Frequently Asked Questions 

Your Questions Answered*

The questions here have been generated through  a survey to families in January 2021.  It is divided into sections as follows; 

1. Practical queries 

2. Day 1 in August 

3. Support for S1 pupils  

4. Communication

Some Practical Queries

Hopefully we have answered all of your practical questions in the previous two sections, but some specific questions are addressed here: 

When will the pupils be given their timetable?

Most pupils got their timetables on the visist days in June . They will be re-issued with their timetable on their first day in August 2023. 

What are the school hours?

More information explaining the detailed structure of the school day is on the Practical Information tab of this website. But to summarise, the school day begins at 8.30am and ends on a Mon and Tues at 3.20pm and on a Wed, Thurs and Fri at 2.30pm.

What are the uniform requirements?

All uniform requirements are detailed on the Practical Information tab. 

What equipment will pupils need for  high school?

• S1 pupils will require full school uniform, including formal shoes not trainers. 

• S1 will require a PE kit for timetabled PE lessons. 

• Pupils will be supplied with jotters and books in their classes. 

• It is useful to have a pencil case with general equipment like pen, pencil, rubber, sharpener, ruler, highlighter. 

• Pupils will be advised by the Maths Department about a calculator.

• If your child benefits from using a paper diary, it is also a good idea to source one in advance as teachers post homework digitally through Google Classroom. 

Will S1 get a chromebook?

We believe so, as this is current Stirling Council policy. The chromebooks are loaned by Stirling Council through St Modan's HS. .

The First Day in August 

What will the first day be like?

• On the first day in August, the new S1 pupils go straight to the main assembly hall, our Benedict Hall. There will be staff and S6 pupils directing them to the hall. 

• They are asked to line up in their class groups. Details of all classes will be displayed in the Benedict Hall and signs to show where to line up. They should know this from the transition days.

• S1 pupils are then met by their PSD teacher who will take them to their PSD class. 

• Here they will be provided with the information that they need for their first few days.

• S6 Buddies will accompany them to their first class. They will have S6 Buddies to guide them for the first week until they learn how to move from class to class.

Once everyone is settled and ready S1 will start on their high school timetable.  

Support for S1 pupils  

What support will be put in place for the children?

• Each class will have a Pupil Support and Development (PSD) teacher allocated to them. This teacher will see them every day for 10 minutes during PSD (8.30am to 8.40am).

• They will also have a PT PSD and a DHT for their year group.

• Each child will have a period of Health and Wellbeing (HWB) once a week where they will explore a wide variety of different lessons looking at how they can look after themselves and others. 

• S6 pupils undertake Buddy training and are allocated to S1 pupils who require some extra support.

• There are also a number of teachers trained in Mental Health and senior students who are Mental Health Advocates available to chat to younger students. 

• Also, within the PSD system we have a number of services and support groups. These range from Nurture and Young Carers' groups to 1:1 support through the school counselling service. 

Are there special arrangements for children with additional support needs?

We have a robust system in place to ensure that appropriate information about additional support needs is shared during the transition process. 

• P7 Teachers complete transition information forms with specific questions on ASN 

• P7 staff also meet with the S1 PT PSD and PT ASN to discuss support required for young people transitioning to high school

• Enhanced transition programmes and additional visits to St Modan's have been arranged.

Communication  

How do I know what is going on at St Modan's HS?

We communicate with parents/carers through text messages, emails, regular newsletters and Twitter. Please make sure that your child's current primary school has all the correct contact information for you as this transfers directly to St Modan's. In August, we will also send a data check sheet home and you should amend any mistakes on this information. If you change your mobile number or email address, you must remember to let us know.