Letters Home | KHS

A Level and GCSE Results

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:16:00 +0000

September 2010

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am delighted to be able to start this new academic year with some fantastic news. The A Level and GCSE results were outstanding and a tremendous improvement on the figures for 2009.

A Level

A*/A grades - 33% (14% increase on 2009 figures)

A*-C grades - 81.4% (13% increase on 2009 figures)

A*-E grades - 98.5% (same as 2009 figures)

GCSE

5 A*-C (Level 2 Threshold) - 63% (12% increase on 2009 figures)

5 A*-G - 87% (3% increase on 2009 figures)

Core Subject Indicator (% of pupils achieving at least a grade C in English, Maths and Science – 53% (11% increase on 2009 figures).

The GCSE results are the best in the recent history of the school (last 10 years) and the A Level results the second best, as well as being the best results of the four comprehensive schools in Monmouthshire.

These results undoubtedly reflect the effort and commitment of the students and the staff. The school also recognises the role of the parents in supporting the school and their children through this important time of their education and we share in their pride in this tremendous success.

During the Summer holiday extensive work has been carried out on the school and it is hoped that this will be completed by the end of October. Much of the work is linked with the desire to make the school compliant with the demands of the Disability Discrimination Act and as a result, new lifts, external ramping, disabled toilets and adjustable benching are being introduced. I am also delighted to report that three Science laboratories have been fully re-furbished as part of this project. The school will endeavour to ensure that any disruption caused by the need to complete these works will be kept to an absolute minimum.

It is wonderful to see so many of our pupils wearing the new school uniform and it is hoped that pupils can take a real pride in their school and continue to work with us as we strive to raise standards and provide a quality education that prepares our young people for life and work.

Can I also take the opportunity to invite you to the next meeting of the PTCA to be held in the Conference Room in the Lower School on Tuesday 28 September 2010. This will be a cheese and wine social event commencing at 7.00pm, followed immediately by the Annual General Meeting. We would be delighted to welcome new members.

Thank you once again for your continued support.

Yours faithfully

N Oaten

Headteacher

End of term arrangements

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:54:00 +0000

July 2010

Dear Parent/Guardian

The Summer term ends at 1.30pm on Friday 16 July 2010.

The Autumn term for Years 7, 10 and 12 pupils only commences on Monday 6 September 2010. The whole school will attend from Tuesday 7 September 2010 onwards.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some important school guidelines on school uniform, jewellery and the use of mobile phones.

I have received a number of queries in relation to the new school uniform and whether pupils currently attending King Henry VIII School can, as an interim measure, wear just the shirt, tie and jumper next year.

Unfortunately, this will not be allowed and the agreed arrangement still stands i.e. current King Henry VIII pupils can wear either the new school uniform (including the blazer) or the existing uniform for the academic year 2010/11. From September 2011 all pupils will be expected to wear the new uniform.

I hope this clarifies the situation and can I remind you that a further opportunity to purchase uniform at the school will take place in the lower school dining area between 5pm and 7pm on 15 July 2010.

School Uniform

The uniform requirements for next year will be either the existing uniform or the new school uniform as follows:-

Black blazer with embroidered gold logo
Black tie with two thin gold stripes
White shirts (short or long sleeves)
Black trousers (formal) or black skirts
Black shoes
Optional black jumper with embroidered gold logo

King Henry VIII School Uniform can be obtained from Reflex (Embroidery and Schoolwear). Details of this company are on the school website under uniform.

Jewellery

In the interests of health and safety, jewellery wearing is limited to one watch and a pair of stud earrings. Facial piercings are not acceptable, and pupils who fail to comply with the request to remove any such piercing will be sent home. We do expect pupils to adopt hairstyles suitable for a place of study and work, and as a consequence ‘non-natural’ hair colourings and patterns cut into the hair are not permitted.

Mobile Phones

As a school, we have become concerned by the increasingly inappropriate use of mobile phones in school. We would therefore prefer that they are left at home, however, we can understand that in exceptional circumstance they are a useful aid in terms of the safety and welfare of your child during the journey to and from school.

We will issue a letter at the start of the new term which will set out the conditions under which a mobile phone can be brought to school. In essence, parents will need to sign a permission slip, which must be returned to your child’s Head of Year. Only pupils with permission slips on file will be permitted to have a mobile phone in school. All mobile phones will be turned off and placed out of sight in the pupil’s bag. They are not to be used at anytime during the school day.

I hope you and your families have an enjoyable and relaxing summer break!

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

Headteacher

Internet Permission

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 2.:18:00 +0000

As part of the school's IT programme, we offer pupils supervised access to the Internet, the global network of computers. Before being allowed to use the Internet, all pupils must obtain parental permission and both they and you must sign and return the enclosed form as evidence of your approval and their acceptance of the school rules on this matter.

Access to the Internet will enable pupils to explore thousands of libraries, databases and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with other Internet users throughout the world. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people.

The school's Internet Service Provider is Lifelong, Learning Network for Wales. A Research Machines' filtering system, managed and maintained by Research Machines, is installed and is constantly updated for maximum security.

Whilst our aim for Internet use is to further educational goals and objectives, pupils may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to pupils from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are reponsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the school supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

During school, teachers will guide pupils towards appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they excercise with information sources such as television, telephone, film, radio and other potentially offensive media.

I should be grateful if you would read the enclosed guidance documents and then complete and return the enclosed permission form.

Yours faithfully

N Oaten
Headteacher

View the School Internet access guidelines & permission slip

Leaving School Site

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 2.:17:00 +0000

Dear Parents,

I am taking the opportunity to remind you, that on grounds of Health and Safety, we expect all our students to remain on the school site at break and lunchtimes, where they can be supervised by staff.

If you wish your child to return home at lunchtime to eat, I would be greatful if you could write a note to this effect, and send it to your child's Head of Year. The latter will then issue your son/daughter with a lunchtime pass which confirms that (s)he has permission to return home.

We are working with the Police in Abergavenny to monitor this policy. If a KHS child appears off site at lunchtime (1.20pm - 2.10pm) he or she may be asked to produce the pass. If (s)he is unable to do so, the Police will take the student's details and pass them onto the school. We shall then investigate and take appropriate action, which will include imposing after school detention and contacting parents.

I am sure that you will wish to ensure the safety of your son/daughter and will support us in enforcing this policy. if you have any queries in regard to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

N Oaten
Headteacher

Mobile Phones

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 2.:17:00 +0000

Dear Parent / Guardian

As a school we are concerned by the increasingly inappropriate use of mobile phones. We would therefore prefer that they are left at home, however, we can understand in exceptional circumstances that they are a useful aid in terms of the safety and welfare of your child duing the journey to and from school.

If you intend that your child brings a mobile phone for safety reasons, then the following conditions will apply:-

Parents/Guardians to sign and return the permission slip to relevant Head of Year
Only pupils with permission slips will be permitted to have a mobile phone in school
All mobile phones will be turned off and must be kept out of sight. They are not to be used at anytime during the school day under any circumstances.
The school will not be responsible for any loss or theft of mobile phones.
The school will not investigate any loss or theft of mobile phones.
If a pupil does not adhere to any of the above conditions then the phone will be placed in a safe place and Parents/Guardians are asked to make an appointment to collect it from the school.

I would like to remind you that pupils at King Henry VIII School have access to a pay phone in the main school building and that also in an emergency they can contact home via the school office. Parents/Guardians wishing to contact their son/daughter must still do this via the school office (735373) so that lessons are not disturbed.

Many thanks in anticipation of your support.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten
Headteacher

Download mobile phone letter & permission slip - 69.4Kb (PDF Format)

NEW SCHOOL UNIFORM

Fri, 14 May 2010 10:40:00 +0000

May 2010

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am writing to inform you that after an extensive period of consultation, the Governing body have decided that the school will be introducing a new school uniform.

The new uniform will be compulsory for all Year 7 pupils who will be joining the school in September. For pupils already in the school there will be a period of one academic year during which either uniform can be worn. From September 2011 only the new uniform will be allowed. This should ensure parents are not exposed to additional costs if they have already recently purchased the old uniform and also provides extensive notice of the requirement for the whole school (Years 7 - 11) to move to the new uniform by September 2011. It is my expectation that as pupils grow out of the old uniform that parents will purchase the new one and so increasingly during the next academic year, the numbers of pupils wearing the new uniform will grow in the school.

The new uniform will comprise:

Black blazer with embroidered gold logo
Black tie with two thin gold stripes
White shirts (short or long sleeves)
Black trousers (formal) or black skirts
Black shoes
Optional black jumper with embroidered gold logo

The only items that we stipulate that should be purchased from our supplier will be the blazer, tie and optional jumper. All the other items may be purchased from other retailers, although can be purchased from our supplier if parents wish to do so. At present the games/PE kit will remain.

Arrangements are being put in place for parents to order the new uniform at the school, as I am aware that parents may wish their child to try on the uniform to ensure the sizes are correct.

On the following evenings, the uniform supplier will be in school for parents to purchase/order uniform:-

Thursday 17 June 2010

5.00pm – 7.00pm

New Intake Evening Thursday 1 July 2010

5.30pm – 8.00pm

Thursday 15 July 2010

5.00pm – 7.00pm

Arrangements are currently being made for the option to order on-line, direct from the supplier’s website and parents will be informed as soon as this facility becomes available.

I sincerely hope that our new uniform will raise pupil self-esteem and the profile of the school in the community. I also hope that the uniform will contribute positively to the ethos of the school, to an atmosphere of high expectations and sense of pride in being a pupil at KHS.

Yours faithfully

N Oaten

Headteacher

Free School Meals

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:13:00 +0000

14 December 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am writing to inform you that the school is changing the arrangements by which pupils currently entitled to free school meals are able to access that entitlement.

At the commencement of the new Spring Term, these pupils will be issued with a numbered card that they should carry with them at all times. All they will need to do to claim their free school meal is to show this card at the till and the catering staff will log that the meal has been claimed. This will remove completely the current requirement for pupils to queue daily for tickets. If a pupil does lose the card then the reception will issue an emergency card to ensure the pupil does not miss out on receiving a free meal.

I believe that this new system will remove any anxieties that pupils may have in relation to being identified as a free school meal pupil and the process will be largely anonymous. As a consequence, I would encourage any parent who believes they may be entitled to claim free school meals for their child to do so. As well as ensuring that their child receives a hot meal, there are also a number of benefits for the school in relation to the number of pupils receiving free meals. Additional funding can often be obtained which can be for the benefit of all our young people and so I strongly urge any parent who is entitled but not currently claiming, to contact the school.

All contacts will be treated in strict confidence and the school can even provide support for parents in completing the relevant documentation.

Should you have any queries in relation to the above please contact the Main Office of the school where staff will be only too happy to help.

Thanking you in anticipation of your support in this matter.

Yours sincerely

N Oaten

Headteacher

Contacting Us

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:43:00 +0000

Dear Parents

I am reminding you of the ways in which you can contact and keep in touch with the school.

Via the School Website
The website is updated daily. Important notices are shown on the 'Home Page' with information for individual year groups posted under 'Current Students Notices' and 'Parent Information' pages.
Via email
If you have a query for senior staff or Heads of Year, this can be sent from the 'Contact Us' page on the school website. Hopefully this ensures that you will have a prompt reply.
Via telephone
The key telephone numbers are given below:-

Position	Staff Member	Contact Number
Main Reception		01873 735373
Head of Year 7	Mrs Binns	01873 735330
Head of Year 8	Mrs Duggan	01873 735329
Head of Year 9	Mrs Evans	01873 735315
Y7-10 Pastoral Coordinator	Mrs S Hughes-Jones	01873 735344
Head of Year 10	Miss Trew	01873 735350
Head of Year 11	Mr Stockham	01873 735331
Y10 & Y11 Pastoral Coordinator	Mrs S Waller	01873 735314
Head of Sixth Form	Mrs L Morgan	01873 736206
Sixth Form Pastoral Coordinator	Mrs K Rowland	01873 735349
Attendance*	Mrs A Bradley	01873 735352

*Please contact Mrs Bradley if your child is going to be absent from school

Pupil Information

I am also asking for your help in ensuring that the EMERGENCY CONTACT and other information we hold on your child is accurate. Please check, and where necessary amend, the details accompanying this letter. Your child should return the details, in the envelope provided, to his or her tutor by Monday 15 September 2009 at the latest.

Mobile Phones

Please note that our pupils are not allowed to use mobile phones in school. If you wish your child to have a mobile phone in his or her possession to use in an emergency, on the way to and from school, you should complete and return a 'Mobile Phone' slip. These are available from the main school office or can be downloaded from 'Parent Information' on the school website.

Lunchtimes

All of our pupils (Y7-11) are expected to stay on site at lunchtimes. If you wish your child to return home at lunchtimes to eat, I would be grateful if you would write a note to this effect and send it to your child's Head of Year. The latter will then issue your son/daughter with a lunchtime pass, which confirms that (s)he has permission to return home.

School Catering

Scolarest has taken over responsibility for catering at KHS and soon will be providing details of the range of nutritious foods and offers available to your children.

Uniform and School Bags

Details of our dress code is set out on our website (Parent Information - Uniform). I would also ask that you support us by ensuring that your child has an appropriate bag, in which to bring her/his books and equipment to school each day. This is important for pupils of all ages and is essential if they are to be well organised and make progress in their studies.

I wish you and your children a very successful school year!

Yours sincerely

N Oaten
Headteacher

Our Ref: NO/pp

Introduction from Headteacher Nicholas Oaten

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Dear Parent/Guardian

I am delighted to introduce myself to you as the new Headteacher at KHS.

Prior to taking up the post I was employed for 6 years as Headteacher of Ogmore Comprehensive School in Bridgend and I have worked in a number of schools and colleges across South Wales.

I feel extremely privileged to have been appointed to a school that has such a strong reputation both across the region and beyond and a tradition for offering a quality education for pupils. I am also impressed by the broad and exciting range of extra-curricular activities offered by the school that help to prepare the pupils for life and work as responsible and valued citizens in our ever changing world. I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead both in relation to the need to respond to National initiatives, but also in taking the school forward and continuing to raise standards. Critical to this success will be the partnerships that develop with parents, pupils, Governors and the wider community and I shall be using the coming term to talk and listen, to the views of all relevant stakeholders to ensure we are moving forward together.

I look forward to meeting you at Parents’ Evening or at one of the many events held at the school throughout the year.

Yours sincerely

Nicholas Oaten
Headteacher

Governors Annual Report to Parents

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:13:00 +0000

Dear Parents

Governors' Annual Report to Parents for the School Year 2007-2008

A meeting to discuss the Governors' Annual Report to Parents for the school year 2007-2008 will take place at 6.00pm in the Upper School Hall on Monday 1 December 2008.

An electronic copy of the report can be found on the school website:

www.kinghenryviiischool.org.uk

Alternatively, a hard copy of the report can be obtained on request from the main school reception.

The agenda for the meeting is set out overleaf.

Yours sincerely,

G L Barker
Headteacher

Agenda

Apologies for Absence
Introductory Remarks (Chairman)
To receive and consider the Governors' Annual Report 2007-2008
Matters Arising from the Report
Any Other Business