Waddesdon Church of England School Directory

Index

Please click on the headings below to jump to the relevant chapter:

Aims and Objectives
Office Opening Times
Term Dates 2007-2008, Provisional 2008-2009
The School Day
Lunchtime & Breaktime Arrangements
Entitlement to Free School Meals
The School Diary 2007-2008
Parents’ Evenings
Student Welfare
Headteacher, Deputies, Year Heads, Form Teachers
Form Teachers
Absence from School
Behaviour Policy - Including Expectations
School Colours
School Rules and Sanctions
Bullying
Policy and Procedure for dealing with Drugs Related Incidents
Complaints Procedure
Homework, Coursework, Paragraph Books, Learning Diaries
Examination Re-Sit Policy
Waddesdon Visual Arts College
Special Educational Needs Register
Library and Information Technology Rooms
Music Tuition
Sex Education
School Uniform/Games Kit
Lost property/Valuables
Arrangements for Administration of Medicine to Pupils
Transport
Emergency Procedures
School Closure
Educational Visits
Insurance
Waddesdon School Association
Resources Centre
National Curriculum Stage 3 Testing (SATs)
GCSE Examination Syllabuses
GCE AS & ‘A’ Level Examination Syllabuses
School Performance Information
Current Staff List
School Governors
Useful Addresses and Telephone Numbers


Aims and Objectives

The Waddesdon Directory contains a wide range of information about the school which we hope parents and students will find useful. Please keep it safe and easily accessible.

If you have any worries or concerns about your son/daughter’s progress or well-being, please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher immediately (01296 651382).

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Office Opening Times

During term time the school office opens at 8.30am and closes at 4.30pm. The school day for students begins at 8.35am and ends at 3.10pm. There is a break between 11.15am and 11.55am and a further break between 1.30pm and 1.50pm.

The school office is open during school holidays between 9.00am and 1.00pm. Any queries outside these hours may be left on the answerphone and will be dealt with the following day.

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SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2007-2008

Autumn Term 2007

Monday 3rd September

Staff Training

 

Tuesday 4th September

Staff Training

School Opens

Wednesday 5th September

Years 7, 9, 12 start

 

Thursday 6th September

Years 8,10,11,13 start

School Closes for Half-Term

Friday 19th October

 

School Closed

Monday 29th October

Staff Training

School Re-opens

Tuesday 30th October

 

School Closes for Christmas

Friday 21st December

 


Spring Term 2008

 

Monday 7th January

Staff Training

School Opens

Tuesday 8th January

 

School Closes for Half-Term

Friday  15th February

 

School Re-opens

Monday 25th February

 

School Closed

Friday 21st March

Good Friday

School Closed

Monday 24th March

Easter Monday

School Closes for Easter

Friday 4th April

 


Summer Term 2008

School Closed

Monday 21st April

Staff Training

School Opens

Tuesday 22nd April

 

School Closed

Monday 5th May

May Day Bank Holiday

School Closes for Half-Term

Friday 23rd May

 

School Re-opens

Monday 2nd June

 

School Closes for Summer

Wednesday 23rd July

 



PROVISIONAL DATES FOR 2008-2009
Excluding fixed in-service training days for staff

Autumn Term 2008

 

Monday 1st September

Staff Training

 

Tuesday 2nd September

Staff Training

School Opens

Wednesday 3rd September

 

School Closes for Half-Term

Friday 24th October

 

School Re-Opens

Monday 3rd November

 

School Closes for Christmas

Friday 19th December

 


Spring Term 2009

School Opens

Tuesday 6th January

 

School Closes for Half-Term

Friday 13th February

 

School Re-Opens

Monday 23rd February

 

School Closes for Easter

Friday 3rd April

 


Summer Term 2009

School Opens                   

Monday 20th April

 

School Closes for Half-Term

Friday 22nd May

 

School Re-Opens             

Monday 1st June

 

School Closes for Summer

Friday 17th July

 


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The School Day

The hours of the school day are as follows:-

This consists of seven periods per day. A bell indicates the times between lessons:

Registration

            08.35  - 08.40

Assembly

            08.40  - 08.55

Period 1

            08.55  - 09.45

Period 2

            09.45  - 10.30

Period 3

            10.30  - 11.15

Lunch

            11.15  - 11.55

Registration

            11.55  - 12.00

Period 4

            12.00  - 12.45

Period 5

            12.45  - 01.30

Breaktime

            01.30  - 01.50

Period 6

            01.50  - 02.30

Period 7

            02.30  - 03.10


Timings are slightly different on a Monday morning to accommodate a form period.

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Lunchtime & Breaktime Arrangements

Packed lunches may only be eaten in the Main Hall and Quadrangles. Lunch will be from 11.15 to 11.55am.

Meal of the Day (two courses) may be purchased for £1.80. In addition Sandwiches, Wraps and Cold snacks are available.

Break will be from 1.30 to 1.50pm.

You must not eat or drink in classrooms, corridors or the library.

Only those Waddesdon students who regularly go home to lunch are allowed to leave the premises at lunchtime (pleaseinform your form teacher). All students wishing to leave the premises must obtain permission from either the Headteacher or from a teacher on duty.

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Entitlement to Free School Meals

The school is able to provide a midday meal provision free of charge to any student whose parents are in receipt of:

Income Support (IS).

Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA).

Child Tax Credit (those who are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and whose annual income, as assessed by the Inland Revenue, does not exceed £14,495).

Children who receive IS or IBJSA in their own right are also eligible.

No other benefits are relevant for a claim.

If you would like to apply, please use the application form in the back of this document and return to the school, marked for the attention of the Finance Office. All applications will be strictly confidential.

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The School Diary 2007-2008

DAY / DATE

ACTIVITY

EXAMS

SEPTEMBER 2007

 

 

Monday

3rd 

Staff Training Day

 

Tuesday

4th

Staff Training Day

 

Wednesday

5th

Years 7, 9 and 12 begin
WSA Meeting

 

Thursday

6th

Years 8, 10, 11 and 13 begin – all in school

 

Friday

7th

 

 

Monday

10th

 

 

Tuesday

11th

 

 

Wednesday

12th

 

 

Thursday

13th

 

 

Friday

14th

 

 

Monday

17th 

“How to help your child learn” – Yr 7 Parents’: 7.30pm

 

Tuesday

18th

Year 13 Parents’ Evening
School Council

 

Wednesday

19th  

 

 

Thursday

20th 

D of E Parents’ Meeting, Hall: 7.00pm

 

Friday

21st 

School Council Feedback Assemblies

 

Monday

24th   

Prospective intake (2008)
Open Morning 10.00am –12.00
Open Evening 7.30pm

 

Tuesday

25th

Individual Photographs – Years 7 and 12
Open Evening 7.30pm

 

Wednesday

26th

German Exchange leaves for Munich
WSA AGM

 

Thursday

27th

 

 

Friday

28th

 

 

Saturday

29th

WSA Event – “Family Fortunes” (Bingo)

 

OCTOBER

 

 

Monday

1st 

 

 

Tuesday

2nd

 

 

Wednesday

3rd 

WSA Meeting

 

Thursday

4th

 

 

Friday

5th

German Exchange returns from Munich
D of E Silver Training -Mendips

 

Monday

8th

Year 7 Team Building at Green Park (until Friday 12th)

 

Tuesday

9th

School Council Meeting

 

Wednesday

10th

Primary & Secondary Colours Exhibition, Waddesdon Manor (until Sunday 14th)

 

Thursday

11th

 

 

Friday

12th

School Council Follow Up Assemblies

 

Monday

15th

Year 11 Work Experience begins for one week
Masterclass Week to include 6th Form Conference

 

Tuesday

16th

 

 

Wednesday

17th

 

 

Thursday

18th

 

 

Friday

19th 

 

 

HALF TERM 22nd – 29TH October inclusive

Monday

29th

Staff Training Day

 

Tuesday

30th  

 

 

Wednesday

31st   

Year 6 “High 5 Festival” 2.00pm-4.00pm

 

NOVEMBER

 

 

Thursday

1st

 

 

Friday

2nd 

 

 

Monday

     5th 

 

 

Tuesday

6th  

 

 

Wednesday

7th 

WSA Meeting

 

Thursday

8th

 

 

Friday

9th

Yr 10 Assessment Reports
issued

 

Saturday

10th

Art Adult Education Day

 

Monday

12th

 

 

Tuesday

13th

 

 

Wednesday

14th

“Colours” Presentation Morning
KS1 Multi Skills Festival

 

Thursday

15th

 

 

Friday

16th

Yr 7 Assessment Reports issues

 

Monday

19th  

 

 

Tuesday

20th 

School Council

 

Wednesday

21st 

Year 7 Parents’ Evening - form staff only

 

Thursday

22nd 

“Step into Sport” Conference (Year 12)

 

Friday

23rd 

School Council Feedback Assemblies

 

Saturday

24th

WSA Christmas Fayre

 

Monday

26th

Inter Form Sports all week

 

Tuesday

27th

 

 

Wednesday

28th

 

 

Thursday

29th

Yr 11(ex Yr 10) GCSE Presentation Morning

 

Friday

30th

Yr 9 Full reports issued

 

DECEMBER

 

 

Monday

 3rd 

 

 

Tuesday

4th

Year 9 Parents’ Evening

 

Wednesday

5th

WSA Meeting

 

Thursday

6th

GCSE Presentation Evening: 7.30pm

 

Friday

7th

 

 

Monday

10th

 

 

Tuesday

11th

 

 

Wednesday

12th

Year 6 Basketball Festival

Year 11 Mock Examinations begin

Thursday

13th

Carol Service

 

Friday

14th

 

 

Monday

17th

6th Form/A Level Presentation Evening: 7.30pm

 

Tuesday

18th

 

 

Wednesday

19th

 

 

Thursday

20th

 

 

Friday

21st

End of Term

 

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY 24th DECEMBER – 6th JANUARY inclusive

JANUARY 2008

 

 

Monday

7th

Staff Training Day

 

Tuesday

8th

 

 

Wednesday

9th

WSA Meeting

Biology, Communications, Business, am
Health & Social Care, Travel & Tourism GCE, pm

Thursday

10th

 

Psychology, Chemistry GCE am

Friday

11th

 

Performance Studies, GCEam History, Physics Science Business GCE pm

Monday

14th

 

Geography, General Studies GCE am

Tuesday

15th

School Council – Drafting of Manifestoes

ICT, Statistics GCE am

Wednesday

16th

 

English, RS, GCE am
English GCSE pm

Thursday

17th

 

Economics, GCE am. Maths, H & SC, GCE pm

Friday

18th 

 

English, Business, General Studies,GCE am

Monday

21st

School Council Meeting: 8.45-9.55am
Year 12 Parents’ Evening

Physics, GCE am
Sport & PE, Business, Travel & Tourism GCE pm

Tuesday

22nd 

 

Psychology, GCE am
History GCE pm

Wednesday

23rd 

 

BiologyGCE am
Geography GCE pm

Thursday

24th

 

Health & Social Care, Business GCE am. General Studies GCE pm

Friday

25th

School Council Year Group Elections

Science GCE am
Economics GCE pm

Monday

28th 

Inter Form Sports all week

General Studies GCE am

Tuesday

29th 

 

Chemistry GCE am

Wednesday

30th 

 

Sport & PE, Health & Social Care GCE am

Thursday

31st

 

 

FEBRUARY

 

 

Friday

1st 

 

 

Monday

4th

 

 

Tuesday

5th

 

 

Wednesday

6th

Years 3 and 4 Bisi Badminton Festival
School Production
WSA Meeting

 

Thursday

7th

School Production – School Council Election of Officers

 

Friday

8th

School Production
Yr 11 Full reports issued

 

Monday

11th 

 

 

Tuesday

12th

Year 11 Parents’ Evening

 

Wednesday

13th  

 

 

Thursday

14th 

Year 11 Conference

 

Friday

15th 

Staff Training Day

 

HALF TERM 18th – 22nd inclusive

Monday

25th

 

 

Tuesday

26th

 

 

Wednesday

27th

Yr 8 Full reports issued

 

Thursday

28th

 

 

Friday

29th

 

 

MARCH

 

 

Saturday

1st

WSA Event – “Quiz Night”

 

Monday

3rd 

 

 

Tuesday

4th

School council

 

Wednesday

5th

KS1 Athletics Festival 2.00pm-4.00pm
WSA Meeting

 

Thursday

6th

 

 

Friday

7th

School Council Feedback Assemblies

 

Monday

10th

 

Art (Graphics) GCE - am

Tuesday

11th

 

Art (Photography) GCSE – am

Wednesday

12th

 

 

Thursday

13th

Year 8 Conference
Year 8 “Options Evening” for Parents

 

Friday

14th

 

Art (Graphics) GCE – am

Sunday

16th

Art Exhibition at Friars Square (until 25th)

 

Monday

17th 

 

 

Tuesday

18th    

 

 

Wednesday

19th   

6th Form Open Evening

Art (Applied) GCSE – am

Thursday

20th  

 

 

Friday

21st  

GOOD FRIDAY

 

Monday

24th

EASTER MONDAY

 

Tuesday

25th

 

 

Wednesday

26th

 

 

Thursday

27th

Year 8 Parents’ Evening

 

Friday

28th 

 

 

Monday

31st 

 

 

APRIL

 

 

Tuesday

1st

 

 

Wednesday

2nd

Year 5 Badminton Festival 2.00pm-4.00pm
WSA Meeting

Art (Photography) GCSE – am

Thursday

3rd

 

 

Friday

4th

D of E Silver Practice - New Forest
End of Term

 

EASTER HOLIDAY 7th – 18th inclusive

Monday

21st

Staff Training Day

Music (Recital) GCE – am/pm
Music GCSE – am/pm

Tuesday

22nd

 

Music (Recital) GCE – am/pm
Music GCSE – am/pm

Wednesday

23rd

German Exchange arrives from Munich

Music (Recital) GCE – am/pm
Music GCSE – am/pm

Thursday

24th

Work Experience Presentation Morning
UCAS Evening

Art (Graphics) GCE – am

Friday

25th

Year 12 Geography Field Visit to North Devon, return on 28th

 

Saturday

26th

WSA Event – (to be decided)

 

Monday

28th

Year 10 Examination Week

French & German Orals GCSE – am/pm
Art (Unendorsed) GCE – am

Tuesday

29th

School Council

French & German Orals GCSE – am/pm

Wednesday

30th

 

French Orals GCSE – am/pm

MAY

 

 

Thursday

1st

 

French Orals GCSE – am/pm

Friday

2nd

German Exchange returns to Munich
D of E Bronze Practice Camp-Calvert
School Council Feedback Assemblies
Yr 12 Full reports issued

French Orals GCSE – am/pm
Art (Unendorsed) GCE – am
Music Tech GCE - am

Monday

5th

MAY BANK HOLIDAY

 

Tuesday

6th  

Key Stage 3 SATS

Art (Unendorsed) GCE – am

Wednesday

7th

WSA Meeting

 

Thursday

8th

 

 

Friday

9th

 

German Orals GCE – am/pm
Art (Unendorsed) GCE - am

Monday

12th

 

Art (Unendorsed) GCE – am
English Lit GCE – am
French GCE – am
History GCE – am
General Studies GCE - pm

Tuesday

13th

Year 9 Geography Field Visit to River Chess

French Orals GCE – am/pm
ICT (Bus & Comms) GCSE – am

Wednesday

14th

Year 9 Geography Field Visit to River Chess

ICT GCE – am
Dance GCSE – pm
Geog GCE – pm

Thursday

15th

Yr 13 Full reports issued

Perform Studies GCE –am
Engineering GCE – pm
General Studies GCE – pm

Friday

16th

Year 8 visit to St Omer
D of E Bronze Practice/Assessment-Chilterns

PE & Sport GCSE – am
German (Read/List) GCE – pm
Music (List) GCSE – pm
Psychology GCE – pm
Psychology GCSE – pm

Monday

19th

School Council: 8.45-9.55am

Maths GCSE – am
Religious Studies GCSE

Tuesday

20th

 

D & T Res Mats GCE – am
Food Tech GCE – am
French (Read/Lis) GCE – am
PE & Sport GCE – am
Textiles GCE – am
English Lit GCSE – am
Geog GCE – pm
ICT GCSE – pm

Wednesday

21st 

Year 5 “Kwik Cricket” 2.00-4.00pm

Evening Art Exhibition in school

English Lit GCE – am
ICT (BUS & Comms) GCSE – am
Maths (M1) GCE – pm
Music Tech (Lis) GCE - pm

Thursday

22nd

Daytime Art Exhibition in school
Fashion Show in Friars Square

D & T Res Mats GCSE – am
Music GCE (Lis/Ans) – am
Physics GCE – am
Science GCE – am
Food Tech GCSE – am
Business GCE – pm

Friday

23rd 

 

German (Lis) GCSE – am
Maths (S1) GCE - am

HALF TERM 26th – 30th inclusive

JUNE

 

 

Monday

2nd

Year 11 Study Leaves begins

Maths (C1 & C2) GCE – am
Maths GCSE – pm
Health & Social GCE – pm
History GCE – pm

Tuesday

3rd

 

Biology GCE – am
English GCSE – am
Communication Studies GCE – am
History GCSE – pm
Religious Studies GCE – pm

Wednesday

4th

WSA Meeting

Chemistry GCE – am
French (Lis) GCSE – am
Health & Social GCE – am
History GCE – am
Geog GCSE – am
Economics GCE – pm
Travel & Tour GCE – pm

Thursday

5th

 

General Studies GCE – am
English GCSE – am
PE & Sport GCE – pm

Friday

6th

 

Geog GCE – am
Economics GCE – pm
German GCSE – pm
Maths (C3) – pm
Religious Studies GCE – pm
Religious Studies GCSE – pm

Monday

9th

Year 12 return from Study Leave
Year 12 Conference

Communication Studies GCE – pm
Textiles GCSE – pm

Tuesday

10th

School Council

Psychology GCE – am
Business GCSE – pm
Business (Applied) GCSE – pm
Health & Social GCE – pm

Wednesday

11th

 

Business GCE – am
English Lit Gce – am
German (Lis/Read/Write) GCE – am
History GCSE – am
Music Tech GCE – am
Physics GCE – am

Thursday

12th

 

Communication Studies GCE – am
French (Read) GCSE – am
History GCE – am
Maths (C4) GCE – am
Travel & Tour GCE – am
Chemistry GCE – pm
Geog GCE – pm
Geog GCSE – pm
Science GCE - pm

Friday

13th

School Council Feedback Assemblies
D of E Bronze Assessment-Cotswolds

Drama GCSE – am
Science GCE – am
Business GCE – am
D & T Res Mats GCE – am
Economics GCE – am
English Lit GCE – am
Textiles GCE – am
Biology GCE – pm
Music GCE – pm

Monday

16th

 

French (Lis/Read/Write) GCE – am
Religious Studies GCE – am
History GCE – pm
Psychology GCE – pm

Tuesday

17th

 

General Studies GCE – am
Business GCE – pm
Performance Studies GCE – pm
Physics GCE – pm

Wednesday

18th 

 

Statistics GCSE – am
Geog GCE – am
Biology GCE – pm
Travel & Tour GCE – pm

Thursday

  19th  

 

Chemistry GCE – am
Music (Lis/Write) GCE – am
Health & Social GCE – pm

Friday

20th  

 

Performance Studies (Practical) GCE – am

Monday

23rd

Inter Form Sports all week
Year 9/10 Paris Visit leaves, returns 27th

Science GCSE - am

Tuesday

24th

 

 

Wednesday

25th

Year 3 and 4 Rounders Festival 2.00-4.00pm

 

Thursday

26th

 

 

Friday

27th

 

 

Saturday

28th

‘MAD’ Event Waddesdon Manor

 

Sunday

29th

‘MAD’ Event Waddesdon Manor

 

Monday

30th

Foundation Week
Year 10 Parents’ Evening

 

JULY

 

 

Tuesday

1st 

 

 

Wednesday

2nd

WSA Meeting

 

Thursday

3rd

Provisional date for Year 8 Camp
D of E Silver Assessment-Rhayader

 

Friday

4th

 

 

Saturday

5th

WSA Event – “Murder Mystery Evening”

 

Monday

7th

 

 

Tuesday

8th

 

 

Wednesday

9th

Year 7 Full Reports issued

 

Thursday

10th

Year 7 Parents’ Evening

 

Friday

11th

Sports Day

 

Monday

14th

 

 

Tuesday

15th

 

 

Wednesday

16th

Prize Giving 7.00pm

 

Thursday

17th

New Year 7 Induction Evening

 

Friday

18th 

 

 

Monday

21st

 

 

Tuesday

22nd

 

 

Wednesday

23rd

End of school year

 

PROGRAMME OF PARENTS’ EVENINGS

Monday

17th

September 2007

Year 7 “How to Help Your Child Learn”       

Tuesday

18th

September 2007

Year 13 Parents’ Evening

Wednesday

21st

November 2007

Year 7 Parents’ Evening with Form Tutors

Tuesday

4th

December 2007

Year 9 Parents’ Evening

Monday

21st

January 2008

Year 12 Parents’ Evening

Tuesday

12th

February 2008

Year 11 Parents’ Evening

Thursday

13th

March 2008

Year 8 Options Evening for Parents

Thursday

27th

March 2008

Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Monday

30th

June 2008

Year 10 Parents’ Evening

Thursday

10th

June 2008

Year 7 Parents’ Evening

Thursday

17th

July 2008

Year 6 Induction Evening

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Parents’ Evenings

Consultations with parents will follow different patterns for each age group. The dates for meetings with staff to discuss student progress are included in this Directory. Parents’ evenings follow the publication of student reports.

At Parents’ evenings conversations with staff must, of necessity, be limited to no longer than five minutes. If you need longer than this, please make a separate arrangement with either the relevant Head of Year or Mrs Pearce.

Whenever there is a problem do not wait for parents’ evening, but contact the school so that the issue can be addressed.

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Student Welfare

Mrs Pearce leads the team dealing with student welfare.

On admission to the school in Year 7, students are divided into tutor groups. We try to ensure that the same Form Tutor remains with the group, from Year 7 to Year 11. Form tutors are responsible for the welfare and well-being ofthe students in their tutor group.

The pastoral system is organised into ‘Years’. Mrs Jones is responsible for Year 7 and she liaises with our feeder primary schools. Mrs Clark is Head of Year 8, Mrs Patchett is Head of Year 9, Mrs Allen is Head of Year 10, Dr Corcoran is Head of Year 11. Other than Mrs Jones, the Heads of Year progress with their year group through the school to Year 11. Mr Bushell is Head of the Sixth Form. Mr Wilson is Deputy Head of the Sixth Form.

Parents are reminded that if they have any concerns about any aspects of their son/daughter’s education at Waddesdon, they are encouraged to contact the school to discuss them. Depending upon the severity or confidentiality of the issue, parents might speak to the Form Tutor, Head of Year, Mrs Pearce (Assistant Head, Pastoral), Mrs Walkinshaw (Deputy Head) or Mr Norman. Parents are asked to make an appointment before visiting the school.

It is important that the school is kept informed of specific health conditions and/or the need for regular medication. There can be times when the process of adolescence is worrying and painful for students, parents and families. Support is available in the community and information about such organisations can be obtained from the school. Naturally, the school will do all it can to help in such circumstances.

The school has access to a trained school counsellor, who offers a confidential service to students. For further details, please contact Mrs Pearce. The school also has a designated Connexions Personal Adviser and the Connexions Service has access to a number of different agencies who can support students with pastoral issues. For further information see the Connexions website - www.connexions-direct.com or phone 080 800 13219.

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Headteacher, Deputies, Year Heads, Form Teachers

Headteacher - Mr P Norman

Deputy Headteacher - Mrs P Walkinshaw

Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) - Mr T Goodwin

Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) - Mrs S Pearce

Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum) - Mrs T Simpson

Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum) - Mrs J Jones

Heads of Year:

Mrs Jones -Year 7
Mrs Clark - Year 8
Mrs Patchett - Year 9
Mrs Allen -Year 10
Dr Corcoran - Year 11
Mr Wilson - Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Mr Bushell - Head of Sixth Form

Form Teachers :

YEAR 7
7KC - Mr Carr
7HF - Miss Fitzgerald
7LH - Lauren Haggerty
7SJ - Mrs Johnston
7CM - Mrs Merrington

YEAR 8
8MJB - Mr Barrett
8KC - Mrs Davis
8TK - Mr Kempster
8RO - Miss Owen
8LP - Mrs Peachey

YEAR 9
9PIB - Mrs Buchan
9TOE - Mr Engel
9AVM - Mr Majethia
9MR - Mr M Rye
9PHW - Mrs Watt

YEAR 10
10SE - Mrs Enevoldsen
10KM -Mr Muggeridge
10HN - Mr Nelson
10KS - Miss Sobol
10LC - Miss Crothers

YEAR 11
11RD - Miss Dancer
11TE - Mr Ewart
11AS - Mrs Sapsed
11JF - Mrs Fennell
11JW - Mrs Wybron


SIXTH FORM TUTORS:
Mr Berrett
Mr Boulter
Mrs Bushell
Mrs Flitney
Mr Grace
Mr Lane
Mr Maciejewski
Mrs Piroddi
Miss Stephenson
Miss Williams

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Absence from School

Parents are under a legal duty to see that children of compulsory school age attend regularly, and risk prosecution if they fail in this duty. All student absences from school should be reported by telephone on the first morning of absence, as well as confirmed in writing by the parents on return, and sent to the appropriate form tutor. The Government's policy on monitoring truancy rates makes this a necessity.

In the case of any anticipated long absence, it is helpful to the school to be informed by telephone.

HOLIDAY LEAVE

You are strongly advised to consult the school before booking any holidays in term time. This can be done by completing a holiday form which is available from the school office. Parents should not assume that permission will be granted since in most cases permission will not be given. Only applications which can be supported on compassionate grounds are likely to be approved.

If holiday leave is taken without the school’s prior approval this will be viewed as undermining the good order and discipline of the school which could provide grounds for permanent exclusion.

OTHER ABSENCE

This should only be on account of illness or medical treatment. Birthday treats, shopping, looking after younger children etc. are not sufficient reason for absence. Missing the bus is also not an acceptable excuse for absence and will be counted as a truancy so parents must have an alternative strategy for making sure the student is able to attend school. This is a parental obligation.

Upper School students in particular should be aware that the modular nature of some courses means that vital examination work can be missed. In cases where there is prior knowledge of absence, students are expected to make arrangements for notes and assignments to be recorded so that they can be completed on return. Students are issued with timetables for both actual and mock examinations and absence during these periods should be avoided at all costs.

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Behaviour Policy - Including Expectations

Waddesdon is highly regarded in the community and recognises the value of its good relationships, exemplified by the courtesy extended to visitors, business-like atmosphere in the classroom and general environment within the school.

Christian standards and values are implicit in the stated aims of the school. There must be a commitment on behalf of students, parents, staff and governors to uphold these standards and values in practice. All individuals involved in the life of the school should agree to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times.

Good behaviour is essential so that the orderly environment necessary for effective teaching and learning can exist.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE SCHOOL ARE TO:


Respect each student as an individual
Provide a safe school environment
Provide a full, balanced and appropriate curriculum
Educate each student to fulfil his/her potential
Set regular and relevant homework and ensure that it is marked
Provide information about student progress and offer regular meetings with parents
Welcome opportunities for dialogue with parents in accordance with the school’s established programme of pastoral care
Address student and parental concerns and/or questions, on an individual basis, or via the School Council, or the WSA
Ensure that students are prepared and entered for appropriate examinations, provided that they have satisfactorily completed the course

EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS ARE TO:

Encourage a positive attitude to school and a high standard of behaviour, in accordance with school policy
Ensure your son/daughter attends school regularly and punctually, with appropriate clothing and equipment
Have due regard for the Home-School Agreement, particularly concerning attendance and not taking holidays during term time
Ensure that the school is notified of any absence by telephone and that this is confirmed in writing, when your son/daughter returns
Ensure that suitable facilities are made available at home for your son/daughter to complete homework. Also, to monitor homework by signing the homework diary every week
Attend consultation meetings arranged by the school to monitor student progress, attitude and behaviour
Keep the school informed about any concerns or issues that might affect your son/daughter’s performance at school.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS ARE TO:


Work to fulfil their potential
Complete and submit homework and other assignments on time
Be polite and co-operative at all times
Dress smartly and in accordance with the school’s requirements
Attend school punctually and regularly
Treat all facilities and equipment carefully and with respect
Move about the school in an orderly and quiet manner
Treat fellow students with care, dignity and respect
Behave in accordance with the school behaviour policy both in and out of school
Conduct oneself with modesty and decorum. Close bodily contact between students is unacceptable i.e. the ‘daylight rule’ which is regularly explained in school assembly.

NB - The laws of the land apply in school.
Drugs, weapons, alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden. In addition, chewing gum and bubble gum are not allowed in school. Mobile phones may not be brought into school, although arrangements can be made to leave mobile phones at reception, in special circumstances.

IN THE CLASSROOM OUR STUDENTS WILL:


Enter the classroom as directed and in an orderly way
Sit down, remove coats, place bags on floor, have relevant books (exercise, text, Homework, learning diaries and other equipment to hand
Be silent and facing the teacher, when he/she is speaking
Understand that no teaching or learning can take place until these conditions have been met
Accept responsibility for their own learning
Leave the classroom in an orderly manner, as directed by their teacher
Meet deadlines for the submission of work
Be silent and listen when other students or staff are speaking
Not chew or eat in class

STUDENTS SHOULD EXPECT:

A register to be called at the beginning of each lesson
The learning objectives to be explained at the beginning of each lesson
Targets to be set for each lesson
Effective teaching
Homework to be set, as appropriate
Work to be regularly marked, in accordance with school policy

THE SCHOOL WILL ACKNOWLEDGE GOOD BEHAVIOUR, ATTITUDE, SUCCESS AND PROGRESS BY:

Spoken praise
Written commendation
Merit marks
Acknowledgement in class and/or assembly
Certificates of merit
Awards at Prize Giving
Letter home
Comments on reports and in homework diaries
Visit to senior member of staff for praise
Additional privileges

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR OR POOR ATTITUDE COULD RESULT IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SANCTIONS:

Spoken rebuke
Loss of privilege or free time (lunchtime or after-school detention)
Placement ‘on report’
Letter home
Discussion between parents, student and members of staff
Withdrawal from normal lessons
Reprimand from a senior member of staff
Attendance at school during holiday time
Temporary or permanent exclusion

Students who feel that they have not been properly treated should report their complaint to the appropriate person (form tutor, pastoral head, prefect, parent or other adult), if they are unable to resolve the complaint themselves. External agencies i.e. the Education Welfare Service, Psychological Service, Health Service, Parent Partnership, Police, Social Services and Connexions’ Service can be helpful in further supporting students and parents, if this is required.

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School Colours

This prestigious award is given for outstanding performance in sport, music, drama, dance, art and technical theatre, and it is not easily achieved. Students may qualify for the presentation of colours through exceptional performance, outstanding commitment over a prolonged period, or representing the school at County level. Certificates of commendation will be awarded to those ‘working towards’ colours.

Half Colours (School Crest, gold on yellow)
In most situations awarded in Years 9 & 10

Full Colours (School Crest, gold on black)
Generally awarded in Year 11 or 13

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School Rules and Sanctions

A high standard of self-discipline is expected of all students, both in and out of school. Good discipline provides a secure basis for the happiness of the whole school and inculcates a good attitude to work.

The school will take action to discipline any student whose behaviour does not fall within the standards accepted at Waddesdon.

Students' behaviour outside school, on school business – for example, on school excursions, away sports fixtures, or work experience placements – is subject to the school's behaviour policy. Bad behaviour in these circumstances will be dealt with as if it had happened in school.

For behaviour outside school, but not on school business, the Headteacher may discipline a student if there is a clear link between that behaviour and maintaining good behaviour and discipline among the student body as a whole.

Unacceptable student behaviour in the immediate vicinity of the school, or on a journey to or from school will be subject to sanction, which could include exclusion.

There is a written set of general arrangements with which students are familiarised by their form tutors and which is published in the School Directory. These cover school routine, matters outlined above, uniform, homework and guidance to students about conduct. All are matters of common sense and ensure that the school functions in an orderly manner.

Punishment is not harsh. Whenever teaching staff use sanctions, they are designed to support the child and ensure that poor behaviour is not condoned. Teaching staff may use a number of sanctions for minor misdemeanours. Persistent irritation can lead to a lunchtime detention. These are recorded numerically in progress reports, in order that parents are kept informed.

Three lunchtime detentions in one term automatically leads to an after-school detention. Also, teachers formally record if homework is not handed in. Regular failure to submit homework will result in the school contacting home.

After-school detention is used for serious problems or persistent offenders. If a student is to be placed in after-school detention, parents are notified by post. This detention is usually held on Wednesday, between 3.10pm and 4.10pm.

On some occasions "on report" is used as a sanction, particularly if it is necessary to monitor a student's behaviour or quality of work. This procedure involves students being briefly assessed at the end of each lesson. Parents will be asked to review and sign the resulting document each evening.

Serious breaches of the school's behaviour policy, or where allowing the student to remain in school would seriously harm the education or welfare of the student or others in the school, can lead to exclusion. Exclusion can be for a fixed number of days. Sometimes, exclusion can be permanent. Only the Headteacher or, in his absence, a Deputy Headteacher acting with his authority, can exclude a student from school.

Before deciding to exclude, the Headteacher is informed by the school's policies, advice from the Local Education Authority and Government policy on such issues, i.e. Circular 10/99, 'Social Inclusion: Pupil Support' and 'Improving Behaviour and Attendance: Guidance on Exclusion from Schools and Pupil Referral Units', which has been superceded by Circular 87/03 with further guidance issued in July 2004.

A decision to exclude a child permanently is a serious one. It will usually be the final step in a process for dealing with disciplinary offences, following a wide range of other strategies, which have been tried without success. It is an acknowledgement by the school that it has exhausted all available strategies for dealing with the child and should normally be used as a last resort.

HOWEVER, there will be exceptional circumstances where it is appropriate to permanently exclude a child for a first or 'one off' offence. These might include:

Serious actual or threatened violence against another student or a member of staff
Sexual abuse or assault
Supplying an illegal drug
Carrying an offensive weapon

These instances are not exhaustive, but indicate the severity of such offences and the fact that such behaviour can affect the discipline and well-being of the school community.

In cases where the Headteacher has permanently excluded a student for:

one of the above offences; or
persistent and defiant misbehaviour including bullying (which would include racist and homophobic bullying), or
repeated possession, and/or use of an illegal drug on school premises.

the Secretary of State for Education would not normally expect the Governors' Disciplinary Committee or an Independent Appeal Panel, to reinstate a student.


Sometimes it is necessary for the Headteacher in exceptional circumstances to convert a fixed period exclusion into a permanent exclusion. The reasons for this will be made clear to parents and this is allowed within the Secretary of State's guidance.

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Bullying

Bullying is contrary to the ethos of Waddesdon School. Such behaviour is antisocial, unpleasant and potentially damaging to any student's academic progress. Bullying occurs when someone feels hurt, threatened or frightened of others. It can be physical and/or verbal in nature and it can be either deliberate or unintentional, on the part of the bully. The effect on the victim is always the same: painful and distressing. Bullying can be pushing or hitting, damage to property, denying access to property, teasing, threatening, name calling, spiteful looks or words, exclusion from the group or deliberate provocation. This list is not exhaustive but gives a flavour of the many manifestations of bullying.

Bullying behaviour, and the consequences of bullying, are explored in Citizenship and Religious Education (CARE) lessons. All students receive these.

Whenever detected, the school will investigate cases of bullying thoroughly and will put in place strategies to ensure that it stops. When bullying continues, despite the best endeavours of the school, disciplinary action will be taken against the bully.

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Policy and Procedure for dealing with Drug Related Incidents

Drugs related incidents include illegal drugs or misuse of prescription, non-prescription drugs or volatile substances,* i.e. those giving off a gas or vapour, which can be inhaled. *Aerosol deodorants are not permitted and are covered by this rule. No drug or volatile substance should be brought onto the school premises without the school's knowledge and approval. This approval must be sought from the Headteacher or delegated member of staff (in the case of medication), and will only be given following a written request from a parent.

Volatile substance abuse (VSA), the deliberate sniffing/smelling/inhalation of volatile substances such as lighter fuel, glue, aerosols or ‘poppers’ (e.g. amyl nitrate) is responsible for more deaths in young people aged 10-16 in England and Wales than illegal drugs.

VSA is addressed at an early point in the school’s drug education curriculum.v
The school has a duty of care for the education, safety and well-being of those students entrusted to it. When students become involved in the supplying, receiving, possession or use of drugs within the jurisdiction of the school, it is clear that there is an equal duty of care and responsibility for the protection of all students enrolled at the school.

The school teaches a structured, progressive course entitled Citizenship and Religious Education (CARE) to all its students. In the Sixth Form, this is called General Studies. These courses include elements of personal, social and health education. Drugs education is an explicit part of the CARE and General Studies’ courses.

Students are regularly reminded in full school assembly of the school's drug related incidents policy. Also, students are told of the likely outcome if they are discovered with or using illegal drugs. Careful note is kept of these assemblies.

Students, staff and parents have a duty to inform senior staff if they suspect that drugs are present or are being used at school, or within the school's jurisdiction.

Students taking, or under the influence of substances on school premises, will be given medical assistance, as appropriate. Staff have a duty to ensure the protection of other students and the fabric of the school.

Where incidents occur, or where there is a reasonable suspicion of such incidents, the parents will be informed as soon as possible.

Following an incident, discussion involving relevant staff members will take place, in order to decide whether agencies outside school should be consulted or informed. These may include the Education Welfare Office, Police School Liaison Officer, Community Drug Agencies and Health Authority personnel.

The police will be informed in all cases where reasonable suspicion of possession or use of illegal substances exists.

The policy of the school is that all cases involving:

dealing, i.e. the supply, exchange or receipt of drugs, or
the use of illegal drugs, or
possession of illegal drugs, or
the misuse of prescription drugs, non prescription drugs or
* volatile substances.

will lead to permanent exclusion.

*Misuse includes smelling, sniffing and/or inhaling. Volatile substances are those substances that emit a gas or vapour and include butane and propane, aerosol propellants, glues, solvents, petrol and ‘poppers’ e.g. amyl nitrate.

The possession of:

prescription drugs (without the knowledge and approval of the school)
non-prescription drugs (without the knowledge and approval of the school)
volatile substances (without the knowledge and approval of the school)

could lead to permanent exclusion.


Before making a disciplinary decision in a drugs’ related incident, the Headteacher will make an assessment of the case against the key criteria, described in the school's published policy on drugs and the precise circumstances of the individual case. The policy is intended to protect the students of the school from the dangers of an illicit drug culture.

The school will provide and promote access to specialist advice for students with drug problems and referral, where appropriate, to other agencies.

The school, in co-operation with the WSA, will undertake to offer periodic drug education sessions for parents.

Students and parents must realise that only limited confidentiality can be offered in discussions relating to the usage of substances which could be regarded as injurious to health or illegal.

Any decision by the Headteacher to exclude a student will be scrutinised and discussed by the Governors' student discipline committee.

NB This policy takes due cognisance of advice offered by Buckinghamshire County Council concerning drugs education and related issues.

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Complaints Procedure

The Governing Body of Waddesdon Church of England School have established a complaints procedure to deal as quickly as possible with any concerns or worries that parents may have (these include complaints about the curriculum). There are three stages for handling every complaint, which are as follows.

Stage 1
If you have any concerns, you should raise it directly with a member of staff. If the matter is not resolved, raise it with the Headteacher. If the complaint is about the Headteacher, please contact the Chairman of Governors.

Stage 2
If an issue is not resolved by the Headteacher, please write to the Chairman of Governors, at the school. Your concern will be investigated and the outcome reported to you in writing.

Stage 3
If you are still unhappy, you may write to the Clerk of the Governing Body, at the school, and request that the Governors investigate your complaint. A small panel from the Governing Body will look into the matter, and you will be involved. The panel will decide whether or not to uphold your complaint. Any decision is binding on the Headteacher and Chair of Governors.

Finally
If you remain dissatisfied about a curriculum issue you can take your concerns to the Chief Education Officer. Non curricular and religious education matters can be raised with the Diocesan Director of Education. The Secretary of State for Education and Employment, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, Westminster, London SW1 3BT, is happy to adjudicate on complaints raised by parents.

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Homework, Coursework, Paragraph Books, Learning Diaries

The school sees homework as an integral part of school life, supporting and enhancing the work in the classroom. Homework is given with specific aims in mind:

To encourage students to develop the practice of independent study
To develop perseverance and self discipline
To allow practice, where it is needed, of skills learned in the classroom
To permit more ground to be covered and more rapid progress to be made
To enable classwork to concentrate on those activities requiring the teacher’s presence
To open up areas of study and to make possible the use of materials and sources of information that are not accessible in the classroom
To involve parents (and other adults) in students’ work
To enable students in KS4 to complete coursework

Homework is intended to provide students with the experience of working by themselves and with other adults outside school in order to consolidate or extend work covered in the classroom.

We believe that the regular setting and marking of homework for all students is an essential part of our drive for academic excellence. Homework should be completed at home, not rushed during break or lunchtime at school, and should normally be achievable without additional assistance from the teacher other than that given in lesson time. The Library and IT rooms are available for private study after school or at lunchtime.

Homework can serve many purposes; to complete a task begun in class, to carry out research, to learn material, to write up formal notes, to read in preparation for the next lesson, prepare or write paragraphs or essays, complete mind maps and so on. If a student claims that she/he has no homework then we would expect her/him to carry out private reading or learn work already completed. Learning is the key element in academic success. Above all we hope students will develop a habit of private study.

Students are informed of how the homework will be assessed. This may be by a presentation or through a sequence of diagrams; through an essay or perhaps by means of a test based on a learning assignment. Clear presentation of work is expected at all times, including legible handwriting. Particularly pleasing work will be displayed whenever possible. If work is below the standard expected the students will be asked to repeat it.

At Waddesdon students begin GCSE courses in Year 9. Coursework is an important part of all GCSE programmes of study. It is vital that students manage their time efficiently; keeping up to date with coursework tasks and maintaining high standards is a crucial factor in overall achievement.

As a general rule students should expect the following amounts of homework.
Years 7 and 8 - 60 minutes per night
Year 9 - 60 - 90 minutes per night
Years 10 and 11 - 7 to 10 hours per week
Years 12 and 13 - A minimum of five hours per subject per week.

If parents are concerned about the amount of homework (too little or too much) they should contact their son/daughter’s form teacher in the first instance . Similarly, we will contact parents if we feel there are frequent problems, which parents could help resolve. Please see the sheet "Homework Procedure Guidance" at the end of this booklet. The homework diary is a medium that may be used by both parents and teachers for communication.

COURSEWORK

Completion of coursework is an essential part of most GCSE qualifications; rigorous and prompt completion of coursework is expected by the school and indicates a willingness by the student to complete the course and sit the examination.

Failure to meet coursework deadlines therefore may result in withdrawal from the examination. Any extenuating circumstances should be made known to the school in writing so that, if necessary, special considerations can be taken into account. In some cases the Examinations Board will be informed. Typically, failure to submit coursework will be followed by an after school detention, a letter home and then withdrawal.

Coursework Audit Weeks are timetabled into the school calendar in late November and late February. Students’ progress with coursework is checked by subject staff. Those students who are significantly behind with their work are interviewed by their Form Tutors. Heads of Year are informed and letters sent home to parents notifying them of concerns. Students are expected to complete outstanding pieces of work within agreed deadlines.

YEAR 7 PARAGRAPH BOOKS

At the start of Year 7 students are given a distinctive, purple exercise book. This is labelled ‘Paragraph Book’ and students are also given a cover to protect it. The Paragraph Book is part of the Waddesdon School Writing Policy. Paragraph writing is an important literacy skill. It is a foundation block supporting all essay writing and is the required response for many examination questions.

Year 7 students are taught the principles of paragraph writing in English lessons. The students are then set review paragraphs from all their subjects and are asked to copy them into their Paragraph Book. This activity helps students to practise their handwriting and gives time for them to learn what they have been taught. All teachers of Year 7 students support them with paragraph writing and will often plan the paragraphs with the class and set the task for homework.

Paragraphs are written into the Paragraph Book every half-term. The books are monitored by the Form Tutors and the Head of Year. At the end of Year 7 the Paragraph Books are collected and Certificates of Achievement are awarded for good work throughout the year.

LEARNING DIARIES

All students are given an A4 Learning Diary. The Learning Diary is seen as an alternative to rough books; it is not a disposable notebook. Students use the Learning Diary for a wide range of learning activities. They may use it for note-taking, for recording details of research; for mind-maps, comments from group discussions, diagrams, tests, controlled conditions writing and reviews of learning.

The Learning Diary Scheme is part of the Waddesdon School Writing Policy. Students are taught the principles of collecting and collating knowledge. It is hoped that Learning Diaries will be kept and stored as a useful resource and support for independent learning. The scheme helps students to develop their study skills and is continued throughout KS3, KS4 and KS5. In addition the diaries provide students with a personal record of their learning to use as a memento of their school years at Waddesdon.

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Examination Re-Sit Policy

Pupils wishing to re-sit examinations must discuss the issue with their subject teachers and their Form Tutors. Once agreement has been reached students should obtain the appropriate forms from the school’s Examination Officer. All re-sits must be paid for in advance of any entries being made.

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Waddesdon Visual Arts College

"Art is not a diversion or a side issue. It is the most educational of human activities and a place in which the nature of morality can be seen".
Dame Iris Murdoch

As an Arts College, Waddesdon School aims to be a centre of excellence, promoting understanding and appreciation of the visual arts through a diverse programme of educational opportunities and events.  Students are encouraged to develop their talents, learning to express their creativity through a range of artistic and aesthetic subjects. 

A wide range of Art ICT facilities provide exciting opportunities for students to experience working with the latest art and design technology and digital equipment.  An extensive range of expressive art courses are provided in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 expanding the educational choices for sstudents from 14-19.  Subjects include the more traditional General Art, Photographic Art, 3D Art, Textile Art and Graphic Art.

The new art facilities are impressive. The school has a digital visual arts suite, a two-dimensional studio, a three-dimensional studio and a sixth form studio.  In addition work places are available for a variety of professionals and artists in residence.  The work of the department is also supported by a visual arts resource centre, the school website and by membership of the Specialist Schools’ Trust and The Arts Council England – South East.

Teachers are concerned to raise the question: What does art mean to the child?  Opportunities are provided to enable students to develop pride in their work through self-expression and creativity.  Learning through the use of ICT and various forms of software enables students to develop an understanding of image manipulation, presentation techniques and the various effects achieved through the use of digital equipment.  Staff choose innovative projects which engage the imaginative talents of all students and which provide challenges for the gifted and talented.  Many of Waddesdon’s former students have benefited from these teaching methods.  Work has been displayed through exhibitions held within school or in various venues in the locality.  Work has also been exhibited at the Mall Galleries for the IBA Annual Exhibition of Artists in London.

Opportunities for students to work with a range of local artists in the environment of the Art College and out in the community are funded.  Exhibitions of art work are organised and celebration of student achievements is given a high priority; staff are convinced that self-esteem and feelings of self-worth are boosted through such activities.

Commitment to the arts is important if all communities in the 21st century are to meet the considerable challenges within our changing society.  Career opportunities in design, technology, art and graphics offer productive, satisfying futures for our young adults and we are delighted that the Visual Arts specialist school status enables us to offer educational provision which can transform the lives of our students. 


"It is our job to determine what makes a creative child a creative adult".
Sir Claus Moser

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Special Educational Needs Register

Many students experience problems at some stage during their education. This may vary from an extended period of absence due to illness, to a specific learning difficulty. Those with SEN are initially identified through conversations with parents, information received from previous schools and the assessment of all students in their first term at the school.

The school maintains a register of those with SEN, identifying students for whom ‘School Action’ is sufficient to meet their needs and those for whom ‘School Action Plus’ involves taking the advice and support of outside agencies. Most students on the SEN register will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) outlining the difficulties experienced by the individual and setting specific learning related targets.

The Support Department is staffed by teachers and teaching assistants who run a variety of programmes aimed at supporting individual and group needs. Considerable emphasis is placed on the use of ICT.

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Library and Information Technology Rooms

The Library and ICT rooms are open to staff and students between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm (4.00pm on Fridays) during term time. Ms Bridges and Mrs Myatt will assist students with their GCSE coursework and research. A full complement of technology, computers, CD- ROM, internet access, video presenters and cassette recorders are available in the IT suites. In addition, the Library keeps topic files, a selection of newspapers, a strong teenage fiction stock as well as an extensive reference and non-fiction collection.

Music Tuition

Music tuition is available to pupils in a wide variety of instruments. There is a school orchestra, choir and various other musical groups for both popular and classical music.

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Sex Education

It is the policy of the Governing Body of Waddesdon Church of England School that Sex Education, as part of the integrated and ongoing Personal, Social and Health Education programme, forms part of the wider curriculum for all relevant year groups.

It is the duty of the Headteacher to implement the policy decided jointly with the Governing Body.

The subject will be delivered commensurate with the age and understanding of all pupils to ensure that on leaving secondary education, pupils have a sound basis in order to make informed decisions while taking increased responsibility for their own lives.

The three fundamental dimensions of sex education, knowledge, skills and attitudes will be addressed at all ages and stages within the sex education programme.

The teaching will include details about the pupils' physical and emotional development. Consideration of intercourse, contraception, and abortion will be within the context of caring family life, with due consideration to the law and moral and ethical issues involved. It will also cover guidelines for sexual behaviour and give information on sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.

The differences between men and women will be recognised but not taken as deficiencies which lead to undervaluing of one or other.

It is recognised that pupils who have disabilities may require specialist tuition and this will be dealt with professionally.

Pupils' questions will be answered honestly and with sensitivity appropriate to their needs.

Parental involvement and discussion will be encouraged at all stages and due consideration will be given by the Governing Body for any particular religious or cultural factors bearing on the whole issue of Sex Education. Parents are informed, in this Directory, of their right to withdraw their children from all or part of the school's sex education programme.

Teachers may use appropriate visual aids available and also outside agencies to assist with implementing this policy.

Training will be made available to those responsible for the delivery of sex education as appropriate.

It is recognised that elements of sex education are covered under the National Curriculum Science Order and form part of the moral issues component of the RE syllabus.

Aspects of Sex Education are taught within the Science and CARE curriculum. At Key Stage 3 consideration is given to physiological development and maturity and the consequences of developing relationships. A talk on contraception is delivered by a speaker from the Brookside Clinic in the latter half of the Year 9 CARE course and is put within the context of loving, caring family life.

In Key Stage 4 further consideration is given to sexual behaviour and responsibilities. The moral and ethical issues are considered within the CARE syllabus. Specific attention is given to STD's, HIV and AIDS and Abortion.

At 6th Form level discussions take place on specific dilemmas faced by young people in today's society.

The materials used for delivery of Sex Education are available at school for examination. Should any parent wish to do so, they should contact the CARE Co-ordinator.

Section 241 of the Education Act 1993 gives parents the right to withdraw their children from any or all parts of the school's programme of sex education, other than those elements which are required by the National Curriculum Science Order. The parental right of withdrawal may be exercised by either parent, or by a person who has a responsibility for, or care of, the child. Once a request that a child be excused has been made, that request must be complied with until the parent changes or revokes it. Should parents wish to exercise this right of withdrawal, they should contact the CARE Co-ordinator or Headteacher so that alternative arrangements can be made.

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School Uniform/Games Kit

We place great emphasis on the appearance of our students and uniform is an integral part of the custom and character of the school.

Students have a responsibility to dress smartly and sensibly. The school’s dress code is constantly monitored during the course of the year. Thus, parents must be satisfied that any garments purchased for school conform to the uniform that has been negotiated and agreed.

Extreme hairstyles, including sculptured hair cuts, and obviously dyed hair, as well as such features as razored eyebrows and facial piercing, are not permitted.  Jewellery and make-up, including nail-varnish, do not fall within the general ethos of the school. Please remember: NO earrings, only discreet studs; one stud per ear is the maximum allowed.  Boys should be clean shaven.

We do appreciate that the styling and length of gi