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School Policies

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
Full attendance at school means that pupils do not miss out on anything; they are present when any new piece of work is started and they can work on it without interruption right from the beginning.

Occasionally, pupils are absent for unavoidable reasons, such as genuine illness. In such cases parents must contact the school.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
As an individual and as a member of the school community every pupil is entitled to take part fully in all areas of the curriculum. Regardless of background, every pupil is also encouraged to aim for and achieve as much success as possible and to respect others and be respected by others.

HOMEWORK
All pupils benefit from homework because it helps them to see how much they have learnt and understood from lessons and because it helps them to develop important study habits and skills. Also, the homework set adds the equivalent of over one year's extra study over the course of Years 7 to 11.

Homework is set regularly. It may be different according to the needs of the individual and as such it should be completed by the pupil with the best possible effort and by the deadline set.

Parents can help considerably by checking the homework and by signing weekly the homework diary, which the school will provide. (Replacements for lost diaries, however, will be charged for).

Staff use these diaries to record important messages about homework. Parents should likewise use them for any comments, requests or queries relating to any aspect of their child's homework.

SEX EDUCATION
Sex education plays an important part in preparing pupils for future decisions about the activities and responsibilities of adult life. The programme of sex education will encourage pupils to adopt responsible behaviour and attitudes in all matters relating to sex. The teaching will provide accurate information and present it sensitively in ways which take into account pupils' physical and emotional development and their religious and cultural background.

The Barking Abbey Governors' policy statement recognises that the school's role is to complement and support the role of parents, and it acknowledges that parents are the key figures in preparing their children to deal with adulthood and sexual maturity.

CHARGING AND REMISSION POLICY
The Governors have agreed to adopt the Authority's policy. Charges may be made for:

• board and lodging on residential visits
• individual tuition in playing musical instruments (in or out of school hours) unless for a prescribed public examination (at present the L.E.A. funds music tuition)
• activities taking place wholly or mainly outside school hours not prescribed either for a public examination or National Curriculum
• entering a pupil for a public examination not prescribed in the regulations
• examination re-sits
• public examinations when either the coursework has not been completed or the pupil has failed to sit the final examination without good cause.

Remission of charges is made for board and lodging for residential activities taking place mostly during school hours for the parents of pupils who are in receipt of family credit or income supplement.

The school educational visits budget will be used in the following priority order:

• for trips which satisfy requirements for a prescribed examination
• for trips which satisfy National Curriculum requirements
• board and lodging as outlined above
• special considerations apply to Trewern (Outdoor Pursuits Centre)
• any other activity

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES
The Governors have adopted the recommendations of the Education Committee in adopting a policy which states the levels at which a complaint may be considered.

• at an informal level by the school
• formally by the Governors
• further referral to the L.E.A
• finally to the Secretary of State

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All pupils, unless prevented by medical opinion, take part in a full programme of Physical Education, and are expected to be properly dressed to enable them to profit fully from the programme. For the first week, a letter from the parent requesting withdrawal, with a medical reason, is acceptable. Thereafter, a certificate from your G.P. is required.

FAMILY HOLIDAYS
Taking holidays during term-time is very disruptive for pupils' learning. We advise you very strongly not to book holidays outside the normal school holiday dates. Taking a holiday during the school term can result in your child losing their place at Barking Abbey. If it is absolutely necessary to take your child away during the term, no more than ELEVEN days can be granted and only under exceptional circumstances. An application form should be filled out and returned to the school at least four weeks prior to the holiday. Forms are available from the Year Co-ordinators.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND LEARNING SUPPORT
Barking Abbey welcomes pupils who have Special Educational Needs, whether they are pupils who are the subject of a Statement under the Education Act (l981), or pupils who receive learning support.

The school uses, where necessary, the support and advice of the staff of the Borough Learning Support Team, together with that of the Educational Psychological Service and the Language Unit.

'In-school' support is provided to meet the majority of learning needs of pupils under the supervision of the Head of the Learning Development Team. Parents who have enquiries should contact either their child's Year Co-ordinator or the Head of the Learning Development Team.

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL EDUCATION
Religious Education is taught to all pupils as a separate subject in Years 7, 8 and 9.

In accordance with the National Curriculum there is an emphasis on Christianity but the school also aims to impart skills of understanding and respect towards all religions, in recognition of our multi-cultural society.

All teachers of Barking Abbey School are involved in developing moral values through the subjects they teach, through the Personal and Social Education programme and through the school's pastoral system.

Parents have a right to withdraw their child from religious education and collective worship.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

FIRE DRILL & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Fire drill evacuation procedures are posted in all working areas of the school. Practices are scheduled to occur at least once during each school term. It is essential that students understand their responsibilities in these important aspects of safety.