St. John Plessington High School
Wythenshawe

 

GOVERNORS

Chairman: Rev. F. RICE, S.T.L., Ph.L.

Clerk to the Governors: Rev. J. H. STRATTON, M.A., M.I.BioI.

Rev. G. DOWNING
H.CONCANNON, Esq,
Cllr. G. W. G. FItZSIMONS
Dr. J. M. WILSONE. R. HANLON, Esq.
Cllr. G. BERRY
Cllr. G. LEIGH
Cllr. T. FARRELL

 

PARENT-GOVERNORS

Mrs. C. HAUGHEY (20 Beech Avenue, M.22)
J. BRIGGS, Esq. (69 Holliney Road. M.22)L. KNOWLES, Esq. (179 Wythenshawe Road, M.23)
Mrs. J. STARR (379 Greenbrow Road, M.23)

T. C. FARRELL, Esq. (8 Goodridge Avenue, M.22)

 

Headmaster:

.J. MOONEY, Esq., BA.

 

Deputy Headmaster:
G. R. MATTHEWS, Esq., M.A. (Head of Upper School)Deputy Headmaster
D. HOWELLS, Esq., Dip.P.E., D.A.S.E. (Head of Lower School)

 

ST. JOHN PLESSINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL,
Stancliffe Road, Sharston Mount,
Manchester, M22 4PJ.

Tel: 061-428-3896 061-491-0367

 

LOWER SCHOOL,
Calve Croft Road, Peel Hall,
Manchester, M22 5FU.
Tel: 061-437-3697 061-437-3744

 

Registrar: Mrs. V. Warren

 

Upper School Office:
Mrs. D. M. Morgan
Mrs. J. Green

Hours:
Term — 8.00 am. to 4.30 p.m.
Holidays —8.00 am. to 12.00 noon
Caretaker: Mr. P. TiernanLower School Office:
Mrs. S. Cochrane
Mrs. J. Tunstall

Hours:
Term —8.45 am. to 4.30 p.m.
Holidays — Please contact Upper School
Caretaker: Mr. C. Mahon

 

Manchester Education Committee
Education offices
Crown Square
Manchester
M60 3BB
Tel: 061-228-2191

PAST AND PRESENT

St. John Plessington High School was formed by the amalgamation of St. Augustine’s Grammar School and All Hallows’ Secondary Modern School when Catholic Secondary Education in Manchester was reorganised in 1977. The school, therefore, is a split-site comprehensive. It is a voluntary-aided school established by the Diocese of Shrewsbury and maintained by the City of Manchester. St. John Plessington High School provides for the secondary education of Catholic boys aged 11 to 16 years resident in the Wythenshawe parishes of the Sacred Heart, St. Aidan’s, St. Anthony’s, St. Elizabeth’s, St. Hilda's, St. John’s and St. Peter’s.

 

In September, 1979, the Upper School (formerly St. Augustine’s) will accommodate 454 senior pupils in Years 4 and 5; the Lower School (formerly All Hallows') will house 522 boys in Years 1, 2 and 3. It is planned to accommodate Years 3, 4 and 5 on the Upper School site eventually and to admit 180 pupils, that is, six classes, into the Lower School annually.

 

Both the school buildings are modern in design and possess excellent facilities. In addition to specialist subject rooms and classrooms for general subject teaching, each site has its own Assembly Hall, Library, Dining Room and Kitchen, Gymnasium and Playing Fields. The Upper School is particularly fortunate in possessing its own Organ and a Chapel in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.

CURRICULUM

 

During their first year all pupils will follow a common curriculum comprising English. French, History. Geography, Religious Education, Mathematics, Science, Music, Practical and Creative subjects, Drama and Physical Education.

 

To enable each boy to work always at the level best suited to his personal strengths and weaknesses in academic subjects, pupils will be graded within the year group for literacy and also for numeracy.

 

The class in which a boy is taught will depend on his grading in those two areas of ability and consequently the composition of the pupil groups may vary according to the subject.

 

In the second year an additional language, Latin, and an alternative modern language, Italian, will be introduced into the curriculum. During the third year pupils will begin the study of the separate sciences — Physics, Chemistry and Biology — and there will be consultation between pupils, parents and staff to guide the boys in their choice of subjects for the fourth year.

 

The fourth and fifth year curriculum will have a common core of Mathematics, Religious Education, English, one Modern Language and Physical Education. To complete their course of studies, pupils will be able to choose from the following optional subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Science Studies, Human and Social Biology, Rural Studies, Environmental Studies, Computer Studies, History, Social Studies, Geography, Music, History and Appreciation of Music, Art. Classical Studies, Woodwork, Metalwork, Technical Drawing, Home Economics, Control Technology and Government, Economics and Commerce.

 

All pupils are considered to be candidates for future public examination in the General Certificate of Education at 'O' Level, the Joint 16+ examination or the Certificate of Secondary Education.

 

SUBJECT DEPARTMENTS, STAFF and FACILITIES

 

Mathematics Department

Mr.1. Provost, B.Ed. (Head of Department)
Mr. A. Mawdsley
Mr. D. Roberts, B.Sc.Mrs. C A. Harris, B.Sc.
Mr M. A. Rouse. B.Sc
Mr. K. Starkie. B.Sc.

 

During their first three years all pupils follow a common core syllabus in Arithmetic, Geometry and Algebra; in the fourth and fifth years the boys continue with a two-year course leading to a public examination suited to their individual ability and attainment. The courses offered are G.C.E. 0 Level (Mathematics and Additional Mathematics), Joint 16+, CS.E. Mode I Mathematics Alternative C and C.S.E. Mode 3 Arithmetic (A.L.S.E.B. restricted Grade).

 

It is the primary aim of the Mathematics Department to ensure that, by the time they leave school, all the pupils will have achieved an external certificate in numeracy.

In September, 1979, the Department is offering two courses in Computer Studies, one leading to the G.C.E. ‘O' Level and the other to the C.S.E.

 

Technology Department

Mr J. D. Smith. B.A., CEng., M.I.Mech.E, (Head of Department)
Mr. G. Taylor, CEng., M.I.Mech.Eng., M.I.Prod.Eng.
Mr. G. H. SeagerMr. N. T Wilkinson
Mr N. M. McQuaide
Mr A. Chytrin

 

The school has seven well-equipped workshops for Metalwork. Woodwork and allied crafts, as well as a Design Laboratory where Technical Drawing and Control Technology are taught.

 

The aim of the departmental syllabus for the first three years is to introduce pupils to a wide variety of materials, an understanding of workshop techniques and the elements of design. In Years Four and Five pupils are able to develop their interests in Metalwork. Woodwork, Technical Drawing and Control Technology to either C.S.E. or G.C.E. ‘O’ Level.

 

Science Department

 

Physics

Mr. R. G. ‘Beeley, B.Sc. (Head of Department)
Mr. N. T. Jackson. B. Tech.
Mr. M. Jones, B.Sc.

 

Chemistry

Mr R. W. Jackson, B. Sc. (Head of Department)
Dr. P. M. Griffin, B.Sc.

 

Biology

Mr. R. G. HalIs. B.Sc. (Head of Department)
Miss L. Dolata, B.Sc.
Mr. W. Firth

 

Environmental and Rural Studies — Mr. D. Barren

 

Technicians

Mr A. Wong, Mr. J. F Thorpe
Mrs. Y. M. Barrett, Mrs. A. Greenhaigh.

 

In the first two years pupils follow a course based on the Nuffield Combined Science Project or, alternatively, a new course, Insight into Science? In both courses there is a considerable number of individual practical experiments.

 

In the third year all the pupils study the separate sciences — Physics. Chemistry and Biology —to help them to make their choice of science subjects for the fourth year from experience of what is involved in each.

 

In the fourth and fifth years it is expected that all boys will study at Feast one of, the specialist science subjects, or follow an alternative course in Science Studies, Human and Social Biology, Rural Studies or Environmental Studies.

 

All the science courses lead to public examinations in G.C.E. ‘0’ Level, 16+ or C.S.E.

The Science Department has excellent facilities. In September, 1979, there will be three laboratories in the Lower School and four laboratories in the Upper School.

 

English Department

Mr. R. G. Scrowston, BA. (Head of Department)
Mrs. A Rzepa, B.A., T.E.F.L.
Mr K. Paisley, B.A.
Miss G. Weaver
Miss M. P. Shiner. B.A.
Mr J. D. Foley. B.A.
Mr. M. J. Murphy, B.A.

 

In the first two years pupils follow a syllabus in which emphasis on presentation (neat handwriting, correct spelling and punctuation, appropriate length) is balanced by encouragement both of an imaginative response to literature and of the pupils ability to comprehend and express the work of others in his own words.

 

Each class has a modern English course book, together with poetry books, class readers and dictionaries. In addition, each pupil has a reading tutor who directs his reading, one book each month, and checks his reading ability: this scheme is facilitated by the use of mobile libraries.

 

In the third year, top band pupils start a two-year preparation for English Literature 'O' Level, Syllabus A, while all other pupils begin a Mode 3 Literature course based on war, revolution and the alienated individual, a course which is integrated with the work of the History Department. In the summer term of the fourth year, top band pupils begin their English Language Continuous Assessment 'O' Level course which enables them to concentrate on writing in depth in their own time to the very best of their ability. All other pupils embark on a 16-F course at the same time, which also involves course work and offers the possibility of an 'O' Level grade. Every pupil, therefore, has the opportunity to leave school with two English qualifications.

 

Modern Languages Department

Mr. J. M. Rice, B.A. (Head of Department)
Mr. M. J. McKenna, B.A.
Mr. G. B. Dean. B.A.
Mr. N. Hillary, B.A.
Mr. I. Platt, B.A.
Mrs. J. J. Montgomerie. F.I.L.

 

The languages taught are French, Italian and Spanish. French is taught to all classes in the first year. In the second year Italian is offered as an alternative to French; in the third year Spanish is offered as an alternative to the other languages previously studied.

 

The courses offered include the J.M.B. 'O' Level, the 16+ and a C.S.E. Mode S course which concentrates on the History, Geography and daily life of the country whose language has been studied. In addition, each boy has the opportunity of gaining Certificates of Proficiency in whichever language he has studied.

 

These Certificates state the level of grade a boy has reached in a particular language. They are awarded from the first year onwards and the emphasis is on understanding and listening to the foreign language, as well as being able to take part in simple conversation. There will be a suite of classrooms in Lower School fully equipped for visual and aural aids ready for use in September, 1979.

 

Contact with the foreign country is maintained through visiting teachers from abroad who are with us for one year. They assist us by taking small groups of pupils for conversation. A school visit to one of the countries is arranged each year and we have begun an exchange scheme with schools in France, Italy and Spain, whereby individual pupils will be able to stay abroad with pupils of their own age and, in return, welcome their foreign friends to England.

 

History Department

Mr. P. Holland, BA. (Senior teacher and Head of Department)
Mr. M. Roddy, BA.

 

History is studied by all pupils in the first three years at the school. First Year pupils study the Anglo-Saxons and Normans; Second Year study the Reformation Century. and the Third Year study the Civil War Century. History is an optional subject for senior students in the Fourth and Fifth Years, and those who choose History study the Twentieth Century and World Affairs. All Fifth Year students are entered for public examinations, either G.C.E. or C.S.E.

 

The School is traditional in approach and concentrates on chronological treatment, but intersperses this with a programmed use of the Schools’ Council History Project, and each class undertakes a mini-project each year.

 

The aims of History te6thing are that History should be studied to provide historical knowledge as background for other subjects, for general interest and as preparation for public examinations. The basis of the subject is factual knowledge, but analysis and conceptual treatments are regarded as essential from the first year of study so that, for example, vocabulary is extended and new ideas encouraged.

 

Geography Department

Mr. N. L. Whyatt, B.Ed., B.A. (Senior Teacher and Head of Department)
Mr. D. A. Fearnley. B.A.
Mr. S. P. Caffrey. B.A.

 

The Department has specialist rooms in both Upper and Lower Schools. For the first three years every pupil studies Geography as part of a common core of subjects. At the end of the third year pupils may choose to study Geography for a further two years and follow courses leading to external examinations for G.C.E. 0’ Level, 16+ and C.S.E.

 

Physical Education Department

Mr. T. P. Jarvie . B.A. (Acting Head of Department)
Mr. P. Bracken. B.Ed.
Mr. M. T. Campbell . B.A.
Mr. D. Hewitt . B.A.
Mr. F. J. Smith . B.A.

 

In addition to the Gymnasium in each building, both the Upper and Lower School sites have other excellent facilities. At Lower School there are three tennis courts, one hockey (or five-a-side soccer) pitch, one rugby and two soccer pitches. During the summer term the grassed area is converted into a 400 metres athletics track and cricket wickets. At the Upper School there are one rugby and two soccer pitches and a hard-playing area. In addition, we shall have the use of four soccer and two rugby pitches on fields opposite the school, as well as five tennis courts and an all-weather area. The Department also uses the Wythenshawe Forum Sports Hall on one night a week for badminton and has two one-hour sessions per week in Sharston Swimming Baths.

 

Both gymnasia operate during the lunch-period and offer activities such as Table Tennis, Trampolining. Volley Ball, Badminton and weightlifting. During the summer months the Cricket nets are available for practice during the lunch break. After-school activities are confined mainly to team practices or matches. In winter the School organises ten Soccer sides, five Rugby sides, three Badminton teams, three Cross-country sides and five Basketball teams.

 

During the summer term the school fields five Athletics teams, five Cricket teams and two Tennis teams.

The curriculum offers teaching in all the above activities as well as in Gymnastics, Battington. Softball, Golf, Hockey and Lacrosse.

 

Drama Department

Head of Department

Miss C. M. Cracknell, A.D.B.(Ed.)

 

Drama was introduced as a formal subject at St. John Plessington when the school was established in September, 1977. It was started with the First Year pupils and is now taught in the Second Year also. It is envisaged that Drama will be a core subject, eventually, in the first three years, after which boys will have the option of undertaking a two-year course leading to either the G.C.E. O’ level or C.S.E. examination at the end of their fifth year.

 

It is only comparatively recently that Drama has come to be seen as a formal academic subject with a distinct and important role to play both within the classroom and in the wider context of school life. Drama requires the same high degree of application, imagination and self-discipline as other more formalised subjects.

 

Through dramatic activity the Department has an important role to play in complementing the work of other Departments, particularly in English, History, Religious Study and Physical Education.

 

There are excellent facilities in both schools and there is a well organised Drama Club for those who wish to extend their drama work after school. In addition to staging our own productions we feel it is important to increase the boys’ awareness of other kinds of Drama by regular performances from local theatre groups in the school, and by organised visits both to see productions and to take part in Drama Workshops in the area.

 

Religious Education Department
Mr. A Lohan, PhB., S.T.B., S.T.L. (Head of Department)
Mr. A. HenshalI

 

Religious Education can never be restricted only to the giving of information about the history, the writings and doctrines of the Catholic Church, though this is part of what is involved.

 

To have a general working knowledge of the major events of Salvation History, the developing Old Testament ideas of God, the events in the life of Jesus and the history of the Church is something offered to every pupil in accordance with his capabilities. However, in a Catholic school the subject is much more concerned with teaching pupils about life and helping them to grow into mature and responsible citizens by developing in them a personal relationship with Christ.

 

the syllabus in use at St. John Plessington High School is centered on Christ. In the first year three main themes are developed, namely, Waiting for Christ, Christ with us, and the Church of Christ.

 

The new life effected and nurtured by the, sacraments, those seven encounters with Christ, and the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, which are so characteristic of Christian living, comprise the second year programme. Building on the foundation laid in the Lower School, the third year pupil receives a detailed introduction to the Second Person of the Trinity, the teaching of Christ and the consequent Christian response. As far as possible, these themes are synchronized with the liturgical seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.

 

In the Fourth and Fifth Forms pupils are prepared for public examinations at C.S.E. and G.C.E. ‘0’ level. Both programmes consider the problems of Christian living in the context of Sacred Scripture and the moral teaching of the Catholic Church. In an age which, on a superficial level, is increasingly secular, the work of the Department is to keep the eyes and mind of the young open and to lead them to ask questions and supply for them a Catholic viewpoint on matters of lasting and fundamental importance to their later life.

 

Of course, the Religious Education Department is not solely responsible for the religious ethos of the school, and for its pupils’ religious development. These, are the province of everyone in and connected with the school.

 

Prominent among the latter are the two Chaplains, Father J. Matthews, Sacred Heart Presbytery, and Father P. Sharrocks, St. Anthony’s Presbytery. They enable the School community to celebrate with solemn Mass the important festivals which occur during the school year. On one day each week, during the lunch break, staff and pupils of both Upper and Lower Schools have the opportunity to take part in Holy Mass.

 

In addition, Masses are arranged on a regular basis once a term for each class. The Upper School is fortunate in having the permanent reservation of the Blessed Sacrament and a fully-equipped Chapel. There is also a weekly opportunity to receive the sacrament of Penance on the school premises, and both Chaplains arrange regular interviews with pupils.

 

The school as a whole meets together every morning for a religious Assembly.

 

The Religious Education Department, then, attempts to co-ordinate the Schools efforts to attain one of its main aims, namely, to develop all the pupils religiously in accordance with their capabilities, so that they arrive at a deeper knowledge, love and service of God and their fellow men.

 

Economics

Mr W. G. Manning, B.A.

 

Economics is a two-year course for which pupils can opt in their fourth year, leading to a G.C.E. ‘0’ level or a CS.E. examination. Both courses are broadly similar in content. Topics covered include the basic economic problem of supply and demand, the functions of money, banking services, the structure of industry, types of business organisation, industrial relations, inflation and policies to combat it, unemployment, government services, taxation, types of economic system, international trade and the balance of payments.

 

Economics is not simply a factual subject. Pupils are also required to interpret simple statistical and diagrammatic information and to follow through a line of thought with logical and well-informed opinion.

 

Music Department

Mr. A. P. Jessett. G.N.S.M. (Director)
Mr. D. L. N. Collins

 

Music is studied throughout the school. In the First, Second and Third Years students are taught the rudiments of Music leading to an examination (optional) at Grade 5 set by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music,, a necessary qualification for instrumentalists wishing to proceed with Grade 6, 7 and 8 practical examinations.

 

Practical work in class usually involves recorder playing. This is regarded as an essential part of the course and leads to membership of the Recorder Ensembles for those who are sufficiently proficient. Singing and Appreciation are also part of the course in Years 1, 2 and 3.

 

In the Fourth and Fifth Years examination courses exist at ~O’ Level, both in Music and in the History and Appreciation of Music, and at C.S.E. level, both for the serious-minded student and for those whose interest is purely for relaxation.

 

The Department provides the following after-school activities -

Festival Choir (admission by audition)
School Choir (open to all pupils)
Wind Band
Orchestra
Recorder Ensembles (Senior and Junior)
Various Instrumental Ensembles.

All the above activities are an essential part of the instrumental teaching programme provided by seven tutors who visit the school weekly, and boys receiving tuition are expected to involve themselves in the activities of the Music Department.

 

Art Department

Mr A. A. Addis. A.T.D. (Head of Department)
Mr J. A. Dever. BA.
Mr. J. Burke. B.A.

 

The Department has three full-time staff and a suite of specialist rooms with facilities for pottery including a stoneware kiln, a resources area for visual displays, a complete photographic dark room with all necessary equipment and a large general purpose Art Room. All pupils take Art for the first three years and then have the option of the subject in the fourth year where two courses are followed, to G.C.E. '0' Level or 16+.

 

The general aims of the Department are to develop the enthusiasm and interest of the pupils in as wide a variety of artistic experiences and media as possible, developing both craftsmanship and aesthetic awareness. The first year course is kept as broad as possible with an introduction to all the facilities and aspects of the Department which are developed in the succeeding years. Simultaneously the practical course has a regular series of theoretical lessons on Art History and Design, as the Department is conscious of the fact that the pupil’s total awareness lies not only in his practical artistic skills but in an increased awareness of his normal environment.

 

Classics Department

Mr. B. Thorpe, BA. (Head of Department)
Mr. J. V. Hall, MA., M.A.(Theol)

 

Latin is offered to boys of linguistic ability in Form Two: it is a reading course only, that is, the pupil is not required to translate into Latin. The course is designed to be worthwhile for those who do not choose to take it beyond the third year, and at the same time it is a preparation for reading Latin Literature prescribed for public examinations.

 

Considerable stress is laid upon the Roman way of life and its relevance to the modern world.

 

The Department also offers a course in Classical Civilization, at present jn the fourth and fifth years, in which no knowledge of Latin or Greek is required. Such topics as the rise of democracy, the origins of the theater and the legacy of the Roman Empire feature in this course.

 

Remedial Department
Mr. A. Dolan. B.Ed, M.A. (Head of Department)
Mrs. P. A. Beckett

 

The work of this department is mainly concerned with helping boys to reach an acceptable standard of literacy and numeracy, to enable them to deal effectively with everyday life and work, and also to participate more fully in other school subjects. Extra help is given mainly with English and Mathematics, but it is available in other subjects if necessary.

Groups are kept small so that each boy has as much individual attention as possible.

 

Home Economics Department

Mrs. J. W. Flanagan (Head of Department)
Mrs. S. M. Wilkinson

 

The Home Economics Department has a well-equipped base in the Lower School. In the first three years it is a core subject and in the fourth and fifth years it is an optional course leading to public examinational C.S.E. Level. The syllabus comprises the following topics:

(a) Homes and homemaking, including ergonomics.

(b) Nutrition, including the chemical nature, manufacture, processing and preservation of food.

(c) Textile care; the structure and properties of fibres and fabrics.

(d) Health and safety; personal and food hygiene.

(e) Consumer needs, including current legislation.

 

The course is intended not only to prepare pupils for careers, but also to assist the development of boys a responsible individuals who will contribute positively to society and family. life.

Careers Department

Mr. J A. Mulligan

 

The Careers Department has both a teaching and an advisory function. The concept of careers education includes not only the direct preparation of the pupil for an individual occupation. but also the wider involvement in living successfully in the community.

 

First contacts are made in the third year, when pupils receive information and guidance on their important option choices. Fourth Year pupils have regular time-tabled lessons commencing with exercises on self-analysis to assist awareness of physical, mental and emotional capabilities.

 

The course continues with aspects of the world of work and exercises designed both to determine areas of work interest and to demonstrate to the pupil his own, perhaps latent, talents and desires. The year’s programme also includes work related to social skills, for example, letter writing, application forms and interview techniques.

 

All Fifth Form pupils have individual interviews with the Careers Teacher in the School. with the aim of finalising occupation choice.

A comprehensive reference section is available to the pupils who require specific information. Fifth Year pupils also have the opportunity of an interview with the local Careers Officer who visits the school weekly. He has up-to-date information on a wide variety of available jobs and suitable courses of further education. Parents are invited to be present at these interviews. Outside contacts are fostered by visits to local firms, the Armed Forces, Sixth Form Colleges and local Colleges of Further Education. Visits to the School are made by a variety of expert speakers. It is hoped that the work experience scheme, whereby pupils sample a job for a week or two, will expand to provide more pupils with this valuable experience.

 

The Careers programme encourages pupils to strive for the best results commensurate with their abilities and ambitions so that all will achieve their rightful place in society.

 

THE SCHOOL DAY

 

08.30-09.05Movement to class

12.05-13.10Dinner

09.10-09.15Prayers and Registration13.10Movement to class09.15-09.50Period 113.15-13.20Prayers and Registration09.50-10.25Period 213.20-13.55Period 510.25-10.35Break13.55-14.30Period 610.35Movement to Assembly Hall14.30-14.40Break10.40-10.55Assembly14.40Movement to class10.55-11.30Period 314.45-15.20Period 711.30-12.05Period 415.20-16.00Period 8

 

EQUIPMENT

Books and stationery should be carried in a schoolbag, briefcase, or similar holdall; they should not be exposed to the weather or carried in the same bag as football boots.

Please make sure your son is equipped with a fountain pen in time for the start of the new term; it is advisable not to buy an expensive fountain pen because there is always the danger of damage or loss. A pencil and ruler will also be required.

HOMEWORK

On the first day of term, your son will bring you his homework timetable. Although the amount of homework set will vary according to the capability of the pupils. Most boys in Form 1 receive enough work for one hour and a half each evening. Homework is never cancelled during term. Boys should always take home the books required for each evening’s subjects; they should not go to or from school empty-handed.

 

SCHOOL EXAMINATlONS AND REPORTS

Formal internal examinations are held twice in the school year, in January and in June. A report on each pupils attainment in all subjects in the examinations is sent in the following month to his parents for information.

In the course of the year you will also be invited with the parents of other First Year boys to a Parents Evening when you will be able to meet all the staff who teach your son and hear personal reports on your son’s progress.

Any correspondence about your sons academic progress should be addressed not to the member of staff who teaches him, but to the Head of Lower School.

LIAISON BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL

You are welcome to make an appointment to see Miss C. M. Cracknell (the First Year Tutor), or the Head of Lower School, or the Headmaster at any time to discuss any matter concerning your son; this may be arranged either by telephone or by letter. In case of emergency a senior member of staff will always find time to speak to a parent either by telephone or personally, if they visit school.

ABSENCES

Whenever your son is absent from school, please send an explanation in writing. After an absence of one or two days your son, on his return, should bring a letter addressed to his Form Teacher. If he is absent for more than two days, please write and tell the Head of Lower School.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

The School is a member of the National Trust, and from time to time small parties of interested boys visit the Trust’s properties. The Classics Department has often arranged educational visits, for weekends or longer, to such places as Roman Bath, the Roman Wall and many places of earlier or later date than the Romans.

Membership of the Youth Hostels Association is encouraged and hiking holidays are arranged in Scotland, the Lake District and elsewhere. Often Youth Hostels are used for the educational trips mentioned above. Regular holidays abroad have also been organised for ski-ing and sight-seeing. Theatre visits are organised by the English and Drama Departments as part of their literature courses.

MEDICAL WELFARE

The School Health Service visits the school periodically for medical inspections. There are also two members of staff who are qualified in First Aid and who are experienced in dealing with all the kinds of illness and injury to which schoolboys are liable. In this respect parents can help us to help them by completing the Emergency Form which tells us where a boy’s parents can be contacted in the event of illness or accident.

Further, if your son suffers from any physical disability requiring special provision, such as a special position in the classroom, or if he labours under any handicap about which you want us to know, please write to the Head of Lower School. giving details, or telephone for an appointment to discuss the matter with him in confidence.

EDUCATION WELFARE OFFICER

The school’s Education Welfare Officer is Mr. A. Atherton who is based at the MEG. Welfare Office, Hale Top House. The Birtles; Civic Centre, Wythenshawe (telephone 499 1451/2/3). He is always prepared to visit parents at home and to advise them in confidence about any welfare problems on which they require information and guidance. Please telephone or write to him to make an appointment.

UNIFORM

Boys should be dressed in the school uniform for all formal school occasions.

Indoor wear:Outdoor wear:P.E. KitSchool blazer with Crest
School Tie, V Neck Pullover 
White shirtGrey\White Socks
Black trousers
Suitable Black ShoesNavy blue parka or
Navy blue raincoatP.E. vest,
White shorts
Football SocksReversible Rugby\Football jersey and boots
White plimsolls

Our suppliers of school uniform are — Henry Barrie, St. Ann’s Square, Manchester, and A. Cuppello, 1152 Rochdale Road, Higher Blackley, Manchester, both of whom come to the school to measure and fit pupils. An additional supplier is Wellworth Limited, Civic Centre, Wythenshawe. For information on grants for secondary school clothing please contact the MEG. Welfare Office; as above.

MEALS IN SCHOOL

Upper School Kitchen Supervisor: Mrs. H. Murphy
Lower School Kitchen Supervisor: Mrs. I. Wright

On every school day a cooked meal is served to boys in the School Dining Halls at a cost of 30 pence per day. Boys are required to bring £1.50p. every Monday for the weeks meals in advance. Boys who are absent on Monday should pay for the remaining days of the week as soon as they return. Please return the enclosed form stating whether you wish your son to stay for the meal or not. This arrangement can only be altered in writing, giving two weeks’ notice. Application for free meals should be made to the M.E.C. Welfare Office. (telephone 499 1451/2/3).

Sandwiches must be eaten in the Dining Hall and pupils who bring packed lunches are provided with water, a glass, a plate and a knife.

 

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

All pupils who live 3 miles or more from the school are eligible to apply for a free travel pass. An application form for this pass may be obtained from the School and returned there for transmission to the M.E.C.

By arrangement with G.M.T., the following school bus services are provided to transport pupils to and from the Lower School in the mornings and evenings:

Bus No. 711 —8.35 am, from Baguley, Butcher Lane/Altrincham Road
4.05 p.m. return route from Lower SchoolBus No. 767 —8.42 a.m. from Baguley, Hall Lane/Altrincham Road
4.05p.m. return route from Lower School.

The following public service buses also serve the school — 100, 101, 103, 106.

DISCIPLINE

All pupils are expected to maintain a high standard of schoolwork and of conduct towards staff, other boys and members of the public. Misconduct and unsatisfactory work need to be corrected. There is a detention session for half-an-hour after school; detention will always be deferred on request. For serious incidents corporal punishment may be used.

SCHOOL CALENDAR 1979-80

School re-opensTuesday, 4th September, 1979Autumn mid-termFrom after school on Friday, 26th October, 1979 Re-open Monday. 5th November, 1979ChristmasFrom after school on Friday, 21st December, 1979
Re-open Monday, 7th January, 1980Spring mid-termFrom after school on Friday, 16th February. 1980
Re-open Monday, 25th February. 1980EasterFrom after school on Friday, 28th March, 1980
Re-open Monday, 14th April, 1980Summer mid-termFrom after school on Friday, 23rd May, 1 980
Re-open Monday, 2nd June, 1980MidsummerFrom after school on Friday, 18th July, 1980
Re-open Tuesday, 2nd September, 1980Autumn mid-termFrom after school on Friday, 24th October, 1980
Re-open Monday, 3rd November,1980ChristmasFrom after school on Friday, 19th December, 1980