Faqs

Q	What does FAQ stand for?
A	It is a Frequently Asked Question!

Q	What do Q and A stand for?
A	They stand for Question and Answer!!!

Q	When are the school holidays?
A	Click on the sunbather to find the answer. (Click on the back button on your browser to return here.)

Should I tell my child to "hit back" if he/she is being picked on?

No, because one child's wrongdoing does not justify misbehaviour by another. Everyone remains responsible for their own actions whatever the circumstances. Any serious incidents where your child is being mistreated by another child or children should be reported to the class teacher or a member of the senior staff. If you do tell your child to hit back, then he/she should also know that he/she will also be at fault.

Am I entitled to a place for my child(ren) at Duns PS if we live outside the school's catchment area?

Yes. There is a simple form called a Placing Request form which you will need to complete. These are available at school. However, Scottish Borders Council is entitled to refuse a place if this "incurs additional expenditure" eg by requiring the employment of an additional teacher because of the addition to the school roll. You will also be responsible for transporting your child to and from school.

The following four questions were raised in the Questionnaire completed by parents in March 2003.

Q	What provision is there for foreign languages at school ?
A	Children are taught French in Primaries 6 and 7. This is done in consultation with Berwickshire High School so they pick up where they left off when they transfer to secondary.

Q	What musical tuition is available?
A	Children are able to apply for tuition in brass and stringed instruments when they reach Primary 5. Only a small number of children can be included so there usually needs to be a selection process. An annual charge is made for musical instruction. Full details are provided when children reach P 5.

How are class numbers and class personnel decided?

Class numbers are decided on the basis of national agreements. The details are as follows:

Stages	Maximum Number
P 1-3	30
P 4-7	33
Mixed stages (Composite)	25

Staffing levels are set in June although additional staffing may be provided if the school roll has grown by August when the new session starts. If the roll grows during the year then the school may have to refuse entry to children (even those within the catchment area) in line with Scottish Borders Council's Admissions Policy.

Where deployment of staff is concerned there is no fixed policy and each year is decided according to the circumstances. Teaching staff are able to ask if they can teach a particular stage but it is not always possible to offer this. Staff are generally deployed according to their experience and preference.

Is there a chess club?

Not at the moment. Extra-Curricular clubs and activities are voluntary and whatever is on offer at any one time depends on whether members of staff have time to offer these. One unfortunate change in teachers' contractual obligations is an increase in workload and the need to have regular meetings after school. This reduces the time (and energy!) available to offer extra-curricular clubs. Details about any clubs on offer will be circulated to the relevant children.

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