Friends School Lisburn Information for the Parents of Year 8 Pupils ( )

Transcription

1 Friends School Lisburn Information for the Parents of Year 8 Pupils ( ) Friends School, Lisburn

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3 FOREWORD Dear Parent This booklet is designed as a brief introduction to Friends School. I hope that it will prove a useful point of reference as your son/daughter prepares to join School in September. I value your support and feel that good relationships between home and School underpin our work in seeking to achieve excellence within a caring, supportive community. I hope that your child will settle smoothly into school life here at Friends and trust that our programme of induction activities will ease the transition from primary school With best wishes Elizabeth Dickson Principal CONTACT INFORMATION 1 All calls are received by the General Office: Telephone No: Fax No: office@friends.lisburn.ni.sch.uk Opening Hours: 8.45 am pm 2 Appointments with Mrs Dickson are made by her Secretaries, Mrs Reddock and Miss Johnson (Job Share). They can be contacted by telephone ( ) or (areddock920@c2kni.net). 3 The following is a guide to specific matters: (a) advance notice of absence - letter to Mrs Dickson (b) explanation of absence - letter to Collect Teacher on FIRST DAY of return (c) review of pupil progress - contact Year Teacher (d) pastoral concern - contact Year Teacher in the first instance (e) medical information - contact School Nurse (Mrs Copes) (f) fees and bills - contact Bursar (Mr Hendry) (g) School policy matters - contact Principal or Vice Principals General Organisation The school has seven year groups: Years When pupils come into School, they are placed in registration groups called Collects. It is within Collects, which meet daily, that pupils form their early friendships and they remain in these groups until Year 14. Year 8 pupils are unstreamed and are taught in Collect groups for all but the practical subjects where the teaching groups are smaller. From Year 10, pupils are progressively streamed for Mathematics and Languages and their position is re-assessed at regular intervals. Other subjects largely remain unstreamed. We have a House system with four Houses - Aughrim, Collin, Croob and Divis - which have members from each year, led by Sixth Form House Captains and Staff House Leaders. All pupils are allocated to a House. Regular House competitions and activities take place.

4 SENIOR STAFF The Board of Governors, consisting of representatives from the Society of Friends, the Department of Education, parents and staff, has responsibility for the appointment of staff and the running of the School. The Principal, with the Leadership Team, is responsible for the formulation of curriculum policy, pastoral care and the general administration of the school. The Heads of Department are responsible for the development and organisation of the teaching programmes in each subject area. The Year Teachers have direct responsibility for each pupil s progress and for communication with parents, teachers and the Principal on pastoral and academic issues. Matters concerning individual pupils will normally be dealt with by Year Teachers in the first instance. Year Teachers can normally be contacted by telephone between 8.45 am and 9.00 am or by arrangement made through the General Office. The Bursar and Office Staff facilitate the administration of the school. PRINCIPAL Elizabeth G Dickson VICE-PRINCIPALS: Aidín Collins (Curriculum) Linda Heggarty (Pastoral Designated Teacher for Safeguarding) Stephen Moore (Staff Development and Organisation) SENIOR TEACHERS Stephen Thompson (Head of Key Stage 3 & 4, Deputy Designated Teacher for Safeguarding, SENCO) Robert McKinley (Head of Sixth Form) William Lonsdale (Year 8 Induction, Examinations, Timetable, Organisation) SCHOOL POLICIES Policy statements are maintained on a wide variety of aspects of School life. These serve to give an indication of practice and procedures and provide guidance for staff and parents. Policies are in line with Department of Education recommendations and requirements and are reviewed regularly. Copies of school policies can be downloaded from the School Website: These policies are kept under review in order to reflect our continuing concern for the personal and social development of all pupils, as individuals and as secure, successful and fully participating members of Friends School and its wider community.

5 THE MOVE INTO YEAR 8 Year 8 continues much of the work begun in primary school. However, the transition from primary to post primary school involves new daily routines and different study tasks for pupils. The active involvement of parents supports the efforts of School in helping pupils to adjust to their new environment and routines. We aim to make the transfer from primary school to Year 8 at Friends School as smooth and enjoyable as possible. SUMMER TERM 2014 In the summer term parents are invited to meet with the Principal or a member of the Leadership Team to discuss their children joining School and to receive information about school procedures. Pupils and parents are invited to an Induction Evening on Thursday 5th June 2014 at 7.30 pm when pupils will have an opportunity to meet their Collect Teachers, Year Teachers and members of their Collect. Sixth Form pupils are allocated to Year 8 Collects as Mentors and there will be the opportunity to meet with Mentors also on that evening. In addition, pupils and parents are invited by the Parent Teacher Association to a Year 8 BBQ and Fun Evening on Tuesday 24th June 2014 from 7.00 pm 9.00 pm. AUTUMN TERM 2014 On Thursday 28th August 2014, Year 8 pupils are invited into School to meet again with their Collects and to begin to familiarise themselves with their surroundings. The Autumn term starts on Friday 29th August 2014 and pupils spend the morning mostly in Collects. They receive details of their timetables, are allocated lockers and are introduced to the arrangements for break and lunch times. They also receive information about the range of extra-curricular activities available in School. Induction activities continue during the first month of the autumn term. Pupils have an awayday together and we organise a series of personal development activities which will allow them to settle into friendship groups and get to know staff. MENTORS Many senior pupils assist with the pastoral support of junior pupils. Three Sixth Form volunteers are assigned to each Collect in Year 8 and these pupils are called Mentors. They help with the induction of new pupils to School and assist Collect teachers on four mornings a week in Year 8 Collects. They give guidance and support on settling in, personal organisation, routines, procedures, homework and relationships. Their experience of School life and the variety of situations that might arise for new pupils is invaluable for our incoming Year 8 pupils as they adapt to their new learning environment and progress through the year. These Mentors are also available, later on in the year, to provide study support on a one-to-one or small group basis. Mentoring recognises that all pupils have something valuable to offer to their fellow pupils and helps to create a community in which pupils are encouraged to take responsibility and to help one another. ASSEMBLY We place much value on our morning Assembly. Year 8 pupils attend Main Assembly on Monday mornings and Junior Assembly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. This allows time for quiet reflection through a period of silent worship and guidance on a range of relevant moral and social issues. Assemblies also provide pupils with an opportunity to feel an integral part of the School community and to celebrate and share all of their achievements with other pupils. Extended Collects, on Friday mornings, from 8.45 am 9.15 am, provide an opportunity, with Collect Teachers and Mentors, to discuss pupil concerns and issues relating to their induction, organisation and personal and social development.

6 PASTORAL CARE The pastoral care of each pupil is at the heart of everything that we do here in Friends' School and we are committed to creating a caring and supportive community built on open, clear lines of communication and positive relationships with parents, pupils and staff. It is very important to us that our pupils are able to express their views and concerns in the knowledge that those concerns will be received sympathetically and that appropriate action will be taken. A climate of co operation exists in School with all members of staff working together to support pupils in their learning, fostering positive attitudes, enjoyment, self-motivation, personal responsibility and independence. We encourage pupils to take pride in all that they do and to set high standards for themselves, both inside and beyond the classroom. High standards of behaviour are expected and staff are fair and consistent in their approach. We take a firm anti bullying stance as bullying, by its very nature, stands against our values and ethos. Our Learning for Life and Work programme addresses pertinent personal development topics and School works with external agencies to deliver a valuable curricular programme that allows our pupils to develop key life skills. Pupils are given opportunities to take part in a wide range of curricular and extra curricular activities and numerous trips and visits. Through such shared experiences a real sense of belonging to our school community can develop and in keeping with the Quaker ethos, we place a real value on service to the wider community, offering our young people a wide variety of opportunities to look beyond themselves and volunteer to help others. Pastoral care is all pervasive and fully integrated into School s daily routines. A Vice Principal is responsible for pastoral care and she works alongside the two Year Teachers and five Collect teachers for each year group. There are also Heads of School for Key Stages 3 & 4 and for the Sixth Form. There is continuity of care from Year 8 to Year 14. Collect teachers meet with Collect groups of pupils each morning to enable strong and positive relationships to form and develop and to monitor the progress and welfare of pupils in each Collect group. They oversee the development and production of pupil Progress Files through which pupils contributions are also recognised and celebrated. We encourage and value regular communication with parents who can contact the Year Teachers at any time to discuss pupil progress and other issues. SAFEGUARDING We also aim to create a community in which our pupils feel safe and protected. It is our responsibility, therefore, to ensure that all our pupils are protected from the risks of possible abuse; to deal with any child abuse concern reported in School and to communicate clearly safeguarding information to you, as parents. All pupils receive annual child protection information and safeguarding messages are promoted actively through assemblies, our Learning for Life and Work curricular programme and external agencies. Pupils also have access to a range of external support services through a Pastoral Notice board; and counselling support through a confidential request box. All staff receive annual safeguarding training and the Designated Teacher, Deputy Designated Teacher and Governors attend statutory refresher training. You will receive a Guide for Parents leaflet on the details of our safeguarding and child protection procedures in August; and our Safeguarding Policy is available at (in the Pastoral Information section under Policies) or by request from the School Office. A Designated Teacher and Deputy Designated Teacher, known to all in the school community, take responsibility for all safeguarding and child protection issues and our Safeguarding Policy acknowledges the duty of care of each member of staff towards each young person in School and our responsibility to promote and safeguard his or her welfare. The Designated Teacher for Safeguarding is Linda Heggarty, Vice Principal in charge of Pastoral Care; and the Deputy Designated Teacher is Stephen Thompson, Senior Teacher in charge of Pastoral Care in Key Stages 3 and 4. If you have any queries about safeguarding/child protection please contact our Designated Teacher(s).

7 SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Support is provided for pupils with identified specific learning difficulties and for those with a Statement of Special Educational Needs. Individual education plans, drawn up, monitored and evaluated by the trained Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, in consultation with parents and members of staff, support pupils with special educational needs. Classroom Assistants provide support to a number of our pupils with Special Educational Needs. All pupils identified as having particular needs have access to the full School curriculum. The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator in School is Stephen Thompson, Senior Teacher. Please contact him with any queries. EXTERNAL SUPPORT In addition, a Counsellor, from an external agency, provides further support for pupils through sessions organised on a weekly basis. We also endeavour to build and maintain positive relationships with professional support agencies outside School who can offer particular and individualised guidance and assistance. SCHOOL NURSE A qualified Nurse works during School hours to provide medical care for all pupils, including those with specified and particular needs. If a pupil becomes ill when in School, the pupil should report to the Surgery where the Nurse will decide whether the pupil should return to class or go home. The Nurse will make contact with parents if the pupil is deemed unfit to stay in School.

8 MEDICAL INFORMATION The school Nurse is Ruth Copes RGN. She provides a service of care and support for pupils who become ill, suffer injuries or have medical needs during the school day. She can be contacted through the Main Office (Tel: ) during school hours and is available to discuss any concerns that you or your child may have. We would ask parents to note the following: The Nurse will only deal with illness and injury occurring during the school day. The Nurse will offer advice and support but is not a substitute for a consultation with your GP. Please ensure that emergency contact numbers are updated regularly. Department of Health guidelines advise that pupils with vomiting or diarrhoea should remain at home for 24 hours after the symptoms have ceased in order to prevent spread of infection. Simple medication for minor ailments can be provided by the Nurse if parental consent has been given and the Administration of Medicines Policy (below) is followed. Pupils may carry Asthma inhalers, Diabetic medication or Epipens in their blazer pockets, if required. However, a second inhaler and a further 3 Epipens must be left with the Nurse. The Epipens are placed strategically throughout School. Pupils are not permitted to carry other medication of any kind. This is in accordance with School s Policy on Health and Safety. If your child requires medication during the school day, it must be left with the Nurse who will administer it. Clear instructions and written consent will be required. Thank you for your co-operation. Any pupil feeling unwell must attend the School Nurse to obtain permission to go home early. Nuts or nut products should not be brought into School as some pupils with a nut allergy attend School. Administration of Medicines Policy The Board of Governors and staff of Friends School, Lisburn wish to ensure that pupils with medication needs receive appropriate care and support in School. The Principal will accept responsibility in principle for the Nurse giving or supervising pupils taking prescribed medication during the school day. Parents are responsible for providing the Principal with comprehensive information regarding the pupil s condition and medication. The Nurse will only give a non prescribed medicine to a child as per school consent form. Only reasonable quantities of medication should be supplied to School (e.g. a maximum of four weeks supply at any one time). It is the parent s responsibility to renew the medication when supplies are running low and to ensure that the medication supplied is within its expiry date. Each item of medication must be delivered to the Nurse, in normal circumstances, by the parent/pupil in a secure and labelled container as originally dispensed. Each item of medication must be clearly labelled with the following information: pupil s name, name of medication, date of dispensing, dosage, frequency of administration, expiry date. The medication must be accompanied by a written consent signed by the parent. School will not accept items of medication in unlabelled containers. Unless otherwise indicated, all medication to be administered in School will be kept in a locked medicine cabinet in the First Aid Room. It is the responsibility of parents to notify School in writing if the pupil s need for medication has ceased. Medicines which are no longer required or expire will be transferred to the school pharmacist. For each pupil with long term or complex medication needs, the Principal will ensure that a Medication Plan and Protocol are drawn up, in conjunction with the appropriate health professionals. Staff who volunteer to assist in the administration of medication, such as Epipens, will receive appropriate training/ guidance through arrangements made with the School Health Service. School will make every effort to continue the administration of medication to a pupil whilst on trips away from the school premises, even if additional arrangements might be required. However, there may be occasions when it may not be possible to include a pupil on a school trip if appropriate supervision cannot be guaranteed.

9 CURRICULUM Through the curriculum we aim to give pupils a broad, balanced and relevant education. Within this general aim we offer equal opportunities to all pupils and seek to delay specialisation as long as possible. Pupils entering Year 8 will be taught the revised Northern Ireland Curriculum where emphasis is placed on learning through the acquisition of skills. Pupils will be involved in investigative and interactive work, the preparation and delivery of presentations and self assessment of their progress. Teaching and Learning strategies employed in the classroom provide pupils with appropriate opportunities to develop and display their creativity, independence, collaboration and encourage the acquisition of the necessary skills for effective learning. The School week is divided into 45 periods, each lasting 35 minutes. Pupils study all of the subjects listed below and pupils are timetabled for double periods in the practical subjects. In Year 8 classes are unstreamed. Pupils are divided alphabetically into five Collect groups and are taught in this arrangement for non-practical subjects. The practical subjects, asterisked below, are taught in either 6 or 7 alphabetically arranged groups. Pupils are given every encouragement to achieve the highest personal academic standards through challenging and engaging lessons. Years 8 Curriculum Pupils take subjects from the following Learning Areas. Learning Area Subject Number of Periods ENGLISH English 6 Drama 1 MATHEMATICS Mathematics 6 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Information Technology 2 Junior Science 4 Technology 4 THE ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY Geography 3 History 3 THE ARTS Art and Design 2 Music 2 MODERN LANGUAGES French 5 PHYSICAL EDUCATION PE 2 Games 2 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION RE 2 LEARNING FOR LIFE AND WORK Home Economics 2 Learning for Life and Work 1

10 Further details on Assessment and Reporting and the subject content of each of the courses offered in Year 8 are available in the Year 8 Curriculum Booklet which will be available on school s website from June: In Years 9 and 10 the three Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately and all pupils take up a second language, choosing between German or Spanish. In Year 10 pupils are streamed into five divisions for Mathematics and are also banded in groups for French and German, French and Spanish. All other subjects in Year 10 are taught in un-streamed Collect or practical groups. Homework Planner Each pupil is issued with a Homework Planner at the beginning of the year to keep a record of work set and to organise time at home completing homework. This Planner should be brought to all subject classes. In Years 8 10, a formal Homework Timetable is issued. Staff set work to this timetable and parents are asked to monitor that work is completed accordingly. Parents of pupils in Years 8-10 are encouraged to check and to initial the Homework Planner at least once a week. The Homework Planner also asks pupils to record, on a regular basis, their achievements and involvement in extracurricular activities, both inside and out of School. It also encourages them to record and reflect on their examination performances. This helps them to complete a Progress File Self Review at the end of the year. Within the Homework Planner there is Study Skills guidance providing tips on personal organisation, homework and revision skills. We encourage parents to work alongside pupils as they move through the guidance contained in this section in their Extended Collects. We value the establishment of good study habits in the junior years so that pupils can take increasing responsibility for their work later on. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE As you know, students of school age must, by Law, attend school regularly. If your child has to be away from school, it is only the Principal who can authorise or approve that absence. Any absence from School needs to be avoided whenever possible, as it can have a serious effect on a child s education and development. Please do not ask for leave of absence for a family holiday in term time, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. It is only in exceptional circumstances that the Principal has the legal authority to grant leave of absence for your child during the school year. The Principal should not give this approval if there are concerns that your request is casual or unreasonable. If a family holiday in term time has to be arranged, it cannot coincide with examinations or other important tests that your child has to take. Additionally, any request must be made to the School at least two weeks in advance of the start of the holiday When considering a parental request of this nature, the Principal will take into account the current situation regarding your child s attendance and progress and the amount of disruption your child s absence will have on their education. Not only will your child miss the lessons taught during the absence, but they will also find it difficult to pick up on lessons on their return to School. A good attendance record is crucial if students are to achieve at School. There is a clear correlation between attendance and examination success. We feel sure you will wish to give your child the best possible chance. The School looks forward to your co-operation and understanding in this matter.

11 SCHOOL UNIFORM: APPEARANCE CODE Friends School s Appearance Code is set within the context of the Pastoral Care Policy and the Behaviour Policy and Code. The Code has been established through appropriate consultation. It is expected that all pupils understand and accept the Appearance Code and therefore all are expected to adhere to the guidelines set down. Friends School appreciates the support and co-operation of parents in upholding our high standards regarding appearance. All items of School uniform may be purchased from: McCalls of Lisburn, Market Street, Lisburn or Warnocks,791-2 Lisburn Road, Belfast. GIRLS UNIFORM Regulation green Blazer with School badge Regulation green Junior Skirt (Years 8 10) Regulation green Senior Skirt (Years 11 14) Regulation School tie White Blouse (worn with tie) Summer Blouse (worn between 1 April and 31 October) Green Pullover (Years 8 14) Green Cardigan (optional for Years 11 14) Plain Black Shoes Regulation green knee length Socks Green Tights Regulation red Outdoor School Coat (over blazer) Regulation red School Fleece (under blazer) Regulation Scarf striped or fleece GIRLS GAMES UNIFORM Regulation Shorts or Skort Regulation PE Shirt Green Track Suit Bottoms Green Hockey Socks White Ankle Socks One piece Swimsuit (any colour) Sports Training Shoes Hockey Stick (August/September) Shin Guards (August/September) Mouth Guard (August/September) Tennis Racquet (March/April) Optional: *Red Sports Hoody (for all sports) White Skin (for Winter outdoor activities) Swim Cap School Teams: Black Cycling Shorts Athletics only (March/April) Green Logo Hockey Socks Astroturf Shoes Hockey only *Red Sports Hoody *to be ordered through Girls PE Department Appearance Code (Girls) 1 Blazers must be worn to and from School and throughout the day. They may be removed in class. 2 The white blouse should be tucked in, the top button fastened and ties worn neatly. 3 Coloured or patterned T-shirts should not be worn under blouses. 4 The summer blouse may be worn between the beginning of April and the end of October. 5 Green regulation tights must be worn with Winter uniform. Girls in KS3 and KS4 (Years 8-12) may wear School knee socks with Summer uniform. 6 Junior Skirt (Years 8 10). A plain green skirt that should be worn to the knee (no shorter than 1 inch/2.5 cm above the knee). All stockists have been advised on appropriate skirt length and girls will be asked to replace skirts that do not meet this requirement. 7 Senior Skirt (Years 11 14). A green skirt with four inverted pleats. The skirt should completely cover the knee. All stockists have been advised on appropriate skirt length and girls will be asked to replace skirts that do not meet this requirement. 8 Cardigan. This may be worn by Senior girls (Years 11-14) 9 Shoes, flat-heeled and in traditional school style. Canvas, suede, patent or fashion shoes are not permitted. Platform soles, wedges, kitten or other types of heels or boots are not permitted. 10 The only items of jewellery permitted are: one watch/one plain ring/one pair of small stud ear rings (gold, silver or pearl) worn in the ear lobes for girls only. No other piercings are permitted. 11 Nail polish and make up (other than discreet foundation) are not permitted. 12 Hairstyles should be neat and tidy. Hair should not be conspicuously coloured. Hair accessories should be plain and dark in colour. 13 Only School badges should be worn with the exception of one charity badge. 14 Mouth guard and shin guards are compulsory for contact sports.

12 BOYS UNIFORM Regulation green Blazer with School badge Regulation charcoal grey School Trousers Regulation School Tie White shirt Mid grey pullover Black Shoes Black or dark grey Socks Regulation red Outdoor School Coat Regulation red School fleece Regulation Scarf striped or fleece Regulation Outdoor Coat BOYS GAMES UNIFORM Regulation red Polo Shirt White PE Shorts Regulation Rugby Jersey Navy Rugby Shorts Green Track Suit Bottoms White Ankle Socks Regulation Games Socks Plain Dark Swimming Shorts (Year 8 Only) Sports Training Shoes Rugby Boots Shin Guards (August/September) Mouth Guard (August/September) Optional: White or green Skin (for Winter outdoor activities) School Teams: Cricket Whites Astroturf Shoes Hockey only Appearance Code (Boys) 1 Blazers must be worn to and from School and throughout the day. They may be removed in class. 2 The white shirt should be tucked in, the top button fastened and ties worn neatly. 3 Coloured or patterned T-shirts should not be worn under shirts. 4 Footwear. Shoes should be plain, undecorated and black leather. Boots are not permitted. 5 The only items of jewellery permitted are: one watch and one plain ring. No piercings are permitted 6 Hair should be above the collar. Pupils will be asked to change hairstyles that are considered to be inappropriate. Boys should be clean-shaven. 7 Only School badges should be worn with the exception of one charity badge. 8 Mouth guard and shin guards are compulsory for contact sports. Outdoor Uniform, including for Games and PE (Boys and Girls) 1 Only the regulation red School coat is permissible for outdoor wear (worn OVER the School blazer) 2 The red School fleece may be worn when travelling to and from School (worn UNDER the School blazer). The School fleece is not an alternative to the School blazer. 3 NO HOODED TOP (WHETHER ASSOCIATED WITH SCHOOL OR NOT) SHOULD BE WORN BY PUPILS GOING TO AND FROM SCHOOL WHEN IN SCHOOL UNIFORM. Hooded tops (hoodies) that are worn for particular sports or trips are permissible for wear only during those activities and not as part of regulation School uniform. Please note that the girls Red Sports Hoody is for sportswear only. 4 Only the regulation scarf (either striped or green fleece) should be worn. 5 The correct Games kit should be worn in all Games and PE classes. Pupils travelling to away sporting fixtures should wear full School uniform or appropriate sports kit. 6 Please note that the regulation school coat, track suit top, red fleece and red hoody (girls) are all acceptable outer wear with sports kit during Games and when pupils are representing School on teams. Pupils are required to wear uniform correctly throughout the School day; when travelling to and from School; and on all occasions when representing School. Pupils will be asked to replace any item of uniform that does not meet the requirements set down in the Appearance Code above. Flexibility will be shown in periods of extreme weather and pupils will be advised accordingly. All items of uniform should be clearly named.

13 VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION Voluntary Grammar schools, like Friends School, are permitted to ask parents to pay a Voluntary Contribution to supplement the Department of Education Grant received by the School. The Department of Education Grant is not sufficient to meet the needs of the School. This school asks for Voluntary Contributions to enable it to: maintain the range of subjects available to pupils and the quality of delivery of those subjects offer a wide variety of extra curricular activities and sports assist with the upkeep of facilities, such as our Sports Hall, that have been provided without the aid of government funding The Voluntary Contribution is not compulsory and whether you pay or not is kept in strict confidence. Your support for School would be much appreciated. The suggested Voluntary Contribution amount is 76 per term but we are happy to accept any sum that you wish to give. For administrative purposes the 76 is shown on the school bill. If you wish to contribute a lesser sum, simply deduct the difference when paying the bill and our staff will make the necessary adjustment to your account. All Voluntary Contributions are much appreciated. Voluntary Contributions can be given under the Gift Aid Scheme. This allows the school to recover from HM Revenue and Customs an additional 25p for every pound that you pay as a Voluntary Contribution. If the suggested Voluntary Contribution of 76 per term is paid, an additional 57 can be redeemed by the school. Agreeing to Gift Aid does not involve you in any additional cost. Indeed, higher rate tax payers can claim tax relief in respect of the Voluntary Contribution under the Gift Aid scheme. We would encourage all parents, who have not already done so, to tick the Gift Aid agreement box on the form of Acceptance to allow us to benefit from this source of free income from HM Revenue and Customs. During the following fees and voluntary contributions will apply: School Fees Grammar School fees for 2014/15 are as follows: Captial Fee (compulsory) 140 per annum Locker Fee 5 per annum Parental Contribution (voluntary) 76 per term Lunch 2.45 per day Materials Charge 30 per annum Homework Planner 1.80 per annum Bills are issued just before the start of each term (in late August, December and March) and are payable immediately. Parents may opt to pay by Direct Debit and spread the cost of fees over the 10 months from September to June. SCHOOL CANTEEN We currently operate a biometric system for lunches. The software is connected to a small touch pad which is able to recognise the skin patterns on a fingertip. The touch pad translates these patterns into a series of numbers. These numbers, stored on the computer, then become a pupil s identification. This allows for easy and quick payment for lunches. Please Note: This system does not store an image of a fingerprint it creates a mathematical template. This template cannot be used to recreate the fingerprint and it is not in a form that can be used by any other security system.

14 SCHOOL FACILITIES The School Library Our Library caters for all pupils and is open from 8.45 am to 4.30 pm every day except Friday, when it closes at 3.30 pm. All Year 8 pupils are introduced to the Library through their English classes. Pupils may borrow up to four books for a period of two weeks. During the first term we concentrate on establishing good reading habits. As the year progresses we introduce the pupils, via other subjects in the curriculum, to the multitude of resources available. Our stock consists of over 9,000 items. We have multi-media computers and Internet access for pupils' use. Please encourage your son or daughter to make full use of the facilities in our Library. ICT Facilities Pupils have access to ICT rooms for personal use during and after School. The opening times of the Computer rooms vary from year to year. Last year the opening times were: Monday 8.30 am 8.45 am Breaktime Tuesday Breaktime Senior Lunch 3.30 pm 4.30 pm Wednesday Breaktime 3.30 pm 4.30 pm Thursday Breaktime Junior Lunch 3.30 pm 4.30 pm Friday 8.30 am 8.45 am Breaktime Music Tuition Private music tuition is available in School for: violin, viola, cello and double bass, guitar (acoustic and electric) flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon, traditional fiddle/whistle trumpet, cornet, French horn, trombone, baritone and tuba piano drum kit singing music theory Instrumental lessons are arranged through the Head of the Music Department who has overall charge of all Music lessons in School. Where more pupils apply for lessons than there are places available, prior attainment is taken into account. Lessons are given during class time, rotating through different periods each week so that pupils do not repeatedly miss the same subject. Lessons are available in two categories: (i) shared (strings, woodwind, brass, percussion and guitar) (ii) individual (strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, guitar, piano and singing) Parents enter into a private contract with the tutor and fees are paid in advance, directly to the tutor. The cost of a 30 minute individual lesson is between (pupils having shared lessons split the fee). The School provides a number of instruments for hire.

15 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES We consider participation in clubs and societies an important part of each pupil s development. Involvement in AT LEAST ONE activity helps pupils make new friends, develop new skills and generally become more self-confident. When pupils reach the stage of applying for courses in Higher Education or for employment, they find it extremely useful to be able to refer to experiences gained through involvement in extra-curricular activities. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in competitions, expeditions and extended visits away from home; and pupils of all ages represent School in a wide range of sports including athletics, cricket, hockey, netball, rugby, skiing, swimming and tennis. The availability and range of extra-curricular activities varies from year to year depending on staffing. The list below gives details of some of the activities that are offered. Curricular and Extra Curricular Sporting Activities Athletics Gymnastics Show Jumping Badminton Girls Rugby Skiing Basketball Health Related Exercise Soccer Cricket Hockey Softball Cross Country Netball Swimming Dance Rounders Tennis Golf Rugby Other Extra Curricular Activities Junior Choir Mathematics Challenge (Junior) ICT Club Drama Club (Junior) Junior Orchestra Science Club Languages Club Debating (Junior) String Ensemble Folk Group Scripture Union Book Club Brass Ensemble

16 GUIDELINES FOR USING TECHNOLOGY SAFELY The Internet has become an important part of children s lives, enabling them to complete research for school projects, talk to their friends and access information from around the world. Increasing provision of the Internet in and out of School brings with it the need to ensure that learners remain safe. Internet development is constantly evolving into ever more innovative areas with many websites enabling amazing creativity and interaction between peers. Unfortunately though, there are times when Internet use can have a negative effect on children. The following guidelines are to help parents become aware of the potential dangers and take measures to ensure safe usage by all: Keep your computer in a communal area of the house where it's easier to monitor what your children are viewing. Do not allow pupils to have webcams, or similar, in their bedroom. Encourage pupils to think before they post online. Remember any image, sound or text can be copied and viewed by everyone. Laptops, games consoles, tablets and mobile phones are the doorway to the online world. Children do not always access the Internet through the home computer. Keep virus and firewall software up to-date. Remember that passwords should be kept private and not shared with others. Many esafety incidents relate to the sharing of passwords Involve everyone and agree your family guidelines and rules. Remember that sometimes what is acceptable for a Year 8 pupil is not necessarily acceptable for a P4 pupil. Talk to your children about why they should not to give out their personal details. If they want to subscribe to any online service then make up a family address to receive the mail. Regularly discuss online safety and go online with your children. Communication is the key to staying safe online. Enable your browser safe search option and/or consider using internet filtering software, walled gardens and child-friendly search engines. Critically view all content as some websites are not what they appear. Encourage your children to use moderated chat rooms and never to meet up with an online friend without first telling you. Time spent online should be monitored to help prevent obsessive use of the internet. Children need to follow a range of activities, many of which will be offline. Encourage your children to tell you if they feel uncomfortable, upset or threatened by anything they see online. Cyber bullying is not acceptable. Pupils should not send messages that are disrespectful, make comments that are hurtful or exclude other pupils from internet conversations. Internet safety guidance is part of pupils Personal Development and ICT programmes in School. Take time to read some of the websites listed below on internet safety:

17 TRANSPORT Morning Departures No 51 Magheralin 7.50 am Drop off Lisburn Railway Station Moira 7.55 am No 26 Dromara 7.45 am Drop off School Ballycrune 8.05 am Legacurry 8.10 am No 26a Ballynahinch 7.45 am Drop off School No 103 Crumlin 7.30 am Drop off Antrim Rd Glenavy 7.35 am or Railway Station Filterbeds 7.46 am Bus from Ballymacash Estate 8.30 am Drop off Railway Station No 38 Banbridge 7.30 am Drop off Railway Station Dromore 7.45 am Dromore 8.10 am No 52 Aghalee 7.55 am Drop off Railway Station Maghaberry 8.10 am Afternoon Departures Moira, Magheralin 3.40 pm Pick up front of School Ballycrune, Legacurry pm Pick up front of School Dromara 3.40 pm Pick up in Lisburn Bus Station 3.50 pm 4.15 pm Ballynahinch 4.15 pm Pick up Lisburn Bus Station Ballymacash, Filterbeds, Glenavy, Crumlin pm Pick up Antrim Rd Hillsborough 3.40 pm (Direct) Pick up School Dromore, Banbridge 3.50 pm Pick up from Lisburn Bus Station 4.30 pm 4.50 pm Aghalee, Maghaberry 4.00 pm Pick up from Lisburn Bus Station

18 IN CONCLUSION PARENTAL SUPPORT Year 8 continues much of the work begun in primary school. However, the transition from primary to post primary school involves new daily routines and different study patterns for pupils. The active involvement of parents supports the efforts of School in helping pupils to adjust to their new environment. We appreciate the support of parents especially in the following areas: Study at Home by helping pupils to organise books and materials for each day by providing a quiet place to study by taking an interest in the presentation of homeworks by checking and signing the Homework Planner at least once a week Attendance and Punctuality by encouraging regular attendance by contacting School early in the event of sustained absence by ensuring pupils are in School by 8:45 am by following procedures concerning return to School Participation by encouraging involvement of pupils in extra curricular activities, either after School, lunchtime or on Saturday Sense of Responsibility by supporting School in matters of appearance and behaviour Contact with Teachers by taking advantage of Parents' Meetings to discuss progress with subject teachers by consulting Year Teachers on matters of concern Year 8 is a suitable opportunity to emphasise the partnership between School, the pupil and his or her parents. The ethos of Friends School is based on a firm sense of community. We look forward to developing strong links and effective communication between School and home and working together with you in the academic and personal interests of your son or daughter.

19 TERM DATES: Autumn Term Thursday 28th August Friday 19th December * Thursday 28th August Year 8 and Year 14 pupils only (half day) *Friday 29th August Whole school (half day) Autumn Half Term Monday 27th October Friday 31st October Spring Term Monday 5th January Friday 27th March Spring Half Term Monday 16th February Friday 20th February Summer Term Monday 13th April Tuesday 30th June Exceptional Closure Day Monday 4th May Further Exceptional Closure Days are to be confirmed Please note that all dates are inclusive

20 Friends School, Lisburn