• Overview
  • Careers
  • Gifted & Talented
  • Personal Development
  • Pastoral
  • SEN
  • LRC

Student Support

Emailoffice@lighthall.solihull.sch.ukTelephone 0121 744 3835

Light Hall School offers a comprehensive range of student support services including:

Careers: Careers offers an 'in-house' information, advice and guidance service for careers, apprenticeships and work experience.
LRC: The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is an information centre designed to support the learning, teaching and research needs of our students and staff.
Gifted & Talented: Our Gifted and Talented program supports students with one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop those abilities).
Personal Development: The School's Personal Development Program aims to promote the social, spiritual, moral, cultural and physical development of all pupils
Pastoral: Our Pastoral service provides support to students, parents and caregivers. A recent OFSTED inspection highlighted Care, Guidance and Support as an outstanding feature of the school.
SEN: Light Hall School's Special Educational Needs service is fully supported by Solihull Learning Support Service and continues to expand to reflect the needs of the children within the school.
ICT Networks: The IT Network Support team offer a range of services across the School IT spectrum. The 5-member team are individually endowed with advanced skill-sets that facilitate and enhance the pedagogic demands of teaching and learning at Light Hall School.

For detailed information on each service please click the tabs above

Light Hall School - Careers

Emails207swatson@lighthall.solihull.sch.ukTelephone 0121 744 3835

Students in year 10 and 11 can request a careers interview with the connexions service.  They will then be seen during school times on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday in the connexions office (PSC building).  Mr Renwick and Mr Norris are available on these days during first break if students want to see someone at short notice. (Careers team in full below) There is now a connexions area in the corner of the LRC and a connexions noticeboard outside the library. 

"In November 2009 the school was recognised for its high quality and effective practice and was awarded the Careers Education Information and Advice Award by the Connexions Service".
ema

EMA... Whats so good about EMA?
Basically, EMA is cash in your hands to help you carry on learning. If you’re 16, 17 or 18 and have left, or are about to leave, compulsory education, then it could be for you. EMA spells fewer money worries with up to £30 a week during term time – leaving you to get on with your studies.To find out more visit the EMA site http://ema.direct.gov.uk
EMA packs will be available, in school, from Mrs Watson after the Easter Holidays.

Apprenticeships
Looking for an apprenticeship log on to:  www.apprenticeships.org.uk this site advertises up to date vacancies for apprenticeships. Current apprenticeship vacancies in the West Midlands (updated 17/05/10)

New itemCommercial Apprentice and a Technical Apprentice at Barratt Homes

New itemLevel 2 Apprenticeships with Parkwood Leisure & The Institute of Swimming (IoS) --- Apply here

‘September Guarantee’
This is a promise, from the government, that all students will be offered a suitable place in learning by the end of September of the year they finish compulsory education.

LMI News
Labour Market Information (LMI) is useful knowledge to all those who will be looking to start work at some time in the future. It may be at 16, 17, 18, or after higher education. Knowledge of what is happening in the working world can help in making a career choice. This choice could be about further education, higher education or a job you are thinking about...June 2010 Newsletter

Careers - Work Experience
Careers education and guidance makes a major contribution to preparing young people for the opportunities and responsibilities of life; it enables them to make informed choices and manage the transition to the world of work or further education

In KS3 pupils have opportunities to link with industry and commerce through links with local engineers and businesses.  Substantial advice and support is available when pupils have to make option choices.  In KS4 the school draws on the advice and expertise of specialist tutors, the Connexions service and staff from local colleges and other agencies.  Pupils have the opportunity of individual guidance prior to leaving school.

Careers Team Contact Details
Mrs Watson - Careers Co-ordinator In school
Mr Renwick - Connexions Advisor Available Mon, Tues and Thurs in the Connexions Office
Mr Norris - Connexions Advisor Available Mon, Tues and Thurs in the Connexions Office
Yvonne Waters - Connexions Officer Available on Friday in Connexions Office
Form Tutors In school
Head of Year In School
P Renwick & M Norris Connexions Officers During 1st break in connexions office / Contact Mrs Watson

A range of guidance is also available via www.solihull.gov.uk/connexions For help on a range of personal issues including finance and travel go to Connexions Direct at www.connexionsdirect.co.uk.
For up to date information on all professions try the eClips website at www.eclips-online.co.uk.  The Password is the school postcode: B90 2PZ (remember to put in the space in the middle of the postcode). 

Where did our students go after leaving school?

Destinations of 2009 year 11 School Leavers in Solihull at 1Nov. 2009
FE Employment / Training Left Area Unemployed N/A Not  known TOTAL
Light Hall School 188 19 6 10     223
Solihull Borough 2761 182 78 139 20 17 3197
Destinations of 2008 year 11 School Leavers in Solihull at 1Nov. 2008
FE Employment / Training Left Area Unemployed N/A Not  known TOTAL
Light Hall School 180 12 4 12 1 8 217
Solihull Borough 2560 269 60 152 15 38 3094
Destinations of 2007 year 11 School Leavers in Solihull at 1Nov. 2007
FE Employment/ Training Left Area Unemployed N/A Not  known TOTAL
Light Hall School 200 25 1 13   2 241
Solihull Borough 2657 305 40 161 27 28 3218

 

 

Light Hall School - Gifted & Talented

Emails207lplaza@lighthall.solihull.sch.ukTelephone 0121 744 3835

Light Hall School is a member of the Young, Gifted and Talented community and benefits from the work of the Gifted and Talented Coordinator's Miss Knight and Lead Teacher Mrs Plaza.  The basis of our work in this field is: Early identification, subject specific identification, individual support and extension.  Avenues pursued include: Master-classes, summer schools, mentoring and early examination entry. Talent is thus identified early and encouraged.

What does Gifted & Talented mean?

According to the DFES Gifted and Talented students are:

“Children and young people with one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group (or with the potential to develop those abilities)”.

How are Gifted and talented students identified?

Gifted - Students capable of excelling in academic subjects such as English or History. Talented - students who may excel in practical subjects, such as PE, Drama and Art. Staff are asked to identify students who display some of the characteristics below.

  • Be a good reader / very articulate or verbally fluent for their age
  • Give quick verbal responses (which can appear cheeky)
  • Have a wide general knowledge
  • Learn quickly / very aware
  • Be interested in topics which one might associate with an older child
  • Communicate well with adults - often better than with their peer group
  • Have a range of interests, some of which are almost obsessions
  • Show unusual and original responses to problem solving activities
  • Prefer verbal to written activities
  • Be logical
  • Be self taught in their own interest areas
  • Have an ability to work things out in their head very quickly
  • Have a good memory that they can access easily
  • Be artistic / musical / excel at sport
  • Have strong views and opinions
  • Have a lively and original imagination / sense of humour
  • Focus on their own interests rather than on what is being taught
  • Be socially adept/appear arrogant or socially inept
  • Be easily bored by what they perceive as routine tasks
  • show a strong sense of leadership
  • Not necessarily be well-behaved or well liked by others
  • Have low self-esteem
  • Be confused about their development and their behaviour 
  • Manipulate their environment / find in adequacy to make themselves feel better
  • Tend towards a superior attitude to those around them
  • Sometimes students with abilities in one or more areas of learning may also   suffer from a disability or difficulty in others
  • Presenting barriers and leading to frustration and disaffection.  

Some gifted and talented pupils may be intellectually able but also appear on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register for behavioural, literacy or physical difficulties. At Light Hall we pride ourselves in identifying potentially Gifted and Talented students who may be underachieving. If you believe your child has Gifts and/or Talents that we are not aware of then please contact the school for further information. Examples of extension and enrichment opportunities to date.

  • Film school – Film and screen music workshops with Birmingham City University.
  • Trips to universities
  • Yr 9 girls outdoor education weekend
  • Summer school
  • Personal effectiveness course
  • Maths challenge
  • Science/Technology/Maths challenge day
  • Master classes
  • Revision classes
  • Mentoring
  • Personalised learning programme within the classroom
  • Student coaches
  • Student after school projects
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Sports Leaders 

Young Gifted and Talented programme (YG&T)
www.ygt.dcsf.gov.uk  

The Young Gifted and Talented programme (YG&T) was set up in 2007 to provide support and opportunities for gifted and talented children aged 4 to 19, including those who were members of the former National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth (NAGTY).
The YG&T Learner Academy gives them the opportunity to participate in activities designed to stretch and challenge them through a range of online and face-to-face events. It also creates opportunities for gifted and talented students to meet and socialise with other young people with similar interests and outlooks.
The YG&T website also provides information and links to other sources of support for parents, governors and those who work with gifted and talented children and young people.

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
http://www.nagcbritain.org.uk/

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) runs an independent parent support network to help parents and carers resolve disputes with schools and local authorities. It also offers advice and support to parents and carers of gifted and talented children.

Parents play an essential role in the development of their gifted and talented children, a role which the school supports but cannot displace.

Useful Resources
  
Teacher-Net G&T
Letter by A. Adonis Sept 2008
West Midlands G&T Partnership
G&T resources
CQS on-line
G&T national strategies resources
G&T emodules for leading teachers
BBC - G&T parental support   

Light Hall School - Personal Development

Email s207kmoore@lighthall.solihull.sch.ukTelephone 0121 744 3835

The P.S.D. curriculum is designed to promote the social, spiritual, moral, cultural and physical development of all pupils.  It prepares pupils for the responsibility and experiences of adult life and also provides sex and drug education.  Careers advice and Records of Achievement are included in the curriculum as is citizenship.

P.S.D. takes place in most areas of the curriculum.  Core and foundation studies make a significant contribution to the delivery of P.S.D.  To ensure that all requirements are fully met at Light Hall, pupils follow a five year course and receive one forty minute lesson each week.  These lessons are planned and organised by the P.S.D. Co-ordinator and delivered by form tutors. 

Aims of the Personal & Social Education Course  

  • To make the pupil feel accepted and secure in his/her environment.
  • To make the pupil more aware of himself/herself and of the development of relationships with peers and adults.
  • To encourage decision making and problem solving.
  • To encourage respect for the attitudes and opinions of others.
  • To assist in the preparation for adulthood.
  • To encourage a responsible attitude towards the environment.
  • To support the curriculum and hidden curriculum.

 Health Education forms a large part of the curriculum in each year group and includes sex education, substance abuse, personal hygiene, stress, depression and mental health

Light Hall School - Pastoral

Emails207nchagger@lighthall.solihull.sch.ukTelephone 0121 744 3835

Light Hall School is proud of the pastoral support provided to students, parents and caregivers. A recent OFSTED Inspection (Dec 2009) highlighted Care, Guidance and Support as an outstanding feature of the school.

Student Services

Students are able to access support for general day to day issues such as signing in and out of school, First Aid, uniform and providing reasons for absence.

Pastoral Support Centre

Known as the PSC, the Pastoral Support Centre is managed by Mr O’Grady.  The centre is designed as a temporary measure to support students who are unable to access mainstream education for a number of reasons. As such, the length of time a student spends in the centre is based upon their individual needs.  Senior Members and Pastoral staff make referrals, who work collaboratively with students, teachers, parents and caregivers.

Pastoral Managers

There are 3 Pastoral Managers:

Miss Chagger - (Senior Pastoral Manager) Responsible for year 7

Mrs Cull - Lower School Pastoral Manager) Responsible for years 8 & 9

Miss Masters - (Upper School Pastoral Manager) Responsible for years 10 & 11

They are non-teaching members of staff who work in conjunction with Heads of Year to ensure that each student is fully supported in an academic and pastoral capacity. The managers promote an active image and are the first point of contact for our students, parents and caregivers. This role allows identification of any issues or areas of concern. This allows specific and targeted work for each individual.

X-Stream Counselling

X-Stream is a youth initiative partnership with the local churches in Shirley. One of the X-Stream counsellors, Mrs Sue Holmes has worked at Light Hall for the past x years which has created a unique opportunity for students to engage with non-school staff in a safe and controlled environment. The aim of X-Stream is empower young people to value themselves and others, thus leading to them making confident and appropriate lifestyle choices for the future; An ethos that is at the heart of Light Hall School. Referrals can be made through the Pastoral Managers.

External Agencies

The Pastoral team also work in close proximity with external agencies such as:

  • Casacade,
  • Solihull Bereavement Counselling Service,
  • Solihull Young Carers,
  • Growing Through
  • Connexions
  • Youth Inclusion Support Programme (YISP),
  • The Local Authority: Nurse,
  • Education Welfare Officer (EWO),
  • Emotional, Social Behavioural Difficulties (ESBD team)
  • Educational Psychologist
  • The Police

Peer Mentoring

The school operates a Peer Mentoring Programme, led by selected year 10 students attached to year 7 form groups. This not only empowers students but also provides younger students with alternative support. 

Support Group / National Helpline Number

Women's Aid National Domestic Violence Helpline 0345 023 468 Nationwide, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, also weekends from July 1999. Advice and telephone support provided by highly trained staff and volunteers backed up by a wide range of leaflets and other resources
Accord Catholic Mediation Counselling Services 028 9023 3002
Action Against Abuse of Women and Girls 01243 785948

Careline

0181 514 1177

Childline 0800 1111
Chinese Information and Advice Centre (CIAC) 020 7692 3697 The Chinese Women Domestic Violence Project at the Chinese Information & Advice Centre (CIAC) in Central London is developing its Outreach Project to support Chinese sufferers of DV. Email: teng@ciac.co.uk
Christian Family Concern 020 8688 0251
Counselling Directory The purpose of the site is ultimately to provide the UK with a huge counselling support network, enabling those in distress to find a counsellor close to them and appropriate for their needs. This is a free, confidential service that will hopefully encourage those in distress to seek help.
Divorce, Mediation & Counselling Services 020 7730 2422
Everyman Project 020 7737 6747 Counselling, support and advice to men who are violent or concerned about their violence, and anyone affected by that violence.
Families Anonymous 0800 735 0671
Family Service Units 020 7428 5405
Freecall Message Home 0500 700740
Kiran - Asian Women's Aid 020 8558 1986 Advice, support, refuge for Asian women, and women from other cultures e.g. Turkey, Iran, Morocco, Malaysia etc.
man2man 0208 698 9649 Abuse Help Line for male victims only, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Emergencies only after 10 pm.
Men's Advice Line and Enquiries 020 8 644 9914 Information, support and advice to men experiencing domestic violence. Open from 9am to 10pm, Monday and Wednesday (answerphone at other times). Local projects for men are available in some areas.
Men's Aid 0871 223 9986 Providing support and advice for men experiencing domestic violence.
National Council for One Parent Families 0800 018 5026
020 7 428 5400
Both numbers operate Mon-Fri 9.15 to 5.15.
Runs an information service for lone parents, other organizations, local authorities and the media
National Domestic Violence Helpline 08457 023468
NSPCC 0800 800500 Free, confidential service for anyone concerned about children at risk offers counseling, information and advice.
Panahghar 01203 228952 Help for Asian women experiencing Domestic Violence
The Pink Practice 07005 968 111 A counselling and psychotherapy practice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Leeds and London. Lines open Mon-Thur 9am-7pm.
Rape/Indecent Assault Crisis Counselling 0800 735 0567
Refuge's 24-hour National Crisis Line 0990 995 443 National crisis line, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year which provides advice and support to those experiencing domestic violence and refers women and children on to the 250 refuges nationwide.
Relate 01788 573241
0870 6012121
112 local Relate centres provide couple counselling for those with relationship problems, and psychosexual therapy, and relationship and family education.
Samaritans 08457 909090
Shelterline 0808 800 4444 Emergency access to refuge services.
Survivors (Swindon) 0845 430 9371 Telephone helpline for adult (17+) male survivors of child sexual abuse and adult rape. Answerphone messages are returned as soon as possible.
The Muslim Women's Helpline 0181 9048193
0181 9086715
UK Insolvency Helpline 0800 074 6918 Free & confidential advice on finance and debts. Monday to Saturday 9am - 9pm (Sundays 9.30am - 1pm & 24 hour answerphone)
Women with Learning Disabilities 0181 522 0675
Womens Refuge 0845 702 3468
Victim Supportline 0845 30 30 900 Nationwide lo-call service, 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm weekends and bank holidays from 9am-5pm; Provides information and support to victims of all reported and unreported crime, including sexual crimes, racial harassment and domestic violence
Victim Support's Male Helpline 0800 328 3623 Freephone number for men, 12 noon to 2 pm, Mon to Fri

Regional Helpline Numbers - Birmingham

Birmingham Relate 0121 643 1638
Rape and Sexual Violence Project
PO Box 9558
Birmingham
B4 7QE
0121 233 3818 A charity supporting female and male survivors of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse: offering information, telephone support and face to face counselling (7 days per week). Both male and female counsellors available.

Light Hall School - SEN

Email s207hclose@lighthall.solihull.sch.uk or etunstall@lighthall.solihull.sch.ukTelephone 0121 744 3835

The SEN Department is managed by  two part time SENCOs working on a job share basis.  They are supported by an Assistant SENCO (who also works as a Learning Support Assistant) and a further 10 Learning Support Assistants working with youngsters across both key stage. The Learning Support Department at Light Hall will continue to expand to reflect the needs of the children within the school.

We are fully supported by Solihull Learning Support Service and Solihull Educational Psychology Service. Our close working relationship with the Pupil Support Centre means that we have access to a wider support network which includes counsellors and behavioural support teams.

Support: The majority of our resources are deployed to support students who join Light Hall with a reading age of between 7 and 9 years. We deliver a range of withdrawal classes which are offered to students with the greatest need. These include:

Peer reading | Writing | Organisation | Reading Level 3-4 | Social SkillsHandwriting

The school is able to ensure that SEN groups usually have no more than 15 students, often supported by an LSA. 

The SEN Staff:

Mrs H Close - SENCO (Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday)
Mrs E Tunstall - SENCO (Thursday and Friday)
Mr B Jackson - Assistant SENCO
Mrs P Dehele - General Support Assistant (English)
Mrs L Jude - General Support Assistant (Maths)
Mrs C Stott - General Support Assistant
Ms N Worth - General Support Assistant (Science)
Mrs R Cleverly - General Support Assistant
Mrs M Harris - General Support Assistant
Mrs C Street  - General Support Assistant
Mrs C Whitehouse - General Support Assistant
Mrs E Webster - General Support Assistant
Miss L Smith - General Support Assistant

Light Hall School - Learning Resource Centre

Emails207office@lighthall.solihull.sch.ukTelephone 0121 744 3835

Learning Resource Centre / Library

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is an information centre designed to support the learning, teaching and research needs of our students and staff.

The LRC is open throughout the school day and is also available to students during morning break and lunchtime for study, homework and research.

Bulletpoint Recommended reading list

LRC Opening Times
Monday - Thursday: 8.15am - 3.45pm
Friday: 8.15am - 3.15pm

LRC Homework Club
Monday - Friday: 8.15am - 8.45am