NewsletterNo. 17. February 2014

Head’s updateNathan Thomas, Headteacher

If you are in year eleven there are the most important twelve weeks of your educational life. The work you complete in the next twelve weeks prior to your GCSEs will impact the rest of your life in and out of education. It is worth remembering that you not only get into VI form or college based on the grades you get in your GCSEs but you will also apply or your first job or degree course based on your GCSEs. You will ultimately spend the rest of your life being judged on the person you were at 16 when you sat these exams, don’t let the world think you are lazy and can’t be bothered because you weren’t prepared to put the effort in for the last twelve weeks!

This is also a crucial few weeks for our year 8 and 9 students as they make decisions about the options courses they want to follow at GCSE. This is an expected process for year nine students but a whole new experience for year eight students. I appreciate that some parents are concerned that it is too soon to make the decision, but in real terms because of the way we have changed things we are reducing from 7 to 4 foundation subjects. In light of the changes nationally we really feel this will ensure more students are best placed to achieve their full potential, it also means that arts subjects are not marginalised and more students will gain the Ebacc qualification so they have the potential to get into the top universities.

As you will see in the newsletter last half term was packed with amazing events and opportunities. I was especially delighted to see so many of our students supporting new year six students in maths, science and PE. The PE department is going from strength to strength with excellent results in all sports beating all other schools on the island in a number of different fields. We are now gearing up to sports relief which will be another opportunity to get silly clothes on and raise money for charity. So far this year we have raised over £5000 for worth while charities ranging from ‘Finley Friday’ to the most recent fund raising for the cancer ward at St Mary’s Hospital which was in response to requests from students.

On Thursday 6th February we had an unannounced OFSTED inspection to look at one of the development areas from our previous inspection. It really was unannounced we had ten minutes notice, I was quite happily playing Nintendo in breakfast club when the call came in. As you will see from the attached letter the inspection found that we have made progress since the last inspection but behaviour still requires improvement. We had already recognised this and were well on our way to launching the Behaviour for Learning policy.

Also being sent home as part of this newsletter is a copy of the new student focused behaviour for learning policy. Parents, Governors, staff and most importantly students have been consulted on this policy which was launched on Monday 24th February. We all agree that the behaviour of a minority has impacted on the majority of Medina students and collectively we have had enough. Students who want to be a part of the positive and learning centred Medina will benefit from this consistent approach, those who don’t will unfortunately face detentions, isolations and exclusions. I don’t always agree with Michael Gove (Education Minister) and Michael Wilshaw (OFSTED), but I do agree that behaviour must not impact on learning.

The count down has now begun to some incredible Medina experiences. Every student in the school will be effected in some way by the brilliant events taking place later in the year. Some highlights include the 50 students going to Kenya, the Ski Trip to Italy, Arts Blast, the Isle of Wight festival and the Rock Challenge.

As you will all be aware from the letter I sent home over half term I will be leaving at the end of this academic year, the emails and correspondance from staff, students and parents have been overwhelming and I am so proud to have been associated with Medina over the last three years. Leaving will be difficult, however, my departure is in the summer and until then I can promise you my number one priority will be continuing to make a difference to the fabulous students at Medina in these crucial few weeks.

Maths Revision Sessions

We will be running revision sessions in the Maths department weekly.

Monday

Miss Begley MI6Mr Buxton MI4 and MI5

Tuesday

Miss Begley MI8Mr Buxton MI4/5Miss Reardon MI1

Wednesday

Miss Ferguson MI7

Thursday

Miss Bloom MI0Mr Buxton MI4 and MI5

Marine Conservation

Marine Conservationist, Rob Watson delivered a presentation to our year 10 GSCE Geography students. He shared his work experiences of the Coral Triangle and Australia. He talked about the delicate balance of coral ecosystems and showed some of his own amazing photographs. He answered questions about the threats and also the methods of managing coral reefs. Originally from the Isle of Wight, Rob studied conservation at the University of Plymouth before working in marine conservation in a variety of locations around the world. Geography students from year 9 and year 11 also benefited from his presentations.Written by Mr S Jones - Head of Geography.

Pre-Rider Motorcycle Training

Twenty Medina College students have just completed their Pre-Rider motorcycle training course. Working with Ryderight, the Isle of Wight motorcycle trainers, the Isle of Wight road safety team and the Hampshire Constabulary, students worked on essential classroom based road safety theory for three weeks as well as important information about suitable clothing and bike maintenance. This was followed by three weeks of practical motorcycle riding on Saturday mornings. The Ryderight team said about our students, “Very impressive group , and everyone of them finished the course with ease”.

This course was a first for Medina College and a very important opportunity for students thinking about riding motorcycles in the future. This experience will have provided participating students with very valuable road safety advice and confidence associated with riding motorbikes.Well done to all students involved, who will be awarded with a special certificate for successfully completing the course.

If you are over 14 and interested in taking part in a Pre-Rider motorcycle course, please see Mr Lines for details.

Information Advice and Guidance Notices

A variety of further education prospectuses including the IW College and VI Form prospectuses are available for collection in the Extended Services/Careers Department (back of Library).

Please also note the following Open Evenings:

IW College –Wednesday 26th March from 4pm – 7.30pmBrockenhurst College -Thursday 1st May 2014 from 6pm – 8pmHighbury College –Wednesday 14th May 2014 from 4.30pm – 7pmSouthampton City – Saturday 21st June 2014 from 9.30am - 1pmSparsholt College – Saturday 8th March 2014 from 10am – 3pmPlumpton College – Saturday 10thMay 2014 from 10am – 5pmItchen College – Wednesday 30th April 2014 from 5pm -8pmHTP –26th March 2014 from 3pm – 6pm

Year 9 –Take Your Child To Work Day Thursday 20th March 2014

Letters and applications are available to collect from the Careers Department (back of Library). The aim of the day is to give year 9 students the opportunity to spend a day at work with parents/carer, relatives or family friends to gain a taster of working life.We feel this is the first ‘real’ step to encourage students to think about their future and in the past all students have really valued the experience they gained.Deadline to return applications: 12th March 2014

Year 10 –Work ExperienceWeek of: 19th May – 23rd May 2014

For one week ALL Year 10 students have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement. Students will enjoy a week in the workplace to help them develop skills, knowledge and understand the reality of working in the real world.

Applications have been distributed through tutors and students should bring an application and parental consent form home to be completed. I must have all completed applications and consent forms returned as soon as possible, without a completed form a placement will not be arranged. Exam Information (19th May) – Some students have a Science exam on Monday 19th May at 1.15pm, if this is the case then the placement will be arranged around the exam, the exam will NOT be missed and must be attended.Depending on the placement provider students may attend their work experience in the Monday morning as an induction, else they will start on the Tuesday. This information will be confirmed by letter before the weeks work experience itself.

Army Presentation - Years 9, 10 and 11 are invited to attend an Army Presentation on Tuesday 11th March 2014 at 2pm in the Theatre. The presentation is designed to give further information to students who maybe interested in the Army as a possible future careers choice. If your son/daughter is interested in attending this presentation then please ask them to see me in the Careers Department as soon as possible.

National Commendation for Creative Writing

Four students from Medina College have received national commendation for their impressive creative writing talent.

In October 2013, students at Medina College were invited to enter a creative writing competition at the school, as part of a drive to develop literacy skills. After a fantastic response, showcasing the superb talent of the students at Medina, a selection of stories were selected as the winners and entered in a national story writing competition, from Chapter One Promotions.

Of the seven students that were entered, four have been recognised as ‘excellent’ and given a special mention on the Chapter One Promotions website. The stories were written by Jack Pocock, 15, Helen Maddy 15, Elise Burrows, 12 and Rosie Wise Mellor, 12.

Chapter One Promotions said, “Each story was well thought out, telling a vivid tale with a beginning, a middle and a natural ending. Some stories had us chuckling with laughter, others were deep and emotional, and yet more were filled with details that took your breath away.”

The students were extremely pleased to hear of their success and will continue to write creatively in the future. Helen Maddy, writer of ‘The Magician’s Assistant’ said, “I’m ecstatic about the news; I didn’t expect it at all. When I saw my name on the website, I couldn’t believe it! It’s amazing!”

Connecting Classrooms Project Bangladesh

Medina College has been awarded a grant from the British Council to work with three schools in Bangladesh. The project also involves Carisbrooke College and Ryde Academy. The schools are all located in the capital Dhaka as follows: The Udayan Uchcha Madhymik Bidyalaya, the Government Laboratory High School and the Agrani School and College.

Medina students have written hundreds of letters to students in Dhaka, which will be taken to the schools by Mr Lines when he visits Bangladesh next week. I’m sure students there will be delighted to have received a letter from a student in the United Kingdom and will be excited to write back.

When in Bangladesh Mr Lines will be meeting students and teachers and learning about their educational system and the curriculum, he will also be observing lessons, teaching and talking to Headteacher’s about educational leadership in the UK.

There will be house assemblies about Bangladesh to share the experience of the visit and to give Medina students an insight about school life in Dhaka. Bangladesh teachers will be visiting Medina College in June when we can share our achievements with them.

Students in year 7 and 8 have been completing an exciting new reading programme called Accelerated Reader. Students have 2 hours a week reading and when they complete a book they take a quiz to see if they have understood what they have read.

We are able to monitor students to see how many words have been read and we are rewarding the highest readers house points. The best classes in year 7 and 8 will receive a mufti day! This weeks star readers are:

- Mackenzie Burton- Sarah Adams- Joseph Kent- Sam Ball- Connor Rowsell- Josh Mansell- Molly Mills- Milo Varley-Winter

Congratulations and get reading!

Alice in Wonderland DEAR!

Congratulations to all the students who completed a DEAR session on 27th January. It was a fantastic day with tutor quizzes, ‘Catch White Rabbit’ and movies in the LRC! A particular shout out to PE. Fantastic to see all the students engaged in reading!

CHIPS

My name is Josh and I’m the deputy head-boy at Medina College. I have had an interest in medicine since I was 7. For those of you who are unsure of what 'medicine' is it basically means becoming a doctor! Before half term I got to spend two days out of school down at St.Marys Hopsital, it provided me with a first hand experience of how the hospital works and the different things and people that work there.

It was an amazing insight to what goes on in a hospital, I'm sure many of you have been, there is so much more going on there than meets the eye! It wasn't just watching and talking, I was able to practice 'securing an airway' on a dummy patient and I had my heart monitored by an ultrasound sensor. The experience also taught me of different roles I never knew about, such as volunteering. By no means do you have to want to be a doctor to be on the course.

If you are reading this and think you might be interested in working in a hospital one day as a volunteer, nurse, therapist, porter, receptionist, doctor, surgeon, theatre practitioner, micro-biologist, chemist then you must take part. To get yourself on the course just see Mrs Smy in the LRC, but hurry there are only 4 spaces!

Religious Studies Department News

We have been a very busy department over the last few weeks with a number of guest speakers.10r2 staged a mock trial as part of their GCSE module on crime and punishment. Mr Harry Kirby, a retired magistrate and Mrs Sally Exell JP.

H10 was rearranged to resemble a court room and Mr Kirby played the role of usher and Mrs played the role of JP. A number of students were given roles as lawyers, judges, defendant and victim. The rest of the class were the jury and were involved in the decision making process. They all played their part and some were very good and will make very good lawyers in the future.

It was an excellent few hours and the students got a general overview of how a magistrate’s court works and the idea of justice and fairness. Our defendant was found guilty of his crime and punished with a fine.

We have also had the pleasure of welcoming a representative from the island Quaker community, Mr David Harrison. He spoke to 3 year 11 classes and 1 year 9 class about what the Quaker movement is and why he is a Quaker. The students asked many interesting and challenging questions and gained an insight into another part of the island community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our recent visitors and also the students for their manners and respect shown to our guests. They were all a credit to themselves, families and the school. All students have been working hard in lessons and the department is extremely pleased with the achievements of the classes.

Next term we are looking forward to receiving visits from the Humanist society. If you belong to a local religious community and feel that you could share your beliefs and allow students to question you about your life, please feel, free to get in touch with Mrs Joy Buckley at the college.

Trip to Southampton University

In 2013 a group of year 9’s had the opportunity to visit Southampton University and participate in different pathways. Medina College wasn’t the only school taking part in this activity, however we were the only school from the Island there.

One of the pathways was education in India and psychology. This was a very interesting pathway as you got to learn about the way in which people in India teach young children. It is not always a teacher who teaches the children, quite often it is someone from the community or a teacher that has volunteered from somewhere else around the world.

Psychology was very interesting as you learnt about how to tell if someone is faking a smile. There are tell- tale signs to whether a person is faking a smile. One is that they show their lower set of teeth.As well as learning in our pathway groups we had the opportunity to speak to students of the university, who answered our questions and were very interesting to speak to.

I spoke to an older lady who was attending Southampton to start a career change. She had decided to go into nursing and was greatly enjoying it.

We all enjoyed our time there and everyone who went made the school proud. It gave us an idea of what the university is like and I would definitely consider Southampton University in the future. Written by Libby Hine.

Attendance Update

Our school attendance target is 94%. Our whole school attendance is currently 93.7%, this time last year it was 92.3%.

House Attendance:

1st Tennyson 94.7%2nd Mighella 94.5%3rd Mounthbatten 94.5%4th MacArthur 94.3%

Top Tutor Groups:

1st B82nd G83rd R24th B125th G15th Y1

Congratulations to the 502 students who all achieved 100% attendance last term!

Kenya Needs You!

As many of you are aware some students will be going to Kenya this April to take part in a volunteer work trip. Like on TV the area we will be visiting is very impoverished.

YOU can help too; if you have (or know anyone that has):

- Any old sports shirts that no longer fit/are out of season/are no longer worn- Any old prescription or off the shelf glasses that are no longer required

Please do your bit by dropping them to your house office, any of these items will be gratefully received by the children and adults that we will be working with.

Fun Maths Roadshow

Talented young mathematicians from a number of the Island Primary schools came to Medina College on Thursday 9th January 2014 where they put their maths to the test in a fun maths roadshow. The event or-ganised through extended services saw around 60 Able, Gifted and Talented children aged between 10 and 11 years of age take part in a carousel of maths challenges. The idea of the roadshow enables children to apply their maths knowledge and to solve problems in a creative way.

The pupils worked in their school teams to solve a number of puzzles all of which were pitched beyond their current maths level.

The day was run by Mrs Jane Griffiths – Head of Maths and Ms Gail Reardon who is a maths teacher and also has a lead responsibility for Gifted and Talented Students at the school. In addition the children were supported in their tasks by a number of year 9 students from Medina College, who encouraged the children to look at each activity with an open mind.

At the end of the session the children were sent away with various challenges including a, Chocolate Group Challenge’ and will return to Medina College on Thursday 30th January 2014 and present their findings as part of a celebration afternoon.

Mrs Griffiths was really impressed with the way that the pupils worked during the session. “The children all worked really hard and it was lovely that they were so engaged and creative in the way they solved the puzzles”

Toby Jones aged 11 years who joined the school in September as a new Year 7 pupil also worked with some of the children.

“It was great fun, said Toby. “Everyone used teamwork to help them find the right method and the key to unlocking the problem” “I think this is a great way to learn”

Alice Rooney who is aged 13 years and in Year 9 said of the day, “It was great as we have had the chance to meet some of the students who might be here next year. It was a really great experience for me”Two pupils who attended from Barton Primary School also enjoyed the maths roadshow.

Daisy Woodford aged 10 and Leah Thompson aged 11 and both Year 6 students added that the puzzles were really hard which made them challenging. Only a few of them were easy, but we enjoy maths and so had a really good time.

Medina College HairshowYear 10 & 11 Hair & Beauty Students

‘Carnival Inspired’Tuesday 20th May 2014, 7.00pm

Medina TheatreTickets Available Soon

Medina College Stationery ShopHandwriting Pen - 25p

Gel Pen - 15pDisposible Fountain Pen - £1.65

Bic Biro - 20p6 Colour Click Pen - £1.00

HB Pencil - 10pMechanical Pencil - 35p

Planner - £3.00And much much more.....

Located in the foyer outside the LRC and the Green and Blue

House Office.

Opening Times:Monday - Friday8.30am - 9.00am

11.20am - 11.40am

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Medina Expects

A student guide to behaviour at

Medina

What do students want?

When I met with students they said that they wanted the new policy to be guided by the following

principles:

Fairness: All teachers should follow the warning system and not jump straight to a detention.

Teachers should not bear a grudge from previous lessons. Teachers should not try and catch

students out when they are genuinely trying to turn over a new leaf.

Teachers are here to teach: Students felt emotional issues should not come into classrooms and

teachers should be allowed to teach. Students who need support should get this out of the

classroom.

Uniform: They raised a number of issues with the uniform sections. KS4 students felt that the

uniform code should reflect individuality in terms of piercings. They wanted a black jumper as an

alternative to the grey jumper and clarification on hoodies.

Professionalism: Students did not feel staff should talk about other students when students can

hear, even in code!

Modelling: Students felt all staff should model good behaviour themselves.

What do parents want?

I met with parents who said they wanted consistency and complete clarity on certain areas, particularly

in regard to hoodies.

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Introduction:

At Medina we want people to achieve and aspire, be happy and enjoy their learning.

At Medina we all want everybody to respect the following:

The Basics!

What does Medina Expect in Tutor Time?

Your tutor is there to support you and also to make sure you are prepared for the day. In tutor time every

morning, your tutor will complete the following checks to make sure you are ready to learn:

1. A uniform check

When I enter my tutor group, I will check uniform.

2. An equipment check (PPP)

When I enter my tutor group, I will sit down with my tutor family and get my

planner, pencil and pen (PPP) out on the table.

3. Messages

I will then listen respectfully to any messages for the day.

What does Medina Expect in lessons?

Your teacher is there to teach you and all of the other students in the class. They will give you all the

information and support you need to make progress; they need you to complete these basics:

Arrival at the lesson

I will arrive at my lessons punctually with the correct uniform and equipment to learn. I will have

completed any homework which is needed for this lesson.

In lesson

I will complete all of the work to the best of my ability and politely ask for help when I need it. I

will respect the environment, others, myself and the learning of others.

Leaving the lesson

I will leave the classroom when asked by the teacher, having helped make sure the classroom is

ready for the next class and wearing all of the correct uniform.

Respect others

Respect yourself

Respect your learning

Respect the environment

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What does Medina Expect regarding equipment?

Medina expects all students to bring the right equipment to school to make sure they are able to learn in all

lessons.

Not having a pen, pencil and planner means you are not ready to learn. For £2 you can buy a pencil case full

of equipment from the school shop.

Not bringing your PE Kit for PE means you are unable to complete your lesson and also means you are not

getting exercise.

Every morning in tutor time, your tutor will check you have the correct equipment; therefore, there should

be no reason for you not to have a planner, pencil and pen (PPP) for the rest of the day. Remember, if you

ever need support with anything, including having the right things for school, talk to your tutor.

The Basics:

I need to bring a pen, pencil and planner (PPP) to school every day and have them in all lessons

and tutor time.

I need to bring my PE Kit on days when I have PE.

The three steps if I forget:

(Per half term)

First

•Student: The first time I don't have my equipment in tutor time or my lesson, my tutor/teacher will lend me a pen, pencil or temporary planner. I will return this the following morning or at the end of the lesson.

•Staff: Write a note in planner and lend pen, pencil or temporary planner.

Second

•Student: The second time, my tutor/teacher will contact home to inform my parents that I don't have the correct equipment. Equipment will be lent in exchange for an item of value (i.e. mobile phone).

•Staff: Phone home or send standard letter. Lend equipment in exchange for item of value.

Third

•Student: The third time, I will be issued with a Medina detention. I will then stay at step three until I have the correct equipment.

•Staff: Tutor to record detention in planner and log BFL as Medina detention.

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What does Medina Expect in terms of uniform, trainers and makeup?

Medina expects students to be proud of their uniform and wear it smartly at all times.

Smart uniform has an impact on your learning as it creates an orderly and positive learning environment.

When you don’t wear your uniform in a smart way, it shows a lack of respect for yourself and the Medina

community.

Blazers should be worn at all times when you are inside the school, they can be removed but only if the

teacher has agreed.

The Basics:

No facial piercings will be allowed. Only one pair of stud earrings are allowed. In extreme cases

and by agreement of the headteacher, if a student has piercings, see through retainers may be

used.

No extreme fashions of hair will be allowed, either in style or colour (hair colour should be

natural). Discrete makeup may be worn but should not be noticeable.

All uniform should comply with the Medina uniform code. No hoodies are to be worn on site at

any time. Outside coats and scarfs should not be worn in lessons and should be removed on entry

to the classroom. If hoodies are worn on the school site, they will be confiscated and parents will

need to collect them.

The three steps if I wear the wrong uniform or makeup:

(Per half term)

First

•Student: The first time break the uniform code, I will be spoken to by my tutor/teacher and they will write a note in my planner. I will be asked by my tutor/teacher to remove any nail varnish/makeup.

•Staff: Write a note in planner and ask student to remove makeup/nail varnish.

Second

• Student: The second time I break the uniform code, my tutor/teacher will phone home and refer me to the Head of House.

• Staff: Head of House make note in planner.

Third

• Student: The third time I break the uniform code, the tutor/teacher will send me to a member of the senior team. They will decide whether to send me home, isolate me or support me with correcting my uniform.

• Staff: Tutor to send to SLT to make decision.

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What does Medina Expect in terms of truancy and punctuality?

Medina expects all students to attend every lesson behaving positively to make sure they and others in the

class can learn.

The Basics:

I will attend all lessons punctually and not leave the lesson unless I have a teacher pass. A

teacher pass will not be issued for going to the toilet or for getting a drink of water.

I will be in all lessons at all times. If I am not, this will automatically trigger a Medina detention.

Dealing with social issues is not a reason to miss lessons.

The three steps if I am late for lessons:

(per half term)

First

•Student: If I arrive more than five minutes after the lesson has started, I am late. I will apologise for being late and listen to the teacher's instructions.

•Staff: You may decide to tackle this at the beginning or end of the lesson. If there is not good reason for the lateness, the time should be made up.

Second

•Student: The second time I am late to a lesson, the teacher will record this lateness and warn me that if I am late for a third time I will receive a Medina detention.

•Staff: Make note in planner and in mark book, ensure the time is made up.

Third

•Student: The third time I am late, I will be issued with a Medina detention.

•Staff: Log on BFL and record detention in planner.

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What does Medina Expect in terms of behaviour for learning in lessons?

Medina expects all students to attend every lesson and tutor time behaving positively to make sure they

and others in the class can learn.

The Basics:

I will show respect at all times to all staff and students and not encourage others to misbehave.

I will arrive with the correct equipment and complete all set work before and during the lesson,

asking politely for help when I need it and not refuse to complete the work.

I will follow all instructions given by the teacher at all times.

The three steps if I don’t follow the above:

First

•Student: The first time I do something which has a negative impact on my learning or the learning of others, I will get a very clear warning from the teacher. I will accept this warning, even if I feel it is unfair.

•Staff: Give a very clear warning to correct their behaviour.

Second

•Student: The second time I do something which has a negative impact on my learning or the learning of others, I will receive a second warning which is a final chance to correct my behaviour.

•Staff: Give a very clear and final warning to correct their behaviour.

Third

•Student: The third time I do something which has a negative impact on my learning or the learning of others, I will receive a clear sanction from the teacher and/or receive a Medina detention. This sanction may be to go to another class to be isolated. This is a reasonable request, if I fail to follow it, a duty call will be made which will result in further sanctions.

•Staff: Record on BFL and record detention in planner.

Being fair:

If you feel that a teacher has been unfair you should politely ask to speak to the teacher at the end of the lesson. You should

politely explain why you feel the warning was unfair, the member of staff will then respond appropriately and explain their

point of view. This may or may not result in a change to the sanction; it is entirely up to the member of staff to decide.

Students trying to put pressure on staff to change their mind will automatically receive a Medina detention.

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What does Medina Expect in corridors and around the College?

Medina expects all students to respect others and the environment at break time and lunch time.

The Basics:

I will show respect, be kind and courteous at all times to all staff and students in all corridors and

all student areas (including toilets) and not use any foul or offensive language.

I will move purposefully but safely in corridors, keeping to the left hand side, towards my next

lesson not loitering on the metro.

I will only eat at break and lunch and place all of my litter in the bins. I will not take hot food or

pasta pots out of the canteen.

If I am not respectful around the school the following three steps will be followed:

Bonuses:

If there is no damage in communal areas the student council will be given additional resources to improve

the College environment for the students.

First

•Student: If I do not follow the basics, I will be politely asked by a teacher or other student to correct my behaviour.

•Staff: Politely ask the student to place the litter in the bin or stop using foul language and move to lessons.

Second

•Student: This is a reasonable request, if I do not follow it, the member of staff will issue an appropriate consequence (e.g. litter picking).

•Staff: Member of staff to issue consequence.

Third

•Student: If I refuse to complete the consequence, then I will be issued with a Medina detention.

•Staff: Record on BFL and write detention in the planner.

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What does Medina Expect in terms of mobile phones, iPods, MP3 players?

Mobile phones are now only permitted in the communal areas in the College and not in lessons.

The Basics:

I will only use my mobile phone/iPod/MP3 player in communal areas.

When evidence is produced that proves I have been unkind to other students through social

media in school time, I will be banned from having a phone in school.

I will not use my mobile phone in lessons. In some circumstances (drama as a prop, photography

as a camera) I may ask to use my phone to support my learning.

The three steps if you continue to use your mobile phone inappropriately:

First

•Student: The first time I have my mobile phone/iPod/MP3 player out without permission, I will be asked to put it away immediately. This is a reasonable request, if I refuse I will be issued with a Medina detention.

•Staff: Ask student to put the item away immediately.

Second

•Student: If I get my mobile phone/iPod/MP3 out again in lesson, it will be confiscated. This is a reasonable request, if I refuse I will be issued with a Medina detention.

•Staff: Confiscate item and return at the end of the lesson.

Third

•Student: If I make any fuss about my mobile phone/iPod/MP3 being confiscated, a member of senior staff will be called to remove the item and my parents will be asked to collect it.

•Staff: Make duty call and log on BFL.

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DETENTIONS:

As you can see, the third step in many of the step procedures is a Medina detention.

What does this mean and what happens if I do not attend?

Individual teachers and departments will also set detentions. Department detentions will mostly be for

poor or incomplete work or failing to submit homework. Failure to attend a department detention will

result in a Medina Detention.

First•If I have reached step three of any of the above, I may be issued with a Medina detention the next day. This will take place in the canteen in exam conditions for one hour.

Second•If I do not attend this or I misbehave in this detention, I will receive a two hour Headteacher's detention.

Third•If I fail to attend this or misbehave during the detention, I will receive a further sanction, an internal isolation, isolation at the VI Form Campus, compulsory Twilight or an exclusion.

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Report Cards

If you are on report and fail to get positive comments, the person who has put you on report will decide on

appropriate sanctions.

R3 (Restore, Respect, Re-join)

R3 is used for restorative justice. Students in R3 will spend time considering what they have done wrong and what

they can do differently to improve their behaviour for learning.

Isolation Room

Students in the isolation room will complete work in silence. If students fail, they will be excluded and will have to

complete the isolation again.

Departmental Isolation

If your behaviour is having a negative impact on others in your class, your teacher will isolate you to another

classroom. Refusal to do this, will result in a duty call being made and you will be removed and, in addition to your

isolation, you will lose the next lunch or break time.

Isolation Table

If you are misbehaving or your behaviour is considered threatening during a break time or lunch time, you will be

escorted to the isolation table to sit with a member of the senior team.

VI Form Campus

The VI Form Campus is used when you have refused to follow instructions. Refusal to attend will result in an exclusion

followed by a day at the VI Form Campus.

Exclusions

Exclusion will be used at the Headteacher’s discretion, either when students have failed an SLT report or when

behaviour is having a detrimental impact on the learning, safety or welfare of other students and staff.

Contraband!

The following items are not allowed at Medina College: permanent marker pens, smoking paraphernalia, e-cigarettes

or vaporizers, hoodies, aerosols, chewing gum and energy drinks.

7 February 2014 Mr Nathan Thomas The Headteacher Medina College Fairlee Road Newport Isle of Wight PO30 2DX Dear Mr Thomas

No formal designation monitoring inspection of Medina College

Following my visit to your school on 6 February 2014, I write on behalf of Her

Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills to confirm the

inspection findings.

The inspection was a monitoring inspection carried out in accordance with no formal

designation procedures and conducted under section 8 of the Education Act 2005.

The inspection was carried out because the Chief Inspector was concerned about

behaviour at the school.

Evidence

Inspectors gathered a range of evidence including:

observations of students’ behaviour and their attitudes to learning in

lessons

observations of students’ behaviour throughout the day, including discussion with students

scrutiny of documentary evidence

discussions with leaders and staff.

Having considered all the evidence I am of the opinion that at this time:

behaviour and safety require improvement.

Tribal 1-4 Portland Square Bristol BS2 8RR

T 0300 123 1231 Text Phone: 0161 6188524 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

Direct T 0117 311 5359 Direct F 0117 315 0430 Email: christina.bannerman@tribalgroup.com

Context

Medina College is a large 11–18 secondary school. A very small proportion of its

students are from minority ethnic groups and only a few speak English as an

additional language. The proportion of students who are disabled or have special

educational needs is average. A relatively large proportion is entitled to free schools

meals. A typical percentage of students join or leave the school at times other than

at the start of Year 7 or the end of Year 11. The school is fully staffed.

Behaviour and safety of pupils Behaviour still requires improvement, but it has improved in the past 12 months. Students acknowledge and appreciate the improvements, but also recognise the remaining variability in behaviour between lessons. Most students arrive punctually to school, but a significant minority are late. This makes for a rather ragged start to the day. Lessons usually start punctually; most students move quickly when they hear the five-minute warning bell. A few are slow to move and lack sufficient urgency, although they do as they are asked when told to move to their lessons by teachers. The end of the day is well managed and it runs smoothly. This is particularly important as most students leave by bus. Students say that they feel safe and happy in school. They get on well together and say very clearly that bullying is not a major issue, that any incidents are followed up rigorously and that the school takes a strict line when necessary. They also say that such things as racist language are very rare and not tolerated by staff. Older students say that there are now fewer disagreements. Many students who spoke to me had moved from other schools on the island. All said that they liked the school and felt that other students had welcomed and readily accepted them. The vast majority of students behave well as they move around the school and at break and lunchtime. Although leaders do everything that they can to ensure the smooth flow of students, corridors are narrow and inevitably become congested. Despite this, people move around sensibly, with appropriate consideration for others. There is occasional horseplay and noisy behaviour, but students settle down quickly when teachers tell them to stop. Students told me that there used to be a lot of poor behaviour at break and lunchtime, with people running around corridors, ‘barging’ each other, throwing food around and breaking windows. They say that such things are now very rare. Most students wear uniform correctly and smartly, although a small minority push the boundaries by removing their ties or wearing trainers or hoodies. The headteacher sets high standards for behaviour in the school. He challenges any inappropriate behaviour, for example students in incorrect uniform or moving slowly to lessons. He clearly models and demonstrates what is expected of other staff; most also challenge and correct students authoritatively and effectively. Some, however, do not challenge, or they do so ineffectually, for example by half-heartedly telling students to move to their lessons without insisting or checking that they do.

Behaviour in classrooms has also improved in the past year, although there is still some variability between lessons. Serious misbehaviour is now rare, although some lessons are still disrupted by a few students. Students are typically cooperative and good natured, responding positively to teachers and teaching assistants. They support each other and work well together in pairs and groups. Most have positive attitudes to learning and higher ability students typically have very good attitudes. However, a minority lack enthusiasm and do not push themselves to achieve as much as they could. This is exacerbated when the work is too easy, as it is in some lessons. On occasion, some teachers’ expectations of behaviour and attitudes are too low. These teachers are too accepting when students work slowly or drift off task and start to chat. The current guidelines for managing misbehaviour in the classroom are too complicated. The system is not used well and teachers across the school do not, therefore, respond consistently to minor classroom incidents. Leaders have recognised this. They have already done much good work to develop new procedures which are to be introduced later this term. Good systems are in place to enable staff to record information about students’ behaviour. Leaders analyse this information carefully and make good use of it, for example to see if there are patterns of misbehaviour in particular subjects, lessons or at specific times of the day. They take effective action to bring about improvements where necessary, for example by changing groupings or teachers. Attendance, which was low, has improved dramatically.

Priorities for further improvement

Ensure that all students arrive punctually to school.

Ensure that staff consistently and effectively challenge minor misbehaviour, slow movement to lessons and incorrect uniform.

Ensure that all teachers have sufficiently high expectations of behaviour and attitudes in lessons.

Complete and introduce the new guidelines for managing behaviour in the classroom and then check carefully to ensure that all staff follow them consistently.

I am copying this letter to the Director of Children’s Services for Hampshire and the

Isle of Wight, the Secretary of State for Education, the Education Funding Agency

and the Chair of the Governing Body. This letter will be published on the Ofsted

website.

Yours sincerely

Christopher Russell

Her Majesty’s Inspector