Every effort is made to ensure that every student with a disability has the opportunity to be fully integrated and to participate in the life of the school.

The school has ramped entrances to accommodate wheelchairs. Where studentsls are unable to access upper storeys arrangements are made for ground floor lessons or work in the Special Needs area. Stairways and steps are clearly marked to assist visually impaired pupils. Specially built toilets for the disabled are located on both sites.

The S.E.N. team and two members of the medical staff are able to use basic B.S.L. signing for hearing impaired students. Where applicable additional support is provided for students with disabilities.

The school has a medical room under the supervision of Mrs L. Wicks as Head of Pastoral Services, the daily administration of which is carried out by the Medical Assistants Mrs C. Jones, Mrs L. Sherrif and Mrs M. Scoffin, who all hold First Aid at Work certificates. Medical inspections and inoculations are organised by the Health Clinic at Clacton and the Essex Health Authority. In cases of emergency the Headteacher or his representatives will endeavour to get in touch with the parents concerned, but if this is not possible the school will act on the advice of the medical officer consulted. The school will hold and administer medicines to children at the request of parents but reserves the right to decline to do so.

Careers

All students are offered interviews during Year 11 and advised about career paths, Sixth Form courses and further education. Parents may attend if they choose to:

This is supplemented by input from the Connexions Services and other outside speakers. The School participates in Project Trident which offers work experience at the beginning of Year 11 and for Vocational Sixth Form students who choose it.

Gifted Children

Gifted children are identified through extensive contact with primary schools and by observation and testing during their time at Colbayns. It has always been part of the Colbayn’s philosophy to run a programme of extensive activity for gifted children. Part of this provision is available to children from our contributory primary schools. This is seen as an important area of development over the next few years.

Homework and the Planner

Homework reinforces what is done in class and extends learning. Students should expect to work every night: regular routines are a key here. Thorough learning of material covered in lessons is vital: committing things to memory is still an important skill and a key to achievement. Wherever possible somewhere quiet to study will help. Homework might consist of mathematics, reading, exercises, learning French or German vocabulary, writing up class notes or producing essays and projects. Do not forget that the school Library and computers are available after school for homework and study. There is a regular weekly homework club of which your son/daughter can take advantage.

A Planner issued to all students. Please ask to see this weekly, check that homework is set as appropriate and sign it weekly to show that you are in partnership with us in supporting your child at Colbayns.

We want the Log to be a real time management tool for each individual so it will contain a calendar and a weekly homework diary. It will also contain clear guidance about our marking and assessment policy, our code of student behaviour, our views on bullying and study skills guidance. There will, of course, be reminders about our uniform code and our views on jewellery and appropriate fashion! There will be a notes and comments section.

As parents please use the comments section to show pleasure at progress or to raise concerns. The Log will be checked regularly by your child's Learning Mentor and we see the Planner as very much a vehicle for home and school to keep in touch with each other.

Religious Education

Religious Education is provided throughout the School and forms part of the ‘common core’. All students undertake activities which comply with all legal requirements. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from R.E./Collective Worship, and should consult the Headteacher if they wish to exercise this right. Alternative arrangements will be made.