Admission to Lea Valley High School

The school has been able to meet all requests for a place in the last two years. However, the school has become increasingly popular, and we are now full in all year groups. We cannot, therefore, guarantee that a place will be available in the next academic year, and places will be allocated according to the criteria within the Admissions Procedure (a copy of which is available at the school).

Charging and Remission Policy

The Governors recognise that the education provided at the school should be free of charge if it takes place wholly or mainly during school hours. This means that neither the students nor the parents may be required to pay for or supply any books, musical instrument or other equipment provided during school hours. However, should any equipment or materials issued to students not be returned in good order, then parents will be liable for replacement costs. The school will also charge for replacing lost or damaged student planners and exercise books.

The Governors’ policy is to make a charge for finished products as a result of curricular work that will become the property of student or parent.

From time to time, outside visits are arranged to enhance the educational experience of children. Parents are not obliged to pay for these visits. If such visits cannot be funded without parents voluntary contributions, this will be made clear at the outset.

Information, Advice, Guidance and Enterprise

We believe that all our students should have access to high quality resources to plan their future life choices. During the time students spend with us at Lea Valley we have a clear programme working with external agencies and employers to guide our students into making the most appropriate
decisions to establish their economic well being. Our curriculum allows students to be very flexible in course choices and to build their portfolio of academic and vocational qualifications.

Students are taught how to access information and where to find help and advice as well as participate in activities that help them gather, understand and interpret information and apply it to their own situations. Impartial guidance and specialist support also helps students to understand themselves and their aspirations and ambitions.

In Year 10 students participate in work experience. This taste of life in the workplace is valuable for each individual student and enables the school to forge strong links with the local community. Our Aim Higher programme, which is open to students from all years, promotes the value of higher education and has been successful in encouraging all post 16 students to apply for university.

Sex Education Policy

Sex education is taught through the Life Skills programme with an emphasis on respect and responsibility. Parents will be informed prior to these lessons and are entitled to withdraw their child from this element of the course. In Science we teach the biological aspects of human reproduction in line with the National Curriculum, which is compulsory for all students.

Inclusion

The school is committed to meeting the needs of all of our students. A complete policy on Inclusion is available from the school office.

Complaints Procedure

If any parent has a complaint about the delivery of the curriculum or any other element of school life, they should, in the first instance, contact the Principal. All complaints will be investigated and the complainant informed of the outcome. Should the complainant wish to pursue the matter, then
our policy includes the referral to the governing body.

Student Planners

Students are given a student planner so that parents and form tutors can keep a check on work set. Parents are asked to inspect the planner daily and sign it each week. Tutors check and sign the planners every week. Teachers may use this planner to write a short note to parents and there is space for parents to communicate with staff.

The planner also contains useful information for students, such as dates for holidays, the school’s code of conduct and student target setting sheets. Students are expected to treat planners with respect and record their daily achievements. If planners are lost or misused, students are expected to pay for a replacement.

Home Learning

Home Learning is an essential part of a student’s education. In Years 7, 8, and 9 home learning happens through the Further Learning Opportunities Booklets. The recommended time in Year 7 for working at home is thirty minutes per subject. In Years 8 and 9, it is forty minutes per subject. In Years 10 and 11, students are expected to work for 2 hours each evening Monday to Thursday and 4 hours at the weekend.

Lunchtime Arrangements

The expectation is that all students remain on the school site at lunchtime. We operate a cafeteria service which offers a wide range of food. Alternatively, children can bring a packed lunch.

Student Voice

Students are encouraged to contribute to school life and are involved in decision making through our school councils.

Year Councils

Year Group Councils meet every half term and these meetings are chaired by the Director of Year or attached member of the leadership team. The councils are made up of representatives from each form, elected democratically by form members. A suggestion box, situated in the library, enables ideas and concerns from individual students to be heard. Each Year Council selects two members to join the School Council.

Student Learning Council

This was formed in September 2004 to act as a voice for the student body to report to the Principal regularly regarding how students feel about the quality of their learning experiences. The meetings take place every half term with representatives from all key stages in the school attending. The representatives act as ‘lead learners’ sharing their training with other members of their learning group in order to support progress. Members of the Learning Council attend the full School Council.

School Council

Full School Council meetings take place half termly and are chaired by the Head Boy or Girl. A “cabinet” of members from the different Student Councils meet each term with the Principal for lunch. Views from the School Council will be represented to the Senior Leadership Team and the Governing Body.

Enrichment

Enrichment is key to students’ development at Lea Valley High School, supporting the curriculum, enhancing achievement, engaging students, in the enjoyment of learning. We believe in providing the opportunity for all students to:

• Participate in an educational visit.
• Attend an artistic or sporting event at a major venue.
• Participate in an event, either sporting or the arts, that involves either performing or helping with the production.
• Work as a team to plan, deliver and evaluate a project from beginning to end.
• Help others through voluntary activities or charity events.
• Stay overnight away from home, enjoying the experience of spending time with peers or those in other year groups.

The wide range of extended curriculum activities include: clubs, after school
learning, outdoor pursuits, inter-school activities. Each term there are
dedicated enrichment weeks.

Uniform

Girls' Uniform

Blazer - Plain dark navy with school logo

Skirt - Straight or box pleat in dark navy

Trousers* - Plain dark navy

Shirt - White

Tie - School tie (blue and green)

'V' neck jumper - Plain dark navy with school logo

Socks - Plain navy (Knee high socks)

Shoes - Black with low or flat heels (trainers are not acceptable)

Outdoor coats - Plain navy or black (must not have a non-school logo)

* Optional

Boys' Uniform

Blazer - Plain dark navy with school logo

Trousers - Plain dark navy

Shirt - White

Tie - School tie - blue and green

V' neck jumper - Plain dark navy with school logo

Socks - Plain navy

Shoes - Black (trainers are not acceptable)

Outdoor coats - Plain navy or black (must not have a non-school logo)

There should be no head-wear at all in school. Baseball caps will be confiscated. If your child needs to wear a headscarf for religious observance, this must be plain black or dark navy.

PE KIT

All items are compulsory and are branded with the Lea Valley High School and Sports College logos.

No other form of PE kit is acceptable for students:

White polo shirt

Navy blue shorts

Navy blue socks

Navy blue tracksuit top

Navy blue tracksuit bottoms

A towel is required for showering following lessons

Jewellery and Make-up

Jewellery and make-up are not considered appropriate for school. If children have pierced ears, they should wear only studs (one per ear) as earrings are not allowed. No other facial or body piercings are allowed. A maximum of one small ring may be worn on the finger. NB Rings must be removed for PE and Technology lessons, and the school will not accept liability for the loss of jewellery.