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We believe that what underpins a successful school is the relationships in that school therelationships between staff and students, between students and each other and between staffand parents.

At Wilnecote High School our ethos supports this idea and is based on mutual respect,positive relationships and a positive learning environment. This ethos is summed up in theWilnecote Way.

The Wilnecote Way

The Wilnecote Way A Community Based on Respect (printed on the inside middle sectionof our prospectus cover and also displayed around the school) is our code of conduct. It wasdevised and agreed by the whole school community and identifies what all members of our

learning community can expect from each other. It focuses on the concept of respect andoutlines some of the ways in which we show respect to learning, to ourselves, to each otherand to the school and its community. The Wilnecote Way is also the basis of our rewardssystem.

Rewards

Children are best motivated and happiest when they are provided with learning and extra-curricular opportunities that are fun and challenging. We encourage students to maximisetheir talents and potential through the celebration of success and a reward system based onthe Wilnecote Way.

The school runs a house point and commendation system whereby students gain credit foradhering to the Wilnecote Way, producing good pieces of work, attending clubs, representingthe school and generally being a good citizen. Individual students and tutor groups with themost house points are rewarded on a termly basis ensuring levels of competition between

houses remains high. Leadership opportunities are available within each house so thatstudents can take on responsibilities. We will continue to seek to exploit every opportunity toenhance our positive school culture.

Its such a friendly school; we always feel welcome when we go to WilnecoteLocalPCSO

This school is so nice; everyone is so friendly towards each other. Y7 student

Students have a clear understanding of how to behave appropriately, are respectfultowards each other and work co-operatively. Students understand this is theWilnecote Way. Their mature and sensible behaviour not only reflects their ability toremain safe in school but has a positive impact on their learning. Ofsted 2011

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Students best efforts and achievements are celebrated at our Annual Awards Evening whichis a major event in the school calendar.

However it is important that we get the balance right. We expect high standards of courtesy,behaviour and work effort and, when students fall short of these expectations, a range ofsanctions will be used. These sanctions are outlined in the What happens if I choose not tofollow the Wilnecote Way document.

Working in Partnership with ParentsIt is vital that parents, staff and students work together if each child is to fulfil their potentialand we are to be successful as a school.

The school values the support of parents in encouraging high standards of homework,organisation, effort and participation. Parents are also encouraged to communicate with theschool, either via the student planner, a telephone call or in writing about any issue they wantto raise.

We may also need support when necessary over attendance, uniform and behaviour,including reinforcement of the schools sanctions.

Attendance

To succeed in school it is essential that students attend as fully as possible and goodattendance is the norm at Wilnecote High School. Our attendance is always above nationaland Staffordshire averages, and usually the best in the town. We have very few problemswith absenteeism and this is indicative of the fact that almost all students enjoy coming toschool. While absence through genuine illness is understandable, it would be appreciated ifroutine appointments were kept outside the school day.

The school operates a First Day Contact system. We ask that parents inform us by phonebefore 9.00 am on the first day of any period of absence for their son/daughter. Parents

should confirm the reason for absence via a note in the student planner upon the day ofreturn. If a child is unexpectedly absent we will endeavour to contact parents using a mobiletext messaging service and/or contact by phone to the emergency contacts provided. Thissystem helps to keep attendance high and also provides reassurance to parents.

Good learning is enabled through students good behaviour and positive attitudes tolearning throughout the school. Students want to come to school and attendance ratesare consistently above average. Ofsted 2011