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.

Sex Education Policy

Sex education is taught through the Life Skills programme, the main focus of this is to emphasise responsibility within all relationships. Parents will be informed when such instruction will take place and are entitled to withdraw their child from this element of the course. Biological elements of human reproduction are taught within the Science curriculum. As this is part of the National Curriculum, this is compulsory for all students.

Additional Educational Needs

The school is committed to meet the needs of all students. A complete policy on Special Educational Needs is available from the school office.

Careers Education and Work Experience

Careers education is delivered through the Life Skills programme. In addition to this, all students have access to formal interviews from the careers officer at appropriate stages in their education. In year 10, all students have the opportunity to participate in work experience for a two-week period.

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. Complaints of a more serious nature may be referred to the Governing Body. Formal complaints may be referred to the Chair of Governors.

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. If homework is not set, the reason should be recorded in the student planner. 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 set daily, as it is an essential part of a student’s education. The recommended time in year 7 is about thirty minutes per subject. In years 8 and 9, it is approximately 40 minutes. In years 10 and 11, students are expected to work for 2 hours each evening Monday to Thursday and 4 hours at the weekend. There will be two or three subjects per evening.

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 Council

Students are always encouraged to contribute to school life. The school council is one way of formalising this involvement. Full school council meetings take place every half-term and are chaired by the Principal. The council is made up of representatives from the whole school. Although the council is not a decision making group, the opinions of the group will usually form the basis for considered change.

Year council groups meet three times per term and these meetings are chaired by the Director of Learning and Assistant Principal. The groups are made up of representatives from the different forms elected democratically by the form members. A suggestion box, situated by the Student Welfare Co-ordinator’s office, enables ideas and concerns from individual students to be logged.

Student Learning Council

This was formed in September 2004 to act as a voice of the student body reporting 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 the class and also act as learning prefects in lessons.

Enrichment

Enrichment is key to life at Lea Valley High School. We provide opportunities for all students to participate in an extra curricular programme, through:

• Enrichment days
• Activities week
• Work experience
• Careers trips
• School visits (home and abroad)

Extended curriculum activities including clubs and societies, outdoor pursuits, inter-school competition, focused activities, revision clubs, links with the local community.

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

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.