Tools for Improvement
Clear and shared high expectations are the key to improvement: expectations of students and of staff. At Treviglas we strive to be fully consistent in all that we do and the way that we do it so that there is no confusion about the expectations within the college. Tools for Improvement form part of the work that we all do, whatever that work is within the college, and also forms part of the structure for observation and feedback of teaching and learning. The policies of the college are designed to support staff, students, parents and governors.
All staff adopt the Tools for Improvement in order to:
- ensure that students, staff and parents are completely clear about what we are doing, how and why we are doing it
- support colleagues through consistent, shared good practice
- ensure that effective, productive and enjoyable learning is the priority across the college
In this way, we maximise the amount of time available for concentrating on learning and teaching. Visitors to our college comment on the positive ethos, excellent behaviour and obviously high expectations. I want the college to continue to be perceived as clear, committed and consistent. Effective feedback about learning to students and parents (including a focus on parental engagement) is a whole college emphasis for 2011-2012.
This document is an abridged version of the 'Tools for Improvement' for teachers and is published to support parents to understand aspects of the college’s expectations and policies. Any questions or comments are welcomed – please contact office@treviglas.cornwall.sch.uk marked 'Tools for Improvement'.
| Information for parents – some whole college routines and expectations 2011-2012 | |
| Attendance and Punctuality | Registers for sessions are taken within the first 10 minutes of each session during the day, acknowledging the importance of tracking and monitoring attendance as well as the legal requirement for all schools to register accurately. Please let us know the reason why your son/daughter is absent as soon as possible – we use a system called ‘Schoolcomms’ to contact parents through text messaging which many have found helpful |
| Chewing and litter | We ask that students do not chew gum in college or drop litter anywhere on site. Bins are provided in the dining areas and in social areas outside |
| Debussing and embussing | Most of our students travel by bus to college. Staff are on duty and supervise ‘bus lines’ so that students are escorted safely onto the buses. Since January, we have also met students off the bus in the morning - it is a great opportunity to say ‘Hello’ and to pick up on any problems at the start of the day |
| KS3 boy/girl seating plan | At KS3, students are seated boy/girl as a default seating mechanism. This has proven to impact positively on both learning and behaviour. Of course, other seating arrangements are at the discretion of the teacher and seating plans can change depending on the subject, room and activity |
| Learning area entry and dismissal procedures. | All sessions start and end in the corridor. Staff actively supervise and monitor movement in all corridors as they meet and greet students arriving to each session. This active supervision ensures that students are moved in and moved on with a sense of purpose and in a safe manner. At break and lunchtimes there is supervision of students both in and out of the college buildings. Students are asked to remember that they must NEVER be in a room without the permission of the supervising teacher |
| Mobile technology | We understand that parents may wish their child to carry a mobile phone but these must not be used during the college day – we ask that MP3/4 devices are not brought in |
| Planners | At the beginning of every session, at KS3 and KS4, planners are placed on desks so that staff can actively check planners are present and then use them as the session progresses. The planner is an important means of communication between home and college. Because planners are the property of Treviglas there should be no graffiti. Students will need to replace a planner which is lost or defaced. Please use the planner to communicate with your daughter/son’s form tutor |
| Quality of presentation | In 2011-2012 there is a focus on the quality of presentation in books, folders and portfolios in order for each student’s learning, over time, to be recorded and revisited for revision and retention. We ask for support in ensuring that independent learning activities completed at home are done to a high standard and we offer support to parents with any aspect of independent learning activities- resources, facilities, advice and guidance |
| Rewards and sanctions | We have a Behaviour (Discipline) policy, reviewed each year. We aim to acknowledge the excellent achievements of our students in a number of ways – the college ‘Bank’ is one example, where students are awarded Treviglas ‘money’ which can be exchanged for goods. We write home, publicise success in the fortnightly bulletin and hold awards’ events to celebrate with our students and their families, too |
| Uniform check (Key Stages 3 and 4) | Uniform is actively checked. Staff may grant permission for students to remove sweatshirts within rooms - students should also take responsibility for ensuring uniform is correct as they leave the room. Students should not wear any jewellery other than one pair of plain ear studs, one small ring and a watch. No other visible body piercings are allowed, neither are plasters over piercings. Fashion items (e.g. handbags, big flowers in hair) - are not acceptable: students should carry a school bag which is fit for purpose. Lockers are available to all students |
| “Who Am I? What Am I?” | Our ethos of mutual respect means that not only is Treviglas a swearing-free zone but that we use language which is respectful and appropriate. “Who Am I? What Am I?” will focus attention on how we can all contribute usefully to our college and local community. There has been a national debate about young people, parenting and the role of schools this summer – we are very proud of our students and the community spirit they demonstrate. We work in partnership with our parents and local community to ensure that our young people continue to respect others and be respected for who they are and what they do |
