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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
1
School Handbook 2013/2014
2
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
CONTENTS
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
4
Our Vision
5
A Charter for Catholic Schools in Scotland
6
School Information
7
Our Associated Primary Schools
7
The School Day
8
Main Features of the Accommodation
8
Community Facilities / Letting Procedures
8
School / Community links
9
school / International Links
9
Learning Community
10
Whole School Improvement Plan
10
Standards and Quality Report
10
School Staff
11
Staff List
15
The School Year
16
Transfer / Enrolment
17
Pastoral Care
19
Child Welfare & Safety and Child Protection
23
Equal Opportunities and Social Inclusion
23
Curriculum24
Personalisation and Choice
25
Work Experience
32
Additional Support Needs / Accessibility Strategy
33
Assessment of Students
34
Homework35
Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Values
36
Extra Curricular Activities
39
Out of School Hours Learning and Study Support 39
Data Protection Act 1998 39
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
40
Transferring Educational Data About Students
41
School Discipline
43
Attendance at School
44
School Uniform
45
Glasgow City Council Statement on School Clothing
47
School Meals and Cafeteria Arrangements
48
Transport49
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
50
Medical and Health Care
50
Information in Emergencies
50
Working in Partnership with Parents
51
The Parent Forum and the Parent Council
52
Parent Council Members
52
External Examinations
56
Reports to Parents and Carers
57
Summary of Times for Contact with Parents and Carers
57
Dealing with Racial Harassment
58
Bullying58
Comments and Complaints
59
Addresses and Contacts
60
Appendices62
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School Handbook 2013/2014
ST THOMAS AQUINAS RC SECONDARY
Dear Parent/Guardian
It is my pleasure to welcome you and your family
to St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School.
As a Catholic school our core aims are to nourish
an ethos based on Gospel values of Love, Wisdom,
Integrity, Justice and Compassion, and to develop a
community that is welcoming, caring and inclusive.
As a Catholic School we describe our key mission
as follows: “to develop as a community of faith and
learning, providing the highest quality of education
and supporting the formation of each young person
through the promotion of Gospel values”.
In order to achieve these aims for our school community we need the support of our
parents. Only by working together can we ensure that all the young people in our school
community achieve their maximum potential.
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary is a Roman Catholic, co-educational, secondary school
based in the West End of Glasgow. With the largest catchment area of any school in
Glasgow it is no surprise we serve a very diverse set of local communities from Drumchapel
through Knightswood, Scotstoun, Partick and in to the city centre.
The success of St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School has ensured that this school has
attracted its full capacity of students (950). The school is fully staffed with 55 teachers,
13 subject and 5 pastoral care principal teachers and a senior management team of 5
experienced teachers, who ensure the effective delivery of a flexible curriculum with high
quality teaching strategies.
Teaching staff are well supported by our school chaplain, librarian, technicians, clerical
staff, student support staff, administration and finance assistant and the school business
manager.
If there are questions on any aspect of life in St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School,
please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Yours faithfully
Andrew McSorley
Head Teacher
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
OUR VISION
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School community will:
•
Promote moral, spiritual and religious values which are always consistent with
those which are found in the Gospels and which are integral to the distinctive
Catholic mission of the school.
•
Foster a spirit of cooperation, mutual support and communication amongst
students, staff, parents, the Church and the wider community
•
Care for all its members, respecting each person as an individual who has both
rights and responsibilities to the rest of the community.
•
Prepare students to live as responsible citizens and effective contributors to
society.
•
Seek to provide the widest range and conditions of experience that support and
challenge all students to achieve their maximum potential.
•
Seek to provide the widest range of opportunities for all staff to continue to
develop their professional competence and expertise.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
A CHARTER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN SCOTLAND
SCOTTISH CATHOLIC EDUCATION SERVICE
The mission of the Catholic school is to develop
as a community of faith and learning, providing
the highest quality of education, and offering
formation through the promotion of Gospel
values, through celebration and worship, and
through service to the common good.
All Catholic schools in Scotland, in honouring
Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life,
will feature the following characteristics:
•
A commitment to the integrated education
and formation of the whole person, in close partnership with parents as the
first educators of their young people;
•
An inclusive ethos which aims to honour the life, dignity and voice of each
person, made in the image of God;
•
A commitment to the search for wisdom in life and to the pursuit of
excellence, through the development of each person’s unique God-given
talents;
•
A commitment to the spiritual formation of the school community, through
the shared experience of prayer and liturgy, and in partnership with local
parishes;
•
The provision of religious education programmes which will enable young
people to develop their understanding of Gospel values and of how to apply
them to life;
•
A commitment to uphold the moral teaching, faith tradition and sacramental
life of the Catholic Church;
•
A commitment to communicate Catholic social teaching and thereby to
promote social justice and opportunity for all;
•
A commitment to ecumenical action and the unity of Christians;
•
The promotion of respect for different beliefs and cultures and for inter-faith
dialogue;
•
A commitment to support the continuing professional and spiritual
development of staff.
All members of staff appointed to a Catholic school are expected to support and
promote the aims, mission, values and ethos of the school, as illustrated in this
Charter
Published by the Scottish Catholic Education Service on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
SCHOOL INFORMATION
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School
112 Mitre Road
Glasgow G14 9PP
0141 582 0280 T
0141 582 0281 F
EMAIL ADDRESS
[email protected]
SCHOOL WEBSITE
www.st-thomasaquinas-sec.glasgow.sch.uk
GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL WEBSITE
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/residents/goingtoschool
Denomination:
Roman Catholic
Status:Co-educational
Agreed Capacity:950
Stages Covered:
S1 – S6
Current Roll in each Year Group:S1 225
S2
149
S3
168
S4
196
S5
150
S6
95
Total
965
Likely intake for next three years:2014 193
2015
207
2016
196
OUR ASSOCIATED PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Corpus Christi Primary
Notre Dame Primary
St Brendan’s Primary
St Clare’s Primary
St Ninian’s Primary
St Patrick’s Primary
St Paul’s Primary
St Peter’s Primary
179 Pikeman Road
66 Victoria Crescent Road
170 Hawick Street
15 Kilcloy Avenue
2150 Great Western Road
10 Perth Street
17 Primrose Street
42 Chancellor Street
7
G13 3BH
G12 9JL
G13 4HG
G15 8RP
G13 2AB
G3 8UQ
G14 0TF
G11 5QN
954 5380
334 2762
952 4449
944 2554
959 3242
221 2921
959 3263
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School Handbook 2013/2014
THE SCHOOL DAY
PERIOD 1
PERIOD 2
INTERVAL
PERIOD 3
PERIOD 4
PERIOD 5
LUNCH
PERIOD 6
PERIOD 7
MONDAY
8.45 – 9.35
9.35 – 10.25
10.25 – 10.40
10.40 – 11.30
11.30 – 12.20
12.20 – 1.10
1.10 – 1.50
1.50 – 2.40
2.40 – 3.30
TUESDAY
8.45 – 9.35
9.35 – 10.25
10.25 – 10.40
10.40 – 11.30
11.30 – 12.20
12.20 – 1.10
1.10 – 1.50
1.50 – 2.40
2.40 – 3.30
WEDNESDAY
8.45 – 9.35
9.35 – 10.25
10.25 – 10.40
10.40 – 11.30
11.30 – 12.20
12.20 – 1.10
1.10 – 1.50
1.50 – 2.40
2.40 – 3.30
PERIOD 1
PERIOD 2
INTERVAL
PERIOD 3
PERIOD 4
LUNCH
PERIOD 5
PERIOD 6
THURSDAY
8.45 – 9.35
9.35 – 10.25
10.25 – 10.40
10.40 – 11.30
11.30 – 12.20
12.20 – 1.00
1.00 – 1.50
1.50 – 2.40
FRIDAY
8.45 – 9.35
9.35 – 10.25
10.25 – 10.40
10.40 – 11.30
11.30 – 12.20
12.20 – 1.00
1.00 – 1.50
1.50 – 2.40
Please Note
Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent of a young person
of school age to provide him/her efficient education suitable to the young person’s
age, ability and aptitude.
MAIN FEATURES OF THE ACCOMMODATION
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary is a new build school which opened in October
2003 as part of Glasgow City Council’s PPP Initiative. It is a modern, bright and
well maintained building which provides an attractive learning environment for our
students. There are well equipped staff bases for each department of the school.
Classrooms are bright and spacious and there are several purpose built rooms for
Technical, IT, Home Economics, Art and Science. There are two gyms and a games
hall available in the PE department. There is also dedicated accommodation for
Learning Support.
Lifts are available to all floors allowing access to those with restricted mobility.
There is a social area/dining area available for students at lunch times and
intervals.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES / LETTING
PROCEDURES
The school is available for lets in the evenings and weekends. Lets can be arranged
by completing an application and submitting to Glasgow Life, formerly Culture and
Leisure.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
SCHOOL/COMMUNITY LINKS
As a school Saint Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary recognises the importance of
strong links within the range of communities that the school services. The school
is working hard to develop links with a range of groups to add to those already in
operation e.g. Temple Shafton; Glasgow West Regeneration Area (GWRA); Young
Scot; Simon Community; St Margaret’s Hospice and Bobath Scotland.
SCHOOL/INTERNATIONAL LINKS
Our links with schools in Trinidad, Spain and, now, Bangladesh are flourishing. Last
session a member of staff visited St Joseph’s in Trinidad and one of our students and
teachers went to Spain. We were also delighted to welcome teachers and students
from our link schools to St Thomas Aquinas. Our students are involved in learning
about Global Citizenship, researching biodiversity in Scotland and Trinidad and
comparing notes. We also work in partnership with Glasgow University’s Zoology
department. Being involved in International Education, in the words of our students,
helps us to develop communication skills, introduce us to new people of different cultures,
develop cultural awareness, develop our leadership skills, develop key citizenship qualities,
for example: respect, tolerance, awareness, engagement… The various projects that our
students are involved in have also opened up a number of new learning possibilities
out with the classroom, from helping our students to bond with the elderly in our
local community, to learning how to play the steel pans and being invited to perform
as a steel band at different civic receptions.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
LEARNING COMMUNITY
In August 2010 St Thomas Aquinas RC Learning Community merged with Notre
Dame Learning Community, the newly formed Learning Community now has 8
primaries and 7 pre five establishments.
WHOLE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Over the next three years, our Whole School Improvement Plan will focus
on: Curriculum for Excellence: enhancing the Broad General Education, and
implementing the Senior Phase. Introducing Personal Support as part of a
commitment to meeting every student’s entitlement under Curriculum for
Excellence. Our final priority will be to promote positive behaviour, using the
strategies developed by GCC’s Educational Psychologist Service: “Motivating
Glasgow’s Learners”.
For further information, please follow the link to our website:
www.st-thomasaquinas-sec.glasgow.sch.uk
or contact the Head Teacher.
STANDARDS AND QUALITY REPORT
Each year the school produces a Standards and Quality Report which provides a
whole school evaluation, across all the different contexts for learning. The report
clearly states the progress that we, as a school community, have made in relation to
the priorities set out in our whole school improvement plan.
We are pleased to note an increasing focus on literacy across learning, numeracy
across learning and health and well being across learning within Broad General
Education. The school is fully committed to implementing Curriculum for Excellence
through delivering the Skills for Learning, Skills for Life and Skills for Work through
the eight curricular areas, Inter-Disciplinary Learning and through the opportunities
that the supportive Catholic ethos that flourishes within St Thomas Aquinas.
To read our Standards and Quality Report for last session, and consider our
achievements in more detail, please follow the link to our school website:
www.st-thomasaquinas-sec.glasgow.sch.uk
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
SCHOOL STAFF
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM REMITS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Head Teacher
Andrew McSorley
GENERAL DUTIES
The head teacher is required:
•
To manage the school to the benefit of the students and the wider community
in compliance with the requirements of the statutes relating to the provision of
education and the general duty of care owed to staff and students;
•
Within the framework of the council’s corporate strategies and education
policies to formulate clear aims for the school and policies to ensure their
achievement;
•
To ensure the communication of these aims and policies to all staff, students,
parents and other users of the school;
•
To act, on behalf of the authority, as principal professional adviser to the
Parent Council and to provide to the council such advice and information as is
required by the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988;
•
To encourage and promote the development of the corporate life of the school
and by so doing to create an ethos conducive to healthy relationships, high
morale and sound learning;
•
To contribute more generally to the work of the education authority as
required, for example, by taking part in interview panels or by participating in
working groups formed by the authority;
•
To lead and support the spiritual life of the school and promote a Roman
Catholic ethos;
•
To participate in the collaborative work undertaken within the Learning
Community and to take forward initiatives and priorities as appropriate.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The head teacher is accountable to the education authority through the Executive
Director.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
The head teacher shall be responsible for:
The Management of Staff.
The Management of the Curriculum
The Management of Resources
The Management of Communications
The Management of the Corporate St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School
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School Handbook 2013/2014
Authority
The head teacher shall have authority over users of the day school and shall have
powers to require compliance with all reasonable instructions given to the staff in
relation to the management of the school.
Other Duties
The head teacher shall be responsible for such other reasonable duties as may from
time to time be assigned by the Executive Director.
DEPUTE HEAD TEACHER
The role of the depute head teacher is to assist and where necessary to deputise for
the head teacher in the conduct of the school’s affairs.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPUTE HEAD TEACHERS
The remit of the depute head teacher will be generated from the above head teacher
duties.
All depute head teachers will have responsibilities within the following four areas.
•
•
•
•
The leadership, good management and strategic direction of colleagues
Curriculum development and quality assurance
Whole school policy and implementation
Working with partners
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
•
Teaching commitment
•
Responsibility for
JOHN DOWDS
• PSA’s
Student Support Team
Joint Support Team (links with EAL, ELO and a range of student support agencies)
Language Unit
Student Support Base
• ASL Coordinator to include:
Tracking of students in S1 – S6 with additional support needs
Management of additional support plans for students in S1 – S6
•
LAAC Coordinator
• GCC procedures:
Anti bullying
Anti racist
•
Child Protection Coordinator
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
• GCC Procedures
Misuse of Drugs
•
Overview of S4 curriculum
•
Tracking of student attainment in S4
•
Management of student reports in S4
•
Links with subject departments
•
S4 Student Council
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
KEVIN FERRY
•
Teaching commitment
•
Teacher absence and class cover
•
Raising attainment
•
Curriculum Architecture
•
Supported study
•
Liaison UCAS
•
Overview of the curriculum in the senior school
•
Tracking of student attainment in the senior school
•
Management of student reports in the senior school
•
Links with subject departments
•
Senior Student Council
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
TO BE APPOINTED
•
Wider Achievement
•
Quality Assurance and School Improvement
•
Teaching commitment
•
CPD Coordinator
•
Probationer teachers
•
Student teachers
•
Professional Review and Development Coordinator
•
Primary/secondary transition
•
Overview of S1 and S2 curriculum
•
Tracking of student attainment in S1and S2
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School Handbook 2013/2014
•
Management of student reports in S1 and S2
•
Links with subject department
•
S1and S2 Student Council
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
•
Teaching commitment
•
School Trips and Outdoor Education
•
School Estate (links with Amey)
•
Development of ICT (links with Mitel)
•
Overview of S3 curriculum
•
Tracking of student attainment in S3
•
Management of student reports in S3
•
Links with subject departments
•
S3 Student Council
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LEEANNE EVANS
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
STAFF LIST
Head Teacher
School Chaplain
ART
LorraineTierney PT
Adele DittrichJS
Hazel Guy
Rachel Munro
JS
BUSINESS STUDIES
ChrisInnesPT
IreneMcAulay
SaraMcShane
MartinO'Neill
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Paul YoungPT
Paul McNulty
Derek Regan
ENGLISH
Pauline Kelly
PT
David Armstrong
KirstyBlack
Irene ComelyJS
SusanGatherer
Ann Marie Hughes
JS
LesleyMacLeod
HughReilly
SusanStrathearn
EAL
NarimanneFerman
EuanGirvan
AleksandraJakubow
HOME ECONOMICS
Mhairi Hamilton
PT
ClaireBirney
JulieMcGarvie
LANGUAGE UNIT
Aileen RussellPT
DavidColville
CarlaRisi
Alan Weir
Andrew McSorley
Fr Joe Lappin
LEAD TEACHER - EMPLOYABILITY
AlisonFarquhar
MATHEMATICS
AnnemarieSutherlandPT
MaryCampbell
JaneCreevy
BernadetteDunbar
JenniferFindlay
SiobhanMartin
GerardMcNally
MODERN LANGUAGES
LouiseWhytePT
Maria BourkeJS
PaulaCrichton
Aileen Matheson
Lyn
McLeanJS
PERFORMING ARTS
Geoff Nolan
PT
ThomasHatrick
MonicaMorrison
John Paul Murray
Probationer
PASTORAL CARE
Kath Collins
Maths
AnnmarieD’Arcy Music
StephenHenry Physics
Neil
McGrawHistory
Fiona PalmerGeography
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Marie MackiePT
DonnaCampbell
James Lalley
KristinaWilson
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Brian CairnsPT
Gerry Murphy
Debbie RobertsonProbationer
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
Mairi
CampbellPT
YasminAhmedJS
NailaAli JS
Hadi
Alzuherri
Gillian CairneyJS
BrianGilday
Lesley Leitch
JS
JanetteMaley
Jonathan Paterson
MonaRabie Probationer
SENIOR MANAGEMENT Andrew McSorley
HT
John Dowds
DHT
LeanneEvans DHT
Kevin Ferry
DHT
To be appointed
DHT
SOCIAL SUBJECTS
ChristopherShannon PT
VictoriaBarton
DerekGault
Monica Henry
MairiMacLellan
BrendanO’Neill
SUPPORT FOR LEARNING
Ron DalyPT
Total number of teaching staff is 67 Full time equivalent plus 2 English as a Second Language
SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF
Business Manager
Janitors
Technicians
K Latimer J McCann
SJ
S Laird
Admin & Finance G Gallagher
A McFarlane
A SmithF Hamil G May
Clerical J Bhumbra
B Hunter
SC
Student Support S Higgins
A Crawford
K Black
M Russell
L Hendry
ELO
V Taouss
J Kelly
M McGregor
K Wilkinson
M McAuley
J Kelly
A McKell
Librarian
J HassettE Rinaldi
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School Handbook 2013/2014
THE SCHOOL YEAR
Session August 2013 – June 2014
2013
Return Date for Teachers:
Monday 12 August 2013
(in-service Day 1 – Day 2 13 August 2013)
Return Date for Students:
Wednesday 14 August 2013
September Weekend:
Friday 27 and Monday 30 September 2013
In-service Day 3:
Tuesday 1 October 2013
First Mid-Term:
Monday 14 to Friday 18 October 2013 (inclusive)
Christmas / New Year:
Monday 23 December to Friday 3 January 2014 (inclusive)
2014
Return to School:
Monday 6 January 2014
Second Mid-Term:
Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 February 2014
In-Service Day 4:
Wednesday 12 February 2014
Spring Holiday:
Monday 7 to Monday 21 April 2014 (inclusive)
Good Friday is 18 April 2014
Easter Monday is 21 April 2014
May Day:
Monday 5 May 2014
May Weekend:
Friday 23 May and Monday 26 May 2014
In-service Day 5:
Thursday 5 June 2014
School Closes:
Wednesday 25 June 2014
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
PRIMARY / SECONDARY TRANSITION
Students
A comprehensive programme to support the transition from primary to secondary
exists for all students in our associate primaries. This includes visits by key
members of staff to primaries and a two day visit to St Thomas Aquinas RC
Secondary in May.
Parents
Apart from the scheduled meetings in November and June, parents are welcome to
visit the school to see our facilities and discuss their young people’s future with the
senior staff and the pastoral care team. We wish to encourage a full partnership
with parents and a newsletter will be issued each term to all parents keeping them
informed of the life of the school. Parents will be issued with a copy of the school
handbook in January.
Teachers
There is regular contact between head teachers of our primary schools and St
Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary. Teachers exchange details of courses taught in
order to smooth the changeover to ensure continuity and progression in learning.
Information about strengths and development needs, attainments and skills is also
passed on to the appropriate departments.
TRANSFER / ENROLMENT
Any parent/carer moving into the school’s catchment area during term time or
before the start of the new session should, in the first instance, contact the school to
make an appointment with the relevant year group head.
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5/6
To be appointed
To be appointed
Ms Evans
Mr Dowds
Mr Ferry
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School Handbook 2013/2014
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
PASTORAL CARE
Each young person, on coming to St Thomas Aquinas, is assigned to a Pastoral Care
teacher who is responsible for ensuring that the student is known and has someone
who can be contacted to discuss any issue which may arise. The Pastoral Care
teacher is the person who will establish a close relationship between the home and
the school. Parents are invited to contact their young person’s Pastoral Care teacher
over any concern which may arise at school or at home.
Other duties of the Pastoral Care staff will involve the following areas:
•
Monitoring each student’s overall progress;
•
Helping each student to be independent and responsible for their actions and
decisions;
•
Responding quickly to the needs of the student;
•
Liaison with support and welfare services such as Careers, Social Work etc;
•
Maintaining contact with the home through letters, telephone or in person;
•
Bring together all the information on the student’s development;
•
Assistance with Option Choices.
Tutor teachers will meet with their students once per week during the Personal
Support period. This should mean that a close relationship will develop between
student and Tutor. Most members of our teaching staff will act as Tutors.
Tutor teachers will encourage students in their tutor groups to monitor attendance,
punctuality and progress and help them in setting targets for improvement.
Students will still have their own Pastoral Care teacher and it is this teacher parents
should communicate with should they wish to discuss any aspect of their child’s
progress.
HOW TO CONTACT PASTORAL CARE STAFF
Parents/Carers are advised to contact the school office to make an appointment to
see a Pastoral Care teacher. In an emergency parents may call at the school at any
time and the matter will be dealt with by a member of staff.
Parents are requested to inform the school when their young person is likely to be
absent for any reason. Please give your young person an absence note when they
return to school, giving reasons for the absence.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
Year Group
Pastoral Care Teacher
S1Mrs Palmer
S2Mr Henry
S3Ms Collins
S4Mr McGraw
S5/6Mrs D’Arcy
SUPPORT FOR LEARNING IN ST THOMAS AQUINAS RC
SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Education (Additional support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 places a duty
on schools to identify and make ‘adequate and efficient’ provision for all students
with additional support needs. The term additional support needs has a broad
definition and refers to any barrier to learning.
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School seeks to meet the individual needs of
all students and build on their strengths as they progress through the school. All
members of the support team, including Mr Ron Daly, Principal Teacher Support
for Learning, student support assistants, peripatetic specialists and Psychological
Services work closely to support students with identified additional support needs to
achieve their learning outcomes.
Every opportunity is taken to establish the nature and extent of a student’s support
needs as soon as possible. Close liaison with our associated primary schools
means that information on individual students is available, before the students
join us in August, to ensure continuity of progression. For those students with
additional support needs, review/transition meetings are held with parents and all
relevant agencies and an appropriate support plan is developed.
As students progress through the school, individual subject teachers monitor
achievement and progress closely, and are able to request advice from the Principal
Teacher Support for Learning should additional support needs emerge.
Inclusive education is concerned with helping young people and young people to
achieve equality of access to education. Within St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
School this is seen as a collective responsibility involving every member of staff. We
aim to develop mutual support between home and school and encourage parent’s
participation in the learning of their young person.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
Support for Learning may assist your young person in the following ways:
•
Provide direct, one to one help from a learning support specialist
•
Advice to classroom teachers by learning support staff;
•
Refer to specialist services, eg Psychological Services, Sensory Support etc;
•
Arrange a case conference for students with additional support needs;
•
Provide specialist resources eg ICT equipment etc;
•
Apply to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) for Assessment
Arrangements to be made where appropriate.
The Support for Learning department also provides and contributes to the staff
development programme within St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School.
You are most welcome to visit the school at any time to discuss your child’s
progress and seek advice from our Support for Learning department. Mr Daly,
Principal Teacher, will be happy to meet parents to offer advice regarding any
student’s learning needs.
GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL POLICY
Glasgow City Council has a duty, as outlined in the Standards in Scotland’s
Schools 2000 Act, to ensure that your child achieves their potential. Glasgow’s
Education Services is committed to the inclusion of all children and young people
with additional support needs, where possible, within mainstream schools. This
is in accordance with the statutory requirement in the 2000 Act. It is also part of
Glasgow’s policy to maintain a range of special educational establishments. This
recognises the key role to be played by specialist provisions in addressing severe
low incidence disabilities. The authority recognises that there are a wide range
of factors, which may act as a barrier to your child’s learning. We are committed
to working closely with parents and carers to ensure that you are fully involved
in overcoming barriers to learning. Additional support needs may be linked to
a learning difficulty or disability but could also apply to a child or young person
suffering from bereavement who requires pastoral support, a more able child/young
person or those with a particular talent, which needs to be fully developed. The
policy requires all establishments to provide an environment where children and
young people with additional support needs are actively encouraged to be effective
learners and benefit from their education.
Any parent/carer seeking further advice regarding this policy should contact the
head teacher in the first instance.
21
School Handbook 2013/2014
If a parent is unhappy with the support their child is getting they must first discuss
this with the school in order to seek a resolution at that very local level.
Further information relating to Additional Support Needs is also available on the
Glasgow City Council website:http://www/glasgow.gov.uk/en/Resdients/GoingtoSchool/AdditionalSupportNeeds/
School Handbooks must also contain information of any organisations specified by
Scottish Ministers which provide advice, further information and support to parents
of children and young people with ASN. These organisations re identified under
The Additional Support for Learning (Sources of Information) (Scotland) Amendment
Order 2011 a:
a) Children in Scotland: Working for Children and Their Families, trading as
“Enquire – the Scottish advise and information service for additional support for
learning”, a charitable body registered in Scotland under registration number
SC003527;
b) Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, a charitable body registered in Scotland
under registration number SC033576; and
c) Scottish Child Law Centre, a charitable body registered in Scotland under
Registration number SCO12741
22
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
CHILD WELFARE & SAFETY AND CHILD
PROTECTION
All educational establishments and services must take positive steps to help
themselves by ensuring that programmes of health and personal safety are central
to the curriculum and should have in place a curriculum that ensures that young
people have a clear understanding of the difference between appropriate and
inappropriate behaviour on the part of another person, no matter who.
As with other areas of the curriculum, you will be kept informed of the health and
personal safety programme for your young person’s school.
Schools, establishments and services must create and maintain a positive ethos and
climate which actively promotes young person welfare and a safe environment by:
•
Ensuring that young people are respected and listened to
•
Ensuring that programmes of health and personal safety are central to the
curriculum
•
Ensuring that staff are aware of child protection issues and procedures
•
Establishing and maintaining close working relationships and arrangements
with all other agencies to make sure that professionals collaborate effectively
in protecting young people.
Should any member of staff have concerns regarding the welfare or safety of any
young person they must report these concerns to the head of establishment. The
Head, or the person deputising for the Head, after judging that there may be
grounds for concern regarding the welfare or safety of any student must then
immediately advise the duty senior social worker at the local social work services
area office of the circumstances.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SOCIAL
INCLUSION
The mission of St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary is to develop as a community of
faith and learning, providing the highest quality of education and supporting the
formation of each young person through the promotion of Gospel values.
We endeavour to ensure social justice, fairness and equal opportunity, through
the promotion of the rights and responsibilities of each individual in our school
community.
We respect the inherent human dignity of each member of the school community
regardless of their age, gender, race or religion.
The Education Authority requires every school to produce its own Race Equality
Policy. A copy of the policy is held in the school office. Race is a protected
characteristic in terms of the Equality Act 2010.
23
School Handbook 2013/2014
CURRICULUM
Bringing learning to life and life to learning.
Curriculum for Excellence is now being introduced across Scotland for all 3 – 18
year olds – wherever they learn. It aims to raise standards, prepare our children
for a future they do not yet know and equip them for jobs of tomorrow in a fast
changing world.
Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to
work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and
explore learning together. Glow, Scotland’s unique, world-leading, online network
supports learners and teachers in this and plans are already in place for parents/
carers across the country to have access to Glow.
Teachers and practitioners will share information to plan a child’s ‘learning
journey’ from 3 – 18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to
secondary and beyond, ensuring the change is smooth. They will ensure children
continue to work at a pace they can cope with and with challenge they can thrive
on.
Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills.
Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level
and ability. Every single teacher and practitioner will be responsible for literacy and
numeracy - the language and number skills that unlock other subjects and are vital
to everyday life.
It develops skills for learning, life and work to help children go on to further study,
secure work and navigate life. It brings real life into the classroom, making learning
relevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom.
It links knowledge in one subject area to another helping children understand
the world and make connections. It develops skills so that children can think for
themselves, make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find solutions.
There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their
potential. From 2013/14, new National 4 and 5 qualifications will be in place.
Our well regarded Access, Highers and Advanced Highers will be updated to take
account of and support the new approaches to learning and teaching.
There is personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and make
the most of their opportunities with additional support wherever that is needed.
There will be a new emphasis by all staff on looking after our children’s health and
wellbeing – to ensure that the school is a place where children feel safe and secure.
Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims is to improve our children’s life chances,
to nurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and
responsible citizens, building on Scotland’s reputation for great education.
24
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
PERSONALISATION AND CHOICE
In St Thomas Aquinas, we are fully committed to providing pupils with meaningful
choices about their learning. With the introduction of Curriculum for Excellence
there is clear evidence of personalisation and choice and an increasing focus on
skills for learning, life and work. Throughout First to Third Year (the Broad General
Education phase of learning), students can make choices within subject areas
about particular contexts for learning or area of focus, when appropriate. In Third
Year, students have the opportunity to specialise or focus on particular curriculum
interests, without sacrificing breadth of learning across all curriculum areas.
Throughout the senior phase, students are able to continue studying their desired
subjects.
For the most up to date information about subject choices and progression, please
see our school website:
www.st-thomasaquinas-sec.glasgow.sch.uk
There are significantly increasing opportunities for students to become involved
in the life of the school and wider community and there is an increasing focus on
literacy, numeracy and health and well being across learning and learning outside
the classroom. Students across all stages have the opportunity to participate in a
broad range of activities within and outwith the formal curriculum. In addition to
working in the classroom, a number of departments have arranged trips and events
to broaden learners’ experiences and make them more meaningful. These include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chaplaincy visit to Barlinnie
Cardinal Winning Pro Life Centre
Mark Scott Leadership
Student Council
Trades House Craft Competition
SCIAF
Kelvingrove Art Gallery
Scottish Parliament
Glasgow University – CSI
Glasgow Community Safety Services
S1 Science Club
S1 Scottish Literature Project
Rapid Response
School Choir
Middle school film editing club
Visual Arts studio
Castle Toward Art + Design residential course
Glasgow Museums and Art Galleries
Glasgow University Zoology Department
BAE
Geobus.
25
School Handbook 2013/2014
FIRST – THIRD YEAR (BROAD GENERAL EDUCATION)
The first three years of secondary school seeks to build on the prior learning
achieved in the pre-5 and primary sectors, to provide a Broad General Education for
all students.
For the purposes of managing this critical phase of learning eight curriculum areas
have been identified as the building blocks of the broader curriculum, these are:
Languages, Mathematics, Expressive Arts, Health & Well Being, Social Subjects,
Religious Education (RC), Science and Technologies. These eight curriculum areas
operate alongside a continuing development of students’ literacy and numeracy
skills, and health and well-being, and further opportunities for young people to
develop skills for learning, skills for work and skills for life. All of the curriculum
features noted above are enhanced by opportunities for personal support to ensure
that all young people in St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary develop to become
successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective
contributors.
To deliver the curriculum a timetable is provided for each student; this timetable
balances the time allocated to each curriculum area over the week, by allocating a
number of periods to each subject. (see example Timetable,).
ST THOMAS AQUINAS RC SECONDARY SCHOOL
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
PERIOD 1
8.45 – 9.35
History
Mr O’Neill
S15
8.45 – 9.35
PE
PERIOD 2
9.35 – 10.25
Mathematics
Ms Martin
G38
9.35 – 10.25
English
Ms Campbell
8.45 – 9.35
English
Mr Reilly
F37
Mr Reilly
F37
9.35 – 10.25
Science
Mr Paterson
T09
PERIOD 1
8.45 – 9.35
PSE
Mr McGraw
F20
8.45 – 9.35
Spanish
Mrs Crichton
S21
PERIOD 2
9.35 – 10.25
Mathematics
Ms Martin
G38
9.35 – 10.25
Technical
Mr McNulty
S88
INTERVAL
10.25 – 10.40
10.25 – 10.40
10.25 – 10.40
INTERVAL
10.25 – 10.40
10.25 – 10.40
PERIOD 3
10.40 – 11.30
Music
Mr Hatrick
F59
10.40 – 11.30
Mathematics
PERIOD 4
11.30 – 12.20
English
Mr Reilly
F37
11.30 – 12.20
Science
PERIOD 5
12.20 – 1.10
Science
Mr Paterson
T09
12.20 – 1.10
Art
Ms Martin
G38
10.40 – 11.30
Spanish
Mrs Crichton
S21
Mr Paterson
T09
11.30 – 12.20
History
Mr O’Neill
S15
Mrs Munro
S41
12.20 – 1.10
RE
Mr Cairns
S08
PERIOD 3
10.40 – 11.30
Art
Miss Munro
S41
10.40 – 11.30
PE
Ms Campbell
PERIOD 4
11.30 – 12.20
History
Mr O’Neill
S15
11.30 – 12.20
PE
Ms Campbell
LUNCH
12.20 – 1.00
12.20 – 1.00
LUNCH
1.10 – 1.50
1.10 – 1.50
1.10 – 1.50
PERIOD 5
1.00 – 1.50
Science
Mr Paterson
T09
1.00 – 1.50
Music
Mr Hatrick
F53
PERIOD 6
1.50 – 2.40
Technical
Mr McNulty
S88
1.50 – 2.40
Spanish
Mrs Crichton
S21
1.50 – 2.40
IT
Mrs McAulay
S02
PERIOD 7
2.40 – 3.30
Technical
Mr McNulty
S88
2.40 – 3.30
Personal
Support
Ms Birney
S31
2.40 – 3.30
Mathematics
Ms Martin
G38
PERIOD 6
1.50 – 2.40
English
Mr Reilly
F37
1.50 – 2.40
RE
Mr Cairns
S08
The range of subjects, offered in St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary, is supplemented
by opportunities for inter-disciplinary learning (I.D.L.). Inter-disciplinary Learning
provides contexts for linking learning from a range of subject disciplines, and
identifies, for young people, the connections that exist between the wide range of
subject disciplines studied.
Other aspects of the curriculum, such as enterprise and citizenship, are delivered
both in subject disciplines and through our Personal and Social Education
programme.
During First to Third Year the range of subject disciplines studied will change and
option choices, to support deeper study, are chosen by young people at various
stages during the three year Broad General Education Phase.
26
History
Geography
Business Management
Mathematics (4)
Spanish (3)
27
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
(2 / 2)
CURRICULUM AREA 2
(2 / 2)
French
H.E. (Hospitality)
Tech (Graph Comm)
Tech Design & Manuf)
Computing
Administration
CURRICULUM AREA 3
PE Studies
Drama
Music
Art & Design
(2 / 2)
Curriculum for Excellence – Learner Journeys
SIGNATURE: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... DATE: …………………………………………………………………
PARENT / GUARDIAN (COMMENTS)
PTO
PTO
CURRICULUM AREA 4
SIGNATURE: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... DATE: …………………………………………………………………
PASTORAL CARE / YEAR HEAD (COMMENTS)
COURSE CHOICE
COURSE CHOICE
Religious Ed (2)
P.E. (Core) (2)
PSE (1)
Personal Support (1)
(2 / 2)
English (4)
(Periods)
CURRICULUM AREA 1
Choose 2 subjects in each of the four curriculum areas.
COMPULSORY
COMPLETING FORM BELOW:
NOTES:

Pupils will study English, Mathematics and Spanish as core subjects in S3, and choose 8 further courses.

Pupils will study 7 SQA courses in S4 (4 periods each). English and Mathematics will be compulsory in S4.

Course progression routes for S4-S6 can be considered in the diagram over-page.
PUPIL NAME: …………………………………………………………………………………………… CLASS: …………………………………………………………..
ST THOMAS AQUINAS RC SEC
ST THOMAS AQUINAS RC SEC
COURSE CHOICES FOR S3 (2012-13)
COURSE CHOICES FOR S3 (2012-13)
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
School Handbook 2013/2014
TABLE 2
Subjects offered in St Thomas RC Secondary – Broad General Education
CURRICULAR AREA
SUBJECT
Languages
English
Spanish
Mathematics
Mathematics
Expressive Arts
Art & Design
Music
Drama
Health and Wellbeing
Home Economics
Physical Education
Personal and Social Education
Social Subjects
Geography
History
Religious Education (Roman Catholic Schools)
Religious Education
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Technologies
Design & Technology
Information Technology
SENIOR PHASE CURRICULUM
The commencement of the revised CfE senior phase curriculum begins in 201314. The S4 cohort in 2013-14 will be the first group of students across Scotland to
embark on the new national qualifications.
The school has focussed on a number of design principles in the construction of the
senior phase curriculum structure – breadth, progression and personalisation.
S4
• Having committed to the CfE philosophy of a genuinely broad general education
during S1-S3, we are focussed on ensuring that pupils have the opportunity to
study a sufficient number of subjects in S4 to maintain a breadth of study, and
also create the capacity for further personalisation and flexible choice as they
progress in S5 and S6.
28
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
• Students will study 7 subject courses in S4 – 2 subjects as core (English and
Maths), 5 as elective choices. Additional time will be allocated in the S4
curriculum to ensure that students continue to maximise attainment in St
Thomas Aquinas – 4 periods in each subject - across a full 12-month learning
cycle (May to May).
• The curriculum choice process will be designed to maximise opportunity for
pupils to choose the subjects which best meet their learning needs and future
career pathways. The progression pathways for learner journeys will be
designed so that pupils can access desired subjects at the appropriate level of
national qualification.
• Students will have the opportunity to specialise in particular curriculum areas
by being able to choose more than one subject in relevant curriculum areas such
as the sciences, modern languages, expressive arts, technologies, social subjects
and business.
• The opportunity to specialise in specific curriculum areas will be made possible
by our decision to categorise only English and Mathematics as compulsory core
subjects in S4.
• Additional subjects will be added to the S4 course menu for the first time in
2013/14 – Accounting and Media.
• ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) will be an available qualification
for some students.
• Partnership arrangements with local colleges are being developed which will
provided additional opportunities for S4 students to access 1-year vocational
education courses in tandem with in-school courses of study.
• Pupils will continue to experience valuable learning in two courses out with the
national qualifications framework – Religious Education and Personal & Social
Education.
• Partner agencies within our local learning framework are engaging with the
school to provide greater opportunities for wider achievement amongst our
young people – eg development of pilot schemes with Princes Trust and Duke of
Edinburgh.
S5/6
• Students will choose 5 study choices in S5/6. Significant time is allocated in
the S5/6 curriculum to ensure that students maximise attainment in St Thomas
Aquinas – 5 @ 6 periods in each subject - across an extended learning cycle
(June to May).
• The curriculum choice process will continue to provide maximum opportunity
for pupils to choose the subjects which best meet their learning needs and
future career pathways. The progression pathways for learner journeys will be
designed so that pupils can access desired subjects at the appropriate level of
national qualification.
29
School Handbook 2013/2014
• Students will continue to have the opportunity to specialise in particular
curriculum areas by being able to choose more than one subject in relevant
curriculum areas such as the sciences, modern languages, expressive arts,
technologies, social subjects and business.
• Additional subjects will be available in the S5/6 course menu to ensure that not
only can learners progress through levels in a particular subject, but pupils can
also adapt the direction of their studies by accessing additional courses only
offered to S5/6 pupils. For example - Travel & Tourism, Practical Metalwork,
Practical Woodwork, Employability, Steps to Work, Sports Leadership, Creative
Cake Production and Fashion.
• Partnership arrangements are in place with local colleges which have added
considerably to the range of vocational courses available to S5/6 pupils – these
include Engineering, Construction, Early Education & Childcare, Hairdressing,
Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Computer Games Development. Timetable
harmonisation amongst schools in the north-west area of the authority has made
it possible for students to access these courses without impact on their in-school
courses of study.
• The school expects to continue providing study opportunities at Advanced Higher
level in subjects such as Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Spanish, Art
& Design, Drama and Music. Partnership arrangements with local schools in the
surrounding area allow us all to further widen the choice of Advanced Highers
available to pupils – this has already included Biology, Product Design, Graphic
Communication and Dance.
• Pupils will continue to experience valuable learning in two courses out with the
national qualifications framework – Religious Education and Personal & Social
Education.
WIDER ACHIEVEMENT
St Thomas Aquinas is committed to a curricular philosophy which recognises the
importance of both attainment and achievement. We will continue to find space
in the senior phase curriculum for opportunities for pupils to be involved in wider
achievement experiences, and for learning in this area to be recognised through
accreditation where possible.
This focus area involves ongoing work to establish links with other certificating
bodies so that pupils can build a portfolio of qualifications over the S4-S6 period
which is wider than simply SQA qualifications.
Course options mentioned are only those currently available and, should rolls fall,
the same range may not be available when a first year young person reaches S3 or
S5.
30
B
Maths
31
Administration
Physics
ESOL
History
Modern Studies
Enhancement
S5/6 Option Form 2012/13
Enhancement
Enhancement
Comp Games Dev (A'land)
SfW Hairdressing (Hillhead)
Enhancement
SfW Construction (A'land)
SfW Construction (Anniesland)
Motor Vehicle Eng (Clydebank)
Practical Craft Skills
Employability/Steps top Work
PE Perf & Sports Leadership
DRAFT
Chemistry
Accounting
ESOL
Enhancement
Drama
Business Management
SfW Engineering (Anniesland)
PE Studies
Music
Art & Design
Creative Cake Production
Practical Craft Skills
Accounting
SfW EarlyEd & Childcare (A'land)
Travel & Tourism
Practical Craft Skills
Physics
ESOL
Modern Studies
Administration
ENGLISH
Biology
Geography
MATHS
Travel & Tourism
ENGLISH
ESOL
Practical Craft Skills
Hospitality
PE Studies
French
Drama
Chemistry
Business Management
Accounting
French
Graphic Comm
Drama
Chemistry
Graphic Comm
PE Perf & Sports Leadership
E
Business Management
Physics
Drama
Music
Art & Design
SPANISH
ENGLISH
ESOL
Computing
History
Personal Finance (Maths)
Art & Design
Music
Product Design
Bus Management
SPANISH
ENGLISH
Biology
MATHS
Geography
Please tick if you require interview with Pastoral care or DHT to discuss subject choices
Intermediate 1
Computing
Product Design
Psychology (College)
MATHS
PE Studies
PE Perf & Sports Leadership
Administration
Bus Management
Physics
ESOL
Geography
Modern Studies
SPANISH
SPANISH
ENGLISH
D
Biology
ENGLISH
Art & Design
MATHS
C
History
MATHS
Chemistry
Higher
Intermediate 2
CLASS:
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR CHOICE BY TICKING TO THE RIGHT OF SUBJECT AT THE CORRECT LEVEL.
Geography
A
*S6 only - courses not guaranteed to run, pending pupil uptake & staffing availability
Advanced Higher
NAME:
S5/6 OPTION FORM (2012/13)
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
School Handbook 2013/2014
WORK EXPERIENCE
Work Experience is a crucial element in developing young people’s learning, skills
for life and skills for work. Effective work-based and work related learning can help
young people to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible
citizens and effective contributors to society and at work.
S4 pupils from Saint Thomas Aquinas Secondary School normally go out on work
experience for one week during the month of October each year. As far as possible
these work experience placements are linked to the career aspirations of the
students.
In recent years the world of work has changed considerably. A global economic
crisis and recession have had a big impact on business – the job market,
particularly for young people, has become highly competitive. The financial climate
has created an increased focus on lifelong learning and enterprise and heightened
the need for adaptability and for employability and entrepreneurial skills. Work
experience and work-based learning are vital as they provide live opportunities in
which young people can develop their skills for work and witness jobs and careers
first hand.
The benefits for the students of carrying out such an experience are that they can:
•
•
•
•
•
•
develop a range of transferable skills
enhance their CV
gain useful contacts for networking
explore possible career options and make a positive career choice
pursue their personal and development goals
make a good impression on a prospective future employer.
There are two ways in which a pupil can secure a work experience placement.
System based placements and self-found placements:
System placements are opportunities offered through a system called WorkIt, ran by
Glasgow City Council.
Self-found placements are opportunities that pupils find themselves, maybe working
with relations or friends of their families.
32
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS /
ACCESSIBILITY STRATEGY
The school has a duty to ensure that all our young people have equal access to the
curriculum, supported as appropriate to their individual needs. This covers not
only the content of lessons and teaching strategies but also minor adaptations to
the physical environment of our buildings to address the needs of young people
with physical or sensory impairments, including the relocation of classes to the
ground floor where feasible. We also need to ensure that parents and carers
who have a disability have equal access to information about their child. This
will involve, for example, relocating the venue for parents/carers meetings to
facilitate physical access; provision of an interpreter for people who have a hearing
impairment; agreeing a phone contact system to provide direct feedback to parents
and carers.
PHYSICAL ACCESS
•
•
•
There are no restrictions to physical access.
Specially adapted toilet facilities are available.
Lifts are available to each floor.
COMMUNICATION
•
•
•
Access to translator available by arrangement with school.
Access to signer available by arrangement with school.
1.6 fte English as Additional Language teachers available in school for those
students who require additional help.
CURRICULUM
•
•
In common with schools across Scotland, St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary is
currently developing a response to Curriculum for Excellence.
The needs of all youngsters are met by appropriate learning and teaching
strategies including differentiation.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
•
•
•
All staff, teaching
and support staff, are
briefed annually re child
protection.
All staff, teaching and
support staff, are alerted
to those youngsters with
specific needs.
Directed training is
provided as appropriate
33
School Handbook 2013/2014
School need to ensure that Parents are aware of arrangements to support their child
and direct them to sources of information and advise about additional support for
learning.
The Scottish advice Service for additional support for learning which offers
independent, confidential advice relating to additional support need is:
Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning
Enquire offers independent, confidential advice and information on additional
support for learning through:
Telephone Helpline: 0845 123 2303
Email Enquiry service: [email protected]
Advice and information is also available at www.enquire.org.uk
Enquire provides a range of clear and easy-to-read guides and factsheets including.
The parents’ guide to additional support for learning.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS
Assessments are used for a variety of purposes:
•
To recognise a student’s strengths
•
To recognise and support areas for development
•
To make sure the teaching methods and materials we use are appropriate
•
To provide our students, parents and other bodies with information to make
suitable choices
•
To permit students to achieve their potential and emphasise the positive
progress and attainment of each student.
In assessing the progress of our students we use a range of measures. These
include:
•
Formative assessment of a student’s class work on an ongoing basis – this
may be jotter work, paintings in Art, verbal answers in Spanish, or a dish
prepared in Home Economics.
•
Class tests at the end of a unit of work or at the end of term
•
Homework exercises
•
Investigation or preparation of folio work.
34
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
HOMEWORK
All students at St Thomas Aquinas R.C. Secondary are encouraged to become
independent learners. Homework is set to all students in all years so that they can
gain confidence in working on their own. Homework can assist students to achieve
high standards and to improve grades by:
•
Reinforcing what has been learned in class
•
Allowing practice of skills and processes that need to be developed further
•
Encouraging independent learning and good study habits
•
Providing opportunities for parents to cooperate with the school and to
support their child’s learning.
Students perform most effectively when they are set homework, are encouraged to
complete it by their parents, and have it marked regularly at school. There is very
clear evidence that high parental interest leads to enhanced student performance at
all stages of school life.
There is a planned programme of homework in St Thomas Aquinas R.C. Secondary
which helps students to develop positive attitudes towards learning. Homework
may not always be given in written form but may consist of activities such as:
•
Revision
•
Surveys
•
Projects
•
Research and Enquiry
•
Learning language, words or facts
Parents are asked to assist by regularly reviewing homework diaries, jotters and
notebooks. The amount of homework given and expected obviously varies with the
demands being lighter in S1 and increasing as the student progresses through the
school. Students in First to Third Year should spend around 45 minutes to a hour
each evening, senior students (S4-S6) could reasonably expect to study at least two
hours each evening.
If you are in any doubt about homework, please contact the school.
35
School Handbook 2013/2014
SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, MORAL AND CULTURAL
VALUES
In tandem with the academic excellence that St Thomas Aquinas R.C. Secondary
strives to achieve, as a Catholic school it also seeks to help young people grow in
their faith. St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School offers a programme of spiritual
and religious formation which supports parents in their role as “the first and
primary educators of young people” (RDECS 43), encourages a sense of belonging
to the local and Universal Church, and is consistent with the mission of a Catholic
school.
THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Holding a central role in the religious formation of students is the Religious
Education Programme. Students participate in two periods of Religious Education
each week. A programme of study based on current advice from the Bishops
of Scotland and the Catholic Education Commission (C.E.C.) is followed by all
students. This develops their knowledge and understanding of Catholic faith and
doctrine and affords opportunities to study the beliefs and practices of other world
faiths. Students are encouraged to develop a reflective response to the various topics
studied and to examine their own faith commitment.
CALLED TO LOVE
Additional to the in-house modules which support the delivery of core RE through
all years, the department also delivers the Called to Love programmed across
all years. This national programme for the delivery of Relationships and Moral
Education in Catholic secondary schools across Scotland was developed by the
Catholic Education Service
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE IN THE SCHOOL
As a community of faith, St Thomas Aquinas R.C. Secondary offers opportunities
to celebrate together and to encounter God in prayer and worship. The Liturgical
year is marked through paraliturgies, reflections and celebration of the sacraments
appropriate to the season or time of year. Holy Mass is celebrated for all students
on Holidays of Obligation. Topics studied within the Religious Education Programme
can become the focus for class liturgies, such as the Services of Remembrance held
for S3 while they are studying the Mystery of Death.
The school has a purpose built Oratory where
the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. Holy Mass
is celebrated in the Oratory on Tuesday and
Wednesday mornings during term time and the
Oratory is available for private prayer. ‘Class
Masses’ and the Sacrament of Confession are
celebrated in the Oratory.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School desires that students feel part of the wider
Church, that they have a sense of belonging to their particular parish communities.
To this end the local Parish Priests are invited to participate in school celebrations,
secular and sacred. Links with families are also strengthened through family
celebrations such as the Advent Carol Service.
PARTNERSHIP WITH DENOMINATIONAL BODIES AT LOCAL /
NATIONAL LEVEL
Our School chaplain is Fr Joseph Lappin Parish Priest in St Paul’s, Whiteinch.
• Parish Priests from local deanery attend our First Year Family Welcome Mass,
Patronal Feast Day Mass, Family Advent Service and School Awards Ceremony.
On Holy Days of Obligation they celebrate mass to support our Chaplain.
• Sixth Year students involved in CARITAS programme work closely with their local
parishes giving a minimum of 20 hours throughout their Sixth Year to assist in
various elements of parish ministry.
• Fundraising for charities linked to the Catholic Church (SCIAF during Lent and St
Nicholas Care Fund during Advent)
• Sixth Year students and other students represent St Thomas Aquinas at the
annual Catholic Education Week.
• S1 Students have presented their thoughts and experiences about S1 Retreats to
the Catholic Head Teachers Association of Scotland (CHAS) conference.
THE CHAPLAINCY GROUP
The school chaplain is Father Joseph Lappin. Father Lappin is in the school most
days and is assisted in his work by the Chaplaincy Team. Together they plan the
various liturgies and activities which support the religious formation of students.
This group of volunteer teachers promotes the prayer life of the school, organises
retreats and works with other groups and staff members to arrange charity events
and fundraising activities.
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School encourages students to recognise that
their faith should engender in them a sense of communion with people throughout
the whole world, especially the poor and marginalised, for whom Jesus Christ
had a particular love. Faith should also inspire a feeling of responsibility for the
created world. Students are encouraged to be aware of the needs of those less
fortunate than themselves, both at home and abroad, and are given the opportunity
to put their faith into action through Advent and Lenten appeals, through regular
fundraising events such as the annual charity concert, and by participating in
groups such as the Eco Group and the Fairtrade Group.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
STUDENTS OF OTHER FAITHS
St Thomas Aquinas R.C. Secondary values the presence of students of other (and
no) faith backgrounds in the school. The school is happy to work with parents to
ensure that their young people can celebrate and practice their faith. Parents should
contact the school should their young person require to be absent from school to
attend a religious festival or fulfill a religious obligation. Only written requests
detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will
be granted on not more than three occasions (days) in any one school session and
the young person recorded in the register using code REL on these days.
Parents have a statutory right to withdraw their young person from religious
observance and from Religious Education. Given that St Thomas Aquinas RC
Secondary is a faith school and a wide range of non-denomination schools are
available as alternative this parental right should only be exercised after full
discussion with the Head Teacher.
GOSPEL VALUES
In conclusion, St Thomas Aquinas R.C. Secondary can be described a community
of faith that is built on the values of the Gospel. Through the curriculum, the prayer
and the ethos of the school, students are given the opportunity to live, celebrate and
grow in their own faith.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
We offer a wide range of extra curricular activities in the school and we encourage all
students to participate in one or more clubs.
The following are some of the activities available to students throughout the week and
after school:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Boy’ and Girls’ Football
•
Basketball
•
Duke of Edinburgh
•
Dance
•
Body Combat
•
Fitness Suite
•
Indoor and Outdoor Rowing
•
Badminton
•
Volleyball
•
Uni-Hock
•
3K/10K Training
SFA Early Touches Coaching
Blairvadach Outdoor Activities Week
Musical Groups
Library
Art Department competitions
Technical Department competitions
RE Activities / Groups
SCIAF Lenten Charities
Drop-in Club
Pastoral Group
Annual overseas trip to Paris and Euro Disney
Annual trip to Alton Towers
OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS LEARNING AND
STUDY SUPPORT
At certain times of the year additional after school Study Support is available to S4, S5
and S6 students. Teaching staff supervise each class and are available for consultation
and to offer assistance to students. Students in S4, S5 and S6 are usually offered
additional supported study during the Easter holiday to prepare for the start of the SQA
examinations in April.
DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998
Information on young people, parents and carers is stored on a computer system and
may be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The
information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998 and may only be disclosed
in accordance with the Codes of Practice. For further information please contact the
school.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
(SCOTLAND) ACT 2002
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 enables any person to obtain
information from Scottish public authorities. The Act applies to all Scottish
public authorities including: The Scottish Government and its agencies; Scottish
parliament; local authorities; NHS Scotland; universities and further education
colleges; and the police.
Public authorities have to allow access to the following information:
•
•
•
The provision, cost and standard of its service;
Factual information or decision-making;
The reasons for decisions made by it.
The legal right of access includes all types of ‘recorded’ information of any data
held by the Scottish public authorities. From 1 January 2005, any person who
makes a request for information must be provided with it, subject to certain
conditions.
Further information is provided on the Glasgow City Council web site
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/yourcouncil/freedomofinformation
Internet facilities are provided at all Glasgow City Council Public Libraries and Real
Learning Centres.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
TRANSFERRING EDUCATIONAL DATA ABOUT
STUDENTS
The Scottish Government and its partners collect and use information about
students to help to improve education across Scotland. This note explains why we
need this information, how we use it and what we do to protect the information
supplied to us.
WHY DO WE NEED YOUR DATA?
In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service,
Scottish Government, education authorities and other partners such as the SQA
and Careers Scotland need accurate, up-to-date data about our students. We are
keen to help all our students do well in all aspects of school life and achieve better
examination results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows us to:
• plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all students,
• plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of students,
• better understand some of the factors which influence student attainment and
achievement,
• share good practice,
• target resources better.
DATA POLICY
Information about students’ education is collected in partnership between the
Scottish Government and Local Authorities through the ScotXed Programme which
aims to help schools and Local Authorities by supporting efficient collection,
processing and dissemination of statistical information. The Scottish Government
then provides analysis of the data to support research, planning, management
and monitoring of education services as well as to produce National Statistics
publications.
Education data within Scottish Government is managed effectively by secure
systems and is exploited as a valuable corporate resource, subject to confidentiality
restraints. As part of its data policy, Scottish Government will not publish or make
publicly available any information that allows individual students to be identified,
nor will data be used by Scottish Government to take any actions in respect of
individuals. Data is held securely and no information on individual students can or
would be made publicly available by Scottish Government.
The individual data collected by Scottish Government is used for statistical and
research purposes only.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
YOUR DATA PROTECTION RIGHTS
The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in
accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply with the National
Statistics Code of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding
the confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how
we will use your data. This note can give only a brief description of how we use
data. Fuller details of each individual ScotXed survey, including the purpose of each
and the published data, can be found on the ScotXed website (www.scotxed.net).
Scottish Government works with a range of partners including HM Inspectorate of
Education, Careers Scotland and the SQA. On occasion, we will make individual
data available to partners and also academic institutions and organisations to carry
out research and statistical analysis. In addition, we will provide our partners with
information they need in order to fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing of
data will be done under the strict control of Scottish Government, which will ensure
that no individual level data will be made public as a result of the data sharing
and that these data will not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual.
Decisions on the sharing of data will be taken in consultation with relevant
colleagues and individuals within and outwith Scottish Government.
Concerns
If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email the
Senior Statistician, Peter Whitehouse, at [email protected]
or write to The ScotXed Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ.
Alternative versions of this page are available, on request from the ScotXed Support
Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille and large print.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR IN ST THOMAS AQUINAS RC
SECONDARY
We firmly believe in promoting a policy of positive behaviour. We expect and
encourage young people to act responsibly and exercise self-discipline in and
around the school.
Our fair and straightforward rules for good order are based on students and staff
recognising that we are a Catholic community that cares for one another, and who
exercises mutual respect and consideration, and has regard for the safety of others
in the school.
When this happens we have the appropriate conditions for good teaching and
profitable learning.
Breaches in our Code of Conduct can be dealt with in a number of ways:
• Verbal reprimand by class teacher
• Punishment exercise given and parent/carer asked to sign
• Referral to Principal Teacher
• Pastoral Care Principal Teacher contact parent/carer to discuss student’s
behaviour
In cases of persistent misconduct the student will be referred to the Depute Head
Teacher responsible for the year group and then, possibly, to the Head Teacher. In
more serious cases the Head Teacher may exclude the student for a period of time.
It is our policy to keep parents/carers fully informed at all stages and to seek their
cooperation to resolve any problems. We also encourage parents to contact the
school immediately if they are concerned about any aspect of their young person’s
pattern of behaviour.
CLASSROOM RULES
A copy of these five simple classroom rules is displayed in every classroom.
1
2
3
4
5
Arrive on time in an orderly manner, properly prepared for learning
Follow instructions straight away
Keep hands, feet and unkind words to yourself
Listen to the person who is meant to be talking
Take care of school materials and equipment.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL
Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent/carer of a child or
child of ‘school age’ to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Attendance
must be recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon.
Regulation 7 of the Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland)
Amendment etc. Regulations 1993 requires each young person’s absence from
school to be recorded in the school register as authorised: eg approved by the
authority, or unauthorised: eg unexplained by the parent/carer (truancy) or
excluded from school.
Parents and Carers are asked to inform the school by telephone or letter if their
young person is absent from school for any reason. and to give their young person
a note on his or her return to school, confirming the reason for the absence.
The school will endeavour to contact the parent/carer by telephone or by text if
there is no communication as to the reason for the absence.
Parents/Carers do not have an automatic right to take their child out of school
without permission during term time.
The Head of the establishment can only authorise time off during term time in
exceptional circumstances.
Exceptional circumstances include:
•
Short term parental/carer placement abroad;
•
Family returning to its country of origin for family reasons;
•
The period immediately after an illness or accident;
•
A period of serious or critical illness of a close relative;
•
A domestic crisis which causes serious disruption to the family home, causing
temporary relocation.
Time off during term time for the following reasons is not acceptable and will be
recorded as unauthorised absence:
•
Availability of cheap holidays or desired accommodation;
•
Holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term.
Clearly any absence with no explanation from the parent or carer, is unauthorised.
The Education Liaison Officer will investigate any unexplained absence and the
Authority has the power to write to, interview or prosecute parents/carers, or may
refer the child to the Reporter to the Children’s Panel, if necessary.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
SCHOOL UNIFORM
The appearance of pupils can be an important
sign of the kind of school they belong to. Pupils
who look smart and tidily dressed suggest to
others that they are motivated, well-disciplined
and keen to show that they belong to the one
community – St Thomas Aquinas RC School.
For these reasons, and because we know that
the majority of Parents are in favour of school
uniform, we actively encourage pupils to follow the school dress code. This term
has seen a re-launch of the STA school uniform with the introduction of the school
blazer for all students.
Please show you are proud of your school by following these guideline:
o
o
o
o
o
o
A white school shirt/blouse
Plain black jumper or cardigan
A school tie
Black school skirt* / trousers
Blazer
Black shoes
The main forms of dress that are unacceptable are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Football tops/scarves
Clothing likely to cause offence (anti-religious symbols or political slogans)
Clothing or jewellery likely to cause Health & Safety difficulties
(e.g. dangling earrings, flammable material)
Footwear likely to damage flooring
Baseball caps
Shorts or leggings
Hooded tops
Pupils who are not in uniform should carry a note to say why or they may be
sent home to change. The note should be shown to the Year Head who will sign
it.
The official supplier of St Thomas Aquinas school uniform is:Mansworld
157 Byres Road
Glasgow
G12 8TS
Tel No:0141 357 0400
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School Handbook 2013/2014
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DRESS
The official school PE Kit is available from Mansworld and we strongly recommend
that this kit is worn by all students where possible. Students are reminded that they
must wear appropriate clothing when they participate in physical education classes.
The recommended kit is:
•
•
Gym shoes or trainers
Shorts and a suitable top
Parents’/Carers are asked to ensure that students bring the appropriate PE gear
each time that PE appears on their timetable and they can only be excused
through illness or injury. In such circumstance, either a parental note (short term
exemption) or a medical certificate (long term exemption) should be brought.
Students are not permitted, in the interest of safety, to wear items of jewellery at
PE.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT ON
SCHOOL CLOTHING
SCHOOL CLOTHING
Given that there is substantial parental/carer and public approval of a dress
code, schools in this authority are encouraged to develop a school dress code.
In encouraging a dress code policy account must be taken in any proposals to
prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race or gender. Any
proposals will be the subject of widespread consultation with parents/carers and
young people. Against this background it should be noted that it is the policy of
the Education Children and Families Policy Development Committee to encourage
schools to develop an appropriate dress code policy.
There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school, such as items of clothing
which:
• Potentially, encourage faction (such as football colours);
• Could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans);
• Could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing,
dangling earrings, clothing made from flammable material, for example shell
suits in practical classes;
• Could cause damage to flooring;
• Carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco;
• Could be used to inflict damage on other young people or be used by others to
do so.
Under no circumstances will young people be deprived of any educational benefit as
a result of not wearing clothing conforming to the school’s dress code policy.
Parents/Carers receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based),
Working Tax Credit (with a total annual income of less than £15050*), Housing
Benefit, or Council Tax Benefit will normally be entitled to monetary grants for
footwear and clothing for their young people. Approval of any requests for such
grants made by parents/carers in different circumstances is at the discretion of
the Executive Director of Education. Information and application forms may be
obtained from schools and from Grants Section at Education Services headquarters.
Glasgow City Council is concerned at the level of claims being received regarding
the loss of young peoples clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents/Carers
are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily
expensive items of clothing are not brought to school.
Parents/Carers should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the
loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the
authority can be shown to have been negligent.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
SCHOOL MEALS AND CAFETERIA
ARRANGEMENTS
We operate a cafeteria system – The Fuel Zone – where students are provided
with a wide choice of meals and snacks. We encourage students to use the school
facilities and we promote a policy of healthy eating. Our lunch is from 1.10 - 1.50
on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 12.20 - 1.00 on Thursday and Friday.
Students who have special dietary needs should inform their Pastoral Care teacher
who will make the necessary arrangements.
It is in the interest of schools and parent/carers to ensure that all students who are
entitled to a free school meal complete the application form. Schools with a high
level of young people registered for free school meals attract additional funding
benefits for the school overall. All parents/carers eligible for free school meals
for their young person/young people are therefore encouraged to register their
entitlement thus assisting the school in gaining additional support.
Children and young people of parents/carers receiving Income Support, incomebased Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit (where income is less than
£6,420), Child Tax Credit only (where income is less than £15,860*) and incomerelated Employment and Support Allowance are entitled to a free midday meal.
Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from
schools and from Grant Section at Education Services headquarters.
*Income amount effective from 1 April 2011 and may be changed by the Department
for Work and Pensions.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
TRANSPORT
GENERAL
The education authority has a policy of providing free transport to all secondary
young people who live more than 2.2 miles from their local school by the recognised
shortest walking route. This policy is more generous than the law requires. This
means that the provision of transport could be reviewed at any time. Parents/Carers
who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school
office or Education Services. These forms should be completed and returned before
the end of February for those young people beginning school in August to enable
the appropriate arrangements to be made.
Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year but may be subject
to delay whilst arrangements are made. The appropriate officer has discretion in
special circumstances to grant permission for young people to travel in transport
provided by the authority, where spare places are available and no additional costs
are incurred.
The authority has an Exceptional Circumstances policy in relation to, for example,
homelessness, parental/carer disability, etc. Details are available from the school.
There is also a procedure to request transport on medical rounds. The school can
advise on procedures.
PICK UP POINTS
Where free transport is provided it may be necessary for young people to walk a
certain distance to the vehicle pick up point. Walking distance in total including the
distance from home to the pick up point and from the drop off point to the school
in any one direction will not exceed the authority’s limits (see above paragraph).
It is the parent’s/carer’s responsibility to ensure that their child arrives at the pick
up point in time. It is also the parents’/carer’s responsibility to ensure the young
person behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding, travelling in and
alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour could result in your young person losing
the right to free transport.
PLACING REQUESTS
The education authority does not provide transport for those young people in
receipt of a placing request other than in individual exceptional circumstances and
where appropriate legislation applies.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE
(EMA)
An EMA is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for young people who are planning to
stay on at school in post-compulsory education and who are willing to participate
in an approved learning agreement at school for a minimum of 21 guided learning
hours per week.
Further information on full eligibility criteria and application forms can be obtained
from the school office.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE
The school no longer benefits from a full time nurse but a school nurse organises
immunisations and maintains school medical records. Various inoculations are
provided by the National Health Service and parents/carers are informed in good
time to allow them to make any necessary specific arrangements.
Should a young person take ill during the day the parent/carer will be contacted by
the school office.
When a serious accident occurs an ambulance is summoned immediately and the
parent/carer is contacted at the same time. It is for this reason the school must
have the name and telephone number of an ‘emergency’ contact.
Parents’/carers’ who have young people with a known medical condition should
ensure that the school has the details in order that we may respond properly if an
emergency arises. Parents/carers should record all health and medical changes on
the Annual Data Check which is issued to parents/carers each August. Any changes
during the school session should be brought to the attention of the young person’s
Pastoral Care Principal Teacher.
INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES
We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions
circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for
example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or
difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we will do all we can to let you know about
the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you informed by using letters,
notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local places of
worship and announcements in the press and local radio.
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS
We welcome and fully endorse not only your rights as parents to be involved in
the education of your child but also the key role that you play in supporting your
child’s learning. There are various workshops – run by different curricular areas,
for example maths, and English to name but two – for First Year parents to find out
more about their child’s learning.
Parents are encouraged to support their son / daughter in his / her learning.
This should include discussing the work being covered, establishing a routine for
homework and study, checking your child’s homework record, revising work etc.
and encouraging the wearing of the full school uniform.
Should you have any questions about your child’s personal and social education
(PSE), contact Mr Dowds (DHT), Pastoral Care co ordinator.
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School Handbook 2013/2014
THE PARENT FORUM AND THE PARENT
COUNCIL
PARENT COUNCIL MEMBERS
John Dunphy
Karen Speirs
Andrew McSorley
Fr Joe Lappin
Margaret Bland
Maureen Bruijstens
Nick Quail
Jo Bateman
Julie Hayes
Chair
Secretary
Head Teacher
School Chaplain
The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 has changed the
arrangements for parental representation in all schools. Since August 2007, all
parents/carers are automatically members of the Parent Forum for their school and
they have a right to establish a Parent Council to represent them.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE PARENT COUNICL
Generally, members of the Parent Council must be parents/carers of children and
young people who attend the school and the chairperson must have a child or
young person in the school. However, the Parent Council can decide to co-opt other
members from teachers and the community who will have knowledge and skills to
help them.
PARENT COUNCIL
The Parent Council is a group of parents/carers selected by members of the Parent
Forum to represent all the parents/carers of young people at the school. Parent
Councils are very flexible groups and the Parent Forum can decide on the type of
group it wants to represent their views. The type of things a Parent Council could
get involved in includes:
•
Supporting the work of the school;
•
Gathering and representing parents’/carers’ views to the Head Teacher,
education authority and HMIe;
•
Promoting contact between the school, parents’/carers, young people and the
local community;
•
Fundraising;
•
Involvement in the appointment of senior school staff.
Parent Councils are recognised in law from August 2007. As a statutory body, the
Parent Council has the right to information and advice on matters which affect
young people’s education. So, the school and the local authority must listen to
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St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
what the Parent Council says and give it a proper response. Every school’s Parent
Council will be different because it will be parents/carers in each school who make
the key decisions. The Parent Council is also entitled to support from the education
authority in fulfilling its role.
PARENT COUNCIL ST THOMAS AQUINAS RC SECONDARY
1.
2.
This is the constitution for St. Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School Parent
Council.
The objectives of the Parent Council are:
a. To promote partnership between the school, its students, all parents and
the Catholic Church;
b. To assist the school in achieving its goals and aims in the human and
spiritual formation of students in accordance with the mission of the
Catholic Church;
c. To work in partnership with St. Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School to
create a welcoming school which is inclusive for all parents;
d. To develop and engage in activities which support the education and
welfare of the students of St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School:
including social events and fundraising;
e. To identify and represent the views of parents on the education provided
by St. Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School and other matters affecting
the education and welfare of its students.
3.
The membership will be …
a. 5 to 14 parent members
b. 1 Church Nominee from the local Diocese
c. 1 to 3 staff members (teaching and other staff)
4.
The Head Teacher has a duty and a right to attend all meetings but has
no voting rights. There will be a minimum of five parents of young people
attending the school. The maximum size is 12 parents, excluding co-opted
members. For a vote to be held there must be at least 6 members including at
least one non parent member
5.
The Parent Council will be selected for a period of 3 years, after which they
may put themselves forward for re-selection if they wish. Any parent of a
young person at the school can volunteer at the AGM to be a member of the
Parent Council. Where possible, 2 representatives for each year group (or
stage) will be elected. If each year group (stage) allocation is not filled, the
places could be given to the parents of another year group (stage). In the event
that the number of volunteers exceeds the number of places set out in the
constitution, members will be selected by ballot. Anyone not selected to be a
member of the Parent Council may be offered the opportunity to be part of any
sub-group set up by the Council.
6.
The Parent Council may co-opt members to assist it with carrying out its
functions. Co-opted members will be invited to serve for a period of 3 years,
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School Handbook 2013/2014
after which time the Parent Council will review and consider requirements for
co-opted membership. The Parent Council will invite the student council to
delegate two representatives for each meeting. The Parent Council can choose
invite outside parties with a special interest in the School to attend meetings.
Co-opted members and those invited to attend the parent council meetings do
not have a vote.
7.
If the Parent Forum decides to have office bearers, the positions of Chair,
Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the Council will be agreed by the Parent Council
members immediately following its formation. Office bearers will be reselected by the Parent Council on an annual basis at the start of each session.
The Parent Council shall be chaired by a parent of a young person attending
St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School. If the young person ceases to be a
student at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, a new Chair shall be agreed
at the next meeting.
8.
The Parent Council is accountable to the Parent Forum for St. Thomas
Aquinas RC Secondary School and will make a report on its activities to the
Parent Forum at least once each year. If 10% of members of the Parent Forum
request a special general meeting to discuss issues falling within the Council’s
remit, the Parent Council shall arrange this. The Parent Council shall give all
members of the Forum at least 2 term weeks notice of the meeting and, at the
same time, circulate notice of the matter, or matters, to be discussed at the
meeting.
9.
The Annual Meeting of the Parent Forum will be held within the first term of
each school year. A notice of the meeting including date, time, and place will
be sent to all members of the Parent Forum at least 2 weeks in advance. The
meeting will include:
a. a report on the work of the Parent Council and its committee(s)
b. a report by the Head Teacher on the work of the school
c. selection of the new Parent Council
d. discussion of issues that members of the Parent Forum may wish to raise
e. approval of the accounts and appointment of the auditor.
10. The Parent Council will meet at least once per term. Should a vote be
necessary to make a decision, each member at the meeting will have one
vote, with the Chair having a casting vote in the event of a tie. (i.e. parents,
staff, Church representative) Student representatives should withdraw when
any confidential matters are being discussed. Any two members of the Parent
Council can request that an additional meeting be held, and all members of
the Parent Council will be given at least two term weeks’ notice of date, time
and place of the meeting. If a Parent Council member acts in a way that
is considered by other members to undermine the objectives of the Parent
Council, their membership of the Parent Council shall be terminated if two
thirds of the parent and co-opted members agree. Termination of membership
would be confirmed in writing to the member.
54
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
11. Copies of the minutes of all meetings shall be available to all parents of young
people at St. Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School and to all teachers at the
school. Copies shall be available from the Clerk to the Parent Council, from the
school office and from the school web site. Copies of the minutes should be
sent to the Local Authority.
12. Meetings of the Parent Council shall be open to all members of the Parent
Forum, unless the Parent Council is discussing an issue which it considers
should be dealt with on a confidential basis. In such circumstances, only
members of the Parent Council and the head teacher, or their representative,
can attend. Individual staff or students should not be discussed.
13. The Treasurer shall open a bank or building society account in the name
of the Parent Council for all Parent Council funds. There should be three
signatories for the bank account. Withdrawals shall require the signature
of the Treasurer and one other Parent Council member. The Treasurer shall
keep an accurate record of all income and expenditure, and shall provide a
summary of this for each Parent Council meeting and a full account for the
Annual Meeting. The Parent Council accounts shall be audited by the auditor
appointed at the previous Annual Meeting.
14. The Parent Council shall be responsible for ensuring that all monies are used
in accordance with the objectives of the Parent Council.
15. The Parent Council may change its constitution after obtaining consent from
two thirds of the members of the Parent Forum at an AGM or EGM. Members
of the Parent Forum shall be sent a copy of any proposed amendment and
given reasonable time to respond to the proposal.
16. The Parent Council will have the authority to establish sub-groups or working
parties for a specific purpose. Each working group may decide upon its own
constitution to be ratified by the Parent Council. Members of these groups can
be members of Parents Council, co-opted members or volunteers. If a fundraising group is set up, the Treasurer of the Parent Council will be a member.
All monies will be lodged in the Parent Council account. The sub-group will
have the authority to distribute its funds in a way that meet the objectives of
the Parent Council and can access its funds by submitting a requisition to the
Treasurer of the Parent Council. The Treasurer will provide regular financial
reports to the sub-group and the Parent Council.
17. Should the Parent Council cease to exist, any remaining funds shall be passed
to the education authority to be used for the benefit of the St. Thomas Aquinas
RC Secondary School or its replacement.
Note; for the purposes of this constitution Parent should be taken to mean the
Legal Guardian of a student of St. Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School.
55
School Handbook 2013/2014
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student councils operate in all year groups and provide a formal mechanism for
involving young people in decision making about learning and teaching and our
school community. Year group councils feed into the whole school student council
and senior students represent the school at the authority-wide student forum.
EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS
With regard to entering children and young people for public examination, schools,
in Scotland, in consultation with young people/parents/carers, normally decide on
presentation for examinations. However in the final analysis, the school will accede
to the wishes of the parents/carers.
SQA AWARDS
Within St Thomas Aquinas the following Scottish Qualification Authority Awards
are available:
Access 3
National 4
National 5
Higher
Advanced Higher
Internally assessed – pass or fail
Internally assessed – pass or fail
Internally and externally assessed – graded A-C
Externally assessed – grades A-C
Externally assessed – graded A-C
Performance which just fails to achieve ‘pass’ standard is designated as band D
SQA ANALYSIS
For S4 SQA results for the ‘percentage of students achieving’ under any heading is
calculated by expressing the number of students achieving as a percentage of the
S4 roll in September, at the start of the school year. The percentage shown under
S5 and S6 headings is calculated by expressing the number of students achieving in
S5 and S6 as a percentage of the original S4 roll.
For National Certificate results the ‘percentage of students achieving’ under any
heading is calculated by expressing the number of students as a percentage of
either the combined S3 and S4 roll or the combined S5 and S6 roll as appropriate at
September.
The S4 to S5 staying on rate is calculated by expressing the S3 roll at the start of
the second term (January) as a percentage of the roll of the same group of students
when they were in S4 at September of the previous school year.
Where a student is presented for an examination at standard grade in the same
subject at more than one level, only account is taken of the highest grade attained.
Where figures or percentages based on a number of students attaining certificates
under any particular heading is between 1 and 4, no information should be given
and *** inserted in place of the figures.
56
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
REPORTS TO PARENTS AND CARERS
During the course of the year, parents’/carers will have the opportunity of attending
at least one meeting with staff to discuss their child’s progress. Before each meeting
a report will be posted to parents which will give an indication of the progress and the
level of attainment which your child has reached at that time.
These year group meetings are held after school
Where applicable, parents will be informed of progress in relation to ASL targets
contained within their young person’s Additional Support Plan on a termly basis.
A summary of times for contact with Parents and Carers is provided below.
SUMMARY OF TIMES FOR CONTACT WITH
PARENTS AND CARERS
Range of Contacts
Report(s) to parents and carers
Timing (eg Late November, early
May)
September
September
October
October
October
November
November
December
January
February
February
March
March
April
June
June
Planned interviews and meetings October
with parents and carers
November
January
February
March
April
Year Groups and any relevant
details
S5/6 Early Alert 1
S4 Interim Report
S5/6 Early Alert 2
S2 Interim Report
S1 Interim Report
S5/6 Interim Reports
S3 Interim Report
S1 interim Report
S4 Reports
S2 Reports
S5/6 Reports
S4 Interim Reports
S3 Reports
S1 Reports
New S3 Interim Reports
New S4 Interim Reports
S1 Parents' Evening
S5/6 Parents' Evening
S4 Parents' Evening
S2 Parents' Evening
S3 Parents' Evening
S1 Parents' Evening
Meetings / visits for new parent
and carers or parents and carers
at points of transfer to S1, S3
and S5
September
September
November
February
February
May
UCAS Information Evening S5/6
S5 Curriculum Information
Evening
P7 Parents' Evening
S2 Options Information Evening
S3 Options Information Evening
P7 Information Evening
Prelims / SQA Examinations
December
December
February
April
May
S4 Prelims
S5/6 Class Exams
S5/6 Prelims
S4 SQA Examinations
S5/6 SQA Examintions
Newsletter
Newsletter to parents and carers.
Two per term.
57
School Handbook 2013/2014
DEALING WITH RACIAL HARASSMENT
The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination and harassment based on
‘protected characteristics’. The ‘protected chrematistics’ in relation to schools are:
disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex
and sexual orientation. The Act makes it unlawful for a school to discrimate against
a pupil in relation to admissions, provision of education, access to any benefit, facility
or service and exclusions. The Act also makes it unlawful for a school to harass or
victimise an applicant or pupil.
In 1999 the guidelines, ‘Dealing with Racial Harassment’ were issued to assist all teaching
staff in dealing with such incidents.
The adoption of an anti-racist approach should be seen as one part of the continuing
attempt to improve the quality of education.
Glasgow City Council recognises that support from the home is essential if these aims
are to be achieved. Every young person in Glasgow has the right to be happy and
secure at school.
The authority’s arrangements for identifying and dealing with children and young
persons with additional support needs are contained within the document “Every Child
in Included” which can be accessed by clicking the following Glasgow City Council
website link
www.glasgow.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/560241D1-1C81-4749-8FDC-BCC9F711DAAB/0/
EveryChildIncudledPolicy.pdf
BULLYING
Bullying behaviour will not be tolerated within Glasgow City Council’s educational
establishments. All young people in Glasgow’s educational establishments have an
entitlement ‘to work (and play) in a learning environment in which they feel valued,
respected and safe and are free from all forms of abuse, bullying or discrimination’. (A
Standard for Pastoral Care in Glasgow Schools).
In 2009, Glasgow City Council published its revised Anti-Bullying Policy, incorporating
the requirement to record and report all discriminatory behaviour within educational
establishments. All establishments are required to review their policy in light of this.
Parents and carers have a significant role to play in helping to address this problem. For
this reason any anti-bullying strategy must stress the importance of partnership with the
parent and carers of their children.
The policy can be viewed on our school’s website or a copy can be requested from the
school office.
58
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTS
If you have a comment or complaint please approach the Head Teacher in the first
instance.
If the Head Teacher does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you should contact
our Customer Liaison Unit who will:
•
•
•
Take a totally neutral stance in fully investigating your complaint.
Acknowledge receipt of your complaint within five working days.
Give a full written response within a further ten working days, unless another
timescale has been agreed.
The Customer Liaison Unit can be contacted by phone or email:
Phone 0141 287 3655 / 4688Email [email protected]
Customer Liaison Unit
Education Services
Glasgow City Council
Wheatley House
25 Cochrane Street
Glasgow G1 1HL
59
School Handbook 2013/2014
ADDRESSES AND CONTACTS
Executive Director of Education
Maureen McKenna
Assistant Director of Education
Ian Robertson
Area Education Officer - West
Jim Wison
Education OfficesWheatley House
25 Cochrane Street
Glasgow G1 1HL
Tel 287 2000 (switchboard)
Email
[email protected]
Skills Development Scotland
3 Byres Road
Glasgow G11 5RD
Tel
0800 917 8000 (Free phone)
School Careers Adviser
Mark Leitch/Lesley McLeod
Tel 582 0280
Monday - Friday
Glasgow Translation and
Interpreting Service
City Chambers East
40 John Street
Glasgow G1 1JL
Tel 0141 287 7076
Glasgow LifeSchool Letting Section
Tel 302 2814 / 2815
Local Councillors
Ward 12 – Partick West
Councillor Martin Bartos
Scottish Green Party
Councillor Aileen Colleran
Scottish Labour Party
Councillor Feargal Dalton
Scottish National Party
Councillor Kenny McLean
Scottish National Party
Area Business Manager
Kirsteen Latimer
Gaelic School
147 Berkeley Street
Glasgow
G3 7HP
Tel:
0141 270 1279
60
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
Although this information is correct at time of printing, there could be
changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document:
• before the commencement or during the course of the school year in
question;
• in relation to subsequent school years.
61
School Handbook 2013/2014
APPENDICES
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Education Authority: Glasgow City
Leaver Destinations
Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2011/2012 And Percentage With Destination
As:
Total Number of Leavers (=100%)
Higher Education
Further Education
Training
Employment
Other Known
Not Known
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
Key to symbols:
Percentages for schools where the number of leavers is greater than 0 but less than 5 have been
replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals.
The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years because
the school has recently opened or merged with another school, or is temporarily closed.
Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2012-2013
School Roll at September 2011
Total School Running Costs at April 2012 (£)
Cost per Pupil (£)
**
**
**
Key to symbols: The symbol ## indicates that the data are not available.
Attendance And Absence For School Year 2011/2012
Total
Number of
Possible
Attendances
(Pupil Half
Days)
Percentage
Authorised
Absences
Percentage
Unauthorised
Absences
S1
S2
S3
**
**
**
**
Stage
S4
S5
S1-5
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
Key to symbols:
Asterisks (**) have been inserted instead of figures for some schools and categories:
 Counts and percentages based on data for more than 0 but fewer than 5 pupils, because
they could be misleading or lead to the identification of individuals.
 In other cases, it is not possible for the school to have any data for the category, for
example, cases where the relevant year group roll figure is zero.
The symbol (##) indicates that the school has recently opened or merged with another school and
this information is not available.
62
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Education Authority: Glasgow City
Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll
In September Of The Previous Session
2009/2010
64
2010/2011
68
2011/2012
75
Examination Results (within Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
(2011/2012 results are pre-appeal)
By end
of S4
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
5+ @ level 3 or better
5+ @ level 4 or better
5+ @ level 5 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
89
91
94
69
72
73
24
26
27
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
By end
of S5
1+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
32
33
37
By end
of S6
3+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
22
24
25
3+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
17
17
18
5+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
8
7
8
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
5+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
13
15
16
2009/
2010
7
1+ @ level 7
2010/
2011
9
Key to symbols:
Counts and percentages for year groups which contain more than 0 but less than 5 pupils are
replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals.
The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years.
Possible reasons for this include: the school has recently opened or merged with another school;
S5 and S6 results for S1-S4 schools; S4, S5 and S6 results for S1-S2/S3 schools; cases where
the relevant year group roll figure is zero.
63
2011/
2012
8
School Handbook 2013/2014
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Education Authority: Glasgow City
Minimising Overall Absence
Absence
Absence recorded
(2010/2011)
Average number of
half days absence
per pupil
**
Absence recorded
(2011/2012)
Average number of
half days absence
per pupil
**
Where schools have 9 openings per week, please note that all local authority and national figures
are based on 10 openings per week, and so are not directly comparable.
Key to symbols: The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with
other years.
For Information:
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
levels:
Level 7
CSYS at A-C; Advanced Higher at A-C
Level 6
Higher at A-C
Level 5
Intermediate 2 at A-C; Standard Grade at 1-2
Level 4
Intermediate 1 at A-C; Standard Grade at 3-4
Level 3
Access 3 Cluster; Standard Grade at 5-6
64
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
National Data
Leaver Destinations
Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2011/2012 And Percentage With Destination
As:
Total Number of Leavers (=100%)
Higher Education
Further Education
Training
Employment
Other Known
Not Known
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
Key to symbols:
Percentages for schools where the number of leavers is greater than 0 but less than 5 have been
replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals.
The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years because
the school has recently opened or merged with another school, or is temporarily closed.
Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2012-2013
School Roll at September 2011
Total School Running Costs at April 2012 (£)
Cost per Pupil (£)
**
**
**
Key to symbols: The symbol ## indicates that the data are not available.
Attendance And Absence For School Year 2011/2012
Total
Number of
Possible
Attendances
(Pupil Half
Days)
Percentage
Authorised
Absences
Percentage
Unauthorised
Absences
S1
S2
S3
**
**
**
**
Stage
S4
S5
S1-5
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
Key to symbols:
Asterisks (**) have been inserted instead of figures for some schools and categories:
 Counts and percentages based on data for more than 0 but fewer than 5 pupils, because
they could be misleading or lead to the identification of individuals.
 In other cases, it is not possible for the school to have any data for the category, for
example, cases where the relevant year group roll figure is zero.
The symbol (##) indicates that the school has recently opened or merged with another school and
this information is not available.
65
School Handbook 2013/2014
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
National Data
Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll
In September Of The Previous Session
2009/2010
72
2010/2011
75
2011/2012
77
Examination Results (within Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
(2011/2012 results are pre-appeal)
By end
of S4
By end
of S5
By end
of S6
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
5+ @ level 3 or better
5+ @ level 4 or better
5+ @ level 5 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
92
93
94
78
79
80
36
36
37
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
1+ @ level 6 or better
3+ @ level 6 or better
5+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
43
45
46
25
26
27
11
12
13
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
3+ @ level 6 or better
5+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
33
35
36
22
24
25
15
1+ @ level 7
2010/
2011
16
Key to symbols:
Counts and percentages for year groups which contain more than 0 but less than 5 pupils are
replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals.
The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years.
Possible reasons for this include: the school has recently opened or merged with another school;
S5 and S6 results for S1-S4 schools; S4, S5 and S6 results for S1-S2/S3 schools; cases where
the relevant year group roll figure is zero.
66
2011/
2012
16
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
National Data
Absence
Minimising Overall Absence
Absence recorded
(2010/2011)
Average number of
half days absence
per pupil
**
Absence recorded
(2011/2012)
Average number of
half days absence
per pupil
**
Where schools have 9 openings per week, please note that all local authority and national figures
are based on 10 openings per week, and so are not directly comparable.
Key to symbols: The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with
other years.
For Information:
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
levels:
Level 7
CSYS at A-C; Advanced Higher at A-C
Level 6
Higher at A-C
Level 5
Intermediate 2 at A-C; Standard Grade at 1-2
Level 4
Intermediate 1 at A-C; Standard Grade at 3-4
Level 3
Access 3 Cluster; Standard Grade at 5-6
67
School Handbook 2013/2014
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
School: St Thomas Aquinas Secondary
Id No.: 260 - 8438838
Leaver Destinations
Number Of Pupils Leaving In School Year 2011/2012 And Percentage With Destination
As:
Total Number of Leavers (=100%)
Higher Education
Further Education
Training
Employment
Other Known
Not Known
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
Key to symbols:
Percentages for schools where the number of leavers is greater than 0 but less than 5 have been
replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals.
The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years because
the school has recently opened or merged with another school, or is temporarily closed.
Budgeted Running Costs For Financial Year 2012-2013
School Roll at September 2011
Total School Running Costs at April 2012 (£)
Cost per Pupil (£)
**
**
**
Key to symbols: The symbol ## indicates that the data are not available.
Attendance And Absence For School Year 2011/2012
Total Number
of Possible
Attendances
(Pupil Half
Days)
Percentage
Authorised
Absences
Percentage
Unauthorised
Absences
S1
S2
S3
**
**
**
**
Stage
S4
S5
S1-5
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
Key to symbols:
Asterisks (**) have been inserted instead of figures for some schools and categories:
 Counts and percentages based on data for more than 0 but fewer than 5 pupils, because
they could be misleading or lead to the identification of individuals.
 In other cases, it is not possible for the school to have any data for the category, for
example, cases where the relevant year group roll figure is zero.
The symbol (##) indicates that the school has recently opened or merged with another school and
this information is not available.
68
St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
School: St Thomas Aquinas Secondary
Id No.: 260 - 8438838
Estimated S5 January Roll As A Percentage Of The S4 Roll
In September Of The Previous Session
2009/2010
66
2010/2011
75
2011/2012
79
Examination Results (within Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
(2011/2012 results are pre-appeal)
By end
of S4
By end
of S5
By end
of S6
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
5+ @ level 3 or better
5+ @ level 4 or better
5+ @ level 5 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
94
90
92
75
70
78
33
29
30
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
1+ @ level 6 or better
3+ @ level 6 or better
5+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
42
39
35
21
17
17
8
9
7
Percentage of the relevant September S4 roll achieving:
3+ @ level 6 or better
5+ @ level 6 or better
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010/
2011/
2009/
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
28
28
28
18
21
16
11
1+ @ level 7
2010/
2011
14
Key to symbols:
Counts and percentages for year groups which contain more than 0 but less than 5 pupils are
replaced by asterisks (**) because they could be misleading or lead to identification of individuals.
The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with other years.
Possible reasons for this include: the school has recently opened or merged with another school;
S5 and S6 results for S1-S4 schools; S4, S5 and S6 results for S1-S2/S3 schools; cases where
the relevant year group roll figure is zero.
69
2011/
2012
12
School Handbook 2013/2014
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 2012
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
School: St Thomas Aquinas Secondary
Id No.: 260 - 8438838
Minimising Overall Absence
Absence
Absence recorded
(2010/2011)
Average number of
half days absence
per pupil
**
Absence recorded
(2011/2012)
Average number of
half days absence
per pupil
**
Where schools have 9 openings per week, please note that all local authority and national figures
are based on 10 openings per week, and so are not directly comparable.
Key to symbols: The symbol (##) indicates that the data are not available or comparable with
other years.
For Information:
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
levels:
Level 7
CSYS at A-C; Advanced Higher at A-C
Level 6
Higher at A-C
Level 5
Intermediate 2 at A-C; Standard Grade at 1-2
Level 4
Intermediate 1 at A-C; Standard Grade at 3-4
Level 3
Access 3 Cluster; Standard Grade at 5-6
70