St Joseph's Academy – East Ayrshire

Fidelis Justus Prudens

December 23, 2023
by Mr Kane
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S4/5 into S5/6 Personalisation and Choice

Dear S4/5 Pupils and Parents/Carers,

Our S4/5 into S5/6 Information Evening will take place on Tuesday 9th January at 6.30pm. The content shared below is designed to support further discussion at home.

Interviews for S4/5 pupils will begin shortly after the Information Evening.

Your Pastoral Care teacher will notify you of your interview date and time during the week beginning Monday 8th January.

Please note, some of the above videos were recorded in earlier sessions, but the advice and guidance is still relevant. The booklet and School Presentations are updated annually.

Kind Regards

December 23, 2023
by Mr Kane
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S3 into S4 Personalisation and Choice

Dear S3 Pupils and Parents/Carers,

Please use the undernoted to further support your son/daughter following our Personalisation and Choice event on the evening of Thursday 11th January at 6.30pm.

  • S3 Option Choice Presentation  – Click Here
  • S3 Option Choice Booklet (contains option form and important guidance) – Click Here
  • S3 Option Choice video – Click Here
  • Careers Adviser video led by Kate Faulds (SDS) – Click Here
  • Careers Adviser Contact Details to arrange discussion with parents/carers – Click Here
  • Ayrshire College video led by Ashleigh Brown (Ayrshire College) **Turn Volume Up** – Click Here 
  • Scottish Credits and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) PowerPoint Presentation SCQF Information for Parents-Carers 

Interviews with Pastoral Care teachers will begin as soon as possible following the information evening.

Please note, some of the above videos were recorded in earlier sessions, but the advice and guidance is still relevant. The booklet and School Presentations are updated annually.

Kind Regards

December 20, 2023
by Mr Kane
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S2 into S3 Personalisation and Choice Materials

Dear S2 pupils,

At this time of year we begin to plan for next session and make decisions about our S3 Pathways. The Information Evening for your year group will take place on Tuesday 16th January, with staff stalls accessible from around 5.10pm and presentations starting at 6.30pm. Parents/Carers and Pupils are encouraged to use the opportunity to discuss specific subjects with staff from 5.10pm where possible.

The files shared below are designed to support further discussion at home before your options interview.

Your Pastoral Care teacher will notify you of your interview date and time in early January.

Please note, some of the above videos were recorded in earlier sessions, but the advice and guidance is still relevant. The booklet and School Presentations are updated annually.

Kind Regards

November 28, 2023
by Mrs SHEARER
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Option Choices Webinar

Option Choices webinar for parents and carers of S2 and S3 pupils, Thursday 7 December 6.30pm

 

Skills Development Scotland careers advisers are hosting a webinar for parents and carers of S2 and S3 pupils on 7 Dec at 6:30pm to discuss option choices and the support and resources available from Skills Development Scotland to support both young people and parents and carers at this time.

 

Parents and carers can register for our session here: https://option-choices-webinar.eventbrite.co.uk

November 6, 2023
by A QUIGLEY
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Prelim Exams 2023

Dear Parents & carers,

Our prelim diet takes place in November/ December this year.

Please find a copy of our prelim timetable here, with some important information about prelim exams on the last page. Please take time to read the important info below.

A copy was also emailed to pupils.

Prelim TT Final

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CANDIDATES TAKING PRELIM EXAMINATIONS
Full school uniform must be worn to all exams and when S4-6 pupils attend school at any time during the prelim diet. Outdoor jackets and any non-uniform
items must be removed in the exam hall, as they would be in class.
There is no Study Leave for prelim exams. All candidates should attend classes as usual unless they have a scheduled exam.
Candidates should ensure they know the location of each exam in advance and must check the seating lists in ‘The Street’ area from 8:40am to ensure they
know their seat number.
Candidates entitled to alternative assessment arrangements i.e. use of ICT or extra time will have alternative accommodation. These candidates should ensure
they know their individual arrangements in advance of each exam. Please see Mrs Hoy if you are unsure.
Candidates should arrive at least ten minutes before each exam to ensure they are seated and the assessment can begin promptly.
Candidates are responsible for bringing all necessary equipment such as pens, pencils and calculators. Paper will be provided.
Exam papers and candidate answers must be left in the exam hall and cannot be removed.
School transport will continue as normal during the prelim diet, as will canteen service. Pupils may need to take an earlier or later lunch depending on exam
times and should ensure they plan ahead for this.
If a candidate is unable to attend a scheduled exam due to serious illness or an emergency, parents/ carers should contact the school office on 01563 526 144
as soon as possible and leave a message stating the pupil name, year group, scheduled exam and reason for absence. Prelim exams cannot be rescheduled/
resat unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Exam locations:
Games Hall – the large gym hall, access at the Drama Studio, Fitness Suite and the Assembly Hall
Small Gym – the smaller gym next to the primary gym, access via corridor at PE
Support for Learning – if you are sitting an exam in an alternative location because you receive additional arrangements, report to Mrs Hoy before the exam
begins, across from the school library, if you are unsure where to go.

Kind Regards,

 

Miss Quigley

August 2, 2023
by A QUIGLEY
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SQA Results Day 8th August 2023

Dear Parents & Carers,

I hope you are enjoying the summer break. Please find an email below shared with all pupils who worked towards SQA Qualifications this year.

If your  child needs any support with their SQA results, including requesting an appeal or an options change, pleas find links to the forms they require below. The forms open to pupils at 6am on Tuesday 8th August 2023.

 

Dear Senior phase pupils,
You will receive your SQA Certificate to your home address on Tuesday 8th August. Please do not panic if your mail comes later than normal as it is a very busy day for Royal Mail. If you signed up for electronic results on MySQA, you will receive your grades by text or email.
The certificate you receive will detail all SQA awards you have gained, including qualifications without an exam i.e. N4s, NPAs and individual unit awards.
Appeals
 
If the result you receive is unexpected or you believe it could be wrong, you have the right to appeal that grade. Only you can request an appeal, not your parents or carers. Appealing a grade is free of charge.
In 2023, Appeals will involve an SQA Marker re-marking the exam paper you sat during the exam diet. There are some very important things you must be aware of if you appeal.
 
  • The school does not send any alternative evidence to SQA for Appeals. This means that if you received a higher grade in your prelim, it does not help your appeal.
  • The estimated grade your teacher provided, and may have discussed with you, has no bearing on your ability to appeal a grade
  • If you require an appeal for university entry this September, this will be dealt with as matter of priority by SQA
  • If you appeal, your grade could go up or go down or stay the same
If you wish to appeal one or more grades, please use the form below. Please do not contact your pastoral care teacher, class teacher or office staff and only use the form below to request an appeal. The form opens at 6am on Tuesday 8th August.
If you request an appeal using this form, Miss Quigley will contact you by telephone or meet with you in person to discuss when you return to school.
Options Changes
 
Following your results, a small number of you may need to make changes to your S5 or S6 options. This may be due to performing better than expected in a subject, needing to resit a subject or requiring an improved grade for university. Please note that some subject change requests may not be possible if the timetable columns do not allow it, or a subject is full.
 
If you need to request an options change based on SQA Results, please use the form below.  Alternatively, you can come in to school on Friday 18th August to speak to me in person. Please do not contact your pastoral care teacher, class teacher or office staff and only use the form below or see me in person to request a change. The form opens at 6am on Tuesday 8th August.
 
Please ensure you complete the form or come and see me in person to change an option. This will allow you to return to school on Monday 21st August 2023 with a full and correct timetable. This will also minimise any disruption to learning when we return to school.
Kind Regards,

Miss Quigley 

June 22, 2023
by A QUIGLEY
0 comments

SQA Results Day and Appeals

Dear Parents & Carers,

Please find important information regarding SQA Results & Appeals below. This has been shared with all pupils who worked towards SQA Qualifications this session in an email.

SQA Results Day
You will receive your SQA Certificate to your home address on Tuesday 8th August. You must let us know urgently if you have moved house and not updated your address with the school. 
Given that every candidate across the country is receiving certificates on this date, Royal Mail staff will be very busy. I would recommend you sign up for text and/or email alerts at MySQA here.
The certificate you receive will detail all SQA awards you have gained, including qualifications without an exam i.e. N4 or NPAs and individual unit awards.
Appeals
 
If the result you receive is unexpected or you believe it could be wrong, you have the right to appeal that grade. Only you can request an appeal, not your parents or carers. Appealing a grade is free of charge.
In 2023, Appeals will involve an SQA Marker re-marking the exam paper you sat during the exam diet. There are some very important things you must be aware of if you appeal.
 
  • The school does not send any alternative evidence to SQA for Appeals. This means that if you received a higher grade in your prelim, it does not affect your appeal. 
  • The estimated grade your teacher provided and may have discussed with you, has no bearing on your ability to appeal a grade
  • If you require an appeal for university entry, this will be dealt with as matter of priority
  • If you appeal, your grade could go up or go down or stay the same
I will issue a Microsoft form to pupils by email on Monday 7th August for you to register any appeals.
Please only use the form I email you to request an appeal and do not contact your class teacher, pastoral care teacher or any other school staff member directly regarding Appeals. The school will still be closed for Summer Holidays, and they will be unlikely to respond. 
Important Dates for appeals:
Deadline to submit Appeals – 15th August (priority) and 29th August (non priority)
SQA issues Appeals results – October 2023
Replacement certificates issued by SQA – mod November 2023
Options Changes
 
Following your results, a small number of you may need to make changes to your S5 or S6 options. This may be due to performing better than expected in a subject, needing to resit a subject or requiring an improved grade for university. Please note that some subject change requests may not be possible if the timetable columns do not allow it, or a subject is full.
I will issue a Microsoft form on Monday 7th August for you to request an options change if the above applies. Alternatively, you can come into the school on Thursday 17th August after 1pm if you wish to discuss an Options change with me directly.
Please ensure you complete the form or come and see me in person to change an option. This will allow you to return to school on Monday 21st August 2023 with a full and correct timetable. This will also minimise any disruption to learning when we return to school.
If you have any questions about the above, please reply to this email or speak to me in person before we finish on Friday 30th June. I am always in ‘the street’ at Senior Phase lunch to discuss any SQA Matters 🙂
Miss Quigley

April 27, 2023
by A QUIGLEY
0 comments

Cost of Living Support, Free School Meals and Clothing Grant

Dear Parents & Carers,

 

Please find important information below from Kimberley Cameron, our Financial Inclusion Officer. Kimberley can be contacted confidentially via telephone or email, details below.

Kimberley Cameron

Tel: 07407112089

Email: kimberley.cameron@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

 

Clothing Grant application deadline

Low-income families, including those in work, can get free school meals, milk and a school clothing grant to help towards buying school clothes for their children when receiving certain qualifying benefits (or meet an Immigration and Asylum criteria)

Clothing Grant

Clothing Grant applications for the current academic year 2022/23 need to be made by Friday 28th April 2023.

The applications for the next academic year 2023/24 will open on Monday 1st May 2023; the processing of these applications will not start until June.

Free School Meals

If your child qualifies for free school meals then they would be entitled to receive a two course meal worth £2.15 per day.

For the current year 2022/23 you can make an application up until the end of this term.

The applications for the next academic year 2023/24 will open on Monday1st May 2023. You need to apply each year, as the award is not continuous.

Check if you qualify and to apply online–

Clothing grants and free school meals · East Ayrshire Council (east-ayrshire.gov.uk)

Cost of Living – Extra Payments Available 

Including those in work, on a low income and entitled to certain benefits or tax credits

You may be entitled to up to 3 Cost of Living Payments of £301, £300 and £299, if you get any of the following benefits or tax credits on certain dates:

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit

 

The £301 paid

Between 25 April 2023 and 17 May 2023 for most people on DWP benefits

Between 2 and 9 May 2023 for most people on tax credits and no other low income benefits

Then following that-

£300 paid during autumn 2023 for most people

£299 paid during spring 2024 for most people

 

For further information visit:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment#low-income-benefits-and-tax-credits-cost-of-living-payment

 

 

April 19, 2023
by A QUIGLEY
0 comments

SQA Exams 2023 and Study Leave

Dear Parents & Carers,
Please find important information below regarding SQA Exams that has been shared with S4-6 pupils via email. I have attached the Exam timetable and our revision programme below for your information.
If you have any queries about SQA Exams that are not answered below, please feel free to contact me via the school site here.
Kind Regards,
Angela Quigley (SQA Coordinator)
SQA Exams
SQA Exams begin on Monday 24th April. You will find our school exam timetable attached to this email. It is up to you to know the dates and times of your own exams, and turn up in plenty of time.
If you get additional exam arrangements, such as extra time, Mrs Hoy will issue you with a personalised timetable. Please see Mrs Hoy before Friday 21st April if you have not received this.
You must ensure you are at the exam location ten minutes before the exam start time. Seat numbers will be posted on the board in the street.
You must wear full school uniform to all SQA Exams.
There are no resits for SQA Exams. If you are unable to attend an SQA Exam due to an emergency, you or your parent & carer must make contact with the school (Miss Quigley) as early as possible.
Exams ending after school closure times and/ or on Bank Holidays
Important notice for pupils sitting Advanced Higher Biology, National 5 Spanish, Higher German, Advanced Higher English and National 5 Chemistry
You will notice on the Exam timetable that these exams end after the normal school closure time. Due to this, school transport will not be available.
Pupils affected should make alternative arrangements to travel home after these exams. Pupils should have NEC cards in order to access public buses free of charge.
Important notice for pupils sitting National 5 Art, Higher Art, National 5 Drama or Higher Drama 
You will notice on the Exam timetable that these exams take place on public holidays. Due to this, school transport and catering will not be available.
Pupils should make alternative arrangements to travel to and from school for these exams, such as using their NEC cards on public buses. A packed lunch is available for pupils on these days who are entitled to a free school lunch. Please make contact with us via the school website if you would like this to be arranged.
Study Leave and Revision Support
During Study Leave, we would recommend that you continue to attend school to study and seek support from your teachers. There is a programme of Revision Classes in place, please find details attached. You should attend the revision classes for all subjects you will sit an exam in. 
School buses and catering operate as normal during Study Leave. Break is at 10:30am and lunch is 13:15-14:00. You are free to leave school when an exam finishes.
If attending school during Study Leave for any reason, you must wear full school uniform.
You should return to school as normal on Monday 5th June and follow your new timetable for S5 or S6. You will be issued with your new timetable when you return to school.
National 3 & 4 Qualifications and Qualifications without exams
If you are working towards these qualifications and have not completed all units and coursework by Friday 21/4/23, you will need to attend school during study leave to complete these. Please speak to your class teacher to arrange this, otherwise the school will make contact with your parents & carers to get you in.
Leaving School
If you are leaving school, you must complete a Leavers Form (available from the School Office). You can do this after your last exam, or from Friday 21/4/23 if you do not have any exams.
I will share the information above with your parents & carers.
Please email me directly if you have any questions about SQA Exams or Study Leave.
Kind Regards,

Miss Quigley

March 30, 2023
by A QUIGLEY
0 comments

Introducing our New Financial Inclusion Assistant, Kimberley Cameron

St Joseph’s Academy and the associated Primary Schools and Early Childhood Centres now have the services of a Financial Inclusion Assistant, Kimberley Cameron from East Ayrshire Council. Kimberley is offering free confidential advice to all families and pupils

 

Kimberley can provide advice regarding-

  • Free School Meals/Clothing Grants
  • Education Maintenance Allowance
  • Best Start Grants
  • Scottish Child Payment
  • Wider benefit entitlement in general
  • Support and representation to challenge benefit decisions
  • Support with Debts.

 

Kimberley can check your entitlement with you and support you to make claims or check on claims that you may be having problems with. Kimberley can also support you to access help with multiple debts or advice on fuel provision and energy savings.

The short video below provides more information on the support Kimberley can offer.

https://biteable.com/watch/3776939/ea1c390ecb0cad50e67abbe704a797e3

 

This service is confidential and you can contact Kimberley directly by calling 07407112089

or emailing kimberley.cameron@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

 

 

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