Prospective Parents
Information for New Students
We look forward to seeing you at Macclesfield High School in September.
Remember: If you are concerned about anything, please ask.
Welcome from the Head Teacher
Welcome from the Transition Manager
'New Faces' form
What will it be like at Macclesfield High?
House System
Your First Day
The School Day
Contacting School
Finding your way around
What to do if... there’s a fire, you are absent from school, you need to go out of school, you are ill, you move house or you are late
Break & Lunch Times
Dinner time routine
School Uniform
Getting to School
The Library (our Learning Resources Centre or LRC)
Other Useful Information on: halls, moving around the school, outside, lost property, aerosols, mobile phones, confiscated items, toilets, drinking water, jewellery, hairstyles, footwear, caps and hooded sweatshirts.
Other Activities
School Holidays and Closures
Welcome from the Head Teacher
I hope that you will be very happy here, and that you quickly begin to feel at home. I also hope that you will be a very successful learner.
All of us at Macclesfield High School (MHS) will be doing our best to help you to become the excellent, hard-working and successful student you and your parents want you to be. We want you and all the new MHS students to become Motivated, Happy and Successful Learners.
Mr. Harrison
Welcome from the Transition Manager
As the Transition Manager I am going to help you to settle in to life at Macclesfield High. I want you to be happy and comfortable with every aspect of your school life - with friends and activities as well as with your academic work. If any problems arise I will be there, along with your Learning Manager and Head of House, to help you sort them out. Macclesfield High offers many activities and it should be your aim to try as many new things as possible during the first year - you won’t know whether you like something unless you try it! Having met most of you in your Primary Schools I am looking forward to meeting you all once again and I am sure you are going to be very happy here.
Mrs Scragg
New Faces (PDF) Use this form to fill in the names of the new people that you meet during your two day induction in June.
What will it be like at Macclesfield High?
We hope you will enjoy your years at Macclesfield High School; there is much to learn and lots to do. This book has been written to help you during the Induction days and also at the start of the new term. It contains lots of information which will help you to settle in so please look after it and bring it with you in September.
Our School is a large building with lots more people than in your primary school. It can seem confusing at first, but you will find that all these people are ready to help you.
There are about 55 teachers on the staff and the Headteacher is Mr. Harrison. Your class teacher is called your Form Tutor (or Teacher) and your form (or tutor group) will take your teacher’s initials: for example Mr J Brown’s form will be JBM (M representing Mulberry House). The first three years of the school are grouped together and called Key Stage 3.
Like any organisation, our school has rules to make life easier for everyone. We expect you to be thoughtful and polite to other students and to your teachers and to do your best in all school activities.
House System
There are three Houses made up of forms from all year groups. Each House is represented by a name and colour. Students will wear a tie with their House colour incorporated so they are immediately recognised as belonging to a particular House.
Mulberry (Green) - Head of House Mrs Shuttleworth
Hovis (Red) - Head of House Mrs Chesters
Silk (Blue) - Head of House Miss Wilson
All aspects of school life, both in and out of school, are linked to the House system. Students earn House points for their respective Houses. They can be earned for hard work in class, project work, homework, showing respect or kindness, helping at events and so on.
In addition, House points will be awarded for sporting activities (representing the school at netball or football for example), for drama or music activities, for helping with such things as Parents’ Evenings or Open Evenings. Departments have specific activities where House points can be earned, perhaps a poetry competition for the English Department or a Maths Challenge, and points are awarded for taking part in Sports Day. Achievements outside school, such as belonging to a football club or passing examinations in swimming or dancing or playing musical instruments can also earn House points.
House points are totalled up at the end of each school year, with the winning House receiving a trophy, sporting their House colour, which is currently displayed in the Reception Area. Each House has a House Notice Board recognising the achievements of the students within their House and advertising events around school.
Each House is also overseen by a Learning Manager who will monitor your learning and general progress in all aspects of school life. Form Tutors also belong to the House and have a key role with their form in House activities. Each Year 7 form will nominate two Form Captains to represent them in organising activities for their House. A House Captain is selected from Year 11 to coordinate these activities.
Your First Day
Thursday 4th September 2008
On the first day of the autumn term, Thursday, 4th September 2008, you will arrive with all the other Year 7 students and go to the Main Hall.
For that first day, please come through the front door.
You should wear your uniform and bring your pencil case, school bag and this booklet! Don’t bring your games kit.
That morning your form tutor will give you your timetable, the names of your teachers and the rooms where you will have your lessons.
You will be given your Student Planner and the morning will be spent getting organised. This will include a walk around the school with your tutor to remind you where everything is.
You will complete your homework timetable which is in your Student Planner. Doing homework every night isn’t as hard as it sounds. Try and get into a routine. Set aside an hour and try and find a quiet place to work. If you have any problems with your homework, or the time it takes, see your form tutor or subject teacher.
When you take this booklet home, please show it to your family so they can share the information about Macclesfield High School with You.
The School Day
Monday - Friday
| 8:35 | Movement to Registration |
| 8:40 | Registration Tutor Time/ Assembly |
| 9:00 | Period 1 |
| 10.00 | Period 2 |
| 11:00 | Break |
| 11:15 | Movement to Period 3 |
| 11:20 | Period 3 |
| 12:20 | Lunch |
| 12.55 | Movement to Period 4 |
| 13.00 | Period 4 |
| 14:00 | Period 5 |
| 15:00 | School ends Yrs 7 – 11 |
| 15.15 | Period 6 (Sixth formers only) |
Contacting School
If your parents or carers need to write to the school they should address the letter to your form tutor, your Learning Manager or Head of House, at the address given below:
Macclesfield High School
Park Lane
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 8JR
The telephone number at the school is 01625 383100
Parents: even though we have several telephone lines, some times of the day can be especially busy. PLEASE BE PATIENT. If you have “anonymous call barring” on any of your contact telephone numbers, the school switchboard will not be able to contact that number. This is crucial since the call may be urgent if your child has an accident.
You can also contact us by E-mail: admin@macchigh.cheshire.sch.uk or Fax: 01625 668635
Finding your way around
Macclesfield High is a much larger school than your Primary School and during your first few days you will have to get used to moving from room to room.
At Macclesfield High all the rooms have numbers and when your Form Tutor gives you your timetable you will be told the numbers of the classrooms in which you will be taught. To make it easier we have tried to group the rooms together so, for example, all the rooms for teaching Mathematics are in the same area.
Look at the map of the school and this will help you find your way around. If you get lost ask an older student or a teacher and don’t forget - EVERYONE WAS NEW ONCE (even the teachers!)
Make a note of where the Student Reception is as you can always go there if you are lost or have a problem. The map shows all the main areas of the school and the entrances and exits are also marked.
REMEMBER - Keep this booklet and bring it with you at the start of the September term. It will help you in the first few weeks. Sometimes things change over the holidays so listen out for your tutor telling you about these changes and make a note of them. Make a note on the map of any changes to rooms and offices - it will help you find your way!
What to do if...
There’s a fire:
If there is a fire on the school site you will hear the fire alarm. You should follow the instructions given by the staff and leave the building sensibly. You will be directed onto an area at the back of the school. Please line up in silence, so that the register can be taken quickly. Staff will need to find out urgently if anyone is still in the building.
You are absent from school:
If you are absent from school your parents/carers should telephone the school, selecting the appropriate option, as early as possible on the first morning of absence giving the reason for absence and expected return date. If they do not do this they may receive a phone call at home or at work from our automated system. In addition, we also need a note about your absence when you return to school. This should be given to your form tutor. There is also a section in your Student Planner for your parents to use, if they prefer.
You need to go out of school:
If you’ve got an appointment with the dentist or doctor, you need to bring a note to show your form tutor so they can make a note in the register. You must sign out at Student Reception when you leave school (and sign back in again if you return that day). However, except in an emergency, appointments should be made out of school time to avoid disruption to your learning.
You are ill:
If you feel ill during lesson time, tell whoever is teaching you. They will send you to the Student Reception or, if it is serious, to the First Aider. If you have an accident or are taken ill in school, the School will get in touch with your parents as soon as possible and will help to make all necessary arrangements. The New Entrant Form you hand in has telephone numbers where we can reach your parent(s) or carer(s). If you are off school for a week or more but are well enough to do school work we can set work for you to do at home so that you don’t fall behind. Just ask your parent or carer to ring up and tell your Form Tutor.
You move house:
If you move house, you need to bring in a note with your new address and telephone number on it. Hand this to your form tutor and the information on the school computer system will be changed. We also need to know of any changes to places of work or telephone numbers for any of the people you list as your contacts on the New Entrant Form. The information we have about parents or carers must be correct as we may need to contact them urgently if you have an accident at school.
You are late:
It is important that you arrive at school on time for the start of the day. Registration is at 8.40 am. If you arrive after 9 o’clock you must sign in at Student Reception, as soon as you arrive, so that we know you are in school, in case there is a fire. If you are late three times in one week then you will be given a detention for one hour after school.
Break & Lunch Times
Mrs A Salt is our Catering Manager. The catering facilities at Macclesfield High offer a wide variety of hot and cold meals at reasonable prices. Healthy options are available every day alongside the usual favourites.
MORNING BREAK - serving hot and cold snacks including bacon or sausage baps, teacakes, toast, cheese on toast, bagels, tortillas, sandwiches, cakes and drinks.
LUNCH TIME - serving hot main meals, sandwiches, jacket potatoes with various fillings, salad bar, pasta, paninis, pizza, cakes and drinks.
There are three points to purchase food at the main servery (hot food and the sandwich bar) and a fourth at the Healthy Eating Bar.
If you do not wish to buy food from school you can bring your own break time snacks and/or packed lunch. Everyone eats together at Macclesfield High at the tables and chairs set out in the Dining Hall.
The corridors and classrooms are not places to eat and drink, because we do not want food dropped there. Please eat your food only in the Dining Hall and the patio areas outside the Dining Hall. During break time and lunch time you must stay inside the school grounds. You are not allowed out of school to the local shops.
Dinner time routine
For the first few days in the new school, you will be able to go into lunch before the rest of the school to help you learn the routines.
Cashless catering is in operation at Macclesfield High. Every student will be issued with a card which they present at the tills to pay for their food. This system will be explained to you during your induction days and if you would like to try it out on Tuesday you may bring in some money instead of a packed lunch. If you are on free school meals your card will be credited for you.
Here is a selection from the current menus:
| Spaghetti Bolognaise | £1.10 |
| Cottage pie | £1.10 |
| Pizza | £0.85 |
| Vegetable Chilli | £1.10 |
| Pork Loin Steak | £0.55 |
| Chicken Fillet (large) | £1.10 |
| Sandwiches | from £1.05 - £1.75 |
| Jacket Potatoes | £0.65 |
| Choice of fillings from | £0.40 |
| Salad | £0.95 |
| Pasta & Sauce | £1.30 |
| Chocolate Crunch | £0.45 |
| Fresh Fruit | £0.30 |
| Melting Moment | £0.45 |
| Drinks | from £0.25 - £0.90 |
PLEASE TIDY AWAY AFTER YOU HAVE EATEN. PUT ALL YOUR LITTER INTO A BIN AND RETURN YOUR TRAY TO ONE OF THE TROLLEYS.
School Uniform
A high standard of personal appearance is expected from all our students. The correct uniform should always be worn. If in a genuine emergency you do not have an item of uniform you will need a letter to explain why. At Macclesfield High School we expect you to wear:
- Black Trousers or
- Black Skirt (10cm above or below the knee)
- White Shirt which has a button at the neck
- Blue & yellow tie with the correct House colour on it; Mulberry – green, Hovis – red, Silk – blue and yellow (Ties available from the National Schoolwear Centre, Macclesfield).
- Blue Blazer (also available from the National Schoolwear Centre).
- White or black socks or natural or black tights
- Black school shoes (not boots or trainers). Shoes Policy (PDF)
If your family is receiving income support or job seekers’ allowance and has problems buying uniform, they should contact Mrs Scragg or the Head of House - the school might be able to help.
PE Kit
The PE kit can be purchased from the National
Schoolwear Centre.
You will need a suitable bag to carry your books and equipment. Your PE kit is best kept in a waterproof bag as it may get wet! Try and bring only what you need for that day as bags can become rather heavy.
PE and Games Kit - Years 7-11
Girls PE Kit:
- Polo shirt with logo
- Shorts
- Full tracksuit
Boys PE Kit:
- Polo shirt with logo
- Shorts
- Full tracksuit
Getting to School
WALKING: This is the best option for you and the environment but always take care when crossing the road and walk with your friends whenever possible.
BUSES: Some of the students will travel to Macclesfield High by bus. If you have not received your bus pass application yet, and feel you may be entitled to a bus pass please contact East Cheshire Council School Transport
on 01244 603942.
When the bus passes are issued you will be advised of the times of the buses and the route they take. East Cheshire Council allocates bus passes and the school has no control over this. You will not be allowed to travel on the bus without your pass so please submit your application as soon as possible.
ON YOUR BIKE: If you cycle to school you can leave your bike in our cycle racks, located within the school’s own grounds. You will need to bring your own lock.
BY CAR: We want to discourage car travel because of the damage it does to the environment, but if you have to travel by car, please ask your parents not to drive onto the Learning Zone campus, first thing in the morning. Please be considerate to neighbours and other car users. Do not park on Ryles Park Road or on Park Lane.
The Library (our Learning Resources Centre or LRC)
Opening Times:
Every break, lunchtime and after school.
How do I join?
All students are members. Just come and choose a book and have it stamped at the desk.
Where is the Library?
Check the map!
What happens if I forget my books?
Just come into the Library and have them renewed. You don’t have to bring the books with you as all the information is on the computer system.
Do I get charged fines if I don’t bring them back on time?
No but reminder letters will be sent to you via your form tutor. If the books are still not returned a bill will be sent home for their replacement.
What else is there in the Library?
Daily papers, local papers and other magazines. You can also use the school - wide computer network to access your work.
Anything else?
You can access the Internet; you can use the reference section, or just sit quietly and do your homework.
Homework Club
Homework Club takes place in the Library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school until 4.30 pm.
We want everyone to take care of our Library books, our computers and other people’s work, so please do not bring food or drink into the Library.
If you need any help with projects or want to know where to find information, talk to Mrs Janes our Librarian, or any of the Library helpers. They are there to help you.
Other Useful Information
Halls - The school has three halls. If a teacher tells you to go to a hall, make sure you know if it is….
- The Main Hall.
- The Sports Hall.
- The Dining Hall.
On the move - Try and make sure, when you are moving around the school, that you walk on the left hand side. You also need to take care whilst going up and down the stairs in the school. Again please stay on the LEFT.
Outside - The school has a large area of playing fields. However, students may be asked to keep off the fields on wet days, so that they do not bring mud into the buildings.
Lost Property
If you lose something DON’T PANIC. Think carefully when you last had it and retrace your steps. Please make sure you ask your teacher’s permission if you need to look for something in lesson time. Once you have checked everywhere, ask if it has been handed in at Student Reception (the Main Office). Sometimes it can take time for lost items to get to the Office so it is always worth asking again the following day. IT HELPS IF YOU MARK EVERYTHING WITH YOUR NAME (using a permanent marker on a label is a simple and effective way to do it). If a named item is handed in to the Student Reception it can easily be returned to its owner.
Aerosols - These can be dangerous and they can accidentally set off the smoke detectors, causing the fire brigade to be needlessly called out. Consequently we ask that you do not bring them into school.
Mobile Phones - If your parents want you to have a mobile phone with you for your safety on the way to and from school, then you must make sure it is turned off during lessons. If a mobile is seen or heard during lesson times it will be confiscated.
Confiscated Items - If you have something confiscated (e.g. a mobile phone or an MP3 player) you will be allowed to collect it at the end of the day from Student Reception. Any item confiscated more than once may have to be collected by a parent or carer.
Toilets - Look for these on your map. You should make sure that you go to the toilet before school, and at breaks and lunchtimes. You should not ask to go during lessons unless it is an emergency.
Drinking water - Students may have a bottle of water in the classroom. This may be filled from the school water fountains before the start of school, at break and at lunchtime.
Jewellery - the only jewellery allowed in school is one stud in each ear and a watch. Students will be asked to remove any other visible piercing or adornments. If you have to be asked a second time, the item will be confiscated.
Hairstyles - should be tidy with a sensible style, colour and length.
Footwear - should be black shoes. Trainers are not allowed. Brown shoes are not allowed. Boots are not allowed. In an emergency, just for the day, we can lend black pumps. After that, parents will be asked to take their child home and bring them back in correct uniform.
Caps, hooded sweatshirts - are not allowed inside school and will be confiscated, if worn.
Other Activities
There are lots of other things you can do at Macclesfield High School as well as your lessons.
Interested in Music? There is a wide variety of lessons and groups run so that you can have the chance to sing, or learn to play an instrument. The music department is open at lunchtime and after school.
Other activities include games club, climbing, drama, all the different areas of sport and computers.
More detailed information about all the activities you can try will be available in September.
School Holidays and Closures - September 2009 to July 2010
| Close after school on | Re-open on | |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Thursday 3rd September 2009 |
|
| Mid-Term | Friday 23rd October 2009 | Monday 2nd November 2009 |
| Christmas | Friday 18th December 2009 | Monday 4th January 2010 |
| Mid-Term | Friday 12th February 2010 | Monday 22nd February 2010 |
| Easter | Friday 26th March 2010 | Monday 12th April 2010 |
| May Day | Friday 30th April 2010 | Tuesday 4th May 2010 |
| Mid-Term | Friday 28th May 2010 | Monday 7th June 2010 |
| Summer | Friday 22nd July 2011 | |
| Please Note: The following are staff training days: 1st and 2nd September 2009, 2nd November, 19th July and 20th July 2010. | ||
School Holidays and Closures - September 2010 to July 2011
|
Close after school on |
Re-open on |
Autumn Term |
|
Thursday 2nd September 2010 |
Mid-Term |
Friday 22nd October 2010 |
Tuesday 2nd November 2010 |
Christmas |
Friday 17th December 2010 |
Thursday 6th January 2011 |
Mid-Term |
Friday 18th February 2011 |
Tuesday 1st March 2011 |
Easter |
Thursday 14th April 2011 |
Tuesday 3rd May 2011 |
Mid-Term |
Friday 27th May 2011 |
Monday 6th June 2011 |
Summer |
Friday 22nd July 2011 |
|
The following days are staff training days. 1st September 2010, 1st November 2010, 5th January 2011, 28th February 2011 and 15th April 2011. |
||