Entry Requirements September 2008

Welcome to the Sixth Form. I hope very much that you will be happy and successful here, and we look forward to the contribution you will make to the life of the School.

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING - Wednesday 6th February 2008 at 7pm

SCHOOL HOURS

Lessons: Monday to Friday - Morning: 8.50 am - 10.55 pm (Enrichment 10.25 am - 10.55am)

(Lunch: 12.50 pm – 1.40 pm) Afternoon: 1.40 pm - 3.30 pm

Sixth form students are expected to be in school punctually by 8.50 am and to remain in school until the end of the school day at 3.30 pm (registering attendance is a legal requirement under Health & Safety). Every sixth former has a number of periods during which they are not taught and it should be emphasised that these should normally be spent in private study, for which provision is made in school. As part of the induction programme at the start of Year 12 a reward system for gaining free time will be detailed, which outlines the possibility of how a student could use his private study time.

Once a student’s timetable has been finalised at the beginning of the Autumn Term each academic year, he will be expected to keep to it. No change can take place without prior consultation with the relevant subject teacher, in the first instance, and the agreement of, the Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Headmistress.

ABSENCE, ILLNESS, ACCIDENTS

If a student is absent from school because of illness or family bereavement, the school should be informed by 9.30am. on the first day of absence. Please  phone 01788 843749 to report any absence.  Absence for any other reason must be approved in advance by the Headmaster, who strongly disapproves of any extension of the normal school holidays by any individual, except under very unusual constraints on parental holiday time. For any absence, a student must bring a written note from his parent to his tutor. For the sake of the student, the Headmaster may, as part of the school’s support for the student’s work, organise after school classes for the recovery of missed work.

If a student feels ill or has an accident during school time, he must see Matron, Mrs Wright, and the Centre Manager, Mrs James, and must never leave the premises without permission or signing out.

If a student has an appointment or interview in school time, he must bring a note beforehand. It is a matter of necessary courtesy that a student should try to see his teachers if he knows he will miss their lessons.

ABSENCE PROCEDURES

You are expected to:

• Attend 100% of your lessons
• Ensure you are punctual to all lessons and register your attendance
• Get permission in advance for valid time you need to take off
• Contact the School before 9.30am, on first day of absence, reporting illness/sickness
• Provide written confirmation from a parent or guardian on first day of return from sickness/illness.

It is understood that there is very occasionally a reason why you may need to apply for permission to be absent. It is up to School to agree with you this planned absence and a letter signed by a parent or guardian must be provided to support your reason.

The following list gives the time permission may be granted on a limited basis:

•  Medical or dental appointment

•  Driving test (not lessons)

•  Official study leave, with prior permission

•  Attendance at exams

•  Attendance at a funeral

•  Religious holiday

•  Visit to a university either to attend a limited number of Open Days or for interview

•  Work experience placement which is an integral part of your course •  Participating in a significant extra-curricular activity (for example; taking part in a regional, or national event such as drama, music or sport)

•  Attendance at a probation meeting or court hearing

•  If you are officially the responsible carer for a child or family member and an emergency arises

•  Severe weather (exceptional circumstances)

•  School representatives meeting (for example, Governors’ meeting)

If you are ill or sick

It is your responsibility to inform School before 9.30am on the first day of your absence, followed up on the first day of your return by a letter signed by your parent/guardian.

Other kinds of absences

The following reasons for absence would not generally be acceptable :

EMERGENCY CONTACT

There are inevitably times when the school needs to contact a parent urgently - on occasions of sudden illness, for example. It is of critical importance to supply the school with reliable emergency phone numbers, and TO INFORM THE SCHOOL IMMEDIATELY OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

School Office: (01788) 542074, (01788) 843700    

Fax: (01788) 567962

E-Mail: lss@lawrencesheriffschool.com     

Website: www.lawrencesheriffschool.com

Sixth Form Office: (01788) 843749     

Area Education Office: (01926) 410410

PASTORAL SUPPORT

We appreciate it is a difficult transition between GCSE and AS Level studies.

Students with concerns (academic or social) can be reassured by seeking advice from one of the Sixth Form pastoral team. This is the Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Halestrap, Mr Bedgood or Mr Neale, Assistant Heads of Sixth Form and your Form Tutor. The Head of Sixth Form is always available from 8.20 am to 8.50, 10.55 to 11.15, and 12.50 to 1.40 pm and after school. Students can be guaranteed that personal matters are kept confidential.

The schools continually monitor the progress of students to encourage each individual to achieve his or her full potential.  Sixth Formers are required to set realistic targets for themselves and tutors regularly hold interviews with students, reviewing both their academic and extra-curricular achievements.

Our aim is to treat students as yound adults, with the expectations and responsibilities that go with this.

BEHAVIOUR POLICY

We expect all students to behave in a courteous, mature way at all times during the school day and when representing the school at other times.

In the event of a repeated or serious misconduct, the school’s academic and pastoral discipline routes will be followed.

Smoking is not allowed in school nor in the vicinity of the school. Alcohol is not permitted on site at any time and must not be consumed during the school day.

There is zero tolerance policy on alcohol.  Any student on site having consumed alcohol will be asked to leave school permanently.

DRESS CODE / SCHOOL UNIFORM

Although an official School Uniform is not worn in the sixth form, there is a dress code. You are expected to attend Lawrence Sheriff School and Rugby High School at all times in a dark suit, collar and tie (no cords, casual trousers, jeans or trainers at any time). For Health & Safety reasons visible jewellery should be limited to a stud. A clean shaven appearance with tidy hair is the required standard for all sixth formers. It is expected that if you come on site then you will be dressed appropriately. This applies particularly to sports fixtures and examinations . I am sure you agree that as a senior student you must set the correct example for others to follow. Any student inappropriately dressed will be sent home to get changed.

EMAs: Educational Maintenance Allowance

All eligible students should have completed the application process. If not, please see the Centre Manager, Mrs James, for an application pack as soon as possible. Further information can be obtained on the free Young Persons Helpline 080 810 16 219 or via the website www.direct.gov.uk/moneytolearn.

SUBJECT CHOICES AND CHANGES

All students in Year 12 study 4 or 3 AS subjects of their choice plus 2 or 3 enrichment subjects.

Only in exceptional circumstances can options be changed and we cannot guarantee that requests can be met.  No changes will be permitted after week 3 of the autumn term.  Reducing or adding subjects is not an automatic option.  In the first instance, you must discuss them with your subject teachers followed by an interview with Mrs Halestrap.  A confirmation letter signed by your parents or guardian must then be taken to Mrs Halestarp before any change can be made to your timetable.  This applies to subjects studied at LSS and RHS.

TRAVEL

Your family will have heard from the local authority if you have expressed interest in contract buses, etc. The school also runs a daily subsidised out of county bus service. If you have any queries regarding your travel arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact the main School Office.

INTER-SITE BUSES – LSS/RHS

A regular free bus service is provided between Lawrence Sheriff School and Rugby High School . Students are expected to make their own way to school at the start of the day whether it is at LSS or RHS. Buses will return students to their home school at break or lunchtime. You must ensure that you are punctual for all buses between the sites. It is a long walk!

BICYCLES/MOTOR CYCLES

If a student intends to come to school on a bicycle, make sure it is coded, that it is locked and we suggest you also insure it. Accommodation is provided for cycles: the Governors cannot accept responsibility for cycles/motor cycles left on the school premises or playing fields . Please wear a cycling helmet for your safety - it should fit in your locker. Crash hats can be left during lessons in the Sixth Form Centre office at the owner’s risk. Access to the bike compound can be gained through the main School Office.

CARS

There are no parking spaces on the school site for students’ cars and for reasons of safety no student is permitted to bring a car inside the school grounds.

THE SIXTH FORM CENTRE FACILITIES

The Sixth Form Centre is open from 8.15 am to 4.30 pm.

The Sixth Form Centre, opened in September 2001, has all the facilities you would expect. The common room and the quiet room cater for students who need to work independently and also want to relax. Computers are available with a deposit, in the quiet room and photocopying (small fee) is also provided on site. Lockers and a secure storage area can be used for the day or overnight, again with a small deposit. Newspapers and journals are freely available on a daily basis. There are also reference books for use during private study periods covering the majority of AS and A2 level courses. The centre has recently established a small collection of fiction novels for Years 12 and 13 to borrow.

The Sixth Form Centre contains its own café open daily from 8.30 am for breakfast, through to lunch and closing at 2.00 pm. A wide variety of food and drink is available. We would ask that all your food and drink is consumed in the café area and not in the teaching rooms. Please help the Centre Manager and the cleaners by clearing all your litter into the bins provided.

The café is open for your use nearly all day and we hope that you will support this excellent facility. Please do not bring cooked food bought out of school into the Centre.

LUNCH

We also have a school cafeteria system for lunch and it is possible to choose from four or five dishes each day. Students can take this lunch or eat their own sandwich lunch in the dining hall, or go home. Breakfast is sold before school and snacks can be bought in the dining hall at break. The sixth form have the privilege of using the shops opposite the school in Clifton Road at morning break, and have access to the town at lunchtime. As the meals prepared on site are very competitively priced, no cooked food from outside school may be consumed on the premises .

A cashless system is used. More information will be given on the Induction Day.

FREE SCHOOL MEALS: Please contact the School Office.

Food may not be eaten in classrooms or corridors because of the mess this causes. Crisp packets, sweet wrappers etc, should be tidied away.

Tidiness is just part of courteous and thoughtful behaviour. This applies particularly on wet winter days when you may spend breaks and lunch hours indoors. Quiet, sensible behaviour is essential.

LIBRARY

Students are encouraged to make use of the School Library which is situated on the first and second floor of the Sheriff Centre. It is open and fully staffed from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm every day. All students are members of the library. Please take careful note of instructions you will receive on how to borrow books. The library is well stocked and contains a wide variety of resources, including books, periodicals, newspapers, CD-ROMs, audio-visual aids and other non-book material. Most of these are available for home loan. Photocopying facilities are also available. Students can obtain careers advice from the Careers Library, situated on the second floor. Information on university and college courses throughout the United Kingdom can be obtained by using our collection of careers CD-ROMs, especially ECCTIS 2003, which is designed to help students make choices within higher and further education.

PRIVATE STUDY

The key to your academic success lies in the efficient use of your free time. At school, study periods may be supervised in the Sixth Form Quiet Room (these are called SPS – supervised private study) or unsupervised in the Sixth Form Centre. It is expected that during Periods 1-6 you will spend your study time working whether you are supervised or not.

WORKING TOWARDS DEADLINES

The majority of you will meet all your deadlines. When students find it difficult to complete work on time, they will work independently in the Sixth Form Centre every Monday and Thursday from 3.30 pm to 4.15 pm. Senior staff will supervise these sessions.

SIXTH FORM ENRICHMENT

As well as the broader curriculum of three or four AS Level subjects at the start of Year 12, each student will take part in an Enrichment Programme.

The details for the Enrichment Programme will be announced at induction.

Sixth formers are also expected to contribute to the welfare of the school community. Working with form tutors and the senior Leadership Team, students learn to take responsibility for others. Such responsibilities range from mentoring some of the junior pupils and meeting school visitors to organising fundraising for charities.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND GAMES

Games will take place on Wednesday afternoons as part of the enrichment programme for those who do not have subject lessons.

A Games Option list will be given to students, usually during the induction time at the start of the Autumn Term.

Griffin Centre options: Badminton, table-tennis, basketball, fitness suite and indoor football.

Winter: Rugby , football, hockey and Griffin Centre activities

Summer: Cricket, tennis, cycling, football and Griffin Centre activities

Personal written consent for games other than those at school is compulsory at the start of Year 12 eg if you have time to play golf on a Wednesday afternoon then a signed letter from a parent/guardian is necessary. Any alternate activity undertaken away from the school will be strictly monitored.

The fitness suite might be available any day after 1.00 pm. Permission to use the fitness suite must be obtained from the Head of PE, Mr Martin Shaw or Mr Valentine. 

The fitness suite may be used with a letter of consent signed by a parent/guardian.  This form can be obtained from the school office.

In addition to inter school matches there are many internal competitions, organised on a House basis, for rugby, cross country, cricket, athletics, tennis, hockey, basketball and swimming. New Year 12 students will be allocated to one of four Houses: Caldecott, Simpson, Tait and Wheeler; LSS students remain in their existing House. If your family has a particular link with one of the four Houses please let the school know.

It is extremely important that students selected to represent the school, do so. School matches should take precedence over external fixtures. However, matches do not take precedence over academic lessons. Mr Tim Valentine, Head of PE and Games, is happy to promote all sports in the sixth form. If you wish to pursue a different sport from those mentioned and having obtained Mr Shaw’s permission, a letter from home will be required.

Students unfit or unwell to do PE and games should give a note to their games teacher on the day, stating reasons. It is expected that if you are ill/injured and are not doing games you should report to the Centre Manager at the start of the afternoon.

Kit required:

Rugby : Blue shorts, Lawrence Sheriff rugby shirt with red band on one side, navy blue socks, boots (trainers not suitable), towel (tracksuit optional). Cricket: White or grey flannels, white shirt, white or grey pullover/sweater, white socks, trainers or cricket shoes.

PE: Plain white vest or tee-shirt, white shorts, white trainers or non-marking footwear.

Athletics: As for PE.

Tennis: As for PE.

All students will be required to provide:

mouthguard and shin pads for hockey;

mouthguard for rugby – headguard and shin pads are advisable;

box for cricket.

No student will be allowed to partake in any of the above sports unless he has the equipment specified.

DRIVING LESSONS

No lessons to be taken in school time in any circumstances. Theory tests should be arranged for out of school hours. You must inform your tutor of the time of your driving test.

PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT

Many students already have outside part-time jobs. These should occupy only a few hours each week. Some time for recreation is needed as well as time to give to the proper study of A Levels. Two to three hours homework each evening should be expected, five nights a week and students should study on their own, reading widely around their subject and using time at weekends to make sure the week’s work has been thoroughly mastered. Most successful A and AS Level students spend between 15 and 20 hours each week on their studies outside school time .

BUSINESS CONFERENCE

This is an annual 2-day sponsored event for all Year 12 students at Lawrence Sheriff School , Rugby High School and Rugby School . This takes place after AS exams.

OPPORTUNITIES DAY

As part of your careers education Warwickshire EBP (Education Business Partnership) organise for local establishments to talk about career opportunities in their field.

LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

During Year 12 all students take part in a challenge organised by an external body that sets mini-tasks for a day at the Old Laurentian Rugby Football Club. The aim of the exercise is to develop the students’ interpersonal skills serving as a ‘vehicle’ for choosing the school prefects (see below).

THE PREFECTS

The Head Boy, Mark Baird, leads a team of prefects supported by two Deputies and twelve Senior Prefects. These students are given extra responsibilities and work with staff to ensure the smooth running of various activities. They have the power to co-opt further members on to the Prefect Body.

There is no doubt that being appointed as a prefect has a considerable advantage to students’ Higher Education applications and in the production of their CVs; students have extra responsibility as members of the Prefect Body.

TARGET - SETTING

There are 2 target-setting afternoons per year, one in late October / early November, and the other in March. At these times your tutor will discuss your effort and attainment grades in all your subjects and look at ways in which you personally can progress further. There is also the opportunity at this time to raise any academic or social concerns with your tutor.

REWARDS

This system, which could allow you some free time after October half term in Year 12, will be explained in detail during the induction period.

STUDYING AT RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL

Students studying at RHS should ensure that they are courteous at all times. There is a free inter-site bus at break and lunchtimes but you must make your own way there if you have a lesson there period 1. Registration at RHS is at 8.50 am and 2 pm. The LSS dress code applies when you are at RHS. Any academic or social concerns at RHS must be referred to Head of Sixth Form at LSS immediately.

VALUABLES AND SECURITY

Students should not bring articles of high value to school nor large amounts of cash. Arrangements are made for the custody of valuables ie watches and small change during PE and games, but at all other times these articles should be carried on the student’s person and he is responsible for their security. Watches, calculators etc, must be marked.

MOBILES AND PERSONAL MUSIC SYSTEMS

Use of mobile phones is restricted to the Sixth Form Centre (this does not include the Sixth Form Quiet Room) and must not be used around the school.

Personal music systems, e.g.ipods, mp3 players, may be used in the Sixth Form Centre and Sixth Form Quiet Room providing they do not disturb anybody else.

LOST PROPERTY

Application should first be made to the Sixth Form Centre, at break or at the start/end of lunchtime. Items of value which are necessary to studies (eg musical instruments) should be placed in a secure place by arrangement with the appropriate member of staff.

SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

All students make use of a large amount of school equipment (books, games equipment etc). If any item is lost or damaged, it must be reported at once. Individuals responsible for such loss or damage will be charged for replacement.

PERSONAL INSURANCE

Parents are advised that there is no insurance cover taken out by the LEA or the Governing Body for loss of, or damage to, personal property, neither are pupils insured for injury or disablement arising from school activities such as games . It is strongly recommended, therefore, that parents seriously consider including this in their own personal insurance policies.

It is advisable to include an all risks personal insurance on any valuable personal items which are brought regularly to school. The school specifically asks that musical instruments, which are available through the Warwickshire Music Service, be placed on parents’ all risks policies for the duration of the arrangement.

CHARGING AND REMISSION POLICY

The school may ask, from time to time, for voluntary contributions from parents for the transport and other costs

incurred in activities which enhance the students’ experience. It should be recognised that without the willing support of all parents many of the school’s additional activities may be jeopardised.

Please note, that the Governors have limited funds to help needy families with the personal basics such as school clothing or with educational activities requiring parental contributions. Approaches to the Headmaster will naturally be treated as strictly confidential.

Damage on school premises through carelessness will be charged up to 50% of the cost, depending on the size of the bill and merits of the case. Malicious or deliberate damage will of course be charged in full. The Governors now have a formal policy to this effect.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

The Parents’ Association is the oldest in the country and has an outstanding record of supporting the school. Family membership of the Association is free and automatic on the student’s entry to the school. The committee usually meet on the first Monday of each month during term time at 7.30 pm in the Sixth Form Centre common room. All are welcome and encouraged to play a full participating role.

Association Officers can be contacted via the school office.

OLD LAURENTIAN SOCIETY

Information about the Society is included in the General Prospectus. The Membership and General Secretary is Mr M Denny, who can be contacted at Lawrence Sheriff School . The current subscription is £10.00 for life membership.

WEEKLY WORD

Friday is the usual day for the ‘postal service’ home via the students. The ‘Weekly Word’ is published every week, other letters as necessary. An in-house Sixth Form Magazine is produced by the students themselves once a term.

WORK EXPERIENCE

During the summer term you will undergo work experience, hopefully of your choice. Most students will already have a part-time job. Usually this is a purely financial arrangement and will not constitute your Year 12 work experience placement. If you have any problems please discuss your ideas as early as possible with Mrs Laura Kisby.

CAREERS

Our Connexions Adviser is Alan Johnson who has a base in the school library. Individual appointments for careers advice can be made via Mrs Helen James in the Centre Office.

OPPORTUNITIES POST-LSS

Over 90% of sixth form students at LSS have chosen to continue with their education at university over the past few years. The PSRE programme details the opportunities available at universities, including the application process. Students considering Oxbridge will start the process after Christmas of Year 12. Students who do not choose the University route are given plenty of careers advice.

ENTRY TO YEAR 13

All students must achieve a minimum of an ‘E’ grade in three of their academic subjects for entry into Year 13. This does not include General Studies or Critical Thinking.

AND FINALLY

In all aspects of school life, you will gain most pleasure and success by putting in all your energy, ability and dedication. I hope that you and the school will benefit and prosper together. Any difficulties please contact your tutor for advice and possible assurance.

Mr P R Kent              Mrs D Halestrap

Headmaster             Head of Sixth Form