William Howard School, as a member of the Cumbria Education Trust (the Trust) believes that it is very important that a spirit of trust and co-operation is built up between our family of academies and their parents and students. The school is fully committed to the development of every student and will both use the values of ‘Respect, Responsibility and Resilience’ to underpin everything that we do and also encourage everyone associated with the school to ‘be the best they can be’.  While the Trust’s core aim is to deliver an outstanding education for all, the focus is upon offering an environment that enables every student to develop as members of a larger, proactive community.

The Home-School agreement, detailed below, sets out ways in which our school, parents and students each play their part to achieve this, working together to benefit the child.

As a parent, I will:

  • Support all the policies and strategies that the school uses to keep a positive working atmosphere.
  • Encourage my child to be positive about all aspects of school, including homework and the many other opportunities offered.
  • Ensure that my child attends school consistently and punctually, providing school with a note to cover any absence; recognising the potential incurrence of a fine for term time holidays.
  • Ensure that my child wears full school uniform, takes pride in their appearance and brings the correct equipment for each day.
  • Respond promptly to school requests for information.
  • Inform the school of any concerns about my child’s education, attend meetings at school to discuss progress, learn about the work of the school and regularly update school of any factors which may affect my child’s performance or participation.
  • Encourage and support my child to take part in extra-curricular activities.
  • Help to keep the school grounds and surrounding roads safe by being aware of the speed limits around and on the school site, including any parking restrictions.

As a student, I will:

  • Be polite to other people in school and in the community; behave in an honest and sensible manner, showing respect for the fabric of the school and for my own and other people’s property.
  • Approach school life with a resilient mindset and a positive attitude to learning.
  • Consistently attend school on time.
  • Wear the full school uniform and take a pride in my appearance.
  • Bring to school the appropriate equipment I need each day.
  • Work hard in lessons to develop my abilities and endeavor to meet and exceed my targets.
  • Complete all tasks set as well as I possibly can and hand them in on time.
  • Be a good member of our community by telling someone if my friends are unhappy.
  • Keep my computer password confidential and use the school’s computer systems according to the rules and guidance laid down, always following the teachers’ instructions.
  • Follow the school’s approach to Online-Safety and not upload or post to the internet any pictures, video or text that could upset, offend or threaten the safety of any member of the school community or bring the school into disrepute.

As a member of staff at WHS, I will:

  • Deliver a high quality, exciting curriculum.
  • Treat all students as individuals, building on their strengths and developing their resilience.
  • Provide an ordered, caring and supportive environment which celebrates diversity and equality.
  • Provide for the academic, social, physical and personal development of each individual.
  • Keep the family informed of student’s progress and achievements.
  • Offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
  • Ensure that all staff members act as role models to the student community, set high expectations and set clear boundaries. Use rewards and where necessary the school consequences in a consistent way.
  • Set regular homework tasks.
  • Set challenging but achievable targets for each student and regularly share and explain these with parents and students.
  • Ensure effective communication between school and home.
  • Expect high levels of good behaviour where students show respect for others and take responsibility for behaviour.

By working together we will therefore provide:

  • The encouragement your child needs to be the best they can be.
  • The environment for your child to aim high academically and become happy, self-confident and responsible member of the community.
  • A safe and secure environment where your child can grow and develop.
  • An open and respectful communication system to encourage positive relationships.
  • A consistent approach to address behaviour issues.
  • An ethos of mutual respect for people of all cultures and communities.