variety of

activities which culminates in a showcase

“exhibition” on the final day. Year 8 is an

important year in your child’s academic journey.

We look to maintain the high standards of

uniform and appearance they have set, the

excellent attendance records and their very

positive attitude they already have gained a

reputation for.

SJP Year 8 Experience 11/12

YEAR 9 is a crucial year in the build up to Key

Stage 4 and the start of the GCSE journey. This

year your son/daughter has already opted to take

a course in Design and Technology through to

GCSE level. On Thursday 15th March 2012 we

will host a KS4 information evening, following

which your son/daughter will be asked to choose

option subjects from the following: Art, Business

Studies, Health and Social Care, History,

Geography, D&T, ICT Music, Performing Arts,

and PE.

There will be many opportunities for Year 9 pupils

to experience a wide-range of extra-curricular

activities, including a residential Performing Arts

course at Ingestre Hall in Staffordshire. The

course provides opportunities to develop artistic

skills, increase motivation, creatively explore issues

and themes as well as building self-esteem and

social/team skills, all based in purpose-equipped

studios. (www.ingestrearts.org.uk) Drama and

Musical auditions will begin in September as well

as an opportunity to audition for a senior theatre

company. In History, pupils will have the chance

to visit the Maritime Museum in Liverpool as well

as the opportunity to visit the Battlefields of the

First World War in France and Belgium. Pupils will

also take part in an insightful experience with a

Holocaust survivor visiting SJP.

In Geography pupils will visit Blackpool to carry

out research for their Tourism unit. In MFL, pupils

can visit the magnificent city of Barcelona to

improve Spanish speaking skills and enjoy the

Spanish Culture. Pupils will also be encouraged to

take part in a variety of activities during the

European day of languages on the 26th

September. The RE department will be working

alongside the College Chaplain to host a variety

of spiritual experiences including a retreat that

pupils are invited to attend.

The College has a long tradition of pupils taking

part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. This year

we are offering more places than ever

before for Year 9 pupils to begin their

D of E Bronze Award. The Award is a

personal challenge with each

programme tailored to reflect the

individual’s abilities and interests. There

are distinct sections of the Award

which demand a real commitment –

these include: Service (helping people

in the community); Skills (covering

almost any hobby, skill or interest);

Physical Recreation (sport, dance and

fitness); Expeditions (training for,

planning and completing your journey

on foot). We hope that you will

encourage your son/daughter to take up this

tremendous opportunity for personal growth and

development.

If success is to follow, the hard work in College

must be matched by a regular and sustained level

of effort at home. Parents can support by

monitoring the quality and quantity of homework

set. Pupils should be doing a regular amount of

homework each evening and at week-ends. They

should be planning their work, not leaving it to

last minute to meet deadlines and ensuring they

are completing all work to at least their target

level.

SJP Year 9 Experience 11/12

This year your son/daughter will sit full public

examinations in English Language, Science and

Maths as well as taking modules in Mathematics,

RE, History, French, Health & Social and

Geography. They will also have completed a full

GCSE qualification in ICT and will receive their

results in the summer. Some pupils are also

following B.Tech courses in PE, Business Studies

or Health & Social Care which are worth the

equivalent of 2 GCSEs. These subjects are

assessed throughout the year and therefore a

high standard needs to be consistently achieved

from the outset.

If success is to follow, hard work in College must

be matched by a regular and sustained level of

effort at home. Parents can support the College

by monitoring the quality and quantity of

homework set. Pupils should be completing a

couple of hours homework each evening and at

weekends. They should be planning their work;

not leaving it to the last minute to meet

deadlines and ensuring they are completing all

work to at least their target level. This is a vital

year as your child makes important progress

towards their academic qualifications which of

course are crucial to their future career prospects.

We know that with your support, we can help

make that journey as positive as possible.

All subjects offer extra support specifically aimed

at assisting pupils in achieving their potential in

their courses. We want our pupils to experience a

series of life enhancing opportunities and to

extend the boundaries of learning to beyond the

classroom. In Science, pupils will get the chance

to visit the world-famous Dynamic Earth

exhibition in Edinburgh. There will also be an

opportunity to compete in the Science Olympics.

Those students who have chosen to do Art this

year will get the opportunity to work with local

artists in a gallery environment.

Our Drama department, as well as working on

our school productions, will offer pupils the

chance to visit the West End Theatres and to see

a first class production. Pupils will visit the local

Empire theatre as part of the vocational course in

Performing Arts. Those pupils will be given

opportunities to work with professional actors

and directors from LIPA. Pupils will also have the

opportunity to showcase their talents at events

such as the Christmas Concert, SJP’s Got Talent

and the annual SJP Music Festival.

Those pupils who have chosen to study

Geography this year will participate in either a

residential or day trip to develop fieldwork skills

at Colomendy. Pupils studying History will also

get the chance to see an exhibition on the Cold

War to be staged at RAF Cosford where they

experience high ropes training. They will also

have an opportunity to visit Berlin as part of the

Cold War study programme.

In ICT pupils will use facilities at the Learning

Lighthouse for use of advanced software.

Business Studies pupils will have no time for

‘monkeying around’ as they complete a case

study at Chester Zoo, including a visit to the Zoo

itself. They will also have opportunities to have

first hand experience in industry.

In PE pupils will partake in leadership courses in

dance and multi sports with our primary feeders.

The DT Department intends to take pupils to the

Clothes Show Live event at the Birmingham NEC

and host a Master Chef Style competition.

SJP Year 10 Experience 11/12

Year 11 students will continue with Curriculum

subjects they began in Year 10 in what is their

most important year in their education so far.

Success in the summer of 2012 will depend upon

your child’s hard work both at school and at

home so your support in their studies is of

paramount importance.

Coursework still plays a crucial part in a number

of courses. All coursework must be completed

and handed in to meet deadlines and should

naturally be of the highest standard possible.

Your child’s teachers will discuss with you the

specific subject requirements for coursework at

the Year 11 Parents Evening on Thursday 29th

September 2011. Your attendance is crucial at

this evening.

If your child is to be successful it is vital that they

maintain a high level of effort in their homework

studies. Year 11 pupils should be doing at least

two hours of homework each evening, the tasks

should be planned as set out in the Learning

Programmes (issued to pupils and available

online). Please continue to monitor your child’s

homework by reading their planner and signing it

each week. Please do communicate any concerns

you may have both academically and pastorally in

the planner and we will get back to you at the

earliest opportunity.

Public examinations are ongoing throughout this

year. Your child will be issued with an individual

exam timetable. Please make a note of these

important dates and impress upon your child the

need for thorough revision.

We fully expect the vast majority of our pupils to

continue with us in 6th Form. The transition

process begins with the 6th Form Information

Evening which takes place on Thursday 2nd

February 2012. Final enrolment and confirmation

of subjects takes place on GCSE results day in

August 2012.

In this intensive year all pupils will have the

chance to go on a residential retreat. This is a

wonderful opportunity to relax, pray, build

community, reflect and discover hidden gifts and

talents. All Year 11 pupils will be given the

opportunity to apply for the China Experience.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit this

most exciting and vibrant of places!

All subjects offer extra support which aims to

help pupils achieve their potential in their

courses. Further opportunities that we encourage

your child to take advantage of include theatre

trips to see the play being studied in English or

Performing Arts. In History pupils can go on a

study tour to Berlin or Krakow, whilst in D&T

pupils’ work can be submitted to the Design

Awards Show in Manchester. ICT pupils will make

use of the multimedia facilities at the Learning

Lighthouse. Pupils will also visit the Apple Store in

Liverpool to see how they develop multi section

products. A programme of visiting artists in Art is

also planned this year. In Science pupils will have

the opportunity to participate in the Science

Olympics. All of this is in addition to the many

regular opportunities to take part in Sports and

Performing Arts activities! All pupils are

encouraged to engage in Year 11 weekly

assemblies, masses and special liturgical services

throughout the year. All of these extra-curricular

experiences are superb learning tools for your

child and we encourage you to support them

throughout their journey in Year 11.

To mark the hard work and effort made by Year

11 pupils during the year a Celebration Fancy

Dress Ball will take place in the summer term.

Discussions regarding this will take place

throughout the year via our form representatives

and year council.

SJP Year 11 Experience 11/12

It is the responsibility of the College

• To provide a Catholic environment in which

pupils will develop spiritual and moral values

• To provide a safe and secure environment in

which pupils can develop academic, sporting

and cultural talents

• To develop in the College a true sense of

community

• To establish effective partnership and

communication with parents

It is the responsibility of parents

• To support the spiritual and moral

development of your child

• To ensure your child attends College in full

uniform and is properly equipped for the

school day

• To support the authority and discipline of the

College

• To take an active interest in your child’s

academic progress by supporting the College’s

homework programme and by attending

Review Meetings and other relevant activities

where possible

• To ensure they are fully aware of the College

policies by reading the Parental Handbook.

It is your responsibility as a pupil:

• To respect and support the Catholic values of

my College

• To attend in full uniform and arrive promptly

and properly equipped for each day

• To accept the authority of the College

• To do your best at all times.

Partnership Agreement

At SJP we know how important it is to build partnerships with parents. This builds strength in our community and

supports students in their development, spirituality and learning.

We rely on the commitment and support of all parents to make this partnership work. We often run events to support this partnership and are always open

to new ideas and feedback so please contact us whenever you feel the need to.

This is a summary of the Home-College agreement that Form Tutors, Parents and Pupils are asked to sign up to in the College Planner.

Working in partnership, anything is possible!

Monday

5 September 2011

Wednesday

4 January 2012

Monday

16 April 2012

Friday

21 October 2011

Friday

10 February 2012

Friday

1 June 2012

Monday

31 October 2011

Tuesday

21 February 2012

Monday

11 June 2012

Friday

16 December 2011

Friday

30 March 2012

Thursday

19 July 2012

Other useful dates:

Bank Holiday: Monday 7 May 2012

School Closed Monday 2 July 2012 -

Day in lieu of Queen’s Jubilee

Open Evening: Thursday 15 September 2011

Open Mornings: Tuesday 20 September 2011 /

/ Wednesday 28 September 2011

Awards’ Evening: Thursday 20 October 2011

Here Comes Christmas: Friday 2 December 2011

The SJP Nativity: 13, 14, 15 December 2011

Music Festival: Thursday 13 September 2011

SJP Unplugged: Tuesday 28 February 2012

West Side Story: 20-21 March 2012

Dance Revolution: Thursday 26 April 2012

Parents’ Consultation Days

Year 7 & 10 Review Day: Friday 11 November 2011

Year 8 & 9 Review Day: Friday 13 January 2012

Year 11 Parents’ Evening: Thursday 29 September 2011

Sixth Form Parents’ Evening: Thursday 6 October 2011

Sixth Form Information Evening: Thursday 2 February 2012

KS4 Information Evening: Thursday 15 March 2012

Term Dates

September 2011 - August 2012

Start Finish Start Finish

Autumn

Term

Spring

Term

Summer

Term

First Half

Second Half

Half-Term Break

Christmas Break

Half-Term Break

Easter Break

Half-Term Break

*Information will also be available on the College Website www.stjohnplessington.com

All pupils in the College follow a timetable that runs over a two-week period. These time-tables should be recorded in the College Planner. It is always

useful if a copy of the time-table is kept in a prominent place at home to help in the early days of organisation. The time-tables will be given to pupils on

their first day of the Autumn Term. It will highlight the Subject, Subject teacher and classroom.

Timetable

Years 7, 8 & 6

Form

08.40 - 09.40am Period 1

09.40 - 10.40am Period 2

10.40 - 11.00am Break

11.00 - 12.00pm Period 3

12.00 - 12.50pm LUNCH

12.50 - 1.20pm Academic Review

13.20 - 14.20pm Period 4

14.20 - 15.20pm Period 5

Years 9, 10 & 11

08.40 - 09.40am Period 1

09.40 - 10.40am Period 2

10.40 - 11.00am Break

11.00 - 12.00pm Period 3

12.00 - 12.30pm Academic Review

12.30 - 1.20pm LUNCH

13.20 - 14.20pm Period 4

14.20 - 15.20pm Period 5

All pupils at SJP follow a Learning Programme in

all subjects each half-term. The LPs are available

on the College Website for Parents and Pupils to

access from home. They detail the programme

of study for each subject, setting out the

knowledge, skills and understanding your child is

expected to be taught. The Learning Programmes

also signpost the Assessment procedures

including the homework that will be set each

week.

It is really important that parents take an active

interest in the learning that their child is

experiencing. By following the Learning

Programmes, parents can supplement the work

being done in College through further

enrichment activities or independent study .

The Learning Programmes cover the content

required by the new National Curriculum in the

following subjects at Key Stage 3 (Y7-9):

Religious Education, English, Mathematics,

Science Design & Technology, Information

Communication Technology, Art, Citizenship,

Drama, Geography, History, Music, Physical

Education.

In Years 7 and 8 pupils are mainly taught in

mixed ability groups apart from English, Maths

Science and Modern Foreign Language, where

they are set according to ability.

Reports

At the end of each Learning Programme, that is,

every half term, you will receive a report which

will give you information about your child’s

progress in the subjects they are studying and an

indication of their end of year and end of key

stage targets.

Both effort and attainment are assessed so that

you can see the fullest possible picture of your

child’s progress during the year. All pupils transfer

their progress grades into their planners and

exercise books so they too can see how well they

are doing. As well as half termly reports parents

will receive an Achievement Plan each term.

Achievement plans are written by our Learning

Coaches who are attached to each Year Group.

Learning Coaches meet with every pupil in the

Year Group once a term to review their overall

progress and achievements, and to set

personalised targets for improvement.

Consultation Days

Consultation Days are held once a year when you

will have opportunity to discuss your child’s

progress in their Learning Programmes more fully

with subject teachers. The rest of the College

closes for the day for those pupils not involved in

those meetings. An appointment system is in

place so that you can choose times suitable to

your day. A letter is sent out well in advance

informing you of times and dates.

Curriculum

Learning Programmes

‘Exemplary, rigorous and regular assessment ensures all students know how well they are doing…’ (OFSTED)

‘The teaching of students’ academic progress is exemplary.’ (OFSTED)

Attainment Targets

Attainment Targets are arranged in eight levels

except for in Citizenship. Level 1 represents the

easiest level and Level 8 the hardest. An average

ability pupil starting at SJP would be expected to

be achieving around Level 4 although this may

differ depending on the subject. By the end of

Year 9 an average pupil should be achieving

around Level 5 or 6. Pupils will be assessed each

half term by their teachers in a variety of ways

and will also undertake end of year examinations

in each subject.

Key Stages

The National Curriculum is divided into Key

Stages which cover a number of years. During

the first three years at SJP (Years 7 to 9) your

child will follow KS3. At the end of KS3 in Year 9

your child will take SATS tests in English, Maths

and Science. During Year 9 pupils will decide on a

range of subjects they wish to study at KS4 in

Years 10 and 11.

At Key Stage 4 (Y10-11):

Pupils choose amongst a number of subjects in

which they will gain either GCSE or BTEC

qualifications. Core subjects such as English,

Maths, Science, RE, MFL, and PE will be studied

by all pupils. Pupils sit some of their GCSEs in

Year 10 which provides them with a head start in

Year 11.

At Key Stage 5 (Y12 and 13):

Most of our pupils continue into our 6th form at

the end of Year 11 to study a range of subjects at

AS and A2 level, and BTEC. Amongst the subjects

already offered at KS4, pupils have the opportunity

to study new areas such as Psychology, Sociology

Law, and Travel and Tourism.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The extra-curricular life of the College is rich and

varied. SJP offers pupils a wide range of activities

extra to the normal timetable, either at lunch

time or after school, providing pupils the

opportunity to meet, teach and learn from each

other in a relaxed and perhaps less academic

atmosphere.

Your child can pursue their interests in:

Football Cricket

Athletics Basketball

Netball Badminton

Trampolining Rounders

Dance Leadership awards

Fitness Softball

Gymnastics Hockey

Rugby Cross country

Duke of Edinburgh Award Choirs

Brass Band Debating Society

Science / Art / Drama club ICT / Textiles club

We are proud of the opportunities for pupils to

participate in a wide variety of dramatic and

musical performances throughout the year. Every

child in Year 7 has the opportunity to take up a

musical instrument free of charge.

All of Year 7 are involved in a 3 day residential

experience at the Conway Centre in North Wales

as part of their induction process into the life of

the College.

Project Week

During the Summer Term, pupils and staff will

take part in ‘Project Week’. This could be with a

focus on Performing Arts, Humanities or Sciences.

The normal timetable is interrupted and pupils

will participate in a wide variety of activities.

This involves creative activities, problem-solving

tasks, research projects and more. Project week

culminates in a Project Exhibition, when parents,

Governors, sponsors and the community are

invited into College to view the pupils’ work and

achievements.

Curriculum Continued

“The College provides students with an impressive variety of extra-curricular activities.”

(OFSTED)

Homework

Homework is an important part of College life at

SJP and all pupils are expected to do it regularly.

Homework is signposted in the Learning

Programmes. Pupils record homework in their

Planner. This should help your child and you to

keep a check on homework. If problems arise

then we would ask you to contact your child’s

Head of Learning or write any comments in their

Planner. Planners are checked weekly by Form

Tutors to ensure your child is receiving homework

on a regular basis.

E-learning

As a Technology College we make every effort to

ensure that your child has access to the latest

technology to enhance their learning experiences.

There are over 600 computers available to pupils

in the College. Every classroom is equipped with

an Interactive Whiteboard and every teacher has

a laptop to facilitate the teaching and learning

process. At SJP pupils can use the Virtual

Learning Environment (VLE) to complete

homework, and for absent pupils, to continue

learning from home. The VLE develops pupils’

independent learning skills and allows them to

have more control over how and when they

work. The VLE enables pupils to access learning

materials created by their teachers. Work is

marked and returned within the VLE. This also

means that pupils will not be able to lose or

forget their homework! As parents, you are able

to access your child’s personal home page to

keep track of their work, their progress and their

curriculum. The VLE can be accessed via the

College website.

The College subscribes to a number of e-learning

websites to support our pupils, which SAM

Learning has proven to improve exam results

through exam practice and related revision. We

also subscribe to MyMaths.co.uk which is also

very popular with pupils. Sometimes homework is

set requiring pupils to use these on-line sites. If it

is not possible to use them at home, we can

make arrangements for access to ICT suites in

College outside task hours so no-one is at a

disadvantage.

Additional Needs Students

The College follows the Special Educational

Needs Code of Practice (2001) and uses the same

definition of special educational needs i.e.

Students have special educational needs if they

have a learning difficulty that calls for special

educational provision to be made for them. The

school recognises that provision for pupils with

special educational needs is the responsibility of

the whole school and that all teachers are

teachers of pupils with special educational needs.

The aims of the special educational needs policy

are:

• To enable pupils with special educational needs

to have their needs met

• To take into account the views of the pupils

with special educational needs

• To encourage good communication with

parents of children with special educational

needs

• To facilitate full access to a broad, balanced and

relevant education, including the National

Curriculum, for pupils with special educational

needs. Some pupils receive additional support

from a Teaching Assistant in the classroom.

Some pupils may have a modified curriculum.

Departments ensure classroom organisation,

teaching materials, teaching style and

differentiation are such that all pupils, including

those with special educational needs, can learn

effectively.

Whilst we recognise national programmes for

Gifted and Talented pupils, we believe all our

pupils to be gifted and talented in many different

ways. We ensure that everybody has access to

excellence and that whilst there are many pupils

who are identified as Gifted and Talented, the

learning of all pupils is given equal priority. As

with all pupils, stretching and challenging tasks

are provided for G&T pupils in their subjects, as

well as extra-curricular classes and workshops.

Their progress is monitored after every half term

progress report.

Curriculum Continued

“Students with learning difficulties and / or disabilities do particularly

well, as a result of the excellent support they receive.” (OFSTED)

Homework Set

Pupils should record here when a teacher sets homework. They will be given time to do this in

the Lesson. They should record as follows: LP 1:4. This refers to the Learning Programme they

are following. In this case it was LP 1 (Autumn Term) Week 4.

The Learning Programmes are also available on our website (www.stjohnplessington.com - on

the curriculum tab). It may be that the teacher also sets an extension task – there is room

therefore for some additional comments to be written in.

Due in

Pupils will be given a clear deadline of when the work is expected in. They record the date

the work is due in. e.g. 03/10/11

Done

When the work is completed, pupils are reminded to tick the box. This helps their

organisation and also helps parents and Form Tutor to monitor what homework is still

outstanding.

The Homework Record page will give a clear picture of what homework has been recorded. If you feel that your child

is not getting homework in line with the Learning Programme please contact the Form Tutor in the first instance. This can be done

via the planner.

Parent /Teacher Comments

The right hand page provides an opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate via the

planner. For example, parents may wish to provide a reason why a homework has not been

completed or indicate difficulties with a particular homework. It may be that the Form Tutor has

a concern over a Uniform and Appearance/ Equipment issue and wishes to flag this up to

parents. The space also provides the opportunity for Parents to be reminded of any important

events which are coming up.

Parent’s/FT’s Signature

Please can parents make sure that the Planner is signed each week-end for the appropriate

week . Each Monday, Form Tutors will be signing the Planner in Academic Review and it is

expected that every pupil will have a parental signature to say they have checked the planner.

House Points

Each week pupils total up the number of new House Points they have earned in that period.

These will be recorded by Form Tutors and put on the House Recording database which will

result in Rewards both for individuals and for Houses.

Pupil Planner

Pupils are given a Pupil Planner at

the beginning of Autumn Term in

which they are able to record

information including homework,

involvement in activities, half- termly

progress grades, notes, and

achievements. The Planner is an

important document which all pupils

in College are expected to use and

value. It should be brought to

College at all times and under no

circumstances should there be any

signs of graffiti. It is a vital means of

recording homework and

achievement and a means by which

you can communicate with teachers

and vice versa.

We would ask that each week you

check the Pupil Planner is being used

properly and sign your name at the

bottom of each week’s page. Form

Tutors will also check regularly that

the Pupil Planners are being used

properly so that together we can

monitor the progress and

organisation of your child’s work. If,

for any reason, your child loses their

Pupil Planner, they will be expected

to pay the full cost for a replacement

immediately.

Curriculum Continued How to use the planner

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Visits and Trips

During your child’s time at SJP there will be many

opportunities for visits and trips to support and

extend the curriculum. These will include overseas

visits to a variety of European countries including

Spain, Germany, Poland and France. In Year 10 &

11 pupils currently have the opportunity to go on

exciting and life-changing visits to Peru and

China. Pupils also have many opportunities to

engage in local study visits.

Each year your child will also have the

opportunity to attend a Retreat which is

organised by our College Chaplain (Rev. Gerard

Boyle) and which gives opportunity for pupils to

reflect and participate in spiritually enriching

activities.

The ‘SJP First Steps’ experience at the Conway

Centre will, among other things, focus on

different styles of learning, listening and thinking

skills in preparation for the challenges of the

Curriculum ahead of them.

Costs of Visits

The College seeks to ensure that the costs of any

visit are kept to a minimum and will look to

subsidise visits wherever possible. However, in

order that these visits can take place a letter is

always sent home well in advance of the visit

asking for a parental contribution to be made.

If there are genuine financial difficulties we would

ask that you contact your child’s Head of

Learning to discuss the matter.

Curriculum Continued

‘The students were a credit to themselves, their parents and their

teachers. It was a pleasure and privilege to have them in the Cathedral.’

(Dean of the Cathedral)

Site

The Library takes pride of place just above the

entrance to the College. Part of the newest

section of the College, it is spacious and well-

equipped.

Stock and Facilities

The Library contains:

• A wide range of fiction for years 7 – 11 and

6th form

• Nonfiction books to help with study and

research

• Magazines, newspapers and foreign language

resources

• Careers information and university prospectuses

• A suite of computers with internet access

Staffing

The School Library is managed by a full-time

Librarian supported at lunchtimes and break

times by a team of Pupil Library Assistants.

Mrs J Broom is available throughout the day to

help and advise library users.

To find out more about joining our team of Pupil

Library Assistants, see Mrs Broom in the Library.

Use

The School Library enjoys a whole variety of uses

- individual study, whole class use, small group or

individual research for projects and homework,

word-processing, information seeking on the

Internet, and recreational reading in a friendly

environment with resources and help always on

hand.

Accelerated Reader is an exciting programme

used by our Year 7 and 8 pupils. Available in the

library and through the internet it gives keen

readers a chance to collect points for each book

they read. Certificates are awarded when plenty

of books have been read. Pupils are encouraged

to take part in this programme through the Silent

Reading opportunity in Academic Review each day.

College Library

The College’s large and vibrant Library is valued by the whole College, from Year 7 right through to

Year 13. Throughout the day both pupils and staff can be found making the most of the excellent study and research

facilities available, as well as taking the opportunity to sit and read the latest fiction.

The College has its own uniform and PE kit which

has been selected so that pupils will feel part of

the College community. Items of clothing have

been chosen carefully so that they are not unduly

expensive, but are smart. It is the policy of

College that uniform should be worn by all pupils

and students in our Sixth Form. This is because

personal presentation is important in the world of

work and we want to make sure that our pupils

develop a sense of pride in how they are turned

out. We would advise that all items of clothing

are clearly marked with your child’s name.

BOYS Y7-11

• BLAZER – French navy blazer with SJP logo

(please note that the colour of the lettering on

the badge is different for each year group)

• JUMPER – Navy, with SJP logo (a sleeveless

version is also available);

please note that a College jumper is compulsory

from the beginning of September onwards

• SHIRT – Light blue shirt (short or long-sleeved)

TSP 214

• TIE – SJP tie (navy/silver stripe)

• TROUSERS – Black trousers TVT776, TBT736 or

TBT796

• SHOES – Plain black shoes – without logos

(please note that black training shoes, pumps,

fabric shoes or boots are NOT acceptable)

• COLLEGE BAG An SJP College bag is

compulsory for Year 7-9.

There are 4 styles of bag available cost £4-£10.

(The bags will be personalised free of charge by

Wirral Uniform Centre) For Years 10 & 11,

pupils must have a bag for College. There are

only 4 styles of bag which are permitted in the

following styles: Satchel, rucksack, sportsbag,

drawstring. Handbag / fashion style bags will

not be permitted.

• COLLEGE SCARF – An SJP College scarf is now

Available from Wirral Uniform Centre. This is

optional but if pupils choose to wear a scarf,

only the College scarf is allowed.

GIRLS Y7-11

• BLAZER – French navy blazer with SJP logo

(please note that the colour of the lettering on

the badge is different for each year group

• JUMPER – Navy, with SJP logo (a sleeveless

version is also available);

please note that a College jumper is compulsory

from the beginning of September onwards

• BLOUSE – Light blue revere collar blouse (short

or long-sleeved) TRL74 or TRH554

• SKIRT – Checked skirt (Bedford Check)

OR TROUSERS – Black trousers JWT446

• TIGHTS – Navy or black plain tights (not

patterned) (TN0710[N] or TN0790[B]) OR

SOCKS – Knee-length plain navy socks

• SHOES – Plain black shoes – without logos

(please note that ‘fabric shoes, pumps or boots

including ‘Kicker’ style boots” are NOT

acceptable)

• COLLEGE BAG An SJP College bag is

compulsory for Year 7-9 pupils.

There are 4 styles of bag available cost £4-£10.

(The bags will be personalised free of charge by

Wirral Uniform Centre) For Years 10 & 11,

pupils must have a bag for College. There are

only 4 styles of bag which are permitted in the

following styles: Satchel, rucksack, sportsbag,

drawstring. Handbag / fashion style bags will

not be permitted.

• COLLEGE SCARF – An SJP College scarf is now

Available from Wirral Uniform Centre. This is

optional but if pupils choose to wear a scarf,

only the College scarf is allowed.

PE UNIFORM BOYS Y7-11

COMPULSORY ITEMS

Navy blue hooded sweatshirt with house initials

printed on the back

Navy blue polo shirt

Navy blue football shorts

Navy blue football shirt

Navy blue (with white) football socks

Football boots

Shin pads

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Navy blue rugby shirt

Navy blue tracksuit (strongly recommended)

Uniform and Appearance

All items of uniform are available from:

Wirral Uniform Centre, Birkenhead Town

Centre

PE UNIFORM GIRLS Y7-11

COMPULSORY ITEMS

Sky blue hooded sweatshirt with house initials

printed on the back

Sky blue polo shirt

Navy blue shorts

White football socks

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Navy blue tracksuit

(strongly recommended)

Navy blue football shirt

Regardless of

illness or injury,

pupils are

expected to

bring a full

College P.E. kit

to all lessons in

order to participate in a

variety of roles.

FOOTWEAR FOR

BOYS AND GIRLS

Pupils must wear black or

white training shoes.

Pumps, plimsolls or

high-tops will not

be acceptable for P.E. lessons as they do not provide

adequate support.

HAIR and MAKEUP

Pupils are expected to wear hair in a neat and

acceptable style. Hair must be of one colour,

natural in appearance. Hair styles (including

shaved heads) judged to be extreme by the

Headteacher are not permitted. Make-up,

including coloured nail varnish, lip gloss and fake

tan, is not to be worn. Hair fashion accessories

are also not to be worn. False nails or other such

beauty accessories are not acceptable. If hair

bands are worn they should be navy blue or black

only. Pupils who do not conform to the College’s

uniform and appearance policy will be

sanctioned in line with our Behaviour Policy.

JEWELLERY

Apart from watches, jewellery (including

studs, rings, earrings or any other body/facial

piercings) are not to be worn. This is because

of the potential risk of accidental damage from

the wearing of such items and so they may be

confiscated. We will do our best to assist your

child in safeguarding their property. However,

the College does not take any responsibility for

the loss of or damage to personal possessions

brought on to site. Large amounts of money or

items of value (including personal audio

equipment [such as MP3 players, iPods etc],

electronic games or jewellery) should not be

brought into the College. Such items will be

confiscated by staff, a receipt issued and the

property can then be obtained by parents from

Reception.

MOBILE PHONES

We advise that pupils do not bring mobile

phones into the College. However, we do

recognise that some parents may wish their child

to have a mobile phone with them as they travel

to and from SJP. Any mobile phones brought in

should be both switched off and put away whilst

on the premises. We do not take any

responsibility for loss of or damage to mobile

phones. Inappropriate use of phones in school

will result in confiscation without notice (they

may subsequently be obtained by parents from

Reception). Should you need to contact your

child in an emergency, please use the main

College number 0151 645 5049.

The Headteacher reserves the right to make

the final decision on what is or what is not

appropriate.

IMPORTANT: Insurance Notice

We recommend that parents/carers make their

own arrangements for insurance of bags,

clothing, watches, mobile phones, pens, bicycles

etc. - usually by an extension of your home

insurance. Please never allow your child to bring

anything expensive or of sentimental value into

the College, particularly pens, watches, jewellery

or large sums of money. Students should report

anything lost to staff immediately.

Uniform and Appearance Continued

Information and Communications Technology

SJP is at the forefront of computer based

technology systems with over 600 computers

available to our students. Every classroom is

equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard and

every teacher has a laptop. We operate a

Windows based computer system providing

access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

via the College website

www.stjohnplessington.com the Internet and

e-mail. To use the SJP computer network all

students and parents must agree and sign our ICT

Contract. Students who break the Contract will

have their network computer account disabled.

Username and Password

On joining SJP students are issued with a username

and password for access to the network system.

Students are not allowed to use the system using

an unauthorised username or password. Students

can change their password at any time. If students

lose their password it will only be reissued by the

SJP Technicians team twice in one term.

The Virtual Learning Environment

Once again this has put SJP at the cutting edge

of educational initiatives. We were well ahead of

the Government’s intention of seeing a VLE in all

schools by September 2009 when we introduced

it in October 2007.

Our VLE gives all our students the opportunity to

benefit from ‘anytime and anywhere learning’ by

using the internet to keep up to date with their

work. SJP teachers use our VLE to set work for

students, students then submit completed work to

their teachers on our VLE and teachers are able to

track the progress being made by each individual

student. Students can always go back to resources

used in lessons, including any presentations, so

making revision so much easier for them.

The key benefits anticipated over time from our

VLE are:

• Students will develop independent learning

skills and have more control over how and

when they work.

• Absent students can continue their learning

from home, with work set by the teacher on our

VLE, and marked and returned within our VLE.

• Students will be able to access learning materials

created by their teachers, outside lesson time

and from locations such as a library and home.

• Students will be able to store work and notes

online for use in assignments, homework and

revision, outside normal College hours.

• Parents will be able to access their son’s/

daughter’s personal home page to keep track

of their work, their progress and their

curriculum.

Samlearning

The College subscribes to SAM Learning, which is

an e-learning service that can be accessed on-line.

SAM Learning has proven to improve exam results

through exam practice and related revision.

Sometimes homework is set requiring pupils to

use SAM Learning. If it is not possible to use SAM

Learning at home, we can make arrangements for

access to ICT suites in College outside task hours

so no-one is at a disadvantage.

Transferring Files

Students can transfer files between home and

College using the VLE or alternatively a USB

storage device

Computer Games

Computer games are not allowed to be brought

into or played in College. This includes web-

based games on the Internet.

Reporting

A unique aspect of the SJP online reporting

system means that parents have an

anytime/anywhere opportunity to access their

child’s half-termly report and termly achievement

plan as well as regular attendance updates. This

means that SJP reports to all parents, 9 times in

any one academic year as well as a Consultation

day. OFSTED judged this provision to be an

outstanding feature of our College.

E-mail

The College is keen to ensure that we commun-

icate with parents as quickly and effectively as

possible. We hope that you are able to provide an

up to date e-mail address for us that will facilitate

this form of communication. It will allow us to

send important reminders and e-mail alerts as

well as up to the minute copies of our SJP News.

We feel it is very important to recognise effort,

hard work and success. If a pupil has done a

particularly good piece of work or has shown

great improvement in their work then a House

Point is awarded. Similarly, marks may be

awarded if a pupil has made progress in an

extracurricular activity, or performed a service for

the College, or shown an act of kindness. House

Points are entered into the Pupil Planner and

recorded in the ‘Carrot rewards’ database.

Rewards can then be ‘traded in’ for prizes of the

student’s Choice, including stationary items,

vouchers or even a ‘pizza party’ with friends in

the college dining hall.

Achievement Assemblies

To celebrate success and reward achievement,

your child will attend a termly Achievement

Assembly. This is an important highlight for both

students and their teachers. When pupils have

reached 100 (bronze),200 ( silver) or 300 (gold)

House Points, they will be awarded with a badge

and certificate in the Assembly, presented by the

Head of Learning.

Certificates and prizes are also awarded for

attendance, punctuality, citizenship and

achievement in individual subjects.

There are also special Form Tutor awards and

Heads of Learning awards. The certificates are

added to the Record of Achievement portfolio.

We also encourage the recognition of sustained

achievement and effort by individual pupils

through the presentation of a range of awards at

the annual Awards Evening, where achievements

are celebrated in a public forum with parents,

staff, governors and a well known guest speaker.

We believe that pupils achieve well through

constant encouragement and well deserved

praise. We hope that throughout the year you

will receive a number of Praise Postcards by post

which are sent by any member of staff at any

time to let you know that your child has done

well.

Behaviour and Discipline

The College has a minimum number of rules, but

we feel that the Code of Conduct ensures the

smooth running of the College and fosters good

working relations between staff and pupils. If a

pupil breaks any of the rules, then they are given

an appropriate sanction. Pupils are taught that

behaviour is a choice which can bring positive or

negative consequences: good behaviour is

expected and rewarded, and poor behaviour is

sanctioned. Pupils breaking College rules

regarding punctuality, uniform and appearance,

behaviour or use of facilities will be dealt with

either by a subject or Form Tutor in the first

instance. ( Level 1 behaviour) For more serious

matters (Level 2 behaviour) pupils will be referred

to the Head of Learning or Head of Department.

There may be occasions when behaviour is

serious enough to necessitate the referral to a

Senior Manager ( Level 3). Incidents of

unacceptable behaviour are recorded on the

College database. The types of behaviour for

each level are found in the Behaviour Policy on

the College website.

An innovative feature at SJP is our

textsomeone.com system. This enables all pupils

to text the College in the unlikely event of

bullying taking place.

Rewards and Sanctions

Praise and Rewards

“In this College it is both acceptable and expected to do your best.”

(OFSTED)

‘Behaviour is exemplary’ (OFSTED)

The College can only function successfully in an

atmosphere of trust, mutual understanding and

good order. We expect the highest standards

from our pupils and encourage them to be self-

disciplined at all times. Pupils should respect

others and the environment in which they work

and learn. We would like to stress that SJP

belongs to us all: to you, your child and the

community, and we ask for everyone’s co-

operation in making it a happy and safe place.

The Code of Conduct ensures that pupils have

clear guidelines as to what is expected of them.

If a pupil fails to exercise self-control or self-

discipline in their conduct to others then they are

disciplined, and we would obviously expect

parents’ support with discipline matters. We also

have high standards of behaviour and apply the

same Code of Conduct whilst travelling to and

from College. Sanctions will apply in the same

way when College rules are broken, whether on

the buses or walking to and from College.

Sanctions

Parents are advised that as part of our Code of

Conduct and Behaviour Policy the College has the

legal authority to issue after-College detentions

to pupils. In cases where a child is issued a

detention for ten minutes or less, the College is

not obliged to inform parents/carers beforehand.

Where an after-College detention exceeds ten

minutes, the College will ensure that at least 24

hours’ notice is provided. It should be noted that

under education law, the College is required to

inform parents/carers of a detention, but is not

required to have their permission to keep a child

in detention. The College also operates the Assisi

Centre, which may be used as a preventative

measure to avoid a fixed term exclusion. Pupils

will work in the Assisi Centre for a set period of

time and parents will be notified by phone call

and letter. Should behaviour be serious enough,

the Headteacher may to decide to issue an

exclusion (fixed-term or permanent). Exclusion

from College is used where other remedies have

failed or to deal with particularly serious

incidents. Such exclusions are carried out in line

with DCSF guidance. Provision for fixed term

exclusions is made at the Shaftsbury Centre in

Prenton. A re-integration meeting will take place

on the child’s return to school, usually with the

Deputy Headteacher. Occasionally there may arise

the need to investigate an incident which will

require us to interview pupils and ask them to

write a statement to clarify their involvement. At

such times, in accordance with current national

practice we reserve the right to interview pupils

without parental permission, although we seek to

inform parents at the earliest opportunity.

Pupils in uniform are representing the College at

all times. Therefore pupils are reminded that the

Rewards and Sanction policy applies before,

during and after College hours.

Reminders:

• Mobile phones must be switched off at all

times in College

• Smoking is prohibited

• High caffeine drinks are banned.

• Fizzy drinks with high levels of sugar are

discouraged.

• Chewing gum is banned

Rewards and Sanctions Continued

By this we mean:

✓ Be on time.

✓ Aim for 100%

attendance.

✓ Wear the SJP

uniform with

pride.

✓ Bring all the

equipment you

need each day.

By this we mean:

✓ Say please and

thank you.

✓ Use positive

language at all

times

✓ Treat others with

respect at all

times.

✓ Don’t have

physical contact

By this we mean:

✓ Always put litter

in the bin

✓ Keep the College

graffiti free.

✓ Never chew gum

✓ Look after College

equipment

✓ Move around the

College in an

orderly manner

By this we mean:

✓ Allow others to

learn.

✓ Allow teachers to

teach.

✓ Listen to all staff.

✓ Always try your

best.

The 4

“

R”s

SJP Code of Conduct

Respect

Yourself

Respect Your

Environment

Respect

Each Other

Respect

Learning

It is vital that your child attends College as

regularly as possible. This is important to avoid

missing valuable lesson time and falling behind.

Employers place great emphasis on consistent

attendance and good punctuality and attendance

will be mentioned in the pupils’ Record of

Achievement and Achievement Plans each term.

Registers are completed electronically each lesson

in addition to period 1 at 8.40am where morning

registration takes place and Academic Review

when the afternoon’s registration takes place.

Absence

Children of school age who are registered at a

school must by law, attend school regularly. It is

vital that your child aims for 100% attendance.

Registers are completed electronically each lesson

in addition to period 1 at 8.40am where morning

registration takes place and Academic Review

when the afternoon registration takes place.

Other than illness, any other absence should be

kept to a minimum. If your child is ill and unable

to attend College, please contact us by telephone

as soon as possible. When your child returns they

MUST have a note from you explaining the cause

of the absence. This should be handed to their

Form Tutor who will keep it on file. When your

child is absent please encourage them to use the

VLE and SAM learning and keep up to date with

any work they are missing. Should your child

need to be absent for a long period, the College

will ensure that work is provided. It is important

that they attempt to catch up on the work

missed. Unless the College has already been

notified, on the first morning of absence, parents

will receive a telephone call from College

requesting a reason for absence. Truancy from

school or failure to provide a reason for absence

will result in the College coding the absence as

unauthorised. This in turn could lead to the issue

of fixed penalty notices if attendance falls below

an acceptable level. The College will provide you

with regular updated records of your child’s

attendance, and will let you know if we are

concerned about it.

Holidays during term time

Parents must avoid taking their children out of

College during term-time in order to go on

holiday. Parents do not have the right or

entitlement to expect term-time leave to be

granted. It would only be in very exceptional

circumstances that your child would be allowed

to go on holiday during term time. If this is ever

necessary you should contact the Headteacher by

letter giving at least 4 weeks notice. Please do

not book any holidays during examination or test

periods. Fixed penalty notices may be issued at

the discretion of the Headteacher.

Lateness

Your child is expected to be on the yard at

8.30am each morning. After 8.40am your child is

late and will have to enter College by reception

where s/he will be met by a Learning Coach. Two

sessions of lateness in a week will result in a

Head of Learning detention. After 9a.m. the

College operates a first call home procedure. The

automated system will continue to contact

parents throughout the day and subsequent days

until we have received notification as to why your

child is absent from College. We rely on your

support and cooperation in this matter to ensure

the health and safety of your child is at the

forefront of all that we do.

Medical visits

Occasionally pupils will need to leave the College

during the day for an urgent visit to the doctor,

hospital or dentist. They must bring a note from

you to show to their Head of Learning at

morning registration and explain to the member

of staff who is teaching them at the time that

they need to leave. At the correct time pupils

should excuse themselves from their lesson and

go to Reception where they must sign the signing

in and out book. They will be issued with an

official Wirral Council ‘Truancy Watch’ slip to

authorise their absence. When they return they

should sign back in and go straight to their

current lesson. Whenever possible appointments

should be made out of College time.

Home Contact details

In light of the above, it is essential that we are

able to contact parents at the earliest

opportunity. Please ensure that all contact details

are correct including emergency phone numbers

and e-mail addresses. Pupils are in effect a Health

and Safety risk if we are unable to contact

parents should an emergency arise.

Attendance and Punctuality

Breakfast (Sample Menu)

Fresh Fruits

Choice of Cereals

Toast,

grilled bacon, sausage, egg, tomatoes

Breaktime (Sample Menu)

Bacon Batch

Wholemeal or White Toast some Unbuttered

Toasted English Muffin

Cheese toasties

Buttered toast

Lunch (Sample Menu)

Soup of the Day

Traditional roast dinner

Cheese and Onion Quiche

Pasta Bake

Selection of vegetables

Hot Pudding

Panini Range

Baked Potato with fillings

Range of freshly made sandwiches/baguettes

Extensive salad bar

Selection of freshly baked biscuits

Fresh fruit Yoghurt Smoothie

Selection of fruit

Packed Lunches

If you wish your child to bring a packed lunch

then this should be eaten in the Dining Hall and

not on the main yard. No food or drink can be

taken out of the Dining Hall and eaten

elsewhere.

The College strongly discourages pupils bringing

‘fizzy’ drinks onto the premises. Water is always

the healthy option. Please try to give your child a

healthy variety each day and encourage them to

eat fruit rather than sweets.The lunch break does

not give time for your child to go home for lunch

and they must stay on the College site so we can

supervise them. This will ensure that they are on

time for afternoon lessons.

Cashless Dining Hall System

The Dining Hall operates a cashless system

whereby meals are paid for with credits using a

new biometric system introduced over two years

ago. Money can be credited to accounts using

the revaluation machines in the Dining Hall and

larger amounts can be credited, paying in cash or

by cheque. Cheques should be given to the

Catering Manager in the Dining Hall and should

be made payable to ‘Harrisons Ltd’.

Free School Meals

If you think you qualify for free school meals

please contact: Ms Sally Mitchell, Operations

Manager here at the College. All applications are

treated in the strictest confidence and with the

cashless Dining Hall system in use nobody will

know that a child is on free meals. Please claim if

you are eligible and if you are unsure don’t

hesitate to contact us for confidential advice and

guidance.

Application forms can be obtained via the Local

Authority website. www.wirral.gov.uk

Application forms should be completed and

returned by hand to any One-Stop-Shop.

Alternatively, postal applications can be addressed

Children and Young People’s Department

Hamilton Building

Conway Street

Birkenhead

Wirral CH41 4FD

College Dining Hall

The Catering Staff work very hard to maintain the quality and variety of meals with every effort being made to respond to students’ requests.

The Dining Hall is open for Breakfast in the mornings before the College Day begins (7.45am) for break between 10.40am and 10.55am

and for lunch between 12pm and 1.20pm. It is open throughout the day for 6th Formers.

Please find below a range of sample menus for various times during the day. The College has been at the forefront of the ‘Healthy Schools’ agenda and in

2007 was awarded ‘Healthy School’ status.

The following are some tips and ideas for how

parents/carers can support their children in their

learning at secondary school. This is not

intended to be a complete list and should you

have any further suggestions we would love to

hear from you!

As a parent or carer, you are your child’s first and

most important teacher. When you speak you are

a language teacher. When you help your child

recognise colour and shapes you are teaching

reading skills. Before your child goes to school

you probably also teach Maths, Science, Human

Studies, Art and Physical Education.

Even after your child enters SJP you continue to

be the most important influence on their life.

Remember, most teachers see children only a few

hours a day. Parents are constantly teaching their

children.

The College will teach children a lot of important

knowledge, but parents play a critical teaching role.

We know that children can learn even more when

the College and parents work together as a team.

This section of the handbook suggests ways you

can help us to support your child’s learning. You

may already be following many of these

suggestions. Some may not be appropriate for

your child. They are intended to get you started

on home learning activities.

Get involved - We want to encourage you to be

an active member of our College community.

Be visible - Attend the Parents’ Review Day so

that you can get to know the teachers. When

children see that their parents believe College is

important they feel supported.

Volunteer - Parent volunteers will enable the

College to provide many extra touches that can

make the difference between a good education

and a great one. The Parents & Friends of

Plessington (PFOP) is a great way to take part.

They will be recruiting at the Induction evening

and in the Autumn Term – please support them

in any way that you can.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Both parents and teachers want the same thing

for children - the best possible education. When

we all work together we make a strong team.

Here are some ideas for helping the College do a

better job:

• See that your child attends College regularly.

• Monitor your child’s subject books and College

Planner.

• Support the College in its efforts to maintain

proper discipline.

• Be aware of what your child is learning in

College.

• Let the Form Tutor know if your child has any

problems outside College that might affect his

or her schoolwork.

• If you have any concerns or questions do share

them with us.

• If you have any suggestions or ideas do let us

know.

SELF-CONFIDENCE

Let your child know that you have confidence in

them, so they believe in their own worth and are

more able to face the challenges of College life.

DISCIPLINE

Try to establish clear, consistent rules for

behaviour at home. This helps students adjust to

specific rules for the classroom or College.

GOOD DIET

One important way to help your child in College

is to make sure they eat well. Children need food

energy to perform well. Try to provide a healthy

diet that includes lots of vegetables, fruit, cereals,

milk products, meat, poultry and fish. Ensure they

drink lots of water and avoid ‘fizzy’ drinks.

As part of our curriculum throughout all years,

we examine some of the issues around healthy

College and the Home

How Parents and Carers can help

lifestyles. We believe that good health is vitally

important and depends not just on a good diet

but also on exercise during the day and enough

sleep at night. Encourage your child to play sport,

ride a bike, skip, etc. You could be a good

example yourself!

READING

Help your child become a good reader. Whether

your child reads fluently depends partly on you. If

a family encourages and enjoys reading children

are more likely to read well and often.

Certain things influence children’s success and

interest in reading, such as wide knowledge and

thoughtful talking. Thought-provoking questions

stimulate curiosity.

• Encourage your child to think about past and

future events. Help your child hold lengthy

conversations to reflect on their experiences.

• Television, in moderation, could inspire children

to read the book about the dramatisations they

watch.

• Show interest and become involved in your

child’s reading.

• Try to give a feeling of “can do” confidence.

• Children who are good readers can make very

significant progress in all subjects. As a parent

you can encourage your son or daughter by

reading to your child (if appropriate) or

encouraging them to read.

• Let your child see you reading. Let them know

how important it is for the future. You could

also make regular visits to the library.

• Reading well will help your child make progress.

WRITING

Help your child become a better writer. Clearly,

writing is something we all do. It stimulates

thought, enables us to communicate with friends

and helps us express our feelings.

To write well we must:

• think clearly.

• have sufficient time.

• read to become a better writer.

• have an interest that we can write about.

To help your child to write well and enable them

to find it easier or more enjoyable, provide a

place to write. Have paper, pencils, etc. available.

Respond to your child’s ideas but don’t write it

for them.

• Do say something good about it - such as “it is

interesting, thoughtful or accurate.”

• You could write together, for example a

business letter or order. This would show the

value of writing in the adult world.

• Encouraging them to make lists will help your

child to become organised.

• The ability to express thoughts clearly in writing

is an essential skill. As writing is based on

spoken language, you could talk with and listen

to your child at home. As you share experiences

and talk about them you might help your child

develop a love of words.

• Let your child see you writing. As they see you

correct or adapt your work your child will learn

the importance of drafting and revision to

ensure good writing.

• Encourage your child to write. Perhaps it could

be illustrated so that the writing becomes a

treasured gift for relatives or friends.

HELP YOUR CHILD DO BETTER IN COLLEGE

Research has clearly shown that behaviour and

attitude affect success in the classroom.

Successful students:

• pay attention.

• are interested in their work.

• learn and remember.

• study and know how to get help when

necessary.

As parents, you can help to teach your child

these skills.

College and the Home Continued

PAYING ATTENTION

Children can learn the knack of paying attention.

Help them think positively so that they don’t say

“It’s hopeless”. Encourage them to think they

“can do it”. Don’t let them give up. A useful

saying might be: “Quitters don’t win and winners

don’t quit”.

Encourage them to answer and ask questions.

This helps to focus attention.

TAKING AN INTEREST

Learning is a joint effort - teachers, parents and

pupils working together. Children must believe

that the hours they spend studying (and the

effort they put in) make the difference between

success and failure.

Do take an interest in your child’s work and

results. Discuss them with your child. Reward

your child for improvement. Stress the benefits of

doing well in College.

REMEMBERING

Research has shown that success in College is

determined not just by intelligence but by the

strategies children use to master facts and ideas.

Understanding a subject doesn’t just happen.

Children need to be interested. Encourage your

child to find an answer to a problem or to draw

conclusions. Help your child to discover the main

idea or most important point in the material they

are studying. Help your child make up a

mnemonic (a memory aid) to remember lists or

facts eg: “Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain” –

ROYGBIV – for the colours of the rainbow.

YOU CAN HELP BY...

• Providing a quiet, well lit place for work. A desk

is ideal but a corner on the kitchen table will do.

• Help your child to create a schedule that is

flexible but allows study on a weekly basis.

• Make sure your child has pens, dictionary, etc.

• Provide encouragement and support but most

of all be available.

• There is a time when television can help but do

ensure that your child actively watches

programmes and does not just sit in front of

the television.

• Talk about the programme when it has finished.

Have plenty of books around.

• Encourage them to study by reading a little

yourself first so that you can help and take an

interest.

• Your child cannot remember everything so help

them write notes as a summary of the

important points. This helps memory and

categorising.

• Encourage your child to prepare for tests by

spacing study over several days.

• Help your child look forward to College as a

happy place. Always talk about College in a

positive way.

• Most of all - talk to your child.

Enjoy your child learning and have fun helping

them to do their best: by working together we

can all help to make that happen.

College and the Home Continued

St John Plessington Catholic College

a Specialist Science, Technology and Humanities College

Sixth Form Parent Handbook

2011/2012

“This is an outstanding school in which exceptional things happen.”

OFSTED

Welcome

We are delighted to be able to welcome you and your son or daughter to St John Plessington Catholic College Sixth Form.

The College goes from strength to strength.

Following our Outstanding OFSTED reports in

2007 (Full Inspection), 2008 (Subject Inspection)

and 2011 (Interim Report), our results continue to

smash all records. This means year-on-year that

we continue to be the highest performing

comprehensive school on the Wirral for GCSE

success and yet again we are the top school

overall for achievement. At the time of writing we

are again expecting another record year of

results at GCSE and Advanced Level. Our winning

the prestigious Times Educational Supplement

Secondary School of the Year for 2010-11 has

attracted a huge amount of interest from other

schools with over 40 institutions the length and

breadth of the country visiting us to sample the

secrets of our success.

OFSTED recently confirmed their interim

assessment which indicates that our performance

across a wide range of measures has been

sustained and, because of this, they will not be

inspecting the College until further notice. It is

another further accolade to everyone across the

community for helping us maintain our high

levels of performance - a fantastic platform to

enable the College to grow and develop further

in new and exciting ways! I can assure you that

we are always looking to build on this success

and will continue to provide an education that is

truly second to none on the Wirral.

The Sixth Form is an integral and invaluable part

of Saint John Plessington Catholic College

Community where Sixth Form students help to

make the College successful and move it forward.

The Sixth Form offers a unique opportunity for

personal growth and academic development. As

well as an extensive programme of support for

those Involved in the ever more competitive

UCAS application process, we have a varied menu

of enrichment activities which look to develop

leadership roles and prepare students for life

beyond the Sixth Form. We aim to encourage

Sixth Formers to mature into responsible young

adults who are able to make a full contribution to

society. We therefore expect our Sixth Form

students to play an important role in the

community life of the College. This year we have

deliberately timed Academic Review for 6th

Formers to coincide with that of Year 7. This will

facilitate a number of opportunities to mentor

and support their young peers.

Life in the Sixth Form builds upon the excellent

relationships formed in the previous five years,

nourished in an atmosphere of Christian ethos,

where all can live and grow supported by the

teachings of our faith. However students still

need support and guidance and this is provided

throughout the Sixth Form.

This is a very exciting time for the students as

they are no longer in compulsory education and

therefore their choices will determine their future.

We look forward to your child taking his or her

place at SJP Sixth Form and enjoying a happy and

successful partnership over the next two years.

Tom Quinn

Headteacher

General Expectations

• A key aim of the College is to allow Sixth Form

students to become increasingly responsible for

their own decisions and to become

independent learners. We therefore endeavour

to increase flexibility and independence as

students move through the Sixth Form.

• Tutors are the first point of support for students

and they will work with students to develop

study skills and support students in their studies

and career development. Pastoral care and

efficient management require that the contact

between tutor and student be maintained

throughout the Sixth Form. The Director of

Sixth Form, Heads of Learning and Learning

Coach are also available to provide support or

advice.

• All rules concerning attendance, academic

work, uniform and behaviour have been

created with the intention of making students

feel that they are treated as adults. The

consequence of this is that the demands placed

on students will reflect this adult status.

• Working relationships between Sixth Formers

and staff are usually different from those

experienced in years 7-11. Students should be

reminded that they have a responsibility to talk

to teachers if work is going to be late or if

lessons are going to be missed.

• Students can usually expect to be contacted in

advance of a home contact being made.

Students who do not comply with the details at

any stage will be spoken to by their tutor as a

first warning. If the problem is brought to the

attention of the Director of Sixth Form, their

parents/carers will be required to attend a

meeting at College.

Entitlement

The following elements make up a student’s

entitlement at SJP:

• An academic programme matched to their

abilities and aspirations.

• An enrichment programme that broadens their

academic and social/ cultural horizons.

• Assessment procedures which enable all parties

to track their development and plan for their

future.

• Personal support to assist with the fulfilment of

their goals.

• Help with progression to the next stage in their

careers.

General Principles

The Head Teacher is assisted in the planning and

delivery of pastoral care at SJP by a team which

includes the Senior Leadership Team, Director of

Sixth Form, Heads of Learning, Learning Coach of

Sixth Form and Form Tutors. Form Tutors are the

first point of contact at the College and will deal

with the majority of questions or concerns that

may arise. For more serious issues, the Director of

Sixth Form is there to support you and your child

both in terms of their academic progress and for

any major pastoral issues that may arise.

Pastoral Care – Tutors

All students will have an ongoing discussion

covering general academic progress; student

concerns; tutor concerns and issues relevant to

careers. Tutors are expected to keep themselves

informed about members of their tutor group by

talking to students and checking progress. Tutors

may arrange for contact with home to be made

but will usually discuss matters with the student

as a first step. Tutors will record any action taken

and pass copies on to the Head of Learning and

to the relevant subject teachers.

Tutors are required to keep relevant records on

their students and endeavour to ensure that

students are kept informed about issues relevant

to their progress. Notes provided by students to

explain absence should be kept available for

examination.

Pastoral Care – Students

All students in the Sixth Form are present by

choice. St John Plessington Catholic College has a

deserved reputation for looking after the welfare

of students. We monitor and support students

while allowing them the freedom to develop as

independent learners and mature adults. Students

have a responsibility to themselves to try to

identify obstacles to progress such as study skills

problems. Students also have a responsibility to

keep their tutor and teachers informed about

matters which impact on their progress. Failure to

attend academic review period may lead to a

breakdown of communication between student

and tutor. Students should inform tutors if they

are experiencing difficulties. Sixth Form students

should seek help if they experience problems.

Besides the support available in College from

teachers, school nurse and the Sixth Form

Counsellor etc, there are also outside agencies

that can be contacted. The most common

mistake made by students is to assume that

nothing can be done or that no one will

understand.

Academic Monitoring

A system of academic monitoring and target

setting is in place. At the start of the Autumn

term students are set targets in each of their

subjects using their GCSE point score based on

the national ALPs system (Advanced Level

Predictor System). This sets their Minimum Target.

Students are provided with five progress meetings

over the two academic years of study.

These involve an interview with their Learning

Coach. The student’s pastoral progress is

discussed and future targets set. This information

provides the basis for the Achievement Plans,

which are sent home following each period of

review.

This system has a variety of benefits. It sets

students targets from the start of their courses

and involves them in the target setting process. It

also involves regular review, which involves

students, teachers and parents. It helps to provide

an early indication of under-achievement but also

allows the identification and praise of students

who are meeting or exceeding their targets. This

system of monitoring and reporting is supported

by a Parents’ Evenings which takes place on

Thursday 6th October 2011.

Pastoral Care

“Students’ personal development and well-being are outstanding in

the main College and in the sixth form.” (OFSTED)

“Students believe the College is, in their words, ‘a big family where everyone is the same.” (OFSTED)

In addition, teachers regularly mark work and

give feedback to students. This feedback should

inform the student clearly about the standard

being achieved and the steps necessary to move

to a higher standard. Students should therefore

be clear that a piece of work is a grade A, B, C, D

or E. Students should also be able to understand

clearly what steps they should try to take to

improve on their grades. Tutors will ask students

to provide updates on their progress in each

subject. Students must be able to answer by

explaining the grades they are achieving and the

steps needed to produce better grades.

Teachers

’

concerns about academic performance

can result in students being monitored by their

Head of Learning. Teachers may phone home

(home contact) but will first speak to the student

and explain why a phone call home is deemed

necessary. Teachers have a duty to inform parents

of concerns so that under-performance does not

go unnoticed. Students have a right to be treated

as adults and therefore in normal circumstances a

phone call home would follow discussion

between the teacher and the students and

information being recorded using the monitoring

system.

Each student receives a planner at the start of

each academic year. These should be used by

students to record their homework, stating the

nature of the task and the date it is due in. In

addition, there is an academic monitoring

section, which should be completed during the

five interview cycles. This will include a record of

target and progress grades as well as targets,

which are set in discussion with subject teachers.

The planner is a very important document and

students should have these with them for every

lesson.

Special Monitoring

Students can be put on special monitoring at any

time during the Sixth Form. This will mean that

the Head of Learning / Director of Sixth Form will

expect a report to be completed by teachers to

ensure progress is satisfactory. Students are most

likely to be put on special monitoring at the start

of Year 12. This will happen if performance at

GCSE causes subject teachers to question a

student’s suitability for their course. In this

circumstance the special monitoring will continue

to half term in October. A review meeting with

the student and Head of Learning / Director of

Sixth Form will then be held to which parents will

be invited. A successful review will mean an end

to special monitoring.

Departmental accountability for student

progress

Departments monitor the progress of students in

their charge. By using GCSE performance,

teachers know what they can expect from

students. Teachers initially use the Departmental

Monitoring system to record significant issues

such as absence from lessons and significant

underperformance, keeping the Head of Learning

informed. This system is also used to identify

students who are deserving of praise.

Departments will ensure that parents are

informed at an early date if progress is falling

below expectations. Departments may make

direct contact home by phone or by letter to

parents. An outline of the subject areas and

assessment tasks set by departments will be

outlined in the learning programmes.

Home Contact

Although Sixth Form students are more

independent than younger students, home

contact is just as important. We welcome

inquiries from parents/ guardians and we are

happy to give a progress update at any time.

When we have concerns we will make contact

ourselves. Students usually prefer to deal with

teachers directly and we are happy to do this.

However, our responsibility to keep parents

informed is uppermost in our minds and parents

will always be informed by letter of any concerns/

interventions.

Pastoral Care Continued

E-mail

To improve communication, students and parents/

guardians are requested to provide E-mail

addresses. Although letters will be provided for

students on important issues, by using e-mail we

can provide more frequent reminders on other

events. The College has sixteen form groups in

Years 12 and13, each of which has its own

patron and forms a ‘House’ across all years.

The Houses are: Bernadette (SB), Vincent de Paul

(VP), Bosco (JB), Romero (OR), Kolbe (MK), Hume

(BH), Mother Teresa (MT) and Thérèse of Lisieux

(TL)

Tutor Groups

Sixth Form tutor groups do not follow directly

from Year 11. There are 16 tutor groups, 8 in

Year 12 and 8 in Year 13. The tutor will use

academic review for one-to-one meetings with

students. Each student will have a personal

progress interview in each term with the Learning

Coach or pastoral staff and the completed

achievement plan will be sent to parents.

Assemblies

Assemblies take place each week. All students

will be expected to attend.

Registration in tutor groups – tutors

1. Tutors will register students and keep a record

of reasons for absence.

2. If a student has not provided a note within 24

hours of an absence, the Learning Coach

should be informed and contact will be made

with home.

3. If the absence is unauthorised the Learning

Coach will be informed.

4. Tutors will keep absence notes on file

ensuring dates of absence and reasons for

absence are clear.

Registration in tutor groups – students

a) Year 12

Students are required to attend between 8.40am

and 3.20pm. All students are expected to attend

Academic Review. Students who are not

timetabled for Period 1 must register at 8.40am

in the Basil Hume Sixth Form Centre. They will

then use this Period for private study in one of

the Sixth Form Study Areas.

b) Year 13

Students are required to attend between 8.40am

and 3.20pm until half term. Students must attend

all assemblies and academic review periods. After

half term most students will be granted home

study during Period 4/5 on one day when they do

not have a lesson. The exact days will be agreed

between student, parent and tutor.

Students may not be given the extra privilege if

their attendance or work has been a concern

during Year 12.

Exam Fees

Students who complete the course are entitled to

one paid entry per module. The student will pay

for any additional resits. If a student resits any

module an invoice will be sent out in advance

and must be paid prior to the exam being sat.

Failure to do so will result in withdrawal from the

exam. Parent/carer will be billed for cost of

withdrawal.

If a student is not attending regularly or is

producing work significantly below their level of

ability, s/he may be asked to pay the exam fee.

Pastoral Care Continued

Form Year 12 Tutor Year 13 Tutor

JB (John Bosco) Mrs L. Howarth Mrs S. Murphy

BH (Basil Hume) Mrs D. Howells Mrs E. McNally

VP (St. Vincent De Paul) Mr S. Witcher Mrs V. Thompson

TL (Thérèse of Lisieux) Miss R. Wroe Mrs C. Eckersley

MT (Mother Teresa) Mr J. Sheldrake Mrs C. Carter

OR (Oscar Romero) Mr J. Gatrell Mrs J. Smith

MK (Maximilian Kolbe) Mr I. Burrows Mrs T. Lawson

SB (Saint Bernadette) Mr K. Cooper Mr M. Regan

Tutor Groups Sixth Form

In Sixth Form, your child will be placed in a mixed Form Tutor Group. Each group is named after a House Patron, a

famous Catholic Christian who as a witness to the Gospel encourages us in our faith. Each Form will participate in a wide

variety of House Competitions through the year led by the Head of House.

Director of 6th Form

Mrs A. Lock

Head of Learning Year 12

Mrs J. Gullidge

Learning Coach

Mrs J. Davis

Head of Learning Year 13

Miss E. Francis

Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral):

Mr S. Rylance

Key Pastoral Staff

The Sixth Form is composed of a series of phases.

It begins with the induction and consolidation

phase, which includes induction day to prepare

students for successful academic and social

transition. This is followed by the guidance and

support phase, where there are various

curriculum opportunities for students to get

involved in.

Each pupil will have a timetabled enrichment

lesson, where they will have the opportunity to

choose activities which not only interest them,

but develop their social and life skills. Some of

these will be geared directly towards preparing

students for the world of work and University,

such as ‘Interview Skills or ‘Cooking on a budget

for University’. Individual departments will also

offer their own enrichment activities, specific to

developing knowledge and understanding in

subject areas. There are many extra curricular

opportunities open to our students, including a

comprehensive sporting programme.

Mathematicians will be entered into the Liverpool

Mathematics competition and Scientists the

UCLAN Biology competition, as well as the

‘Liverpool Young Analyst of the Year’. The P.E.

department organise water sports holidays in

Spain and skiing holidays in America on a bi-

annual basis, open to all members of our

community. Termly social events are also

organised for the Sixth Form, including bowling,

ice skating and Band nights.

The College has close links with several

universities and works in partnership with Oxford

University on the Pathways Programme. This

provides our students with direct access to advice

and guidance on the whole admissions procedure

from Oxford University staff. The college also

encourages pupils to participate in Oxford’s UNIQ

programme of free residentials in July and August

for Year 12 students. UNIQ students follow a

week-long academic course designed and taught

by lecturers and tutors at Oxford University, as

well as taking part in social activities, networking

with alumni of the University, and chatting to

current students.

In addition to this, the College provides a

thorough programme of monitoring and guiding

students for their progression to the adult world.

We ensure that every individual is prepared with

what they need to know in order to achieve their

goals. This will include an extensive UCAS

programme, with a week off timetable, dedicated

to supporting pupils in the process of selecting

and applying to University. Students will have the

opportunity to listen to speakers from different

Universities, travel to a minimum of three Open

Days should they choose and learn from past

pupils who return to share their experiences and

inspire our current cohort. Those choosing not to

go to University will benefit from our own Work

Related Learning Co-ordinator, who has links with

and knowledge of local employers. Each student

will complete a week of work experience in year

12 to help confirm their choice of career

progression and give them the valuable

experience required to gain access to University

courses and career routes. Students are expected

to be actively engaged with work in the

community, such as our SVP group, who support

the poor and needy, or our students that work in

our local primary schools.

There are also numerous opportunities for our

students to work within our own college

community, supporting staff and younger pupils

during curriculum, Academic Review or extra-

curricular time. It is an expectation that all

students devote one hour of their free time each

week to ‘give a little back’ to SJP. We have a very

strong Sixth Form Council, which consists of two

representatives from each form, working hard to

ensure Sixth Form life is sociable, yet embedded

in a positive work ethic. They meet regularly with

their Head of Learning and Director of Sixth Form

and have worked closely with the Head Teacher

to bring about several positive changes, resulting

in improved provision for both study and

relaxation areas in Sixth Form specific areas. Our

Head Boy and Head Girl chair our College Council

and help ensure the views of all are equally

represented. They are outstanding ambassadors

for the College.

SJP Sixth Form Experience 11/12

Under this agreement the SJP Sixth Form will

provide:

• A clear programme of courses that are

delivered by qualified members of staff, using

appropriate facilities and resources, monitored

by the Director of Sixth Form.

• A tutor who monitors your progress, providing

guidance and assistance in setting targets for

improvements.

• A Head of Learning who will set challenging

targets and monitor your progress towards

them.

• A Learning Coach who will meet with you

regularly, providing clear, individualised targets

to help you achieve your goals.

• Regular reports and Achievement Plans each

year.

• At least one opportunity each year for your

parents/carers to come in to College to discuss

your progress with teaching staff.

• Careers advice, encompassing post 16

opportunities, suited to your needs, with easy

access to expert careers advice.

• The opportunity to take part in leisure and extra

curricular activities.

• Support in developing good study skills and

structured time and facilities for this to take

place.

• A friendly, caring and supportive environment.

Learning Agreement

At SJP we know how important it is to build partnerships with parents. This builds strength in our community and

supports students in their development, spirituality and learning.

We rely on the commitment and support of all parents to make this partnership work. We often run events to support

this partnership and are always open to new ideas and feedback so please contact us whenever you feel the need to.

This is a summary of the Learning Agreement that Form Tutors, Parents and Pupils are asked to sign up to.

ST JOHN PLESSINGTON CATHOLIC COLLEGE

SIXTH FORM Student Learning Agreement 2011-2012

The student Learning Agreement is a clarification of the expectations of students at SJP in the Sixth Form and what they can expect in return.

This agreement must be adhered to throughout their Sixth Form career.

In return you will be expected to:

• Be determined to make the most of your time

in the SJP Sixth Form, completing all work

required by deadlines set.

• Attend all lessons punctually. You are expected

to be in College from 8.40 a.m. to 3.20 p.m.

• Attend all R.E. & Citizenship lessons.

• Complete at least one hour of community work

and participate in an enrichment activity each

week.

• Attend all sessions punctually. As a full time

student you will be expected to be in school

from 8.40 am to 3.20 pm. (Offsite only allowed

at breaktime & lunchtime).

• Avoid holidays, driving lessons/doctor/dentist

appointments being scheduled in College

hours.

• Respect the rights of all members of the

College community and behave according to

the Sixth Form agreement.

• Accept responsibility for your own learning,

using study time effectively, with the support of

your subject teacher and tutor.

• Inform the College of absence on the first day

and thereafter by a parent/carer.

• Adhere to the Sixth Form dress code.

• Students are not allowed to smoke on any part

of the premises or directly outside the College.

• Keep use of mobile phones and headphones to

a minimum and only within designated Sixth

Form areas.

• Act as a positive role model for the younger

students in the College and the wider

community.

Sixth Form Dress Code:

Boys

• Plain white shirt with collar

• Sixth Form Tie

• Black Trousers (No denim)

• Black Jumper / Cardigan

• Smart black, polishable Shoes

• A small amount of jewellery is permissible

unless it creates a health and safety issue

• Smart outside coat or jacket. No hooded tops

or denim jackets.

No extreme hairstyles including shaven heads

will be acceptable. Hair should be one colour

and should be natural in appearance.

Girls

• Smart Plain white Blouse(with collar and

sleeves)

• Black Trousers (No denim) or checked school

skirt

• Black Jumper / Cardigan

• Smart Black Shoes

• Navy Blue or Black Socks or Tights

• A small amount of jewellery is permissible

unless it creates a health and safety issue

• Smart outside coat of jacket. No hooded tops

or denim jackets.

Hair accessories should be kept to a minimum

and must complement the uniform.

A small amount of make-up is acceptable.

No extreme hairstyles will be acceptable. Hair

should be one colour and should be natural

in appearance.

The Head Teacher reserves the right to make the

final decision on what is or what is not

appropriate.

Holiday Leave

• Holiday leave will not be granted during term

time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

This needs to be submitted to the Head

Teacher.

Smoking

• Students are not allowed to smoke on any part

of the College premises or on the street directly

outside the College or in the vicinity of the

College grounds.

Learning Agreement Continued

All pupils at SJP follow a Learning Programme in

all subjects each half-term. The LPs are available

on the College Website for Parents and Pupils to

access from home. They detail the programme

of study for each subject, setting out the

knowledge, skills and understanding your child is

expected to be taught. The Learning Programmes

also signpost the Assessment procedures

including the homework that will be set each

week.

Application

Key Stage 4 students at St John Plessington

Catholic College are given a programme of

events and advice during Year 11. If students

wish to apply to the Sixth Form they do so using

the appropriate forms by Christmas. After

Christmas, students are interviewed by the Senior

Management Team and Director, Heads of

Learning/Learning Coach of Sixth Form. Students

will be invited to discuss their career plans and

how the subjects chosen will meet their needs.

Students who apply from other schools at the

same time are contacted and usually interviewed.

The main body of applications is used to create a

‘best-fit’ option block arrangement, which

therefore is different each year. Most sensible

course combinations will be possible but all

courses depend on adequate numbers if they are

to be offered. Once the student has been

interviewed s/he will be made a conditional offer

of a place in a letter sent by the Director of Sixth

Form to the student’s parents.

Enrolment

Prospective Year 12 students are expected to

attend the enrolment day, which takes place on

GCSE results day. This is the day when students

officially sign up for their courses. Year 12

students are expected to attend by appointment

between 10am-3pm and once the enrolment

form and student contracts are completed, the

student is a member of St John Plessington

Catholic Sixth Form.

Class Sizes

Every effort is made to provide students with

their requested option choices. However, courses

with very low numbers of students may not be

offered or may have a lower number of

timetabled lessons. Large numbers may generate

additional classes but these will be subject to

change.

Year 13 students studying Year 12 courses

Under certain circumstances Year 13 students

may join AS classes with Year 12 students. Places

on AS courses are only made available to Year 13

students after Year 12 students have made their

final selections in September. This request must

be agreed through the Director of Sixth Form.

Curriculum

Learning Programmes

Subject entry requirements

The general entry requirement to study Level 3

courses for the Sixth Form is 5 GCSE passes at

grades A*- C. For some subjects, students may

not need to have studied it at GCSE. Each

student needs to create a viable mixture of

courses. Decisions are made according to

individual needs and ability. Students may be

accepted on to courses and put on special

monitoring if the level of previous performance

gives cause for concern.

Overall structure

Sixth Form timetables are very different from

those in the main school. All students will have

some private study lessons and individuals may

have very different days depending on the

courses they are studying. What matters is that

each student has a timetable that works.

Students are given a printed timetable at the start

of the year. Students who organise changes are

expected to ensure that they collect an updated

timetable from their tutor.

CCP – Compulsory Core Programme

General RE is taught for one hour per week to

every student in Year 12 and 13. Every student

will receive one hour of Citizenship every 2

weeks.

Enrichment

Year 12 students will be able to take part in

timetabled enrichment activities from September

2010. Students will also have the option of a

range of work related learning activities. These are

scheduled on an individual basis.

Reports

At the end of each Learning Programme, that is,

every half term, you will receive a report which

will give you information about your

son/daughter’s progress in the subjects they are

studying and an indication of their end of year

and end of key stage targets.

Both effort and attainment are assessed so that

you can see the fullest possible picture of your

child’s progress during the year. All pupils transfer

their progress grades into their planners and

exercise books so they too can see how well they

are doing. As well as half termly reports

parents/carers will receive an Achievement Plan

each term. This will review their overall progress

and achievements and set personalised targets

for improvement.

Curriculum Continued

“The College provides students with an impressive variety of extra-curricular activities.”

(OFSTED)

E-learning

As a Technology College we make every effort to

ensure that your child has access to the latest

technology to enhance their learning experiences.

There are over 600 computers available to pupils

in the College. Every classroom is equipped with

an Interactive Whiteboard and every teacher has

a laptop to facilitate the teaching and learning

process. At SJP pupils can use the Virtual

Learning Environment ( VLE) to complete

homework, and for absent pupils, to continue

learning from home. The VLE develops pupils’

independent learning skills and allows them to

have more control over how and when they

work. The VLE enables pupils to access learning

materials created by their teachers. Work is

marked and returned within the VLE. This also

means that pupils will not be able to lose or

forget their homework!

As parents, you are able to access your child’s

personal home page to keep track of their work,

their progress and their curriculum. The VLE can

be accessed via the College website.

In addition, students are strongly recommended

to lease a netbook from the College to use

throughout their time in the Sixth Form. The

wireless facilities around the College building will

mean that students can access online learning

facilities at any time. We are not aware of any

other Sixth Form on the Wirral that offers this

exciting facility.

Additional Needs Students

The College follows the Special Educational

Needs Code of Practice (2001) and uses the same

definition of special educational needs i.e.

Students have special educational needs if they

have a learning difficulty that calls for special

educational provision to be made for them. The

school recognises that provision for pupils with

special educational needs is the responsibility of

the whole school and that all teachers are

teachers of pupils with special educational needs.

The aims of the special educational needs policy

are:

• To enable pupils with special educational needs

to have their needs met

• To take into account the views of the pupils

with special educational needs

• To encourage good communication with

parents of children with special educational

needs

• To facilitate full access to a broad, balanced and

relevant education, including the National

Curriculum, for pupils with special educational

needs. Some pupils receive additional support

from a Teaching Assistant in the classroom.

Some pupils may have a modified curriculum.

Departments ensure classroom organisation,

teaching materials, teaching style and

differentiation are such that all pupils, including

those with special educational needs, can learn

effectively.

Whilst we recognise national programmes for

Gifted and Talented pupils, we believe all our

pupils to be gifted and talented in many different

ways. We ensure that everybody has access to

excellence and that whilst there are many pupils

who are identified as Gifted and Talented, the

learning of all pupils is given equal priority. As

with all pupils, stretching and challenging tasks

are provided for G&T pupils in their subjects, as

well as extra-curricular classes and workshops.

Their progress is monitored after every half term

progress report.

Curriculum Continued

Basil Hume Sixth Form Centre

The Sixth Form benefits from it’s own Basil Hume

6th Form Centre. The Director of Sixth Form,

Head of Learning for year 12 and the Learning

Coach are all located in this area and are easily

accessible to students should they require any

guidance and support. This is a quiet study area,

with extensive I.T. and printer access available for

students to use during study periods. There are

also tables and seating areas available for pupils

to utilise to work together to complete group

work tasks, share ideas and discuss lesson

content.

College Library

The College boasts a large and vibrant library,

valued by the whole community. Sixth formers

are able to work and gain computer access in the

College library throughout the day. Students can

be found making the most of the excellent study

and research facilities available, as well as taking

the opportunity to sit and read the day’s

broadsheet newspapers to keep in touch with

current affairs.

The Sixth Form Zone

This is more of a relaxed environment, with lots

of comfortable seating. In consultation with the

Sixth Form council, the facilities in this area

includes a ‘breakfast bar’ style area. Situated

close to the College Dining Hall, when not in use

during lunchtime as an eating area, this will be

another area students can come to study, as it is

equipped with wi-fi access. The Head of

Learning for Year 13 is located in this area.

There is also a decking area for Sixth Formers,

providing further access to areas where students

can eat and socialise outdoors. Students take

advantage of the summer months to study

outdoors, whilst enjoying the sunshine!

To find out more about joining our team of Pupil

Library Assistants, see Mrs Broom in the Library.

Netbooks

The College runs a ‘netbook’ scheme which

provides all students with the opportunity to

lease a netbook for £50. This provides them with

computer access throughout the College, with

wi-fi readily accessible, for their time in the Sixth

Form. On return of the netbook, this money is

returned, should there be no damage to the

computer. It is strongly recommended that each

student takes advantage of this fabulous

opportunity, as the majority of courses require

research and coursework completion for which

computer access is a necessity.

Sixth Form Facilities

“What I have heard about this school makes me incredibly proud that it is the top school in this country.”

(Rt Hon Gordon Brown)

Information and Communications Technology

SJP is at the forefront of computer based

technology systems with over 600 computers

available to our students. Every classroom is

equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard and

every teacher has a laptop. We operate a

Windows based computer system providing

access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

via the College website

www.stjohnplessington.com the Internet and

e-mail. To use the SJP computer network all

students and parents must agree and sign our ICT

Contract. Students who break the Contract will

have their network computer account disabled.

Username and Password

On joining SJP students are issued with a username

and password for access to the network system.

Students are not allowed to use the system using

an unauthorised username or password. Students

can change their password at any time. If students

lose their password it will only be reissued by the

SJP Technicians team twice in one term.

The Virtual Learning Environment

Once again this has put SJP at the cutting edge

of educational initiatives. We were well ahead of

the Government’s intention of seeing a VLE in all

schools by September 2009 when we introduced

it in October 2007.

Our VLE gives all our students the opportunity to

benefit from ‘anytime and anywhere learning’ by

using the internet to keep up to date with their

work. SJP teachers use our VLE to set work for

students, students then submit completed work to

their teachers on our VLE and teachers are able to

track the progress being made by each individual

student. Students can always go back to resources

used in lessons, including any presentations, so

making revision so much easier for them.

The key benefits anticipated over time from our

VLE are:

• Students will develop independent learning

skills and have more control over how and

when they work.

• Absent students can continue their learning

from home, with work set by the teacher on our

VLE, and marked and returned within our VLE.

• Students will be able to access learning materials

created by their teachers, outside lesson time

and from locations such as a library and home.

• Students will be able to store work and notes

online for use in assignments, homework and

revision, outside normal College hours.

• Parents will be able to access their son’s/

daughter’s personal home page to keep track

of their work, their progress and their

curriculum.

Samlearning

The College subscribes to SAM Learning, which is

an e-learning service that can be accessed on-line.

SAM Learning has proven to improve exam results

through exam practice and related revision.

Sometimes homework is set requiring pupils to

use SAM Learning. If it is not possible to use SAM

Learning at home, we can make arrangements for

access to ICT suites in College outside task hours

so no-one is at a disadvantage.

Transferring Files

Students can transfer files between home and

College using the VLE or alternatively a USB

storage device

Computer Games

Computer games are not allowed to be brought

into or played in College. This includes web-

based games on the Internet.

Reporting

A unique aspect of the SJP online reporting

system means that parents have an

anytime/anywhere opportunity to access their

child’s half-termly report and termly achievement

plan as well as regular attendance updates. This

means that SJP reports to all parents, 9 times in

any one academic year as well as a Consultation

day. OFSTED judged this provision to be an

outstanding feature of our College.

E-mail

The College is keen to ensure that we commun-

icate with parents as quickly and effectively as

possible. We hope that you are able to provide an

up to date e-mail address for us that will facilitate

this form of communication. It will allow us to

send important reminders and e-mail alerts as

well as up to the minute copies of our SJP News.

Introduction

It is vitally important that student success is

recognised and rewarded at every opportunity.

This can involve all aspects of student life in the

College, including attendance, work and

behaviour. In each case the most immediate form

of recognition is individual teacher praise but a

more formal rewards structure has also been

developed.

Rewarding attendance

• EMA students who achieve their weekly

attendance target and meet all coursework

deadlines will receive their weekly EMA payment

• Students who have 100% attendance for a term

will receive an attendance certificate during the

termly Achievement Award assemblies

• The Director of Sixth Form will send letters

home on a termly basis to all students whose

attendance exceeds 95%

Private Study lessons

All students have lessons on the timetable where

study time is allocated. Students are expected to

decide how best to use this non-contact time

within some guidelines and rules. Students are

strongly advised to use the time wisely.

At the start of the Sixth Form all students are

required to attend for the full day from 8.40am

until 3.20pm. Private Study lessons may account

for 5-10 hours in the week. Students may choose

between:-

1. Working in theCollege Library - Silent Study

2. Working in the Basil Hume Centre - Quiet

Study

3. Working in an empty classroom or in a

computer room

4. Working in the Dining Hall

5. Appointments with staff for tutorials at the

discretion of the Director of 6th Form/ Head of

learning.

As student freedoms increase, the option of

spending Private Study time at home is created,

particularly in Year 13. Students are advised to

use non-contact time to enjoy socialising but also

to set aside enough of this valuable time for

work. For many students, access to computers

and silent study or the opportunity to work with

fellow students, will be invaluable. Students are

reminded that computers are only to be used for

study and that the freedom to use the facilities

may be withdrawn from any student who

misuses school equipment. In addition, they will

have to pay for any damage.

The use of computers

Students have a responsibility to use computer

facilities for the purpose of study within the

regulations provided by the College.

Dress Code

Students should be appropriately dressed at all

times in accordance with the uniform policy. If a

member of staff feels that this is not the case it

should be brought to the attention of the Form

Tutor who will discuss the issue with the student

concerned. If the student does not modify his/her

uniform or appearance, parents will be

contacted. Jewellery may be worn but should not

be excessive. Hairstyles should not be extreme.

Hair should be one colour and should be natural

in appearance. The Head Teacher reserves the

right to make the final decision on what is or

what is not appropriate and if necessary will send

students home to rectify the issue. All of the

above forms part of the Sixth Form Learning

Agreement.

Rights and Responsibilities

Rewards

“In this College it is both acceptable and expected to do your best.” (OFSTED)

‘Behaviour is exemplary’ (OFSTED)

Discipline

Sixth Form students are expected to be a good

role model to students in the lower years.

Students in Years 12 and 13 rightly expect to be

treated as adults. Sixth formers are expected to

take responsibility and act as adults around the

site on the way to and from College. All students

will have to sign a student learning agreement at

the beginning of the academic year which

outlines the College’s expectations.

Serious breaches of discipline may result in a

student being asked to leave the College. Illegal

substances will not be tolerated under any

circumstances. Smoking in College is totally

unacceptable. The College cannot prevent

students who smoke from doing so outside the

College. However, when students smoke near to

the College in full view of younger students and

the wider community, a key expectation is being

ignored. As younger students aspire to be Sixth

Formers there is a tendency to see older students

as role models. Sixth Formers must understand

that they are role models and that their behaviour

influences younger students. Disciplinary action

may be taken against students who smoke in the

vicinity of the College or in other ways provide a

poor role model.

Parents will be contacted by letter in the case of

repeated or significant breaches of discipline.

They will be asked to attend a meeting with the

Director of Sixth Form and the student.

Sixth Formers may bring mobile phones and MP3

players to College. Clearly, these must not disrupt

lessons. Students are asked not to use mobile

phones around the College. The College will

accept no responsibility for the loss or theft of a

mobile phone or other electronic personal device.

Student access on the site

Sixth form students have access to the Basil

Hume Sixth Form Centre which students in years

7-11 are not normally permitted to use.

Students moving around the site during lesson

times are asked to avoid any actions which might

distract students who are being

taught. Sixth form students may use other areas

of the site, such as the field, which are not being

used by other students. Sixth Formers are

expected to avoid any activity, which might:

• Distract students who are in lessons

• Create possible dangers for themselves, such as

unsupervised sports.

Students may request access to a computer in a

computer room while a lesson is being taught.

Permission to use a computer will be granted at

the discretion of the teacher.

Sixth Form Zone

This is an area designed for use for the Sixth

Formers only. It includes wi-fi facilities so

students can access the internet using their own

laptops/note books. It is an area for relaxation

during break and lunchtimes and an additional

area to study during free periods. The design of

this zone was produced in consultation with the

Sixth Form Council.

Rights and Responsibilities Continued

It is vital that your child attends College as

regularly as possible. This is important to avoid

missing valuable lesson time and falling behind.

Employers place great emphasis on consistent

attendance and good punctuality and attendance

will be mentioned in the pupils’ Achievement

Plans each term. Registers are completed

electronically each lesson in addition to period 1

at 8.40am where morning registration takes

place and Academic Review when the afternoon’s

registration takes place.

Holidays in Term Time

Sixth Form study is very demanding and lesson

time may be lost due to enrichment events,

university visits and, on occasions, due to the ill

health of the student or the teacher. Students are

not expected to take holidays during term time.

Dropping a course

No student may drop a course at any time

without completing the appropriate form. The

first discussion should be with the subject teacher

and Head of Department who will then refer to

Director of Sixth Form for approval. Attendance

at lessons must continue until all parts of the

form have been completed. Parents/carers will

also be informed.

Continuation to Year 13

Most, but not all, students continue to study for

two years. Some students may wish to leave after

exams in Year 12 and some may not achieve a

satisfactory performance in Year 12 courses.

When results in Year 12 exams and/ or the level

of attendance/ standard of work suggest that

success would be unlikely by continuing on to

Year 13, a number of options will be considered:

• A student may continue on to Year 13 courses

and resit one or more modules of the Year 12

course to improve the grade. There is a limit to

how many Year 12 modules can reasonably be

taken in Year 13 by a student on a full

programme of Year 13 courses. Students will

have to pay for their Resit exams.

• A student may continue on to some Year 13

courses – including module resits – but drop

other courses. When this option is being

considered the student must arrange a meeting

with the Director of Sixth Form to discuss the

impact on their programme of study and career

plans. Students may wish to start a new Year

12 course while completing courses in Year 13.

In such cases Year 13 students studying Year 12

courses must find a course that does not clash

on the timetable.

• In some cases a student who has been

unsuccessful in Year 12 may wish to repeat the

year. This will need to be discussed with both

the student and parents at a meeting with the

Director of Sixth Form where a contract will be

produced. A strict monitoring procedure will be

created and such students must understand

that they may be asked to leave if they do not

meet the expectations agreed in the contract.

The reason a student would be accepted for a

repeat of Year 12 would usually be medical or

significant underperformance measured against

ALPS data. Where academic potential is clear

from GCSE the student would be expected to

perform at or above the level expected from

Year 12 students of similar ability

• Students whose Year 12 examination results are

weak are advised to contact the Careers Service

– Connexions. Names of students who would

benefit from careers advice will be sent to the

Connexions Personal Adviser attached to the

Sixth Form. Students will be contacted by the

Learning Coach and offered an interview.

Home Contact details

In light of the above, it is essential that we are

able to contact parents at the earliest

opportunity. Please ensure that all contact details

are correct including emergency phone numbers

and e-mail addresses. Pupils are in effect a Health

and Safety risk if we are unable to contact

parents should an emergency arise.

Attendance and Punctuality

Overview

All students are entitled to a careers interview

with the local career’s service if they request one.

The Careers Programme

Year 12

Higher Education Information

The UCAS application system

The personal statement

Gap year advice

Connexions interviews

Visits to a number of Universities

Attend Higher Education Conference

Year 13

Completing the UCAS form

Connexions interviews

The purpose of careers in the Sixth Form is not to

tell students what to do with their lives, but to

guide and advise them on the options that are

realistically available. It is the student’s

responsibility to attend Academic Review and

request interviews or attend open days. The Sixth

Form staff are able to guide and advise students

but it is the responsibility of students to seek out

advise and complete their own research.

Application to university begins in the summer

term of Year 12. Using the web-based ‘Apply’

system, students can complete the UCAS form on

their own PC at home or online at College.

Applications for some courses must be completed

by October and early application is beneficial for

all courses. Students are expected to do their

own research and seek advice from their tutor.

University visits are essential.

Students may apply for university courses starting

in the autumn after A2 exams or in the following

year – a deferred place. Students may choose to

apply in the year after completing A2 exams

whilst on a Gap Year. The College will support

students who wish to do this but the student will

need to be responsible about completing the

application early. Naturally students in the Sixth

Form have priority over students who have left.

Students not wishing to apply to university are

called ‘Jobseekers’ and a separate programme of

support is provided. The careers service takes

increasing responsibility for students who are not

sure of what to do after completing their exams.

University visits – Open Days

Students who are considering university courses

are strongly advised to visit a number of

universities. Visits on Open days or at other times

may provide a student with a clear idea of where

to go or where not to go. The buildings –

campus or not – and, in particular, the location of

student accommodation is better experienced

first hand.

Each student will usually be allowed a maximum

of 3 open day visits.

References

Students are entitled to a reference from each

subject area describing their abilities.

References should describe in a positive way the

level of achievement of the student.

While references must reflect the performance of

the student they will deal with positive comments

only.

All Year 13 students are entitled to receive an

appropriate reference by half term in October.

Teachers may not need to write references for

some students who do not wish to apply for

university. University references are more useful if

the teacher is aware of the course for which the

student has applied. Students are expected to

speak to their teachers and provide information

about their university application, which will

enable their teachers to emphasise points that

will support the application effectively.

References are sent to tutor and the tutor brings

together the separate subject elements into a

unified reference. No reference to UCAS will be

sent unless seen and approved by the Director of

Sixth Form. UCAS references should fill the space

available on the form and should provide as

positive a picture of the student as possible.

Careers

UCAS

The process of application to university is, for

most students, the most significant part of the

first term in Year 13. The application has 4 pages.

Pages 1-3 are completed by the student and

page 4 by the tutor. Before the application is sent

the student must check all 4 pages and pay the

UCAS fee of £22. The application is completed

on computers using the Internet based ‘Apply’

application process. Students are given

information about how to access the website and

are also given guidance on how to complete

Personal Statements. Students must keep in

regular contact with their tutor during the whole

process, which is not complete until they have

checked the final form. The progress of the

application can be tracked on the Internet but

students may phone UCAS if they have any

concerns. Predicted grades are given as part of

the reference by subject teacher. Teachers are

asked to predict what they believe is a reasonable

optimistic grade based on the assumption that

the student will work as hard as possible to

achieve the best possible result. As all university

courses have grade requirements (the standard

offer) it is not sensible to apply for a course with

predicted grades, which are less than the required

grades – the ‘standard offer’.

Interview Practice

Students can request interview practise prior to

attending university interviews. Similarly, students

seeking employment may request interview

preparation training sessions. This should be

arranged via the Head of Careers.

COMMUNITY WORK

The expectation is that all students will complete

an hour a week of Community Work. This could

be as part of our peer mentoring programme or

arranged through an outside agency e.g.

Bebington Voluntary Services. Students will be

expected to keep a log of the hours they

complete for this community work which will

provide a useful point of information to include

in their reference.

Careers Continued

Aspire

not to

havemore

but to

...

Archbishop Romero

Gold