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OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

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CONTACT INFORMATION The full address of the school is: HEOLDDU COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL MOUNTAIN ROAD BARGOED CF81 8XL Headteacher Mr. M. Sims Telephone: 01443 875531 Facsimile: 01443 875561 Email: heoca@caerphilly.gov.uk Website: www.heolddu.org.uk Chair of Governors Mr M Waythe 8 Gelli Ron Penedairheol Hengoed CF82 8HF CAERPHILLY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL Local Education Authority Mrs. S. Aspinall, Director of Education and Leisure Education Offices Ty Penallta Tredomen Park Ystrad Mynach CF82 7PG Telephone: 01443 864948 School Admissions Mrs Andrea West Senior Admissions and Placement Officer Education Offices Ty Penallta Tredomen Park Ystrad Mynach CF82 7PG Telephone: 01443 864870

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HEOLDDU COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATION (5) - Elected by Caerphilly County Borough Council CB/Cllr D. Price, 1 St Gwladys Court, Bargoed, CF81 8UG CB/Cllr H Andrews MBE, 14 Victoria Place, Gilfach, Bargoed, CF81 8JB CB/Cllr D.T. Davies, 26 East View, Bargoed, CF81 8LU CB/Cllr D.G. Carter, 49 John Street, Bargoed, CF81 8PH Mrs L. Thomas, 27 Fairways, Bargoed, CF81 8TQ TEACHER GOVERNORS (2) - Elected by the Teaching Staff Mr A. Johnston, Heolddu Comprehensive School, Mountain Road, Bargoed Mrs L Brinkworth, Heolddu Comprehensive School, Mountain Road, Bargoed STAFF GOVERNOR (1) - Elected by the Support Staff TBC PARENT GOVERNORS (6) - Elected by the Parents Mrs C. Andrews, 21 Alfred Street, Bargoed, CF81 8NE Mr W. Turner, 13 Maes-Y-Graig Street, Bargoed, CF81 8JE Mrs H. Reed, 20 Church Street, Bargoed, CF81 8RN Mr. J Holifield, 79 Bailey Street, Deri, Bargoed, CF81 9HW Mr H. Davies, Ivydene, Cardiff Road, Bargoed, CF81 8NY CO-OPTED GOVERNORS (5) – Elected by the Governors Mr M. Waythe, 8 Gelliron, Penpedaireol, Hengoed, CF82 8HF Mr G. Carless, 37 Hillside Park, Bargoed, CF81 8NJ Mrs M. Viney, Brynteg, Cardiff Road, Bargoed, CF81 8NY Mrs K. Bengough, 37 Heolddu Crescent, Bargoed, CF81 8UR Mr K Davies, The Willows, Llancayo Street, Bargoed, CF81 8TP HEADTEACHER GOVERNOR - Ex Officio Mr M Sims (Headteacher)

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STAFF OF THE SCHOOL Headteacher: Mr M Sims (Headteacher) Senior Assistant Headteacher: Mr M S Cleverley Temporary Assistant Mr G Davies Headteachers: Mrs J Jones Miss K Bowd Business Manager: Ms T Blackwood

Heads of Department and Teaching Staff Art and Design: Mrs T Evans (Head of Department) English: Mrs S Johnson (Head of Department) Mrs S Thomas (2nd in English)

Mrs R Griffiths Miss N Crandon

Geography: Mr A Johnston (Head of Department) German: Mr I N Blunt (Head of Department)

Ms K Bowd (Head of Year 7 / Transition) History: Mrs J. Jones (Head of Department / Welsh Baccalaureate Co-ordinator) Mrs J Matthews (Head of PSE) Miss H Barnes Information and Mr M Windsor (Head of Department / ICT across the Curriculum) Communication Technology: Mr M Cleverley

Mr C Rees Mathematics: Mrs B Dean (Head of Department)

Mr T Lancaster (2nd in Maths) Mr B D Wakefield (Head of Year 8) Mr J Price (Head of 6th Form/Vocational Education) Ms P Phillips-Hurt

Music: Miss M Smith Personal and Social Mrs J Matthews (Head of Department) Education: Physical Education: Mrs M Owen (Head of Department)

Miss J Price Mr D Evans

Humanities: Mr G Davies (Head of Year 11) Religious Education: Mrs C Battrick (Head of Department)

Science: Mrs D Nind (Head of Department) Mrs P Poole (2nd in Science) Mrs L Brinkworth

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Mr O Griffiths Mr I Thomas Mrs O Wilkins

Special Needs: Mrs H L Evans (SENCO) Technology: Mr N S Waythe (Head of Department)

Mr P James (Head of Year 10) Mrs E Hughes (Head of Year 9) Mrs J Hovestadt

Welsh: Miss L Watkins (Head of Department/Curriculum Cymraeg) Miss S Plumley (Bilingual Co-ordinator) Welsh Baccalaureate, Key: Mrs J Jones (Co-ordinator) Skills & Essential Skills Wales Clerical Staff: Mrs K Clarke (Assessment Manager)

Mrs E Davies (Headteacher’s PA, Careers Co-ordinator, Community Education Co-ordinator, Attendance Officer) Mrs S Evans (Examinations Manager) Miss C Watkins (Receptionist)

Pastoral Support: Mrs A Cridland Technicians: Mrs R Morris (Technology) Mr R Pritchard (Science) Mr D Parkinson (Technology)

Curriculum Resources Support: Mrs L Horton Learning Support Assistants: Mrs D Forbes Mrs W Horley (Senior LSA) Mrs D Jones Mrs S Votier Miss K West

Mr G Carless Miss R Stokes (Numeracy) Miss S Smart (Literacy)

Learning Coach: Miss L Dacey Cover Supervisors: Mrs S Hearne

Mr T Gapper Caretakers: Mr L Stephens Education Welfare Officer: Mr I Parry Lunchtime Supervisors: Mrs R Morris

Miss J Wooldridge Miss S Phillips Mrs A Meek

The school also employs a team of Examination Invigilators & Proof Readers

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THE SCHOOL Heolddu Comprehensive School is a secondary school in Bargoed, Caerphilly County Borough. It is an 11-19 mixed school serving the areas of Bargoed, Gilfach, Aberbargoed, Deri, Brithdir and Tirphil and is increasingly attracting pupils from out of the catchment area. The school overlooks Bargoed and is set in green surroundings near the Golf Club and the mountain road to Gelligaer. It is one of 14 secondary schools in Caerphilly LEA. It is a mixed school with approximately 750 boys and girls on roll. In July 2013 there were 620 students on roll in years 7 to 11, plus over 100 in the 6th Form. Forty-two teachers work in the school and over 30 other staff support the teachers in their work on a daily basis. The school has excellent sporting facilities and shares its site with Heolddu Leisure Centre whose facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool and squash court. The school has good ICT facilities with plenty of computers with Internet access available for use. Heolddu is proud of the work that it does. The school also offers students many opportunities to travel in Britain and abroad, and serve the community. Heolddu is delighted to share its facilities with Flying Start enabling parents and young children to experience an early introduction into their secondary school learning. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF HEOLDDU COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL 1. Provision of a pupil entitlement which complies with statutory requirements for National

Curriculum, agreed syllabuses in Religious Education and offers pupils choice in other areas including vocational courses.

2. Provision of experiences across the curriculum that enables pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

3. Provision of quality teaching and learning experiences. 4. Assessment procedures that plan for the future. 5. Equality of opportunity for all. 6. Promotion of good behaviour. 7. Promotion of the school as a community. 8. To maximise attendance at school so that pupil potential might be reached and to diminish the

possibilities of risk to students who might not attend school. 9. A safe and attractive environment. 10. Continuation of productive relationships with the local education authority. 11. Productive working relationship with the governing body to ensure effective and efficient

management of the school. 12. Promotion of productive, co-operative and open relationships with parents. 13. Encouragement of parental involvement with our Community Partnership Group. 14. Maintenance of mutually fruitful relationships with other institutions and the community at

large. ADMISSIONS TO THE SCHOOL Children normally transfer from primary school to secondary school at the beginning of the school year following their eleventh birthday. If your child was born between 1st September 2003 and 31st August 2004, he/she will automatically transfer to Heolddu in September 2015. Primary school Headteachers make all the necessary arrangements for transfer. Places will be offered (up to our admissions limit) according to the following criteria listed in priority order:

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1. Children recommended for placement because of medical, psychological or special

educational needs. These must be confirmed by the LEA’s professional advisers. 2. Children with siblings (brothers or sisters) attending the school. 3. After taking account of the above categories, priority will be based on the closeness to

the school measured by the nearest available walking route. TRANSITION The school’s transition co-ordinator is Miss Bowd. Various events and visits are organised throughout the school year. In the summer term, the Headteacher and Miss Bowd will visit Heolddu’s feeder primary schools. There will be an Open Evening early in the autumn term where year 5 and 6 pupils and parents are invited to come and see Heolddu and its staff and pupils at work. Some teachers from Heolddu will come into the primary school and teach, including the Welsh teachers, who will give some taster lessons to help prepare pupils for any new subjects, and primary children are often invited to participate in sporting activities at Heolddu. Other staff will also visit the primary schools to find out information about pupils to make sure that Heolddu knows as much as possible about the children coming to us and to make the move as smooth as possible. In June, during the transition week, primary pupils spend several days at Heolddu during which time there will be a Drama Production, mathematics quiz, as well as a concert at the end of the music day. Pupils with Additional Learning Needs also have additional opportunities to familiarise themselves with staff and the school throughout the summer term prior to commencement in September. TIMETABLE FOR ADMISSIONS TO SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2015 12th September 2014 Admissions forms sent to parents (from the LA) 24th October 2014 Forms returned to LA 12th December 2014 Parents notified of outcome by the LA THE CURRICULUM Heolddu operates a two-week timetable made up of 50 one-hour lessons, 5 lessons per day. At Key Stage 3, Years 7-9, the following subjects are studied: English & Literacy Mathematics Science Welsh German History Geography Religious Education Music Art Design Technology Information Technology Physical Education Personal & Social Education

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In Key Stage 4 and the 6th Form, various subjects are chosen in options, details of which will be published in the relevant course booklets produced by the school. WELSH Welsh is taught as a second language - National Curriculum foundation subject. Heolddu will use Welsh as a medium of instruction, the intensity depending on the age/ability ranges of the pupils. Heolddu seeks to promote the Welsh dimension through incidental Welsh, and organises an annual "Eisteddfod" and a variety of other cultural activities.

CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE (CEG) The traditional concept of a career often meant a job for life; this is no longer a reality. Increasingly, the introduction of flexible work patterns, restructuring in organisations and the continual need to update working practices in response to new technology, mean that people need to be adaptable. These changes require our pupils to develop new skills, to take more responsibility for their own learning and development, and to manage their careers. Effective careers education and guidance, linked with other areas of the curriculum, plays a key role in helping all young people develop the skills they will need in the jobs market, in challenging their preconceptions and stereotypes, raising their ambitions, and making them fully aware of the opportunities available in education and work. Heolddu has been successful in achieving the All Wales Quality Standard for CEG. WORK RELATED EDUCATION (WRE) Work Related Education plays a central role in preparing all young people to make a full, effective contribution to adult and working life. Employers support the learning programme and other ‘real life’ experiences to ensure pupils have up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to today’s workplace. All 14-19 year olds at Heolddu have access to work experience. This lies at the heart of WRE and all students have the opportunity to learn directly in the workplace before they leave full time education. Year 10 can spend one week in industry with a further week available should they return to Year 12. The following work related activities are also on offer: Year 9-12 Enterprise activities, with participation varying in length from one week to one year

within the Young Enterprise Scheme. “Exploring Business” and “Enterprise In Action” are two employer-based events on offer to Year 10.

Year 9-13 “Progress File” has a significant role to play and its value is emphasised and also re-

enforced via PSE, CEG and WRE. Year 10/11 The Compact Initiative encourages ongoing mentoring support from employers

including mock interviews and is in operation throughout Years 10 & 11 and is supported by the Education Business Partnership.

Year 10-13 Vocationally related courses are on offer e.g. Princes Trust, Construction, Motor

Vehicle Maintenance, Sports Studies, Hair and Beauty and Science.

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Year 7-13 Direct input from employers into the curriculum, e.g. Technology/Business Challenges, coursework assignments, talks to Career groups, advice on coursework or as part of an external qualification such as Coaches of the Future, support during competitions, and out-of-hours study such as homework clubs.

It is the school’s intention to maintain and develop work related activities available to its pupils. Employer input is vital and if you feel you are able to support any of these learning opportunities or suggest new ones please contact the Careers Co-ordinator to discuss it further. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP The school complies with the 1988 Education Reform Act. This means that religious education and collective worship will be predominantly Christian in nature. Religious Education at Heolddu Comprehensive School is of a non-sectarian nature. Each day commences with an act of collective reflection. This is undertaken in the tutor groups. There are also whole school assemblies. If, as a parent, you wish your child to be excused from the act of worship or from religious education lessons on the grounds of conscience, a request, in writing, should be submitted to the Headteacher. SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION The school strongly believes that pupils should be introduced to sexual behaviour and relationships education on a phased basis depending upon their age and maturity. Thus, facts, opinions, contexts of sexual behaviour, etc. are introduced at different stages. In general, our sexual behaviour and relationships education programme is set within the framework of caring relationships in which partners exercise a mature sense of responsibility. Sexual behaviour and relationships education takes place in well-structured lessons and we are fortunate that our staff deal sensitively in this aspect of education. A very important part of sexual behaviour and relationships education, for some young people, is having an adult to whom they can express their problems individually. Staff also act in this capacity. It will not always be possible for us to guarantee confidentiality to a young person. We may be presented with information, which we believe parents have a right to know. There may be cases where the law of the land is broken where it is our duty to invoke outside agencies. Before the sexual behaviour and relationships education programme begins, a letter is sent out to parents outlining the topics to be covered and inviting them into school to discuss any queries they might have. If parents decide that they do not wish their child to be present for the lessons, arrangements will be made for them to use another room to work. It is hoped that parents visit the school and discuss the issue before taking this decision. * Some topics such as human reproduction are included in the National Curriculum and therefore the right of withdrawal by parents does not apply to these lessons. Any pupil who would like individual advice can see Mrs Prosser who is readily available for a private discussion. ACADEMIC MENTORING From September 2013 all pupils from years 9, 10 and 11will be assigned an academic mentor in school. The aim of this programme is to provide formal mentoring to pupils with regards their academic progress throughout the year. The objectives of this programme are as follows:

• Every pupil to be aware of their current performance and target grade in each subject

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• Parents to be informed of their child’s expected performance target in each subject studied and to know how they are progressing towards those targets through a series of informal reports based around attainment and effort

• Every pupil to reach their target grade in every subject as a minimum acceptable threshold

The mentoring process: • Pupils will be placed in groups of approximately ten based on academic ability with special

consideration given to pupil’s areas of strength and weakness based on their assessment data

• Pupils will meet with the member of staff assigned as their mentor a minimum of six times a year

• Extra meetings will be arranged at other times if extra support is required throughout the year

• At meetings pupils will complete a self-evaluation activity and discuss their current attainment, target grade and effort with their mentor

• Lessons will be suspended to allow time for mentoring to take place in a focussed manner

If you have any questions about academic mentoring please contact Mr Davies at the school ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS Catering for students with a wide variety of additional learning needs is a high priority in the school. Students identified as having additional earning needs in a mainstream class will receive appropriate support in that area from the subject teacher and, where appropriate, specialist ALN staff will also provide remediation. Where learning needs are more complex, students will be placed in a Learning Support class. Here, they will continue to have full access to all aspects of the curriculum although the number of Welsh and German lessons are reduced to allow them to have extra tuition in the basic skills of reading, writing and number work. Certain students may, because of identified need, receive extra support even though they are in the mainstream. Every effort will be made to ensure that students who have been issued with a Statement receive the support outlined in that document. All students receiving additional support will be registered and monitored on a termly basis and parents are encouraged to attend bi-annual review meetings to discuss progress and determine effective methods of remediation. The school also offers extra support by way of extra-curricular activities, e.g. reading schemes, SULP, Safe Room. There are also students who show high levels of achievement in their studies. Heolddu always does its best to ensure that there are differentiated programmes of learning so that these students receive an education appropriate to their needs. The term ‘more able and talented’ encompasses approximately 20% of the total school population, and is used to describe pupils who require enriched and extended opportunities across the curriculum in order to develop their abilities in one or more areas. Ability and talent can manifest itself in many different ways at Heolddu in academic, practical, creative and social fields of human activities. Pupils will be tracked throughout their education at Heolddu and parents informed of their child’s progress. This ensures that the potential of the pupils is realised at all times.

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BASIC SKILLS The school will select a group of students in the incoming Year 7 to form two special focus groups. The pupils are those identified as having fallen marginally short of the government’s Key Stage 2 targets. The class has the additional services of a classroom assistant who supports the teachers across curriculum areas. Each student has literacy and numeracy targets identified and progress is carefully monitored and regularly reported to parents. The school became the first in Caerphilly to secure the Basic Skills Standard award in July 2009 and successfully retained this accreditation in 2011. A range of strategies including literacy and numeracy “warm-up” sessions, computer basic skills programmes (SuccessMaker), Word Wasp, a lunch hour club and home/school work packages are in place to encourage accelerated progress in meeting personal and group targets. The scheme now covers both Year 7 and Year 8 and teaching assistants are attached accordingly. ASSESSMENT OF PROGRESS There will be a total of three assessments carried out during the academic year. Parents will be informed of the results of these assessments. There will also be a full formal report for each pupil and all pupils are expected to sit a formal examination. All parents are invited to attend the Parents’ Evenings held at the school. Parents will be informed by letter of the dates and times of these events. If you have any concern about the progress of your child then please contact their group tutor in the first instance. HOMEWORK Homework is a compulsory part of pupils’ education. Homework tasks set by teachers have to be completed and handed in on time. To help pupils to manage their homework, the school provides each pupil with a Personal Planner, in which they have to enter details of the homework set and the date it has to be handed in by. Pupils should also use their Planner to record the results of any assessments in their subjects. Subject teachers plan homework according to the requirements of the syllabus. Homework tasks may take the form of practice, preparation for class work, individual research, project work, learning of information or revision. Parents are requested to support the school in this regard and have an active responsibility for ensuring that pupils complete the homework set. Consequently, parents are required to sign the Personal Planner and add comments as necessary, each week. Any queries that arise should be taken up with the relevant Head of Year. SCHOOL DAY Pupils should be on the school premises five minutes before registration and in their tutorial room by 8.40 am in the morning and their classroom at 2.00 pm in the afternoon. If, for any reason pupils are late, they must report to Reception where a member of our administration team will register them. There are four lessons in the morning with a break halfway through. There is only one lesson in the afternoon.

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School times are printed below: Morning Registration 8.40 a.m. - 8.50 a.m. Lesson 1 8.50 a.m. - 9.50 a.m. Lesson 2 9.50 a.m. - 10.50 a.m. Break 10.50 a.m. - 11.10 a.m. Lesson 3 11.10 a.m. - 12.10 p.m. Lesson 4 12.10 p.m. - 1.10 p.m. Lunch 1.10 p.m. - 2.00 p.m. Lesson 5 2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2013-2014 Term Begins Half Term

Starts Half Term Ends Term Ends

Autumn 2014

Monday 1st September 2014

Monday 27th October 2014

Friday 31st October 2014

Friday 19th December 2014

Spring 2015

Monday 5th January 2015

Monday 16th February 2015

Friday 20th February 2015

Friday 27th March 2015

Summer 2015

Monday 13th April 2015

Monday 25th May 2015

Friday 29th May 2015

Monday 17th July 2015

May Day Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2015 INSET days for 2014-15 are as follows: Monday 1st September 2014 Friday 24th October 2014 Friday 19th December 2014 Friday 13th February 2015 Friday 10th July 2015 SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2014-2015 (Provisional) Term Begins Half Term

Starts Half Term Ends Term Ends

Autumn 2015 Monday 1st September 2015

Monday 26th October 2015

Friday 30th October 2015

Friday 18th December 2015

Spring 2016 Monday 4th January 2016

Monday 15th February 2016

Friday 19th February 2016

Friday 24th March 2016

Summer 2016

Monday 11th April 2016

Monday 30th May 2016

Friday 3rd June 2016

Monday 20th July 2016

May Day Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2016 INSET Dates have not yet been set for 2015-2016

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HEOLDDU SCHOOL UNIFORM

CC Sports in Bargoed sells all items necessary for a full Heolddu uniform: FOR GIRLS 1. Plain black pleated knee-length skirt / black tailored trousers (NO SKINNY

LEGGINS/JEGGINS AND NO JEAN STYLE TROUSERS ALLOWED) 2. White blouse/shirt buttoned to the neck 3. V-neck burgundy jumper/cardigan with Heolddu badge 4. Plain burgundy tie with Heolddu badge 5. Plain low-heeled black shoes (NO BOOTS, CANVAS SHOES OR TRAINERS ARE

ALLOWED) 6. Knee length plain black socks or black tights with skirts, ankle-length plain black socks with

trousers (NO COLOURED SOCKS ALLOWED) 7. Plain bands and head bands only to be worn in the hair. 8. Suitable rain/shower-proof coat - to be removed once pupil has entered school building. FOR BOYS 1. Burgundy blazer with Heolddu badge 2. Black or dark grey school trousers (NO JEAN STYLE TROUSERS) 3. White shirt buttoned to the neck 4. Plain burgundy tie with Heolddu badge 5. Plain black shoes (NO BOOTS, CANVAS SHOES OR TRAINERS ARE ALLOWED) 6. Plain black ankle-length socks (NO COLOURED SOCKS ALLOWED) 7. Suitable rain/shower-proof coat (NO DENIM, LEATHER COATS OR HODDIES ALLOWED) -

to be removed once pupil has entered school building. ALL PUPILS Denim, hoodies or leather coats are not allowed. All coats to be removed on entering school building. Designer jackets are also discouraged in case they are lost. No jewellery except a wristwatch is allowed. The use of mobile phones, mp3 players, ipods, etc is not allowed. Deviant hairstyles / colours are not allowed (this includes any hair colour that does not

occur in nature), tramlines / urban styles. The use of make-up should be minimal and nail varnish is not allowed No hats, beanies, caps, or scarves to be worn. A waterproof coat in school colours with the school badge is available from CC Sports, which costs approximately £15.00. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR 6TH FORM PUPILS

• Both boys and girls are allowed to wear a black jumper or cardigan. • No jewellery except for one pair of stud earrings and a wristwatch

The Headteacher’s decision on acceptable uniform, hair styles and colour, etc is final

GENERAL SCHOOL EQUIPMENT 1. Writing equipment including pen (more than one in case it runs out or breaks), pencil and

sharpener (check the pencil point is sharp), coloured pencils, 30 cm ruler and rubber 2. Rough book - handy for making notes, etc or working things out

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3. Set of geometrical instruments and electronic calculator 4. Old apron/overall/shirt for Art lessons 5. Bag/holdall (haversack or rucksack for example) sufficiently strong and large enough to carry

your equipment, books and belongings

COMPULSORY SPORTS KIT FOR GIRLS 1. Short sleeved open neck white polo shirt – school PE and shirt 2. Short wrap-over burgundy games skirt/black shorts – black shorts 3. Trainers – please note that daps and high tops are not suitable footwear for PE. Sports trainers must have laces. 4. Swimsuit 5. Shower towel 6. Sports bag FOR BOYS 1. Burgundy rugby jersey 2. Plain white T-shirt 3. Pair of black rugby socks 4. Black shorts 5. Rugby/football boots 6. Trainers 7. Shower towel 8. Swimming trunks 9. Sports bag NB: if a pupil is excluded from or unable to take part in PE, they must still bring their PE and change into it, to preserve their school uniform. There are also additional optional items that pupils can buy, such as tracksuits and t-shirts. UNIFORM GRANT The Welsh Assembly also provides a grant towards the cost of uniform in year 7. If parents/carers are eligible for free school meals then they may also be eligible for a voucher for £105, which can be used in the shops that supply the school uniform. SCHOOL RULES AND DISCIPLINE Any community needs rules and Heolddu is no exception. We need certain rules so that everybody knows how to behave and pupils can enjoy their school days in safety. GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

• Pupils should be properly and neatly presented in the correct school uniform. • No make-up is allowed, and this includes nail varnish. • No jewellery except a wristwatch is allowed. • Deviant hairstyles / colours such as primary colours and tramlines are not allowed. • Valuables should be left at home. Any items of value should not be left in pockets or bags.

Pupils should keep money on their person. • Medication (including inhalers) should be handed to the Pastoral Support Officer.

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• Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes is forbidden in school and anywhere on school premises, and on the journey to and from school.

• The use of mobile phones, mp3 players, ipods, etc is not allowed without spoken instruction from a member of staff. If confiscated they will be secured in school until parents come to collect.

• Pupils should always respect the safety of others and conduct themselves in a way that minimises risk.

• Pupils should keep to the left in corridors. • Bullying in any of its forms (physical, verbal, emotional) will not be tolerated. • Pupils should always respect the rights and belongings of others by being considerate and

courteous. • Pupils should be proud of Heolddu and respect the school environment and equipment. We

should all aim to eradicate graffiti and litter. We are an Eco-school. Where wilful damage is caused to school property or premises, parents will be charged for repair or replacement.

• Pupils should always give of their best and learn to take responsibility for their own actions. • Pupils should always comply with instructions given by teaching and support staff.

The Headteachers’s decision on acceptable code of conduct is final IN THE CLASSROOM

• Pupils should line up outside classrooms in a disciplined way until being invited to enter. • Entry to classrooms should be conducted in a quick and quiet manner. • Pupils must not prevent others from learning. • Pupils should ensure that they are prepared for lessons with the equipment they need

and having completed set homework. • Pupils should raise a hand to gain attention or express an opinion. • The environment of the teaching area should be respected. • Pupils should leave each lesson in an orderly fashion.

PARENTS If the code of conduct is broken then your child must accept the consequences of their actions. There are various sanctions that can be applied and your child may:

• Lose break or lunch time privileges • Be given detention after school. You will be given advance notice of this via post. • Be placed on daily report. You will be asked to sign this to show that you are fully aware of

your child being on report and the progress they are making. You will be notified of persistent bad behaviour and may be asked to visit the school. In very serious incidents the Headteacher may suspend your child from school for a limited period or permanently, subject to ratification by the Governing Body. Parents/pupils have the right to appeal. The school always tries to encourage good behaviour and aims to work in partnership with parents and Behaviour Support to overcome any problems that may arise. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, ABSENTEEISM AND PUNCTUALITY Absence from school can seriously affect pupil progress and parents are asked to bear this in mind when deciding on family holidays. Where it is unavoidable and such holidays have to be taken in term time, parents are required to complete a holiday request form, available from the School Office, in advance of the holiday. A maximum of 10 days may be granted.

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Where a pupil is absent due to illness, or any other reason, parents are asked to notify the school on the morning of the each day of absence. If they fail to do this, a member of staff will contact the parent, guardian, or other family member, either by text, telephone or letter, to determine the reasons for the child’s absence from school. Attendance is a key element in the School Development Plan and Mr Ian Parry, Education Welfare Officer, supports the work of the school. If the absence is likely to be a lengthy one you should contact your child’s Tutor so that we can arrange homework or home tuition. Pupils must not leave the school premises without permission. All pupils should remain within the school grounds during the morning break and lunch break. If a pupil wishes to have lunch at home, then they will need to obtain a lunch pass, on the understating that pupils will only spend their lunch break at home and not visit local shops, etc. If a child is unwell they should, in the first instance, present themselves to the Pastoral Support Officer, who will contact parents. If the Pastoral Support Officer is not available, then pupils should go to reception. Pupils must arrive punctually at school and for the start of every lesson. If pupils are persistently late then they may be placed in detention. The school aims for pupils to have at least 95% attendance. ATTENDANCE DATA 2013/2014 (Percentage attendance to 24th May 2014) Percentage Attendance 93% Percentage Authorised Absence 1% Percentage Unauthorised Absence 6% EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL The Headteacher is empowered, as an ultimate disciplinary sanction, to exclude a pupil from the school. This can be for a fixed period or on a permanent basis. In all cases of exclusion, the Headteacher will inform the parent/guardian of the pupil concerned of the decision, the reason or reasons for it, and the length of the exclusion. The Headteacher will also advise the Governing Body and the Local Authority of the decision. Parents/guardians have the right to make representation against the Headteacher’s decision including, ultimately, at a statutory Appeals Committee of the Governing Body. Heolddu considers itself to be an inclusive school and will only use exclusions after carefully considering all other possible sanctions. REWARDS SYSTEM There is an expectation that pupils will work hard, behave appropriately, follow school rules, attend regularly, be punctual and dress correctly. Those pupils who routinely meet these expectations deserve to be recognised and rewarded. During the year, reward trips are organised for those pupils who have been identified as deserving such recognition. Attendance certificates are presented to pupils each term in Assembly. Letters of commendation from the Headteacher and Heads of Year are sent home. Pupils who achieve 100% attendance are rewarded with a special plaque during our annual “Celebration of Achievement” evening. Plaques are also awarded for Academic Excellence, Academic Achievement and many other categories.

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PASTORAL ORGANISATION Heolddu Comprehensive School enjoys an excellent reputation for the way in which it looks after the pastoral needs of its pupils. The happy atmosphere in the school helps to ensure that each pupil is valued as an individual, contributes to the school community and the community in general. Each year group is divided into mixed ability tutor groups. Usually pupils will remain in these classes for registration and pastoral periods up to the end of Year 11. The Head of Year along with the form tutor is the first point of contact for parents with any queries about their child. The school employs a Pastoral Support Officer who works on a regular basis with Heads of Year and the Education Welfare Officer to offer advice and assistance in dealing with any problem a pupil may have of a non-academic nature. This could range from behaviour issues, truancy, attendance problems, etc. TRANSPORT TO AND FROM HEOLDDU Pupils make their own way to school unless buses are specially provided. Caerphilly County Borough Council is responsible for arranging transport to and from the villages of Tirphil, Brithdir and Deri and they supply bus passes for pupils entitled to travel to school. If you experience any transport difficulties you should contact the Transport Department at Ystrad Mynach (Tel No: 01443 864841). Buses arrive at school at approximately 8.30 am. Pupils are expected to behave on the buses as they would do in school. Remember that the school and/or the transport operators have the right to refuse permission for travelling if pupils cause problems. Buses leave school soon after 3.00 pm and pupils who remain in school for whatever purpose (sport, homework clubs etc) should arrange with their parents for a safe journey home. Morning Pick-Up Times

Howells Coaches Time Pick up point 7:50am Leisure Centre Bus Stop, Fochriw 7:58am Bargoed Inn, Deri 8:01am Library, Deri 8:05am The Darran Pub, Deri 8:10am Groes Fan Terrace, Deri

Howells Coaches Time Pick up point Bus 1 8:00am Top of Duff Hill, Aberbargoed - Spar Shop 8:02am Aberbargoed LC 8:04am Lewis Street, Aberbargoed 8:05am Highfield Stores, Aberbargoed 8:06am Sannan Street bus stop 8:07am The Green, Aberbargoed Bus 2 8:15am Britannia, Aberbargoed 8:17am The George, Aberbargoed 8:20am The Balfour, Aberbargoed

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Howells Coaches Time Pick up point 7:50am Tan Y Lan Square, New Tredegar 7:55am VG Stores, Phillipstown 8:00am The Dynevor, Tirphil 8:03am Top bus stop, Brithdir 8:05am The Cenotaph, Brithdir 8:07am Bottom bus stop, Brithdir

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES There are many clubs in Heolddu. Some are run during the lunch hour and others after school. It is important to make the effort to join a club because pupils will: * meet new friends *do something exciting *learn new skills * have the opportunity to go on extra trips *take part in competitions *represent the school SPORTS The school enjoys what are amongst the best sporting facilities in the Caerphilly County Borough because of our shared use of Heolddu Leisure Centre. The excellent facilities include:

• a 25 metre indoor heated Swimming Pool • a 30 metre Sports Hall • a Squash Court • 2 large Tennis Courts • 3 full-scale Rugby and Football Pitches • an Athletics Stadium • floodlit multi-games area • fully-equipped fitness suite • 3G Astroturf – there are strict footwear rules in place.

We encourage pupils to take part in sport because we believe that sporting activities are a healthy and enjoyable way to be part of a “team”. We encourage:

• all pupils to play a full part in sporting life • staff to gain sporting/coaching qualifications • parents to play their part as supporters / volunteers • links with sporting clubs and well-known sporting personalities

SCHOOL MEALS Meals are provided every day through a cafeteria system operated by Caerphilly Catering in the school hall. The school has achieved a ‘Healthy School’ status. There is a wide and varied healthy menu available. The school operates a cashless system with swipe cards. Pupils who bring packed lunches to school should eat them in the hall. The school operates a pre-ordering system, where sandwiches, baguettes and drinks can be ordered and paid for in the morning, using their swipe cards, and collected at lunchtime. Pupils are not allowed to leave the premises at lunchtime unless they are going home for lunch. A lunch pass must be obtained from the school.

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FREE SCHOOL MEALS If parents/carers are receiving Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance then free school meals may also be able to be claimed. Parents/carers may also be able to claim free school meals if they are in receipt of Child Tax Credit without Working Tax Credit. Parents who are eligible will be sent claim forms. Evidence of either Income Support/Job Seekers’ Allowance or a current Tax Credit award notice will need to be provided. If eligible, forms should be completed and returned to the address provided on the form. EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMA) - Year 12 and 13 pupils EMA comes in weekly payments of £30, which go directly into the pupil’s bank account. However, they will only receive the payment if they attend regularly and work hard. To qualify for EMA in the academic year starting September 2014, parental annual household income must be below £23,077. Household Income Number of children in the

household Weekly EMA entitlement

£0 – £20,817 1 £30 £0 - £23,077 2+ £30

DESTINATION OF SCHOOL LEAVERS It is a statutory requirement to report on the destination of pupils from Heolddu Comprehensive School, aged 15 and over: Destination 2013/2014 Age 16 years Course at any school or in Further/Higher Education 134 Employment 13 Other/not known 3 Total 150 CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY Any charges made by the school must meet the requirements of the Education Reform Act 1988. The governors endorse the guiding principles contained in the Act, in particular that no child should have its access to the curriculum limited by charges. AIMS 1. To make a broad programme of trips and activities accessible to as many students as

possible.

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2. To establish and maintain a fair and coherent system of charges within the constraints of the school budget.

PRACTICE

• Charges will not be made for any activities which form part of a prescribed examination syllabus or are in fulfilment of National Curriculum requirement.

• Instrumental music tuition and/or loan of instruments will be compulsorily charged unless it is part of a public examination or National Curriculum course. For September 2012 this is £1 per lesson.

• In practical subjects parents may be asked for the full or partial cost of material or ingredients if they have indicated in advance that they wish to own the finished product.

• Voluntary contribution may be invited for trips taking place mainly within school hours. No child may be excluded because of inability to pay but the school is entitled to cancel the trip if the level of contributions does not meet its budgetary requirements.

• Trips taking place mainly out of school hours are chargeable. • Board, lodging and travel costs will be charged on residential trips, subject to statutory

exceptions. The cost of examination entries for subjects taught within the school will normally be met by the school. In cases where candidates have failed to meet the schools entry criteria but still wish to be entered they may be asked to pay entry fees, returnable on the achievement of grades in those subjects. In cases where candidates fail to turn up for examinations without just cause, the school will charge the relevant entry fee for the examination. In cases where charges are to be levied, parents will be advised in advance and monies collected prior to the activity. Requests for help from parents on income support will be considered and assistance provided within the limits of the school’s budget. Complete confidence will be observed in all matters. Any insurance costs will be included in charges for trips and activities. THE USE OF DIGITAL IMAGES OF PUPILS

It is normal school procedure to photograph sporting, cultural and other activities. These photographs are intended for use as part of our school newsletter and other promotional material. The school also likes to praise and reward pupil achievements and will use images in the newsletter, on display in the school and on its website.

The school will also use videos of pupils as a learning tool. This video will not be used for any other purpose. Examples include recording sequence of movements in PE, field trips, classroom settings for improving literacy, assessment of oral activities.

Where images need to be stored for later use or for examination assessments, they will be held on school secure equipment only. Any stored images will be deleted from these areas after they are no longer needed.

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Complaints Procedure

You should use the formal complaints procedure if you have raised a concern or requested information or an explanation from the school and you are not satisfied that the matter has been resolved or dealt with appropriately. If you wish to make a complaint you should follow the school’s formal complaints procedure as laid down below.

The school has a three stage approach:

Stage 1 What you should do What will happen Who When It is recommended that a complaint should be put in writing either in the form of a letter, with your name, address, contact telephone number, and if you are a parent of a child in the school, stating the name of that child, and should outline:

• the nature of your complaint • any dates or times that are relevant • who was involved • what action you have already taken to try to

resolve the issue (eg who you have spoken to, and what was the response

• what actions you feel might resolve the problem at this stage

Or you may wish to complete a complaints form, available from the school, if you prefer.

• We will send you a letter acknowledging our

receipt of your complaint and a copy of the school’s Complaints Procedure will be included.

• Your complaint will be investigated. This may

involve further communication with you, and/or inviting you to a meeting at the school, at a mutually convenient time. You are welcome to bring a representative with you to any such meetings.

Senior Assistant Headteacher

Posted within 48 hours, or the next 2 working days if appropriate You will be notified, in writing, within 5 to 10 school days of the decision reached and any action taken by the school.

Stage 2 What you should do What will happen Who When If you are unhappy with the decision that has been made by the Senior Assistant Headteacher you will need to ask the school to take the complaints procedure to Stage 2. You can do this by either writing a letter to the Headteacher stating why you are unhappy with the decision, and what actions you feel might resolve the problem at this stage, or by filling in a request form.

• We will send you a letter acknowledging the

fact that you wish to take the procedure to the next stage.

• Your complaint will be investigated. This may

involve further communication with you, and/or inviting you to a meeting at the school, at a mutually convenient time. You are welcome to bring a representative with you to any such meetings.

The Headteacher

Posted within 24hours, or the next school day, if appropriate You will be notified, in writing, within 5 to 10 school days of the decision reached and any action taken by the school.

Stage 3 What you should do What will happen Who When If you are unhappy with the decision that has been made by the Headteacher you will need to ask the school to take the complaints procedure to Stage 3. You can do this by either writing a letter to the school’s Governing Body stating why you are unhappy with the decision, and what actions you feel would resolve the issue at this stage, or by filling in a request form.

• The Chair of the Governing Body will ask the

Clerk to the Governors to acknowledge receipt of your complaint

• The Clerk to the Governors will write to you to

make it clear that all involved parties are entitled to provide written evidence / documentation they wish the committee to consider and the timescale for receipt of this, and will arrange a suitable date, time and venue for the hearing.

• The hearing will be independent, impartial and

fair to all parties. • The committee will reach its decision and will

write to all parties. If your complaint is upheld, the Governing Body will notify you of any action to be taken by the school. If your complaint is not upheld, the Governing Body will make clear that the matter will not be re-opened.

The Chair of Governors The Clark to the Governors The Chair of the Complaints Committee The Chair of the Complaints Committee

Within 5 school days. Hearing within 15 school days. You will be given at least 5 school days’ notice of the date of the hearing, in writing Within 5 school days of the hearing