Prospectus

Mission Statement 

Rewards

We have high expectations of students’ behaviour, effort and achievement.The rewards system recognises and celebrates these qualities.

Students are rewarded for the following:- 

• - A single outstanding piece of work 
• - Independent study of a high standard 
• - Care in the presentation of an assignment or a project
• - Perseverance in coping with specific learning difficulty 
• - Helpfulness within the school community  Consistent effort over a period of time  
• -  Significant improvement in behaviour or standard of work                                                                                     

  In Key stage 3, merits are recorded directly into the student’s Merit cards. Bronze, Silver and Gold diplomas are awarded for 25, 50 and 100 merits. A Platinum diploma is awarded for a total of 150 merits. Book Tokens, memory sticks and other prizes will be awarded to those students who achieve 175 merits in one year. In Key stage 4, commendations are awarded to students. These lead to prizes and awards including free tickets to local entertainment venues. Students receive letters of commendation and distinction for high achievement in their GCSE studies when they achieve a number of commendations. Success and achievements are celebrated by awards presentations annually.     

Discipline 

Our aim is to create a learning environment in which all students are able to achieve and excel.Teachers use strategies in their classrooms which create a good learning environment. Rewards help students to feel good about themselves and learning. Sanctions are applied to students who disturb the learning of others. At the heart of the Discipline Policy is the Code of Conduct which is based upon respect: 

• Respect for Oneself

• Respect for Others

• Respect for the Environment 

Form Tutors come to know their students very well. They monitor students’ progress and provide them with guidance at critical times in their school life.Teachers take every opportunity to commend students for their effort and achievement. Regular Achievement Assemblies and the Key Stage 3 Awards Evening celebrate students’ work and attitude, and contribute to the school’s positive ethos.

Year Leaders work with form tutors and parents to ensure that each student is able to take maximum advantage of the opportunities offered in the school. In return, students are expected to develop a disciplined approach to study and life in the school’s bustling community. From time to time, this includes the need to impose sanctions that reinforce the standards set. If incidents are serious, parents may be asked to visit the school to resolve problems that have occurred.

 Exclusions

The decision to exclude a student will be taken in the following circumstances:

• To prevent a serious breach of the School’s Behaviour Policy;
•  If allowing the student to remain in School would seriously harm the education or welfare of the student or others in the School. Exclusion is an extreme sanction and is only administered by the Head teacher. Exclusion, whether fixed term or permanent may be usedfor any of the unacceptable conduct, and infringements of the School’s Behaviour Policy:    

Code of Conduct 

The Code of Conduct is based upon Respect. It outlines the expectations ofstaff and students, and protects the right to learn. It is concerned with: 

Respect for Oneself 

• arrive on time for lessons fully equipped.

• be positive about lessons and prepared to work to the best of your ability.

• stay in your place unless given permission to move.

• wear the correct uniform at all times in school. 

Respect for Others 

• listen when a teacher or another student is speaking to the whole class.

• put up your hand and wait for your turn if you wish to speak.

• treat others, their work and their views with respect.

• always speak politely to everyone.

• walk on the left in corridors.

• hold doors open for others. 

Respect for the Environment 

• move around the school calmly and quietly

.• eating is only allowed in the Dining Hall and outside.

• chewing gum is not allowed in school.

• put litter into the bins provided. 

Aims and Expectations 

MA School has an excellent reputation for quality service.In a caring environment where every child feels valued and encouraged, we achieve very good results at KS3, GCSE and A Level. We expect our students to perform above the national average, and we aim to challenge each individual to perform to the best of their ability. Students’ academic potential is assessed and contributes to their placing in learning groups where their needs can be met most effectively. In general, this will be in bands according to ability.We monitor progress regularly and report to parents on three occasions during the year.All students can expect to choose from a range of extra-curricular activities, both local and further afield, from instrumental tuition to water sports in the Mediterranean.We want to broaden students’ horizons and challenge them to extend themselves to the utmost. Our aim is that they achieve and excel.

The M.A Agreement 

Successful education depends upon the partnership between children, parents and the school.Each member of this partnership is invited to demonstrate their commitment by signing the M.A. Agreement. 

Parents & Guardians - I/We will try to: 

• see that my child goes to school regularly, on time and properly equipped• support the school’s policies and guidelines for behaviour• support my child in homework• attend parents’ evenings and discussions about my child’s progress• let the school know any concerns and problems that may affect my child’swork at school 

M.A School will try to:  

• ensure that students achieve their full potential

• provide a firm, fair, safe and pleasant learning environment

• provide a broad, imaginative curriculum in class and at home, and meetstudents’ individual needs

• give students opportunities to voice their opinions and develop responsibility

• keep students and parents regularly informed about school matters and students’ performance 

Students - I will try to: 

• arrive, properly equipped and on time, to school and lessons

• wear full school uniform neatly

• do my class work and homework as well as I can, and listen to teachers’ advice

• be polite and helpful to others

• keep the school free from litter and graffiti   

Equipment 

All students need to bring with them the following equipment to every lesson:pen (preferably cartridge pen, blue washable ink)

• pencil & pencil sharpener
• eraser
• ruler
• student organiser
• The following equipment is essential for certain subjects:
• protractor
• pair of compasses
• calculator

• coloured pencils
• sketchbook and 3B pencil
• Art (A4, plain white)
• floppy disk or memory stick

 All the above equipment is available for sale through the School reception