The school day

Our school day is split as follows:

Attendances and absences

There is a legal requirement that each child must attend school until the leaving date appropriate to his/her sixteenth birthday. Responsibility for this lies with the parent (or guardian).
Where a pupil opts to return to school beyond this age, regular attendance is required at all classes taken

Procedures regarding Absences (a) The school has a dedicated absence telephone line – the telephone number for this is 0845 227 0336. If your child is going to be absent from school you are requested to dial the above number and leave the following information:
The Pupil’s name – Class – Reason for absence – When you expect them to return to school.
NB Please do not phone the normal school telephone number.
You are requested to telephone this number again should the absence extend beyond your original expectations or if the pupil is returning to school earlier than expected. Parents/carers must still send an absence note indicating the dates of the absence and reason for it, with their daughter/son on their return to school. Where a pupil is absent from school and a message has not been left on the absence line, parents/carers will be texted/voice mailed on the first day of absence. In cases of long absence, the appropriate Principal Teacher (Pupil Support) should be contacted so that arrangements can be made for school work to be sent home.

(b) Permission to be absent from school. Requests should be made in writing and passed to the appropriate Depute Rector.

(c) Permission to leave school during schoolhours (e.g. dental, or medical appointments).
Wherever possible, such appointments should take place outside school hours. However, where necessary, the school will release pupils on production of a valid appointment card, which must be shown to the Tutor and School Office during registration. Pupils should report to the School Office on returning to school and inform Tutors of likely absences.

(d) Action regarding unsatisfactory attendance.
Parents / Guardians are responsible for ensuring that children attend school regularly and punctually. Where attendance is unsatisfactory, the Attendance and Liaison Officer will visit the home and discuss the problem.

School rules

School Rules must be reasonable, enforceable and justifiable. The reasoning behind them must be easily understood by pupils.
Our rules are straightforward and based on common sense, courtesy, personal safety and protection of property.
General
1. Pupils are expected to be regular and punctual in their attendance both for school and for classes.
2. Each absence must be explained by a signed note from you.
3. Pupils are expected to be dressed for school in accordance with established guidelines.
4. Pupils must come properly equipped (for all classes i.e. with pen, pencil, eraser, school bag and all necessary books   and equipment.
5. Pupils are forbidden to leave the school grounds during the morning or afternoon sessions without permission.
Behaviour
6. Pupils when travelling to and from school, must not behave in such a way as to bring the school into disrepute.
7. Smoking and gambling are not permitted, in or near the school.
8. Bullying, fighting and other forms of antisocial behaviour such as spitting, etc, will not be tolerated.
Movement around the School
9. Pupils must walk quietly on the left along corridors and on stairways.
10. Pupils must not loiter in corridors, stairways, toilets cloakrooms and other prohibited areas at any time.
11. Eating crisps, sweets etc, on the way to and from class or in class is not permitted.
Care of Property
a. Personal
12. School bags and valuables must not be left unattended except in lockers. All pupils must accept full responsibility for the security of personal property and make sure that all books and equipment in their possession are properly cared for.
b. School
13. Pupils must not tamper with, or damage, fitments in classrooms, corridors, cloakrooms or toilets.
14. All litter must be placed in the litter bins.
15. Graffiti on books or walls will not be tolerated.

Annan Academy Handbook Final 2023-24