Primary to Secondary
We try to make the move from primary to secondary as smooth as possible. Primary students have the opportunity to visit the College in Years 5 and 6. Primary colleagues meet with our staff on a regular basis to discuss the transfer and curriculum continuity. All parents are invited to visit the College for Open Evening in the autumn preceding their child’s progression to secondary school to see the facilities; there is also an opportunity to see the College in action during the day. Special arrangements can be made for parents who cannot visit on the designated evening.
The Year Leader will be responsible for placing students in their tutor groups. Year Leaders will consult with primary teachers and the students themselves. There is an introduction evening in the July preceding transfer to allow parents and students to meet their tutors and obtain any further information regarding the transition to Year 7. We try to retain good working relationships whilst ensuring new students are given the opportunity to meet new friends.
Pastoral Organisation
The College is divided into Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and Sixth Form. The purpose of these Year teams is to break down the College into smaller units where students can be clearly identified, cared for, encouraged and, where necessary, supported to improve their levels of achievement and behaviour. Each Year has its own Leader and Assistant, along with a team of form tutors, offering whatever assistance is required by the Year Leader. Each Year holds a regular Assembly in the Assembly Hall. These are organised by the Year Leader and can be presented by a number of people, including students, staff and outside speakers. When students enter the College they are assigned to a Tutor Group. Each Tutor Group is part of a Year team, enabling the Tutor to work closely with the Year Leader, Curriculum Managers and other staff who come into contact with their students. Through constant consultation, a close knowledge of each student will be shared by both Tutor and Year Leader. If students have any concerns they should raise them with their Tutor or Year Leader.
Partnership with Parents
We hope parents will support the partnership between College and home in a variety of ways.
- We expect parents to let us know of any matter which might adversely affect their child’s welfare or progress.
- Parents are encouraged to take an interest in their child’s school work and homework, and sign the Student Planner on a regular basis to confirm they have checked that homework has been completed.
- We hope parents will support the College by always sending their child dressed in the correct uniform.
- We would ask parents to contact us on the designated absence line to inform us on the first day of a child’s absence.
Home-School Agreement
Since September 1999 schools have to adopt, by law, a Home-School Agreement and associated Parental Declaration.
The Sir Harry Smith Home-School Agreement is a statement explaining the College aims and values, the responsibility of the College, as well as the responsibility of parents and the expectations of students. Parents are expected to sign the document. The College welcomes the philosophy of the Home-School Agreement and recognises it as a valuable document with which the partnership between teachers and parents can help raise students’ achievement. Copies of the Home-School Agreement will be forwarded to parents when a student starts the College. Associated College policies that parents may require in conjunction with the agreement are:
- Behaviour Management Policy
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Special Educational Needs Policy
We endeavour to have as much information as possible (policies etc).
Rewards
The College operates a computerised system called “Behaviour Watch”, which allows staff to recognise the achievements of students. Parents, form tutors and year leaders are regularly e-mailed with “good news slips”. Students may also be awarded merits in Year 7 and 8, and commendations in Year 9 upwards. Merit awards are recorded and totalled and further certificates (bronze, silver and gold) are awarded for 20, 60 and 120 merit awards.