FOREWORD

 

May we take this opportunity to welcome you to The British School - Muscat. Our school is a community and we all know each other. It thrives on human relationships and an internationalism that emanates from within.

 

The British School - Muscat continues to grow, both in the number of students and in the variety and richness of the courses we offer. In Years 7, 8 and 9 we offer the “National Curriculum of England”. In Years 10 and 11 we have GCSE programmes. The school is committed to the two-year AS and A2 (A Level) programme for Years 12 and 13. We, along with hundreds of international schools in countries around the world, recognise it as a badge of excellence.

 

The courses we offer have been chosen to best accommodate our students’ particular needs and aspirations. Our student body is drawn from many languages and cultures. As one of the foremost schools in the region, we feel it important to equip a new generation with the best that education has to offer. We want their time with us to be broad-ranging, challenging and rewarding.

 

This guide gives details of the programmes that we offer. Each subject description gives the entry requirements and a brief summary of what may be studied. We hope parents and students will carefully examine the choices offered. We would expect parents to be fully involved in this. Students will need parental support and encouragement to meet the challenges they will face, particularly during the A Level course.

 

We hope you will find this guide a useful guide to the many areas of study in our Senior School.

 

 

Dr. Yunus Sola

Head of Senior School

 

 

Our vision at the British School Muscat is;

 

·        To offer the highest quality British education to children of all abilities and nationalities. 

·        To value cultural diversity and provide a caring, innovative and stimulating environment, realizing the full potential and celebrating the success of every student. 

·        To ensure that our curriculum will also develop the child as a whole person, provide them with learning to learn skills and will prepare them to lead a successful life in an inter-cultural world. 

·        To encourage the active involvement of parents and the wider community in the learning process.

 


Contents

 

FOREWORD   1

The Core Values of the Senior School, 2004  5

The Structure of the School   6

National Curriculum Levels (Years 7-9) and GCSE grades (Years 10 and 11) 7

Admissions Policy   8

The Sixth Form and the A Level Programme  8

Transferring and departing students  8

People who can help you   9

School Procedures  10

The School Day   10

Registration   10

Homework   10

Student Absences  10

Senior School Uniform    11

Care and Behaviour   12

New Students  12

Our Expectations of Student Behaviour   12

Bullying   12

Head Boy and Head Girl  12

School Council  12

Lockers  12

Personal Property   12

The British School - Muscat Senior School  13

Our Expectations  13

Home-School Links  14

Reporting and reviewing progress  14

Monitoring Student Achievement and Target Setting   14

Health Issues  15

HOUSE SYSTEM    16

House Points  16

Collation of House Points  16

Awards  16

House Cup  16

Events  16

Extra-Curricular and Social Activities  17

Examples of Past and Current After School and Lunchtime Clubs and Activities  17

Music   17

Drama   17

Sport   17

The International Award   18

Student Resources  19

Careers  19

ICT Resources  19

Senior Library   19

Learning Support  19

The Senior School Curriculum    20

The Senior School Curriculum – A comparison of different phases by subject area. 21

The Senior School Examination Syllabuses and Codes  22

The English Curriculum   23

KEY STAGE 3 English  23

KEY STAGE 4 English  25

GCSE English Literature  25

GCSE English Language  25

The Modern Foreign Languages  26

KEY STAGE 3 Modern Foreign Languages  26

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE Modern Foreign Languages  27

The Geography Curriculum   28

KEY STAGE 3 Geography  28

The History Curriculum   33

KEY STAGE 3 History  33

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE History  34

The Business Studies Curriculum   35

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE Business Studies  35

The Information & Communication  36

Technology Curriculum   36

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE ICT  36

The Science Curriculum   38

KEY STAGE 3 Science  38

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE Science  40

The Design Technology Curriculum   42

KEY STAGE 3 Design and Technology  42

KEY STAGE 3 Physical Education  45

Key Stage 4 Physical Education – PE for Leisure  47

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE Physical Education  48

The Mathematics Curriculum   49

KEY STAGE 3 Mathematics  49

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE Mathematics  51

The Drama Curriculum   52

KEY STAGE 3 DRAMA   52

KEY STAGE 4 GSCE DRAMA   53

The Music Curriculum   54

KEY STAGE 3 Music  54

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE MUSIC   55

Art and Design Curriculum   56

KEY STAGE 3  Art & Design  56

KEY STAGE 4 GCSE Art & Design  57

The SIXTH FORM at The British School -Muscat   59

Introduction  59

The Sixth Form   60

What is the Sixth Form?  60

Who can join the Sixth Form?  60

Why join the Sixth Form?  60

The Sixth Form Alumni 61

Choosing The Right Courses  62

Sixth Form Community Service and Active Programme (Compulsory) 63

AS and A2 COURSES  63

Modular courses and coursework elements  63

Results And Higher Education   63

Examination Boards  64

ART & DESIGN   65

BIOLOGY  67

BUSINESS STUDIES  68

CHEMISTRY  69

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY  70

DRAMA   72

ENGLISH LITERATURE   73

FRENCH   75

GERMAN   77

GEOGRAPHY  79

HISTORY  81

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY  83

MATHEMATICS  84

MUSIC   85

Music Technology  86

SPORT AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION   87

PHYSICS  89

PSYCHOLOGY  90

Examination Board: Edexcel  90

Course Specification  90

Specification Aims  90

 

 

 

 


The Core Values of the Senior School, 2004

---

 

 

The Vision statements have been translated into a core ethos and culture for the Senior School built around the following foundations

 

 

aring

·       The Senior School is a caring, supportive and encouraging community through a network of tutors led by a Senior Teacher. Behavioural issues are managed so that students take responsibility for their own behaviour. All staff demonstrate consistent high standards of pastoral care and are involved in the smooth running of the Senior School at all times. Community and charity work are a major and growing aspect of the ethos of the school.

 

 

eaching

·       The Head of School, Senior Teachers and Heads of Department strive to create the conditions for the highest standard of teaching and monitor standards through school self evaluation procedures.

 

 

earning

·       Teachers employ the latest effective teaching and learning techniques to stimulate curiosity, academic rigour and enjoyment of the curriculum. The Senior School Assessment Policy centres on improvement of standards and is incorporated into teaching, learning and planning.

 

 

Argeting

·       Individual student monitoring and diagnostic targeting, which involves parents, tutors, subject teachers and senior management, is a fundamental aspect of the Senior School.

 

 

uality

·       We want to increase opportunities for the sharing of best practice amongst us. All teachers are involved in professional development programmes and are up to date with current issues in their curriculum and management areas.

 

 

quality and pportunity

·       The Senior School is an equal opportunities international school with students from all abilities, many nationalities and cultures. The school celebrates these facts and promotes our international identity and diversity.

 

 

 

The Structure of the School

 

The Senior School follows the National Curriculum of England from Years 7 to 11 and   AS/A2 Levels  in Years 12 and 13.  This divides the School into three phases:

 

·        Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

·        Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

·        The Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)

 

Each phase ends in externally assessed examinations.  These are:

 

§         Key Stage 3         National Curriculum Tests

o       These exams are set in the core subjects Mathematics, English and Science at the end of Year 9.  The results indicate the pupil’s standing in terms of National Curriculum levels in that subject at that time.

§         Key Stage 4         GCSE exams

o       The General Certificate of Secondary Education is an internationally recognised qualification at the secondary level.  Most students will be examined in May/June of Year 11, although students can be entered in Year 10. These exams form the foundation of any post 16 qualifications.

§         Sixth Form           AS and A2 exams

o       The A Level programme is a major international qualification for university entrance, including the more prestigious universities around the world.

 

The table below equates the age of the student, The British School - Muscat class year and the equivalent ‘Grade’ in the American system.

 

Age

BSM Year

American Grade System

Scottish

System

Dutch System

11-12

7

6

Senior 1

Primary (Year 8)

12-13

8

7

Senior 2

Senior 1

13-14

9

8

Senior 3

Senior 2

14-15

10

9

Standard Grade (4)

Senior 3

15-16

11

10

1st Year Higher  (5)

Senior 4

16-17

12

11

2nd Year Higher (6)

Senior 5

17-18

13

12

Foundation Year at University

Senior 6

 

Age on entry to BSM

BSM Year group on entry

Age 11 before Sept 1st

7

Age 12 before Sept 1st

8

Age 13 before Sept 1st

9

Age 14 before Sept 1st

10

Age 15 before Sept 1st

11

Age 16 before Sept 1st

12

Age 17 before Sept 1st

13


National Curriculum Levels (Years 7-9) and GCSE grades (Years 10 and 11)

 

National Curriculum Levels

In years 7, 8 and 9, students are assessed according to National Curriculum Levels. The following chart will help you understand what the levels mean.

 

National Curriculum level

When level is expected to be achieved

 

Year

Level(s) expected to be achieved

1

 

2

2

2

 

3

2 and 3

3

During Years 5 and 6

4

2,3, and 4

4

During Years

5, 6 and 7

5

3 and 4

5

During Years

7, 8 and 9

6

3,4 and 5

6

During Years 8 and 9

7

4 and 5

7

Normally achieved by very few students

8

5 and 6

8

Very rarely achieved

9

5 and 6

Exceptional

Very rarely achieved

 

 

 

This guide does not apply to Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Art and Physical Education. This is because students may not begin to study these subjects until later and therefore may be at any level at any age.

 

Grades at GCSE, AS and A2 Levels

 

These are awarded at the end of Year 11 exams.

 

GCSE GRADES

These are awarded at the end of Year 11 exams.

 

A Level Grades

AS Level Grades are awarded in Year 12 and A2 in Year 13

Grade

 

 

Grade

 

A*

 

Pass

Grades

are

A-G

 

Grade C is the

 Minimum grade required for A Level Studies

 

A

Pass Grades are

A-E

 

 

A

 

B

B

 

C

C

 

D

D

 

E

E

 

N

No Grade

F

 

U

Unclassified – Fail

G

 

 

 

 

 

 


Admissions Policy

 

Students of all nationalities, race and religious beliefs are welcome in our community unless it is believed that admission is not in the best interest of the applicant or the School. Local regulations do not allow Omani nationals to be registered at the school.

 

The first point of contact for all prospective parents is the Registrar. 

 

Please note: All students will be assessed on entry so that we can assess that we have the resources to meet the needs of the student and to inform the teachers of the potential of the student.

 

The School requires a good level of competency in English for entry to the Senior School.

 

Key Stage 4 students will require additional guidance with regard to their subject choices.  An interview with the school’s Careers Officer, Senior Teacher and Heads of Department will be arranged before option choices are confirmed.

 

The Sixth Form and the A Level Programme

 

In addition to the above, students wishing to enrol in the Sixth Form will have an interview with the Head of Sixth Form to determine suitability. 

Entry to the Sixth Form is open to all who meet our entry requirements of five passes in their GCSEs at A* to C or equivalent; have an aptitude for their chosen subjects and an attitude towards study that will allow them to succeed. Prior academic record and good standing with any previous school will be taken into consideration.

 

All Sixth Form students are expected to be fluent in English.

 

Transferring and departing students

In order to facilitate the transfer of students between schools, parents are asked to inform the school as soon as they are aware that they will be withdrawing their son/daughter. With sufficient notice we can prepare confidential references on pupils and invigilate any entrance exams. It is normal for us to liaise with the new school and provide them with all the information they need which will be specifically tailored to the requirements of the new school or college.

 

In the case of GCSE/A Level students, parents are advised to consider carefully the implications of transferring students mid-course.  Should this become unavoidable, the school must be informed as early as possible in order that correct transfer procedures can be put in place, destination schools contacted, coursework/documentation transferred and registration for examinations proceed smoothly.

 

In order to qualify for the return of the deposit of R.O. 100, official notice must be given at least four weeks before the end of the term of departure from the school.  Nearer departure a leaver’s form must be completed for the return of any textbooks and other resources.  If any books are lost or damaged (beyond normal wear and tear) the cost of these will be deducted from the refundable deposit.

 

 


 

People who can help you

 

The Head of Senior School

The Head of Senior School monitors everything that happens in the School, including student achievement. He/she ensures that students are happy, high standards are maintained, and that student needs are met. Do come and see him/her on any issue that may go beyond the tutor. However, the Head of Senior School is not necessarily always the best first point of contact.

 

The Tutor

All students are allocated a Tutor who will be the students’ first contact for all matters. The Tutor is also the parent’s first point of contact as the person who will best know your son/daughter. The Tutor provides support and guidance in all matters, both academic and social. The Tutor will also monitor daily attendance and check progress across all the students’ studies. The Tutor is also able to organise further specialist support.  On confidential or other matters about which you are unclear – please see theTutor.

 

The Senior Teachers in Charge of Welfare and Student Counselling

They are responsible for overseeing the welfare of all students and supporting the tutors in their work. They will coordinate with the Head of Senior School in all areas of behaviour and maintain regular contact with parents.

 

The Senior Teacher in charge of Learning (Director of Learning)

She/He is responsible for overseeing the academic progress of all students and supporting the students in their learning. S/He will coordinate with the Head of Senior School in all areas of academic standards and ensure effective communication with parents with regards to standards achieved. She/he is able to answer queries regarding the Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level Curriculum and coordinates new student entries into the Senior School.

 

The Senior Teacher in charge of Exams and Administration

S/he will inform you about all examinations including procedures for being entered for examinations.

 

Careers Adviser and Coordinator

The Careers Adviser can offer guidance regarding subject options, possible future careers and university entrance. S/he will also be able to guide parents who want to apply to schools in the UK or elsewhere.

 

Secondary School Secretary

She/he is an excellent source of information and help. Do contact her/him if you do not know who to speak to.

 

Extra Curricular Activities and International Award Coordinator

She/he organises and coordinates all the daily extra-curricular events. She/he will inform parents and students of the programme for each half term. Please contact our extra-curricular coordinator if you wish to help or set up activities yourself.

 

Librarian

The Librarian can help your son/daughter select the best resources for their studies and to guide them in research using both books and the Internet.  The Librarian works closely with subject teachers to ensure a balanced stock to support the Curriculum.

 

Class Contact

Each tutor group in the Senior School has a parent class contact. The parent class contacts are volunteer parents who welcome and offer advice to new parents at the School. They also relay emergency information from the School to parents, e.g. in the case of unexpected school closure. Class Contacts try to meet once a term as a group with the Head of Senior School.

 

School Procedures

 

The School Day

 

REGISTRATION

The school day starts at 7.30am.

 

The day will finish at 1.45pm.

 

Extra curricular activities tend to start at 2.00pm

Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

1st BREAK

Period 4

Period 5

2nd BREAK

Period 6

Period 7

Tutor Session

 

 

Registration

The most important point of contact is the Tutor who will register and meet the students twice a day.

 

Homework

Homework is an important part of the educational process. Students are encouraged to develop habits of regular independent study so as to reinforce what is being taught and learned in the classroom.

Each class has a homework timetable. Parents are asked to support the school by taking an active interest in homework set. Please see that homework tasks are carried out in suitable, quiet surroundings. Queries about homework should be addressed to the tutor in the first instance. Each student is provided with a Personal Organiser. Parents should check the Organiser and sign it every week. This will help parents and teachers monitor the work in partnership to best facilitate student progress.

 

Student Absences

The Senior School operates on a full attendance policy. However, sometimes absences cannot be avoided. We ask that students and parents take responsibility for absences by finding out what activities and homeworks have been missed. It is up to the student to ensure that missed work is copied up and that missed homework assignments are completed.

 

It is important to note that student absence rates will be declared in school transfer records to future schools. Attendance records are passed to Universities or Colleges where an application is made.


Senior School Uniform

 

All students (Years 7-11) must be in full and correct uniform.

GIRLS

  • Smart skirt (knee length or full length and not tight fitting), or culottes or trousers in navy blue.
  • *White blouse with Senior School Logo
  • White socks
  • (Optional) Navy blue sweatshirt with Senior school logo for winter
  • Black shoes, maximum heel size 4 cm

Boots, trainers or open-toed sandals are NOT acceptable

BOYS

  • Charcoal grey trousers
  • *White shirt with Senior School logo
  • Grey socks
  • (Optional) *Navy Blue sweatshirt with Senior school logo for winter
  • Black shoes

 

 

Boots and trainers are NOT acceptable

P.E. KIT (for Boys and Girls)

·                    *Navy Blue shorts

·                    *School PE shirt with school logo

·                    White socks

·                    Trainers – non-marking soles

 

·                    Swimming - one piece swimming costume (girls) or swimming trunks/shorts (boys) no long shorts, waterproof swim bag containing towel, comb etc.

·                    P.E. kit bag

Art & Design

All Students in Year 7, 8 and 9 should have a selection of drawing and colouring equipment available for Art homework, to include pencils, erasers, colouring pencils and poster paints together with an A4 sketchbook. Students following an examination syllabus should provide themselves with an A2 portfolio, A3 sketchbooks and the above-mentioned drawing / colouring equipment.

 

* Items only available from the School Office

All clothing and possessions in school must be clearly labelled with the student’s name. Unclaimed and unmarked lost property is usually sold by the PTA.

Jewellery (other than a watch and/or stud earrings) and make-up such as nail polish MUST NOT be worn in school

Hair must be tidy and extreme styles or colours are not permitted

Sixth Form Dress guide

The Sixth Form are often called upon to show important visitors around the school, it is therefore essential that they present themselves in a neat and tidy fashion at all times. Sixth Form Students should be guided by the teacher’s standards of dress.

Boys:

Smart trousers (not jeans)

Collared Shirt or Polo Shirt

Shoes (not trainers)

Football shirts and T-Shirts with large logos are inappropriate

Girls:

Smart skirt or trousers – knee length or below the knee

Blouse with sleeves (Tight fitting or cropped tops are inappropriate)

            

Shoes which are suitable for school

 

Uniform sports shirt and shorts should be worn for all on-site PE activities.  Dress for off-site activities should be appropriate for the individual activity.

Formal Occasions

Boys will be expected to wear a suit with a shirt and tie.  Girls will be expected to dress modestly and smartly.

 

Care and Behaviour

 

The School aims to provide a secure and stimulating environment. Every student is

seen as an individual and encouraged to develop his or her intellectual, creative, moral and social abilities to the full, as part of a caring community.

 

New Students

Students joining us after the start of the academic year are provided with a ‘buddy’ from their tutor group, who will help them settle into school life. A close eye is kept on every new student, both academically and socially, until we are confident that they are fully adjusted to their new school.

 

Our Expectations of Student Behaviour

Our students are treated as young adults and are given the opportunity to act responsibly and thoughtfully so that they develop their potential in all aspects of School life. Implicit in our Expectations of Student Behaviour is the belief that everyone matters. Courtesy, consideration, co-operation and concern for other people and their property are encouraged. A good community spirit is generated through self-discipline and mutual respect. Where necessary, disciplinary measures are taken. All students will be made familiar with our reward system, our Expectations of Behaviour, school rules and discipline measures.

 

Bullying

All students are made aware that bullying will not be tolerated. The effects of bullying, avoidance strategies and what to do if it happens, are topics covered within the PSE Curriculum.  We have an anti-bullying policy.  If you believe your child is a victim of bullying please contact the form teacher or Pastoral Care Manager.  All discussions will be treated confidentially.

Head Boy and Head Girl

Each year students elect a Head Boy and Head Girl.

School Council

The Head Boy and Head Girl lead the Student Council. Each Tutor Group elects a representative to voice their issues on the School Council.  They also elect a Treasurer and Secretary.  The Council meets throughout the year to discuss student concerns and to arrange fund raising activities.  Their ideas are conveyed to the Head of Senior School, who will always consider them sympathetically.

Lockers

All students will be allocated a locker in which to store their lunchboxes, books and equipment. These are intended to assist in the development of organisational skills and avoid the necessity of students having to carry heavy bags around School.

Personal Property

While we understand the safety reasons for carrying mobile phones, it is important to note that they must be switched off whilst on the school premises. The School cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss to mobile phones or other valuables. The Schools insurance policy does not include student’s personal belongings.

 

 

The British School - Muscat Senior School

 

Our Expectations

 

 

Every student should:

·        Listen to, and try to understand, other people’s point of view.

·        Work to the best of their ability and take pride in their work

o       In class make it as easy as possible for students to learn, and for the teacher to teach, by:

§         arriving on time with everything they need

§         arriving and departing in a courteous manner

§         listening carefully and following instructions

§         not interrupting anyone else when talking during discussions

§         helping each other

·       Be polite and courteous to fellow students, visitors and members of staff

o       Speak politely, quietly and positively to each other.

o       Walk quietly and carefully about the School.

o       This also means:

§         opening doors for others

§         standing back to let others pass

§         lining up quietly when waiting for lessons

§         treating all adults and fellow students as one would expect to be treated oneself

·        Keep the School clean, tidy and attractive so that it is a welcoming place for everyone:

o       put litter in the bins

o       keep walls and furniture clean

o       take care of displays and other people’s work 

·        Be neat and tidy and take pride in their appearance by wearing correct uniform

 

 

What the School will not tolerate

 

·        Bullying

·        Racial abuse

·        Becoming involved in fights

·        Deliberately damaging School property in any way

·        Leaving the School premises during school hours without permission

·        Using offensive language or showing disrespect to any member of the School community

·        Bringing anything into the school deemed a danger to students and children including cigarettes, matches, lighters etc.

 

 

Home-School Links

 

Links between the School and home are of paramount importance and we work very closely with our parents.  The British School -  Muscat is open for parents to visit at any time during school hours and we are always available if you or your child have any worries.

If you wish to meet a particular member of staff or the Pastoral Care Manager please make an appointment to see them so that an appropriate report can be prepared.  If the problem is urgent please contact the Pastoral Care Manager immediately.

Parents are very much part of the School and have many opportunities to become involved in the School life through, for example, Parents’ Evenings, Sports Days and School Productions.

 

Reporting and reviewing progress

 

Reports will be issued four times a year to keep parents fully informed about each student’s progress and attitude. The first three reports inform the students and parents about effort, attainment and homework. The final report in June is a detailed feedback of the progress made during the year and targets for the following year. Parents’ consultation evenings will be arranged to allow parents and teachers to discuss the academic and pastoral progress of each student. Tutors may be contacted at any time if you have any issues to discuss or make the school aware of.

 

Monitoring Student Achievement and Target Setting

 

We have developing systems and procedures to ensure that we identify students who might be underachieving, coasting or achieving grades higher then expected. Student progress is being checked regularly and students will be targeted as an outcome of our analysis procedures.

Naturally, parents will play an important part in the process and we will provide further guidance when necessary.

We will be trying different approaches to support the students that need support and make sure that students who are achieving are being challenged.

 

 

 

 

 


Health Issues

 

Our School Nurse is available every school day between 07.15am and 3pm and can be contacted on 600842 Ext. 22 to discuss any health issues or concerns. On admission parents are requested to complete the School Medical Report to provide the essential background information for the provision of individual health care needs.

 

Role of School Nurse

 

First Aid                   

The school nurse is readily available to care for any child, member of staff or visitor to the school that is unwell or has been involved in an accident; providing them with the necessary first aid care, treatment and advice. In the event of a serious illness/accident every attempt will be made to contact parents, please inform the main school office of any changes of your telephone contact numbers.

 

Health Support      

Some children have specific medical needs, for example asthma, diabetes or severe allergic reactions. It is important that all our staff fully understand individual medical conditions and how to respond to a medical emergency. The school nurse works closely with the students, family and staff to provide individual child-centred health plans. Please inform the school nurse directly of any changes with your child’s health status or needs. If your child needs medication whilst at school please provide written details of the dose, route and timings required along with the medication – students are discouraged from carrying medicines other than asthma inhalers or medications required to treat a known medical emergency.

 

Health Screening              

We offer every student a confidential health surveillance check per year. Height, weight and vision are checked, information and advice is given on healthy lifestyles; reports are issued for your information.

           

Education                

Health and education go hand in hand and both have an impact on our children’s current and future well-being, the more they understand about adopting a healthy lifestyle the better their future lives will be. The health news page is a regular feature in the School Newsletter, if you have any comments or suggestions please contact the school nurse directly.

 

Immunisations       

Compulsory vaccinations – yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from infected area. Also, in Oman it is mandatory for all children to be vaccinated against measles.

 

Recommended Vaccinations     Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A,

                                                            Hepatitis B, Typhoid, TB (BCG)

 

Staying Healthy Dehydration especially in the Summer Term can be a common problem, please ensure your child has plenty of fluids (especially water) with them at school.

Breakfast – encourage your child to eat breakfast, lasting or fasting from the evening before till break time is not conducive to health or learning – common symptoms of low food intake include headaches, nausea, lack of concentration.

Sun Care – exposure to UV rays causes skin damage – students are encouraged to use a sun cream suitable to their skin types and have a hat to wear when exposed to direct sunlight. 

 

HOUSE SYSTEM

 

There are four Houses  -                  (Yellow)

                                    (Green)

                                    (Blue)

                                                (Red)

 

The House System is becoming a major aspect of the reward system within the school.

 

House Points

Students are awarded House Points at the staff’s discretion for a variety of positive achievements, e.g. the production of very good or outstanding work. Very good progress or being very helpful in some way. Staff will award them by signing and dating the page in the Personal Organiser for this purpose.

 

Collation of House Points

This takes place during the PSE lesson.  One member of the form will list the number of House Points each member of the form has gained that week and then give the list into the student in the ICT room who has responsibility for updating the information.

The list will be displayed each Sunday in the hall.

 

Awards

To encourage students to gain these House Points, certificates will be awarded as follows

                        Bronze                        15 pts

                        Silver                          30 pts

                        Gold                            50 pts

                        Platinum                     100 pts

 

House Cup

At the end of each term the House Cup is awarded to the House with the most points for that term. At the beginning of each term the House Totals will start at 0. However the individual scores will be on-going throughout the year thus making the above awards achievable.

 

Events

It is envisaged that House Points will be awarded for achievements in all areas of the curriculum and departments will hold special events, displays etc whereby Houses will gain extra points.

 

 


Extra-Curricular and Social Activities

The personal and social development of students is something we wish to encourage throughout the School. A variety of activities to promote this will be made available to students. They range from extra curricular activities, work experience, sport, community service, music, a residential field trip and drama.  Each student is required to attend at least one activity at lunchtime or after school each week. Many students choose to do more.  A student’s achievements in these areas will be documented and appear in their school files, which are sometimes requested by admission tutors at colleges, universities and by potential employers.

 

Badminton

Table Tennis

Senior Choir

Competitive Swimming Training

Graded Swimming Club

Scuba Diving

Philosophy Club

Karate

Football

Netball

Drama

Art Club

Guides

Scouts

Irish Dancing

Indoor Football

Tap Dancing

International Award

Dance Group

Examples of Past and Current After School and Lunchtime Clubs and Activities

 

 

Basketball

Athletics

Softball

Spanish

Cricket

Intranet

Modern Dance

Climbing Club

Fabric Pictures

Jewellery Making

Sketching and Painting

Touch Typing

Line Dancing

Orchestra

War hammer

Portuguese

Pony Club

Roller Hockey

English Course Work Club

 

Music

The Music Department has a very active extra-curricular program. Students who learn to play an orchestral instrument are able to play in the school orchestra, wind band and instrumental ensembles. The senior choir is open to all students who enjoy singing and want to improve their voice and music reading. There are many opportunities for performance throughout the year both in school and at other local events and concerts.

 

Drama

Every year the Senior School puts on a production.  The most recent productions include, ‘Dracula Spectacular’, ‘Dazzle’ and ‘Snow White goes Green’.  Interested students will be invited to audition (competition is usually fierce) and then rehearse at an after school club and nearer the date on weekends too.  All students are encouraged to participate.

 

Sport

A range of options in sports and games is available through our extra-curricular programme. Involvement in sport and representation in school teams is encouraged and valued for the contribution it can make to the development of the person as a whole.  The school has active and successful soccer, athletic and basketball teams that take part in regular competition. Other teams, such as basketball and swimming are developing as the School grows.

 

The International Award

 

The International Award is the international version of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK.  The aim of the award is to develop young people between the ages of 14 and 25 in several areas, including their self-belief, sense of achievement and sense of community.  The Award has been operating since 1956 and over 4 million people have taken part worldwide.

 

Levels

 

The Award operates at three levels: Bronze (Year 10), Silver (Year 11) and Gold (Year 12 and 13).  <