Children's Issues

These are the main concerns that year 6 children from Bryn Celyn, Springwood, Glyn Coed and Llanedeyrn have about the move to High School.

Will we be in the same classes as our friends?
There are no promises. However, you will be in a class with pupils that you know from your Primary School. By mixing you up, you will be able to make new friends

How will I find my way around the High School?
The school is divided into 4 blocks - A, B, C and D and all the classrooms are numbered C1, B25 etc. There are signs around the school to help you find your way and you will be given a map. Both staff and pupils will help you.

What will we do on our first day?
Year 7 only, start school on the first day.

• Meet Mrs Prewett (Assistant Head)
• Meet Mrs Cook (Year 7 Co-ordinator)
  
• Meet form tutors
  
• Short assembly
  
• Put into form groups
  
• Taken to form rooms
  

The rest of the day will be spent on a number of activities, including covering planners, school rules/rewards/sanctions, timetables etc. and a tour of the school. You will need to bring a school bag and pencil case with pens, pencils, colours, rulers etc.
Lessons start on Day 2.

What rewards are there?

• Verbal praise
  
• Stickers
  
• Credits - which have currency value in the Credit Shops
  
• Certificates
  
• Achievement referrals
  
• Commendation letters sent home
  
• Praise cards
  
• Student of the week
  
• Governors' recognition
  
• Mention in Newsletter
  
• School Trips
  

What sanctions are there?

• Verbal reprimand
  
• Move seat
  
• Comment written in planner to parents
  
• Letter of apology signed by parents
  
• Lines
  
• Community service (litter pick, clearing graffiti)
  
• Detentions
  
• Daily report
  
• Parental interview
  
• Internal Exclusion
  
• Fixed-term exclusion
  

Are there any lunchtime or after school clubs?
Yes , there are a variety of clubs, such as sports, drama, computer, Welsh and choir. Homework club is held every lunch hour (1.25-2.07) and everyday after school (3.15-4.00). You may also be invited to join Mrs Cook's 'Privilege Club'.

What sports can we play and are there any school teams?
Football, rugby, netball, hockey, baseball, athletics, dance and gymnastics. There are several school sports teams.

Are there opportunities to take part in school concerts/plays?
Yes - there are many opportunities for singing, dancing, acting, playing instruments, helping backstage with make-up, hairdressing and stage management.

What kinds of concerts/plays do you hold?
Past Productions
Musicals - 2000 Express, Grease, Peter Pan
Drama - Mid-Summers Night Dream
Carol Services
Talent Shows
This year's production was Oliver and was a great success.

Will it be fun?
Yes. You will make new friends, meet new teachers and learn about new and exciting lessons. School trips/visits, fund-raising activities and Christmas discos are just a few of the opportunities that you will be offered.

How will I make new friends?
Don't be shy - try to talk to someone in your class - remember they are feeling just like you. Your teachers will also give you lots of opportunities to get to know the others in your class, such as circle time activities.

What do we do if we are upset or concerned about people being nasty?
TELL SOMEONE - Form tutor, class teacher, Mrs Cook, office staff, a friend or parents. If you are unable to tell someone face to face then WRITE it down and put it in one of the 'Bully Boxes' around the school, or in the Year 7 'Suggestion Box' on the bottom floor of 'C' Block.

Where do I go and whom do see if I have a suggestion or complaint?
You can speak to your form tutor or Mrs Cook (Year 7 Co-ordinator), Mrs Jeremy, the Headteacher. You can speak to your Year Council Representative or put a note in the Year 7 'Suggestion Box'

How many teachers will I have?
You'll have a different teacher for each lesson.

How many lessons do we have in the High School?
You will have 5 lessons each day - a total of 25 lesson each week.

How will we know what lessons we have to go to?
You will be given a printed timetable. This will tell you the lesson, the subject, the teacher and the classroom for each day. An automatic bell sounds when lessons start and finish.

What times are the lessons?

What subjects will we study?
Integrated Studies (English, History, Geography, RE)
P.S.H.E.
Maths
Science
French
Welsh
Design Technology
Art
Music
Information Technology
P.E.

How will we remember what homework we have to do?
You will be given a planner in which you will log your subjects and homework daily. Your parents/guardians and form tutor will be asked to read and sign your planner each week.

I've heard that I might get my head flushed down the toilet. Is this true?
This is a very old 'tale', told to all new High School students - it has NEVER happened!

What if we don't understand the language in French and Welsh lessons?
The language teachers will always explain everything is English. If you still do not understand, then you should ask for help.

Will we get lost in the High School?
Sometimes. When you first start at the High School, you may get lost, but you will not be on your own. Staff and pupils are always ready and willing to help you.

What if something goes wrong in a science lesson?
DO NOT PANIC!
Tell the teacher straight away and explain what has happened.

What happens if I should lose something, like my books, bag, coat or P.E. kit?
Always remember to write your full name and form on all your personal belongings.
Always keep them safe. If you lose something, you should report it to your Form Tutor, Subject Teacher or Mrs Cook

TOP TEN TIPS

1. Always arrive on time.
   
2. Remember to write your name on all of your personal belongings.
   
3. Bring your Planner everyday and use it to record homework set and to plan your week.
   
4. Remember to always wear full school uniform…… trainers, jewellery etc. are not allowed.
   
5. If you are absent from school you should bring a note explaining your absence the first day you come back into school.
   
6. If you are worried or upset about something e.g. homework, getting lost, forgot equipment, bullying, family upsets….. TELL SOMEONE (Teacher, Mrs Cook, Parent, a friend.)
   
7. If you loose something you should report it to your Form Teacher.
   
8. You must always seek permission from Mrs Cook / Office Staff in B5 if you need to leave school.
   
9. Try to make dental / doctors appointments outside of school hours. If you do need to miss lessons to attend such appointments, then you must bring your appointment card or a letter from home.
   
10. Yr7 pupils are not allowed to go to the shopping centre during break times and lunchtimes.