Gosforth Central Middle School

Great North Road

Gosforth

NE3 1UN

Telephone: 0191 285 1793

Fax: 0191 255 2123

E-mail: admin@gosforthcent.newcastle.sch.uk

Twitter: @gcmscentral

Website: www.gosforthcent.newcastle.sch.uk

Headteacher: Mrs S Webb

Deputy Headteacher: Miss D Smith responsible for Teaching and Learning

Assistant Headteacher: Mr R Leonard responsible for Inclusion

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Table of ContentsAbout the school and its organisation.................................................................4School Values and Aims.......................................................................................4The Change to Foundation Trust Status..............................................................4 School Staff 2017-18……………………………………………………………………………………….5School Day...........................................................................................................7Afterschool club..................................................................................................7School entrances.................................................................................................7Office Hours.........................................................................................................7Pupils Travelling to and from School...................................................................8Assemblies...........................................................................................................8Annual events......................................................................................................9Registration Time................................................................................................9School Meals.......................................................................................................9Administering Medicine....................................................................................10Complaints........................................................................................................10Uniform.............................................................................................................10

Physical education.......................................................................................11Use of Photographs...........................................................................................11Induction and settling in for new year 5 pupils.................................................12Learning, Teaching and Assessment..................................................................12Curriculum and meeting individual pupil needs................................................12SATs...................................................................................................................12

Academic Progress: Assessment and Life After Levels.………………………………13

Academic Reports..............................................................................................13Pupil Planners....................................................................................................14Home-School Agreement..................................................................................14Homework and Homework club........................................................................16Library...............................................................................................................16Parents’ Evenings..............................................................................................17Communications................................................................................................17

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Parent Support Advisor.....................................................................................18Behaviour, rewards and attendance.................................................................19Classroom Behaviour Plan.................................................................................19

Rewards......................................................................................................19Consequences.............................................................................................20

Bullying..............................................................................................................21Cyber Bullying....................................................................................................21Attendance........................................................................................................22Mobile Phones...................................................................................................23Jewellery and Hair styles...................................................................................23Extra curricular opportunities...........................................................................23Clubs and Activities...........................................................................................23Educational Trips...............................................................................................24

Day Trips.....................................................................................................24Residential Trips..........................................................................................24

Music instrumental tuition and opportunities for ensemble activities............24Theme Week.....................................................................................................25Reading Week...................................................................................................25Supporting the school.......................................................................................25Parent Teacher Association (PTA).....................................................................25Governing Body.................................................................................................26Parent council....................................................................................................26School council and other student roles.............................................................27School Website..................................................................................................28Key Dates 2017 - 2018.......................................................................................29

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About the school and its organisation

School Values and AimsCLEAR Values: Caring Learning Enjoying Achieving Respecting

Aims

At Gosforth Central Middle School we are committed to providing a high quality education which will help equip our children for successful and fulfilling futures. We believe that our school should provide a purposeful and stimulating environment for learning and one in which everyone is respected and valued. We expect and encourage high standards of achievement and behaviour whilst recognising the need to make education an enjoyable experience.

The Change to Foundation Trust StatusThe Governing Bodies of the following schools have formed a Foundation Trust called “The Gosforth Schools’ Trust”:Archibald First, Broadway East First, Brunton First, Dinnington First, Gosforth Park First, Grange First, Regent Farm First, South Gosforth First, Gosforth Central Middle, Gosforth East Middle.

A Trust School is a local authority maintained school which is supported by a charitable Trust. To become a Trust school, schools must adopt their own foundation e.g. community schools need to change their category to become a foundation school. This Trust then appoints some of the governors to serve on the school governing body. All Trust schools operate within the same frameworks as other maintained schools: they teach the National Curriculum, follow the School Admissions Code and are inspected by Ofsted. Teaching staff will still be employed under the terms of the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document. The local authority will fund the school on the same basis as all other local authority schools and will retain its intervention powers if there are problems at the school.

Trust schools differ because their charitable Trust status establishes a long-term relationship with external partners and involves them in the school's governance and leadership. The governing body of a Trust school (which retains parents, staff, community and local authority governors) remains responsible for all major decisions

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about the school and its future. The governing body of a Trust school also remains responsible for all aspects of the conduct of the school (including the school's budget and staff) and so responsibilities and accountabilities remain clear. The Trust holds the land and capital assets on trust for the Governing Body of the school.

A community school would change category (a Trust school is defined for the purpose of this document as a foundation school with a foundation acquired under the provisions of the Education and Inspections Act 2006). This means community schools will take on two new areas of responsibility:

1. The governing body will be the employer of staff rather than the local authority; and

2. The governing body will be responsible for setting admissions arrangements (in accordance with the law and the Admissions Code).

Having a Trust which appoints additional external governors means that the school can strengthen its relationship with partners and their energy and expertise can support the school's leadership and direction.

School Staff 2017-18 Teaching Staff Mr P Curran Head of Art & TechnologyMr D Davidson Head of History and RE Year 8 form teacherMr M Ferguson Year 6 form teacherMiss C Filipe Year 5 form teacherMr D Finn Head of ICT (part time)Mrs M Good Head of Science Head of Year 8 Mr N Hearn Head of Enterprise, Enrichment and Gifted & Talented. Year 8 form teacher Miss S Hills Head of Year 7Mrs K Howat Head of Geography Year 7 form teacherMiss C Jackson Part time teacher Mrs J Kennard Head of Year 6Mr C Kurji-Smith Head of Music Year 6 form teacherMiss C Laing Head of English Year 6 form teacherMrs G Lloyd Head of Year 5 Mrs L Proudlock SENCO Year 5 form teacherMr A Robson Year 7 form teacherMiss E Rutherford Year 5 form teacher

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Mr D Slipper Head of PE & Games Head of KS3 MathematicsMrs K Tomkins Head of MFL Year 8 form teacherMiss R Usher Year 5 form teacher and Head of PSHCE/Deep LearningMiss C Walker Year 6 form teacherMrs C Weites Food and Textiles Year 7 form teacherMrs C Wilson Year 8 form teacherMrs V Wilson Head of Drama Year 7 form teacher Support Staff

Miss E Bainbridge Learning Support AssistantMrs K Bhalla Lunchtime AssistantMrs F Butt Lunchtime AssistantMr B Frieze Office ManagerMrs L Elders Learning Support AssistantMrs I Ngnie Learning Support AssistantMiss T Foster Higher Level Teaching AssistantMiss K Green Learning Support AssistantMiss E Heathcote Learning Support Assistant Mrs C Leech Higher Level Teaching Assistant (part time: 2 days)Mrs G Lowrey Admin Assistant ReprographicsMrs V Murtagh Higher Level Teaching AssistantMrs I Nasser Lunchtime AssistantMrs M Rutherford Learning Support AssistantMrs C Scott Parent Support AdvisorMiss L Smith Learning Support AssistantMrs R Stokes Library AssistantMrs K Scott Admin AssistantMrs M Harper TechnicianMiss H Watson Learning Support Assistant

PFI StaffMr C Brown Caretaker (Engie)Mrs J Jones Catering Manager (Chartwells)

ICT SupportMr G Walton ICT technician

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School Day

08.30 School yard open to pupils08.45 Pupils line up on respective yard08.48 School bell goes for pupils to enter building08.50 Registration09.20 Lesson 110.10 Lesson 211.10 Break11.25 Lesson 312.25 Lunch break13.20 Registration13.25 Lesson 414.25 Lesson 515.20 End of school day

Afterschool clubA privately run afterschool club is available on the GCMS premises until 5.45pm and from St Charles church hall on Alwinton Terrace after this until 6pm. The club is managed by Venturing Out. Further details can be viewed on the school website or visit; www.venturesout.co.uk

School entrances There are separate entrances for each year group. Pupils use these to enter and exit during the school day. At the end of the day pupils use the exit door nearest to their point of exit from the school grounds. There is a key pad system for entry at each of the entrances. Each pupil is issued with the code when they join the school. The codes are changed at the beginning of each school year.

When pupils join year 5 in September, they line up outside the main entrance and are escorted into school and to their classrooms by their form teacher.

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Office HoursThe school office is manned between 08.00 and 17.00 each week day except Friday when it is manned up until 16.00.

Pupils Travelling to and from SchoolSchool gates are open in the morning for parents to drop off pupils in the drop off zone only. Please note that this is not a waiting area. Parents should drop off children and leave. These gates are closed between 15.00 until 15.35. Parents are not able to collect their child by car on school grounds at the end of the school day due to the volume of traffic this would create. Parents can park in the Asda car park and collect their child from the top of the footpath. Pupils may also make their own way to this car park via the school crossing patrol. Parents may wait at the gate leading to the Key Stage 2 playground or at the exit path behind the caretaker’s house.

Parking on Christon Road is very limited due to the width of the road and the volume of traffic using it for access. In order to ensure the safety for all pedestrians, especially pupils at our school, yellow lines were introduced and parents are asked to observe these parking restrictions.

A school service bus runs between school and Nuns Moor Park for pupils living in the Fenham and Fawdon areas. The 117 service travels via Fenham Baths, Kenton Bar, Coxlodge, Fawdon Mormon Church, Fawdon Metro, Gosforth Junior Academy and Regent Centre Metro. Further information can be obtained from the school office.

AssembliesEach week we have a range of assemblies which are taken by various members of staff or visitors. These assemblies take place immediately after morning registration.

Monday Year Group every 4 weeks Head of YearTuesday Key Stage 3 Senior Management Team or

VisitorWednesday Key Stage 2 Senior Management Team or

VisitorThursday Singing Practice for either KS3

or KS2Senior Management Team or Visitor

Friday Class assembly in individual form rooms

Form Teacher

One week every term each house has a house assembly which is taken by our House Captains.

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Full school assemblies are held at the beginning of the academic year, on special occasions and at the end of every term. The assemblies held at the end of the term allow us to celebrate the successes and achievements of the children.

Parents are invited to join our Christmas assemblies during the last week of the Autumn term. Occasionally parents may be invited to attend other assemblies if it is relevant.

Annual eventsThere are a number of events which enrich the school calendar and to which parents are invited. These include the annual dramatic production, Christmas and summer concerts, and sports day, as well as events organised by the PTA.

Registration TimeWhen pupils are not involved in an assembly in the school hall the time is used for pastoral time, discussing community issues, preparing for tests, checking planners and working on PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education).

School MealsOur school meals service is covered by a company called Chartwells through our PFI provider Engie and can be paid for through Parentpay. Pupils pay for school meals using a biometric user recognition system so the system is cashless and cardless. Cash can be credited onto the machines each day, or via cheques sent into school. On Parentpay it is useful if parents set up an ‘Alert’ system to inform them that their child’s credit for lunches has fallen below £5 (approx.). This information can be accessed on the school’s website on the Home page. Parents may also choose to pay using our online system which also accepts payments for uniform and trips. The Parentpay website allows parents to track their spending.

Pupils can choose from a range of food which fully complies with government regulations.

The main meal runs on a three week cycle covering a choice of meat dish or vegetarian. There is always a roast on a Wednesday and fish and chips on Friday. This is accompanied by a choice of sweet and water.

Pupils can purchase other meals such as sandwiches, pre-made and freshly made Panini, pasta, pizza, baked potatoes and salad pots. Fruit, cookies, cakes, ice cream and yoghurts are also available alongside fruit drinks and flavoured water. Menus and prices can be found on the school website.

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Packed lunches can also be brought but carbonated drinks such as Coke are banned. Pupils can alternate between buying a meal and having a packed lunch whenever they choose.

All pupils eat their lunch in the dining room during the lunch hour allocated in rotation to one of four sittings. Each week a different year group and a different class go in for first sitting. Pupils who attend clubs or music classes are given passes if they need to switch to a different sitting to the one their class has been allocated. Pupils can get first sitting lunch passes as part of the reward system. If you have any further queries re school dinners, please see our ‘FAQ School Dinners’ publication which is on our website.

Administering MedicineIf a child needs to take medicine during the school day the parent/carer needs to bring the drug into school and fill in a form available on the website or from the school office. The medicine will be kept in the medical room during the school day and administered by the office staff at the designated time.

ComplaintsAny parent has the right to enter a formal complaint if they think that certain things are not being carried out properly. Copies of our Complaints Policy and Procedures can be found on the school website or are available on request from the school office.

It is expected that if there are any complaints they will be resolved informally between school and parent, but if this breaks down parents can complain to the Governing Body. This can be done in writing via the school or through the local authority governor services.Their email address is: governorservices@newcastle.gov.ukTheir address is Governor Services, Room 400, Civic Centre, Barras Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PU

If parents are not satisfied with the treatment of their complaint by the Governing Body, they then have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State for Education.

UniformWe take pride in our uniform which every pupil is expected to wear. We would ask that all items are named. The sports tops, sweatshirt, polo shirt and tie as well as other uniform items may be purchased online (emblematic.co.uk) or directly from our uniform stockist: Emblematic, Unit 26, North Tyneside Industrial Estate, Longbenton, Tyne and Wear NE12 9SZ. If you purchase

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uniform online, you can choose to have it delivered directly to school. Deliveries will be on the first week of every month but will not be on a set day.

Boys GirlsSchool v neck sweatshirt School v neck sweatshirtPale blue shirt, long or short sleeved Pale blue shirt, long or short sleeved.School tie School tieBlack school trousers Black skirt of appropriate length and slightly flaredBlack shoes, no canvas or trainers Black trousers with waist band, no jegging style or tight fitting from the knee downwards. Dark socks Black sturdy shoes, no canvas or ballet style. Dark socks or tightsIn the summer term only pupils may wear a blue polo shirt with school logo instead of the shirt and tie.

Physical educationShort sleeved navy/amber polo T-Shirt (initials optional)Navy/amber matching short or ‘skort’Reversible school games shirtWhite socksTrainers or plimsollsFootball boots optional

In the winter a tracksuit may be worn at the discretion of the member of staff teaching the lesson. Year 5 pupils go swimming for part of the year and will need a swimming costume and towel.

Use of PhotographsWe regularly take photographs of children when they are involved in extra-curricular activities or special events which are then posted on our website. We are aware that some parents do not wish their child to be photographed in this way and parents are asked to give their permission. We also ask that those pupils who do not have parental permission avoid having their photographs taken by pointing this out to the member of staff.

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For this reason, during school performances, parents are asked not to take photographs or videos without prior consent.

Induction and settling in for new year 5 pupilsJust before the Easter break Year 4 pupils are invited to watch our annual musical production. Pupils offered a place in year 5, visit the school in the summer term of Year 4 and spend a day at the school. Prior to this a member of Year 5 writes to each new pupil and acts as a buddy during their visit and first week. They also experience using the school meal system.

Parents of year 5 Children are invited to a special evening event in July to learn about the school.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Curriculum and meeting individual pupil needs.

This can be found on the website along with suggest educational learning resources to help parents support their child’s learning.

Pupils are taught in sets of 3-5 groups for English and mathematics, smaller groups for science and technology, gender groups for games and in their form classes for the rest of their subjects. Sets are based on assessments carried out at the first schools as well as Year 4 teacher assessment data.

In technology two classes are put together in Years 6, 7 & 8 and split between the three curriculum areas, food and textiles, resistant materials and design. Each half term the groups move to a new area meaning they experience each aspect twice a year. In Year 5 each class is divided between food and textiles and resistant materials. Parents are asked for a small donation for materials in technology as the pupils are able to keep everything they make.

Year 5 is the only year group to have swimming lessons and this takes up half of their games lessons.

SATsYear 6 pupils take SATs papers in Reading, Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG) and mathematics which are then externally marked. These results are used to measure attainment and progress ensuring all pupils have made appropriate progress since Key Stage 1 (end of Year 2). These results are published nationally and can be found on the school website with a link to the appropriate government website. During the Spring term there are voluntary SATS booster classes outside of normal lessons, but the normal curriculum is

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maintained during all of year 6 (unlike some school where some subjects are suspended to allow a greater focus on SATS).

Academic Progress: Assessment and Life after levels KS2 and KS3

In light of the removal of National Curriculum Levels from September 2014, schools now have the freedom to implement their own assessment framework.

What does this mean at Gosforth Central Middle School?

This year the school has trialled a range of assessment tools in order to establish robust and meaningful assessment procedures across the age range. These have been used alongside summative tests which are linked to the new National Curriculum which will be informed by teacher assessment.

Changes imposed by Government: Attainment standard from 2016

Pupils in Year 6 have completed the new SATs, the results of which will be reported differently from previous years. The attainment standard from 2016 for children leaving Primary School Year 6 will be based on the proportion of pupils reaching the new expected standard in all of reading, writing and mathematics. To reach the new expected standard, each pupil will be required to attain a scaled score of 100 or more in the tests in each of reading and mathematics, as well as being assessed by their teacher as reaching the new expected standard in writing. A school will be above the attainment floor if 85% of pupils reach the new expected standard in each area.

On entry to Year 5, pupils will have been assessed in reading and mathematics using Year 4 standardised tests which will provide a baseline score to enable tracking of progress over the course of their Middle School career. This score will also be informed by First School assessment data. Assessment over the course of the year will be half termly and progress will be measured against Key Performance Indicators in reading, writing and maths. These indicators are a bank of statements which define what exactly a child can do thus highlighting which areas are needed to be addressed to make progress. Each indicator will be weighted with a numerical value to give a point score at each data capture point. This background data will allow us to monitor attainment and achievement and ensure standards are continually improving for all pupils.

Academic Reports Every pupil will receive one full report in the summer term and two interim reports (one at the end of the first term and one at the end of the second

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term). Interim reports are a snapshot of where a pupil is currently for each subject in terms of their attainment and effort. For end of year reports, pupils receive current attainment and effort in each subject as well as two ‘medals’ (key performance indicators that pupils have achieved successfully) as well as one ‘mission’ (a target/key performance indicator to aim for to further improve in a subject). Pupils also receive a personalised comment from their form teacher.

Pupil PlannersEach pupil is provided with a planner at the beginning of each academic year or when they join the school. The planner contains key information about the school and is also the main mechanism by which the pupils keep track of homework, messages rewards and behaviour. For this reason this planner must be carried at all times by the pupil from lesson to lesson each day.

Timetable: At the beginning of the year the pupil records their timetable (including their homework timetable), classrooms and teachers names in the planner.Homework: Pupils are asked to write in their homework and record the length of time they have spent completing the work. Parents are asked to sign the planner weekly and check for identification of late homework (page 9). Staff also check homework is entered correctly.Messages between staff and parents can be written in the planner. The planner needs to be shown to the recipient of the message earlier than the usual signing schedule. Wherever possible parents are asked to sign the planner weekly and teachers sign it every 2 weeks.Baseline assessment level and targets: Baseline assessments, end of year targets and end of term assessments are also contained in this book.School information: The book also contains information about the school, behaviour and bullying rules, a uniform and equipment list, correct usage of the planner, tips on good homework habits and general information on a range of subjects. Literacy targets are included to develop skills across the curriculum.Rewards and pink slips: House points (page 11) are also collected in the planner and Head teacher awards are given for 40, 80, 120 and 160 house points. Pink slips are also noted in the planner.

If a pupil loses their planner they have to pay for a replacement (£2.50).

Home-School AgreementBelow is a copy of the home school agreement which you will be asked to sign at the beginning of the school year.

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Parents/Guardians

I/We will do our best to:

Support the school and my child within a framework of partnershipSupport school policies and guidelines for behaviourProvide the school with information which may be relevant to my child’s behaviour/achievements in schoolEnsure that my child comes to school punctually and dressed in accordance with the school uniform code and equipped with all the necessary materialsMonitor my child’s homework and sign the homework planner to confirm completionTake an active interest in my child’s school life

School

The school will do its best to:

Help your child achieve standards which reflect his/her ability and to work in a safe, interesting and stimulating environmentHelp your child to be happy at school and to feel that home and school are working together for his/her best interestsTreat your child fairly and with considerationListen, deal with problems consistently and maintain effective controlValue your child’s opinions and ideasSet assignments, including homework, which are returned punctually and responded to in ways which assist future learningHelp children to know what is expected of them and whyKeep you informed of your child’s progress

Pupils

I will do my best to:

Show consideration and respect for people, property and the school environmentFollow the school behaviour codesAchieve full attendanceArrive at school/lessons punctually, appropriately dressed and with the items I will requireTake reasonable responsibility for my behaviour, my belongings, my own safety and that of others

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Take an active part in lessons, including the completion and handing in of homework on timeWork to the best of my ability

Homework and Homework clubEach class has a homework timetable which includes the days on which each subject sets homework and the days when it has to be in. Pupils write their homework in their planner, and its completion should be monitored by parents, who check and sign the planner at least weekly. Information to support homework is available on the school website. Failure to submit homework is addressed using the pupil planner. Failure to complete homework on a regular basis could result in an evening detention or an instruction to attend the homework club. If a child misses a lesson where homework is given out they are expected to ask the teacher what the homework is (if the reason for absence is a music lesson or other extra-curricular activity). If the reason for absence is sickness they may not be required to do the homework. If in doubt, check with the teacher. No formally assessed pieces of work are set as homework. We are also keen to ensure pupils do get time during holidays to be with their family and friends, so there are no major projects set during this time.

Pupils are able to attend a homework club daily during lunchtime. This club is supervised by a member of staff and is held in ICT1. Pupils are expected to take their planners with them so that the member of staff can see what homework needs to be completed. At the end of the session the member of staff then signs the planner to indicate the homework has been completed and the time taken. This club is open to any pupil who wishes to attend.

Two evenings a week our Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) facilitate an after school homework club. This runs from the end of school until 4.15 pm. Once again this is open to any pupil who wishes to attend.

LibraryThe school employs Mrs R Stokes to oversee the library. It is open every break time and lunchtime. Our bibliomaniac group access it each Friday lunchtime.

All pupils get the opportunity to visit the library weekly/fortnightly during an English lesson.

Parents’ EveningsEach Year group will hold a parents’ evening over two evenings per year allowing every parent to attend one. This is an opportunity to receive more detail about their child’s academic progress and wider personal and social 16

development and integration. During the evening, parents/carers see several teachers by appointment. These appointments last for 5 minutes. Parents are invited to complete and return a form stating which teacher(s) they wish to see and indicating a preferred time slot. Appointments are then organised by school and forms returned to the parents indicating their appointment(s).

Parents can expect to be informed on their child’s baseline assessment for the beginning of the year, their target for the end of the year and the progress they have made so far towards reaching that target. Teachers may also discuss areas of strength, areas causing concern, attitude to learning and behaviour.

Year 7: have their evenings at the end of the Autumn term whilst the remaining years hold their evenings during the Spring term.

Year 5 meet on an afternoon in the first half term when parent/carers can meet with the form teacher to discuss any settling in problems or concerns. In addition there is also a Macmillan fundraising event which provides a good opportunity for parents to see the school, meet the Head teacher and Year 5 staff.

Year 6 parents are also offered the opportunity to attend an evening about SATs during the Autumn term.

Parents are kindly asked to adhere to the allocated time as failure to do so results in a back log of parents wishing to meet with the teacher. If a parent feels they need longer than 5 minutes with a member of staff a further consultation can be arranged in school time.

CommunicationsAccurate, efficient and effective communication between home and school is extremely important. If you need to speak with a teacher it is best to make an appointment by phoning or emailing the school office. This will allow teachers to provide an appointment which does not take them away from teaching, meetings or extra-curricular clubs which they are required to attend. If you are unable to do this, or it is something very urgent, there will always be someone to see you. If you have a concern, you should first speak with the form teacher or subject teacher who may pass it onto the Head of Year or a senior manager.

Most parents have now signed up to receive school letters, and newsletters via email. If you have not already done this or you are not getting letters in this form please contact the office to be added to the distribution list. Those who do not wish to receive their correspondence by email will receive paper copies of letters via their child.

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Usually the first Friday of each month, or as near to it as possible, we send out a newsletter which contains reports of events which have taken place, dates for the future and information about forthcoming events. Letters and information is also displayed on our website. This is also where information about school closure due to bad weather will be posted.

If a decision is made to close the school due to bad weather parents are advised to listen in to Radio Newcastle. The decision, where possible, will be made before 7.00am and will appear on the school website and the city website.

Please ensure that school is kept up to date with any changes of address or telephone number. This is crucial for us to be able to make contact with a parent/carer especially in emergencies.

Parents have several channels through which to provide feedback to the school:

Parent Council Parent Teacher AssociationAnnual SurveysParent Governors

Contact details can be found on the school website.

The school also welcomes feedback directly to the senior management team via the school office.

Parent Support AdvisorThe role of the Parent Support Advisor (PSA) is wide ranging. The primary role is to support parents of our children with issues which might affect how their child performs in school. It is important to foster good relations between home and school and to make communication between both parties as easy as possible. As a ‘go between’ the PSA is able to listen to parents and feedback their queries to relevant staff. She can support parents whose children are reluctant to come to school, who need help at SEN review meetings or parent’s evenings or just need a little time to talk through wider issues affecting their child.

The PSA also has knowledge of other services in the city for children and their families and can refer to School Health, the Children and Young Peoples Service and recommend parenting programmes to parents and carers. She can

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also access support for parents on a range of issues such as debt advice or housing advice.

As well as working at GCMS she works at Grange First School and Archbishop Runcie C of E First School and supports children and their families during transition.

Behaviour, rewards and attendance

Classroom Behaviour PlanThe school classroom behaviour plan, which breaks down into four rules, is a statement about the ways in which we can maintain a constructive learning environment in our school. It recognises that good relationships support effective learning.

The rules state that successful pupils always:

Listen carefully and follow instructions.Show consideration for others, their property and their views.Arrive equipped and on time for lessons.Communicate appropriately at all times.

This will allow teachers to teach and pupils to learn.

Rewards Praise House point/mark. These are collected in their planners. A house mark

is awarded for a special piece of work and is worth 5 house points. These are awarded at the end of each term.

Postcards home Headteacher certificate presented in assembly. Pupils are also given a

special sticker in their planner, a privilege pass and an item of stationery for every 40 house points.

Comments in planners Privilege pass which is used when a child wants to be on first sitting. Free non-uniform day, other than fundraising events, is also given.

ConsequencesIf a child breaks the rules or disrupts a lesson the actions taken by the school as follows:

First time a pupil they are given a warning and their initials are put on the board.

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Second time they could be moved to another part of the classroom and/or have a comment /initial put in their planner.Third time they are given a pink behaviour slip.

If the behaviour is severe and threatens the safety of the class, staff or the individual a member of the Senior Management Team is sent for.

Pink slips - These are issued when pupils' do not adhere to the rules and guidelines set out in the school's behaviour policy. A record on page 9 of the pupils' homework planner is kept if pupils' fail to complete homework. The teacher will note this down on Page 9 of the planner and we would ask parents to sign to acknowledge this. Three entries for homework not being handed in or completed will result in a pink slip being issued. Similarly if a child forgets their PE/Games kit, this is recorded in their planner on page 9 (in the same way as homework). Three entries for no equipment will result in a pink slip being issued. At lunchtime high expectations of behaviour are required and if a pupil does not behave, they will be asked to go to the detention room and reflect on why they have been sent there, as well as completing information about school expectations. An entry is recorded in the detention file and a pupil who has three entries noted for poor behaviour at lunchtime will be issued with a pink slip.

If a child accrues three pink slips they will be given a one hour after school detention 3.30-4.30pm in discussion with your child's year tutor.

In years 5 and 6 each new term will revert to a child starting with no pink slips The form teacher and year tutor will have a record of pink slips each child has received and they will monitor behaviour and performance carefully.

In years 7 and 8 we expect our young people to be able to take more independent responsibility for their behaviour and performance; hence the pink slips are aggregated over the whole of the school year.

The school wants to ensure that pink slips are only issued rarely, with homework and correct equipment for PE being an important part of your child's personal organisation.

Homework not being fully completed or difficulties with the work will be considered by subject teachers. We would value comments in your child's planner with a note to explain from parents/carers the difficulties or reasons why homework has not been completed.

Three pink slips will result in an after school detention of one hour.

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Six pink slips will result in parents/carers being contacted by your child's year tutor to discuss the issues and how to move forward.

BullyingBullying is the wilful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone and it will not be tolerated in this school. Everyone is expected to ensure it does not happen and everyone must report such behaviour. Pupils are encouraged to talk to any adult in school.

If pupils are being bullied, or see someone else being bullied, they must tell a member of staff. The school takes any form of bullying seriously. The way it is dealt with depends upon the individual circumstances, but it could involve talking to the bully, discussing the problem with both parties concerned, inviting parents into school and in extreme or persistent cases, a period of exclusion from school.

Cyber BullyingCyber bullying is the use of ICT, particularly mobile phones, social networking sites and the internet, to upset or offend someone else. This can include using ICT to publish, share or distribute personal information on other people, sending offensive or hurtful messages or uploading text or images without the permission of those involved. This is not an exhaustive list.

As a school we do not tolerate the use of social networking as a vehicle for bullying. We would advise parents to monitor closely which sites are being accessed and the type of messages being sent.

In line with our behaviour policy, the school will use a range of responses in order to deal with each incident on an individual basis and will take into account the nature and/or severity of the incident. Whether this is a first-time offence or not will be taken into account. The response may be one or more of the following:

Parents/carers will be informed.A temporary or permanent ban on internet/computer use in school.Any incident involving racist or homophobic behaviour will be reported to the appropriate agency and logged on our internal system.External agencies such as the police or social networking sites may be informed.A fixed term or permanent exclusion may be given.

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AttendanceGood attendance is essential for students to maximise their learning and progress. The school operates a system where parents are asked to contact school on the first day of absence. The names of children who fail to attend registration are passed on to the office, who then contact parents and carers that same morning. This is a significant workload for office staff so prompt notification of absence if very helpful. This can be done by phone or email.

Parents should contact the head teacher if they feel they need to take their child out of school. Reasons why authorisation for absence is commonly sought include:

doctors/dentist appointmentsmusic examsspecial family events (weddings, funerals etc.)difficulties in the home (compassionate leave after a bereavement)religious eventsplanned sickness absence (operations etc.)

The process for seeking authorisation is the same for all, and involves contacting the head teacher in advance of the intended absence period. Each case is dealt with on its merits and notified in writing to the parents. Parents are expected to keep absence to the minimum possible by for example trying to schedule doctor/dentist appointments outside of term or school hours. The school may issue passes for the child.

When a pupil’s attendance falls beneath 90%, the school’s Educational Welfare Officer may become involved which could lead to formal monitoring. Where attendance remains a concern and fails to improve, legal actions may be taken. Under new rules from the Department for Education, school is no longer able to authorise absence for parents to take their child on holiday during term time. Please refer to the attendance policy to be found on the website. Paper copies may be requested from the office.

Collecting children in the middle of the school day:

Children should be advised in advance when to present themselves to the school foyer ready for collection. If this is not possible (for example where a medical appointment was made after the child has already come to school) office staff will endeavour to contact the child to ensure they are brought to the foyer at the correct time for collection.

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Mobile PhonesMobile phones may be brought into school but are the responsibility of the pupils. Phones must be switched off at all times on the school premises during the hours of 08.30 and 15.45 and kept in school bags in the form room. If a pupil is caught using their phone during school hours it will be confiscated and placed in the school safe until a parent/carer is able to come into school to collect it. The School undertakes to notify parents as soon as the phone is confiscated in the event that the child needs to contact the parent on route home.

MP3 players and other electrical equipment are not permitted in school.

Jewellery and Hair stylesNo jewellery, except a watch can be worn. If a pupil has their ears pierced they will need to cover the studs with a plaster until the 6 weeks healing process has been completed. After this time the studs must be removed. Pupils are not permitted to wear make-up.

Hairstyles should be reasonable and appropriate with no extreme shavings or unnatural hair colour. For health and safety reasons longer hair will need to be tied back when involved in practical subjects.

Extra curricular opportunities

Clubs and ActivitiesAt Gosforth Central Middle School we are fortunate that our staff are willing to give up their free time to facilitate and run a range of clubs and activities. This commitment is voluntary. Each term a list of activities is published on our website. The types of clubs offered change from year to year and term to term. Examples include: bibliomaniacs, netball, international club, newspaper club, rugby, football, windband, drama, choir etc.

For activities organised before or after school, letters will be sent out to the parents of those pupils who have expressed an interest. Parents who opt to have letters sent by email will also receive a copy. All letters are published on our website. Letters will not be sent out for lunchtime activities but these will also be published on our website. The clubs timetable is uploaded to the website every half term.

Activities taking place off site such as Gosforth pyramid concert rehearsals and athletics or swimming gala will be notified to parents by letter which includes asking parental permission as to whether their child needs to be escorted back

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to school after the event. Clubs cancelled at short notice are notified to parents by texting.

Educational Trips

Day Trips The curriculum is enriched by day trips organised by the school, for which parental consent and small contribution is occasionally sought. The school will try to keep the costs as low as possible. Parents will be asked for a voluntary contribution to cover the costs but no child will be stopped from going if it is part of their programme of study. Examples include a visit to Wallington Hall, Segedunum, different places of worship and local theatres, museums and galleries.

The school purchases annually two group Metro tickets which enables two classes to travel by metro at any one time, thus keeping costs down.

Residential TripsPupils have the opportunity to participate in a residential trip each year as follows:

Year 5: York (3 days)Year 6: Kingswood (3 days), or Ford Castle (3 days) Year 7: Ski Trip to Alpe D’Huez (7 days) or The Lake District (3 days)Year 8: Arran (6 days) or London (4 days)

Payments are made by installments, in some instances starting at the end of the summer term of the year before. The payment includes insurance. Parents’ evenings are held for each trip. Where trips cannot accommodate all pupils there is a lottery system for allocation of places. Pupils unable to attend the first trip of the year have priority for the second choice of the year if there is one.

Music instrumental tuition and opportunities for ensemble activitiesMany pupils take the opportunity to learn a musical instrument whilst at GCMS. This is arranged through NEMCO, a cooperative of music tutors. Parents do have to pay for this service on a termly basis and the fees vary depending on group size. Tutors prepare the timetable for lessons on a rota basis to minimise the disruption to other lessons. Instruments currently available include drum kit, guitar, piano, strings, brass and woodwind.

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A range of extra-curricular musical opportunities including regular groups and shorter projects are available during the school year. This year the music department has been able to offer several choirs, a wind band, string band, ukelele club, ceilidh band, drum club, year 8 rock band, and music theory club. The sessions are lead by GCMS staff and external tutors from NEMCO and the Newcastle Music Service. Students involved regularly have opportunities to perform both in school and at events such as the Gosforth Schools Pyramid Concerts and Ceilidhs.

Theme WeekDuring the penultimate week of the academic year the whole school is involved in a theme week. The timetable is collapsed, sixteen new classes are formed and pupils from each year group are placed together (vertical grouping). Themes covered so far include: Africa, Everest, Renaissance, Olympics, Elements and World War 1. During the week we try to take each pupil out of school for the day on a relevant trip and the week culminates on the Friday when parents are invited into school to celebrate the completed work. The PTA help to finance the week but we also rely on voluntary contributions from parents.

Reading WeekAt the beginning of the spring term we always organise a reading week. Pupils spend each registration period and English lesson reading. During the week we also hold a book fair, facilitated by a book company, where pupils are able to buy books. Parents may also view the books for sale after school one evening.

Supporting the school

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)Every parent who has a child at GCMS is a member of the PTA. An AGM is held in September/October during which a committee is formed and a diary of events set out for the year. Over the last few years they have organised a School Ball at the Gosforth Marriott in November, a Christmas Fayre in December and for the second time a Ladies Indulgence Evening in June. During the year they organise regular discos for the pupils and wine tasting events. They also support the school during concerts and at the new parents evening.

The money they raise which averages around £6000 per annum helps to enhance the curriculum we offer. Over the years they have provided the school with computerised sewing machines, food mixers, team strips, musical instruments, cameras, hire of coaches, published schemes of work and 25

equipment for extra-curricular activities as well as giving a financial contribution towards trips, the leavers book and Theme Week.

The committee meet on average four times a year and we encourage all parents to become involved in whatever capacity they can. We would welcome you all to join the committee, but for those who cannot give their time regularly, we welcome any support you can give to the events throughout the year.

Governing Body

The Governing Body for this school is made up of several types of governors.The term of office of all governors is four years

Parent governors 6Staff governors 2Local Authority Governors 1Head teacher (ex-officio) 1Foundation Trust governors 2Co-opted 9

The full governing body meet every half term to discuss papers produced by the local authority and receive reports from the head teacher, school achievement partner, governor committees, individual governors and members of the management team.

There are also various subcommittee groups which normally meet termly. These groups consist of a Finance Committee, Staffing Committee and Curriculum and Performance Committee. Governors carry out a range of visits to school to meet with each subject leader, observe aspects of school life and then report back to the full Governing Body. There is a schedule of visits which are carried out over a two year period. Governor minutes are published on the school website alongside a list of members.

Parent council The parent council is a consultative and advisory body, which represent parents and is run by parents with the support of the school. The parent council is made up of representatives of parents from each class, representatives of the senior management team, a parent governor and a representative of the PTA.

The purpose of parent council is to:

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give parents a voice and increase their active involvement in decision making develop a partnership between the school and parents/carers in order to support and promote the pupils learning.

There are many potential benefits of having a parent council which include:

1. for children: children behave better and achieve more when parents are involved with their child’s education, and concerns can be resolved more quickly

2. for parents: influencing school decisions, accessing support from school and each other, breaking down barriers

3. for staff/school: improving communication and breaking down barriers, satisfying requirements of the education and Inspection Act (2006), harnessing parental skills and expertise, better understanding parents views specially those who are less engaged

The parent council meets twice a term usually in the evening. The annual term of office runs from the Annual general meeting (AGM) in the second half of the autumn term. Class representatives are invited to come forward in the first 4 weeks of the autumn term. The school is also currently piloting a facebook page for Year 5 and Year 6 parents in order to ensure there are plenty of forums for parents to get in touch, either with each other or with the school

The current chair of parent council is Paula Wright who is contactable on pfwright@doctors.org.uk. A full list of class reps is available on the website parent council page, and also as part of the original letter which is also on the website.

School council and other student rolesThe school council consists of a class elected representative from each form in years 5, 6 and 7 and a boy and a girl from Year 8 who act as house captains. Elections are held annually in September. The school council meet monthly with the head teacher and other invited staff to discuss issues arising and seek pupils’ opinions.

At the end of Year 7 pupils are invited to apply to be members of ‘The Storm Team (Student role models). Following a letter of application and an interview the successful candidates are then given training in mentoring/support. Once the pupils have moved into Year 8 they then take on the role. They can be seen in their bright yellow waistcoats assisting in the KS2 playground during break and lunchtime. Members of the storm team will have lunch with any child who requests their company and will help pupils who struggle with friendships to

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socialise with others. They are there to listen to any problems that children might bring to them. The storm team will bring any larger issues of concern to the Head of Year 8. Pupils can also take on other roles of responsibility including library monitor and classroom monitor.

School Website

The following information can be found on the school website.School News:Recent KS2 SAT resultsSchool ValuesSchool location and contact detailsFacilitiesSchool Lunch MenuSchool terms and datesExtra-curricular activitiesPupil PremiumLatest Ofsted ReportSchool policiesSchool uniformSpecial Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)After School CareStaffUseful Links for ParentsOur reward systemStaff vacancies

News and Letters:

SATs in MayParent Teacher Association (PTA)NewslettersLetters to parentsSchool CalendarSchool newsMobile App

Curriculum:

Curriculum overviewHelping at home

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Subject specific areasSchool Library

Events:

Photo gallery

Governors:

MinutesList of GovernorsGovernor profiles

Pupils Area

Games

Internet security

Key Dates 2017 – 2018 (some dates TBA)

September

Teacher training day 4thStart of school year 5th Year 5 & 7 Photographs 19thYear 8 trip to Arran 23rd – 29thYear 5 Coffee afternoon (Macmillan) 29th

October

GCMS Open Evening (prospective parents) 5th Year 5 Parents consultation evening Half term (Teacher training day) 30th

November

Year 7 parents consultation evenings

December

Christmas Fair Christmas Assemblies Christmas ConcertChristmas holidays 23rd – 7th Jan

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January

Term starts 8thYear 8 parent consultation evenings Year 7 Ski week 20th – 27th

February HALF TERM: 12th -16th

Year 5 & 6 parent consultation evenings School production Easter holidays 31st – 15th (April)

April:

Term starts 16th

May:

Bank holiday Year 5 Residential trip to York 2nd – 4thYear 6 SATs Teacher training day Half term 25th (Training Day) – 3rd June

June:

School re-opens 4thYear 6 residential visit to Kingswood

July:

Year 8 transfer days Year 4 transfer day New intake evening Sports Day Theme Week Leavers Disco Year 8 Awards evening Year 8 trip to Lightwater Valley Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 reports issued

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Some dates given may change, exact dates will be given each term in the newsletter

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