2020-2021 AN INTRODUCTION TO YEAR 7 - CARDINAL NEWMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL - cncs.co.uk

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2020-2021 AN INTRODUCTION TO YEAR 7 - CARDINAL NEWMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL - cncs.co.uk
Supporting Student Learning at Key Stage 3

         AN INTRODUCTION
                TO YEAR 7

             2020-2021
             Caritas       Excellence         Together

           CARDINAL NEWMAN
           CATHOLIC SCHOOL
The Upper Drive, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6ND         www.cncs.co.uk
Parent pack

Contents

1. Welcome to the school                                         2
2. Contact details                                               3
3. Our mission and values                                        3
4. Staff Contact Information                                     4
5. CNCS Term Dates 2020/2021                                     5
6. Timing of the school day                                      6
7. Attendance and punctuality                                    7
8. Behaviour                                                     9
9. Uniform list                                                 11
10. Stationary and equipment                                    13
11. 10 ways to support your child starting secondary school     13
12. School meals information                                    14
13. Homework                                                    16
14. Firefly                                                     16
15. ParentPay                                                   16
16. Buses                                                       16
17. Lost Property                                               17
18. The Library                                                 17
19. Who to contact when…                                        17
20. Governing Body                                              19
21. Complaints                                                  19
22. Health and safety information                               19
23. Relationships and sex education (RSE)                       19
24. Pupil premium                                               19
25. Special educational needs (SEND)                            19
26. Privacy notice                                              19
27. Social media policy and internet acceptable use agreement   19

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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1. Welcome to the school
A warm welcome to Cardinal Newman Catholic School!

We are delighted to have been entrusted with your child’s learning and we will do all we
can to ensure that his or her time here is happy and successful. All members of our
Newman family are unique individuals created in the image of God, therefore we strive
together to always treat one another with kindness and respect and strengthen our
community of Caritas. It is important to us that everyone feels safe, supported and inspired
to make a positive contribution to learning in our classrooms, in our school and in life
beyond school.

We expect all students to strive for excellence; embracing high quality learning habits and
taking advantage of opportunities to discover and develop their God-given gifts and
talents.
We work in close partnership with parents and carers with the aim of helping you support
your child’s education at Cardinal Newman. Within this booklet you will find important
contact information and our hope is that you will find the section on ‘10 ways to support
your child at secondary school’ particularly useful.
The Year 7 Learning Guide is available on the Year 6 into 7 Transition page on the school
website. It should help you to understand what your child is learning at school and help
you support them by supervising their studies, discussing topics, checking homework and
praising them as often as possible. This will help them to make maximum progress.
Please note that homework will be posted on Firefly and you will be able to access this
through the Firefly Parent Portal.
NB Student access to the Internet is available in the Library at both breaks and before and
after school.

Yours sincerely

Ms C. Jarman

Interim Principal

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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2. Contact details
School address: Cardinal Newman Catholic School

                   The Upper Drive, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6ND

Telephone:         01273 558551
Email address:     reception@cncs.co.uk

Website:           www.cncs.co.uk
Twitter:
Before September: @CNCS_newstarter

From September: @CNCSOfficial

                   @CNCS_Year7 (this will go live in September)
Facebook:          https://en-gb.facebook.com/cncsofficial/

3. Our mission and values
“God is love, and he who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in him”
(1 Jn 4:16)

Our Mission
Our mission is to provide an excellent Catholic education for all our students which enables
them to respond to the call of Christ throughout their lives.

Caritas – the love which is God – is the golden thread running through everything we do.
We welcome and accept all our students and staff as unique individuals created in the
image of God. We treat one another with kindness and respect. We are a community of
Caritas where everyone feels safe, supported and inspired to make a difference in our local,
national and global communities.

We strive for the highest quality of learning and teaching that inspires us all to discover
and develop our God-given gifts and talents, to excel in the present and aim high for the
future.

We seek to live out this mission statement in partnership with the home and parish.
Our Values

Caritas: All we do at our Christian school is modelled on the life and teachings of Jesus
Christ. He taught us that the greatest commandment is to love your God with all your
heart, with all your soul and with all your mind and that the second is to love your
neighbour as yourself. Everything we do – our work, our play, our acts of worship – is for
the greater glory of God. We also love one another. That means that we look after each
other, reject all forms of anti-social behaviour, including bullying, and take pride in how we
present ourselves and our community.

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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Excellence: All of our staff and students are children of God and have been made in His
image. We all have god given talents and it is our responsibility (and our joy) to discover
these and develop them to the full. We strive for excellence in all that we do – in our
teaching, our learning, our physical and creative pursuits. Though we have different
starting points we strive to be the best that we can be. We measure that through the
progress that we make.
Together: We are a community because we support each other and do things – pray,
work, play, eat – together. No one gets left behind.

4. Staff Contact Information

Year 7 Team

Raising Standards Leader:         Mrs M. Rozier    m.rozier@cncs.co.uk

Pastoral & Progress Leader: Mr S. Meaney           s.meaney@cncs.co.uk

Form Tutors:

7CBN               Ms C. Collingbourne             c.collingbourne@cncs.co.uk

7GR                Mr K. Grant                     k.grant@cncs.co.uk

7IPE               Miss I. Peel                    i.peel@cncs.co.uk

7MDO               Miss M. Dowie                   m.dowie@cncs.co.uk

7RGR               Ms R. Grainger                  r.grainger@cncs.co.uk

7RJS               Mr R. Jones                     r.jones2@cncs.co.uk

Pastoral & Progress Leader: Mrs H. Tate            h.tate@cncs.co.uk

Form Tutors:

7AR                Mrs L. Airey                    l.airey@cncs.co.uk

7CN                Mr M. Conneely                  m.conneely@cncs.co.uk

7GBR               Mr G. Bricher                   g.bricher@cncs.co.uk

7HRY               Miss H. Ryan                    h.ryan@cncs.co.uk

7HT                Mrs A. Hett                     a.hett@cncs.co.uk

7NNO               Mr N. Nowicki                   n.nowicki@cncs.co.uk

Pastoral & Attendance Manager: Mr A. Hart          a.hart@cncs.co.uk

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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Curriculum Contact Information
(Key Stage 3 Curriculum Leader unless otherwise stated)

Art                                     Mrs L. Airey            l.airey@cncs.co.uk
Computing                               Mr S. O’Connor          s.oconnor@cncs.co.uk

Design & Technology                     Mr R. Jones             r.jones@cncs.co.uk
Drama (Subject Leader)                  Mr G. Hammett           g.hammett@cncs.co.uk
English                                 Mrs A. Hett             a.hett@cncs.co.uk
Geography                               Mrs O. Field            o.field@cncs.co.uk

History (Subject Leader)                Mr M. Conneely          m.conneely@cncs.co.uk

Mathematics                             Miss K. Davyson         k.davyson@cncs.co.uk
Modern Foreign Languages                Mr J. Greenwood         j.greenwood@cncs.co.uk

Music                                   Mr A. Webb              a.webb@cncs.co.uk

Physical Education (Subject Leader)     Mr L. Murphy            l.murphy@cncs.co.uk
PSHEE (Subject Leader)                  Ms L. Marsh             l.marsh@cncs.co.uk
Religious Education                     Mr J. de Quay           j.dequay@cncs.co.uk

Science                                 Ms D. Heyns             d.heyns@cncs.co.uk
Learning Support (SENDCo)               Mrs L. Fairbairn        l.fairbairn@cncs.co.uk

           (Deputy SENDCo)              Mrs S. Holland          s.holland@cncs.co.uk

5. CNCS Term Dates 2020/2021
Autumn term 2020
Term starts for Year 7 students on: Wednesday 2nd September 2020
Term ends for students on: Friday 18th December 2020
Half term is between: Monday 26th – Friday 30th October 2020
Winter holiday: Monday 21st December 2020 – Friday 1st January 2021

Inset days: Tuesday 1st September 2020 and Friday 9th October 2020

Spring term 2021
Term starts for students on: Monday 4th January 2021
Term ends for students on: Thursday 1st April 2021
Half term is between: Monday 15th – Friday 19th February 2021
Spring holiday: Friday 2nd April – Friday 16th April 2021

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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Summer term 2021
Term starts for students on: Monday 19th April 2021
Term ends for students on: Friday 16th July 2021
Half term is between: Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June 2021
Summer holiday begins: Monday 19th July

Inset days: Monday 19th July, Tuesday 20th July and Wednesday 21st July 2021

Bank holidays 2020/21:
Christmas Day:                 Friday 25th December 2020
Boxing Day (Bank Holiday):     Monday 28th December 2020
New Year’s Day:                Friday 1st January 2021
Good Friday:                   Friday 2nd April 2021
Easter Monday:                 Monday 5th April 2021
May Day:                       Monday 3rd May 2021
Spring Bank Holiday:           Monday 31st May 2021
Summer Bank Holiday:           Monday 30th August 2021

(See the back page for a copy of the term dates calendar)

6. Timing of the school day

     First Day Arrangements: We will send you details of this nearer the time

The School Day
The school day starts at 8.40am and finishes at 3.00pm.

8:40am – 9:40am          Lesson 1

9:40am – 10:40am         Lesson 2

10:40am – 11:10am        Break (Years 7, 9, 11 & 13) / Registration (Years 8, 10 & 12)

11:10am – 11:40am        Break (Years 8, 10 & 12) / Registration (Years 7, 9, 11 & 13)

11:40am – 12:35pm        Lesson 3

12:35pm – 1:30pm         Lesson 4

1:30pm – 2:05pm          Break (All Years)

2:05pm – 3:00pm          Lesson 5

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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Enrichment: After school clubs
One of the great advantages of finishing the afternoon at 3.00pm is the opportunity it gives
students to take part in extra-curricular activities. At Cardinal Newman Catholic School
many students enjoy sports activities after school and at weekends. Music making is highly
regarded, with orchestras, instrumental groups and choirs. Extra-curricular P.E. is a
particularly popular after-school activity with strong school teams in a variety of sports.
Details of the various activities, clubs and societies are published during the first week.
Students are encouraged to take part in at least one of these and to try something new!

7. Attendance and punctuality
Our school attendance target is 96% which is achievable for the vast majority of students.
A large number of our students maintain a 100% record throughout the school year.
Research suggests that students who are punctual and maintain above 95% attendance
achieve a whole grade higher in every subject than those who have less than 95%
attendance.

Students should arrive at school by 8:30am to commence Lesson 1 promptly at
8.40am. Any student who arrives after 8.40am will receive a break time detention for poor
timekeeping. Students arriving after 9:00am must go to the Admin Office to register. If a
student arrives after 9:10am, without a valid reason, they will receive an after school
detention.
Please inform the school if your child is absent on every day of their absence by
telephone on: 01273 558551 or email to absence@cncs.co.uk by 8.30am, stating
the reason for absence. The school will decide if this can be authorised.
Guidance on illness and whether you should send your child to school can be found at:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
Full details of our Attendance policy can be found on the school website:
https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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Every school day counts towards your child’s success!

                         The effect of absence on progress

A whole year has 365 days; a school year has 190 days. That leaves 175 days to
       spend on family time, holidays, shopping and other appointments

    No           10 Days        12 Days        19 Days        29 Days        38 Days
  Absence        Absence        Absence        Absence        Absence        Absence

  190 days
of education

                  180 days
                of education

                                 178 days
                               of education

                                                171 days
                                              of education

                                                               161 days
                                                             of education

                                                                              152 days
                                                                            of education

   100%            95%            94%            90%            85%            80%

           Very Good            Worrying                         Serious concerns

                               Struggle to
Make more progress than           make         Make less than expected progress –
      expected                  expected         lose one grade in each subject
                                progress

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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8. Behaviour
Student Code of Conduct: The Newman Way*
(*also applies on the journey to and from school.)

              I AM PROUD THAT      ● We hand in well-presented work, worthy of ourselves.
                                   ● We are committed to developing ourselves and others.
                 I HAVE BEEN
CARITAS

                                   ● We listen in absolute silence when the teacher is
               CREATED FOR A
                                     talking, including in assembly.
              SPECIFIC PURPOSE;    ● We value and look after our own, others’ and school
              I AM VALUED, I AM      equipment.

               VALUABLE AND I      ● We keep hands, feet and objects to ourselves.
                                   ● We never bring alcohol, tobacco, vapes, drugs or
                VALUE OTHERS
                                     weapons into school.

                                   ● We arrive in school and to lessons on time. If late, we
                                     accept the consequences.
             I ALWAYS AIM FOR MY
EXCELLENCE

                                   ● We do not use our mobile phones at school. They
               PERSONAL BEST;        must not be seen or heard or they will be confiscated
                 I HAVE THE          for up to 48 hours.
                                   ● We arrive to lessons prepared, with a positive attitude
               POWER TO MAKE
                                     to learning and in correct uniform.
               EVERYONE’S DAY
                                   ● We participate fully in lessons, and never disrupt the
                   BETTER            learning of others.
                                   ● We show respect to staff and each other, behaving
                                     maturely and using positive, courteous language.

                                   ● We wear our uniform correctly, with pride.
               I AM A LINK IN A
                                   ● We respect our school environment, not littering,
             CHAIN, I AM PART OF     spitting or chewing gum.
             THE NEWMAN TEAM;
TOGETHER

                                   ● We take responsibility for our actions and work with
             I UNDERSTAND THAT       staff, and each other, to move forward.
                                   ● We queue in an orderly manner in the dining area, and
             STRENGTH IS ABOUT
                                     clear away our plates, cutlery and litter after our meal.
              LIFTING SOMEBODY     ● We look after each other and will not tolerate bullying,
                ELSE UP, NOT         racism or discrimination in any form.
             PUTTING SOMEBODY      ● We keep left on our way to and from lessons, following
                                     directions and walking calmly to ensure everyone’s
                 ELSE DOWN
                                     safety.

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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Home School Agreement

                   By choosing to send my child to be educated at
           Cardinal Newman Catholic School, I understand that my child is
                   expected to follow the Newman Way and follow
                     staff instructions and accept their authority.
        Both my child and I agree to the rules and expectations of the school:

● I will support the spiritual aspect of life at CNCS.
● I will help my child to study at home by providing a quiet time and support with work. I
  understand we need to access the Firefly information portal.
● I understand that the uniform policy is to promote equity, safety and accessibility for all
  and I will support it fully.
● I will tell the school about any difficulties or problems that might impede good progress
  being made, using my child’s Form Tutor as the first point of contact for pastoral issues
  and subject teachers for subject issues.
● I will ensure that my communication with CNCS staff is never abusive and I will follow
  the school’s acceptable use of Social media and Internet policy.
● I will contact the school by 8.30am if my child is absent from school.
● I will ensure that my child arrives by 8.30am in correct school uniform every day and
  attends school regularly.
● I will arrange family holidays only during official school breaks.
● I will attend all parental and information evenings so that I may be informed and talk to
  staff about the progress of my child.
● I will join in celebrating the success of my child at CNCS.
● I will support the school’s behaviour policy and accept the rules and sanctions that are
  designed to promote good behaviour.            I understand that the use of after-
  school detentions, occasional bag and mobile device searches will be in line with
  government guidelines. I will support the use of bag searches, mobile device searches
  and detentions.
● I will ensure that my child only uses age-appropriate social media platforms that I have
  given them permission to and will monitor their use of them. I understand that my child
  could receive a sanction for any misconduct.
● I will work with the school to achieve the very best possible education for my child
  during the years they are at CNCS.

Parent/Carer signature: .....................................................................

Our Behaviour Management Policy can be found on our website:
https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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9. Uniform list

  Overview-The Big Three:

   1) No non-uniform sweatshirts or hoodies, other than Year 11 leavers’
      hoodies. You must have an unzippable coat/jacket so we can identify your
      year group nothing extra should be visible underneath your polo shirt (e.g. no T-
      shirts)
   2) Skirts and trousers are formal and worn correctly (no altering/rolling up/pulling
      down (sagging), black belts only – nothing extra underneath e.g. no leggings,
      tracksuit bottoms etc.)
   3) Black only lower half - other than skirts (no ripped tights, black shorts only,
      plain black socks - not even Nike ticks)

Uniform list:
   ●   Cardinal Newman Catholic School sweater/sweatshirt*

   ●   Cardinal Newman Catholic School polo shirt*
       The colours for the different years are: Maroon (Year 7) Green (Year 8) Light
       Blue (Year 9) Grey (Year 10) Navy Blue (Year 11)

   ●   Black classic/tailored trousers or shorts or Cardinal Newman regulation school skirt*
       (skirts must not be rolled up or altered or tailored in any way / trousers and
       shorts that ‘sag’ and reveal undergarments are not permitted).
   ●   Plain black tights (non-ripped) and/or plain black socks only.

   ●   Black shoes or black trainers (any logos should be black). For safety reasons
       backless or open-toed shoes or high heels must not be worn to school.

   ●   No badges of any description will be permitted (other than those allocated by staff).
       Additions to the uniform, e.g. scarves, hats/caps are not accepted in the school
       building except for religious or medical reasons.
   ●   Non-uniform sweatshirts/hoodies and tops should not be worn, except Year 11
       leavers’ hoodies. Only unzippable outdoor jackets and coats are permitted.
   ●   T-shirts should not be worn under polo shirts.

   ●   Cords-style, jeans-style, combat-style, skinny-style or cropped trousers are not
       permitted. Cotton or canvas material is not acceptable. All trousers should be
       tailored and ankle length. Black tailored/chino shorts may be worn but no other
       types of shorts are acceptable.

   ●   No excessive hairstyles are acceptable e.g. hair that is shaved, dyed in unnatural
       colours or cut in patterns.
   ●   Students are not allowed to wear heavy make-up or false eyelashes although
       discreet make-up is permitted. Nails should be kept short for safety and hygiene
       and only clear or discreet nail varnish is acceptable.

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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●   Expensive and inappropriate items of jewellery must not be worn to school. One
        safe, inexpensive item of jewellery will be acceptable; with one pair of earrings
        (studs or sleepers). No facial piercings or any other visible piercings are allowed
        except discreet, near-invisible nose studs of 1.5mm or less (plain metal or clear and
        transparent). Nose-rings, diamond-effect studs, bars or similar are not permitted.
    ●   Students will need a suitably sized bag to carry all books and equipment.

PE Kit (Girls)

●   Cardinal Newman black PE T-shirt (compulsory for all students)*
●   Cardinal Newman red sweatshirt
●   Red hoodie (Years 10/11) (optional)*
●   Black shorts
●   Black tracksuit bottoms (optional)
●   Plain black sports leggings
●   Long, plain red sports socks
●   White ankle socks (for indoor PE)
●   Training shoes (for indoor and outdoor use)
●   Football boots
●   Black rain jacket (optional)*
●   Shin pads for hockey and football
●   Protective mouth guard (recommended) in hockey lessons, compulsory in hockey
    fixtures

PE Kit (Boys)
●   Cardinal Newman black PE T-shirt (compulsory for all students)*
●   Red & black rugby top
●   1 black and 1 white pair of shorts
●   Black tracksuit bottoms (optional)
●   Long, plain red sports socks
●   White ankle socks (for indoor PE)
●   Training shoes (for indoor and outdoor use)
●   Football boots
●   Black rain jacket (optional)*
●   Shin pads for hockey, rugby and football
●   Protective mouth guard (recommended) in rugby and hockey lessons, compulsory in
    rugby and hockey fixtures

Base layers/skins are optional for students to wear under their Cardinal Newman kit in the
winter months (ideally black).

Please note: students are not permitted to wear their normal school shoes or socks in PE
lessons.

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*Order online: www.sussexuniforms.co.uk/collections/cardinal-newman
Sussex Uniforms, 40 Blatchington Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3YH
Tel: 01444 227066
Email: sales@sussexuniforms.co.uk

    Cardinal Newman works with Smarter Uniforms to facilitate the re-use of our school
    uniform. Smarter Uniforms is a social enterprise that recycles school uniforms
    across Brighton & Hove. Pre-loved uniform is available to purchase from:
    The FAIR Shop, 21 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3AX
    Tel: 01273 723215
    Website: www.bhft.org.uk/smarter-uniforms/

                                                                                (June 2020)

10. Stationary and equipment
Students should bring black pens, a highlighter, a pencil, a ruler, an eraser, a sharpener, a
glue stick, scissors and calculator, ideally in a pencil case. Students will also need
headphones with a 3.5mm minijack lead for Music/IT lessons. They should bring a sturdy
bag, big enough to hold A4 sized books; we recommend a rucksack.

11. 10 ways to support your child starting secondary school
Only 15% of a child’s year is spent at school; therefore your encouragement and support of
them outside of school has a huge impact on their attitude to learning, preparedness and
progress.

●   Encourage your child to pack their bag the night before, using their timetable. Get
    them to check they have the correct equipment (black pens, pencil and ruler as
    standard).

●   Check Firefly regularly so that you are aware of homework tasks your child has been
    set. Students should be able to do these tasks independently, but they find it helpful if
    their parents/carers remind them and check completion.

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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●   Set up a regular study routine with your child i.e. a set time to do homework/reading
    each day.

●   To support your child’s focus, create a quiet study space in the home or encourage
    your child to attend the library or homework club in the relevant subject after school.

●   Talk to your child about their learning and encourage them to read around the topics
    they are studying (see the learning guide for Year 7 on the website).
●   Promote independence and personal responsibility. Avoid doing anything for your child
    that they can do for themselves and encourage them to use initiative e.g. if they
    cannot print their homework due to a broken printer, get them to think of a solution
    like emailing the work to their teacher.
●   Praise your child for their efforts and monitor their rewards on Firefly.            Your
    acknowledgement of this is highly motivating for your child.

●   Encourage excellent attendance from the start to ensure a seamless induction to the
    school and to support the formation of friendships and sustained progress in learning.
●   Your child’s friendship group will be changing and widening; encourage your child to be
    open to making new friends, but monitor and regulate any social media activity your
    child engages in.
●   If any subject related issues arise, the first port of call is always the subject teacher.
    For pastoral issues, your child’s Form Tutor is the first contact (see contacts page). We
    are always happy to help!

We recommend that you label any personal belongings that your child brings into school.

You may also find the following links useful to support your child with transitioning to
Secondary School:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=lgIASiImwSk&feature=emb_logo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zh4wy9q/starting-secondary-school/1

12. School meals information
Catering services here at Cardinal Newman Catholic School are currently provided by
Innovate’; a leading provider of catering and support services within education.

Food served conforms to government guidelines ensuring the provision of healthy,
nutritional foods within a realistic tariff.
We serve a wide choice of food and beverages allowing students to benefit from a positive
nutritional balance supporting a Healthy Lifestyle and meals are served that reflect the
cultural, medical and dietary needs of our students.
We have 4 catering outlets:

    ●   Newman Dining

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●   Benedicts
    ●   Pitstop 11
    ●   Café 6
There are also water fountains inside the main Dining Hall, outside the Sixth Form block, at
the Quad and outside Reception, where students can refill their water bottles before/after
school or during designated break times.
Menu
We start each day with a breakfast offer of cereals and hot meat and vegetarian baps.

During a typical day students choose from a selection of wraps, baguettes, sandwiches and
bloomers. Fresh fruit salad pots, along with yogurt and mousses are just a few of the cold
items that are on offer. Pasta, both hot and cold is available, as well as an all year round
salad bar.

As well as the main meals of the day, there are two teppan grills. Here, our students see
foods cooked in front of them and are able to choose from a wide selection of dishes that
are cooked fresh each day. To name a few; folded naan and kofte kebabs with minted
yogurt and salad, pancakes with golden syrup, fresh stir fry’s with a sauce of the day.
There is also a wide selection of grab and go items to tantalise taste buds at each of the
main break services. There are paninis, burgers, pizza slices, roasted oven wedges and our
vegan and vegetarian range that makes up the infamous V-Menu. Last but not least, there
are fresh home bakes to choose from including carrot cake, shortbread, fruity flapjacks and
gluten free brownies. A price guide can be found on the school website:
https://www.cncs.co.uk/school-life/catering/
Catering: Cashless Payment system

We operate a cashless payment system in our catering outlets. This makes for speedier
transactions (so less queues!) and ensures that parents/carers can see what their children
are buying and eating. Parents/carers will be able to credit their child’s school dining
account using ParentPay.

Free school meals
Your child might be eligible for free school meals if you access:
●   Income Support

●   Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income-related Employment and Support
    Allowance

●   Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

●   The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

●   Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an
    annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

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●   Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working
    Tax Credit

●   Universal Credit, provided you have an annual net earned income not exceeding
    £7,400 (£616.67 per month)

How do I register?
You only need to register once at the school. For more information and to register, please
see the Brighton and Hove City Council website:
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/children-and-education/schools/applying-
online-free-school-meals

13. Homework
Regular homework is an important feature at Cardinal Newman. Year 7 students will be
given fortnightly homework in core subjects (English, Mathematics and R.E.) but, in other
subjects this homework may take the form of fortnightly/half termly extended tasks or
projects. Assignments set by the teacher may include, research, reading, project work,
quizzes and regular revision for internal assessments. Homework will be posted on Firefly
and will be visible to parents/carers so that you know what has been set and when each
task is due. In the first term, we will build students up gradually to their full homework
schedule.

14. Firefly
Firefly is our Communication Portal for staff, parents and students. It provides a wealth of
information including timetables, homework tasks set for your child; reward
points/behaviour points your child has received; trip forms and other key information. You
will receive Progress reports and Attitude to Learning reports for your child via Firefly so
that you can monitor their studies. Both you and your child will receive your respective
student and parent login details in September.

For updates leading up to September, follow us on twitter: @CNCS_newstarter

15. ParentPay
In September you will be given your login and will be able to access ParentPay
immediately. ParentPay is used to pay for trips, to top up your child’s school dining
account, to buy tickets to events like the school production, as well as to make charitable
donations.

16. Buses
For information about bus routes which serve the school, ticket options and discounts,
please go to the Brighton and Hove School Bus website:
https://www.buses.co.uk/young-people

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17. Lost Property
Students are responsible for their own property including any valuables they choose to
bring into school. As students can sometimes be forgetful, we recommend writing your
child’s name and form on the labels of their uniform, PE kit and school bag so we can
reunite them with their lost items as quickly as possible. Lost property is located next to
the student toilets. Please be aware that if unnamed uniform is not reclaimed
within a term we will recycle within school and in partnership with Smarter
Uniforms (lostproperty@cncs.co.uk).

18. The Library
The school library at Cardinal Newman offers a welcoming and friendly environment for
students especially in the transitional year from junior to secondary school where change
can be seen as daunting.

In September the school is continuing with our reading programme – “Reading Futures”,
known in some schools as Accelerated Reader. Reading Futures is a software supported
reading programme. This focus on reading means that students are challenged with their
reading via a daily 20 minute reading timetable across the curriculum. This programme
helps us track reading progress via quizzes and reading tests, and offers rewards to help
encourage the more reluctant reader.
We offer a well-stocked library offering contemporary fiction, graphic novels, curriculum
supported resources and access to 30 networked computers. We further encourage reading
by taking part in local book awards such as the Amazing Book Awards
(http://amazingbookawards.co.uk) and by taking part in national campaigns such as the
Carnegie Shadowing award (https://carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/).

Our library is open Monday–Thursday 8.15am-4.15pm and on Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.
Throughout the day our vibrant space is busy with classes and students and after school
students can have homework support and refreshments after their busy day.

19. Who to contact when…
If you have any questions, check our website first, much of the information you need
is posted there.

If you would like to speak to a member of staff, please consult the table below:

ISSUE/ENQUIRY                             WHO YOU NEED TO CONTACT

Classwork/homework                        Your child’s subject teacher

Pastoral issues, including wellbeing,     Your child’s Form Tutor
friendship issues, bullying

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Special educational needs                  The Learning Support Department Admin
                                           team:

                                           a.swann@cncs.co.uk
                                           l.elbourne@cncs.co.uk

Administration of medication               Matron: c.marchant@cncs.co.uk

ParentPay                                  finance@cncs.co.uk

Lost Property                              lostproperty@cncs.co.uk

Reporting absence/requests for             If you need to report your child’s absence,
absence                                    call: 01273 558551, Option 1 or email:
                                           absence@cncs.co.uk
                                           If you want to request approval for term-time
                                           absence, contact absence@cncs.co.uk
                                           Your child’s Form Tutor
Discussion of issues affecting your        Year 7 PAM Mr Hart: a.hart@cncs.co.uk
child’s attendance

The PFA                                    PFA@cncs.co.uk

School Governing Body                      clerktogovernors@cncs.co.uk

If your enquiry is about anything else or you are unsure as to which member of staff you
need to speak to, please contact us via reception:

●   Email us at: reception@cncs.co.uk
●   Put the subject/issue and the name and form of your child in the header

●   Provide brief details about your enquiry

●   We’ll forward your email on to the relevant member of staff

We aim to respond to all emails within 48h hours.

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20. Governing Body
Our Co-Chairs of governors are: Des McGuckian and Geri Silverstone.
Full details of our Governors and their roles can be found on our website:

https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/governors/

21. Complaints
Our Complaints policy can be found on our website:
https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

22. Health and safety information
Our Health and Safety policy can be found on our website:
https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

23. Relationships and sex education (RSE)
Our RSE policy can be found on our website:

https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

24. Pupil Premium
Our Pupil Premium plan can be found on our website:

https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

25. Special educational needs (SEND)
Our SEND policy can be found on our website:

https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

26. Privacy notice
Our Privacy notice can be found on our website:

https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

27. Social media policy and internet acceptable use agreement
The Acceptable Use policy for students, staff and parents can be viewed on our website:
https://www.cncs.co.uk/information/policies/

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School Term and Holiday Dates 2020/2021
                 September 2020           October 2020           November 2020             December 2020
Monday                7    14 21 28        5    12 19 26          2   9   16 23 30          7   14 21 28
Tuesday          1    8    15 22 29        6    13 20 27          3   10 17 24         1    8   15 22 29

Wednesday        2    9    16 23 30        7    14 21 28          4   11 18 25         2    9   16 23 30

Thursday         3    10 17 24        1    8    15 22 29          5   12 19 26         3   10 17 24 31

Friday           4    11 18 25        2    9    16 23 30          6   13 20 27         4   11 18 25

Saturday         5    12 19 26        3    10 17 24 31            7   14 21 28         5   12 19 26
Sunday           6    13 20 27        4    11 18 25          1    8   15 22 29         6   13 20 27

                      January 2021           February 2021            March 2021                April 2021

Monday                4    11 18 25        1    8    15 22        1   8   15 22 29              5     12 19 26

Tuesday               5    12 19 26        2    9    16 23        2   9   16 23 30              6     13 20 27
Wednesday             6    13 20 27        3    10 17 24          3   10 17 24 31               7     14 21 28

Thursday              7    14 21 28        4    11 18 25          4   11 18 25              1   8     15 22 29

Friday           1    8    15 22 29        5    12 19 26          5   12 19 26              2   9     16 23 30
Saturday         2    9    16 23 30         6   13 20 27          6   13 20 27              3   10 17 24
Sunday           3    10 17 24 31           7   14 21 28          7   14 21 28              4   11 18 25

                          May 2021              June 2021             July 2021             August 2021
Monday                3    10 17 24 31          7    14 21 28         5   12 19 26          2   9     16 23 30
Tuesday               4    11 18 25        1    8    15 22 29         6   13 20 27          3   10 17 24 31
Wednesday             5    12 19 26        2    9    16 23 30         7   14 21 28          4   11 18 25
Thursday              6    13 20 27        3    10 17 24          1   8   15 22 29          5   12 19 26

Friday                7    14 21 28        4    11 18 25          2   9   16 23 30          6   13 20 27

Saturday         1    8    15 22 29         5   12 19 26          3   10 17 24 31           7   14 21 28
Sunday           2    9    16 23 30         6   13 20 27          4   11 18 25         1    8   15 22 29

    Bank and public holidays (see details below)                      First day of term for Year 7 students
    School holidays
    INSET days                                                        Last day of term for students

Bank holidays 2020/21                                            Number of days (total requirement 195)
Christmas Day                  Friday 25 December 2020           Autumn 1st half  39
Boxing Day (Bank Holiday)      Monday 28 December 2020           Autumn 2nd half      35
New Year’s Day                 Friday 1 January 2021             Spring 1st half      30
Good Friday                    Friday 2 April 2021               Spring 2nd half      29
Easter Monday                  Monday 5 April 2021               Summer 1st half      29
May Day                        Monday 3 May 2021                 Summer 2nd half      33
Spring Bank Holiday            Monday 31 May 2021                TOTAL                195 days (incl 5 inset days)
Summer Bank Holiday            Monday 30 August 2021

Introduction to Year 7: 2020-2021

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