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PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians

I would like to welcome you to Knockbreda High School,a co-educational school situated on the outskirts ofSouth-East Belfast where every effort is made to meetthe academic, spiritual and pastoral needs of yourchild.

You will discover that at Knockbreda, your child reallydoes matter.

I believe that this is achieved through the hard workand commitment of a dedicated staff, our excellentpastoral care system and the partnership of student,parents and teachers.

Students from all communities are welcomed and

supported at Knockbreda, regardless of race, religionor creed.

Our Key Stage 3 results for Year 10 pupils are

consistently above the Northern lreland averageand at Key Stage 4 the results for our pupils in Year

12 have been above the Northern lreland two-yearaverage in ten subjects (2010-2011).

Our mission statement outlines our vision forthe school and we look forward to working in

partnership with you to enhance the life chances

for your child.

Mrs J Taggart

Principal

MISSION FOR THE SCHCOLOur mission for our school is to provide a rich and rounded experience which allows each student to developtheir unique talents. We believe this is achievable through the students experiencing:

an ethos of support and challenge to achieve the best that we can;

a challenging and relevant curriculum;

effective and varied teaching and learning strategies;

a supportive learning environmenu

links to the local and wider community;

working collaboratively to achieve goals; and

learning partnerships between school, home and other agencies.

"l had absolutely no knowledge of KHS when t first went to viewit with my daughter bock in 2007.

I was instantly struck by the worm and friendly atmosphere as

soon as I walked through the doon From the pictures of theschool entronce, the teachers ond, most of olt, the happy, smitey

faces on the pupils. They genuinety tooked happy to be there.

KHS is an all ability school which encourages pupils to do theirbest. lt is multi-cultural. KHS encouroges positive behaviour. ttis very hands-on ond encourages porents to ptay an active rolein their children's education. It has wide range of after-school

activities offering something for everyone. Pupils are known byname from the Principal down to the caretaker.

I am very hoppy with the education my daughter has received atKHS and believe that it has equipped her with the skitts to go outinto the workplace .with confidence."

(Yeor 72 Porent)

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PARENTS' COMMENTS

I have been very irnpressed by staff at the school anytimel've had to speak to any of the teachers.

I am very pleased with the way the school has supportedmy children so far.

There is good communication between home and school.The calendar of events sent home is great.

We are very happy with the Induction Programme at KHS.

[He] has settled very well and enjoyed his first rnonth.

Excellent care given, fab, thoughtful and friendly for newenvironment.

[She] has found teachers very friendly and approachable.

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PUPILS' COMMENTSThe teachers are very friendly. - Year L1

Pupil

My teacher explains everything and takestime to help me. - Year IL Pupil

PE is my favourite subject. I enjoy fitnesscircuits, football and have been selectedto play for the North Down District Team. -

Year 10 Pupil

I love History because I Iike to find outabout things that happened in the past.

My teacher makes it all enjoyable. - Year 10

Pupil

The teachers are supportive, not onlyacademically but if you have any problemsyou can open up to them. - Yea r 12 Pupil

I like the teachers and classroom assistantsbecause they take a lot of time to helpwhen you need it. - Year 9 Pupil

I have really enjoyed being at Knockbredaso far. Al the teachers are really nice and I

enjoy all my subjects. - Yea r L2 Pupil

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ADMISSIONS AND ENROLMENTS

Admissions No: L}O Enrolment No: 600

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

pupils with older brothers or sisters enrolled at the school on the date of transfer;

the eldest or only child in the family;

pupils transferring from traditional feeder Primary Schools:

Academy Primary School

Alexander Dickson Primary SchoolBelvoir Primary School

Braniel Primary SchoolBrooklands Primary SchoolCabin Hill Preparatory School

Cairnshill Primary School

Carr Primary School

Carryduff Primary School

1)

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3)

Cregagh Primary School

Dundonald Primary SchoolElmgrove Primary SchoolEuston Street Primary SchoolGilnahirk Primary SchoolHarding Memorial Primary School

Inchmarlo Preparatory School

Knockbreda Primary School

Leadhill Primary School

Lisnasharragh Primary School

Moneyrea Primary School

Nettlefield Primary School

Orangefield Primary School

Rosetta Primary School

Strandtown Primary School

Tullyca rnet Primary School

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pupils from south Eastern Education and Library Board schools not listed in 2;

pupils from Belfast Education and Library Board schools not listed in 2;

lf, following the application of the above Criteria in order, there comes a point where there are more applicantswho meet the Criteria than there are places available then preference will be given to the oldest pupils applying.

Should two or more pupils share the same date of birth then proximity from home to the front gate of the school(measured in a straight line in an Ordnance and Survey Map)will decide the final place.

Only information declared on the Transfer Form will be used when applying the afore-mentioned Criteria.

lf the school is over-subscribed, application of the Admissions Criteria will be by a sub-committee of the Board

of Governors including the Principal.

PASTORAL CARE

We firmly believe all staff, teaching and non-teaching have a primary responsibility for Pastoral Care which isat its most effective when it is all pervasive, and fully integrated into our daily routines, curriculum and extra-curricular activities.

We realise young people need to:

(i) grow in their self-esteem, confidence and

independence of tho ught;

(ii) become u ndersta nditrB, sympathetic and

sensitive to the needs of others;

(iii) develop the necessary skills to cope withtheir personal safety both within and outsideschool; and

(iv) meet with confidence the demands and

challenges of adult life.

Consequently, the school aims to ensure:

(i) our Pastoral Care system creates a caring,

supportive atmosphere based on mutualrespect between all stakeholders; and

(ii) that our young people feel secure, knowthat they are valued as individuals, areencouraged in their learning, growth and social

development in a healthy, safe environment.

The school is divided into Junior School - Years 8, 9and 10 and Senior School - Years 11 and 12. Each yeargroup is allocated a Year Teacher who is assisted byForm Tutors with the specific responsibility for thepupils in each class.

ln addition, a New Life Counsellor is available to ouryoung people on a weekly basis along with our School

Cou nse I I i ng Co-ordinator.

Key Stage 3 pupils participate in a comprehensivePersonal Development Programme which includes

Health and the Whole Person; Feelings and Emotions;Managing Influences and Making Decisions; SelfConcept; Managing Change; Morals; Values and

Beliefs; Learning a bout Learning; Safety and

Managing Risk; Relationships and Sexuality and DrugAwareness.

The Key Stage 4 Personal Development Programmeenables pupils to:-

o develop an understanding of how to maximise

and sustain their own health and well-being;

o reflect oh, and respond to, their developingconcept of sell including managing emotionsand reaction to on-going life experiences;

o recognise, assess and manage risk in a range ofreal-life contexts;

o develop their understanding of relationships

and sexuality and the responsibilities ofhea lthy relationsh i ps;

o develop an understanding of the roles and

responsibilities of parenting; a nd

o develop further their competence as discerning' consumers in preparation for independent

living.

lf you are stillconcerned you

can contactthrough the

Office:

lf you are concernedabout your child'sprogress you can

contact through theOffice:

SCHOOL CURRICULUM AT KEY STAGE 3Students at Knockbreda follow a broad and balanced curriculum which builds on the knowledge, understandingand skills developed in the Primary Curriculum and prepares for Key Stage 4. In planning for the delivery of theNorthern lreland Curriculum we hope to ensure that students are given the opportunity to develop the skills,

aptitudes and abilities required for adult life.

Below is a list of the subjects currently taught at Key Stage 3:

. Art and Design

. Citizenship

. Employability

. English/Dramao French. Geography. History

MathematicsMusic

Personal DevelopmentPhysical EducationReligious Education

Science

Spanish (Years 9 and 10)

Technology and DesignHome Economics

Information and Communication Technology (Year 8)

A variety of academic and vocational subjects are offered to our students at Key Stage 4.

Art a nd Design;Ch ild Development;H i sto ry;H ospitality;Information and Communication Technology :

Information and Communication Technology :

M usic;

Full Course;Short Course;

Business and Communication Studies;Business Studies,E ng lis h;

English Literature;English : Entry Level;French;Geography;Mathematics;Physical Education : Full Course;Physical Education :Short Course;5pa n ish.

EDEXCEL Ch in ese

Occupational Studies (provided in school):r Carpentry and Joinery;. Communicating within the Office;r Digital Music;. Enable Children to participate in Play Centres;. Food and Beverage Service;r Using Office Equipment;o Web Design.

Religious Studies : Full Course;Religious Studies : Short Course;Double Award Science;Single Award Science;Technology and Design.NOCN Award : Personal Well-Being

Occupational Studies Modules in conjunction with Belfast Metropolitan College:

. Brick Worko Carpentry and Joineryr Electrical Wiring. Fabricafion

. Growing Plants

o Hair and Beauty

o Interior Design

r Kitchen and Larder

r Organic Gardening

r Painting and Decorating

I Patisserie

. Plastering

r Plurnbing

EXTRA-CU RRICU LAR ACTIVITI ES

Participation in Clubs and Societies is an important part of each childt development, Involvement in extra-curricular activities helps pupils make new friends, acquire and develop various skills and promotes self-confidence. All pupils will be expected to take part in the school's games programme and all pupils will be

encouraged to become involved in as many of the school's other activities, clubs and societies as possible.

Art and Design (GCSE)

Basketball Club

Chamber Choir

Dramatic Society

Drum Kit Club

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Film Club

Flight 55 (Scripture Union)

Friendly Society

Football Club (Boys)

Football Club (Girls)

Music (GCSE) 'Glee" Club

Guitar Club (Beginners)

Guitar Club (Advanced)

Hockey Club

Homework Club

ICT Club

Library

Music Theory Club

Netball

Public Speaking

Singing Club

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Educational Visits and residentials have included:o European Day of Languages at St Georges Marketo Castlereagh Borough Council.w5o Tayto Factoryo Theatre Visitso Belfast City Hallo Dundrum Castleo Navan Centreo Somme Centreo Stormonto Dublin Castleo Londono Pa riso Donegalo Bulgaria (Ski Trip)

INCLUSION / SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDSour aim at Knockbreda is that our pupils achieve the best that they can.

Pupils who have English as a second language also receive additional support through a dedicated teacher inwithdrawal support classes (funded through Extended Schools) and flexible support for pupils with SpecialEducational Needs. Teaching and learning strategies are adapted to meet the requirements of the individualchild and in-class support with classroom assistants, provided by the sEELB, is available for pupils as required.

Knockbreda therefore aims to work in partnership with parents/guardians and with other agencies to ensureindividual student needs are met and all pupils feel valued and included in all aspects of school life.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

StudentsatKnockbredaareencouragedtoreflectontheirlearningandtosettargetsforimprovement. Homeworkis an integral part of the learning process and it is school policy that homeworks are set, marked and formativefeedback is given. We actively request the support of parents in assisting in this aspect of the students' work.Assessment through homework can take a variety of forms depending on the year group, classes and topics. ltmay include the following:

spelling / reading / writingindependent researchprojects

Assessment is an essential partof teaching and learning in orderto monitor pupil progress and tosupport achievement. Informationgleaned from continuous andformal assessment thereforeassists in planning for effectivelearning. Formal assessment takesplace as follows:

NFER YearsS-10Key Stage 3 English and Mathematics

GCSE's Years 11 and 12

Controlled Assessment Tasks

End of Unit Tests

Common Assessment Tasks

Annual Summer Examinations

We view regular assessment of pupilprogress, regarding both academic

and non-academic achievement,

as an essential and integral part ofensuring that each child is receiving

the maximum benefit from theeducational opportunities on offerat Knockbreda High School.

o drawingo model-makingo completing work begun in class

Our reporting procedures have

been developed to providepa rent(s)/guardian(s) with detailedinformation a bout the progress

of their children and the pupils

themselves with an opportunity tocomment on their own attainmentand set PersonalTargets at Personal

Tutorials. In addition to continuousclassroom-based assessment, a

detailed Annual Report is mailed

to Parent(s)/Guardian(s) following

o revision for tests / examinationso corrections

whole school examinations and is

supplemented by Progress Ca rds.

All pupils are required to completea Progress File as an on-goingmethod of recording their success

across the curriculum and in non-academic pursuits as the basis

for their Progress Files which aredistributed annually to all pupils

at the end of Key Stage 3 and Key

Stage 4.

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CAREERS EDUCATION, INFORMATION,

ADVTCE AND GUTDANCE tCEtAGl

Employability Skills

These include the wide rangeof skills, ca pabilities, attributesand dispositions which enablesomeone to become employable.These skills are embedded inthe Programmes of Study. Theyinclude lC1l Comrnunicatioh, UsingMathematics, Working with Others,Problem solving, Decision makingand Self Management.

Careers Education: Key Stage 3. A Structured Employability

Programme, as part of Learningfor Life and Work [LLWJ,is provided in Yea rs 8-10which covers the statutoryrequirements:

Local and Global Economy

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Career Management/ CareerExploration

Skills and Qualities for work

THE CEIAG LEARNING ENTITLEMENT CONSISTS OF THE FOTLOWING COMPONENTS:

Careers Education

This is delivered in classes, one perweek for each year group.

Career Information

This is provided on many levels

including the Careers Library and theuse of Internet Websites includingJED and Kudos. Careers Interviewsfrom DEL Careers Advise4 LabourMarket Information from DEL, YoungEnterprise Workshops, Open Days,

Options Events, Guest Speakers andParents Evenings.

Career Advice and Guidance

There are opportunities for highquality impartial learner centredcareers advice and guidance toassist pupils make well informedcareers decisions and choices. Thisis provided by Careers Teachers,

DEL Careers Advisers and specialistsubject teachers.

Key Stage 4

Years LL and L2 follow a

programme which meets thestatutory requirements for KS4

in conjunction with LLW. At theend of this key stage, importantPost 16 decisions are made. Pupils

complete a variety of activities,which include:

o Self-assessment/self awarenessexercises.

. Target setting, action planning,research and review.

o Year L2 pupils have access toindividual interviews completedby DEL Careers Adviser.

. Year 12 pupils complete oneweek of Work Experience in an

area of their choice.

o Year L2 pupils have theopportu nity to experience a

mock interview. A number oflocal employers give their timeto make this a very worthwhileexperience.

o Visits to Open Days at FE colleges,other schools a nd trainingproviders.

Work Related Learning

Thiscomponentisdeliveredthrough At the end of KS3, students make

Work Experience, mock intervievJs, decisions on their GCSE subjects.

CVs and personal Statements. They are assisted in this through

Throughout the year there are also interviews, visits to the Library and

speakers from industry, Further information from Options Booklets

and Higher Education and training, :nd self-awareness exercises

giving our young people a sampte oi from the ICT packages available in

the world of work. school'

DRUG EDUCATICN

Knockbreda High School recognises that young people in today's society are exposed to the risks associated

with the drug culture which exists. Young people are challenged by the changing and sometimes conflicting

values of society, which places demands on them to make informed and responsible choices.

For the purpose of the School's Policy on Drug Education the term 'drugs' includes any substance which, when

taken, has the effect of altering the way the body works or the way a person behaves, feels, sees or thinks'

The purpose of our Drug Education Programme, is to provide opportunities for our pupils to acquire

knowledge, understanding and skills which enable them to consider the effects of drugs and other substances

on themselves and on others. lt enables them to make informed and responsible decisions about the use of

such substances within the context of a healthy lifestyle.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board Chrysalis Programme is integrated into our Junior School

Personal Development Programme with the School Health and Alcohol Harm Reduction Programme (SHAHRP)

delivered in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. A life skills approach to drug prevention is essential and within

the Personal Development Programme for years 8 - t2 all pupils are taught about raising self-esteem, self

confidence and assertiveness to prepare them for making informed decisions about drug use, the main

focus being on knowledge, social skills, attitudes and values. Detailed information regarding our policy and

procedures is available on our website.

OUR CODE OF CCNDUCT IS BASED ON THE

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON

THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

I have the right not to be bullied in any way, shape or form.I have the responsibility not to bully others and to report any bullying I see.

I have the right to feel safe in and around Knockbreda High School.I have the responsibility to ensure the safety of all pupils by behaving in a reasonable manner in andaround school.

I have the right to an education and to learn according to my ability.I have the responsibility not to ridicule others for the way in which they learn, or to disturb the learningof others.

I have the right to be treated with respect by all people irrespective of age, gender, colour or status.I have the responsibility to respect all others within our community.

I have the right to express my own opinions and to be heard.I have the responsibility to allow others to express their opinions and to be heard.

I have the right to expect that my possessions will be secure in and around Knockbreda High School.I have the responsibility not to steal or mistreat the possessions of others and to report any theft ormistreatment that I see.

I have the right to choose my friends.I have the responsibility not to force my friendship upon others or to abuse the friendship.

I have the right to play in safety and without interference.I have the responsibility not to disrupt or endanger the play of others.

SCHOOL UNIFORM CONSISTS OF:

GIRLS'UNIFORM

L Black blazer with school badgeon the pocket.

2 Dark grey regulation goredskirt.

3 White regulation long sleevedblouse.

4 Grey regulation knee sockswith the school colours(obtainable only in school).

5 Thick black tights (60 denier)during Winter.

5 Grey regulation pullover withschool colours.

7 Tie in school colours.

8 All black flat heeled shoes(with black laces if applicable).

9 Black coat (without badges orinsignia).

L0 School scarf (optional).

II lf applicable, hairbands mustbe black.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - GIRLS

L Purple T-shirt

2 Black running shorts

3 White socks.

4 Swimsuit.

5 Towel.

5 Training shoes.

7 Black jogging bottoms.(optional).

School Tracksuit

Gum shield.

Shin pads.

BOYS' UNIFORM

L Black blazer with school badgeon the pocket.

2 Dark grey trousers, regulationtype only.

3 White regulation long-sleevedsh i rt.

Tie in school colours.

Grey regulation pullover withschool colours.

Dark grey or black socks.

All black shoes, not boots (withblack laces if applicable).

Black coat (without badges orinsignia).

9 School scarf (optional),

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - BOYS

t House T-shirt*

2 White shorts.

3 Swimming trunks.

4 Towel.

5 Coloured rugby jersey*

6 Coloured socks*

7 Training shoes or footballboots (for outdoor use).

8 School tracksuit

9 Gum shield.

10 Shin pads.

* As ollocated to House by Head of PE

Deportment at first PE lesson.

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TRANSPORT

The school is on the direct routes from the Woodstock, Cregagh, Castlereagh, Ormeau, Saintfield and UpperKnockbreda Roads. The following buses operate from the front of the school:

Translink Metro Service Cregagh eg. 64Castlereagh eg. 31

Dundonald eg. 188 operates from East Link Road as follows:

School Bus Services

Bus 1 (Bloomfield)

East Link Road 07.55, Dundonald lce Bowl 07.42, Kings Road (Sperrin Park), Gilnahirk Road08.02, Braniel (Farmhurst Green) 08.06, Whincroft Road 08.(D, Via Dual Carriageway toCastlereagh Road 08.12, Ladas Drive 08.15, Mount Merrion Avenue O8.L7, Rosetta, toForestside Saintfield Road 08.22.

provided for Knockbreda High School pupils include:

Morning Route: 7.50 am Bloomfield Road (St Donard's Church), Bloomfield RoadRoundabout, Upper Newtownards Road, Ballyhackamore, Sandown Road, Knock DualCarriageway, arrive at school 08.11am

Bus 2 (Braniel)

Afternoon Route: Knockbreda High School, Knock Road, Sandown Road, Ballyhackamore,Beersbridge Road, Bloomfield Road, Bloomfield (roundabout)

Morning Route: 7.45 am - Kings Road (Barnetts Road), 07.47 Kings Road (Kings Link),07.49 Gilnahirk Road (Kingsway Park), via Lower Braniel Road, to BranielTerminus 07.53am, Farmhurst Green, 07.56 Whincroft Road, via Knock Dual Carriageway, arrive atschool08.03 am.

Afternoon Route:(Farmhurst Green),

Road (Kings Link).

Knockbreda High School, Knock Road, Whincroft Road, BranielGilnahirk Road, right onto Kings Road, right into Kings Link, Kings

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Website : www. k n o c kb reda highschool.org. uk

E-mail: info @ knockb reda. belfast.ni.sch.uk

Telephone: 028 9064 9302

028 9069 2007

028 9069 2709

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