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A and AS Levels

A selection of A and AS Level subjects are available for advanced study in each of the schools and at the Isle of Man College. The schools typically offer 20 subjects and the Isle of Man College a further 16 in their full time day courses. An additional 14 or so are available in adult evening classes, bringing the total available on the Isle of Man to approximately 50. Entry to an A Level course is usually based on success at GCSE and the normal requirement is 4 or more Grades A to C at GCSE. A report has been produced on the 2007 results.

Accidents/Emergencies

For advice as to the action to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency contact the Health & Safety Adviser at St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.

Action Plans

As a consequence of the written reports received by schools following validated school based self reviews, headteachers are required to produce and submit written action plans which should subsequently be included within their school’s development plan.

Admission

The Department's Admissions Policies are based on the principle that a child should attend the school closest to his or her parents' place of permanent residence. A child should be registered with that school by parents and will be admitted at the start of the academic year in which he/she reaches the fifth birthday.

Full details of the Admissions Policies can be obtained by clicking here for Primary Schools and here for Secondary Schools

Advice

The Department provides professional advice and support to its teachers and lecturers through its School Improvement Service. This consists of a Senior Adviser, Co-ordinating Advisers for Primary, Secondary and Further Education and an Adviser for ICT . In addition there are Consultants for Literacy, Numeracy & Manx Studies and Project Managers and Advisory Teachers to support major initiatives such as ICT.

Aids and HIV

The teaching of National Curriculum Science in the Isle of Man will encompass material on Aids, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The Sex Education Policy includes information on Aids and HIV. There is no known danger to adults or young people from the presence of an HIV positive person in their midst. It should be remembered that there is no known case of Aids being contracted other than through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, intravenous drug abuse or mother to baby transmission during pregnancy or breast feeding.

Anti-Harassment Policy & Procedures

Copies of the Department's Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedures are available from the Director of Corporate Services, Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805

Apprenticeships

The Department actively encourages craft apprenticeships and works closely with the Department of Trade & Industry's Training Services Division to place young people in the appropriate area within the Department of Education's Works Division.

Assessment Management Plans

The Department has compiled Asset Management Plans (AMPs) for many of its premises. These Plans provide the means through which current and future needs are assessed, and the criteria for prioritisation set by the Department. AMPs are now in place for the Island’s primary schools and will soon be prepared for secondary schools, then the remaining premises thereafter.

Attendance

The policy on attendance is contained in the Attendance of Pupils: Legislation, Policy and Procedures, copies of which are also available from the Education Office, St. George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG, telephone (01624) 685820.

Baseline

Baseline assessment of all Reception class pupils take place within 6 weeks of their first entry to school making use of the University of Durham’s Performance Indicators in Primary Schools materials. The initial assessment will be followed by a further repeat assessment during the final weeks of a pupil’s first year at school.

Behaviour Development Plans

It is Department policy that all schools and the Isle of Man College take steps to minimise difficulties and teach all children and students how to behave and show care and tolerance. The steps taken are set out in the form of behaviour development plans in schools or other approaches acceptable to the Department and consistent with its policies and legislative duties.

Breadth of 14 - 19 Education

Schools and the IOM College are encouraged to cooperate to offer level 1, level 2 (both equivalent to GCSE's) and level 3 (equivalent to A level courses) according to the needs of their students and with regard to the strengths or specific curriculum areas. Every attempt should be made to ensure that work-related courses lead to a progression route at the Isle of Man College and that courses in schools are not unnecessarily replicating those at the Isle of Man College.

Brochures (Prospectuses)

Each of the Island’s primary and secondary schools produces a brochure for distribution to parents that indicates the main features of the school, describes the curriculum to be followed, explains the policies of the school and sets out how the school operates on a day to day basis.

Buildings

The Department has 5 secondary schools, 35 primary schools, the Isle of Man College, the International Business School, 7 Youth Centres, and 2 Outdoor Education Centres and Noble's Hall Library.

Copies of the Department’s Policy on Building Works are available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685812.

Business Plan

The process of appraisal and evaluation of policy objectives under consideration, identifying costs and benefits, analysing the information and presenting the results within a suggested timescale. The Department of Education's Business Plan (PDF) is available from the Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.

Capital Buildings Programme

The Department of Education is required to have a 5 year capital building programme based on identified needs. The programme is established through the Asset Management Plans established for each of the premises, together with information from governing bodies, specific inspections and reports, and information from other Government departments on demographic trends and housing development demand. It is prioritised by the Department of Education.

The Department must submit a 5 year prioritised programme in the budget round each year in order to procure funding from Isle of Man Government through Treasury. Full details of each capital project have to be submitted as a capital appraisal, including a full business case/analysis to the required Treasury formula. The 5 year capital programme is published each year in the Isle of Man Budget approved by Tynwald.

Capitation Allowance

The calculation for the budget for primary schools is based on the number of pupils on the school roll.

Catchment Areas

Geographical areas of the Island from which pupils attend specified schools. Download copies of the Policy on Admissions to Primary Schools and Policy in Admissions to Secondary Schools or contact the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.

Central Purchasing

Central brokering, usually by tender, is used to identify the most cost effective provider of supplies and equipment, e.g. cleaning materials, stationery, photocopiers.

Communications Strategy

This report gives the Department’s objectives in relation to video conferencing, telephone systems and voice and data networking. It considers e-mail and Internet access for schools and the Department’s administration.

Copies of the strategy are available from the ICT Adviser, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686081.

Complaints

Copies of the Department’s Complaints Procedure are available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685080.

There is also a Special Educational Needs and Psychology Service Guide for Parents, relating to disagreements, appeals and complaints, copies of which can be obtained by clicking here or from the Special Educational Needs and Psychology Service, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686086.

Details of all complaints received are logged at the Education Office and an Annual Return of Official Complaints is submitted to the Chief Secretary for the Isle of Man Government.

Conditions of Service

All groups of staff employed by the Department have their own conditions of service.

Details of the teachers’ conditions of service are contained in a booklet produced by the Department of Education in consultation with the professional associations entitled “Conditions of Tenure and Sick Pay Regulations for the Employment of Teachers”. These conditions of service are broadly in line with those in LEAs in England. Lecturers at the Isle of Man College have a similar booklet entitled “Conditions of Tenure and Sick Pay Regulations for the employment of Lecturers”.

Copies of each of these booklets are available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805.

Contact Ratios

The contact ratio refers to the percentage of time teachers spend teaching the planned curriculum of the school. This does not include time taken for registration, form period, assemblies or supervisory duties.

Contracts

The Department procures a range of services through the use of contracts, including training and building works.

Copyright

The sole right to reproduce literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work. Schools are able to reproduce such work, within specified limitations, under licence paid by the Department.

Course Fees (Isle of Man College)

The Fees Policy and Regulations document may be obtained from the Isle of Man College, Homefield Road, Douglas. Tel: 01624 648200 or by clicking here.

The Department of Education reserves the right to reduce or waive any fees for College courses if the circumstances warrant such action, i.e. financial hardship, etc. Applicants for the waiving of course fees should be made in writing to the Director of Education, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG or by e-mail to the Director of Education.

For details of courses available at the IOM College click here.

Creche Facilities

Creche facilities are available at the Isle of Man College for the children of full time students. There are limited places available and the youngest age at which children can be accepted is 3 months, provided that all their vaccinations are up to date.

Creditor Payments

Payment of Department suppliers of goods and services is made by Government on a weekly basis and can be made by BACS direct to the supplier's bank account of by cheque.

Curriculum

The English National Curriculum forms the major part of the Isle of Man Department of Education National Curriculum, but with modifications to take account of the local context. These modifications include the provision of life education to all pupils, the opportunity to study Manx from the age of 7 and the provision of French in Key Stage 2. In addition, the History and Geography Curriculum have been revised to ensure that they reflect Manx History and Geography appropriately. The Curriculum in Manx Schools also takes account of English National Strategies such as those for Literacy and Numeracy and the National Strategies for Primary Education and for Key Stage 3.

Copies of the The Education (Curriculum) (No2) Order 2004 can be found if you click here or from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685809. (Copies of the Education Act 2001 in its entirety can also be obtained from the main office.)

Delegated Financial Management

Delegated Financial Management operates at all 35 primary schools, at the 5 secondary schools and at the Isle of Man College. It is based on a number of key principles:-

• That each of the institutions will be delegated the funding to which it is reasonably entitled.

• The notion of “reasonable entitlement” carries with it the caveat that there should be no detrimental effect on the rest of the Education Service; that the Department continues to exercise its responsibilities and duties effectively; and that services which can be provided more efficiently from the centre are not fragmented.

• The results of delegation should not increase bureaucracy or simply dislocate it to local levels
• Internal trading arrangements should not develop if they consume time and generate their own bureaucratic systems.
• Each institution must continue to comply with legal, financial, personnel, Governmental and Departmental policy requirements.
• Each institution will be fully monitored and held accountable for its performance.

Dental Inspections

Dental inspections within schools are undertaken by the School Health Dental Service, operated by the Department of Health and Social Security.

Development Plans

All schools are required to produce development plans which clearly set out the short, medium and long term goals of the school, in such areas as curriculum, resources, buildings, finance, staff development, etc. Development plans should be reviewed annually.

Differentiation

The curriculum is appropriately differentiated to match the various needs of all pupils. Pupils' tasks are matched to their age, aptitude and ability. Teachers use the information they gain from assessment to plan appropriately for the pupils.

Discipline

See Behaviour Development Plans

Drugs and Substance Use and Misuse

The Isle of Man Department of Education's Drug and Alcohol Education: Policy and Procedure for Schools provides the basis for a whole Island policy on the teaching of this subject in primary and secondary schools, the Isle of Man College and the Youth and Community Service. This policy has been further enhanced by the Chief Minister’s Anti-Drug Strategy: Action Together Against Drugs.

Copies of the Department’s Drugs and Substance Use and Misuse Policy are available from the Drugs & Alcohol Education Liaison Officer at Skimmee Gien Mie (Team Wellbeing), Santon Old School, Santon IM4 4HG. Tel: 01624 823647.

Duty Meals for Staff

Teaching staff that are involved in the active supervision of pupils during the lunch break or run a lunchtime club are entitled to a two course meal at no charge. Additionally, Works Division employees who are directed urgently to a school and are therefore unable to return to their base at lunchtime are entitled to a free school meal. School meals staff and ancillary helpers are entitled to a school meal as part of their remuneration, with hourly pay rates being abated accordingly.

Early Retirement

Government superannuation schemes provide for premature retirement on the grounds of ill health, redundancy, or in the efficient discharge of the employer’s functions.

Education 'Otherwise'

The Education Act requires parents to present their children for education at school or to make arrangements for their children’s education ‘otherwise’. ‘Otherwise’ mainly covers those parents who educate their children at home. Information on the policy of the Department, systems to be followed by home educators and other advice is available in a booklet entitled “Education Otherwise Than At School-Home Education”.

This is available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG Tel: 01624 685806. (See also Suspension).

Educational Endowment Funds

The Department of Education administers several endowment funds for the support of education/individuals in certain areas of the Island.

Further details can be obtained from the Legal & Administrative Services, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685828.

Educational Psychology

The policy of the Department is to provide professional psychological advice from chartered psychologists with interventions consistent with good practice in order to implement Manx legislation and the policies of the Isle of Man Department of Education.

Further details are provided in the Educational Psychology Policy Statement, copies of which can be obtained from the Special Educational Needs & Psychology Service, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686086.

Emotional And Behavioural Difficulties (EBD)

There is no absolute definiton of EBD and the continuum of behaviour is represented as challenging but normal, if unacceptable, through to serious mental illness.

Employee Relations

The Department of Education endeavours to be a reasonable and caring employer and seeks to ensure that all staff are treated fairly and consistently.

To allow consultation within the various groups of employees, the following committees have been formed:

• Joint Consultative Committee For Nursery Nurses
• Joint Consultative Committee for Primary School Secretaries
• Joint Consultative Committee for Technicians
• Joint Negotiating Committee for IOM College Lecturers
• Primary Headteachers' Executive
• Secondary Headteachers' Executive
• Joint Unions
• Staff Consultation Group for Play and Youth Service staff

Further information regarding the Department’s Employee Relations Service may be obtained from the Director of Corporate Services, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805.

Employment of Children

The Department has a duty under the Education Act 2001 to oversee legislation relating to the employment of children.

A copy of the Employment of Children Regulations 2005 can be found by clicking here.

Guidance notes for employers and parents can be found by clicking here.

To download a form to registar the employment of a child of school age click here.

Further details may be obtained from the Legal and Administrative Services, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686275.

Energy Management

The Department has an ongoing energy management strategy, with the Works Division, which involves monitoring and controlling the internal thermal environment currently in the Island’s schools.

Equal Opportunities

The Department actively supports equal opportunities and in order to achieve centre approval for GNVQ programmes, schools are obliged to demonstrate the existence of equal opportunities policies.

Ethos

The underlying attitudes, values and relationships of a school are fundamental to its success and form the school’s own distinguishable ethos.

Reference to some of the contributory factors to a good ethos may be found in the Department of Education Health Education Policy available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686080, and individual School Behaviour Development Plans.

Examination Boards

Secondary schools and the Isle of Man College are free to choose examination boards appropriate to their own circumstances.

Examination Entries

Entry for external examinations is governed by the principle that each pupil should be given the opportunity to demonstrate his or her achievement. There should be no charge made to pupils for their first entry to sit an examination, although any subsequent resits should be charged for.

Examination Results

GSCE, A Level and other external examination results are carefully analysed by the Department each year, based on the number of pupils on roll at each school on the third Thursday in January of the year in which the examinations are sat. Early entries and resits are not counted in the calculations, since the intention is that the results should relate to genuine Year 11 or Year 13 pupils only. A preliminary analysis of the results is conducted and fed back to all schools at whole school and subject level. Results at the whole school level are published in a report in the Autumn term.

Financial Regulations

A set of rules produced by Treasury to regulate the financial practices of Government, in the form of directives, which carry the weight of law and must be complied with, and guidelines, which Departments are expected to follow.

Fire

All divisions of the Department and schools have their own procedures to follow in the event of a fire. Further advice on this matter can be obtained from the Health and Safety Adviser at St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.

First Aid/Medicines

First Aid courses are held at regular intervals, thus ensuring that school staff receive adequate training and the necessary updates.

Additional information relating to the administration of medicines in schools and medical care can be obtained by contacting the Drug and Alcohol Co-ordinator. Information is also contained in the Department's document Guidance for Schools on the Administration of Medication and Medical Care, hard copies of which are available from the Education Office, St. George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SGG. Telephone (01624) 685797.

Flexi Time

The Department operates a flexible working scheme for administrative staff, based on the Civil Service model.

Foreign Language Assistants

Foreign Language Assistants are usually full time students at universities in France, Germany or Spain, who are recruited by the Department from the Central Bureau in London and made available to the secondary schools for an 8 month work experience placement. During this period the school pays them a small grant in monthly installments. Their role is to provide foreign language support to the modern foreign languages departments, through working with individuals, small groups or classes of children. They are allowed as part of their contracts to work for the school for up to 12 contact hours and should expect to have a day’s non contract or equivalent.

Free School Meals

A parent or guardian may apply for free meals for pupils attending primary/secondary schools, or students who are 18 and under and in full time education at the Isle of Man College, if the family is in receipt of any of the relevant benefits. These benefits are:

• Family Income Supplement
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Disability Working Allowance

Application forms for free meals can be downloaded and should be returned to the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685807.

Governance/Governors

Details of the governance of schools and the Isle of Man College are contained in their articles and instruments of government. Each individual establishment has its own articles and instrument and copies of these documents may be obtained from either the school concerned, the College or from the Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685806. Details of all school governors are listed on this site on the main menu under Department/ School Governors or click here

Grant Aid to Voluntary Youth Organisations

The Youth and Community Adviser will consider applications for financial assistance from registered voluntary youth organisations and will publish criteria upon which awards are made.

Further details may be obtained from the Youth and Community Adviser, Youth Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 1EE. Tel: 01624 685810.

Grants

Details regarding the grants available to students are supplied in the Essential Guide to Student Awards or from the Student Awards Section, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685822 or e-mail studentgrants@doe.gov.im

Health Education

The Health Education Policy and Guidance is the basic policy within the Department of Education’s set of 3 related policies; namely Health Education within the Curriculum, Sex and Relationship Education policy and guidelines and Drugs and Substance Use and Misuse. The policy and guidance notes are intended to help teachers in that part of the education process which activates in individuals the positive attitudes towards health which are central to a healthy society.

Copies of the Health Education Policy and Guidance are available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.

Health and Safety

Information regarding the Department’s Health and Safety procedures etc. for all of the Departments institutions and Divisions, is available from the Health and Safety Adviser, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797

Higher Education

The Department supports pupils moving to Higher Education in the U.K or at the Isle of Man College of International Business School with fee payment and a system of means-tested maintenance awards. This support is fully detailed in the Isle of Man Student Awards Regulations, which are updated annually. See the Essential Guide to Student Awards.

Application forms and further details are available from the Student Awards Section, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. E-mail Student Awards or tel: 01624 685822.

Higher Degrees (Research/Post Graduate Degrees)

The Department offers support on a discretionary basis to postgraduate students who obtain at last the relevant grade in their first degree. See the Essential Guide to Student Awards.

Holiday Play Programmes

Crossroads Care arrange Holiday Play Programmes for children with special needs, which are funded by the Department of Education, the Campion Bequest Trust and the Social Services Division of the Department of Health & Social Security.

Further details may be obtained from Crossroads Care 35/36, Derby Square, Douglas, IM1 3LW. Tel: 01624 687342

Holidays

School holidays are published by the Department according to the traditional 3 term year pattern. This information is normally published 2 years in advance. See also holidays

Holiday Venture Schemes

It is the policy of the Department to operate specific youth work projects during the summer holidays and other holidays subject to the availability of finance and staffing. Further details of these can be obtained from the Youth Services or e-mail Youth Services.

Homework

All schools should produce a homework policy which clearly states what and how much homework is to be set for pupils, how it is to be administered and how parents may support the school in supervising their child’s home studies.

ICT

The Department has an ICT section headed by the ICT Adviser. Island schools follow the requirements of the English National Curriculum. ICT is a core component of the curriculum from 5-16 and a key skill at 16+. It is a stated aim of the Department’s Curriculum Policy that all school leavers should have achieved an ICT qualification.

ICT Procurement

All new hardware purchased by schools must be from the Government approved supplier and of the approved type. All system software and network administration software must be supplied and installed by a Government approved supplier. The only exception to this policy is that purchase of hardware which will not be connected directly or indirectly to any inter school or Government network. Such hardware is not included in Government support and service agreements.

Income Generating Courses

The Isle of Man College runs bespoke programmes for industry which do not lead to regular qualifications. The Isle of Man College is allowed to retain the surplus from these programmes, subject to a well monitored agreed costing procedure. For further details of these courses e-mail IOM College

Industry Links

The term ‘industry links’ does not describe a subject or study in its own right but rather a range of work related elements of a school’s whole curriculum. These elements include careers education and guidance, work experience, applied aspects of National Curriculum subjects, the teacher placement scheme and additional curriculum activities such as Young Enterprise, the CREST Awards Scheme and the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP). Primary and secondary schools and the Isle of Man College will build upon existing industry/business links so that they provide effective support for the full range of work related activities in the school/College and foster reciprocal benefits to the companies and the staff who are involved. Further information can be obtained from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685796.

Inservice Training

Inservice training is a professional entitlement for all teachers and lecturers. Five of the teachers’ and lecturers’ contracted days are designated for inset. For teachers in schools, some of these inset days may be converted into Twilight sessions. Other training courses are available for teachers and are detailed in a Continuing Professional Development Programme which is published each year. In the Secondary phase part of this programme is the courses that are provided through Co-ordinated Teacher Release (CTR) sessions, when all teachers with similar responsibilities in schools are released for training purposes on the same day. The Department has established a Professional Development Centre at Santon and the majority of inservice training takes place there. The Department is committed to providing Leadership & Management Training for its teachers and is establishing a programme for this to support teachers at all levels within schools; as part of this the Department provides opportunities for suitable candidates to undertake the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the Leadership Programme for Serving Head teachers (LPSH) Further details of the Department’s policy and programme for Inservice Training are included in the ICPD booklet, copies of which are available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353.

Inspections

Full external school inspections constitute one of four strands of the Department of Education’s Monitoring and Evaluation Policy. As such, they are conducted periodically by the Department of Education who may contract inspection teams to carry out the work on their behalf.

Insurance

All insurance matters are handled by the Head of Legal & Administrative Services at the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685828.

Internet Access

Permission for Internet access and the publication of World Wide Web material is given to schools subject to:

• Each school implementing a suitable strategy for controlling and monitoring Internet access and publication of material.

• Internet access and publication must be via the Department’s Internet Service Provider.

Interviews

Appointments to all vacant posts involve applications, references and interviews. The conduct of the interviews for teaching/lecturing posts are in accordance with the Department’s written policy statement on the Recruitment, Selection and Appointment of Teachers and Lecturers.

Copies of this are available from the Director of Corporate Services, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685829.

Interviews for other categories of workers are in accordance with the regulations for the staff concerned.

Investors in People (IIP)

Investors in People is the UK National Standard which sets a level of good practice for improving an organisation’s performance through its people. Investors in People in schools puts the development of individual members of staff into the wider school context. It also offers a framework for the management of effective schools and results in an improvement in the quality of learning offered to pupils. The Department of Trade and Industry is an international partner of IKP UK (a company established in 1993 by the UK Government to lead, promote and develop the IIP Standard). IIP UK has a contract with the Department of Trade and Industry under which the IIP Standard is licensed for use in the Isle of Man.

Further information may be obtained from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685828 or the IIP Advisor

Job Sharing

The Department of Education supports job share arrangements as far as is practicable.

Junior Tynwald

A Junior Tynwald is organised annually in the last week of the Summer term. It involves teams of Year 12 sixth formers from each school, who prepare questions and supplementary questions for Members of Tynwald, and a Question Time is held. There are also debates on motions. Organisation of the Junior Tynwald is co-ordinated by the Department of Education in conjunction with the Clerk Assistant to Tynwald.

King William's College Scholarships

The Department of Education traditionally offers scholarships to Year 6 pupils in Island primary schools. The scholarships are for the full period of study from Year 7 through to the end of Year 13 at King William’s College. Parents can obtain full details from the primary schools or the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685801. The scholarships are awarded on mainly a social need for boarding education although academic criteria are also currently being applied (with or without the requirement of boarding).

Leadership Programme for Serving Headteachers (LPSH)

The Department seeks to encourage all serving headteachers to take part in this leadership training programme and the Department holds funds centrally to support headteachers who wish to do so. Headteachers should apply directly for a place on the course, having first secured approval for the funding from the Department. The point of contact within the Department is the Co-ordinating Adviser 11 - 19 Education, Department of Education Office, Upper Church Street, Douglas IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353.

Leave of Absence

Applications for leave of absence are in accordance with the conditions of service for each employment group. For teachers in secondary schools and lecturers at the Isle of Man College, applications are made to the headteacher or Principal and leave of absence is granted by them. Primary teachers apply to the Department for leave of absence, but must do so through their headteacher and seek his or her support for the application.

Legal Matters

All legal matters should be referred to the Head of Legal and Administrative Services, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685828.

Lettings

External divisions of the Department. The Executive Officers in secondary schools and at the Isle of Man College are responsible for their own establishment’s lettings. The policy for charging is set by the the Department. Further information regarding lettings at primary schools can be obtained from the Primary School Lettings Officer, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685785.

Click here for further information.

For further information e-mail susanne.kirk@doe.gov.im

Library Service

It is the policy of the Department to operate a Library Service consisting of a junior library and a mobile library, in addition to the libraries at the Isle of Man College and in schools, in accordance with the Education Act 2001. See also Library Service

Life Education

A Life Education Centre was established on the Isle of Man in 1988 to work with primary schools. The Life Education Centre’s concept is a preventative approach to drug use and misuse and relates to all forms of drugs, whether legal or illegal. It aims to provide children with the knowledge, skills and self confidence to enable them to make healthy choices for their future. The Life Education Centre philosophy focuses on creating a sensitivity to values which lead to an understanding and appreciation of human life. This, along with building up a body of sound knowledge, enables children to make decisions about any influences which might impede the development of their fullest potential.

Further information may be obtained from the Senior Life Educator. Tel: 01624 824706. See also Life Education.

Literacy

The ‘Literacy Strategy’ was introduced to and developed in all primary school classes during the academic year 1998-99 and is taught in accordance with the published DFES guidance.

Marking

The marking of students work is an important part of the assessment of their progress. As such, it is part of the professional duties in teachers’ and lecturers’ contracts and should be carried out frequently. The precise details of how marking should be organised is a matter for the schools to determine, but the general progressional principle which should govern these details, is that students should receive such feedback on their work as to enable them to understand what they need to do next to improve.

Maternity Leave

Conditions of employment to provide for leave of absence with pay, with an option for extended leave for absence without pay, for women at or near the time of childbirth.

Further details are contained in the Conditions of Service document for the relevant employee group.

Mentoring

Every school which has a newly qualified member of staff on roll will nominate a suitably qualified and experienced mentor to support that teacher during the first year of their career. Mentor training is also provided so that students may be appropriately supported during school experience placements which take place in the Island’s schools.

Minibuses

The Department issues clear guidelines on the minimum standard of all minibuses to be used by Department groups and on the standard of all new minibuses to be purchased.

Further details may be obtained from the Transport Manager, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686279.

Ministerial Decisions

The Minister of Education has the power to make prerogative decisions (ministerial prerogative) in cases of unresolved disputes, e.g. appointments or school admissions.

Minor Repairs

The Department charges its Works Division with responsibility for minor and emergency works to the Island’s schools, as and when they arise. These works may be critical to the everyday running of the school or part of a planned maintenance/upgrading strategy.

Modern Foreign Languages

As part of the Core Manx National Curriculum, French, German and Spanish are taught in Island schools. French is taught to all primary school pupils from Year 3. In Key Stage 4, the majority of pupils study a modern foreign language. The Department has a Modern Foreign Language Centre (Yn Ynnyd Chengey) at Crosby as a venue for class language simulations.

Monitoring and Evaluation

A regular programme of monitoring and evaluating the standards being attained by pupils in the Island’s schools and the quality of the education provided is carried out through a programme which consists of validated school based self reviews, focused reviews, surveys and full external inspections.

Music Service

Peripatetic instrumental tuition is made available to pupils in the Island’s schools through the services of specialist teachers employed by the Department of Education’s Music Service. Musical instruments are made available for hire by pupils who are receiving such tuition. Admission to such lessons is through recommendation by schools and subsequent assessment by members of the Music Service staff.

Further details may be obtained from the Music Centre, Lord Street, Douglas. Tel: 01624 686555

National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)

The Department encourages deputy headteachers who are ready to apply for headship in their next application to undertake this qualification and has made available financial support for them to do so. The criteria for eligibility is that the teacher should already be a deputy or assistant headteacher with whole-school responsibilities and a realistic chance of becoming a headteacher in the short to medium term. Those interested in pursuing this qualification should secure the support of the Department first of all. Further information may be obtained from the Co-ordinating Adviser 11-19 Education, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353.

A formal application should then be made to the Teacher Training Association for acceptance on to the course.

Numeracy

The 'Numeracy Strategy' has been introduced and is being taught in all primary school classes, in accordance with the published DfEE guidance.

Nursery Education

Nursery classes will be established in identified priority areas, as part of the Foundation Stage of Island primary schools, as and when funding becomes available. Half day places are made available to pupils whose 4th birthday falls during the academic year commencing 1st September. All of the Islands 4 year old children are eligible to apply to attend one of these nurseries but priority for admission is given to those living within the school catchment area and then, those outwith the school catchment area prioritised by geographical proximity to the school.

Nurseries are staffed on a ratio of 1 teacher and 1 nursery nurse for every 20 places. At present the Department has nursery classes at Ballacottier, Cronk-y-Berry, Jurby, St John’s, Victoria Road and Manor Park schools, which serve children living in those schools’ catchment areas. There are also nursery classes at Auldyn Infants, Peel Clothworker’s, Ashley Hill, and Willaston schools that have been established on a contractual basis through a public/private partnership.

Nurture Groups

Nurture Groups first started within the Island schools in September 2001. There are several groups in both primary and secondary schools, which are well received by the Head teachers, parents and children. Teachers and support staff employed in this area have been trained by Cambridge University in Nurture Group philosophy and practice.

Offensive Weapons

The policy of dealing with offensive weapons can be obtained from the Health and Safety Adviser, Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.

Off-site Activities

The Department issues a comprehensive policy on all off-site activities, which must be followed by all Department employees and voluntary instructors. An approval system for all off-site activities is in place and an outdoor education advisory panel monitors the policy.

Further information and a copy of the Policy for Off-Site Activities may be obtained from the Youth and Community Adviser, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685810.

Part Time Youth Workers

The minimum age for Youth Service youth workers is 21 and for part time assistant youth workers is 18 years. The retirement age for all part time workers is their 60th birthday.

Performances by Children

The Department has a duty, under the Education Act 2001, to over see legislation relating to performances by children (that is a child below the upper limit of compulsory school age). Full details of these regulations are available from the Education Liaison Officer, Education Office, St george's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686277.

Performing Rights

This relates to copyright regulations

Personnel

All Department’s of Government are governed by an agreed personnel budget. The Department of Education currently has approximately 1,676 whole time equivalent staff, who are allocated over the following areas: primary, secondary and further education, special educational needs, youth and community and central support.

Photocopying

Photocopying must be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA).

Planning

The Department carries out the required planning application procedures with all the relevant statutory bodies with regard to building improvements. Revenue and minor schemes are planned and scheduled by the Works Division. Schools are required to have emergency plans, school development plans and curricular plans.

Play Service

The usual staffing ratio for play service clubs is 1 adult to 12 children. This may be increased to 1 adult to 15 children at the discretion of the youth officer, after a risk assessment has been undertaken.

Policies

The Department believes that, in the interests of good management and clear communication, policy statements should be written and widely available. It recognises that the format for policies will vary according to their purpose, but in all cases, the underlying principle should be clearly stated.

Guidelines for implementation of the policies should also be given, together with a statement about the purpose of the policy and when it will be reviewed. In short, the structure of each policy statement should be:

• Background
• Policy principles
• Purpose of policy
• Guidelines
• Date for review
• Date approved

Primary Education

Primary education is made available for all pupils from the 1st September of the academic year in which they will attain their 5th birthday and continues until the academic year in which they have their 11th birthday. Appropriate primary education is provided across the Island in purpose built accommodation which is equipped and staffed to meet the educational needs of all pupils. Primary education is non selective and provides equal opportunities for pupils regardless of age, gender, race and ability. All pupils are entitled to broad and balanced curriculum which is matched to meet their needs and provides continuity, progression, differentiation and relevance.

Prize Days (also referred to as presentation of awards/awards evenings/speech nights, etc.)

A formal prize day is held by each of the 5 secondary schools, the Isle of Man College and the International Business School. The organisation of such events is a matter for the school/College/IBS, but usually involves a guest speaker to present prizes and a formal report from the headteacher/Principal/Director. The Department provides financial support for the organisation of such prize days in the schools and College’s budgets.

Probationary Period

All newly qualified teachers appointed to the service of the Department of Education are required to successfully complete their first year of teaching before having their appointment confirmed. Newly qualified teachers are entitled to appropriate levels of school based support, to a programme of continuing professional development and to periodic review and appraisal of their performance.

Probationary periods and appraisal schemes for other groups of employees are in accordance with their relevant conditions of service.

Professional Associations

The Department endeavours to be a reasonable and caring employer and recognises, consults and liaises with all professional associations within the Department’s workforce, which are as follows:

• ATL - Association of Teachers & Lecturers
• NAHT - National Association of Head Teachers
• NAS/UWT - National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers
• ASCL - Association of School and College Leaders
• NUT - National Union of Teachers

• ATL - Association of Teachers & Lecturers
• UCU - University and College Union
• PAT - Professional Association of Teachers (now Voice)
• ACM - Association of College Managers

For administrative, technical support and manual staff:

• GOA - Government Officers Association
• NAEIAC - National Association of Educational Inspectors, Advisers & Consultants
• TGWU - Transport & General Workers' Union
• UNISON - Unison

The Department has regular formal and informal meetings with the associations. It works to agreed conditions of service for each group of employees and has an agreed pay policy for each group of employees.

Progression (Progress)

It is fundamental to the very nature of education that the work of all schools and the College should be geared to ensuring that students make appropriate progress. So that progress is known and understood by teachers, students and their parents, it is essential that it is assessed on a regular basis. A range of strategies need to be employed to ensure that pupils make as much progress as their abilities will allow. Such strategies may include

• Ensuring curriculum continuity.
• The organisation of assessments.
• Ensuring that marking of students’ work is done in such a way as to offer guidance on how it could be improved in future.
• High expectations.
• Lively teaching which is well planned and focused on the needs of students.
• Tasks and activities which are appropriately differentiated

Properties

The Department undertakes to provide appropriate accommodation in order to ensure the correct environment for education. The Department operates a Landlord and Tenant Policy as part of the Delegated Financial Management Strategy for schools and the Isle of Man College.

Prospectuses

See Brochures.

Protection of Children from Abuse

The overall procedures to protect children from abuse are designed to ensure that the welfare of the child is protected. Where members of staff consider that they have a good cause to suspect abuse (including neglect, emotional abuse and ill treatment), they should promptly report their suspicions to a senior member of staff who has been given the responsibility for co-ordinating the schools, Colleges or youth centres response to child abuse.

The procedures protecting children from abuse are lengthy and are circulated periodically to headteachers of all schools. The Head of the Special Needs and Psychology Service has responsibility for ensuring that procedures are in place to protect children from abuse and he can provide advice with respect to the procedures. He may be contacted at the Special Educational Needs and Psychology Service, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686086.

In order to ensure that a rapid response is made to such queries, requests should indicate that the caller wishes to ‘discuss urgent concerns about possible child abuse’.

Protective Clothing

Details can be obtained from the Health and Safety Adviser, Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.

Public Relations

Island schools, the Isle of Man College and all sections of the Department have always interacted with the public and the media on a range of issues relating to their work. The Department has a Media and Events Co-ordinator and encourages its schools, the College and other divisions to develop good relations with the public through good customer service and open, positive provision of information. The development of explicit Department of Education policies, in line with the Isle of Man Government ‘Way Ahead’ initiative based on providing a service to customers, all help Education Department sections to be open about their work and performance.

Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR)

The PTR is calculated by dividing the total number of students on roll by the number of teachers (including the headteacher) of the school. The results are expressed in the form of a ratio, e.g. 1 to 16. In 2007, the average PTR in primary schools was 1 to 18.1, and in secondary schools the average PTR was 1 to 14.2.

Reception Classes

Every one of the Island’s primary schools which has a Key Stage 1 department will also have a Reception class which may admit pupils from the beginning of the academic year in which they will have their 5th birthday. Every parent who wishes their child to take advantage of such a place may do so, but they may also exercise the right to delay their child’s entry to compulsory education until the beginning of the term following their 5th birthday.

Records

Records of pupils enrolment at a school should be retained indefinitely. Other more detailed records of the pupils work whilst on roll at the school or the College need only be kept in summary form. All records on individuals, whether kept on a computer or in paper form, should be of a professional nature and be made available to parents or guardians or the students themselves, if over the age of 18, upon demand. Data Protection legislation provides regulations governing the access to records.

Records of Achievement

Primary schools devise their own format for records of achievement but they must contain the following on a yearly basis: a contribution by the pupil, samples of work, copies of school report, certificates or notification of any achievements and comments by the class teacher. The record of achievement becomes the pupils property at the end of Year 6. Secondary schools follow the Isle of Man National Record of Achievement which becomes the pupils property at the end of Year 11. Post 16, secondary schools and the Isle of Man College build on the record of achievement and the by now established process.

Recruitment

Recruitment to all posts with the Isle of Man Department of Education has to be made in accordance with Work Permit legislation. The basic principle of Work Permit legislation is that a post must be offered to a person with Isle of Man worker status, so long as he or she is suitable for the post. In addition, the Department’s policy is that workers should be recruited according to specific criteria as laid down and identified in the job description and the person specification. Selection is made according to these criteria, either at the application stage, the stage receiving references, or the interview stage. For teachers in secondary schools and lecturers at the Isle of Man College all posts are advertised in the Times Educational Supplement, and in the local press. Recruitment is made locally wherever possible and from newly qualified teachers who have been supported as students by the Department of Education.

Redeployment

Every teacher up to and including the post of deputy headteacher in primary schools, is appointed to the service of the Department of Education and not to a specific school. It may therefore be necessary from time to time, in the interests of the service, to require teachers to be redeployed from one of Island’s schools to another.

Redundancy

Isle of Man employment legislation clearly defines the requirements relating to redundancy. The Department of Education, as a caring and reasonable employer, does not seek to cause or make staff redundant. However, there will be a few situations over a period of time when redundancy situations will occur - that is, a job really does not longer exist nor is required. The correct agreements and payments as per employment legislation will be made in these very few and infrequent cases.

Relocation Allowance

Assistance granted to new employees, for nominated positions, to assist with removal and other expenses as a result of relocating to the Island.

Details of the current scheme may be obtained from the Finance Division, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685783.

Salaries

Payment of employment remuneration is generally made monthly by BACS, although provision exists to staff, usually temporary, relief or part time, to be paid weekly by cheque.

Saturday Morning Music Activities

The Department of Education Music Service will provide Saturday Morning Music Workshops for pupils between the ages of 8 - 13 at 3 centres around the Island during Autumn and Spring terms only. The workshops operate for 2 hours between 10 am and 12 noon and are staffed appropriately to ensure both the safety of the pupils and the adequate level and range of musical activities. Additionally, the Music Service also arranges for meetings of the Isle of Man Youth Orchestra to be held on Saturday mornings during each academic year.

Further details may be obtained from the Music Centre, Lord Street, Douglas. Tel: 01624 686555.

Schemes of Work

All schools produce up to date and relevant schemes of work for each National Curriculum subject and Religious Education. Schemes of work take account of curriculum policies and are matched to the age, ability and aptitude of the pupils for whom they are designed. A scheme of work is a professional document drawn up by teachers as their plan of work to be taught for each class pupils.

Guidance on the construction of schemes of work is available from the Senior Adviser, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685353.

Scholarships (See also King Williams College Scholarships)

The Department of Education administers several scholarships relating to Higher and Further Education (e.g. the Henry Bloom Noble Scholarship, Russell Willis Scholarship, Colby Cubbon Scholarship, etc.)

Further details of these scholarships may be obtained from the Student Awards Handbook available from Legal and Administrative Services, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685820.

School Meals

Under the 2001 Education Act, the Department makes school meals available to those people wishing to partake so all pupils have the opportunity to obtain a meal in school every day. In Secondary schools food is available before school and at break times as well as lunchtime. In Primary schools food is only available at lunchtime. Meals are prepared to current nutritional best practice standards. Catering staff work closely with teaching staff to ensure pupils are encouraged to make informed healthy choices.

School Milk

The Department has a duty to make available milk for all pupils who wish to take it. In special circumstances, under medical direction, milk is provided at no charge.

Secondary Education

Secondary education on the Isle of Man is non selective and is for students between the ages of 11 and 18 and therefore includes Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and 16 and 19 education. Secondary education is provided at present in 5 schools and there is a degree of overlap with the Isle of Man College, which admits students from the age of 16 onwards for further education

Secondary Employment

Secondary or subsidiary employment of a Civil Servant requires the prior approval of the Chief Executive Officer of the Department.

Sex Education

The Department of Education recognises that Sex Education is a difficult issue which will place demands on schools and teachers. It is, however, an important part of children’s preparation for adult life. The Isle of Man Department of Education Sex Education Policy and Guidance provides the basis for a whole Island policy on the teaching of Sex Education in primary and secondary schools, the Isle of Man College and the Youth and Community Division.

Copies of this policy and guidance notes are also available from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685809.

Special Educational Needs

The policy of the Department is that special educational needs should be identified and met in mainstream situations wherever possible.

Further details are provided in the Special Needs Policy, copies of which are obtainable from the Special Educational Needs & Psychology Service, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 686086.

Stress Management

standards in the services provided and it recognises that their physical, mental and well-being is of critical importance. It is therefore the Department's policy to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, that no employee is subjected to a level of stress due to work which is detrimental to their health. The Department's aim is to create an environment where, if stress does occur, it can be dealt with openly and fairly.

Copies of the Departments 'Managing Stress in the Workplace' Policy and Procedures are available from the Director of Corporate Services, Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685805.

Student Awards

The relevant regulations are as set out in the Student Award Regulations, available from the Tynwald Library, or in the Essential Guide to Student Awards, which is available from the Careers Office and the Education Office. The Scheme is administered by the Student Awards Section, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685822.

For further information e-mail studentgrants@doe.gov.im

Supply Cover

The provision of supply cover by relief staff is in accordance with the conditions of service of each employment group. For school teachers, the general principle is that supply cover may be used to cover the absence due to illness of another teacher after 3 days absence, except in cases where the Department was notified of the absence well in advance, and that internal arrangements will be made within the school to cover absences for the first 3 days. For employees other than teachers, different arrangements pertain.

Suspension

The arrangements for suspension from schools are explained in the Articles of Government for secondary schools and Rules of Management for primary schools, plus the Guidelines for Secondary and Primary Education Away from Mainstream.

Copies of each of these documents may be obtained from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685809.

Swimming Tuition

All primary schools will be offered a limited amount of swimming tuition.

Teacher Exchanges

International teacher exchanges are available to teachers on the Island and are organised by the Central Bureau in London. Applications for international teacher exchanges should be made in the first instance to the Department of Education, where each application is considered on its own merit, and if approved, funding is made available to support the teachers exchange.

Job exchanges for teachers on the Isle of Man is a principle which the Department of Education supports. The mechanism for such exchanges is that each pair of teachers must seek approval from the appropriate governing or managing body. Short term teacher placements are also supported by the Department of Education. Firstly, through teacher placements in industry, which is organised centrally by the Department along the same lines as the UK national scheme for this, where teachers spend usually a week in a local business, with a very clear learning agenda. Secondly, short term placements in another school are also supported by the Department in order that a teacher may learn about a particular practice or system of organisation in another school. In cases such as these, the teacher should apply to his or her own headteacher, who will make arrangements with the corresponding headteacher of the other school.

Teacher Placement

A placement involves spending some time alongside the professionals in a different working context. Placements are of a flexible duration and can be negotiated to suit the needs of all concerned. A working week is the usual pattern but often school and business will agree a programme which involves one day per week over a number of weeks. Supply cover is paid for by the Department of Education. Placements provide first hand experience and insights into the role of business which teachers need so that they can use their experiences to support the curriculum and prepare young people for work, training and lifelong learning. The partnership also equips business people with the knowledge of new approaches being adopted in education and flexible training opportunities for employees at all levels.

Application forms for the teacher placement scheme are available from schools, the College Staff Development Officer, or the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685796.

Teacher Secondment

Applications for teacher secondments are considered by the Department and priority is given to those which will help to deliver a schools Development Plan objectives or post inspection Action Plan priorities.

Further details may be obtained from the Director, Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685801.

Tendering

The invitation of sealed bids for payment for the provision of goods or services in accordance with the Isle of Man Government Financial Regulations.

Transport

Transport of pupils via buses to and from schools is the responsibility of the Transport Division of the Department of Tourism and Leisure. Any other transport arrangements are the responsibility of the Department of Education. More information can be obtained from the Transport Manager at the Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas IM1 2SG. Telephone 01624 686279.

Travel Allowances

Mileage allowance are paid to employees required to use their personal vehicles on official Department business.

Uniform

The Department of Education encourages the wearing of uniform by pupils when they attend school. Schools are free to make decisions about the detailed nature of the uniform in conjunction with their governing body and have well developed practices for encouraging the wearing of uniform.

Upgradings and the Award of Available Incentive Points

In the case of internal upgradings, where there is no teacher vacancy within the school but the headteacher wishes to have a responsibility post, then the headteacher can recommend an internal upgrading. If there is more one possible candidate on the teaching staff, then the post should be advertised within the school and competed for by interview with the managers/governors or presentation to the managers/governors.

Where such an upgrading becomes known towards the end of the Summer Term, the headteacher may, in conjunction with the chairman of the manager/governors, make a temporary upgrading.

Upgradings caused by teacher vacancies are advertised and competed for in the normal way.

Value Added (See also Progression)

The “value added” is the amount of measured progress made between 2 stages in a pupil’s education. Various forms of assessment are used by schools to measure progress and the Department also funds the use of the University of Durham’s systems for measuring value added, which are PIPS, for establishing a baseline on entry to school and YELLIS and ALIS, which are used in the secondary phase. These systems give useful diagnostic information to schools and also information on the schools performance to the Department.

Violence in Schools

Details of the action to be taken in this area may be obtained from the Health & Safety Adviser, Education Office, St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685797.

Work Experience

Guidelines are given in the Department's “Work Experience Policy and Arrangements” These are aimed at providing schools and employers with a set of criteria to work with and to ensure that each party is fully aware of their role and responsibility and the contribution they can make introducing young people to the world of work.

Copies of this document can be obtained from the Education Office, St George’s Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 2SG. Tel: 01624 685803.

Work Permits

See Recruitment.

Worship

The statutory basis for religious worship in schools in the Isle of Man is contained in the Education Act 2001, which requires that arrangements are made for regualr collective worship. Beyond this statutory requirement, schools are free to make their own arrangements. The Religious Education Advisory Committee has, within its own brief, responsibility for making recommendations to the Department for guidance and policies in this area to be produced.

Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement Isle of Man is a member of JA Worldwide, the world's largest organisation dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and enterprise. Under its former name, Young Enterprise Isle of Man, it has been involved with the development of young people on the Island since 1982. It changed its name in 2006 to reflect its membership and involvement with JA Worldwide. Through a dedicated volunteer network, it provides in-school and after-school programmes for students at all levels within the Isle of Man's educational system. It offers educational programmes that focus on seven key content areas: business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics/ character, financial literacy and career development. JA IoM offers a range of programmes, based on the principle of Learning by Doing, which brings volunteers from business and the local community into the classroom to work with teachers and students. Some programmes enable students to work together to run their own real company. Others use games, hands-on activities and role-play to develop skills and capabilities for business and enterprise. Volunteers are welcomed from all walks of life and do not necessarily have to work in business. Many are retired business people or those nearing retirement. Junior Achievement receives generous help with funding from many local businesses and the Isle of Man Government. Equally important is the help in kind given by businesses and the time given by business people to support students undertaking its programmes. Junior Achievement is a Manx registered charity whose core purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Telephone: 01624 834761 or e-mail: enquiries@jaiom.im

Youth and Community Division

The Youth and Community Service incorporates the Play Service, Youth Service, Library Service, and Careers Service. The aim of the Division is to meet the needs of individuals and groups within the community in order to help them to develop their potential to become positive and contributing members of society with a caring and tolerant attitude to others. It is the policy of the Department to operate a youth service for young people in school year 7 and over, up to a normal maximum age of 21 years, in accordance with the Education Act 2001.

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