Dear colleagues,

I have been meeting with PTs to review prelim results and TIP progress. It is evident that a huge amount of work is going on across the school to ensure young people are given the best opportunities and support - thank you for your part in that.

Attainment Matters

One key focus is 'the drive for five' for all young people - regardless of level.  As per Phil's email, please ensure that support is in place for those in your classes who meet an at risk catergory:

• Very low attainment (at risk of no awards)

• FME or SIMD  (poverty barrier)

• S4 Drive to 5 NQs (sitting but not yet achieved 5)

• S6 Drive to 5 H 

In S4-6 form time, push study time and support revision. There are 5 weeks until the Easter holiday. There are 6 school weeks until SQA exams. Study timetables and flashcards can be picked up at staff pigeon holes.  Since the assemblies, I have reposted Balfron Top Study Techniques on the yeargroup Google Classrooms.

In N4/5 courses, where you have a borderline pupil seriously at risk of not achieving N5, it is entirely appropriate to dual enter at N5 and N4.  Please ensure that you email a list of those to be additionally entered to Phil. This should be done in consultation with your PT.

Mobile Phones - Draft Policy

I have taken account of the research (link to some sources of research), feedback from staff, the digital parent group and young people and put together this draft Mobile Phone Policy.  As part of the consultation process,  please individually or in teams provide feedback on this.  

Following your feedback on the draft policy, I will go through the same process with young people through the pupil council. You will see that I have not gone for a complete ban. I would be happy to consider this if staff feel able to support the implementation at breaks and lunchtimes. I am reluctant to set an expectation that cannot be followed through.

Behaviour Matters

In the event of a behaviour incident where further action should be taken, in addition to a referral, please complete a Corporate incident form.  These can be picked up from Nancy at the medical room.  It is important that we are reporting to Stirling Council, so please do not be put off doing this.

The PTs and SLT will reinforce these key things in classrooms, already in our Relationships Policy:

• Meet and greet at your door at the start of the lesson

• All outdoor jackets/ hoodies removed in class

• Mobile phones away and silent in class

• Pupils should not be dismissed before the bell

Here is the behaviour data from 8 January- 2 February.  Apologies this is late (my error).  Please can you check that everyone in your form class/home area/house has been picked up. Next data sharing will be week March 25th.  This will give a decent comparison period.

Thanks again for your professionalism and hard work. Have a great week.

Elaine

• Increased consistency in Learning & Teaching

• Improved Wellbeing & Inclusion of all young people

• Increased offer in Curriculum

• Increased Attainment & Achievement

• Increased influence of Pupil Voice on Improvement