Our School    Brochure

HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT

The Pupil - I shall try to:

o Attend school regularly and be on time.
o Bring all the equipment I need every day.
o Wear the school uniform and be tidy in appearance.
o Do all my class work and homework as well as I can.
o Be polite and helpful to others.
o Keep the school free from litter and graffiti.
o Be honest and open about my life in school.

Parents/Carers - I/we shall try to:

• See that my child goes to school regularly, on time and properly equipped.
• Make the school aware of any concerns or problems that might affect my child's behaviour.
• Support the school's policies and guidelines for behaviour.
• Support my child in homework and other opportunities for home-learning.
• Attend parents' evenings and discussions about my child's progress.
• Get to know about my child's life at the school.

The School will try to:

o Care for your child's safety and happiness.
o Ensure that your child achieves their potential as a valued member of the school community.
o Provide a balanced curriculum and meet the needs of your child.
o Achieve high standards of work and  behaviour through building good
relationships and developing a sense of responsibility.
o Keep you informed about general school matters and about your child's progress in particular.
o Be open and welcoming at all times and offer opportunities for you to become involved in the daily life of the school.

I have read the Home-School Agreement and will try to play my part:

SIGNED........................................... (Parent/Guardian)  DATE .......

I shall try my best to help my school, my parents and MYSELF

SIGNED ..........................................                                 DATE .......

ADMISSIONS POLICY

The aim of the Governors is to provide a school to serve our local community. Due regard is paid by the LEA's Admissions Policy and is used to form the foundation of our policy statement.

Where there are more First Preference applications than the school's published Admission Number, the following criteria will be used to determine admission priorities:-

1. Children who live within the school's catchment area.

2. Children who live outside the school's catchment area in the following priority order:-

a) Children who have a sibling who is already on the roll of the school and will continue to attend the school for the following year.

b) Children who have a significant medical or psychological condition where the application is supported by appropriate written evidence from a doctor or psychologist giving reasons why only our school can meet the medical or psychological needs of the individual pupil.

c) Children who live closest to the school based on the shortest distance from home to school.

Parents and children are always welcome to visit and find out more about our school.

To assist parents of prospective pupils joining us from our Pyramid First Schools, there are a series of Open Mornings during the Autumn Term, when parents and youngsters are given a guided tour by the Headteacher.

Once places at the school have been offered by the Local Authority, there is a further information evening during the Summer Term.

PUNCTUALITY/ATTENDANCE

The school day begins at 8.40 am with registration and children should arrive no earlier than 8.30 am when they can go straight into school.  The playground is not supervised before 8.30 am and pupils remain the responsibility of their parents up to this point. A hand bell is rung at 8.35 when all children enter the school in time for an 8.40am start.

If your child is unwell or unable to attend school for any reason, we ask parents to inform the school office as early as possible on the fist day of absence.   Please ensure that the school is informed of up-to-date contact details. Our attendance target for 2007/8 is 94.5%.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Whatever we do at Branksome Heath, can only be successful if we have the support and co-operation of parents. This partnership is vital if children are to make progress through the Middle School.

Throughout the year, parents will have the opportunity to meet with the class teacher as well as receiving a report on the progress made and targets set for the future. This reporting will include National Curriculum Assessment at the end of Key Stage 2. As well as this 'formal' reporting, parents will be kept informed of the different aspects of the curriculum to be studied and we hope this will give an insight into what and how children learn, the materials that we use and the experiences the children receive.

Another important aspect of our school/home partnership is the opportunity for parents to help in school. We often have parents' help on school visits and some come to assist in class, but we are always open to offers of help and if you feel that you would like to contribute, please do contact the school for details on how you can help.

Provision is made for a number of parent representatives on the governing body of the school with the term of office being for 4 years, although this could be shorter if the child leaves school. All parents/guardians of children at the school are eligible to vote or stand for election. Governors prepare an Annual Parents' Meeting to which all parents are invited by letter. A written report on the work in school is circulated before this meeting.

We are keen to develop the partnership with our parents, who we hope are fully involved in their children's learning. If worries occur or problems arise, parents should contact the school in order to seek a solution. We can only fully meet the needs of our children and their parents if there is an active involvement in the life of the school and comments on the service we provide.

Parents/guardians are warmly welcomed to come along to our termly Friends of Branksome Heath Association meetings. We organise discos, karaoke evenings, quiz nights, as well as our important annual Summer Fair.

THE CURRICULUM

A middle school, such as ours, has to offer the first year of secondary education (Key Stage 3) to its Year 7 pupils. To provide this increasingly specialised year, we have a range of specialist rooms including a Design Technology Studio, Science Laboratory and Computer Suite. With careful timetabling we are able to allow our younger pupils the advantages of using these specialist areas. All pupils study French from Year 4 and continue this as they move to their next school.

Our aim is to offer a broad and balanced curriculum built upon strong foundations of Literacy, Numeracy and Science. Although much time is spent on these three core subjects, we believe that all areas of the curriculum combine to stimulate curiosity about the world and encourage the development of life long learners.

The creative arts, design technology, music and dance all form an important area in which individuality can be developed as well as the ability to work in groups. Physical Education is an important aspect of our curriculum and youngsters have an opportunity to take part in numerous sporting extra curricula activities at lunchtimes and after school. Swimming is included in the curriculum for years 4 and 5. Our schools involvement in a variety of sports is highly regarded throughout the Borough of Poole.

Our Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme allows many issues to be explored in a sensitive manner. Within this context we develop sex education using materials which are available for inspection by parents prior to being shown to pupils. The option of removing your child if it is felt inappropriate is available.We view it as very important that any sex education is undertaken in the context of family life, loving relationships and respect for others.

Our children move to a range of schools after Year 7 including the two town grammar schools. The majority of our youngsters go to our local catchment school, Rossmore Community College.

HOMEWORK

It is very important for children to be prepared for their future education and as they pass from Middle to Secondary School, the amount of homework grows steadily. At Branksome we try to guide children into good habits of organising their time to be able to complete tasks set within the deadline.

Whatever homework is set we would also urge parents to listen to their children read. We can never underestimate the importance of talking to our children about their work, praising often and joining in regularly.

Every child has a separate book to record each task to be completed at home, but if you have any concerns, if not enough or too much is being set, then as always, please contact the school.

THE SYSTEM OF REWARDS

Our system is designed to both reward pupils for their individual achievements and efforts, as well as for their efforts in working as part of a group. It is designed to make the pupils feel valued and welcomed in the school.

The reward system is based upon a system of merits, which feeds into a House Team and Class based reward system, where group efforts receive recognition and reward. A merit equates to 1 point. A record of all points scored is kept on a central record system, with weekly updates. This will allow staff to analyse the progress of individuals and promote a system based on equality for all.

Merits

A Merit equates to 1 point on the pupil's central record and 1 point for the House Team of the recipient.

Merits can be awarded for the following reasons:-

• A very good piece of work (ie a high standard for that pupil)
• Good behaviour for a particular pupil
• Good behaviour for a particular pupil
• Extra/Very good piece of homework
• Particularly helpful or kind deed
• Upon achieving a particular target
• Having gained 5 credits which equate to1 merit.

As a pupil's merits accumulate, further rewards can be obtained:-

• 10 merits pupil receives a certificate
• 20 merits pupil receives a certificate
• 30 merits pupil receives a certificate
• 40 merits pupil receives a certificate
• 50 merits pupil receives a bronze certificate and cloth badge
• 75 merits pupil receives a silver certificate and cloth badge
• 100 merits pupil receives a gold certificate and cloth badge

The House Team System

Pupils throughout the school are placed into House Teams, named after 4 local beauty spots in Dorset. Each team is allocated a colour as follows:-

• Lulworth House - Green
• Kimmeridge House  - Red
• Worbarrow House  - Blue
• Brownsea House  - Yellow

Annual Award Ceremony

All achieving the higher awards will, together with their parents, be invited to the Annual Award Ceremony at the end of the academic year.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education is unique in the school curriculum in that it is neither a core nor a foundation subject. However, the 1988 Education Act states that "Religious Education has equal standing in relation to core subjects of the National Curriculum in that it is compulsory for all registered pupils". The school is working with schemes of work entirely in accordance with the Borough of Poole Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

The main principles of Religious Education within the school are that:-

• It makes no assumption about the teacher's or pupil's personal faith
• It does not wish to persuade towards or away from a particular belief
• It is available for all pupils regardless of their faith background
• The planning and organisation takes into account different faiths and family backgrounds
• The teacher is an educator to help pupils to evaluate a range of different religious beliefs, experiences and practises

At Branksome Heath, we believe that Religious Education has a major contribution to make to children's learning, especially in terms of their spiritual awareness. Important skills we seek to develop include reflection, empathy, communication and enquiry.

Important attitudes include developing respect, sensitivity and self esteem. We hope that Religious Education at Branksome Heath is an exciting relevant activity for our children. We regard it as a particular area of the curriculum where values and the school ethos 'come alive' in the classroom. We are aiming to help children develop respect and sensitivity for all people and to understand more of the importance of religion in today's world.

Parents have the legal right to withdraw their children from Religious Education or Assembly on the grounds of conscience. Children withdrawn from Religious Education will follow work from other National Curriculum subjects.

We strongly encourage parents to contact the Headteacher if they have any concerns and anxieties about the policy, provision and practice of Religious Education at Branksome Heath Middle School.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

All children are of equal value and should have equal access and entitlement to the resources and inclusion in the opportunities available.

Pupils at Branksome Heath Middle School may have Special Educational Needs as a result of one or more of the following:-

• Communication and interaction
• Cognition and learning
• Emotional and social development
• Sensory and/or physical needs

All teachers are teachers of children with Special Educational Needs. The use of relevant differentiated curriculum will ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to progress and achieve success.

The school's Special Needs Co-ordinator is responsible for the day to day operation of the Special Needs Policy. Teaching Assistants work alongside children in class or withdraw some children for additional or different work to the main curriculum.

The revised SEN Code of Practice 2002, provides the framework within which the school works. The SEN Policy is reviewed annually. Children are on School Action, School Action Plus or Statemented. Parents will be informed of their child's stage when they join the school in Year 4 or whenever they are identified as having Special Educational Needs.

A child may be identified as having Special Educational Needs through assessment, screening or by taking account of parental comments. Pupils are reviewed termly, set targets and supported by in-class support or withdrawal.

A good relationship between school and the parents of its children is supported by acting upon parental concerns and involving parents as soon as possible after a problem has been identified. Children are encouraged to participate in the decision making about their special needs.

The school benefits from the advice of the Special Educational Needs Support Service, the Educational Psychologist and the Speech and Language Therapist. If necessary, after consultation with parents, a child will be referred to the service for an individual assessment.

The school also uses the advice of Longspee Outreach Service and Montacute School. Equally, we seek to develop pupils with special talents.

PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES

Branksome Heath Middle School is proud of its inclusive ethos of welcoming all youngsters from our community.  The school is experienced at working with parents, feeder schools and outside agencies to ensure that transition to our school is both smooth and meets the needs of the youngster concerned.

The school believes in celebrating our differences.  It is important that children learn to accept individuals of all nationalities, languages, cultures, religions and abilities.  This is clearly seen in the school's 'Golden Rules' and the policies and procedures put in place by the school.

Pupils of all abilities are given equal access to the curriculum, extra-curricula activities, educational and residential visits.

The school is increasingly able to meet the accessibility needs of all members of our community.  Through careful zoning of teaching spaces, wheelchair users have access to all classrooms, specialist rooms and social areas in the school.  Access to the front of the school is ramped to allow visitors in wheelchairs easy access.

There are three wheelchair user toilets situated in key areas around school, one of which is equipped to support youngsters with severe mobility difficulties.

The school is increasingly meeting the recommendations of the Accessibility Plan and provides good access and facilities.  The Accessibility Plan can be viewed upon request.

The Governors' policy for Special Educational Needs is in place and was last reviewed in 2006.  Changes to the policy were not necessary.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

If your child is ill and is required to have medication, we are able to administer prescribed medicines. School will only accept medicines that have been prescribed by a doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber or pharmacist prescriber.  Medicines should always be provided in the original container as dispensed by a pharmacist and include the prescriber's instructions for administration.  The office will ask parents/carers to fill in some consent forms.  Other medicines/tablets should not be brought into school. Whenever a child has been ill it is essential that they have fully recovered before returning to school. Occasionally head lice are found in school so we ask that you regularly check your children's hair since the occurrence can be through contact with so many children and difficult to eradicate.

CHILD WELFARE AND SAFETY

Illness

• If a child becomes ill during lesson time, he or she must first report illness to their class teacher. The teacher then sends the pupil to the office with another child.
• If a child becomes ill at school during play/lunchtime, the child goes directly to the Medical Room, where a member of staff is on duty.
• First Aider assesses the situation:-
• Either the child returns to class
• Or if a child is too unwell to stay in school, parents/emergency contact are asked to take them home.
• Or child is placed under observation in Medical Room for a period of time and then re-assessed.
• After re-assessment, either the child returns to class or parent/emergency contact are asked to take them home.
• If school is unable to contact anyone a child would be kept under regular observation, while continually attempting to make contact with parents etc.
• If concerned about a child and no home contact can be made, the child's doctor would be contacted for advice.
• All reported illnesses are documented.

Minor Injury

• A registered First Aider deals with the situation and appropriate treatment is given.
• Record is kept in the medical room and parents informed if appropriate.
• Parents are informed by telephone if there are concerns.
• The cause of the injury is investigated.

Head Injury

• Parents are always informed by telephone or letter.

Serious Injury

• Situation is assessed independently by 2 registered First Aiders.
• Child is given immediate appropriate treatment where possible.
• If it is an emergency, an ambulance will be called and parents/guardian notified.
• If an ambulance is not deemed necessary but we feel the injury should be checked at casualty, parents/guardian will be notified immediately. If no contact can be made then the school will make arrangements to take the child to hospital.
• Injury is recorded in school Accident Book and Borough of Poole form HS1 is completed if a child needs hospital treatment.
• Cause of injury is investigated and appropriate action taken if necessary.

SCHOOL CLOTHING

We have a simple school uniform, the colours of which are maroon and gold. School sweatshirts, school fleeces, ski hats and caps are now no longer available from the school office. All uniform is to be purchased from The National Schoolwear Centre,  85 High Street. Poole, Dorset

GIRLS

• White blouse, grey skirt or black tailored trousers
• Maroon sweatshirt
• White short sleeved polo shirt (collar and 2/3 buttons)
• Black sensible shoes (no high heels)

Summer

• Optional - Summer dress gingham yellow/white or red/white
• Black sensible shoes

PE/Games

• Black leotard/black games briefs
• Black shorts or maroon games skirt
• Amber Polo shirt
• Maroon socks
• Durable trainers (not boots)
• Tracksuits may be worn in cold weather

BOYS

• White polo shirt, grey or black trousers
• Maroon sweatshirt
• Black sensible shoes

Summer

• Optional - grey shorts
• Black sensible shoes

PE/Games

• Black shorts
• Amber polo shirt
• Maroon socks, shin guards
• Durable trainers (not boots), football boots for Year 6 and 7
• A tracksuit may be worn in cold weather

Please note - winter uniforms can be worn all the year round.

JEWELLERY/APPEARANCE

It has become increasingly fashionable for children - boys as well as girls - to wear jewellery. This can be dangerous in school. Please ensure that  rings, necklaces or bracelets are not worn and that ear-rings, if worn, are limited to PLAIN STUDS OR SLEEPERS (no more than 2 per ear). These must be removed for PE. Nail varnish is not allowed. The only other permitted jewellery is a medical bracelet or necklace and a watch.

Inappropriate fashion statements ie hair cuts, extra jewellery and non school uniform, detract from children achieving quality work and reaching their potential. It is only with the full support of all our school parents that we can raise pupil standards.

MARKING OF CLOTHING

It is essential that all children's clothing and possessions are clearly marked. This will not prevent losses occurring, but it will enable the many articles brought to lost property to be returned quickly to their owners.

INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL LOCKERS

Each pupil is given their own locker and key at the beginning of the new school year.  There is no charge for the key and they are expected to return it at the end of the year or when a child leaves the school.  If the key is not returned, there will be a £5 charge.  If the key is lost, a replacement will be issued at a cost of £5.

The lockers are the property of the school and we reserve the right to open them at any time should the need arise.

To help keep the locker keys safe, school lanyards with a dog-clip and detachable clip are available from the school office. 

SCHOOL VISITS - CHARGING POLICY

• All school visits are open to all children whether they are able to pay or not and are an enriching aspect of the curriculum
• Letters giving details of the proposed visit with the cost to the child should be sent to the parents. A voluntary contribution to meet the cost can be asked for and parents should be informed that the visit can only proceed if the contributions are forthcoming. An acceptance form for the visit signed by the parent/guardian must be returned to school for all children taking part.
• The visit cost is made up of transport and admission costs - admissions for essential parent 'helpers' should be allowed in these overall figures.
• Coaches are booked following quotations being obtained from local companies.
• Residential visits are similarly priced but with the added costs for board and lodgings.
• Charge will be made for activities which take place wholly or mainly outside school hours and which do not form part of the syllabus or National Curriculum.
• Refunds are offered to children who have paid for any event but are unable to attend. Many parents often donate the money to 'school funds'. The refund covers admission but it is not always possible to refund coach costs since coaches are booked at a set charge which has been included in the visit costs.

BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT - CHARGING POLICY

• Reading and Library books are regularly sent home. A charge is asked for replacement if books/folders are repeatedly lost or damaged. Similarly, if school equipment is broken or damaged, parents are invited to contribute to the costs of replacement.
• Occasionally parents are invited to contribute to the cost of completed projects - which become the property of the child - in subjects like technology, handicrafts and food technology. These costs are arrived at by sharing the cost of any special ingredients/materials used amongst the children concerned. Our usual practice is to ask for parental contributions to ingredients/materials to be sent to the school.
• The school will charge for the cost of entering a pupil for a public music examination.

FRIENDS OF BRANKSOME HEATH

We raise funds through the provision of community events and school activities for children. The Association charges children to attend evening Discos or other such entertainment. Children usually attend in sufficient numbers to ensure a profit is made for the Association funds, which are dedicated to providing additional resources for school.

COMPLIMENTS, CONCERNS, COMPLAINTS

The school prides itself on its efforts to ensure the success and happiness of all pupils and parents. Staff will do their best to meet all needs. Should parents wish to approach the school either with compliments or because they have a concern or a complaint, please ask at the office for a copy of the complaintes procedure. Once a child starts at this school, we ask that if a parent has concerns over a pupil's progress, the class teacher should be contacted to discuss it. Similarly parents will be contacted should the need arise. Parents are welcome at any time. Please ring school to make an appointment to see class teachers who will be happy to discuss progress. All prospective pupils will be given the opportunity to visit the school during the summer term and we hope that this will be the start of a partnership between parents, pupils and teachers throughout the time they are with us.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We are proud of the range of activities available to all children whilst at Branksome Heath. Music offers many opportunities to develop vocal and instrumental talents, choir, recorders and orchestra are all displayed throughout the year at various school based, Pyramid and Poole schools concerts. Sport has become an integral part of life at Branksome Heath Middle School. Regular reports are given to let all children know about the many fixtures and tournaments entered. All clubs are open to any child who wishes to join in and we will try to help all players improve.

Throughout the year we give the opportunity to take part in Choir, Recorders, Orchestra, Football, Tag Rugby, Contact Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Cricket, Rounders, Volleyball, Drama, Athletics, Art and Computer Clubs.

PYRAMID AND COMMUNITY LINKS

Brankome Heath is part of the Rossmore Community Pyramid which includes First, Middle, Combined, Secondary and Special Schools. All schools work closely to ensure that transfer of children from one phase to another runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Not only do we ensure that the transfer of children is efficient, but we also combine at different times of the year through Music, Drama and Sporting events.

Our links to the community are very important with many visitors coming to help with assemblies and also to enrich the curriculum. We believe it is very important for children to realise that there are others less fortunate than themselves and throughout the year we encourage fund raising for charities locally, nationally and world-wide.

During the year we are supported by many local businesses and industries and we look to further these links and broaden the scope of our pupil's education, thereby helping them to prepare for the outside world.

We hope that this brochure has given an insight into the life of Branksome Heath Middle School.

ATTENDANCE BREAKDOWN

FROM 4.9.06 - 25.5.07

• This report is for the whole school. Numbers of Students = 547
• Number of possible attendances = 157367

Summary of Attendance Number %

• Present (including Approved Educational Activity)  147026 -  93.38%
• Present (excluding Approved Educational Activity) 145581  - 92.44%
• Unauthorised Absence (inc Unauthorised Lates)        719 -   0.46%
• Unauthorised Absence (exc Unauthrorised Lates)      709 -   0.46%
• Authorised Absence                                             2405 -   6.15%
• Approved Educational Activity                                  361 -   0.94%

Reasons for Lateness

• Late Before Registration Closes (Authorised)          486 - 1.24

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE AND LESSON TIME 2006/7

YEAR 4	32.50
YEAR 5	29.50
YEAR 6	29.80
YEAR 7	28.00

Time in lessons per week 24 hours

SATs RESULTS

At Branksome Heath we strive to ensure that all children make progress through their work in class as well as in their test scores from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2.  We teach children from the full range of ability and this includes the children who are on our Register of Special Needs. 

Below you can see the scores for the end of Key Stage 2 SATs for those children who are not on the Register of Special Needs:-

W Represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1.

* Represents children who were not entered for the tests because they were working below level 3 in mathematics or science; children awarded a compensatory level from the tests; and children entered for but not achieving a level from the tests.

# formally referred to as disapplied

TARGETS AND RESULTS OF END OF KEY STAGE TESTS