Attendance Information for Students

HIGHCLIFFE SIXTH ATTENDANCE LINE: (01425) 282322

A PARENT/CARER MUST CALL or E MAIL BEFORE 9AM ON EACH DAY OF ABSENCE

Excellent attendance is one of the biggest key factors to a student’s success in the Sixth Form. It is the student’s responsibility to secure a high attendance rate. An exemplary record of attendance says a huge amount about a person: that they are dedicated, well motivated, organised and someone who takes their responsibilities seriously. Good attendance also plays an important part when applying to higher education establishments or employment. We will report on attendance in University, apprenticeship and employment references. Students should therefore aim for at least 95% attendance per term.

HIGHCLIFFE SIXTH ATTENDANCE DAY TO DAY EXPECTATIONS

ALL Students are expected to attend Highcliffe Sixth Form from 8:35am on a Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and from 9am on a Thursday and Friday.
Once per half term, each student has a scheduled tutorial with their Sixth Form tutor on a Thursday or Friday morning which they must attend at 8:35am. The tutor will inform the student when their tutorial will take place
Students can (provided they keep up to date with their work and have good attendance) sign out at lunchtime 1:20pm to study at home (no earlier) if they have no lesson Period 5. This privilege will be removed if standards drop by the Head of Year or by request of parents

MONITORING ATTENDANCE

Attendance data is available for you to view on myHighcliffe parent view. We ask that you check this regularly. If a student views that their attendance record is incorrect, they should discuss the issue with the teacher concerned to resolve the issue. Students can investigate their attendance by going to the Student Administration office. Marks will not be changed where prior evidence was required but not produced in advance.

ILLNESS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

If a student feels they must go home early due to illness, they will need to speak to their Head of Year or medical officer for permission. A parent/carer will be contacted in the event of illness.

PLANNED ABSENCE (SUCH AS A UNIVERSITY VISIT)

Prior to the planned absence, students should visit the Sixth Form Student Administration Office to complete a leave of absence form. Students then return the form, taking any evidence they can provide as a reason for the absence. Students will then be advised whether the absence will be classed as authorised or an unauthorised absence. Religious holidays must be notified at least 24 hours in advance to be classed as authorised absence.

SIXTH FORM TRIPS AND VISITS

If students are absent from any lessons due to a trip or visit, the absence will be authorised. Students are asked to inform teachers in advance of any lessons they will miss and catch up with the work in advance.

TEACHER ABSENCE

If a teacher is absent from a lesson, the class may have a cover teacher. Students are expected to work quietly in the classroom with the cover teacher on the work set. If a cover teacher does not turn up in the first 10 minutes (and for Year 13 students) students are expected to register in the study center and pick up the work set and work quietly in the study center for the hour/double period.

ARRIVING LATE

If a student arrives late, they should go straight to class where they will be marked present but late.
Students are asked to speak to their teacher at the end of the class to explain the reason for their lateness and to check that they have not been marked as absent.
If a student arrives late for a class on a regular basis, their tutor will discuss this with them. Further sanctions will follow by the Sixth Form team which could lead to a fixed term or permanent exclusion.
If a student knows they are going to miss a class due to lateness, they should inform the Student Administration Office on (01425) 282322 in advance

HOLIDAYS

This is classed as unauthorised absence. Missing lessons at this critical stage of education has a serious detrimental effect on progress. Leave of absence forms can be picked up from the Student Administration Office. It is important that we know if a period of time is to be missed due to holiday.

Examples of authorised and unauthorised absence:

AUTHORISED ABSENCE

UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE

Illness if conveyed to the school by a letter/e-mail or phone call from a parent/carer (the Study mentor will discuss any specific support arrangements a student requires for longer term illnesses and any unique circumstances they may have)
Hospital or orthodontist appointments which cannot be arranged outside Sixth Form hours, backed by evidence of an appointment card or letter from the health provider to Student Admin
A family bereavement
Attendance at a family funeral, a letter/phone call is required from a parent/carer
Religious festivals notified in advance (24 hours) by a letter/ phone call from a parent/carer
Visit to a university to attend an open day or interview; a career related interview or audition, production of a letter required before to the student Admin
Driving test and theory test (not a lesson), evidence required
Sporting, drama or musical events where a student is representing the country (a letter is required and any supporting documentation)
School organised trips/visits/sporting events/work experience week

Illness if no communication with the school has been made (a student's tutor will discuss any specific support arrangements a student requires for longer term illnesses and any unique circumstances they may have)
Holidays during term time
Doctor’s/Dentist’s appointment (this can be taken during a study period if evidence is provided but no lessons are to be missed)
Part or full time work
Voluntary work – not in enrichment time
Leisure activities
Birthdays or similar celebrations
Religious festivals not notified at least 24 hours in advance
Babysitting younger siblings
Accompanying family members to appointments
Driving lessons
Exclusion from lessons or the School site
Any permitted absence where evidence is required but has not been provided
Work experience - not in enrichment time