Merit System

The school runs a merit system to recognise and encourage effort by students. Merits are awarded not only for academic effort but also for participation in sporting activities, willingness to assist others etc.. Certificates are presented in assembly to Merit Winners each term.

House System

All students are allocated to one of four houses; Gulf, Sheraton, Oasis or Ramada. The houses compete against each other at sports events and for total merit marks, encouraging a healthy level of competition.

Tutor System

Each student is allocated to a tutor group for morning registration. This time s used to check attendance, pass messages between school and home, discuss any problems or issues, and check students' Planners.

Tutors are responsible for monitoring the progress and wellbeing of students, both academically and in the social life of the school. As such, they should normally be the first point of contact for parents with any questions or concerns. The tutor system is managed by four Head Tutors.

Communications

Detailed written reports are issued at least twice per year. After each report, parents are invited to attend a Parents' Evening to discuss the progress of their children in detail. The regular reporting system, which is linked to school examination, is supplemented by periodic Assessment Weeks. These are designed to identify those children who are doing exceptionally well and those who are not, so that the necessary action can be taken.

In addition, parents of students in Years 10 to 12 receive a monthly "Rapid Check Report". This is a one-page snapshot indicating how the student is progressing in each subject and highlighting any areas of concern.

The school also publishes a newsletter once per month. This helps to inform parents of the wide variety of activities going on around the school. A copy is sent home with each student - it can also be downloaded in colour from this web site.

Student Representation

Prefects

The student body is represented by a Headboy and Head girl who, together with their deputies, are elected each year from the Year 11 student body. They are assisted by a number of prefects, also selected from Year 11.

Student Council

The Secondary also operates a Student Council, which gives the wider student body the opportunity to air their views to the Secondary Management Team and have a say in the operation of the school.

Contacts

If you have any questions or concerns relating to your child's school life, your initial point of contact should always be their Form Tutor or Head Tutor. If they are unable to help, you are welcome to make an appointment with the School Office to see either the Head of Secondary or one of the Deputy Head Teachers.