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BELMONT ACADEMY

At Belmont Academy we work within the framework of the values promoted by South Ayrshire Council:

• help for those who need it most • service to others

• commitment to quality public services • lifelong education

• pride in the community • partnership

Building on these we have as a school, developed our own aims and these are:

1 To promote and develop enquiring minds by providing

• the most effective learning and teaching for all pupils• a wide range of study and activity programmes for all pupils• challenging and well resourced courses to stretch and motivate all pupils• a climate which encourages success and a sense of achievement for all

2 To be a purposeful and caring community by creating

• both value and praise cultures for everyone in the school• strong pastoral support for all pupils through the Guidance structure• good and dynamic relationships between pupils, staff and parents• a code of conduct which encourages responsible behaviour• a positive and stimulating working environment where values,

responsibilities and expectations are shared• a stimulating and positive environment where all flourish• opportunities for staff to develop, personally and professionally

3 To prepare our pupils to fulfil their potential by giving them

• the necessary intellectual and practical skills for a secure place within society

• a lasting appreciation of health and fitness and the pursuit of artistic and cultural activities

• the confidence to cope with the demands and pressures of popular culture• involvement in the wider community and an understanding of the needs of

society, tolerance, respect and equity in relationships with other people• the intellectual and personal confidence to allow them to take advantage of

all opportunities open to them as individuals and citizens

BELMONT ACADEMY – MAXIMISING POTENTIAL 2

CONTENTS

Welcome to Belmont Academy 1

General Information 7

Associated Primary School, The School Day, The School Year, Accommodation, Enrolment, Attendance, Latecomers, Discipline, Clothing and Kit, Transport,Placing Requests, Health and Medical Care, Religious Education and Observance,Information in Emergencies, Data Protection Act 1984

The Staff 17

Teaching Staff, Non-Teaching StaffDuties of Senior Staff

The Guidance System 22

Careers Guidance

The School Board 24

Links with Parents 26

Parent-Teacher Association Meetings

The Curriculum 27

Courses and Class Organisation - Years S1 and S2, Years S3 and S4, Years S5 and S6, Pupils with Learning Difficulties, Assessment,Reports to Parents, Prize-Giving Ceremony, Homework, The Library

Examinations 37

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Awards, Other Results and Achievements

School/Community Links 41

Important Addresses42

Appendix 1: Statistical data provided by Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED)

Transferring Educational Data about Pupils, Pupil Attendance & Absence,Attendance Data, Budgeted school running costs, Examination results,Leavers Destinations, 5-14 Attainment levels

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THE BELMONT EXPERIENCE

Headteacher: Mr Alan Moir

Belmont Academy is a successful and exciting secondary school which is committed to getting the best from and for its young people.

The school has a great deal to offer -

• a hardworking and committed teaching staff

• a broad and challenging curriculum

• an all pervasive Guidance system which supports every pupil and establishes strong home school links

• a high level of success in national examinations and the realisation of everyone’s personal potential

• a wide range of sporting and non sporting extra curricular activities

• a strong sense of identification by the pupils with the school

• a culture of success and achievement within the whole school community


All of this contributes to what we believe is the “Belmont Experience”. Everyone in the Academy is proud to be part of it - the high level of uniform wearing (for which we are grateful) is a testament of this - and is working to ensure that Belmont Academy continues to be one of the leading schools in Scotland providing an education of the highest quality.

We are certain that once pupils are part of that community they will feel valued members of it and that, by taking up what the Academy has to offer, their potential will be realised, their ambitions met and their secondary education will prove to be a most positive one. That is the “Belmont Experience” and one we are working constantly to maintain and develop.

In August 2001 the Quality and Standards Report of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of School was published. This followed the whole school inspection which took place in March and April 2001.

In the report the key strengths of the school were identified as:

The school’s courteous and polite pupils and their response to their teachers’ high expectations of standards of work and behaviour.

The wide range of extra-curricular activities, educational visits and fund-raising for various charities.

The very good links with parents and the local community.

The high levels of attainment in Standard Grade and Higher Grade examinations.

The pastoral care of pupils.

The support of pupils within the learning support department.

The commitment and influence of the headteacher and his depute.

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THE PUPIL PERSPECTIVE

Year Councils and the School Council

Mr Moir has already given an introduction to the school’s handbook, however as School Captains we thought we would add a little something.

When we first started Belmont, the range of subjects that we encountered was excellent. However, over the years the foundation of subjects has been built on to include a more prominent IT course and a superb Home Economics course where the facilities have just been refurbished. Belmont also offers the opportunity for pupils to go on to study such subjects as: Economics, Graphic Design, Accountancy and Business Studies, all subjects that have increasing popularity. As pupils who have gone through the Belmont Experience, we feel that every academic need is catered for.

First year at secondary school can be a daunting experience for many. However at Belmont we take this on board, and give our new first years a chance to voice their opinions. This consultation continues throughout their time in Belmont and takes place in the form of Year Councils. Each register class elects two representatives to serve on the School Council, which we as School Captains chair. At all these councils the pupils’ views are expressed and taken into account, giving the pupils a chance to make a difference.

Although we both have different strengths in the academic curriculum, we can both say with confidence that our potential has been maximized. We are certain that this will be your experience as well.

Rebecca Bernklow - Head GirlMark Rackham - Head Boy


GENERAL INFORMATION

The school address is: Belmont Academy, Belmont Road, Ayr, KA7 2PG

The School Telephone Number is: Ayr 01292 281733 while the School Fax Number is 01292 611113

The Scottish Qualification Authority centre number for the school is 8235732

Belmont Academy is a 6 year co-educational, non-denominational, comprehensive secondary school with an agreed capacity of 1645.

School Roll at August 2003 was

1st Year 2222nd Year 2303rd Year 2154th Year 2365th Year 1676th Year 129Total Roll 1199

Currently there are 81.2 staff in post (full time equivalent)

The likely First Year Intake for August 2004 is 230. Over the next three years the estimated rolls are:-

2004-2005 12102005-2206 12122006-2207 1215

The Academy enjoys close links with its four associated primary schools:

Alloway Primary School Doonfoot Primary School16 Doonholm Road Abbot’s WayAYR AYRKA7 4QQ KA7 4HJHead Teacher: Mr Michael Hunter Headteacher: Mrs Linda NicholsonTelephone 01292 441802 Telephone: 01292 443208

Holmston Primary School Kincaidston Community SchoolHolmston Road Cranesbill CourtAYR KincaidstonKA7 3BB AYR

KA7 3YPHead Teacher: Mr Tom Burnett Head Teacher: Mrs Carol Shearing Telephone 01292 264938 Telephone 01292 266686

Pupils also come to the Academy from other primary schools through Placing Requests, forms for which may be obtained from the local primary school or the Department of Education, Culture & Lifelong Learning at County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr.

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The School Day

The Academy operates on a 30 period week with 6 periods every day. The school day is:

Registration 8.55a.m. - 9.05a.m.Period 1 9.05a.m. - 10.00a.m.Period 2 10.00a.m. - 10.55a.m.Interval 10.55a.m. - 11.10a.m.Period 3 11.10a.m. - 12.00p.m.Period 4 12.00p.m. - 12.50p.m.Lunch 12.50p.m. - 1.45p.m.Period 5 1.45p.m. - 2.40p.m.Period 6 2.40p.m. - 3.35p.m.

We have six Houses in the school – House Assemblies are held on a fortnightly cycle:

Week 1 Tuesday - Arran Week 2 Tuesday - ButeWednesday - Craig Wednesday - LomondThursday - Cumbrae Thursday - Kintyre

Mr Moir conducts each Assembly at which there is a Bible reading or appropriate poem or story followed by the Lord’s Prayer and announcements.

Classes not at Assembly go to their registration rooms with their register teacher for morning registration and at this time they are given the information provided at Assembly in the Main Hall.

Every Friday one of our chaplains – Mr Alistair Simmons of the Riverside Church or Rev Peter Park of Castlehill Parish Church take a joint assembly of S1 to S3 of three Houses. Thus these year groups all meet the chaplain every second Friday.

The School Year

FIRST TERM: Teachers return to duty Monday 16 Aug 2004Pupils return Wednesday 18 Aug 2004Local holiday Friday & Monday 17 & 20 Sept 2004

MID TERM: Close Friday 15 Oct 2004Teachers (In service) Monday 25 Oct 2004Re-open (Pupils) Tuesday 26 Oct 2004Close Wednesday 22 Dec 2004

SECOND TERM: Re-open Thursday 6 Jan 2005

MID TERM: Close Thursday 10 Feb 2005Local holiday Friday & Monday 11 & 14 Feb 2005Teachers (In service) Tuesday 15 Feb 2005Pupils return Wednesday 16 Feb 2005Close Friday 24 Mar 2005

THIRD TERM: Re-open Monday 11 Apr 2005May Day Holiday Monday 2 May 2005Teachers (In-service) Thursday 26 May 2005Local holiday Friday & Monday 27 & 30 May 2005Close Friday 29 June 2005

SESSION 2005/06 Teachers return to duty* Tuesday 16 Aug 2005 Pupils return* Wednesday 17 Aug 2005 *Provisional dates


Accommodation

The Belmont Academy Campus consists of four main teaching blocks:

A Block - 4 floors

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Art, Business Studies, Technical.

B Block - 4 floors

English, Modern Languages, Music, Science, Lecture Theatre, Drama Studio, Medical Suite, Guidance Staff Offices, Conference Room and Registration Room and the office of Mr Anderson and Mr McPhail

Main Building - C Block - 2 floors and part 3 floors Assembly Hall, Sixth Year Common Room, Library, Dining Hall, Departments of History, Geography, Computing, Modern Studies, Home Economics, Religious Education, English, Learning Support, Mathematics, Conference Room, two Science Labs, the Careers Base, the Main Office, the DMR Office and the offices of Mr Moir, Mr Thomson, Mrs Parker and Mr Dunlop.

Technical Workshops

A separate single storey building, situated between A Block and the P.E. Complex.

P.E. Complex

Games Hall, 2 Gymnasia, a Fitness Room, Changing Rooms and Showers, all on the ground floor level and are linked to the Social and Recreational Wing. The playing fields are situated adjacent to the P.E. Complex and provide areas for football, rugby, hockey, athletics, etc.

Community Social and Recreational Wing

Lounge, Staff Office, Communal Area, Canteen, Toilets - is used by Pre-Nursery Groups, Senior Citizens and for adult education and recreation.

The letting of school premises is arranged through the Community Education Offices, Wellington Square, Ayr.

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Enrolment

Parents of children offered or seeking a place in the school are invited to an open evening in June when, after a short address by the Head Teacher, parents may visit the various departments, meet with Senior Curricular and Guidance Staff and see something of the facilities available in the school. Arrangements and details for this meeting will be sent out via our partner Primary Schools or by letter to individual families.

Attendance

Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent of a child of “school age” to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Attendance must be recorded twice a day, morning and afternoon.

Regulation 7 of The Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland) Amendment, etc, Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to be recorded in the school register as authorised that is approved by the authority, or unauthorised that is unexplained by the parent (truancy) or temporarily excluded from school.

In the case of illness, the school should be informed as soon as possible of a pupil’s absence by a telephone call to the main office informing the secretary of the name, class, cause of absence and possible duration of absence. On the day the pupil returns, the Register Teacher should receive a parent’s note stating the reason for absence and dates. The School Attendance Officer will investigate any unexplained absences and the Attendance Committee has the power to write, interview, or prosecute parents, or to refer to the Reporter to the Children’s Panel if necessary.

Every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this both disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. Parents should inform the school by letter, before going on holiday, of the dates. Such absence will be authorised only where attendance is otherwise satisfactory. Clearly, where attendance is unsatisfactory absence is unauthorised.

Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school to make an extended visit to relatives. Only written requests detailing the destination, the duration and the provision that will be made for their continuing education will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.

Clearly with no explanation from the parent, the absence is unauthorised.

Latecomers

Pupils arriving after 9.05am and thus too late for registration are expected to report to Mr Anderson/Mr McPhail’s office in B Block to register their presence at school, otherwise they will be marked ABSENT. Latecoming is recorded and persistent offenders are seen by the Housestaff.

Information about Belmont Academy’s Attendance rate is printed in the Appendix .


Clothing and P.E. Kit

Given that there is substantial parental and public approval of uniform, schools in South Ayrshire are free to encourage the wearing of school uniform. In encouraging the wearing of uniform, account must be taken in any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination of the grounds of race or gender. Any proposals will be the subject of widespread consultation with parents and pupils. Against this background it should be noted that it is the policy of Educational Services Committee not to insist on pupils wearing uniform or having specialist items or clothing as a prerequisite to their attending and engaging in all of the activities of the curriculum.

There are forms of dress which are unacceptable in school such as items of clothing which:

- potentially, encourage faction (such as football colours);- could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans);- could cause health and safety difficulties (such as loose fitting clothing, dangling

earrings),- are made of flammable material for example shell suits in practical classes- could cause damage to flooring;- carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco; and- could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.

Under no circumstances will pupils be deprived any educational benefit as a result of not wearing uniform and, in particular, pupils will not be denied access to examinations as a result of not wearing school uniforms. Although, schools cannot insist on the wearing of school uniform, nearly all pupils at Belmont Academy do wear school uniform. We are encouraged by the support parents have given us in this matter as we are certain it helps the child to feel a sense of pride in the school, to have a feeling of belonging while we believe it also maintains good standards of discipline in the school. If possible jeans or denims should NOT be worn.

School uniform consists of:

Blazer: Black with red braid and pocket badgesTie: Black, yellow and redScarf: Black, yellow and red

BoysTrousers: Plain grey or charcoalShirt: White or GreyPullover: Grey or black (V neck)

GirlsSkirts/Trousers Grey or BlackBlouse: WhiteCardigan or Grey or BlackPullover: (V neck)

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Games and PE Kit

Boys GirlsBelmont Academy games jersey Belmont Academy white polo topBlack nylon shorts Plain Black shortsYellow stockings White socksGym or training shoes Gym or training shoesFootball or rugby boots Optional black sweatshirt for outdoors Games jerseys should be large enough to allow for development. Gym or training shoes for use indoors MUST have natural coloured soles.

It is expected that all pupils will have the correct kit for PE if at all possible as activities take place outdoors as well as inside the school. A change of clothes would therefore be necessary if the weather turns wet. All uniform and kit should be named. Money should NOT be left in coat pockets. Coats should be large enough to be worn over blazers.

Given the high cost of books and the need for pupils to look after their work it is expected that all pupils will have a school bag.

Parents receiving family income support, family credit, housing benefit or council tax rebates will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in different circumstances is at the discretion of the Director of Educational Services. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools, libraries, area offices and from the Department of Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning at County Buildings, Ayr.

The Council is concerned at the level of claims being received in respect of the loss of pupils’ clothing and/ or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to school. Parents should note that the council does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the council can be shown to have been negligent.

School Meals

A cashless cafeteria operates within the school and each pupil is provided with their own unique swipe card. The cards can be credited with a monetary value by parents either sending in a cheque to the school office (made payable to South Ayrshire Council) or by them giving their son or daughter cash (coins only) which can be put into either of the two revaluation units in the school. The revaluation units can also tell what cash balance is left on a card. The system has a number of advantages not least of which is allowing parents to request a printout of what their child has eaten over a given period. In addition by sending in a cheque parents can ensure that meals are taken in the cafeteria - Cafe Belmont - and that therefore best value nutritionally and financially is being achieved. Vending machines are available in the school at morning interval and lunch breaks for food and cold drinks.

Children of parents receiving income support are entitled to a free midday meal and the daily value is placed on the child’s card. Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools, libraries, area offices and from Department of Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning, County Buildings, Ayr.

Supervised areas are provided for pupils who may prefer to bring packed lunches.


Transport

GENERAL

The Education Authority has a policy of providing free transport to secondary pupils who live more than three miles from their local school by the recognised shortest walking route. This policy is more generous than the law requires. Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the school or from Department of Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning, County Buildings, Ayr. These forms should be completed and returned before the end of February for those pupils beginning the school in August to enable the appropriate arrangements to be made. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year but may be subject to delay whilst arrangements are made. The Head of Resource Development has discretion in special circumstances to grant permission for pupils to travel in transport provided by the authority where spare places are available and no additional costs are incurred. Parents may also apply for free school transport on medical or safety grounds.

Travelling arrangements for pupils who need to travel to another school/college under consortium planning will be made by the school and the cost will be met by the Education Authority.

PRIVILEGED SEATS

Pupils who are not entitled to free school transport may on occasion apply for a privileged seat. A privileged seat is where there is a vacant seat on a dedicated school contract. Parents can make an application for a privileged seat by submitting a letter to South Ayrshire Council, County Buildings Ayr KA7 1DR at any time during the year. Parents should note that privileged seats are not available on local service contracts and are allocated during October. Privileged seats can be withdrawn if an entitled pupil requires transport and cease at the end of each school session.

BEHAVIOUR

Good behaviour on the provided transport is expected at all times. Misbehaviour may result in the entitlement for free school transport being withdrawn temporarily or permanently. In these cases the parent/guardian will be responsible for ensuring that the children get to and from school.

PICK-UP POINTS

Where free transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain distance to the vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total, including the distance from home to pick-up point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one direction will not exceed the authority’s limits (see above paragraph). It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child arrives at the pick-up point in time. It is also the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the child behaves in a safe and acceptable manner while boarding, travelling in and alighting from the vehicle.

PLACING REQUESTS

The Education Authority does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of a placing request other than in exceptional circumstances.

A service bus operates in the morning and after school between the Loaning and Belmont Academy for the benefit of pupils travelling to the school from Alloway and Doonfoot.

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Health and Medical Care

One of our non-teaching staff is in charge of the school’s medical room which is based in the Medical Suite in B Block. These rooms are also used by the school doctor and nurse when they visit the Academy.

In the event of a pupil becoming ill at school they will be attended to and if need be parents will be informed so that arrangements can be made for the pupil to be taken home.

Information regarding particular medical problems or requirements must be given to the Guidance Staff so that special care may be taken.

Should a pupil require regular medication such as tablets or an inhaler these should be taken to the medical room each morning. There they can be kept in a secure cupboard and be available at any time of the day.

Medical Inspections:

Any pupil aged 11 who has not been tested for vision and colour vision in primary school or any girl who has not been injected against rubella will be dealt with during the first year.

All 13 year old pupils will be tested for resistance to tuberculosis through the Heaf Test and given a B.C.G. if necessary.

All 14 year old pupils have statutory medical inspection from the school doctor with sight and hearing tests. A follow-up on selected 16 year old pupils may take place in connection with special careers requirements.

Parents will in each case be issued with a consent form for signature before inspections or injections are carried out.

Discipline

For the welfare of everyone within the school and to ensure that successful and effective learning and teaching takes place in all classes good behaviour is expected from every pupil. Clearly the involvement of parents is crucial in this and we are grateful for the support they provide.

As Belmont Academy is a civilised community we have an easily understandable and reasonable set of expectations for our young people. These are:-

• work to the best of your ability - make sure that your homework is completed and that what you do is a good reflection of yourself

• always act responsibly - think about the consequences of anything you do before you do it

• be polite and show consideration to others - speak and behave in a way you would expect others to treat you

• take pride in your school and its environment - keep the school litter and graffiti free, remember this is your working place


• attend regularly and be punctual for all your classes - if you are late report to the Registration Room in B Block and explain your lateness to your class teacher. When returning after an absence bring a note. No pupil should leave the school without permission. Any pupil who has to be out of school for any reason should seek permission by letter. Letters should be brought to the Registration Office in B Block.

• take a pride in your appearance - wear school uniform and always come sensibly and smartly dressed. Denim is not allowed nor is clothing which advertises particular products

• be a good representative of your school in the community - remember the school is judged by how you appear and behave outside it

• come prepared for school - bring pencils, pens, calculators, jotters etc. All expensive watches, pens and other items of value should be left at home. Large sums of money may be left in the School Office.

Religious Education and Observance

The Academy has an established tradition of teaching Religious Education to all pupils - a principle established in the 1944 Education Act.

The Religious Education Course is concerned with the development of an understanding of religion as a significant area of human experience. Pupils will be brought to an awareness of religious issues and the contribution religion has made to the evolution of culture and society. Through the course, which is taught to pupils from S1 to S4, social issues are also explored in order to prepare our pupils for their post school experience and so equip them better for their place in society.

In addition to the formal classwork religious observance is also reflected at morning assembly and at the services held in Castlehill Parish Church at Christmas and Easter.

The Academy takes the view that Religious Education and observance are an important part of a child’s education. However naturally a statutory right exists for parents to withdraw their daughter or son from the programme of Religious Education without prejudice to their education. Any parent wishing to do so and so seek alternative arrangements should contact Mr Moir.

Parents from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.

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Information in Emergencies

We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep in touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in the press and on local radio.

Data Protection Act 1984

Information on pupils, parents and guardians is stored on a computer system and may be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties. The information is protected by the Data Protection Act 1984 and may be disclosed in accordance with the Codes of Practice. For further information please contact the school.


THE STAFFHeadteacher: Mr Alan MoirDepute Headteachers: Mr John Thomson

Mr John DunlopMrs Sandra ParkerMr Steve AndersonMr Tom McPhail

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ARTMrs Ann Johnstone PTMrs Laura MacKenzieMrs Margaret O’RourkeMrs Carol McKayMrs Kay Murray

BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT

Mrs Sheena Hyslop

BUSINESS STUDIES

Mr Ian Hessett PTMrs Karen BrodieMrs Gilliam CunninghamMrs Susan GlassMrs Sandra Parker DHT

BIOLOGY

Mr Leslie Black PTMrs Doreen Aitchison PTGMrs Sally CraigMr Lachlan NicollMrs Anne Meek PTGMrs Dorothy Paterson

CHEMISTRY

Mr Ian McAnulla PTMrs Margaret Morrison PTGMrs Jeanette BrennanMrs Brenda PedenMiss Valerie AgnewMr Alexander Smith

COMPUTING

Mr Graeme McLean Acting PTMr Jim HulstonMr George Ling

ENGLISH AND DRAMA

Miss Joan Duncan PTMiss Anne McCollumMr Alan McLachlanMrs Maureen MuirMr Hugh MurchieMr Richard PughMrs Maureen BerryMrs Alison WilsonMrs Lesley ServiceMrs Alison WrightMrs Susan McInnes

GEOGRAPHY

Mr David Brown PTMr John BurnsMrs Jan Krawczyk

HISTORY

Mr Tom Green PTMr John Dunlop DHTMr Steven Martin

HOME ECONOMICS

Mrs Nan Walker PTMrs Moira BrownMrs Alice BleaseMrs Helen Whiteford

LEARNING SUPPORT

Mrs Elaine Hansen PTMrs Celia Steele

MATHEMATICS

Mr John McNutt PTMr Iain Brown PTGMr John BrownMr Frank BuickMrs Elaine Marrone PTG CareersMrs Elizabeth RaeMrs Eileen McCaugheyMiss Katriona FergusonMrs Jan CossarMr Steve Anderson DHT

MODERN LANGUAGES

Mrs Norma Kelty Acting PTMrs Catherine SteellMrs June LindsayMrs Elaine GillinghamMiss Linda NeillyMs Angelique CoudertMrs Jean Hastie

MODERN STUDIES

Mrs Helen Holdsworth PTMr Gordon ElrickMr John Thomson DHTMrs Anne StrachanMrs Caroline PeacockMiss Lynsey Pollock

MUSIC

Mr Peter Black PTMiss Phyllis ThorntonMrs Gillian GilmourMr Simon BirdMr Tom HayMr John LeitchMr John Stevenson


PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Mr Allan Granger PTMrs Lesley Nicol PTGMrs Helen McGibbonMr Douglas BlakeMr Bill MurrieMiss D Craig

PHYSICS

Mr Douglas McNeil PTMr John McLellanMr Ross McMahon

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Mr David Helps PTMrs Cecile Flowerdew

TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Mr Leslie Austin PTMr John FitzgeraldMr Frank Henderson PTGMr Tom ReidMr Tom McPhail DHT

LIBRARY

Miss Fiona Johnson

Please Note:The following abbreviations have been used:

DHT = Depute Head TeacherPT = Principal Teacher SubjectPTG = Principal Teacher Guidance

ADMIN. & CLERICAL STAFF

Ms Jeanann McQueen Cluster Admin MgrMrs Angela Doolan Admin Finance OfficerMrs Wilma Goodwin Sen. Clerical AssistantMrs Mae Grant Clerical AssistantMrs Anne Robb Clerical AssistantMrs Gwen Sutherland Clerical AssistantMiss Heather Lynn Clerical AssistantMs Jane Munro Clerical AssistantMrs Jennifer McNidder Clerical Assistant

CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS

Mrs Fiona McFadzeanMrs Shona MorrisonMrs Janet McMillanMrs Sheena OrrMrs Susan BoltonMrs Rhona CooperMrs Alyson Fleming

SEN AUXILIARIES

Mrs Elizabeth WalkerMrs Wendy KirklandMrs Ellis McConnellMrs Lena DurnhamMrs Siobhan McCallMrs Leona AlexanderMrs Kathleen Brickell

TECHNICIANS

Mrs Sandra McInroy Senior TechnicianMrs Jeanette Bounds Science TechnicianMrs Janice Keenan Science TechnicianMr Alastair Clark AV TechnicianMr William Steel Tech. Technician

JANITORS

Mr Craig McCubbin Senior JanitorMr Ian ColquhounMr John RichmondMr Ronnie Clarke

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DUTIES OF SENIOR STAFF

The Senior Management Team, consisting of Head Teacher and five Depute Head Teachers, has responsibility for the overall management of the school which covers a wide range of duties. The formulation and execution of school policies are conducted by a variety of methods involving all staff of the school and in this connection each DHT has responsibility for communications with specified groups of subject department in the school. Senior members of staff have the following specific areas of responsibility:

Head Teacher - Mr Alan Moir

Overall responsibility for the operation of the Academy and the educational philosophy of the school maintaining the vision for the school carrying out the policies of the Scottish Executive and South Ayrshire Council’s department of Education

Culture and Lifelong Learning liaising with parents, the School Board, the Parent Teachers Association and external agencies the School Development Plan and department Development Plans overall control of Devolved Management of Resources the School Handbook and communications with parents and the local media all staffing appointments the communication of Scottish Executive, Council and school policies for pupils, staff and parents

all policy making within the school the UCAS process monitoring and evaluating the work of certain subject departments working with the Cluster Manager to implement “Time for Teaching” liaison with members of the Senior Management Team, Principal Teachers and other colleagues and co-

ordinating their work and advancing their contribution to the school co-ordinating the drive to realise national, local and school targets

Depute Head Teacher - Mr John Thomson

Overall responsibility for the operation of the Academy in association with and in the absence of the Headteacher general school discipline overall pupil welfare including anti-bullying strategies promoting effective learning within the school chairing the Effective Learning and Teaching working party in conjunction with the Headteacher and the S.M.T. raising standards and realising national targets analysis of school performance in national examinations and recommending new developments monitoring and evaluating the work of a number of subject departments staff absence cover and general staffing arrangements the admission and enrolment of new pupils liaison with the Prefects discussing of duty rotas and general oversight the organisation and management of Supported Study consultation with pupils through the Year Councils and School Council devising the school calendar working with the Sixth Year Committee overall responsibility for S6 across the school working with Mr J Dunlop on SQA matters working to realise National Priority 2 – Framework for Learning

Depute Head Teacher – Mr Steve Anderson

BELMONT ACADEMY – MAXIMISING POTENTIAL20

Overall responsibility for all aspects of pastoral care provision including looked after and Accommodated children and monitoring

the Children at Risk Register (the School Protection Policy) chairing the Guidance Team and Joint Assessment and School Assessment Team Meetings production of the Guidance Department Development Plan Guidance provision across the school organising and liaising with visiting speakers as part of the PSE programme co-ordinating the work of Support for Learning, Behaviour Support and the Guidance team and the wider

staff community and the management of the Support Base Line managing the Special Education Needs Auxiliaries developing the whole school process for monitoring and evaluating monitoring the evaluating the work of a number of subject departments development of the Princes Trust X L initiative Attendance and Registration School Finance, the management of the General Purposes Fund (the GP Fund) Prize-giving and the development of a reward/prise system within the school Overall responsibility for Craig & Lomond Houses in conjunction with the House Staff Working with Mrs S Parker on the school timetable Working to realise National Priority 4 - Values and Citizenship

Depute Head Teacher - Mrs Sandra Parker

Overall responsibility for the school timetable the devising of option choices S3-S6 assessment and reporting S3-S6 co-ordination of the Option Choices handbooks curriculum developments for the middle and senior school - S3-S6 - with the implications of Age and

Stage removal Higher Still developments and the extension of the Scholar programme across the school timetabling the Prelims and other internal examinations regent for Student and Probationer teachers organisation of S5 and S6 study classes and associated matters line manager for classroom assistants, the deployment of them across the school and the co-ordination of

their work in conjunction with the Cluster Manager overall responsibility for S5 across the school working with Mr S Anderson on Guidance matters working to realise National Priority 5 – Learning for Life

Depute Head Teacher - Mr John Dunlop

Overall responsibility for BELMONT ACADEMY - MAXIMISING POTENTIAL21

Convenor of the school standing committee on homework all matters related to the Scottish Qualifications Authority and national examinations Statistical returns and the school inventory monitoring and evaluating the work of a number of subject departments liaison with the school librarian and the development of the library as a key whole school resource oversight of reprographics and copyright issues across the school the organisation of Parents’ Nights S1-S6 co-ordinator of school excursions and other educational visits undertaken by pupils fund raising through the operation of the school’s commercial activity in conjunction with the Cluster

Manager developing on all fronts the school’s Equal Opportunities Policy liaising with janitorial, cleaning and catering staff overall responsibility for Cumbrae & Kintyre Houses in conjunction with the House Staff Health & Safety matters across the school Working with Mr J Thomson on SQA matters Working to realise National Priority 3 – Inclusion and Equality

Depute Head Teacher - Mr Tom McPhail

Overall responsibility for the development of ICT across the school chairing the ICT Working Group taking forward initiatives under NGfL and South Ayrshire Council monitoring and evaluating the work of a number of subject departments 5-14 developments – curriculum assessment and reporting Primary - Secondary liaison Assessment and Reporting in S1 and S2 Curriculum change, innovation and development in S1 and S2 Staff Development and Review and Continuous Professional Development line managing the technician staff within the school in conjunction with the Senior Technician co-ordinating the Learning Schools programme organisation of the Primary 7 Parents’ Night working with Mr Anderson to expand the awards culture in the school including the Prize Giving developing the school’s tracking procedure to follow pupil progress overall responsibility for Arran and Bute Houses in conjunction with the House Staff working to achieve National Priority 1 – Achievement and Attainment

THE GUIDANCE OR HOUSE SYSTEM

‘The quality of guidance and pastoral care was very good. Positive features included:

the high profile of guidance staff and their strong external links; the effective house system; the very good education for work programme;


the organisation of careers events for pupils; and the monitoring of pupils’ attendance and liaison with parents on pupils’ welfare’.

HMI Report - August 2001

The House System is an all pervasive aspect and strength of Belmont Academy and plays a vital part not only in the lives of the pupils but in the strong links we have between home and school.

Every pupil joining the Academy is placed in one of the six houses - Arran, Bute, Craig, Cumbrae, Kintyre or Lomond. Each House is under the direction of a Principal Teacher of Guidance.

Arran House Mr Iain Brown

Bute House Mrs Margaret Morrison

Craig House Mr Frank Henderson

Cumbrae House Mrs Doreen Aitchison

Lomond House Mrs Lesley Nicol

Kintyre House Mrs Anne Meek

The aim of the Guidance Staff is to look after the pastoral welfare of our young people and to provide help and support throughout their time at the Academy. Guidance staff form key links between the school and the parents of our young people.

Guidance staff give advice and support on all aspects of school work and life and are particularly heavily involved at key times such as the option form choice consideration from S2 into S3 and from S4 into S5. On these occasions they will provide professional advice on course choice and how career intentions can influence that choice.

The Guidance Teacher is someone pupils can identify with; someone each pupil knows well and who in turn is well known by the Guidance teacher; they are members of staff with whom a rapport has been built and who they know they can talk to and receive help with any problem. Guidance teachers also closely work with parents and are happy to provide help in respect of pupils should this be wanted. We are keen to encourage parents to telephone the school should they have any concern about the progress, behaviour or any other matter affecting their daughter or son.

However given that Guidance staff have classroom teaching commitment an appointment is usually necessary. A telephone call to the school office on 01292 281733 will enable this to be arranged and so the home - school partnership will be sustained and strengthened. In addition to this pupils are also advised of the times most suitable for an interview and parents should ask their child about this.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

As part of the Careers programme in Belmont each pupil is offered (within the limit of the places made available to us by the Careers Service) the opportunity to take part in a Work Experience Scheme. This would normally take place in Fourth Year and gives each pupil who participates a valuable insight into the world of work. Mrs Elaine Marrone is our Principal Teacher of Guidance with special responsibility for Careers Education and as such has established close links with the Careers Service and works with our Careers Officer, Mr Gordon Murdoch, who spend a day in the Academy every week to interview and advise pupils. We have also developed a significant Careers

BELMONT ACADEMY - MAXIMISING POTENTIAL23

Library and classes are given special instruction by members of the Guidance staff on how to make best use of the information available. Mrs Marrone is also available to advise pupils on opportunities in further education.


THE SCHOOL BOARD

The School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988 led to the establishment of a school board in primary, secondary and special schools. Boards, which are composed of parent, staff and co-opted members with the Head Teacher as professional adviser, have duties, rights and responsibilities in relation to the management of the school. These include:-

(a) consulting with parents and reporting to parents on matters of interest;

(b) encouraging the development of links between the school and parents;

(c) taking part in the selection of senior promoted staff to the school;

(d) discussing and approving the head teacher’s plans for purchasing books and

educational materials;

(e) setting dates for occasional holidays in consultation with interested parties;

(f) assisting in the letting of school premises under the direction of the education

authority;

(g) receiving reports from the headteacher and education authority;

(h) receiving an annual budget for administration, training and other expenses;

(i) having power to raise funds and spending these for the benefit of the school after consulting the head teacher.

Members of the School Boards, on a voluntary basis, may also have an advisory role in the investigation of cases of non-attendance and suspected truancy and decisions on placing requests parents in respect of those situations where the number of placing requests for a particular school or for a particular stage in a particular school exceeds the number of places available.

School Board Elections

Elections take place every two years with half of the parent members being elected. All parents are elected for four years and continuity is achieved by the other half of the parent members requiring re-election two years later. All school boards are therefore composed of newly elected members and those with at least two years experience.

All parents or guardians of pupils currently on the roll of the school have the right to vote. Each person has one vote irrespective of the number of children who attend the school.


Members of the Board

Chairman: Mr Thomas Fitzsimmons

Parent Members Mrs Marion Dempsey Mr Alan Shearing18 Doonholm Park 46 Whinhill RoadAlloway AYRAYR KA7 4RPKA6 6BH Tel: 4454165Tel: 442353

Mr Allan Dorans Mrs Elizabeth Cameron5 Bentfield Avenue Pleasant ViewAYR By AyrKA7 2XD KA6 6BUTel: 265675 Tel: 560371

Mrs Karen Adgent Mr Thomas Fitzsimmons1A Belmont Place East 26 Hilary CrescentAYR AYRKA7 2JP KA7 2JUTel: 287808 Tel: 262010

Co-opted Members Mr John Wilson Rev Roddy McNidder19 Belmont Road 6 Hollow ParkAYR AYRKA7 2PG KA7 4SRTel: 268859

Staff Members Mrs Norma Kelty Mrs Jeanette BrennanBelmont Academy Belmont AcademyBelmont Road Belmont RoadAYR AYRKA7 2PG KA7 2PGTel: 281733 Tel: 281733

Clerk Mr Alan MoirBelmont AcademyBelmont RoadAYRKA7 2PG

The Head Teacher and the local councillor may attend all meetings of the School Board and have the right to speak, although, not being members of the Board, no right to vote.


LINKS WITH PARENTS

‘One of the Key Strengths of the school was the very good links with parents and the local community’.


Belmont Academy is fortunate in having a strong and very supportive Parent Teachers Association which is made up of all parents of pupils at the Academy and all members of staff. The P.T.A. is managed by an elected committee who organise a syllabus of activities throughout the year. A syllabus and membership card is issued to all parents each year and the former details these events.

The P.T.A., acting alongside the School Board, provides an important forum for parents views and is a reflection of the ongoing and developing relationship between parents and the school.

The P.T.A. also fulfils an important social and fund raising function and has successfully raised money for the benefit of the Academy. Recently money raised by the P.T.A. has gone to fund the award of prizes, pay for radio microphones for the Assembly Hall and, as its most significant contribution, pay for the refurbishing of the stage and curtains in the Hall. In the most recent session the association upgraded the stage lighting in the Hall.

The office bearers of the P.T.A. committee are:Mrs Joyce Kerr (Chair)Mrs Jackie Magill (Treasurer)Mrs Jacqui Simpson (Secretary)Mrs Nan Agnew (Catering Convenor)

Parents’ Meetings

The school has close links with parents through the Guidance Staff and by means of scheduled meetings arranged throughout the session. Notification of dates and times of parents’ meetings is contained in letters to parents which are given to pupils at appropriate times throughout the session.

First Year: This meeting is held in November following the issue of the pupils’ interim reports. By this time children should be well settled into the secondary school and the meeting affords parents the opportunity to talk over with teachers their children’s progress to date in First Year.

Second Year: A meeting is held in early April following the second term examinations and issue of pupil reports, for parents to consult subject teachers about their children’s progress. A further meeting is held with Guidance Staff to discuss pupils’ courses for Third and Fourth year, in the light of their progress, interest, careers intentions etc.

Third Year: This meeting is held in December. It follows the issue of first term reports and allows parents the opportunity to discuss how their children are adapting to the more demanding work involved in Standard Grade courses.

Fourth Year: This meeting is held in October to review pupils’ progress and take, if necessary, remedial action well before the SQA Preliminary Examinations in December.

Fifth and Sixth Year: This meeting is held in January and serves the same purpose as the S4 meeting. Fifth and Sixth Year prelims are held in February.

The Open Evening for Session 2004-2005 is scheduled for Tuesday 8 June at 7.00 in the school for parents of Primary 7 pupils who are joining us in August. Apart from the above meetings parents


should feel free to contact the school at any time by telephoning the main office on Ayr 01292 281733.

THE CURRICULUM

Courses and Class Organisation

‘The overall quality of the curriculum was good’


The course options mentioned are those currently available. If the school roll falls the same range of choice may not be available when a First Year pupil reaches Third or Fifth Year.

Years S1 and S2

Both years operate on a “Common Course” which means that all pupils take all the subjects offered. Classes are taught in register groups which are formed on a House basis. Each House has usually two groups referred to by the House name followed by the letter A or B e.g. 1 Arran A, 2 Craig B; etc. Classes are of mixed ability and to keep family connection, pupils with older brothers or sisters at school are put into the same House.

First Year Curriculum

Subject PeriodsEnglish 4Mathematics 4Science 3French 3Geography 1History 1Modern Studies 1Religious Education 1Art and Design 2Music 2Technical 2Home Economics 2Information Technology 1Physical Education 2Social Education 1

30 periods

There is a block rotation between History, Geography, Modern Studies and Religious Education to give pupils two periods a week in these subjects and this operates throughout First Year and Second Year.

Fluctuation in staff sometimes causes minor changes in time allowances


In Second Year the same subjects are offered, but there is also a difference in organisation from First Year, in that there is setting in Mathematics and French. In Mathematics those pupils showing high ability are formed into a top section (or sections depending on numbers), the others are divided into mixed ability sections. In French the sections are graded with the top sections proceeding at a faster rate than the other sections and the section made up of those pupils who have shown to have serious difficulties with the subject following a course which covers the work at a slower pace. During second year, pupils are encouraged to think about the subjects they are likely to want to take in Third and Fourth Year. Advice is given by Guidance Staff and Subject Teachers at this stage.

Second Year Curriculum

Subject PeriodsEnglish 4Mathematics 4Science 3French/German 4Geography 1History 1Modern Studies 1Religious Education 1Art and Design 2Music 1Technical 2Home Economics 2Information Technology 1Physical Education 2Social Education 1

30 periods

In order to make the transition from Primary to Secondary as easy as possible an induction day is held in June. This introduces pupils to the layout of the buildings and to a typical school day. Regular liaison between the Academy and our partner primary schools ensures a continuity of educational experience so that there is cohesion across the Primary 7 - First Year interface and this is built on in Second Year and beyond..

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

In the First and Second Year curriculum all pupils follow a common course regardless of gender. This is only one feature of the Equal Opportunities policy of the school which endeavours to provide for all pupils regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religious background or social class.

Attending a school with such a policy prepares all pupils and students to achieve their full potential and become useful members of society.


Years S3 and S4

These years form a two year course leading to various certificates awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) examinations.

Standard Grade

Standard Grade is the national qualification taken at the end of Fourth Year and is available to pupils of all abilities. There are 3 different levels of course within the Standard grade - Foundation, General and Credit. Foundation level is the basic level, General level is suitable for pupils in the middle range of ability, while Credit level is the most difficult level. Pupils taking different levels of the same subject may be taught together in class and will have to learn some of the same things. Pupils will generally be able to take different levels in different subjects, so that they can tackle the more difficult work in the subjects they are good at.

Awards for all three levels are given on a single scale with bands from 1 (the top band) to 7. Pupils who get awards in the top bands (normally those who take Credit level) will be able to take Higher grade in Fifth Year. Pupils who pass at General level will still be able to take Highers but may need to take 2 years to do so. A few subjects will be available only at 2 levels instead of 3, as can be seen from the Third Year Option Sheet.

When your child is in Second Year, the school will discuss with you the subjects which he/she wishes to study in Third and Fourth year, and the most suitable level for him/her to take in each subject. The school will give you full information at this time.

During February of Second Year, pupils are issued with a subject choice Option Form to choose subjects for Third Year. Subjects will be grouped under 8 main headings or Modes, indicated overleaf, and each pupil will be required to take subjects covering each Mode, the purpose of this being to ensure that each pupil follows a balanced curriculum. To satisfy the principle of choice a variety of courses are offered to allow each pupil several ways of satisfying each Mode which in exceptional circumstances the modal structure may not be followed.

The Option sheet on the next page is the most recent example but may alter from year to year.

All pupils have to choose English, Mathematics, a Modern Foreign Language, a Social Subject (History, Geography or Modern Studies) a Science and a technological subject at Standard Grade as well as having Guidance, Religious Education and Physical Education.

However as mentioned earlier and as a reflection of our wish to meet the future educational aspirations of our pupils exceptions from these arrangements can be allowed so that the modal structure is not mandatory.

S3 option sheet



Modes Subjects

1. Language and Communication English, French, German

2. Mathematical Studies Mathematics, Accounting & Finance

3. Religious and Moral Studies Religious Studies Guidance

4. Physical Activity Physical Education

5. Social Studies History, Geography, Modern Studies, Business Studies

6. Scientific Studies General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

7. Creative and Aesthetic Studies Art and Design, Graphical Communication, Music, Drama

8. Technology Administration, Computing, Technological Studies, Craft and Design, Home Economics

Fourth Year is an extension of Third Year and therefore no change of course will take place. From Third Year onwards pupils are following Scottish Qualification Authority courses which lead to presentation at Standard Grade in May of the following session. Pupils are presented in up to 8 subjects and, as you will see elsewhere, our results are very good.

It is during Fourth Year that the Work Experience described under Careers Guidance would normally take place.

In order to better meet the needs of all our young people we have introduced Intermediate courses in Biology, Chemistry, Home Economics and Music. We believe that in S3 and S4 these provide a better curricular experience for some pupils. In session 2003-2004 we also introduced the XL course for a group of fifteen young people.


S5/6 Options

Years S5 and S6


These two years form one unit and the pupils are asked to select subjects from each option block. This is more complicated than S3 and S4 in that a number of different levels are offered. These levels are in line with the Higher Still programme.

Advanced Higher Grade

The Advanced Higher Grade is for pupils who have good passes at Higher Grade and who are returning to school for a Sixth Year. The Advanced Higher is ideal preparation for pupils aiming to proceed to University. There is a degree of specialisation and each pupil may take several subjects at this level. Each subject has theoretical work which builds on what was done in Higher Grade. There is also practical work in the form of a project or dissertation - different for each subject - forcing each pupil to depend on himself or herself to carry out individual study.

Higher Grade

The majority of Fifth Year pupils will follow this course and it also provides the opportunity for Sixth Year pupils to add to Highers or to repeat a Higher Grade subject. While the school offers a very wide range of Higher courses it should be noted that offering a subject at Standard Grade does not guarantee that a Higher will be available as pupil uptake can decide whether or not a course runs.

Intermediate 1 and 2

These are courses offered under the Higher Still programme and provide progression to students who performed at General or Foundation level in Standard Grade in Fourth Year. The number of subjects offered at Intermediate levels is likely to increase although in some smaller subjects bi-line teaching may have to take place but this is conditional on uptake.

Scottish Qualifications Authority Short Courses

SQA Short Courses, which may be taken at any time during stages S3 to S6, are designed to enrich pupils’ experience by complementing other courses at Standard Grade and Higher Grade. Short courses are normally available in sets, with most individual courses planned to be covered in 40 hours of study. While each short course is free-standing, combinations of courses may be linked to a programme of study in a particular curriculum area. Short courses give pupils an opportunity to sample new areas of learning or to extend familiar ones, and so to assist in providing pupils with a wide-ranging, balanced and flexible curriculum. Awards of certificates are ungraded as assessment is on a pass/fail basis.


Column X

This is essentially a recreational block where pupils have the opportunity of taking Physical Education, Music or Art. All S5 pupils also have one period of Personal and Social Education.

Note

It cannot be guaranteed that all possible combinations of subjects will fit in. However, we will make every effort to give as wide a choice as staffing and resources allow.

Fifth and Sixth Option Choice Procedures

In late February/early March pupils in Fourth and Fifth Year are issued with Option Booklets and Option Choice forms for the following session. At the end of March they are interviewed by the Guidance staff and a suitable course agreed with parents. These subjects will be followed until the end of June and all pupils in the new Fifth and Sixth Year would be expected to have full attendance following their SQA Examinations. Pupils who leave school on the leaving date of 31 May and who subsequently return at the start of the new session may find they are unable to be accommodated in subjects they wish to take because sections are already completed.

In the period prior to the start of the new session in August all pupils proposing to enter Fifth or Sixth year must report to the school to confirm or alter their courses for the coming session. Guidance staff and the Senior Management Team will be available for consultation and Senior School Contracts will also be issued on this occasion.

Provisional dates for 2004 are:

26 February - Issue of Option Booklets Mid August - Final Option Choices in the light of SQA results and issue of Senior

School Contracts


Support for Learning

One of the key strengths of the school was ‘The support of pupils within the Learning Support Department’


The Learning Support Department gives help to pupils with special educational needs throughout the school. A range of pupils is helped from those with recorded needs (17 in the school in December 2003) to those with lesser difficulties in literacy or numeracy.

Pupils with marked difficulties in reading and/or spelling are given extra help in the form of half hour tutorials each week or through a homework programme supervised jointly by parents and the department.

In addition Learning Support staff teach co-operatively and consult with staff in most subject areas, working together to provide a curriculum appropriate to pupils of all levels of ability. They also work closely with Psychological Services and specialist services such as Hearing and Visual support personnel to cater for pupils requiring specialist help.

Any parents wishing to speak to members of the Learning Support Department about their child’s educational needs are most welcome to contact the department at any time.

Assessment

Pupils’ work is assessed in a great number of ways, varying with department, with year group and often with individual pupils. Most departments use a combination of continuous assessment by regular tests and more formal written examinations. Many of the tests are used in a diagnostic way and the results of the formal examinations are recorded and retained by the class teachers and by the Principal Teachers of Guidance.

Each pupil has a Confidential Progress and Record Report passed on from the Primary School. This contains information regarding Health, Attendance, details of Guardian, Next of Kin, Address and Telephone Numbers for emergency contact, etc. These records are updated regularly by Guidance Staff through interviews with pupils when special aptitudes or difficulties may be noted.

Reports to Parents

Apart from the normal assessments at the end of a unit of work formal examinations are held by many departments in Second Year and twice a year for some subjects in Third Year. The results, together with teachers’ comments, are recorded on an appropriate format of report sheet. Parents are sent one copy to retain while another is included in the pupil’s personal file. Pupils in S1 will receive an interim report in December and then a fuller report in May. In S2 the report is issued in March. Parents’ Evenings are arranged following the examinations to give parents the opportunity to discuss pupils’ progress with class teachers and Guidance teachers.

Pupils in the senior school have one set of formal examinations during the year, namely, the SQA Preliminary Examinations which are held in December for Fourth Year and February for Fifth and Sixth Year. These are important examinations and it is essential that pupils do as well as they can. If a pupil misses the actual SQA examinations in May/June through illness his/her performance in the Preliminary Examinations is considered by the Qualifications Authority before deciding on an award to the absentee candidate.


Parents’ Evenings are arranged during the second term to give parents the opportunity to discuss pupils’ progress before the important Preliminary Examinations take place. Individual pupils who are experiencing difficulties or who are not working as they should are reported to Guidance Staff who arrange for their parents to come into the school to discuss matters. Parents who wish to discuss their children’s problems are encouraged to arrange meetings with Principal Teachers Guidance at any time throughout the session.

Homework

At Belmont Academy we believe that Homework is an important part of the school curriculum and while it can take many forms - written, practical or oral - it is a worthwhile activity for all pupils because -

( i) pupils can consolidate work done in class( ii) work can be extended further to allow progression through a course(iii) it develops the self discipline of working unsupervised on ones own.

All pupils in the Academy are provided with a Homework Notebook at the start of the Session so that not only do they write down what they have to do but parents have the opportunity to see what has to be done. The Homework Notebook also allows teaching staff to monitor the amount of homework given and so ensure an even spread throughout the week.

What can Parents do to help ?

( i) check that homework has been done( ii) ensure that a specified time is set aside each evening for homework and that this

comes before television watching or anything else(iii) talk to your children about their school work. The reply “Nothing much” to the

question “What happened at school today ?” can mask a lot of daytime experiences( iv) encourage children to read and be positive about their homework even when they are

groaning. Don’t be fooled by that statement - “Homework ? No I don’t think I have any !” There is always work to be done.

How much time should be spent each week day evening ? As a basic guide we would recommend:-

First and Second Year - 45 minutes to 1 hour of new work or revision

Third and Fourth Year - 1 to 2 hours

Fifth and Sixth Year - 2 to 2½ hours

The amount of time will vary from day to day and pupil to pupil. The key to success is to establish and maintain the pattern of regular study at home.


EXAMINATIONS

Policy with regard to Entering Pupils for Public Examinations

The school prepares pupils for presentation in the Scottish Qualifications Authority Examinations at Standard, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher Grades.

Schools in consultation with pupils and parents normally decide on presentation for examinations. However in the final analysis, the school will accede to the wishes of the parents where this is possible and practical.

Some departments cater for General Certificate of Secondary Education (SCSE) A Level Examinations on an irregular basis, according to demand and staff time being available. We prefer pupils to take the Advanced Higher.

THE LIBRARY

The Library aims to support learning and teaching throughout the school by providing a centralized source of materials, information and expertise which responds to the needs of pupils and staff, and to develop pupils’ confident and independent use of book and non-book materials for information, understanding and enjoyment.

In addition to its loan stock of about 8,000 items, the library subscribes to over 20 periodicals and maintains up to date Careers and Reference sections. It can draw on the extensive range of curriculum-related material provided by the Education Resource Service, including, for example, videos, records, slides and computer software, and has access to the Inter-Library Loan Scheme for books and periodical articles not locally available. The Library also has a number of PCs which students can access for word processing and the Internet and of course for completing university or college applications on line.

Opening Hours 8.45a.m. - 12.50p.m.1.25p.m. - 4.15p.m.


PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY

The following is a description of the present policy. However we are continuing to evaluate the system and slight changes may occur from year to year.

After the final examinations of the year for each of S1 - S4, Principal Teachers (Subject) are asked to nominate the top 10% of pupils in their subject.

Certificates are presented to First and Second Year pupils who meet the criteria set by the Prize-Giving Committee. All those nominated in Third and Fourth Year receive certificates, mostly at Assembly and for those achieving exceptional awards this is done at the Prize-Giving Ceremony at the end of Session.

Certificates of Merit are given to those in First to Fourth Year who have shown progress.

Certificates of Distinction are awarded to Fifth and Sixth Year in the traditional way i.e. first, second and third in individual subjects. Special prize-winners e.g. the School Dux are decided by Mr Moir after studying the performances of the candidates in all their subjects.

Parents of prize-winners are invited to the Prize-Giving Ceremony at the end of the Session where they receive a detailed programme listing the names of prize-winners and their awards. After the ceremony, special prize-winners have their photograph taken by the Press and copies of the programme are sent to local newspapers.

SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (SQA) AWARDS

The Scottish Qualifications Authority normally provides information on the Awards system which it now operates. For the Standard grade, awards are made on a 7-point scale with grade 1 the highest and grade 7 the lowest. These are contained in Appendices 3 - 7.


Other Results and Achievements

As well as enjoying great success in the national examinations pupils have enjoyed a range of successes in a host of other areas. Our sporting achievements are significant. The Volleyball Club goes from strength to strength with twenty teams currently playing and representing the school in a number of local and national competitions. Last session the volleyball teams brought distinction on themselves and the school by –

3rd Year Boys – Winners - Scottish Volleyball Tournament, Runners up - Ayrshire Volleyball Tournament

3rd Year Girls - Winners - Glasgow Invitation Tournament

2nd Year Boys – Winners - Ayrshire Volleyball Tournament

2nd Year Girls – 3rd - Ayrshire Volleyball Tournament

Senior Girls – Winners - Scottish Volleyball TournamentWinners - Ayrshire Volleyball Tournament

Senior Boys - Winners - Scottish Volleyball TournamentRunners up - Ayrshire Volleyball Tournament

In Basketball our senior squad also brought real distinction on themselves in achieving a run of successes which at the time of writing has brought them to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. The team travelled to Aberdeen and Thurso to meet and win two matches and in the quarter final defeated Marr College. We are looking forward to the next match hoping that our success will continue.

In Rugby the First XV reached the quarter final of the Scottish Rugby Unions Scottish Schools Cup in which a number of players have shown a level of skill which has resulted in them being selected to play in the Glasgow and Ayrshire District team. In addition to this in the Ayrshire Seven a Side tournament the Belmont Seniors and Third Year teams won their competitions and the First Year team was very creditable runners-up.

A whole range of sports clubs are active in the school:

Rugby Badminton AthleticsBasketball Tennis FootballVolleyball Golf NetballWeight training and Fitness Club

As a complement to this we also have:

Belmont Banner Newspaper Group Symphony OrchestraDuke of Edinburgh Award Scheme String OrchestraSkiing Junior ChoirJunior Drama Group Senior ChoirSenior Drama Group Junior WindbandHomework Club Senior Windband


Musically of course the Academy is also strong. We have a very successful String Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra while the Wind Band and Concert Band goes from strength to strength in number and the quality of their playing which has brought a lot of pleasure to a large number of people. Of course a great musical highlight was the school’s blockbusting production of ‘West Side Story’ the fourth musical we have staged and which played to packed audiences over four nights in November 2002. We are currently discussing what the show will be in 2004.

A Drama Group has also been formed and their involvement is being encouraged through the Theatregoers Group visits to Glasgow, Edinburgh and London while in public speaking the school’s team won the local round of the Rotary International organised Youth Speak Competition and we look forward to the next round.

This is not all – the Belmont Banner newspaper group continues to publish a first class paper through the support of the Ayr Advertiser while of course the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme offers a large number of pupils involved the opportunity to work at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels.

On the basis that travel broadens the mind we have had school organised visits to the USA in October 2002, Belgium in June 2002, France in February 2003 and skiing in February 2002 and 2003. Already plans are underway for another ski trip to the French Alps and a return visit to Northern France is also being researched for 2004 with a visit to California scheduled for October 2004 and the eastern states of the USA in 2005. All of this plus our annual visit to Alton Towers!

Clearly there is a great deal going on and all our young people have the opportunity to take advantage of what we have to offer.


SCHOOL/COMMUNITY LINKS

The Academy has many links with the local community. Pupils from the Modern Studies Department have carried out surveys for the Community Association and take part every year in a community project sponsored by the Association.

Members of the school’s musical and drama groups entertain local organisations, residents in the Hospice, while pupils in the Sixth Year are very actively involved in helping young people at Craigpark and Southpark Schools.

At Belmont Academy we know that as well as being part of the community we can also make an important contribution to it and this is what we want to develop further. Sixth Year Students raised £1600 for the Malcolm Sargent Home in Prestwick in October while the total for Children in Need in November 2003 was an impressive £2000.


Important Addresses

Department of Education, Culture and Lifelong Learning County BuildingsWellington SquareAYRKA7 1DRTel No: 01292 612202

Mrs Julie EvansRegistration Services Mrs Evans looks after Clothing Grants, Free Meals Forms

etc.Ayr Registration Office43 SandgateAYRKA7 1DATel No: 01292 284988

Careers Scotland2B Boswell ParkAYRKA7 1QFTel No: 01292 281421

The South Ayrshire local councillor is:

Mr Eddie Bulik, County Buildings, Wellington Square, AYR KA7 1DR

who is the only elected representative directly responsible for the education service in the area whether or not a member of the Councils’ Educational Services Committee itself.

Although the information is correct at time of printing, it should not be assumed that there will be no changes affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document:

(a) before the beginning or during the course of the school year in question.

(b) in relation to subsequent school years.



Documents

STRATHCLYDE REGIONAL COUNCIL EDUCATION ... · Web viewCourses and Class Organisation - Years S1 and S2, Years S3 and S4, Years S5 and S6, Pupils with Learning Difficulties, Assessment,