[sims] Registration set up

[TimetableClaire]

Sims advocate two possible methods for setting up registration periods. Either using the Sims pastoral structure (often in conjunction with a Non class code for cover purposes) or by setting up timetabled essons for registration. Interested to hear pros and cons for both methods. Also if a school sets up timetabled lessons for registration, does this mean that Lesson Monitor Setup still needs to be done or is it redundant? Thanks

[Doomwatch]

I dont know if this helps but

Using a non class code is really specifically to make Cover functional. If using this method…

I would recommend making a NCC for each reg group. It allows the covering staff member to see which class they are covering.

Upside is you can see it on the home page.

Downside is from the homepage you cannot drill through to take a lesson register (its not a class!). Also you can only ever print it on a staff timetable, never for a pupil

If using timetabled registration periods…

Upside you can both see and drill through from the homepage to take the register.

Kids see it on printed timetables

Downside you have to maintain memberships for a whole load of new classes. Edit marks in attendance looks a bit odd (eg you will have a column for AM reg and one for the timetabled lesson)

Basically, take your pick. Neither is perfect.

Whichever you choose…

The timetable cycle needs to be set up correctly. As term has started if you have never done either, or if you are swapping, you will likely need to modify the cycle, you can do it during the year but its not much fun.

Method 1 needs a non teaching period(s) defined in the cycle or pupils will have blank periods on printed timetables

Method 2 needs teaching periods defining to accommodate the new lessons (and maybe a subject code). You will need to tell lesson monitor that you are copying the mark from your ‘fake’ lesson to be the statutory mark for the session. If your reg period is not at the start of the session (eg its mid morning) you don’t really have a choice but to use method 2 as you will already have taken the am reg mark (safeguarding) and will want to take a register at the mid morning form period as well (safeguarding again).

[TimetableClaire]

Hi thanks for your reply. I have always used Method 1 but am now working with some schools who use Method 2 and other schools who are not clear about what they want! Interested in hearing from schools about their rationale for choosing either method.