Advisory Council

The parents on the Advisory Council meet termly with the Headmaster and provide advice, information and support. Their work includes monitoring and, where possible, improving the Charter for Parents. They have the brief to encourage parents to use the systems in place at the School. They also raise issues and make suggestions to try and improve the School.

Assistance in the development and preparation of School policies eg Behaviour Policy, Health and Sex Education Policy, has been amongst the many tasks undertaken by the Advisory Council.

The Headmaster recognises the importance of hearing the views of the local community about the School and will therefore coopt a local councillor as appropriate to join the Advisory Council. Councillor Alan Hussey, who was a parent, represents the Lawley and Overdale Parish Council in this respect.

Parents who are Members of the Advisory Council

Messages for members of the Advisory Council can be forwarded via theSchool Reception.

Improving Services

The School is committed to a continuously improving service to our students, parents and the wider community. We have quality assurance systems in place for gathering information and monitoring progress in relation to customer care.

As well as commenting on the regular Module Reports, parents and students are invited to complete questionnaires at key points: for example, at the end of the first term, following the Key Stage 4 Information Evening, Careers Discovery Programme, etc. The information gathered is quantified and evaluated to gauge satisfaction and to pick up on areas for improvement.

We always welcome communication from parents to help us raise the quality of services available. A list of personnel to contact is below. You are welcome to use this downloadable form (in Word format) to express any concerns or complaints and attach it by e-mail to return it to the school via jdavis@ttsonline.net.

School Services

The School has a range of personnel and services available to help parents resolve issues ranging from routine enquiries to formal complaints.

Other Matters:

Please write or telephone (01952) 200 000 and we will do our utmost to respond within 24 hours

The Services you should expect from the School

Safe Surroundings

• A safe and orderly learning environment with high standards of behaviour
• Quick, decisive action with any unruly students to protect the interests of the majority.
• Quick, decisive action to protect your child from bullying.
• A school environment free of harmful and illegal drug possession, selling, purchase or consumption. Any such activity will result in expulsion.
• An ICT network that has systems and rules in place to safeguard your child as far as possible from inappropriate materials.

Academic Environment

• A broad Curriculum with an emphasis on Science Technology and Mathematics.
• Regular reporting (approximately every month after the first term for Year 7) to ensure that parents are fully informed about student progress.
• Frequent opportunities (through the module reporting system) to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
• A Personal Tutor system which supports students throughout their academic career at the school.
• Advice for parents on how best to support their child’s education with information provided via the post and online about important issues.
• A polite, courteous and prompt response. It is always helpful if parents reciprocate.
• Access to all the School’s policy documents, available by prior appointment.

How parents can support their child with his/her studies

Safe Surroundings

• Ensure that your child understands the seriousness of downloading inappropriate materials from the computer facilities in School and counsel him/her that this could lead to the loss of his/her place at the School
• Be aware of your child’s computer networking at home and ensure your child understands the seriousness of cyber bullying and inappropriate behaviour.
• Be safe and considerate to others when dropping off/picking up your child outside School. Share lifts when possible.  Do not obstruct the entrance/exit by stopping on the zig-zag lines or abuse any other parking restrictions around the School.  Failure to observe these restrictions may lead to a serious accident and could lead to prosecution by the Police.

Academic Environment

• Observe progress as detailed in your child’s Module Report and let the Personal Tutor know of any concerns or suggestions you may have in the parent’s section of the Module Report.
• Make yourself aware of the meaning of National Curriculum levels, GCSE grades and BTEC levels, as well as AGCE and BTEC grades at Sixth Form level.  Ask the teachers to explain if necessary.
• Always attend key presentations with your child so that they feel supported by your involvement.  These are usually at the beginning of Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (Options) and in preparation for the Sixth Form.
• Attend the frequent opportunities to meet with the Careers staff to help plan your child’s future.
• Show a particular interest in your child’s development by asking about their work in all the subjects they are studying.
• Use website to access curriculum and weekly School broadcasts.  Ask your child or the School for help if necessary.

Pastoral Environment

• Ensure that your child understands the Standards of Behaviour expected of him/her as described in the Students’ Charter.
• Always report to us any concerns about your child’s well-being and work cooperatively with the Personal Tutor to resolve matters satisfactorily.
• Encourage excellent attendance and punctuality.  Please do not organise family holidays during term time.
• Provide a suitable ‘distraction-free’ environment for homework

Making the most of all the opportunities

• Encourage your child to attend trials to represent the School in sporting activities and come to School to support them.
• Encourage your child to audition for the School productions, attend Music School and come to the School to watch his/her performance.
• Support your child in participating in charitable events at the School especially for those less fortunate than themselves.
• Support your child and the School by attending events, eg, Drugs Awareness Evenings, IT Evenings, Science Fayre, etc.
• Support the School’s fundraising events, eg Summer Fayre, Quizzes, etc.

Please write or telephone (01952) 200000 and we will do our utmost to respond within 24 hours.

Concerns, Complaints, Suggestions and Thank You.

We want to hear your opinions and ideas. You may wish to say thank you, share a concern, make a complaint or suggest an improvement.

You are welcome to use this downloadable form (in Word format) to express any concerns or complaints and attach it by e-mail to return it to the school via jdavis@ttsonline.net