Parent and carers update 26th August

Dear Parents and Carers,
 
​Thank you for your continued support during another busy, but positive, week.  
We hope you all have a relaxing weekend. 

Mr Neil Ewing 
Acting Head Teacher 

​Today’s update contains 6 notices 

1. SQA Appeals Process 
2. Registration attendance 
3. Tracking and Monitoring information 
4. S1 Pupil update 
5. Younger pupils’ safety on school buses 
6. Orkney Careers Fair 2022 

Securing the Best Outcomes (Joe McCall) 

1. SQA Appeals Process 

Following on from the receipt of their SQA results, pupils who believe that they might be able to appeal a grade should contact the Principal Teacher of that subject as soon as possible if they haven’t already done so. 
Promoting Positive Behaviour and Relationships (Mr Harvey) 

2. Registration attendance 
Regular attendance and being punctual for lessons is vitally important in pupils achieving their very best. We use Registration each morning to monitor attendance as well as creating positive relationships between staff and pupils as well as between pupils in different year groups. Having 10 minutes in the morning where things are a little less formal and where pupils can get themselves prepared for the day ahead are really important. Please watch the short video below which explains registration at KGS and how we support good Attendance and Time keeping. 
https://prezi.com/v/view/mkvL1cB91bEIPwWwT2Om/  

3. Tracking and Monitoring  
Throughout the year we Track and Monitor pupils progress in their subjects. Staff will be entering Tracking Data for Senior Phase Pupils (S4.S5,S6) over the next couple of weeks. 
Parents will receive this information in a Tracking Summary Report on Monday September 19th. The Report will include: 

• A Working Grade – indicating the level the pupil is currently performing at based on classwork, homework and/or assessments 
• An indication of Effort in the subject 
• An indication of Behaviour in class 
• A Next Steps comment – sharing specific actions that pupils should take in the subject to maintain or improve their Working Grade and attain the Target Grade in the SQA exams next May  

Securing the Highest Level of Universal Support (Ms Devlin) 

4. S1 Pupils – slight change to break and lunchtimes 
Our S1 pupils have settled in well to the routine of break and lunchtimes, so from Monday 29th, rather than 10 minutes extra at both break and lunchtime, they will be let out of class 5 minutes early, along with Senior pupils and we will continue to monitor this.  

5. Younger pupils’ safety on school buses 
We have had a few concerns raised about S1 and 2 pupils crossing the road in a dangerous way when they get on and off school buses in different locations in our school catchment area, and members of the public have reported this to us. We would very much appreciate it if you could remind your young person not to walk out from behind school busses to cross the road.  

6. Orkney Careers Fair 2022 
The Orkney Careers Fair 2022 will be held on Thursday 15 September 2022, in the Arena, Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall.  There will be 66 exhibitors attending, representing a wide range of career pathways available to young people and adults in Orkney. The event will be open from 9.30am-6pm.  
The Guidance team are working to make sure as many of our S3 to S6 pupils will be able to attend the event as possible and more details will follow shortly once arrangements are finalised.