This section contains information regarding
As a Local Education Authority Community Comprehensive School, The Romsey School caters for the education of pupils from 11 to 16 years of age. The normal catchment area for the school includes Ampfield, Braishfield, Sherfield English, Michelmersh, Timsbury and part of Romsey. The part of Romsey within the catchment area lies to the north of the old Eastleigh to Romsey railway line, east of the Sun Arch, north of the A27 from the Sun Arch to the Plaza roundabout, continuing along the by-pass over Middlebridge.
Applications for the admission of pupils must be made to the school either directly or through the feeder Primary School. Applications will be considered with reference to the agreed Admission Policy. Enquiries should be made, in the first instance, to the School Office.
For those seeking Admission in September 1997 we provide, during the Autumn term, a number of opportunities to visit the school and see us at work, we believe this provides an opportunity to see the school as it really is. For those who require admission during the course of the academic year we will provide an opportunity, at a mutually convenient time, to tour the school during the course of a school day. Appointments can be made, either in person or by telephoning, the School Office.
Our published admissions figure is 185 however we have the agreement of the Assistant County Education Officer to admit up to 210 pupils per year. In 1996 we admitted this number of pupils and usually have more applications than places available.
Principles
All parents should be given the right to consider the school as a viable option for their children. They should be given the opportunity to visit the school to see the establishment at work and to discuss admission details.
Purposes
To promote liaison with Primary Schools, both feeder and outside the recognised catchment area. To define the areas of working relations between the liaison staff. To provide full details of admission to parents and pupils.
Practices
This last category should be used to distinguish between applications within the other priorities, should the school be oversubscribed within any of these.
School named as second choice
If a school has places available after admitting all first choice applications the governors will consider second choice applications referred to them in accordance with the priorities given above.
Other applications
If the school has places available after admitting all first and second choice applications the governors will consider other applications referred to them in accordance with the priorities given above.
Home to School Transport
Children qualify for free transport or travel expenses on public transport from home to school, if they attend their catchment area school and the distance (measured by the shortest practicable walking distance) is more than three miles. If parents do not state their designated catchment area school as their first choice, and subsequently do not get a place at their catchment area school, the child will not be entitled to free transport/travel expenses on public transport even if he/she attends a school which is more than three miles from home. Parents are responsible for their child's attendance at school, whether or not transport is provided.
Discipline
Good discipline arises from the school doing its job well and discipline is very much concerned with what goes on in the classroom. Through the system of Tutors, we find very few problems with discipline. However, if occasionally a pupil becomes difficult, then he or she is reported to the Tutor and the Year Co-ordinator who can usually deal with the problem. If, as time passes, we do not seem able to solve the problem then the parents will be asked to help.
If punishment is necessary, it may take the following forms:
As part of the administration of discipline and giving responsibility to pupils we have a Prefect system.
Work Discipline
This is a matter for every individual teacher and every parent. It is a shared responsibility. A member of staff would be failing if he shirked his job in terms of preparation and marking of work. Equally, parents must involve themselves in monitoring their child's performance.
Parents should make certain checks. They should look at work books. Check homework diaries which should record either homework set or the reason why it has not been set. Where parents have cause for concern, they should contact the Tutor by telephone or note, to sort out the problem.
Social Behaviour
The reputation of the school depends very much on the way in which the pupils come and go. Bad behaviour in the street, on the buses and at bus stops is a matter of great concern to us. Hence, as staff, we exercise as much discipline over the journey to and from school as we can.
Many pupils walk to and from school through the centre of the town and we ask them to remember that they are in full view of the townspeople. Many of the buses are 'specials' and bad behaviour on a local bus could mean that we would ask a pupil to wait for the normal service bus.
Dress
Pupils are expected to wear the official School Uniform for the full five years they attend the school and the support of parents is sought in maintaining this policy. The matter of uniform has been discussed, not simply by staff, but also by the school Governors and The Romsey School Association. Each of these groups is clear on the value and wisdom of uniform and it is for this reason that we insist upon it.
It is emphasised that trendy or outrageous clothing is not acceptable school wear and cannot be accepted. The 'extravagances of fashion' are not acceptable.
If, from the beginning, parents insist that their children wear the full uniform, they will be relieved of the continual pressure from their children to buy fashion garments 'because all the others have them'. A firm stand taken initially will save many 'family skirmishes' in later years.
Outdoor clothing can create problems because of the layout of the school, and pupils have to walk from building to building. Therefore, some form of outdoor clothing which can be carried around easily and be worn is necessary. The School Blazer is ideal for this purpose.
We further suggest, for outdoor wear, particularly coming to school and going home, some simple, compact and lightweight garment of the plain anorak type. The School Blazer should be worn under the anorak.
The official School Uniform stockists are Messrs Hewitts, who supply the school directly. The Uniform Shop is open every Thursday 1.15 pm - 1.55 pm. A commission is paid to the school by this firm only and we use the money for special projects and equipment for the school.
Details of the uniform are as follows:
BOYS
Summer Uniform
When decreed, blazers and ties may be removed in school only.
Jewellery
The wearing of jewellery, by any child at this school, is restricted for reasons of safety and security.
Whilst not guaranteeing their safekeeping nor indemnifying the parents from any claim and liability arising from injury or damage to whatsoever person or thing occasioned by the wearing of sleeper earrings or wristlet watches, these articles will be permitted provided that:
We look forward to your co-operation in mitigating these risks.
Hairstyles
Extremes in style and colour are not acceptable at school.
Make-up is not acceptable in school.
Physical Education
BOYS
GIRLS
Technology and Science Subjects
When required an apron must be worn for all these subjects.
Financial Assistance for Uniforms
If you are receiving Income Support or Family Credit from the Department of Health and Social Security, a limited amount of financial assistance is available to help provide the essential clothing or footwear that your child needs to attend school.
Applications are considered at the beginning of year 7, 9 and 10 and forms are available from the Divisional Office.
If you have any difficulty in providing your child with essential items of clothing or footwear for Physical Education, a limited amount of financial assistance may be available.
For further details, please enquire at the Divisional Office or the Education Welfare Officer.
The school is organised around a one hour teaching period with five lessons per day. Consequently, excluding breaks and registration, the taught week is 25 hours for all pupils. The day is scheduled as follows:
The dates for this academic year are as follows:.
- Autumn Term 1996
- Term Starts Tuesday 3rd September
- Half Term Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November
- Term Finishes Friday 20th December
- Day Closure Monday 2nd SeptemberFriday 22nd November
- Presentation evening Tuesday 26th November
- Carol Service Wednesday 11th December - Romsey Abbey 7.30pm
- Spring Term 1997
- Term Starts Monday 6th January
- Half Term Monday 10th February - Friday 14th February
- Term Finishes Wednesday 26th March
- Day Closure Wednesday 5th March
- Summer Term 1997
- Term Starts Monday 14th April
- Mayday Holiday Monday 5th May
- Half Term Monday 26th May - Friday 30th May
- Term Finishes Wednesday 23rd July
- Day Closure Friday 20th JuneMonday 23rd June
- Fete Friday 13th June (evening)
The aims of Religious, Personal and Social Education are to prepare pupils for adult society, to enable them to take their places in society with the ability to evaluate it constructively, criticise it objectively and make a positive contribution to the community.
Religious Education is provided in the school under the terms of the 1944 Education Act and the 1988 Education Reform Act. The Local Education Authority has set up a Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) with the following role:
Religious Education forms an important part of the school's curriculum. This is given in accordance with the Hampshire Syllabus and is closely allied with Social Education in Years 10 and 11. (Parents may withdraw their child from any religious teaching or from any religious assembly as long as they write to the Year Co-Ordinator requesting this. Naturally, we would hope that they would discuss this with the Year Co-ordinator before making such a move.)
Personal Social and Health Education
Why do we have PSHE ?
Pupils need to cope with all the various changes, decisions and problems they will face in life. They are not at school merely to pass exams. PSHE enhances what is going on throughout the rest of the curriculum, but it is not left to chance. It is co-ordinated as an explicit part of the whole curriculum policy, both inside and outside the formal timetable.
What is PSHE ?
PSHE provides a focus for: supporting pupils in their personal and social development valuing pupils and enhancing their self belief encouraging pupils to become confident and flexible in managing change.
Why are group tutors involved in PSHE ?
Group tutors play a crucial role in a pupil's life and have a major influence in their behaviour and development. They see the pupil every day, offering stability and routine, which can help during the sometimes stressful period of adolescence, so they can access the opportunities that the school offers them and prepare for adult life and develop to their maximum potential. Pupils who benefit from personal-social achievement are more likely to respond positively also in all other aspects of school life, making general classroom teaching more rewarding.
Sex Education
This policy is in accordance with the Annex C of the DFE circular 5/94 and has been approved by the Governing Body.
Principles
Sex Education in the school aims to present facts in an objective, balanced and sensitive manner. It is set within a clear framework of values and an awareness of the law on sexual behaviour. We hope to encourage pupils to appreciate the value of stable family life, marriage and the responsibilities of parenthood. We aim to prepare the pupils for a healthy and responsible future considering the importance of loyalty, fidelity, respect for themselves and others whilst enabling the pupils to recognise the physical, emotional and moral implications of certain types of behaviour.
The Curriculum
During Key Stage 3 + 4 Science lessons pupils are given a factual account of the way in which all creatures develop, including reproduction in human beings. The Christian attitude towards stable married and family life is generally explored in Religious Studies lessons. In Year 10 a more detailed approach to sex education will be found in the Religious, Personal and Social Education course. The four hour module examines the process from conception to birth, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, good parenting and related issues.
Resources
A variety of worksheets and video material is used.
Visitors
Visitors from the Family Planning Service are invited into school to talk to the Year 10 pupils about contraception and related issues. The programme is discussed at length before hand, the material and resources checked and a teacher is always present who is responsible for the lesson. Within this framework the pupils have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the issue of contraception.
Parental Rights
Questions which arise are dealt with in a clear moral framework in which the pupils are encouraged to consider the importance of self restraint, dignity and respect. Whilst taking a pastoral interest in the welfare and well-being of pupils, teachers do not trespass on the exercise of parental rights and responsibilities.
It is inappropriate for a teacher to give an individual pupil contraceptive advice. The teacher will encourage such pupils to seek advice from parents and/or health professionals. Where a teacher believes that a pupil is at moral or physical risk the Headmaster will be informed who will contact either parents or social services if necessary.
The resources used in the programme in Year 10 are available for parents to see should they wish and they have the right to withdraw their children should they feel it is necessary. Appropriate arrangements will be made for pupils who have been withdrawn from the programme. Should any parents wish to exercise this right please contact the school and make arrangements to speak to either the Headmaster or one of the Deputy Headteachers.
There is a member of staff with responsibility for careers guidance in the school. Parents are invited to write, telephone or come to see her to discuss their child and his or her career. The careers programme starts in Year 9, but anyone who wishes to have earlier discussions is very welcome. Pupils and parents are encouraged to take advantage of the very comprehensive range of careers information available.
General aims of Careers Education and Guidance
Careers education and guidance should help pupils to:
The school receives regular visits from a professional Careers Officer who liaises with the Headmaster and the Careers Teacher in the school to help with the school's programme of Careers Education. The Officer will offer advice to all pupils, prior to leaving school, on career choices, training, employment, and further and higher education.
The Careers Service provides information on a wide range of vocational opportunities gleaned from their regular contacts with employers, gives advice and guidance to all pupils leaving school, place many in work, on training schemes appropriate to the needs of the pupils, into colleges of further education and maintains an interest in their well-being for one or two years after they leave education.
Careers education and guidance is delivered by tutors through the PSHE programme. Information is sent to the Careers Co-ordinator who passes this information to the pupils through their tutors.
Careers Interviews are presently available to Year 11 pupils on a needs basis or by referral by the tutor/careers co-ordinator etc. Careers interviews take place with the Careers Adviser. He comes into school one day per week. Interviews take approximately 45 minutes and an Action Plan is drawn up between the Adviser and the pupil.
During the summer of Year 10 all pupils undertake a three week Business Project that includes one week of a business simulation exercise and a two week work experience placement.
Romsey Schools anti bullying policy is rigorous and simple, bullying will not be tolerated. This policy is positive rather than punitive, it seeks to raise awareness of issues involved in harassment and is based on trust between staff, pupils and parents. We seek to ensure that victims of bullying are confident of support and redress while aggressors are helped to see the error of their ways. The message is delivered to all members of the school community. Pupils are in no doubt as to the outcome - bullies have no place in our midst.
Bullying is the wilful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone and tends to be repetitive. It includes physical and/or verbal abuse, eg taking someone's food, money; deliberately damaging another's work or equipment; forcing another to steal; racial and sexist abuse.
Any behaviour which is the illegitimate use of power in order to hurt others is bullying behaviour. Bullying is not just part of growing up.
Our policy extends to all pupils and staff when travelling to and from school and throughout the school day.
Romsey School recognises that many young people will be presented with the opportunity to try drugs. The school condones neither the use of illegal substances, alcohol or tobacco, nor the misuse of glue, solvents, prescribed and over the counter medicines.
Romsey School acknowledges the importance of its pastoral role in the welfare of young people, and is committed to integrating drug education across the curriculum. The school recognises the need to work in partnership with parents and the wider outside community to ensure the young people make healthy informed decisions to safe-guard their own well-being.
Introduction
The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that a wide range of activities, including clubs, trips and residential experiences can make towards pupils' personal and social education.
The Governing Body aims to promote and provide such activities both as part of broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils of the school and as additional optional activities.
Charges
A charge may be made in the following circumstances for activities organised by the school:
The board and lodging element of residential activities deemed to be optional extras taking place outside school hours (eg theatre visits).
A charge may be made for ingredients and materials or require them to be provided if the parents have indicated, in advance, that they wish to own the finished product (eg in Home Economics or Craft, Design and Technology).
Where a pupil has not been prepared for a prescribed public examination by the school, the school may make a charge for the cost of entering the pupil for the examination, just as they may for entries to non-prescribed examinations whether or not prepared by the school.
If a pupil fails, without good reason, to complete the examination requirements for any public examination for which the school has paid or is liable to pay an entry fee, then the school may recover the fee from the parent.
Instrumental tuition from members of the Instrumental Music Service is provided. In order to provide sufficient and wide ranging instruction, a voluntary charge is requested. The cost of hiring a musical instrument will be met by the parents.
The Governing Body may, from time to time, amend the categories of activity for which a charge may be made.
Remissions
Where the parents of a pupil are in receipt of income support or family credit, the school will remit, in full, the cost of board and lodging for any residential activity that it organises for the pupil if the activity is deemed to take place within school hours or where it forms part of the syllabus for a prescribed public examination of the National Curriculum. In other circumstances, there may be cases of family hardship which make it difficult for pupils to take part in particular activities for which a charge is made. When arranging a chargeable activity, the school will invite parents to apply, in confidence, for the remission of charges in part or in full. Authorisation of remission will be made by the Headmaster in consultation with the Chairman of Governors.
Activities arranged during school hours by a third party
There may be occasions when an organisation other than the LEA or the school arranges an activity to take place during school hours and parents ask the school to grant their children leave of absence of not more than two weeks to join the activity. The third party would be able to levy charges direct on the parents in return for the services provided. The LEA and the school would not take part in the transaction and it would be for the parents, and any staff members similarly released for the activity, to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of arrangements. The school and Headmaster would need to consider whether the release of the pupils could be justified, given the need to meet the statutory requirements of the school curriculum in respect both of those pupils and of the pupils remaining at school.
Availability of Information
The 1988 Education Reform Act requires schools to make available the following items of information:
The Education Reform Act 1988, Section 23, requires Hampshire County Council to provide a procedure for the consideration of complaints about the actions of school governing bodies of the county council over the school curriculum and related matters. These include religious education and worship, the operation of charging policies and provision of information.
The Hampshire Procedure has been approved by the Secretary of State. The Headmaster will show you a copy on request. It gives full details of the type of complaints to which the Procedure applies.
Complaints about other matters, such as discipline and admissions, do not come within the scope of this Procedure. The Headmaster will advise you of the arrangements made for such appeals.
The Procedure defines three levels at which a complaint could be considered. These are the informal level, the formal complaint to the Governing Body and the formal complaint to the County Council.
The Informal Level
It is natural that parents should want to discuss with their child's class or subject teacher any worries they may have about their child's educational progress. In secondary schools it may be helpful also to discuss your concerns with a more senior teacher. This usually enables problems to be sorted out quickly to everyone's satisfaction. Where this is not the case, you may wish to bring your concerns to the Headmaster's personal attention, or even to make a specific complaint. Hampshire County Council hopes and believes that full discussion will normally enable complaints to be resolved informally by the staff of the school, making a formal complaint to the Governing Body unnecessary.
Formal Complaint to the Governing Body
This is a statutory right for parents who still feel aggrieved after informal discussions. The Headmaster will let you have the name of the Assistant County Education Officer for the Division of which the school is a part and give you a copy of the Procedure. The complaint will need to be in writing and may be submitted either to the Clerk of the Governing Body or to the Assistant County Education Officer. The complaint will then be investigated and urgent cases will be considered as a priority.
Formal Complaint to Hampshire County Council
This stage is available to you if you are not satisfied with the way the Governing Body has dealt with your complaint. You can also complain directly to the County Council when your complaint is against the Council rather than the school. The complaint should be set out in writing and sent to the Assistant County Education Officer who will arrange for the complaint to be investigated. Subsequently, the complaint will be considered by a panel consisting of the Assistant County Education Officer and two elected members of Hampshire Education Committee who do not have recent personal involvement with the school concerned. Again, you will be able to present your case to the panel and will be notified of the outcome in writing.
If your complaint is about Religious Education and you follow a particular religious tradition, you are entitled to ask for a member of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education representing that tradition to be co-opted as an additional member of the panel. The Headmaster can tell you which traditions are represented on that Standing Advisory Council.
The Role of the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State may not consider any complaint within the scope for these arrangements until it has been considered under the Hampshire Procedure. However, if you are still dissatisfied after the County Council has considered your complaint, you may then complain to the Secretary of State.
Upon entry to The Romsey School, all pupils are regarded as examination candidates. All Key Stage 4 courses will lead to a DFE recognised qualification except for the core programmes of Physical Education and Religious and Social Education.
Purposes
Practice
Pupils are entered for the appropriate examination towards the completion of the Key Stage 4 course.
However, in exceptional circumstances, it may be appropriate for a pupil not to be entered for public examination. The criteria applicable for possible non-entry are:
© 1997 Bishop Anstey High School