Welcome to Hexham Middle School

Hexham Middle School is a good school with outstanding features. Pastoral care and the range of extra-curricular activities are excellent. – Ofsted, May 2008.

I believe firmly that the education of all our children is most effective when parents and teachers work closely together for the benefit of the pupil. As important, , is the relationship we have with our feeder First Schools and the High School.

Hexham Middle School has excellent facilities and resources with specialist staff in every subject. We are a Specialist School for the Performing Arts of Music, Art, Dance and Drama. This brings added resources for us to work with other professionals, businesses and schools. Standards of attainment will rise yet higher and we are providing added opportunities for developing expertise within the community, including Hexham Abbey and the Hexham Museum Service.

We have also been awarded the prestigious Sportsmark for the second time in recognition of our effective policies and practices for the provision of a well-balanced physical education programme. This includes all the teams and clubs we offer to our pupils, who in their turn make the most of those opportunities.

Most recently we have been formally recognised as a Healthy School. All of these awards, along with our Leading Aspect Award for Special Educational Needs provision are a result of teamwork and partnership.

Here at Hexham Middle School we encourage the children to “have a go” and not be afraid of failure, but rather to develop resilience and an aptitude for lifelong learning.

As well as providing a broad, balanced curriculum and those wonderful enrichment and extension opportunities we strive for academic excellence, supporting each individual to achieve their full potential.

David Watson
Headteacher


David Watson - Headteacher

Hexham Middle School
Wanless Lane
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 1BU

Telephone (01434) 602533 Fax (01434) 608755
E-Mail – hexhammiddleschooladministrator@northumberland.gov.uk
Web site – www.hexhammiddle.ik.org


AIMS OF OUR SCHOOL

The aims of our school have been formulated through discussion and with reference to the five outcomes of Every Child Matters. For all those who work and learn at Hexham Middle School we aim to:


• Be healthy by providing a secure and happy environment wherein our broad, balanced curriculum is enriched and enhanced by a variety of activities and experiences.

• Stay safe by nurturing good behaviour and respect for ourselves, for others, including those from different cultures and with different beliefs, and respect for the environment.

• Enjoy and achieve by encouraging all learners to have enquiring minds, strive for excellence and show resilience.

• Make a positive contribution by supporting the activities within and beyond the classroom.

• Achieve economic well-being by working with parents, governors and the community including other schools.

JOINING THE SCHOOL

The school primarily serves Hexham and the surrounding areas of Acomb, Barrasford, Beaufront, Chollerton, Chollerford, Humshaugh and Whitley Chapel, but will accept pupils from outside this area if places are available. Pupils attending Hexham Middle School normally go on to Queen Elizabeth High School when they reach the age of transfer.

If you are considering sending your child to the school, the Head Teacher will be delighted to show you around and discuss the curriculum and other matters with you. Please do not hesitate to contact the school to arrange a convenient time either in or out of school hours.

Parents wishing to request a place for a child at our school must complete a school request form and forward it to Northumberland County Council at County Hall, Morpeth by 30th October 2009 or, if joining the school after the start of the school year, as soon as it has been agreed that a place is available.


SCHOOL ORGANISATION

When children join our school, they are placed in mixed ability classes for registration and pastoral care.

In Year 5 we aim to maximise the amount of time each child is taught by their class teacher. Year 5 pupils spend up to nineteen out of twenty five periods in Orchard, the Year 5 base.
The curriculum is taught in a variety of groupings: for some subjects the pupils are taught in their class groups and for some subjects, usually English, Maths and Science, they are streamed by ability.

Whenever possible in Years 7 and 8, Technology, Art and Music are taught in smaller groups. Year Leaders have a special responsibility to oversee the academic and pastoral arrangements for all pupils in their year and monitor progress, while class teachers have a special pastoral role for the girls and boys in their registration class. It is the class teacher who is normally the first point of contact for parents. The Student Planner is a good way of communicating on a day-to-day basis, when necessary.

We now share one governing body with Queen Elizabeth High School. We aim for a seamless transition and our policies covering key areas of school life will become the same.


SCHOOL WEAR

The school uniform was chosen after consultation with parents, governors and pupils. The agreed school wear reflects the school's aims, ethos and aspirations as a place of learning. It is smart and sensible for every day wear and presents a good image of the pupils and their school when they are on public display. The school colours are green and white and these are mirrored in pupils' sportswear.

Uniform is available from Greggs Sports, Battle Hill, Hexham.

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL DRESS - SEPTEMBER 2010

School Wear
Green round-necked sweatshirt with logo
Grey or black worsted/terylene/flannel trousers, skirt or culottes - in a tailored style. Skirts and culottes must be of a sensible length.
White polo shirt with or without school logo
Grey, white or black socks or tights
Plain black footwear in a sensible style: no boots no high-heeled shoes and no flashes or visible logos


PE Kit
Green Rugby Shirt
Green Polo Shirt (for indoor work)
White or Black Shorts (cycling shorts are not allowed)
Green Sports socks
Studded football or hockey boots - for field work.
Plimsolls or trainers - for some indoor games and yard work.
Towel (named) for showering.

Notes

A warm sweatshirt and jogging trousers or track suit (preferably in green or grey) may be worn in addition to standard PE kit in very cold weather. Pupils need a studded sole to provide grip and safety on wet, muddy fields. Trainers will not provide this. Plimsolls or trainers are used for yard games, some indoor games, athletics and field games in the summer. Gymnastics and dance are done in bare feet. Showers are available for pupils to use after physical exertion.

We advise pupils to wear protective clothing for Art, Craft and Science lessons (i.e. old shirt/apron/lab coat).

If girls are to wear trousers they must be grey or black and tailored. Cords, denims, ski pants, leggings, jogging pants or very tight styles are not acceptable.

Please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly named.

THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Our curriculum is broad and balanced. We promote high standards of literacy and numeracy while allowing ample opportunities for pupils ot develop their abilities in all areas – academic, artistic, physical and practical.

The curriculum includes the following subjects - English, Mathematics, Science, French, History, Geography, Music, Art and Design, Technology, Food and Textiles Technology (FTT), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Physical Education (PE). A ‘Life Skills’ programme delivers Citizenship, Religious Education (RE) and Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) as a combined course. We are extending our Modern Foreign Languages programme to include units of Spanish, Italian and German.
Each subject is led and co-ordinated by a teacher who holds a special responsibility for that subject. Details of the content of individual curriculum areas are given each term in the Curriculum Newsletter.

In both Year 5 and Year 6 History and Geography are sometimes taught in a cross-curricular theme. In Year 7, when pupils begin Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum, the proportion of specialist teaching increases further. Most subjects are delivered as discrete curriculum areas; certain subjects come together to produce cross-curricular themes such as ‘Medieval Realms’ and ‘France’ in Year 7 and ‘Marie Curie’ in Year 8.

Throughout the four years in our school a comprehensive programme of educational visits, both day and residential, provides opportunities for pupils to extend their learning outside the classroom. The School Visits Policy gives more detailed information about the structured programme of educational visits available during your child’s time at Hexham Middle School.

Critical thinking, analysis and reflection are vital components in the process of learning and staff are committed to their development in all our pupils.

The Middle School curriculum spans Key Stages 2 and 3, which means that liaison with our feeder First Schools and the High School is vital.


HOMEWORK

Homework is set. We aim to give work that is relevant to what is being studied in school and which helps to develop or extend knowledge and skills.

Homework is an important part of encouraging independent study as well as links between home and school. It is recorded in Home School Planners. We ask parents/ carers to look at planners daily. We encourage daily reading – short or longer sessions of reading (hopefully for pleasure) are an excellent use of time.

Across the curriculum when homework is given we usually allow two or three days to complete it so that workload is spread evenly.

We acknowledge that many of our children have busy, fulfilling lives with hobbies and other commitments outside school. Therefore our recommended time allocation for homework is: Years Five and Six thirty minutes three times a week and for Years Seven and Eight forty five minutes three times a week. Our homework policy is currently being reviewed.

SPORT IN SCHOOL

We have achieved the Sportsmark, a great accolade, for the second time. The school has a gymnasium and a school hall, which are used for physical education and dance. Both these areas have associated changing and showering facilities.

There are pitches for football, hockey and rugby, which serve as athletics areas and rounders pitches in the summer. There is also a cricket pitch with an all weather wicket, and a yard for tennis in summer and netball in winter.

The sporting aims of the school are met through a regular programme of physical education for all pupils, a wide-ranging extra-curricular programme and through close links with sporting clubs in the local area. The school takes part in a number of county and regional sporting events throughout the year in addition to regular fixtures against other schools. Local school sports co-ordinators are based here and add their expertise to that of our staff.


EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

The school is proud of the number and variety of activities which take place outside of lessons. School Sports Co-ordinators who work across Tynedale are based in our school and Tynedale Academy of Performing Arts practise here at the weekend. We also work closely with the major sports clubs in the area.

Our annual Carol Service is at Hexham Abbey. We take part in a Town Council meeting and provide entertainment within various venues in the community. We believe in and actively promote social cohesion, developing links with Acomb Court where we have performed with our ceilidh band, written biographies and produced portraits of some of the ladies and gentlemen who live there.

Further to this, three of our gifted photographers have had their work exhibited in the Mall Gallery in London alongside world famous artists, whose works sell for very large sums. This has all been work connected to our specialist school status. Meanwhile a group of our teachers presented some of our work to the Northern Regional Conference for Gifted and Talented Pupils.

Music, Art and Drama are obvious strengths of the school as is sport. Clubs and activities that run regularly include:

WINTER SPORTS Football, Rugby Union, Hockey, Netball, Cross Country Running

SUMMER SPORTS Cricket, Rounders, Athletics, Volleyball, Tennis

Clubs that run regularly are:

Drama Choirs
Orchestra Art Club
Book Club Library Club
Dance Group Computer and ICT Clubs
Animation Club Science Club

We enter pupils into Maths Challenges, Literature Quizzes and Music Competitions, all truly an outstanding dimension of our school life.

The school has been successful in presenting highly acclaimed theatrical and musical productions and aims to present a major production in the summer once every two years. A Christmas Carol Service takes place at Hexham Abbey each year to which all parents are invited.

All pupils are encouraged to contribute to our newspaper, Middle Ground, and Year 7 and 8 pupils have the opportunity to act as editors to put the paper together.

In the summer term, the music department aim to produce a concert to provide additional music resources. In addition we participate in Partnership music events such as the highly acclaimed Blackfriars in 2007.

In the school year 2008 – 2009 our school excelled in athletics, achieving seven County Championship titles; our Maths team came fourth in the regional maths challenge; and our two teams did very well in the Kids’ Lit Quiz.

Our pupils have many talents and it is a delight to witness these being recognised both in and out of school.


INSTRUMENTAL TUITION

Music is a taught lesson within the timetable and all pupils are given some lessons on the keyboard. Beyond that, pupils with sufficient enthusiasm will be encouraged to learn a musical instrument through lessons provided by peripatetic music teachers in school time. Parents will receive full information concerning application for tuition. Pupils who have received tuition in their previous schools will normally continue to receive tuition at the middle school without a break. New starters in Year 5 commence later in the winter term.

The school has set up a Music Fund for the enhancement of music throughout the school. Parents of all pupils receiving instrumental tuition are required to contribute a fixed fee prior to the child receiving tuition for that term. Individual circumstances are considered which may result in fee reduction.

When pupils have attained a basic level on their instrument they will be invited to join the school orchestra without further financial implication.


RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

This school has no affiliation with any particular religion or creed. Assemblies will use certain religious ideas from a variety of creeds but, as required by the law, will be mainly Christian in character. We enjoy regular visits from local clergy. Parents have the right under Section 25 of the 1944 Education Act to withdraw their child from Religious Education or Acts of Worship. In the event of a parent exercising this right, children will be supervised in the corridor close to the assembly hall.


SEX EDUCATION

Sex education is taught with due regard to Northumberland County Council's Guidelines and Policy and the National Curriculum requirements of Science and Health Education.

The emphasis moves from care and understanding (Year 5) to personal development and a responsible attitude to sexual relationships including work on contraception, AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (Year 8). Children are given the opportunity to discuss their ideas and ask questions so that they have a clear understanding of all aspects of the subject.
The work covered is a continuation of that started in First School on human growth and development.

The School Nurse is involved in all phases of education within the Hexham Partnership, providing progression and continuity of learning.

CARING FOR PUPILS

The pastoral care and support that the school provides is outstanding. Pupils are very well cared for in an environment where they flourish and mature into independent, self-motivated young people. – Ofsted, May, 2008


This vital area begins with our liaison and transition work with First Schools. We make every effort to build up a knowledge of each child, developing a personal, social, academic, health and physical profile. We place great importance upon the needs of the individual pupil. We also depend upon open and good relationships with parents and carers. We work to maintain and develop these relationships and knowledge over the four years the children are here.

Our class teachers and year leaders are the key adults for contact. However, all other adults who work here are given relevant information as and when appropriate. Other professionals, some of whom are based here, give easy access to specific areas of help.

Our school nurse is Mrs Carr contact number 01434 323366, our education welfare officer is Mr Chard, contact number 01434 603582, and our Parent Support Worker is Ms Pearson, contact number 01434 610357.

We do need to know about any particular health or medical problems, and about any worries that your child may have. We will listen, and we will act swiftly in a professional manner that will include trust and confidentiality.

DISCIPLINE

At Hexham Middle School we believe that discipline is best maintained through the positive approach of praise, encouragement and incentives and to this end we have adopted a policy of Positive Behaviour Management, which stresses the positive recognition of good behaviour balanced by a series of sanctions. Our aim is to create a secure and pleasant atmosphere in which pupils feel able give of their best without disruption.

In order to recognise and reward positive behaviour, teachers will use general and individual praise regularly. Rewards will include comments in the Home-School Planner, the issue of a raffle ticket for a termly draw, the issue of a House Plus and a termly behaviour certificate. We also organise non-uniform days for Houses and House Pluses (or House Points) are announced by House Captains in assemblies.

The vast majority of pupils respond well to the behaviour policy. Where pupils fail to display an acceptable standard of behaviour, despite all encouragement to do so, sanctions are available to staff. We operate a system of warnings and yellow and red cards which in turn lead to the involvement of the Class Teacher or Year Leader. Staff are encouraged to contact parents early should there be any cause for concern. When sanctions are being taken we feel it is important that the child understands fully that it is the behaviour that is unacceptable and not the child. Persistent misbehaviour will be referred to the Year Leader or senior member of staff and contact will normally be made with home.

It is important that pupils know never to leave the school premises without permission. We need your co-operation in ensuring your child understands the dangers of doing so.


DETENTION

The school operates a system of detention to punish persistent or serious misbehaviour. Detention normally takes place on Tuesday or Friday evening. Parents will be informed of a detention by letter at least 24 hours before the detention takes place. Detention is not optional - the letter is sent home for information and we ask that it be returned signed by the parent.


SPECIAL HELP FOR CHILDREN

The role of the Learning Support Team is to identify and assess pupils with Special Educational Needs, to support pupils with learning difficulties, and to advise teachers in the best ways to meet pupils’ needs. Learning difficulties may include general learning difficulties, specific learning difficulties, (e.g. dyslexia), emotional and behavioural difficulties, physical and sensory impairments.

Pupils who are identified as needing extra help may be placed on a Special Educational Needs list. This ensures that their progress is closely monitored and, in many cases, targets will be drawn up and placed on the Provision Management Map. Additional help and resources will be identified enabling the child to achieve. We encourage parents to be involved in the whole process.

Extra help may take the form of differentiated activities provided by the class teacher, in-class support by an additional member of staff in the classroom, or through the pupil being withdrawn from normal lessons for a period of time to follow a structured programme to improve their reading, writing, spelling, number or social skills.

Please make initial contact with your child’s class teacher or Head of Year should you have any concerns.

The school, being in the main single storey buildings, is able to admit pupils with physical disabilities. The school has ground level access to all buildings and has a disabled toilet in the Orchard and Beaumont buildings. All areas are accessible to wheelchair bound pupils with chair lifts installed where necessary.

The admission arrangements for such pupils would be the same admission arrangements applying to all other pupils with the exception that any specialised facilities or equipment would need to be determined prior to entry. Pupils with disabilities receive, as an entitlement, the full curriculum. Provision is limited only by the pupil's disability.

SCHOOL HOUSE SYSTEM

A house system operates throughout the school to allow for and encourage competition within the school. Pupils are allocated to one of the four houses:

ALN (Blue), COQUET (Red), TWEED (Green), WANSBECK (Yellow).

A system of merit awards operates which provides for a measure of parental involvement in the house system. Deserving pupils are awarded a "House Plus". This is a printed card, which will be completed by the teacher and will explain the reason for the merit award. This card is brought home for parental signature, returned to school for display in the pupil's classroom, and a point is added to the house score.


ABSENCE

One of the most important factors affecting the rate of progress of pupils is regular attendance. Please let us know as soon as possible if your child is likely to be away from school (01434 602533). We do need a note or telephone call to explain any absence on the day of return. If your child is reluctant to come to school please let us know immediately.

Pupils are not allowed time off school for any reason other than illness, treatment, external examinations, or in cases of emergency or exceptional circumstances. The school discourages absences as they can seriously affect the progress of the pupil. Parents are allowed to withdraw their child from school for the purpose of an annual holiday for a period not exceeding two weeks in any school year. The school requires a form to be completed and permission granted by the Headteacher before the start of the absence. Permission will only be granted should the Headteacher be convinced that the holiday could not be taken out of term time. Parents are asked to obtain this permission before booking a holiday.


ARRANGEMENTS IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS OR SICKNESS

A pupil involved in an accident or feeling unwell will be dealt with by a member of staff with appropriate training. The school will deal with minor complaints, but, if necessary, pupils will be referred to Hexham General Hospital. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible should the child need further treatment or need to be returned home. It is therefore essential that we have up to date contact numbers. We will make every effort to act as caring parents in these matters. Should there be any doubt as to the seriousness of any complaint we will err on the side of caution.

Parents should be aware that we are unable to administer any medicines at school. Should a child be required to take medication during the school day (i.e. medicine needs to be taken on more than three occasions each day), medications should be sent in to the school office on arrival. The child may then take the medication under supervision. Pupils should retain any inhalers for asthma on their person at all times.


JEWELLERY

For reasons of personal safety, and as a safeguard against loss of valuables, the school does not allow the wearing of jewellery apart from a watch and ear studs. Studs are to be taken out for Games and PE lessons and certain extra-curricular activities. If for any reason studs cannot be taken out then a plaster must be worn over the stud. These policies are purely for hygiene and safety reasons and will be upheld strictly.


PERSONAL PROPERTY

Money and valuables should not be brought into school unnecessarily. There is no insurance against loss, and staff cannot be held responsible for any such losses. When money or valuables have to be brought into school please stress, as we do, that they must not be left in the classroom, changing rooms or in the school bag, but must be carried on the person at all times, or deposited with a teacher or the school office for safekeeping.

In order to safeguard your child's property and to maintain standards within the school we ask for your co-operation over these matters at all times.


LOST PROPERTY

It is recommended most strongly that property is clearly and permanently marked with your child’s name. Lost property is handed into the school office and can be claimed at any time. Parents and pupils are most welcome to look through the lost property cupboard for lost items. Items which remain unclaimed are disposed of to charity.

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY

The school has implemented a policy whereby only the main entrance to the school is open during lesson times. Time locks have been fitted to all other external doors. All visitors to the school are directed to the reception area by signs on entering the school site. If a visitor has permission to stay on the site they are 'signed in' and issued with a badge. On leaving the school visitors hand back the badge and are 'signed out'. Staff are requested to challenge any visitors without a badge and to direct them to the reception area.

LUNCH IN SCHOOL

The school, through a Direct Services Organisation, is able to offer a low cost selection of meals in a cafeteria system whereby pupils choose from a variety of main courses and desserts. Vegetarian and salad options are available. We are very concerned that the pupils have access to have a healthy, balanced lunch and recent changes to the menus reflect this. We operate a cashless system, which is explained to you in a separate leaflet. If you require further details, please contact the school canteen on 01434 606633. Pupils pay for their meal with a card so there is no indication that a child is receiving a free meal. If you feel that your child might be entitled to free meals, please contact the school.

Packed lunches should be brought to school in unbreakable named containers for both food and drink. Pupils are responsible for the safekeeping and storage of their lunches. Pupils eat their packed lunch in the canteen and clear up after themselves.

Pupils are only allowed off the school premises during the lunch-break if a parent, carer or another adult in loco-parentis is supervising them.


WATER

Pupils may bring in a small bottle of still water (not fizzy drinks) to keep with them in the classroom to drink during the day. This can be refilled in school.


TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS

Transport is the responsibility of the Local Education Authority (LEA) and entitled pupils are provided with free transport from our feeder areas. You will receive a travel pass for your child from the LEA before the start of the school year.

All transport aims to leave from the main School Gate at 3.40 p.m.

The school is not directly responsible for the supervision of pupils using school transport. However, we are acutely aware of how important safe, sensible and polite behaviour is on school transport. We will deal with incidents of unacceptable behaviour and we will support the removal of bus passes if necessary, as the safety of all our pupils remains our major concern. We will promote good and safe behaviour for all our pupils on the way to and from school, whether on school transport or on foot. .

We ask that parents who drop off and pick up pupils by car do not enter the school site as this can create problems for the safety of pupils. Parents meeting their child from school are welcome to walk onto the school site to wait.

Parents should contact the LEA (01670 533000) should there be any other queries concerning school transport.


PARENTAL HELP PLEASE!

We are delighted to welcome a number of parents who come into school on a voluntary basis for various purposes. As we operate a safer recruitment policy, some volunteers may be asked for CRB or associated checks. We work to comply with all legislation regarding Safe Recruitment: Safeguarding Children. We operate equal opportunities and Child Protection policies and insist on proper checks being made, as appropriate, for workers and volunteers. However, we are keen to recruit parents to help in the libraries, accompany children to and from the swimming pool and on other school visits, or to help generally around school. Please contact the school if you feel able to give a part of one day each week or even more time, and we shall provide you with further details.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION

Hexham Middle School has an active Parent Teacher Association. When your child starts at the school you automatically become members of the Association. The aim of the Association is to advance the education of the pupils at the school and to foster more extended relationships between staff, parents and others associated with the school.

The Association is run by a committee and meetings take place regularly during term time. The Annual General Meeting is in September when new Officers and Committee Members are elected.


HOME SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

As already stated, we are committed to fostering a genuine partnership between home and school. Our Home School Partnership provides opportunities for parents, teachers and governors to discuss a variety of matters that can enhance the provision we present to children as well as evaluating our current practice. We meet twice a term and you are all most welcome to join. There will be information giving details of our first meeting in September each year.

SCHOOL HOURS

MORNINGS - 8.50am to 12.15pm AFTERNOONS - 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Your child should normally arrive at around 8.45 a.m. at which time supervision is provided by the school. Pupils are encouraged to arrive and start coming into their teaching areas 3 minutes before the start of a session. Pupils may remain after school hours only under the supervision of a teacher and with the knowledge of the parent.

Incidence of unauthorised absences 2008/2009
(as a percentage of possible attendance) 0.01%

Pupils engaging in unauthorised absence 2008/2009
(as a percentage of the whole pupil group) 0.4%


SCHOOL TERM DATES UNTIL JULY 2011
Dates correct at July 2009
Start of Autumn Term Tuesday 7 September 2010
Teacher Day Monday 6 September 2010

 

 

 

Copyright © 2009 Hexham Middle School