Steve
My 2 cents for what it's worth:
- Always read and follow the instructions on the plate if you have one.
- Always turn in the direction of the circuit
- Always seek clarification if unsure.
- Never go against traffic!
- Never use the deadside if there isn't one
Also, there's an app that may be of interest to you, it's called ApproBASE and you can find it in the App Store. The app helps pilots in the visualise their vfr approach, join and landing at airfields.
It's a quick and easy way for the pilot to generate clear, generic diagrams of the runway and circuit layout for any airfield. Animations illustrate the join path and each leg of the circuit pattern through to landing, helping to provide the pilot with the information required to safely navigate and execute a join to any point in the circuit. Hope it helps.