PARKHILL SECONDARY SCHOOL
HANDBOOK 2016
HEADTEACHER’S WELCOME
Dear Parent/ Carer,
Welcome!
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Parkhill Secondary School
This handbook will provide you with some relevant information relating to the school. I hope that it is the first step in discovering what life at Parkhill is all about and the beginning of a strong partnership between you, your child and ourselves.
Our door is always open and you are welcome to visit the school and meet the dedicated staff and young people at any time.
If you wish to find out more or to arrange a visit please contact me or any member of the School Leadership Team.
Kindest Regards
Evelyn Hill
Head Teacher
Our contact details are:
Parkhill Secondary School
375 Cumbernauld Road
Glasgow G31 3LP
Telephone: 0141 554 2765
Email:
Website:
Our Vision, Values and Aims
At Parkhill Secondary School we aspire to ensure that all pupils are successful learners, responsible citizens, confident individuals and effective contributors and are ready to take their place in wider society.
Vision:
To educate our young people to achieve all they can within a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.
To develop ambitious, resilient young adults and prepare them for future experiences that will allow them to participate successfully within the wider community.
Values:
Ambition RespectResponsibilityResilience
Aims:
We aim to:
- meet learners’ needs through providing innovative, high quality learning experiences
- offer a challenging and dynamic curriculum which has breadth, pace and depth
- promote social inclusion through partnerships and experiences within the wider community
- promote collaboration, interdisciplinary learning and leadership opportunities at all levels
- promote a healthy, active lifestyle recognising the importance of sustainability and protecting our environment
- ensure fairness and equality permeates all aspects of school life
- actively encourage involvement of all stakeholders in the life of the school and to recognise and value that contribution
SCHOOL PROFILE
Parkhill Secondary School is a non-denominational school for pupils who have additional support needs. Pupils progress from S1 – S6. Our classes contain a maximum of 10 pupils.
We aim to create a happy, safe and stimulating environment where pupils are engaged and challenged by their learning. Pupils are given the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills which will enable them to access information for everyday, independent living.
The school has regular use of Glasgow City Council Haghill Park Leisure facilities. The school has a large yard, football pitch, school garden and outside learning area. We also make excellent use of Alexandra Park and are active within the local community.
Our main objectives are to equip the young people with the skills required for life, work and continued learning. This is achieved through Curriculum for Excellence which responds to the particular needs of pupils and the multi-cultural communities in which they live. The curriculum provides realistic challenging tasks that are progressive, measurable and understood by pupils. This motivates our young people to become successful learners who are determined to achieve high standards.
Before transfer to Parkhill, evidence of prior attainment and progress in learning is gathered. A multi-agency team supports planning for children with more complex needs. Annual Reviews involving parents, pupils and appropriate agencies form part of this process.
Our curriculum adheres to Local and National Guidelines.
Certification for all is vital and a variety of courses are offered within a range of SQA accreditations. First to Third years experience a broad general education (BGE) with a variety of options offered at 4th year. Senior Phase pupils (S4-S6) access work experience, vocational programmes and relevant college placements.
School Staff:
Most teachers are involved in teaching more than one subject. Literacy, Numeracy and Health &Wellbeing permeate the whole curriculum and are recognised in all subjects.
The Leadership Team:
Head Teacher: Mrs Evelyn Hill
Overall responsibility for all aspects of school management including curriculum, resources and health & safety
Depute Head Teacher: Mrs Anne Maclean
Remit:To assist the HT in the overall management of the school.
Year Head S1 & S4
All aspects of pupil support
Nurture Co-ordinator
Coordinator Support for Learning (SfL) Workers
Faculty Head – Health & Wellbeing
Child Protection Co-ordinator
Primary /Secondary Liaison
Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Depute Head Teacher:Mr Brian Leonard
Remit:To assist the HT in the overall management of the school
Year Head S2 & S3
Curriculum
Timetable
ICT Co-ordinator
Webpage Developer
Residential Stays
School Funds Manager
Faculty Head – Maths, Science & ICT
Senior Nurture Group teaching remit
Principal Teacher:Mr Leigh Pepin
RemitYear Head S6
Principal Teacher – English (teaching remit)
Faculty Head- English/Languages; Technical and Outdoor Education
Work Experience co-ordinator
College links and placements
16+/ MCMC Co-ordinator
Senior Phase Transitions
Principal Teacher:Mr Norman Thomson
RemitYear head S5
Faculty Head – Social Subjects (teaching remit)
SQA coordinator
Staff Development Coordinator
Mr John Herbert Maths, English & Outdoor education
Ms G Devine Maths, English, Modern Languages, SI integration
Mr M MayMaths, RME
Ms V ScottMaths, RME
Mr J HealyPE
Mr S MurdochOutdoor learning, Coaching, Health & Wellbeing
Mr R WalkerICT
Mr H PomphrettTechnical, RME
Mr P Van der MerweScience, maths, ICT
Mrs F KeoghArt, Health & Wellbeing, ICT
Mr P GrantMusic
Mrs F ColeHome Economics
Mr B SmithNurture Group, Supported Learning Group, English
Health & Wellbeing
All teachers have responsibility for a key class each morning which encompasses
Registration, citizenship topic work and profiling. Most teachers are also involved in presenting Caledonian Awards groups on a Friday afternoon which allow pupils to access leisure / sport activities of their choice and for which accreditation at different levels is achievable.
Support for Learning Workers:
Mr W AirdMrs P HunterMs K Knox
Mrs A LatterMr J MarshallMs G Singleton
Vacancy
Outside agencies:
Mrs Moira Higgens Skills Development Scotland
Ms Vicky MadiganEmployability
Catering:
Ms K RedmondMs D Noga
Cleaning:
Ms M StoboMs C QuinnMs L Dow Mr J Marshall
Janitor: Mr LFoxClerical Assistant : Lynda
School Roll at August 2015
Year Group / No. of Pupils / Boys / GirlsS1 / 5 / 3 / 2
S2 / 7 / 4 / 3
S3 / 9 / 8 / 1
S4 / 15 / 12 / 3
S5 / 25 / 15 / 10
S6 / 15 / 8 / 7
TOTAL / 76 / 50 / 26
The School Day session 2015-16
REGISTRATION / 08.55 – 09.25PERIOD 1 / 09.25 – 10.15
PERIOD 2 / 10.15 – 11.05
CORE GROUP / 11.05 – 11.20
PERIOD 3 / 11.20 – 12.10
PERIOD 4 / 12.10 – 13.00
LUNCH / 13.00 – 13.40
PERIOD 5 / 13.40 – 14.30
PERIOD 6 / 14.30 – 15.25
FRIDAYS ONLY / 15.00 FINISH
School Holidays 2015-16
Details of holiday dates are available on the Glasgow City Council website:
http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11880
Return Date for Teachers / Tuesday 11 August 2015Return Date for Pupils / Thursday 13 August 2015
September Weekend / Friday 25 and Monday 28 September 2015
First Mid-Term / Monday 12 to Friday 16 October 2015
(inclusive)
Christmas/New Year / Monday 21 December 2015 to Wednesday 6 January 2015
(inclusive)
* Please note that schools will close at 2.30pm on the last school day before the holiday
2016
2016 Return to School / Thursday 7 January 2016
Second Mid-Term / Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February 2016
Good Friday
Spring Holiday (Easter) / Good Friday 25 March 2016 and Easter Monday 28 March 2016
Monday 4 to Friday 15 April 2016
(inclusive)
* Please note that schools will close at 2.30pm on the last school day before the holiday
May Day / Monday 2 May 2016
May Weekend / Friday 27 and Monday 30 May 2016
School Close / Wednesday 29 June 2016
* Please note that schools will close at 1pm on the last school day before the holiday
In-Service Days
Day 1 / Tuesday 11 August 2015 / All SchoolsDay 2 / Wednesday 12 August 2015 / All Schools
Day 3 / Thursday 24 September 2015 / North West Area
Tuesday 29 September 2015 / North East Area
Monday 19 October 2015 / South Area
Day 4 / Wednesday 17 February 2016 / All Schools
Day 5 / Thursday 5 May 2016
(To coincide with Election)
Pupil Absence
Within Parkhill good attendance is encouraged at all times to ensure pupil success. Parents are asked to inform the school if their son or daughter is going to be absent. This should be done as early as possible on the first day of absence. If the young person is going to be absent for some time, it would be helpful to know at the earliest opportunity. The school uses phone calls and text messaging to follow up with parents and carers if no contact is made. All unexplained absence is investigated by the school and appropriate action taken. Please contact the school immediately if circumstances occur which may affect your child’s attendance.
Important note: EMA
Educational Maintenance Allowance is a weekly payment which can be made to some pupils who are 16 years or older. Please note that unauthorised absences will have a direct effect on this payment.
Appointments During School Hours
We know that this is sometimes unavoidable. If your child has an appointment, please give them a letter (or the appointment card) to bring to the office so that we can accurately record attendance. This is especially important if your child is in receipt of EMA. Any unauthorised absence results in non payment of the allowance and this cannot be changed retrospectively.
Medical & Healthcare
The school nurse visits at various times during the year for routine health checks, vaccinations and medical examinations. Parents and carers are kept informed by letter.
If a young person becomes ill during the course of the school day, he/she may require to be sent home. Please ensure that you keep the school informed of all contact details. Please ensure that any changes to mobile phone numbers are communicated to the school. We must be able to contact you in the case of any emergency.
Parents and carers should inform the school of any medical requirements relating to their child. If your child requires to be given any medication in school, please ensure that the appropriate permission form is completed. Please contact the school office for details.
Emergencies
We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply.
In such cases, we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of our closure or re-opening by using letters, texts and the local media etc.
School Dress Code
Our school uniform promotes a real sense of school identity, shared values, self-confidence and a shared sense of community. The uniform is actively supported by our pupils, parents and the Parent Council and is of great benefit to our young people.
The school uniform is:
- Blue shirt
- School tie: two versions – BGE and Senior Phase
- School sweatshirt
- Black or dark grey trousers
- Black or dark grey skirt
- Appropriate school footwear
The school tie and sweatshirt are available from the school.
In the interests of personal dignity we would ask that a skirt is worn over leggings.
PE Kit
It is important that pupils come prepared to learn and for PE this requires appropriate clothing. All jewellery should be removed. Pupils who are not participating in PE must have a note or a medical certificate. Pupils who are unable to participate in practical PE should still bring their kit to allow them to assist in the lesson by refereeing, keeping scores or assisting with the distribution of equipment. This ensures that they are still able to take part in some way in the work of the class and do not miss out on the knowledge and understanding of the course.
There are forms of dress that are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing which:
- Potentially encourage factions (such as football colours)
- Could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
- Could cause health and safety difficulties (such as loose fitting clothing, jewellery)
- Could cause damage to flooring
- Carry advertising particularly for alcohol or tobacco
- Could be used to inflict damage on other pupils
The school PE kit consists of plain black shorts and t shirt which can be purchased at any of the supermarkets or department stores.
Clothing & Footwear Grants
Parents/Carers receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Working Tax Credit (with a total annual income of less than £15,050*), Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Benefit will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools and at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629
Educational Maintenance Allowance
Many pupils are eligible for an Educational Maintenance Award after their 16th birthday.
An EMA is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for students who are planning to stay on at school in post-compulsory education and who are willing to participate in an approved learning agreement at school for a minimum of 21 guided learning hours per week.
EMA must be applied for each year and the payment is tied to attendance, time keeping and engagement with learning. It is paid fortnightly.
School Meals
Our school provides a lunch service which offers a variety of meals and snacks within The Fuel Zone. Special diets for children with medical requirements can be provided. Please inform the school office if this is the case. In session 2015-16 the cost of school lunch is £1.70 per day. This can be paid to the school office daily or weekly.
Young people who prefer to bring packed lunches are accommodated in the dining hall.
Children and young people of parents/carers receiving Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit (where income is less than £6,420), Child Tax Credit only (where income is less than £16,010*) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance are entitled to a free midday meal. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools and at www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8629
Transport
The education authority will normally provide free transport to all pupils who attend an Additional Support for Learning (ASL) school. This policy is more generous than the law requires. This means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time.
Where free transport is provided, it may be necessary for children to walk to the vehicle pick-up point. It is the parent/carer’s responsibility to ensure that their child arrives at the pick-up point on time. It is also the parent /carer’s responsibility to ensure that the child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner whilst using school transport. It is expected that no child/young person with additional support needs will be on transport for more than one hour.
In the current session 2015-16 all pupils are being picked up at their home address. The contact number for enquiries regarding taxis is 287 1056 and you should have the TS number of your child’s taxi available when you call. This information is sent out at the start of each session and whenever any change is made. Please note that the transport section requires five days notice for any change of pick up or drop off. In order to avoid unnecessary disruption, please ensure that information is given to the school as early as possible if you intend to move house.
Independent Travel
We actively encourage all pupils, particularly in the Senior Phase to become independent travellers. Bus Passes can be applied for allowing the pupil to travel to and from school and college independently. This is a skill which will serve them well when they leave school. We understand that some pupils may need extra support to achieve this level of independence and we are happy to discuss individual needs with parents at an appropriate time in the pupils school career.
Communication with Parents
At Parkhill School we strongly encourage all parents to become involved in the education of their children. We are always ready to listen to suggestions for new ways of stimulating parental interest. We contact and involve parents in many ways. For example:
Newsletters – will be sent out on a regular basis to keep parents and carers informed about the work of the school.
Letters – further information which requires a response may be sent out in letter form.
School website – will contain a great deal of information about the school. It is a good idea to check this regularly.
Facebook page – keep up to date with whats going on in school.
Text messaging – You may also receive text reminders about events/school closures etc.
Meetings - Parents and carers are welcome in the school to discuss any aspect of their child’s development and progress. To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to make an appointment. There are Parents Evenings twice a year. An annual review meeting for each pupil is held and all of these meetings are supported by written reports.
School Events – There are a variety of school events over the course of a year to which everyone is invited. These include award ceremonies and other assemblies, performances and displays of work, information meetings eg where pupil options information is given, fund raising and charity days.
We want you to be involved in your childs learning and school experience. We value your opinions. Together we make a strong team to ensure your childs commitment to learning and success in life.
Emergency Contact Information
At the start of each school session, parents and carers will be issued with the annual data check form. Please ensure that this is completed and returned to the school. It is also important that you let us know if there are changes to your telephone number(s) or to those of your emergency contacts throughout the year.
Data Protection – use of information about children and parents/carers
We collect information about children attending school (and also about parents/carers, emergency contacts etc. provided in the annual data check) to allow us to carry out the Council’s functions as the education authority for the City of Glasgow. This may sometimes involve releasing personal information to other agencies and other parts of the Council, particularly in relation to child protection issues or criminal investigations, and it may also be used for research purposes (see the link below for more details regarding this).