News letter October 2006
Access to School
Many of you will have noticed that we have changed the car parking arrangements and the top playground is now a car park.
We have moved the fence at the bottom end of the school and the tennis courts have now become the playground for pupils at break and lunch time.
Could I remind all parents/relatives that pupil access to school is now either via the side gate at the Arts Centre, the side gate on Highfield Street or the gate on West End Street between the tennis courts. No other gates will be open.
Pupils should not enter the school through the main entrance or through the top car park.
Could I also remind all parents/carers that they should now arrange to pick up their children at the bottom of the school on West End Street rather than the main entrance and top car park.
National Curriculum Levels
Following a meeting with a group of parents recently it became quite apparent that several parents did not fully understand the meaning of the National Curriculum levels.
I have, therefore, listed below some information which I hope will help you when reading your child’s progress report which is issued at the end of each term.
At Key Stage 2 the national expectation is that pupils should achieve level 4 in the National Curriculum tests in English, Maths and Science. Pupils who achieve level 5 or above are called ‘higher attaining pupils’ and pupils who achieve level 3 or below are called ‘lower attaining pupils.’
At Key Stage 3 the national expectation is that pupils should achieve level 5 in the National Curriculum tests in English, Maths and Science. Pupils who achieve level 6 or above are called ‘higher attaining pupils’ and pupils who achieve level 4 or below are called ‘lower attaining pupils.’
At GCSE pupils who achieve 5A*-C have achieved the Level 2 qualification whilst pupils who achieve 5 A*-G have achieved the Level 1 qualification.
School Council
I was privileged to be able to present badges to members of the School Council at the Oldham Council Chamber on Monday, October 2.
School Council gives all pupils a say in how we run the school and the pupils who will attend the ceremony at the council chamber have been voted as a class council representatives by their form for the rest of the academic year.
Parents/Guardians Visiting School
The school welcomes visits from parents/guardians during the school but all visitors must report to the main reception area on arrival at school.
Homework Questionnaire
Please find attached to this newsletter the results of the homework questionnaire given to a random selection of pupils in Years 7-10 during the summer term.
We are currently conducting a review on homework but could I ask all of you to constantly check that your children are being given homework and please contact school if you feel that you have any concerns about homework not being given.
Eid
On behalf of all the school community I extend our thoughts and good wishes to all and we hope that you will enjoy the Eid celebrations which fall during the half term holiday.
Year 7 Parents Event
Could I inform all parents of pupils in Year 7 that we are holding a Parents Event on Tuesday, November 7 between 1.00p.m. and 3.00p.m.
This is an important event where parents will be able to talk to a range of staff about how your child has settled into life at Grange School.
I will be writing a separate letter about this event to Year 7 parents in the near future.
Pupil Equipment
Could I remind all parents to check that your children bring appropriate equipment to school for use in all lessons. All pupils should always have a couple of pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, rubber, ruler and pupil planner. It would also be helpful if pupils also brought coloured pencils and a calculator. This equipment needs to be carried around school and every pupil should have a bag.