Welcome to the

City of Armagh

High School September 2015

A Handbook for Year 8 Pupils

Page No. 1

Welcome to Year 8

A Message from Mr Livingstone

Welcome to The City of Armagh High School. This booklet has been

prepared to help you settle in and hopefully answer some of your many

questions, please take time to read it. You may have regrets about

leaving your primary school and it is normal to feel nervous or worried

about starting a new school.

All staff will help you get organised and it will not take long before you can

easily find the canteen, assembly hall or Home Economics rooms.

Miss Freeburn and Mrs Black, your Form Teachers, will be of particular

help as you see them every morning during registration.

There are plenty of extra curricular activities at The City of Armagh High

School, through these you will have an opportunity to develop social skills

and create friendships with people who are not in your class. If possible, I

would encourage you to get involved with these at lunch times and after

school.

I wish you every success in this exciting

chapter of your life and look forward to

getting to know you better during the next

five years.

Yours sincerely Mr D. Livingstone Principal

Page No. 2

School Organisation

Some teachers will be taking an extra interest in your welfare and progress at school. Form Teacher

Your class has a Form Teacher who may, or may not, teach you a subject but is responsible for keeping the attendance register. Each morning, at 8.45 am (DON’T BE LATE!), you go to your registration room where your Form Teacher will call the roll. If you have been absent you must bring a note from your parent/guardian and give it to your Form Teacher as soon as you return to school. You should try to avoid appointments during the school day. However, should you need to leave school you must bring a note from your parent/guardian saying what time you need to leave, where you are going and when you will return. Let your Form Teacher and your Year Tutor sign the note and then give it to the Receptionist. Your Form Teacher is also there to help you with any problems that you may have in school. Don’t hesitate to talk to him/her.

Vice Principal Mrs Mulholland Year Tutor Ms Murdoch

Each year has a Year Tutor who takes a really special interest in all the pupils in his/her year. They will be concerned with your progress in the classroom, your behaviour and even your general appearance. He/she will check attendances, lateness and any serious problems you might have.

Page No. 3

The School House System

Each pupil belongs to a house for competitions within the school. The

house names come from local history and are explained as follows:

BLUE MACHA Queen who gave Armagh its name.

GREEN CONOR King of Ulster associated with the Knights

of the Red Branch at Navan.

YELLOW DAIRE The Local Ruler who gave Patrick the

land for his first Church (in Scotch Street)

and later allowed him to build on the top

of the hill at Market Street, where the

Cathedral is now situated.

RED NIALL A king of Ulster, famous for fighting

the Vikings and was killed by drowning

in the Callan River whilst fighting the

Vikings near Milford.

Page No. 4

About Myself

I have ........................ brothers and/or ........................

sisters and I am the ........................ child in the family.

I have ........................ brothers and/or sisters attending

City of Armagh High School and their names are:

......................................................................................

......................................................................................

My parent(s) / guardian(s) christian names are:

........................................................ and

.................................................

My father works as a .....................................................

and my mother works as a .............................................

Page No. 5

Cloakroom Areas

NEVER EVER leave money or valuables in the cloakroom areas. NEVER leave - school bags - books or any other belongings in the cloakroom areas during teaching periods. Make sure that all of your clothes are labelled with your name.

Page No. 6

Lunch Time

Lunch is from: 1.00 – 1.40 pm

Pupils can use the canteen facilities or bring a packed lunch. Those who bring a packed lunch can go to the canteen to eat it.

Pupils who wish to buy their lunch have a choice between:

(i) A school dinner which provides a Main Course – Potatoes/Chips, Meat,

and Vegetables.

(ii) Salad bar which provides sandwiches, tortilla wraps or filled rolls with

their own choice of filling. When pupils arrive at the Canteen they will have to join one of the two

queues, either School Dinner or Salad bar Having made their choice and been served, they pay for their food at the

cash desk. They take a free seat and eat their lunch. At the end, pupils are expected

to:

(i) leave their space clean and tidy.

(ii) put all food scraps, empty cans, bottles and rubbish in a bin.

(iii) return all used plates and knives and forks to the hatch.

NOTE: All food and drinks must be consumed in the canteen. They MUST NOT be taken outside.

Page No. 7

School Support

School Counsellor A School Counsellor is also available to talk to if you are worried about anything. You can as your Year Tutor to make an appointment for you or you can refer yourself by filling in a form and putting it in the specially provided box which can be found at the back of the Library.

SENCO They are Mrs Woolsey and Ms Hughes who look after those pupils who have special educational needs in mainstream.

If You Feel Sick In Class: Tell the class teacher, who will arrange that you see Mrs Reid. At break or lunchtime: Tell the lunchtime supervisors or the teachers on duty or go to Mrs Reid. If Mrs Reid is not available speak to any teacher. If you have an accident at break or lunchtime or if you see an accident

***** DON’T PANIC ***** SEEK MEDICAL HELP PROMPTLY If you have medicine to take, ask your parent to contact the school. NEVER contact home without permission. Mrs Reid will contact parents if necessary.

Page No. 8

The Library

The library is one of the most frequently used rooms in school. All pupils

have one library period per week with their English teacher.

The excellent location of the library provides a central resource area for all

staff and pupils. A group study room, audio-visual room, computer suite

and photocopying facilities are included in the library suite. A fully

computerised library system allows pupils immediate access to the wide

range of books and resources available. Internet Access ensures entry to

the latest multi-media technology.

There are over 10,000 resources in the library ranging from books,

magazine supplements, audio books and videos giving pupils the means

they require for their studies and a wide range of fiction encourages pupils

to read for enjoyment.

Page No. 9

ICT Suites

Page No. 10

Physical Education

PE Lessons In first year, you will be timetabled for 4 periods of Physical Education each week. These are divided into 2 double periods. This means that on the two separate days when you have PE you must bring your PE outfit. The list of items that you will need for PE can be found on the uniform list.

GIRLS BOYS Maroon pleated skirt with front panel Maroon football jersey or Maroon Polo shirt with crest (Polo Shirt with crest compulsory for Year 8)

White Polo Shirt White T-shirt Maroon or navy shorts White shorts School hooded sweatshirt with school badge (available from school)

Football socks (maroon with white tops) Trainers Trainers and football boots (Black soled trainers not permitted) (Black soled trainers not permitted)

School Tracksuit School Tracksuit (available from school) (available from school)

Towel Towel A light grey hooded sweatshirt is now available for PE. This can be purchased from PE teachers at a cost of £20. The school tracksuit may be bought from PE teachers at the cost of £45. No other sweatshirts are acceptable. In very cold weather navy/black tracksuit bottoms may be worn over the basic regulation kit if going outside. After physical activity, it is important to freshen up. This normally means taking a shower, especially after each double lesson. There may not always be time to shower but a towel is still needed to “dry off” before changing. A towel is therefore compulsory for all PE lessons.

Page No. 11

Physical Education

Illness If you are not able to take part in PE lessons because of illness (1 or 2 sessions), a note from a parent explaining your illness will be sufficient. If you need to be excused for an extended period (more than 2 sessions) a doctor’s certificate is normally required for school records. Asthma Pupils who suffer from Asthma which requires an inhaler as part of their medication but who are still able to do PE most of the time must bring their inhalers with them at all times during PE. The PE teacher will be happy to carry the inhaler during lessons to make sure that the medication is always close at hand if it is needed. Deodorant sprays and hair sprays are not allowed because of the high incidence of asthma in school. Spraying them in an enclosed area with other pupils can be dangerous for the asthmatic. Pupils will be encouraged to take part in PE to the level which they are capable. From past experience this can be helpful to the asthma sufferer.

Page No. 12

After School Activities

As well as PE lessons there will also be opportunities to take part in after-school games and activities. There is a wide range to choose from and details of these will be made known to you when the new term starts. For these activities your PE outfit is normally all you will need, although for some, like Rugby and Football, boots may also be required. Some people may feel slightly nervous about PE lessons because they may think that they have not had a lot of experience in many of the games and activities that are on the programme. Your PE teachers are very aware of this and all they expect from you is that you try to do your best. They hope to provide a programme of activities that you will find challenging, interesting, rewarding and enjoyable. Sports / Games Why don’t you tick the boxes beside the ones you feel you might be interested in? Weekly practices are held for the following:

Soccer Hockey (Girls)

Netball Hockey (Boys)

Page No. 13

Clubs & Societies

Why don’t you tick the boxes beside the ones you feel you might be interested in. Scripture Union meet once a week at lunch times. (Speakers, videos, quizzes, discussions) Junior and Senior Choir meet weekly and take part in school and local concerts. Guitar Club meet weekly and take part in school and local concerts. Cookery Club meet weekly to learn the Skills of baking and patisserie.

Homework Club meet every Tuesday and Thursday after school which allows pupils to get help from a teacher or simply use a computer to help with homework's.

Page No. 14

Emergency Fire Drill

If fire strikes our school we must be ready to vacate school immediately. In an emergency the short bursts on the bell will be the signal to leave the building. We must leave the building in an orderly fashion, quietly and without running. Make your way to the all weather pitch and line up in your registration group. Your teacher will mark your class register. You only return to the school when you are permitted to by your teacher. If the Alarm sounds at Breaktime, Lunchtime or at Class changeover: Leave the building and make your way to the all weather pitch. Line up in your form. Your register will be marked by a teacher. If the Alarm sounds during Lunch: Again, leave the building immediately and make your way to the all weather pitch. Line up in your form. Your register will be marked by your Form Teacher.

Page No. 15

Equipment

Be like an elephant Don’t forget to bring Every day you should have in your school bag:

Jotter

Pencil, Pen and Colouring Pencils

Ruler

Rubber

Calculator

Homework Diary

Timetable

School Books for the day

Some days you should have in your school bag:

PE Outfit - (Clearly marked with your name)

Home Economics container and money

Head Phones for keyboard playing and music

Remember

•Homework diaries, jotters and exercise books will be inspected

regularly. Make sure yours are tidy and up-to-date.

•All books must have a proper back on them.

•Have your name and class clearly marked on all your

possessions.

Page No. 16

Your Homework Diary

1. You must record every homework in your diary.

2. It is important that you complete ALL homeworks neatly, and hand them in on the correct day and time.

3. Always keep your diary NEAT, TIDY, GRAFFITI FREE and fill it in after each lesson. Lost, damaged or defaced diaries will have to be replaced at personal cost to the pupil.

4. Diaries will be inspected on a regular basis by Form Teachers, Subject Teachers, Year Tutors, Vice Principal or Principal.

5. Parents will be asked to sign the diary weekly and occasionally respond to any comments/questions which teachers may make in the diaries.

6. Diaries also contain the Code of Conduct which will provide guidance on most aspects of school life. There is also a summary of the Child Protection Policy and Procedures which pupils and parents can use if a need arises.

Your Homework Diary stops you getting confused!

Page No. 17

Presentation of Work

• Rule a margin.

• Put the title at the top of each page.

• Leave a blank line below the title before beginning to write.

• Underline the title, headings, sub-titles and key words, using

red pen/pencil.

• Put date at top right hand corner.

• Use a capital letter at the start of a sentence.

• Use a fullstop at the end of a sentence.

• Write neatly and legibly, using blue or black ink only.

• Use a pencil to draw charts or diagrams.

• Avoid using Tippex.

• Space work out neatly and clearly.

• Use indentation, or blocking, for each new paragraph.

• Use paragraphs appropriately, such as a new paragraph for a

new point.

• Read over your work when finished, checking punctuation and

spelling.

• Ask someone to read your work and help you check it.

• Number and sequence questions and answers clearly.

• Use full sentences in answers, except where otherwise directed.

• Label and reference all diagrams or tables.

• Lay our figures/practical work to show sequence of work and

identify method.

• Leave space between answers.

• Use new page for new work.

Symbol In the

LEFT Margin

Written In

The Text Indicates:

Action:

(by pupil)

The Point

Underscored

a good point or correct.

I note this point for use in future work

The Point

Underscored an incorrect point

I write down the correct point and/or discuss it with my teacher.

? The

Point Underscored

something doesn’t make sense.

I discuss point with my teacher and amen, or expand, as necessary.

Sp The

Word Circled

a Spelling mistake I write the correct spelling in the margin.

Word In the text a Word or phrase is missing.

I read through my work carefully before handing it up for correction.

FS In the text . a Full Stop is missing.

If necessary, I discuss with my teacher the reason why a full stop is required.

CL the

letter underlined

a missing Capital Letter

If necessary, I discuss with my teacher the reason why a capital letter is required.

NP [ In the text

a New Paragraph is required.

If necessary, I discuss with my teacher the reason why a new paragraph is required.

NAS A

Phrase Underlined

Not A Sentence

If necessary, I discuss with my teacher the reasons why this is not a sentence.

Page No. 18

Making Corrections

in Your Work

Page No. 19

New Subjects

New Teachers

Here is a list of your subjects. Beside each there is a space. Write the name of your teacher you will have for each subject in the space provided.

YEAR TUTOR Ms Murdoch

FORM TEACHER

English

Mathematics

Science

French

History

Geography

Technology & Design

Home Economics

Art & Design

ICT

Music

PE / Games

Religious Education

Education for Employability

Local Global Citizenship

Personal Development

Drama

Page No. 20

Your Timetable

2015/2016

Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri

Reg 8.45 – 9.10

P1 9.10 – 9.45

P2 9.45 – 10.15

P3 10.15 – 10.45

Break 10.45 – 11.00

P4 11.00 – 11.30

P5 11.30 – 12.00

P6 12.00 – 12.30

P7 12.30 – 1.00

Lunch 1.00 – 1.40

P8 1.40 – 2.15

P9 2.15 – 2.45

P10 2.45 – 3.15

Page No. 21

Timetable Search

Use your timetable to find the following

information and fill in the blank spaces.

I go to Room ............... for Maths. My teacher is ...................................

................................... is my English teacher and is in Room ................

History is in Room ................ with ........................................................

Geography is in Room ................ My teacher is .................................

...................................................... teaches French in Room .................

I go to Room ................ for Science. My teacher is .............................

I go to Home Economics on ..................................... in Room ..............

and ................................................. is my teacher.

(Remember money and containers on the day I do practical work)

PE is in the .......................................... with .........................................

(Don’t forget the PE kit)

ICT is in Room ................ and ......................................... takes the

class.

Technology & Design is in Room .............. and ..................................

is my teacher.

I have Music on ................................. My teacher is ...........................

and she is in Room ................

Now do I know the shortest route between all of these rooms?

My Form Teacher is ..................................... and is usually in Room ......

I see her every morning from ........................ to ....................... and will

be able to discuss any problems then.

My Year Tutor is ………………………………….. If I need to see her I will go

to Room …………

Page No. 22

A Home-School

Agreement

The School is entitled to expect that: (You as a Pupil)

• Are punctual and attend regularly • Adhere to the school dress code, the School Rules and Code of Conduct • Work to the best of your ability, complete your homework on time and

meet deadlines • Take responsibility for your own learning, organisation and discipline • Comply with the Internet access policy • Are honest, polite and exhibit good behaviour at all times • Show respect for others, their possessions and the school environment • Participate to the best of you ability in school/form activities • Raise any concerns or problems that you might have, with us and your

parents quickly

(You as a Parent/Guardian)

• Support the school’s ethos and policy as set out in the school prospectus • Ensure regular and punctual attendance by your child, avoid holidays in

term time wherever possible • Do your best to provide an appropriate environment and time at home to

enable your child to complete their homework • Monitor your child’s homework • Have positive but realistic expectations of your child’s ability • Endeavour as far as possible to support the school’s activities and

encourage your child to do so • Advise the school of problems/achievements/issues concerning your child • Reply to school communications and supply absence notes promptly • Attend consultations with school staff at mutually convenient times • Attend parent meetings or other meetings to discuss your child’s

progress

If you feel that you are unable to agree to any of the conditions listed in this Agreement PLEASE LET US KNOW

Page No. 23

Cont…

Pupils and Parents/Guardians are entitled to expect that we as a school:

• Provide a happy and caring environment for learning

• Provide effective teaching

• Provide good moral guidance and role models for your child

• Effectively monitor your child’s progress

• Praise you child for their achievements where appropriate

• Set appropriate homework for your child and advise you of our

expectations

• Advise you about the equipment, books and materials that are required

for school

• Provide up to date and timely information about the school’s events

• Provide enrichment activities

• Communicate our concerns and problems concerning your child

• Deal with problems in a professional, fair and consistent manner

• Allow access to raise concerns with staff when the need arises

Parent/Guardian signature: _________________________

Pupil signature: _________________________

Form Teacher signature: _________________________

(on behalf of school)

Page No. 24

Notes

Page No. 25

Notes

Page No. 26

Notes

City of Armagh

High School