What will happen on my first day in school?
We plan something very special for your first day/s with us and will write to you about this before you start. This might be a trip or a fun day in school, to get to know each other, your Crew Leader and other teachers. On your first day in school, you will receive your timetable which will tell you who your teachers are and when you have your lessons. We will talk to you about what is expected in school and what happens during the school day.
What will I need to bring with me on my first day in school?
You will need to be in your school uniform, unless we've said otherwise, and you will need to bring in any equipment you have to help you learn such as a pencil, pen and ruler. You will not need all your PE kit for the first day but it may be a good idea to have some trainers in your bag in case you have PE on your first day timetable. Information on school uniform and equipment can be found here.
You will also need a packed lunch if you bring one, or make sure you have funds on your Parent Pay account to buy lunch from the school canteen. If you have free school meals you will be able to get lunch from the canteen.
What are the times of the day?
8.30 to 8.40 |
Registration in your Crew |
8.40 to 9.40 |
Period 1 |
9.40 to 10.40 |
Period 2 |
10.40 to 11.00 |
Break time |
11.00 to 12.00 |
Period 3 |
12.00 to 1.00 |
Period 4 |
1.00 to 1.50 |
Lunch time |
1.50 to 2.20 |
Crew time |
2.20 to 3.20 |
Period 5 |
School finishes at 3.20 unless you are staying for a club or are waiting for the school bus.
Who do I speak to if I am worried about something?
Your Crew Leader is the person who is responsible for supporting you through all aspects of being at school and they are normally the person to speak to first. All teachers understand though that starting a new school is a big thing and they will be approachable if you need to speak to them about something. You can also talk to your Head of Year or our Safeguarding & Welfare Officer.
Where are the toilets and when can I use them?
There are two block of toilets, one downstairs and one upstairs. There are also toilets in the Sports Hall. You should use the toilets during breaktime and lunchtime, rather than during lesson time. If you do need to use the toilet during a lesson, ask your teacher.
Will I be with my friends?
We will try to place you into Crew groups and class groups with some people you know. It is not always possible to place you with everyone you know, and you will not necessarily be with your friends during every lesson. You will see your friends during break and lunchtime, and you will also make new friends.
What if I get lost?
Luckily, we are very small school, so it is very unlikely! You will quickly learn where everything is and if you are not sure than ask a teacher or another student - they will understand that you are not sure where things are.
What if someone bullies me?
We are a kind and caring community so it is very unlikely that someone will bully you. If they do, or if they say something upsetting to you it is important that you inform your teachers so that we can deal with it quickly. Your Crew Leader or Head of Year will normally be the person to speak to but if it happens in a lesson make sure you tell your class teacher.
Will I get homework?
Yes - we set regular curriculum support activities (CSA). In Year 7 this will focus on Maths, English and Science. You should not worry about this and the amount set will be manageable. If you have a problem with completing a CSA then it is important that you tell your teacher in advance of the hand-in date, or ask your parents to contact the class teacher.
What do I do if I lose something?
If it's labelled with your name, we'll get it back to you! This is best! If it's not labelled, it will be placed in the Lost Property Box, although any valuable items such as phones will be kept in the school office. If you lose something, look for it where you might have left it or ask at reception to look in the Lost Property Box.
Are the teachers strict? Will they shout at me and tell me off?
Your teachers will have high expectations of you, and this will not change. They will not shout at you but may need to raise their voice if they need to get your attention. If you are working hard in lessons and being polite to everyone then is is unlikely you will be told off. We have a restorative approach in school, and we want you to learn from any experience you may have if you do something wrong. Learning how to relate and be polite to one another is just as important as any work we do in lessons.
What do I do in lessons if I am not sure what to do or if I have a question?
This is a normal part of lessons and learning, we expect that you will want to ask questions. If you need to, then put your hand up and ask your teacher for help.
What do I do if I don't feel well?
If you are in a lesson tell your teacher, they will help you. If you feel ill during break or lunch then go to reception or find the member of staff on duty.
Is there somewhere quiet I can go at break or lunch?
Yes, we have a quiet area in the Hub for those of you who need it. If you want to access this support please speak to the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator or a member of the Hub team.
What food can I get from the cafe?
The cafe serves a wide variety of food and there is usually something for everyone. As well as a different main course each day you will be able to buy pasta or baguettes or sandwiches. During break time you will be able to buy snacks. When you buy food and drink from the cafe you will be using a cashless system. Your parents will pay money into a ParentPay account and you will have your thumb print scanned to use at the tills, which then connects to this account.
Should I bring a drink with me?
Yes, bring a bottle of water every day in a refillable bottle. We have water fountains in school where you can refill these during break or lunch, but do not provide plastic cups! We also sell drinks in the cafe but this is no substitute for having your own water bottle.
Can I have my phone on me in school?
We do not allow students to use phones during lessons, break or lunchtime. If you bring your phone to school you must keep it switched off and hand it in during morning Crew time for safe-keeping. It will be returned during afternoon Crew, but you must then keep it switched off in your bag while you are still in school. This is to keep you safe and also make sure you are not distracted during lessons. If your parents need to speak to you then they can contact reception.
What do I do with my coat and bag during the day?
You keep your things with you during the day and are responsible for looking after them! Make sure they are labelled with your name.
Will I need my PE kit every day?
No, you will only need your PE kit on the days you have PE lessons. On these days, you come into school in uniform and change into PE kit, using the Sports Hall changing rooms, for your lesson.