Creating Success Through Partnership

CARING FOR YOUR CHILD

Students are registered in Tutor Groups, within each Year Group and the person responsible for a student's pastoral welfare, educational and social progress is the Learning Mentor. All Learning Mentors are members of a pastoral team supervised by the appropriate Head of Key Stage.   Every Year Group has its own regular assembly.

The progress of all students is monitored frequently and parents are alerted if we have cause for concern about an individual child and similarly if their child receives particular commendation.

Parents are very welcome to make appointments with the appropriate tutor or Head of Key Stage  to discuss their child's academic progress or social welfare. In addition, there are annual meetings when there is the opportunity to discuss progress with your child’s tutor, Head of Key Stage or senior teacher.

USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS - Policy for Pupil Safety

When using photographs for publicity in displays, on the school website or in the local newspapers, we will:

·        Never normally publish a name with a photo, or a photo with a name, and—on the rare occasions where this might be necessary—only with permission of the pupil and their parents / guardians.

·        Try to photograph pupils the groups, or facing away from the camera.

·        Where a pupil is identifiable and / or the subject of a photo, we will always ask permission of the pupils and their parents / guardians.

ATTENDANCE / PUNCTUALITY

Regular and punctual attendance enables progress and ultimate success in school.  Parental co-operation ensures the high average attendance (93%) and 100% attendance is rewarded at the end of each term and school year with a special certificate.

Absences which are not notified to school must unfortunately be treated as unauthorised.  Parents will be informed when their child’s attendance falls below 90% during any term or if they are consistently poor timekeepers.

Holidays in term time should be avoided if at all possible.  Time missed at school will affect your child's performance and confidence in their lessons.

THE REACH PROJECT

This is a ground breaking project bringing together a range of professionals on site to support children and their families overcome any barriers to school success.  The project is open to parents and children alike if they have any concerns that they feel in need of support.

REACH stands for Regenerating Educational Achievement & Community Health and offers  . . .

·        One-to-one support on a range of issues

·        Group work (i.e. smoking cessation)

·        Access to other external specialist services

·        Covering areas such as; drugs and alcohol issues, bereavement, health issues, bullying, truancy, family issues, friendship issues, sexual health matters, careers advice, self-harm, eating disorders and others.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT REWARD SCHEME (STARS)

This is a practical scheme which encourages pupils to behave appropriately which is crucial to success both in school and employment.

We want to create a positive learning environment where teachers can teach and pupils can learn.  We care about teaching your child how to behave responsibly in school.

This scheme results in increased pupil motivation, increased academic success, increased self-esteem, improved relationships, and meets the needs of ALL pupils, it is fair and consistent.

This is done by indicating limits and boundaries for classroom conduct made up of:

·         Rules

·         Rewards

·         Consequences

CAREERS GUIDANCE

A full programme of guidance is offered by Learning Mentors and our Careers Co-ordinator assisted by the Durham County Connexions Service. The focus for this work increases during Years 9, 10 and 11 enabling important decisions to be made at appropriate stages.  School is equipped with a number of Careers data bases providing information on a full range of occupations.  Where appropriate pupils participate in a work experience placement.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The school has a very active Student Council on which each Tutor Group is represented. 

There is an annual whole school democratic election at Greenfield.  The elected representatives meet approximately every 2 weeks in the meeting room to discuss a variety of pupil related issues, e.g. school environment, community activities etc.  The student council organises a range of very successful fundraising activities for charities and school projects e.g. outdoor picnic seating for the pupils.  The council also meets with GATC and Woodham school council.

The student council offers pupils the opportunity to develop effective social skills and promotes the idea of good citizenship.

RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITIES

Residential experiences involve:

·        One week residential at Howtown Outdoor Activity Centre at Ullswater in Cumbria.

·        One week ski residential through Interski to Pila, Aosta in Italy.

·        Modern Languages study visits.

·        Visual Arts department residential course.

·        Christian Union weekend visit to Middleton in Teesdale