A

A selection of A and AS Level subjects are available for advanced study in each of the schools and at the University College Isle of Man (UCM). The schools typically offer 20 subjects and the UCM 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 is published annually giving an overview of results. Click here for the report on the 2017 GCSE and equivalent results and here for the report on the A level results.

For advice as to the action to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency contact:

As a consequence of the written reports received by schools following validated school based self reviews, or other external monitoring and evaluation of their work, headteachers may be required to produce and submit written action plans which should subsequently be included within their school's development plan.

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 admissions policies can be obtained by clicking primary and secondary.

In the event of adverse weather, such as heavy snow or torrential rain resulting in flooding, education officials will liaise with the Met Office, Bus Vannin and the emergency services over the advisability of closing schools and the decision will be taken by the Minister for Education and Children no later than 7.45am, with the details passed to the Island's media for publication/broadcast to parents. Where very localised poor weather conditions prevail, headteachers must make a decision based on local conditions (transport, ability of staff to reach school etc) and must inform the Department of Education and Children immediately.

Advice

The Department provides professional advice and support to its teachers and lecturers through its Education Improvement Service. This consists of advisers for primary and secondary education and for ICT, who come under the management of the Director of Education.

The teaching of science in the Isle of Man will encompass material on Aids, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The Policy on Sex and Relationship Education 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.

The Department and all its schools treat any allegations of bullying very seriously. All schools are required to have a policy on how they deal with such allegations when they relate to children. If parents have any concerns about their children they should contact the school and speak to a class/form teacher or one of the senior staff to alert them to the situation and discuss how best it might be resolved.

Guidance on appeals relating to suspension, admission to a school outside of catchment area and transportation for pupils with special educational needs can be found here.

The policy on attendance is contained in the document Attendance of Pupils: Legislation, Policy and Procedures, copies of which are also available from: Corporate Services Division, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 5EZ

DESC, working with the DHSC have produced the attached policy and set of procedures to support children at risk, as well as staff and volunteers as they act in the best interests of the children and within their scope of capability.

The key to prevention of anaphylaxis in schools is knowledge of the student who has been diagnosed as at risk, awareness of allergens, and prevention of exposure to those allergens. Partnerships between schools and parents/guardians are important in helping the young person avoid exposure. Good communication is therefore important and parents/guardians have a responsibility to share with school such communications they have about their child's condition, such as communications / letters and plans from the Paediatrician, GP and Dietician. It should also be remembered that there is community use of buildings outside of school hours, which may have an impact in school hours.