Norwich High School for Girls ages 3 to 18
Parent Handbook Part of the
A welcome from the Headmistress Dear Parents, I warmly welcome you and your daughter to Norwich High School. Our aim is to make the transition to this exciting new chapter in her educational journey as smooth as possible.
We want your daughter’s time with us to be happy, enriching and inspiring, and I would encourage you to contact us if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions in the coming years.
We believe that Norwich High School is a very happy school and we want each girl here to be so, and to fulfil her full potential both academically and personally.
We are very much looking forward to having your daughter with us and to developing our relationship with you.
In this booklet you can find answers to many of the questions you and your daughter might have before starting at the school. You will find key information about uniform, day-to-day routines, homework, co-curricular opportunities and reports. It will also be a useful point of reference as she progresses through the school.
Mrs Kirsty von MalaisĂŠ Headmistress
Norwich High School for Girls ages 3 to 18
Part of the
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Contents Our School Mission Statement
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Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
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Who’s who at Norwich High School
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Communications – School to Home
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Communications – Home to School Daily routine Organisation of classes Girls’ health Meals and nutrition Homework and study skills Co-curricular opportunities Reporting procedures
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Libraries Uniform Lists Stationery and Equipment
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Travel and Transport Opportunities for Parental Involvement Additional Polliwiggle Nursery Information Additional Junior School Information Governors School Policies
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Norwich High School’s Mission Statement We believe in putting girls first
GOVERNING BODY:
We believe that education is about more than exams
GOVERNORS:
Girls in girls-only schools benefit from the fact that everything is designed and developed to meet their educational and pastoral needs, so that they can be the very best they can be, whilst here at school and beyond.
The Governing Body of the school is the Council of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), which has legal and financial responsibility for the running of Norwich High School and our sister schools and academies.
Additionally, we have a committee of school governors who are key figures in the local community and who provide support and advice to the school on a regular basis.
Fostering intellectual curiosity within an academic education is at the heart of all we do but we believe that the best education also includes outstanding sport, music, art, drama, and a full range of extra-curricular activities.
NORWICH HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (NHSA):
We believe in pioneering education
Since its foundation over a century ago, Norwich High School has been committed to pioneering girls’ education. We look for innovation in all that we do.
Our parents’ association organises social, educational and fundraising events throughout the year. We hope you will find something of interest and enjoy supporting many of its functions. You are notified of these through the school, usually by email.
We believe in our community
Norwich High School was created by the radical and enterprising people of Norwich. We remain committed to that community and to its values, and to the unique community that is the Norwich High School family. 4
Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Mrs Kirsty von Malaisé –Headmistress The Headmistress has overall responsibility for the school academically, pastorally and financially. This is the person to whom you write with any serious queries or problems. Telephone calls from parents will always be put through to the Headmistress’s PA who will then arrange for the appropriate member of staff (if not the Head) to return the call when they are available. Appointments to see Mrs von Malaisé are also made through her PA, Mrs Waity.
Mr Nicholas Tiley-Nunn – Head of Junior School (starting Sept ‘16) Mr Tiley-Nunn is responsible for teaching and learning in the Junior School. He manages the day-to-day running of the Junior School, pastorally and academically.
Dr Beth Ashfield – Deputy Head Academic Dr Ashfield deals with curriculum and assessment matters. She has responsibility for learning and teaching in the classroom, and ensuring that the school’s assessment and marking policies are implemented successfully. Dr Ashfield is also in charge of inset and other staff related matters.
Mrs Helen Dolding – Deputy Head Pastoral Mrs Dolding has direct responsibility for the work of the Heads of Year and co-ordinates the Pastoral Team. She is also responsible for the day-to-day organisation of the school.
Mrs Jo Thompson – Director of Finance and Operations Mrs Thompson is responsible for all aspects of the school budget, administration and ICT systems and staff, the teaching support staff, estates, health and safety, and also the domestic side of the school; co-ordinating the work of the caretakers, groundsmen, cleaners and kitchen staff.
Mr Mark Braybrook – Assistant Head Academic Mr Braybrook is responsible for the school’s use of assessment data. He is also the lead for developing reporting for girls and parents.
Mr Owain Hall – Assistant Head Enrichment Mr Hall is responsible for the School’s Enrichment Programme and is in charge of the school’s co-curriculum, including, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, school trips and Community Service.
Mr Richard Nobes – Director of Marketing and Communications Mr Nobes oversees all internal and external communications and the marketing of the school.
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Who’s who at Norwich High School The Pastoral Team:
Form Tutors:
Mrs Helen Dolding: Deputy Head Pastoral
Form tutors have direct pastoral responsibility for your daughter, supporting her academically and socially in the first instance. Form Tutors change annually until the end of Lower III (Year 6). Your daughter will have the same tutor for Upper III and Lower IV (Years 7 and 8) giving her stability as she settles into life in the Senior School. In Upper IV (Year 9), the girls are placed into new form groups and will keep the same tutor until the end of Upper V (Year 11) to oversee her progress as she approaches her GCSEs. In the Sixth Form the tutor groups contain a ‘vertical’ mix of LVI and UVI students (Years 12 and 13). They keep the same tutor for two years.
Miss Alison Brand: Assistant Head of Junior School (Reception, Kindergarten and Lower I) Mrs Rebecca Wheatley: Assistant Head of Junior School (Upper I – Lower III) Mrs Cheryl Goodby: Head of Upper III Mrs Fiona Kempton: Head of Lower IV Mr Josh Thomas: Head of Upper IV Mrs Rachel Magee: Head of Lower V Mrs Rebecca Musson: Head of Upper V
The Finance and Operations Team:
Mrs Hazel Packer: Pastoral (Lower VI – Upper VI)
Mrs Jo Thompson: Director of Finance and Operations
Mrs Ann McCourt: Higher Education (Lower VI – Upper VI)
Mr Mak Singh: Facilities Manager Mrs Rachel Sykes: Finance Manager
These members of staff in addition to the form tutors will help your daughter to settle into life at Norwich High School, monitoring attendance, social development, academic progress and any specific needs your daughter may have. Please contact the appropriate Form Tutor or Head of Year if there is anything you feel we should know or if you have any questions or concerns about her progress.
Mr Nick Barker: Chef Manager
The Communications Team: Mr Richard Nobes: Director of Marketing and Communications
To contact a member of staff by email please use the formula initial.surname@nor.gdst.net
Miss Ali Ready: Registrar
Heads of Year offices are situated close to the relevant form rooms so that students can visit them easily to discuss any issues arising. Pastoral Heads co-ordinate the personal, social and health education programme, which deals with issues appropriate to the age group. The School Office will take telephone messages on their behalf (or put you though to their voicemail) and arrange for you to be phoned or for an after-school appointment to be made. Please be aware that Heads of Year teach most of the day and will respond to messages left for them as soon as practicable.
Miss Emily Marchant: Communications Officer
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Communications School to Home
We will contact you by a variety of methods throughout the year: Newsletters
Written Profiles / Reports
Each week in term time we email links to our latest news stories from across the school in our Weekly Highlights newsletter, usually on Fridays, along with letters containing information about school visits and events. Our website, Twitter and Facebook accounts carry the daily news stories to keep you right up to date with what’s happening in school. Norwich High School GDST www.norwichhigh.gdst.net
Detailed written comments on your daughter’s progress are sent home annually. Parents of Senior School pupils will also receive progress reports at regular intervals.
Term Dates
The next academic year’s term dates are circulated by Christmas of the previous academic year. They are also available on the website.
@NorwichHigh
Key dates
Key dates for the academic year are circulated in July prior to the start of the new academic year so that relevant dates, such as parents’ meetings, plays, carol services and sports days can be put in your diary. Occasionally changes are made so please check your Weekly Highlights and on the parent portal or website.
We log all parents’ email addresses onto our SIMS system, which allows us to email letters and news, keeping you up-to-date and informed about school events and trips, and reducing the likelihood of a letter being lost in your daughter’s school bag! Please email admin@nor.gdst.net if you do not receive emails in the first few weeks of term.
End of Term Information Email
At the end of each term you will be sent an End of Term Pack by email containing the Headmistress’ end of term letter and other essential information which may include details of changes to school meals, travel and uniform.
Planners
Students are issued with a yearly planner which can be used for day-to-day communication between parents and teachers.
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Communications Face to Face Communication:
Home to School
Year Group Meetings
There are some formal occasions when you may wish to contact us. We are always pleased to hear from you regarding your daughter’s experiences and successes outside of school.
At the beginning of the autumn term each year you will be invited to the school, to meet other parents and staff and begin to put faces to names. It is also an opportunity for us to tell you a little about the programme your daughter will follow during the academic year. We are also pleased to welcome you to a variety of social functions during the year including the November Market, our Sports Award Ceremony, the Choral Concert, Future High Quiz and a variety of charitable events. There are also frequent opportunities for our girls and their parents to attend talks and other events, such as Awards Assemblies in Stafford House.
School office
The School Office and switchboard are open from 8.00am to 5.15pm (5.00pm on Fridays) in term time, and 8.30am to 4.00pm during school holidays. Telephone 01603 453265, Fax 01603 259891, email admin@nor.gdst.net
Parents’ Meetings
The Junior School office is staffed until 4.00pm in term time.
In the Junior School we hold two parents’ meetings a year, and one in the Senior School, with additional meetings at transition stages. These offer a formal and timetabled opportunity to discuss academic progress with your daughter’s teachers. Should you wish to discuss any concerns or queries at any other time, please do not hesitate to contact your daughter’s Form Tutor or her Class Teacher if she is in the Junior School.
Contacting members of staff
Should you wish to contact a Head of Department or Head of Year please use the following model for their e-mail address: initial.surname@nor.gdst.net e.g. r.nobes@nor.gdst.net An up-to-date list of key members of staff can be found on our website.
Matches / Plays / Concerts / Services / Displays / Sports Days
We are always delighted to have enormous support from parents for all of these events. You will receive invitations to these during the year and more information is available on the website. Refreshments are usually served and we welcome your extended family and friends also when possible.
Your contact details
Please let us know about any changes to your addresses (both postal and electronic), telephone numbers, etc by either writing in to the school or, for Senior School parents, logging on to the Parent Portal and updating your information online.
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Correspondence
drama, or for the Ministry of Transport driving test. We do not expect holidays to be taken in term time. Your support in these matters is greatly appreciated.
The following letters should be handed in by your daughter to her Form Tutor: • Notes explaining absence of one or two days. • Request for permission to be excused from games due to illness. • Request for permission for a doctor’s or dentist’s appointment.
When requesting permission for a future absence, the school should be given at least three days’ notice in order to be able to inform the appropriate staff. Other than for medical appointments, parents will receive a written reply to their request.
Absence notes
If your daughter will be absent because of illness please telephone the school each day before 9.00am, so that her absence can be recorded. On her return to school your daughter should bring a note to her Form Tutor explaining the reason for her absence for our records. Absence notes should include the following information but need not take the form of a formal letter:
Urgent telephone messages
• Address • Date • Pupil’s name and form • Dates of absence • Reason for absence • Parental signature
Girls below the Sixth Form may not use mobile telephones in school during the working day without permission from a member of staff. In the Senior School your daughter should keep her phone and any other electronic devices in her locker during the school day. In the Junior School all devices are handed in and stored by the Form Tutor during the school day. Mobile phones and other personal electronic devices may not be used in the EYFS areas or presence of Nursery and Reception girls.
In an emergency, please telephone the School Office with a message for your daughter. If she needs to contact you urgently, she may phone you from the School Office, or use her mobile with a teacher’s permission.
Mobile telephones
Leave of absence
The school Behaviour and Rewards Policy specifies that leave should only be requested in exceptional circumstances and well in advance of the desired absence. We appreciate the trouble that many parents take, for example, to fix routine dental appointments outside the school day, but also realise the necessity for accepting emergency appointments in school time. We share the high value you place on your daughter’s academic work and involvement in co-curricular activities, and so requests to take girls out of school during the school day are not encouraged.
Only the designated Nursery/School cameras and camera phones and iPads may be used to take any photo within school or on outings.
Permission for absence is granted for nationally recognised examinations for which a girl has worked towards over a period of months, such as the Associated Board graded examinations for music or speech and
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Daily routine Polliwiggle Nursery and Stafford House
Infants
Reception, Kindergarten and Lower 1
We have clear routines at the start and end of the school day to ensure the girl’s safety. The school day starts at 8.30am. We like girls to arrive as close to 8.30am as possible via the Albemarle Entrance. Girls arriving between 8.00am and 8.30am are supervised in Stafford House Hall where we ask them to read a book quietly. Girls should not arrive at school before 8.00am and should not be left outside the school unsupervised. Girls in Lower Three can use the Eaton Grove dining room facility between 8.00am and 8.20am with parental consent. Girls using this facility are expected to walk to Stafford House at 8.25am for registration at 8.30am.
8.30am: All-day and morning session begins. Girls may arrive from 8.00am. Afternoon session begins.
12.00pm:
Lunch
12.30pm:
Morning session ends.
3.30pm:
All-day and afternoon session ends.
3:30pm:
Girls may join Bishy Barney Bees in Stafford House which offers a range of activities, including arts and crafts, games, music and computing.
School starts with Registration.
9.00am:
Infant lessons begin.
10.10am:
Morning break
10.35am:
Lessons
12.00pm:
Lunch
12.40pm:
Infant clubs
1.10pm:
Lessons
3.10pm: End of School Day. Girls are collected from the Newmarket Road Entrance to Stafford House. Girls may read a book in the Rainbow Room while waiting to be collected alongside older siblings. Girls who are not collected by 3.30pm will be signed into our after school club, Bishy Barney Bees, which is charged in fixed half hourly blocks.
Nursery
11.30am:
8.30am:
3:30pm Girls may join Bishy Barney to 3.50pm: Bees which offers a range of activities, including arts and crafts, games, music and computing. This service is provided at an extra cost. Bishy Barney Bees closes at 6.00pm. The direct telephone number for Bishy Barney Bees is 01603 351871. The outdoor playground equipment may only be used by Norwich High Junior Girls, under the supervision of a member of staff.
This service is provided at an extra cost. Bishy Barney Bees closes at 6.00pm. The direct telephone number for Bishy Barney Bees is 01603 351871. The outdoor playground equipment may only be used under the supervision of a member of staff.
Please note that the above timetable may change for September 2016. Parents will be informed in advance of any changes made.
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Juniors
Seniors
8.30am: School starts and registration takes place followed by Assembly
We have clear routines at the start and end of the school day to ensure the girl’s safety. Girls should not arrive before 7.45am as there is no supervision at this time.
9.00am:
Junior lessons begin
10.15am:
Morning break
10.35am:
Lessons
12.20pm:
Lunch
1.00pm:
Junior Clubs
1.30pm:
Lessons
7.45am: The Dining Room is open for Breakfast Club 8.00am: Girls are welcome to wait in their form rooms. 5th Form girls can use the Hub. 8.30am: School starts. Registration and assembly / form time 9.00am:
Period 1
9.55am:
Period 2
10.45am:
Morning break
11.05am:
Period 3
A member of staff waits with girls who are not collected in the Albemarle Road courtyard until 4.10pm. After which, girls can join Bishy Barney Bees. Parents will be charged for this session.
12.00pm:
Period 4
12.50pm:
Lunch
1.55pm:
Registration
Girls in Lower Three with parental consent may buy a snack to eat from Eaton Grove Dining Room up until 4.15pm. Girls using this facility should be collected directly from the Dining Room by 4.15pm.
2.05pm:
Period 5
3.00pm:
Period 6
3.50pm: Junior lessons finish and the school day ends
Please note that the above timetable may change for September 2016. Parents will be informed in advance of any changes made.
3.50pm: Senior lessons finish. Girls may continue to use the Library and computer facilities for individual study. These rooms close at 6.00pm (5.45pm on Fridays).
Assemblies
Senior School
Monday: Headmistress / Deputy Head / SLT Tuesday: Tutor Time Wednesday: Section Assembly: • Sixth Form – Lanchester House • Upper School – Eaton Grove Hall • Lower School – DBS Performing Arts Studio Thursday: Tutor Time or Whole School Assembly (Headmistress) Friday: Whole School Assembly
Junior School
Monday: Head / Head of Junior School Tuesday: Hymn practice / Music Assembly alternately Wednesday: Form / Awards Assembly / Head / Head of Junior School Thursday: Infants / Juniors Assemblies Friday: Form Tutor Time 11
Organisation of classes Junior School Stay and Play:
Juniors (Key Stage 2): Upper I (Year 3), Lower II (Year 4), Upper II (Year 5), Lower III (Year 6)
Children aged three and under, their parents, grandparents and carers are welcome to join our weekly Stay and Play session on Thursday afternoons during term time from 1.30pm to 2.45pm. Please contact the Registrar to book for these activities.
Upper I and Lower II form the Lower Juniors, while Upper II and Lower III form the Upper Juniors. Teaching is predominantly by the Form Teacher and subject specialists. Mrs Rebecca Wheatley, Assistant Head of Junior School, has overall responsibility for the Junior classes.
Infants (EYFS & Key Stage 1): Nursery, Reception (Year 0), Kindergarten (Year 1), Lower I (Year 2)
Junior House System
Nursery pupils enjoy the majority of their day in Polliwiggle Nursery. They have lunch with the infant girls in the Dining Room. On Monday and Thursday afternoons nursery girls join the Reception pupils in the woods for Forest Schools or in the classroom developing creative skills.
In the Junior School, from Kindergarten upwards, your daughter will be allocated to one of four Houses; Cavell, Fry, Julian and Martineau. Various house activities are run and enjoyed throughout the year, which gives opportunities for the Junior girls to interact with girls in the older year groups.
Girls spend the majority of the time with their Form Teacher but are gradually introduced to specialist teaching in Modern Foreign Languages, Music, PE and Swimming as they progress through these years.
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Senior School Lower School (Key Stage 3): Upper III (Year 7), Lower IV (Year 8), Upper IV (Year 9)
Sixth Form who share responsibility for the Key Stage 5 PSHE programme, pastoral care of our Sixth Form students and preparation for university and life after school. Mrs Ann McCourt is Co-director of Sixth Form with a focus on Higher Education while Co-director of Sixth Form, Mrs Hazel Packer, has responsibility for the pastoral care of the girls in Lower and Upper VI.
At the beginning of Upper III each year group is divided into forms. Each form is made up of an approximately equal mix of pupils from our own Junior School and from other schools so that everybody makes new friends. Mrs Cheryl Goodby has immediate responsibility for this year group. Form Tutors meet their group in the morning and afternoon for registration. In addition, Form Tutors take their form each fortnight for PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). This is an opportunity to learn about and discuss organisational and study skills, homework, revision techniques, relationships and health issues. Girls remain in this form throughout Lower IV. Mrs Fiona Kempton is the Head of Lower IV.
Company System We have a vertical house system in the Senior School. The six Companies are organised by Company Captains and their Deputies, who are members of the Sixth Form. Each pupil is allocated a Company in Upper III. Inter-Company sports, music, drama, chess competitions, challenges and festivals occur during the year. If you have a family connection with one of the Companies, please inform us so we can allocate your daughter to the same one. The Companies are called Britons, Celts, Danes, Normans, Romans and Saxons.
At the end of Lower IV a re-shuffle takes place and new forms are established for Upper IV which remain through to the end of Upper V. This means that girls have a greater degree of continuity during a period of transition, when they are choosing their GCSE options.
Additional Pastoral Support
Most girls in Upper V will have responsibility for mentoring a new girl in Upper III. This helps the girls to settle into the Senior School while offering the older students an opportunity to gain experience of a mentor programme.
Upper School (Key Stage 4): Lower V (Year 10), Upper V (Year 11) Girls remain in the same form from Upper IV. Due to the GCSE options they have chosen, they will be taught with girls from other forms for approximately half of the time. Mrs Rachel Magee is Head of Year for our Upper V girls, and Mrs Rebecca Musson has responsibility for the pastoral care of our Lower V pupils.
Staff who are not form tutors offer support to girls as either academic mentors or pastoral mentors. There are several opportunities for girls to mentor, volunteer and provide support to others. Examples include Lower Three ‘Friendship Buddies’, Upper Five ‘Form Assistants’ to Upper Three tutor groups, Upper School subject mentors and Sixth Form ‘Big Sisters’ – girls who are available during break and lunchtimes to chat through any girl’s worries or troubles.
Sixth Form (Key Stage 5): Lower VI (Year 12), Upper VI (Year 13) In the Sixth Form, students are allocated to new smaller tutor groups which contain both Lower VI and Upper VI students. There are two Co-directors of
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Girls’ Health Your daughter’s happiness and well-being are very important. We have a School Nurse and a number of First Aid trained staff to offer medical help in school.
Medication in school
All parents are asked to complete the medication consent form included in the pupil’s medical records. Parents and carers will be informed of any medication given on the same day or as soon as reasonably practicable. Any medicines brought in from home that need to be given during the school day must be sent in the original packaging, clearly labelled and accompanied by the signed ‘Request for the school to administer medicines’ form which is available from the School Nurse. For short courses of treatment such as antibiotic therapy, the School Nurse will supervise the taking of medication and store the preparation whilst your daughter is in school.
The School Nurse:
Mrs Paula Edwards, is available during the school day in the Medical Centre which is located between Eaton Grove and Stafford House. There is a further medical room in Stafford House. Nurse Edwards is part of the pastoral team in the school and is not solely concerned with physical health and well-being but also assists the Heads of Year by talking through a variety of problems that the girls may experience. She is a support for girls and parents if needed. The School Nurse is involved in Health Education on a variety of subjects ranging from personal hygiene and periods to diet and nutrition. She can be contacted via email on p.edwards@nor.gdst.net
Prescribed medicines
As a general rule, no medications should be in your daughter’s possession whilst in school. The only exceptions are asthma inhalers, insulin pens and epipens for the treatment of anaphylactic shock. The School Nurse can store any medication your daughter may need on an occasional basis. In these circumstances, parents are asked to complete the ‘Request for the school to administer medication’ form which is available from the School Nurse.
Sickness / ill health during the School Day
In the Senior School your daughter will go straight to the Medical Centre. In the Junior School your daughter will be seen by the General or Teaching Assistant and/ or the School Nurse.
In the Junior School we encourage all girls, including younger girls, to have their medications such as asthma inhalers available throughout the day. They can be helped if they are too young to self-medicate safely. The request form, as mentioned above, is needed with all medication.
First aid
In the Senior School your daughter attends the Medical Centre where the School Nurse will assess her. If Nurse Edwards is initially unavailable, your daughter will be assessed by the duty first aider and the Nurse contacted if necessary. In the Junior School your daughter will usually see the School Nurse. If she is an Infant she will be seen and assessed in the first instance by the duty first aider who will call Nurse Edwards if needed. Parents and carers will be informed of any First Aid treatment given on the same day or as soon as reasonably practicable.
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Immunisations
Health surveillance checks
New entrant health screening
Liaison with outside agencies:
Current national programmes of vaccination will be offered to girls as appropriate. The national policies do change periodically and Nurse Edwards will ensure such changes are communicated if relevant to your daughter.
All girls will receive health surveillance checks with Nurse Edwards in Reception and Upper III. Parents are welcome to attend. General health is discussed and growth checks are carried out at these appointments.
All new girls are invited to a health screening with the School Nurse. Consent for this is included in the medical record form. Routinely parents do not attend the health screening and a report is sent home. However, parents are welcome to attend. A hearing test is routinely carried out on all girls during this examination and can be carried out at further parental request if a concern is raised. Health care plans for chronic / ongoing medical conditions and protocols for those suffering with acute allergic conditions, such as anaphylactic conditions, will be completed at the onset of starting school. These are updated periodically.
The School Nurse is always available to communicate with girls’ GPs or Practice Nurses with parents’ consent.
The School Counsellor
The School Counsellor, Lizzie Arthur, visits the school every Monday, Tuesday and Friday and is available to senior pupils on an appointment basis to discuss matters of concern. Girls can make appointments through their Head of Year, School Nurse or Mrs Dolding. Girls can also contact the counsellor by email l.arthur@nor.gdst.net regularly This is a strictly confidential service, although safeguarding measures apply. The Counsellor also gives structured and themed talks at lunchtimes as appropriate.
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Meals and Nutrition Junior School All girls have school lunch provided which is added to the fees bill. In addition, you may order either milk or fruit juice and a snack for your daughter to have at morning break, for a small charge. Alternatively, you may supply a savoury snack or a piece of fruit. Please note we are a nut-free school. Girls in Lower III are welcome to have Breakfast in Eaton Grove – see below for further details.
provision across the day is balanced so girls can widen their understanding of different foods. We ask you not to send in additional snacks or drinks. Lunch is freshly prepared every day, and Nursery girls and Reception class eat in the main school dining room. The food is appetisingly presented in small helpings offering a range of familiar and less familiar foods. Each girl is encouraged to try unfamiliar foods, but we fully understand and cater for those with conservative tastes! We can cater for children with special dietary requirements. Please get in touch with us if you wish to discuss this further.
Whilst in Nursery, and also in their first term of Reception class, we provide snacks consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, salads and starch and dairy which are varied across the week. We ensure the food
A sample menu for one week is shown below. MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Snack Choice from fruit bowl Milk or water
Snack Cheese and grapes Milk or water
Snack Choice from fruit bowl Milk or water
Snack Toast and choice of spread Milk or water
Snack Choice from fruit bowl Milk or water
Pasta Bolognese (Gluten free option available)
Breaded Chicken Goujons
Honey Roast Gammon (GF)
Creamy Chicken salsa (GF)
Fish fingers (Gluten free option available)
Vegetarian Lasagne or Tomato and Pesto Penne Ragu (GF option available)
Tuna and Basil Pasta Bake Or Aubergine and Chickpea Tagine (GF)
Parmesan , Cheddar and Chive Tart Or Spring Vegetable Risotto (GF)
Vegetable Chilli Or Vegetable Salsa (GF)
Gnocchi Sweet and Sour
Baby Jacket potatoes and a selection of vegetables
Couscous and a Roast Potatoes and a selection of vegetables selection of vegetables
Rice and a selection of Chips, garden peas and vegetables baked beans
Jam Ball Doughnut
Rice Pudding
Natural Yoghurt Bar
Syrup and Ginger Sponge and custard
Chocolate and Orange Brioche Pudding
Snack Breadsticks Water
Snack Fruit Water
Snack Pitta bread and dip Water
Snack Soft fruits Water
Snack Breadsticks Water
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Senior School Breakfast
After school
The dining room is open from 7.45am to 8.15am, serving a range of breakfast items for Senior School and Lower Three girls only. Daily menu items include cereals, fruit juice, toast, hot drinks and continental and English breakfast items. Costs vary but girls are able to buy a drink, cereal and hot item for around £1.50. Hot porridge is free.
The dining room is open after the school day from 3.50pm until 5.15pm for Senior School girls to buy a snack and a drink before working in the Library, joining rehearsals or PE matches, or even just before going home! A choice of snack items is available ranging from baked potatoes to sandwiches or homemade biscuits and muffins. Drinks and fruit are always available. Prices vary but are in accordance with break and breakfast prices.
Break
At break, we offer a wide range of snack items for Senior School girls. Items available – many from as little as 50p – include paninis, muffins, biscuits, fruit, pizza slices, sausage rolls, sandwiches, scones and cartons of drink.
The Food Forum
Girls have the opportunity to join the Food Forum during the next academic year to encourage discussion around healthy eating choices, nutrition and our catering provision. Chef Barker would also like to reassure parents that all meat products are British and sourced from local butchers.
Lunch
Girls from Upper III to Upper V have a school lunch (hot or cold) and this cost is added to the fees bill. We aim to offer a balanced, nutritious two-course meal with a focus on ‘homemade’. Menus are organised on a three-week roster and are changed each term to match seasonable availability ensuring quality is maintained throughout the academic year. These can be viewed on the school website. Girls can choose a two-course meal or a school picnic lunch. This consists of a choice of sandwiches, pieces of fruit, cheese and biscuits and a carton of drink. Girls are invited to eat together in the dining room and are not permitted to eat lunch in the classrooms. We encourage every pupil to have a wholesome meal at lunchtime. Students in the Sixth Form can buy a school lunch or bring in their own packed lunch. In good weather, girls in the Upper Fifth and Sixth Form may eat outside.
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Homework and study skills Homework is an integral part of the curriculum. It helps to promote independent learning and to equip pupils with the skills necessary to succeed at school and in later life. We encourage our students to enjoy additional activities outside the classroom and aim to set homework accordingly. Homework timetable
Homework / target setting
At the beginning of the school year, all girls from Upper II to Upper IV are given two copies of a homework timetable, indicating which subjects are set each day and the expected amount of time to be allocated. One copy is for you to keep at home and one is signed by you and returned to school so that we know you are aware of the requirements.
Each girl in the Senior School has a student planner which is used by teachers and pupils to ensure that sensible records are kept, targets are set and homework is logged. Please do look at your daughter’s planner on a weekly basis in order to keep up to date with the work she is doing. In Polliwiggle Nursery and Stafford House girls also have student planners, which helps to keep parents and teachers in regular contact. Please could you check these daily and sign on a weekly basis.
In the Fifth and Sixth Forms, girls are set homework regularly and compile their own timetable based on the demands of their subjects. Homework is set to support the curriculum and to enhance your daughter’s learning so please keep us informed if your daughter either appears to have no homework or seems to take much longer than the time allocated.
Being well organised
One of the key features of independent and successful study is organisation.
Study and research skills
You can help your daughter substantially by ensuring the following: • Please make sure she has all the equipment she needs for school. • Please name all her clothes, PE kit and other property clearly so that if she mislays them, they can be returned to her. • Please ensure that each night you encourage your daughter to check she has everything she needs for the following day: the correct books, homework, correct uniform, drink and snack, her musical instrument, etc. • We are aware that children need time to play and have unstructured parts of the day. We therefore introduce homework gradually in line with pupils’ age and development. All homework is communicated through the student planners. Please sign these at the end of each week. • From Upper III, a rucksack is the most sensible way for your daughter to carry her possessions to and from school. • In the Junior School, girls are issued with book bags up to and including Lower II. In Upper II and Lower III they may change to a small rucksack.
We introduce and practice skills appropriate to the age range as required. All girls have access to our libraries and the Internet. In Upper III, girls are introduced to the Revision Product idea with three lessons in PSHE. They are issued with a school Revision Product folder and a set of dividers for each subject. Each subject area follows the same broad principles of the Revision Product concept and as your daughter progresses through the school, so her study skills will become more effective. A Revision Product evening is held in November for parents to familiarise themselves with the techniques. We strongly urge parents of our new girls to attend and a letter will be sent out inviting you to the event.
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What can do parents do to help?
What does school do to help?
• Check the planner and ask what work has to be done and by when. • Be prepared to act as a sounding board for your daughter’s burgeoning ideas. • Use the planner to check that your daughter has all the information she needs. • Encourage her to engage in the wider issues surrounding a topic. • Methods evolve and your daughter will enjoy showing you how she solves a problem that you may have approached differently at school. • Your daughter may feel more comfortable nearer the family at the kitchen table than in her room so allow her to work where it suits her best. • As she progresses through the school her confidence and independence will grow and she may not appreciate your intervention or suggestions as she once did – this is usually a good sign! • Let the school know if any problems arise by contacting your daughter’s Form Tutor or Head of Year. • Have clear house rules in place regarding use of IT and any devices. We strongly recommend that a central charging point is established and that no phones or iPads are taken up to bedrooms at night time. • Most importantly, encourage her at all times.
Our intention is that your daughter will enjoy every aspect of her life at school so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or should you wish to inform us of any circumstances at home which could have an impact on her happiness or progress in school.
Above all, take an interest in what your daughter is being asked to do. As well as providing the appropriate time and place for her to do her work, you can:
• We introduce homework gradually and support pupils in developing strategies to meet homework requirements. • Form Tutors and subject teachers introduce a variety of study skills to help support our pupils’ learning. Should your daughter have any concerns about homework requirements please contact us, and if we are concerned we will contact you. • Monitoring of the students’ achievements takes place at regular intervals. This involves discussions between girls and those who teach them. Their academic progress and their attitude to study are both relevant.
Computers and iPads
Throughout the school, girls are encouraged to use technology to support and enrich their learning. In the Senior School girls are issued with either their own iPad Mini (Years 7 – 9), an iPad Air (Years 10 – 11) or a laptop. They are able to take these devices home, having made a commitment to follow the School’s Code of Conduct about its use. In the Junior School, class sets of iPads are available for use as appropriate but are not currently available for the girls to use outside lessons.
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Co-curricular opportunities Music: Orchestra, Choirs, Concerts.
she will have lots of opportunities to take part in a club or a production, either on stage or helping backstage with costumes, make-up or lighting and sound.
We are very proud of our wonderful musical heritage here at Norwich High School and pupils enjoy a wide range of music groups which give every girl a chance to share in it. For example, there are Junior, Intermediate and Senior orchestras; a wind band; ensembles and several choirs, including a Chamber Choir. We arrange a variety of musical performances throughout the year ranging from intimate soirées to our superb Choral Concert. We also organise overseas tours for our performers, including Italy in the summer of 2016. If your daughter enjoys making music, she will have many opportunities to perform in formal and informal concerts, in assemblies (solo and in groups) and in the inter-company Music Festival when she is in the Senior School.
Sport:
Sport is an integral part of the education of girls at Norwich High School. Weekly Games afternoons ensure an elite sport focus, as well as a broad and varied programme. Our lunchtime and after school sports clubs also cater for a wide range of physical activities. Details of these sports clubs are updated termly and listed on the online school calendar. Clubs include: Athletics Badminton Volleyball Football Cricket Cross Country Kayaking
Drama and Dance
In addition to the drama and dance lessons in the curriculum, there is a wide variety of lunchtime drama and dance clubs throughout the Junior and Senior Schools. Additionally, Lower IV girls perform in annual pantomimes which are directed by Lower VI students in local primary schools prior to the Christmas break.
Netball Dance Football Rowing Hockey Lacrosse
Trampolining Rounders Table Tennis Multi-skills Swimming Tennis
Matches take place during games afternoons, after school or occasionally on Saturdays. We are always very pleased to welcome parents supporting their daughter’s team during matches and to enjoy refreshments afterwards with the staff.
An Inter-Company Drama Festival is held in the Senior School and there are also after school drama opportunities with visiting teachers. The Dance Show gives girls – from the Junior School to the Sixth Form – the chance to perform together and there is also a Show Night which showcases talent of all kinds from within the school.
Pupils are encouraged to achieve their personal best while working together as a team. We hold several Company events throughout the year during Games lessons, such as Cross Country, Hockey, Swimming, Netball, Tennis and Rounders. Girls also have the opportunity to participate in Junior and Senior School sports days, cross-GDST rallies, local sport partnership competitions and a variety of additional tournaments. Teams also enjoy participating in the weekend residential netball and hockey tournaments at Condover Hall and Bath respectively. Sports Tours also prove very popular, with our next tour to Malaysia in July 2018. Recent destinations include South Africa, Barbados and Gibraltar.
School Productions
The Junior School mounts several productions each year so that there are opportunities for all to take part, either backstage or on stage. There will be three productions in the Senior School; a Lower School play, an Intermediate School play and a Senior School Play, at least one of which will be a full scale musical with a live band. There are also GCSE Drama performances at the end of the autumn and spring terms and A Level Drama and Theatre Studies performances of scripted and devised work. So, if your daughter is keen on the theatre,
Pupils, parents and staff have the opportunity to celebrate the girls’ achievements at the annual Sports Dinner held in the summer term.
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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme:
Girls are also encouraged to think of others by raising money or giving their time for those less fortunate than themselves. In the Senior School, each form elects a Social Services Representative to the Social Services Committee which decides on the charity to be supported and the activity to be organised. The Junior School holds an annual Charity Day, with stalls devised and run by the girls. The Services and Charities Captains organise events throughout the year to support active charitable work. The annual pancake race is one such fun event.
Girls may prepare for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards in school. Introduced in Upper IV, this is a valuable activity which encourages independence, teamwork, organisational skills and resilience. The Gold Award, undertaken in the Sixth Form, is an important addition to any girl’s curriculum vitae.
Societies
Our Societies programme is designed to give girls the opportunity to explore their subjects beyond the confines of the daily curriculum. Girls will be asked to choose a Lower School Society (U3-U4) or Senior School Society (L5-U6) from a list and commit themselves to attending this for a full term, after which they choose another Society. These will meet during the second half of lunch times, from 1.25pm to 1.55pm. Through this, the girls will develop wider interests and make links between their subjects and future career opportunities.
Leadership opportunities
Girls are encouraged to undertake leadership roles from an early age. Specifically, we elect Form Leaders to sit on the school council and their Deputies termly from Upper II to Upper V. We elect form representatives from Lower I to Upper V to committees to filter suggestions and initiatives. We elect Social Service Representatives to the Social Services Committee termly. We also elect sports reps. All girls are encouraged to take on some extra responsibility during their time in the Sixth Form and there is a wide variety of positions available. Head Girls, Sixth Form Officers, Company Captains and their Deputies, a Charities Captain, Debating Captain, Music Captain, Drama Captain, Services Captain, Art and Design Captain, and Sports Captain are elected annually by staff and Sixth Formers.
Clubs
We have a rich variety of clubs which also take place at lunchtime or after school. At the beginning of each term there is an Activities Fair during which girls can sign up to the clubs they choose. Many of the regular clubs are listed on our online calendar and others are announced in assembly. Your daughter is encouraged to develop existing interests and to explore new ones. Form Tutors will monitor that she does not take on too much (or too little!).
In addition, students are encouraged to develop their leadership skills positively by running societies, clubs and activities in school, helping as Form Assistants and through their involvement in activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, young tennis leaders and Young Enterprise.
Clubs change a little each year reflecting the interests of girls and staff, and those currently in the Senior School include numerous sports and music clubs, Art, DT, Bookworms, Writers’ Circle, Dance, Chess, Christian Union, Amnesty International, Maths and Science clubs. A Rowing Club runs on Saturday mornings for Lower IV and above, at extra cost. There is also a wide range of lunchtime and after school clubs for the Junior girls.
Visits and trips
A broad range and variety of day and residential trips are organised every year to extend and enhance the cultural, academic and social experience of our girls.
Opportunities for service
Many of these offer intellectual enrichment and outdoor challenges here in the UK such as our cultural and residential visits. In the previous two years, girls have enjoyed adventures in countries as diverse as Ghana and the USA, and trips have also been taken to France, Germany, Spain, South Africa and Italy. Each trip offers its own unique blend of opportunities often mixing intellectual enrichment with service to the local community. We have links with Operation Wallacea and our partner schools in Versailles, Heilbronn and Ghana. Any trips which are more far-reaching will be communicated well in advance to help you to plan ahead.
Within the Activities afternoon for U5 and L6 girls, there is an emphasis on service in the community, as well as active and creative pursuits. The school has forged links with neighbouring Special Needs Primary schools and our girls work with them on art and textile projects, building relationships with young children. Similarly, we work with three nursing homes and day care centres, offering reading, music and other forms of entertainment for the elderly patients/residents and girls can volunteer for the Norfolk Conservation Volunteers group, working on Mousehold Heath.
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Annual parent for teacher / parent contact and reporting procedures Junior School: Nursery to Lower III
N&R Yr 0 K Yr 1 LI Yr 2 UI Yr 3 LII Yr 4 UII Yr 5 LIII Yr 6
SEPT
OCT
At Home
Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor
At Home At Home At Home At Home At Home At Home
JAN
FEB
Senior School Transfer Assessment
Senior School: Throughout the Senior School there will be an opportunity every half-term for you to find out about the progress your daughter is making. Feedback to parents includes progress grade snapshots, an annual full written report, internal or external examinations as appropriate and an annual Parents’ Meeting. Dates for each of these are published at the beginning of each academic year. Subject teachers and Form Tutors are also available and happy to discuss your daughter’s progress with you throughout the year, as necessary.
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Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor Meeting Form Tutor
MAY
JUL Reports Reports Reports Reports Reports Reports Reports
Libraries Junior School
Senior School
The Junior Library is housed upstairs in Stafford House in a suite of three attractive rooms. Our stock of approximately 6,000 fiction and non-fiction books is colour-coded for easy recognition and organisation. The stock is reviewed and updated regularly by the Librarian. The catalogue and issue system are computerised.
Located centrally on the ground floor of Eaton Grove, the accommodation is in two rooms, one of which (the Jameson Library) is part of the original Georgian house. There are flexible study spaces for up to 50 students, and sofas and soft corners for those who like to curl up with a good book. The stock, which includes CDs, DVDs, magazines, newspapers and 13,000 books, is reviewed and updated regularly by the Librarian. The catalogue and the issue systems are computerised.
We provide study spaces and soft areas for reading or quiet study groups. The day-to-day running is in the care of the English Co-ordinator, aided by a team of Lower III Pupil Librarians. Pupils are encouraged to use the Library and are shown how to use this resource effectively. In addition there are small fiction libraries in classrooms.
There are laptops for pupils’ use which are linked to the school network, giving access to the school intranet and to the internet. A scanner and printer/ photocopier are also available. The Senior Library is open from 8.30am and is staffed throughout the school day. It is available to Senior School pupils after school until 6.00pm for private study, completing prep. or reading. The Library is managed by a professionally qualified, chartered Librarian supported by a Library Assistant. A team of Pupil Librarians work in the Library during break and after school, so help is always on hand for any girls using the Library for study or research purposes. Library lessons are provided for all year groups with the aim of encouraging both independent study skills and a love of reading.
Author visits and other book related events take place in the Junior School throughout the year.
There is a library book group which meets approximately twice a term along with author visits and other book related events throughout the school year.
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Uniform List – Junior School All of our uniform is obtainable from the website Schoolblazer.com. Second-hand uniform is available from our store next to the Christchurch Road courts. Please contact reception for opening hours. All items are compulsory unless marked otherwise and should be clearly marked with the owner’s name. Shoes should be in an appropriate style. A separate list is issued containing more information. No make-up, nail varnish, jewellery (except watches or one small plain gold or silver stud in each ear) or temporary tattoos. No badges to be worn except those of merit awarded by the school.
Polliwiggle Nursery and Reception - Early Years Foundation Stage WINTER UNIFORM
For Forest School Days & Swimming Days:
• Outdoor coat: Regulation navy 3 in 1 • Polo shirt: Regulation red long or short sleeved polo top with blue NHS logo • Sweatshirt: Regulation navy with red logo • Jogging pants: Regulation navy • Shoes: Flat black leather which can be polished with velcro fastening. • Socks/tights: Navy • Smock: Regulation green • Bib and braces: Regulation red • Ribbons/hair bands: Navy or red plain (long hair should be tied back) • Hat /scarf: Regulation navy with red logo • Gloves: Navy • Wellington boots: Own choice (named)
• Polo shirt: Regulation red long or short sleeved polo top with blue NHS logo. • Sweatshirt: Regulation navy with red logo • Jogging pants: Regulation navy PE PE garments must be clearly labelled with the owner’s first and surname inside. • Plimsolls: White with velcro with non-marking soles • PE socks: White ankle socks • Swimming costume: Navy • Swimming hat: Red (before test) or white (after successful test) • Towel: Own choice, named • PE/Swim bag: Navy or red with drawstring • Shoe bag: Navy with logo
SUMMER UNIFORM • Outdoor coat: Regulation navy 3 in 1 • Dress: Regulation style green and white print • Cardigan or sweatshirt: Navy cardigan with logo with two bottle green stripes round the neck • Shoes: Flat black leather which can be polished, with velcro fastening • Socks: White ankle socks, no trims or colour • Smock: Regulation green • Bib and braces: Regulation red • Ribbons /hair bands: Navy or red (long hair should be tied back) • Sunhat Regulation white with navy logo • Wellington boots: Own choice (named)
Required Summer Term for Reception Class Only • Hoody: Red/navy with logo • Polo shirt: Red/navy with logo • Jogging pants: Regulation navy • Skort: Navy/red with logo
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Kindergarten (Year 1) and Lower I (Year 2) – Key Stage 1 WINTER UNIFORM
PE
• Outdoor coat: Regulation navy 3 in 1 • Blazer: Regulation navy with logo • Tunic: Regulation tartan • Polo shirt: Red long or short sleeved polo top with blue NHS logo • Cardigan or jumper: Regulation navy jumper or cardigan with two bottle green stripes round the neck • Shoes: Flat black leather which can be polished, with velcro fastening • Socks/tights: Navy tights or navy knee high socks • Smock: Regulation green • Ribbons /hair bands: Navy or red (long hair should be tied back) • Hat/scarf: Regulation navy with red logo or red with blue logo • Gloves: Navy • Wellington boots: Own choice (named)
PE garments must be clearly labelled with the owner’s first and surname inside. • Hoody: Red/navy with logo • PE top: Red/navy with logo • Jogging pants: Regulation navy • Skort: Navy/red with logo • PE socks: White ankle socks • Plimsolls/trainers: White with velcro and non-marking soles • Swimming costume: Navy plus named towel • Swimming hat: Red (before test) or white (after successful test) • Swimming bag: Navy or red with drawstring • Sports bag: Regulation NHS sports bag for PE kit • Shoe Bag: Navy with logo
SUMMER UNIFORM • Outdoor coat: Regulation navy 3 in 1 • Blazer: Regulation navy with logo • Dress: Regulation style green and white print • Cardigan or jumper: Regulation navy jumper or cardigan with logo and with two bottle green stripes round the neck • Shoes: Flat black leather which can be polished, with velcro fastening • Socks: White ankle socks, no trims or colour • Smock: Regulation green • Ribbons /hair bands: Navy or red (long hair should be tied back) • Sunhat: Regulation white with navy logo
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Uniform List – Junior School Upper I to Lower III (Year 3 to Year 6) – Key Stage 2 WINTER UNIFORM
PE
• Outdoor coat: Regulation navy 3 in 1 • Blazer: Regulation navy with logo • Kilt: Regulation tartan • Blouse: White revere open neck blouse, long sleeved • Cardigan or Jumper: Regulation navy cardigan or jumper with logo and two bottle green stripes round the neck • Socks/tights: Navy tights or navy knee high socks • Shoes: Flat black leather which can be polished, with velcro fastening • Science overall: Regulation green • Ribbons/hair bands: Navy, red (long hair should be tied back) • Hat/scarf: Regulation navy with red logo • Gloves: Navy • Wellington boots: Own choice (named)
PE garments must be clearly labelled with the owner’s first and surname inside. • Hoody: Red/navy with logo • PE top: Red/navy with logo • Skort: Navy/red with logo • Tracksuit top: Regulation NHS tracksuit top (optional) • Waterproof Jacket: Regulation navy with logo (optional) • Training pants: Red/Navy with logo (optional) • Base layer top: Navy with logo (optional) • PE socks: White ankle socks • Games socks: Red hockey socks with NHS logo • Astro hockey trainers: Own choice (optional) • Plimsolls/trainers: White with non-marking soles • Swimming costume: Navy plus named towel • Swimming hat: Red (before test) or white (after successful test) • Shin pads: Own choice, named • Mouthguard: Own choice, in a named case • Sports bag: Regulation NHS sports bag or plain navy bag for PE kit • Swimming bag: Navy or red with drawstring • Shoe bag: Navy with logo
SUMMER UNIFORM • Outdoor coat: Regulation navy 3 in 1 • Blazer: Regulation navy with logo • Dress: Regulation style green and white print • Cardigan or Jumper: Regulation navy cardigan or jumper with logo and two bottle green stripes round the neck • Socks: White ankle socks, no trims or colour • Shoes: Flat black leather which can be polished, with velcro fastening • Science overall: Regulation green • Ribbons/hair bands: Navy, red (long hair should be tied back) • Sunhat: Regulation white with navy logo
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Uniform List – Senior School All uniform is obtainable from Schoolblazer.com. Secondhand uniform is available from our store next to the Christchurch Road courts. Please contact reception for opening hours.
Upper III to Upper V (Year 7 to Year 11) - Key Stage 3 to 4 All items are compulsory unless marked otherwise and should be clearly marked with the owner’s name. Shoes should be in an appropriate style. A separate list is issued containing more information.
PE (for Sixth Form also) • Tracksuit: Regulation NHS tracksuit or tracksuit bottoms and waterproof top with logo • Hoody: Red/navy with logo • PE top: Red/navy with logo • Skort: Navy/red with logo • Base layer top: Red with logo (optional) • Base layer leggings: Red with logo (optional) • PE socks: White ankle socks • Games socks: Red hockey socks, with NHS logo • Plimsolls/trainers: White plimsolls or training shoes (non-marking sole) • Football boots: No metal studs • Astro hockey trainers: Own choice (optional) • Swimming costume*: Navy blue, plus named towel • Swimming hat*: Red (before test) or white (after successful test) • Shin pads: Own choice • Mouthguard: Own choice • Sports bag: Regulation NHS sports bag for PE kit
No make-up, nail varnish, jewellery (except watches or one small plain gold or silver stud in each ear) or temporary tattoos. No badges to be worn except those of merit awarded by the school. WINTER UNIFORM • Outdoor Coat: Any plain dark navy or black coat, full or ¾ length. No coloured trimmings, no leather, plastic or denim • Blazer: Regulation navy blue with logo • Jumper: Regulation V-neck jumper with two bottle green stripes round the neck • Skirt: Upper III – Upper IV: Regulation tartan kilt Lower V – Upper V: Regulation tartan straight skirt • Blouse: White, long-sleeved, revere open-neck blouse • Tights: Navy • Shoes: Black leather, which can be polished, in appropriate style. Parents should ensure that all footwear fits securely and supports the foot. Heels to be no more than 3cm high.
EXTRAS • Shoebag: Own choice • Water bottle • Art and Science: Regulation green overall with snap fasteners • Hair accessories: Navy only • Hair should be tied back if it is shoulder length or longer.
SUMMER UNIFORM • Blazer: Regulation navy blue with logo • Summer Dress: Regulation style (optional for Upper III, Lower IV and Upper IV only) • Jumper: As above • Winter Uniform: Worn throughout the year • Socks: Navy ankle socks (Lower V and Upper V may choose flesh-coloured tights) • Shoes: Black leather, which can be polished, in appropriate style. Parents should ensure that all footwear fits securely and supports the foot. Heels to be no more than 3cm high.
Hair should not be artificially coloured and should be worn in an appropriate style. The school reserves the right to request that unsuitable items are not worn in school and can accept no responsibility for loss of property, although all reasonable efforts will be made to return MARKED property.
* NB. Girls in the Fifth Form can choose to swim. You do not need to buy the school swimming costume and hat if your daughter is joining us in the Fifth Form and will not be taking GCSE PE or taking part in swimming clubs. 27
Uniform List – Senior School Sixth Form Dress (Year 12 and Year 13)
Secondhand Uniform Sales
The Sixth Form enjoys the freedom of having no formal uniform with the exception of PE kit. There is a requirement to dress smartly and appropriately for school. For formal occasions such as Prizegiving, Sixth Formers are asked to wear a smart dress or suit and suitable shoes. The Senior School kit is required for PE.
As you know, school children have a habit of growing quickly! As a result, parents often have secondhand uniform to pass on to the next generation. Opening hours for the School Uniform Recycling Store are available from Reception and on the website. The Uniform Store, located next to the Christchurch Road courts is run by volunteers from the NHSA.
Other requirements in the Sixth Form: • Science: White overall in 100% cotton with snap fasteners to conform to Health & Safety regulations. • Art: Overall of own choice. • PE Kit.
We are grateful to receive good quality, clean uniform, with no repairs or worn patches. Please attach the official label, which is available from the school office, securely, showing the owner’s name and form and details of the garment. Items may be handed in to Reception at any time. Garments will be priced by the NHSA organisers and 30% of the proceeds are retained for school funds. All reasonable care is taken, but no liability can be accepted for loss or damage to garments received.
Lost and Found We recommend that all items coming into school be named and that articles of significant value are handed in to Reception during the school day for safe-keeping. Should your daughter lose any of her belongings she can ask at Reception if the item has been handed in to Lost Property. Named clothing that is handed in is returned to its owner. Teaching staff are informed if items such as purses are found so that a pupil will be reunited with her property as soon as possible. At the end of each term, all unnamed and unclaimed items are displayed for the girls to view and claim. We donate unnamed items not identified at that time to charity.
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Stationery and Equipment Junior School
Senior School
For the Infants (Nursery, Reception, Kindergarten and Lower I)
• GENERAL: Pen, pencils, rubber, ruler, coloured pencils, glue sticks and a pair of scissors. • GEOMETRICAL INSTRUMENTS: A 30cm ruler, a pair of compasses and a protractor are required in Mathematics lessons. • CALCULATORS: Your daughter will need a scientific calculator. We recommend the Casio fx-83GT (which can be purchased from the school for £7.00, from September).
We provide all items of stationery and book bags.
For the Juniors (Upper I to Lower III) • BOOK BAGS: Girls in Upper l, Lower II and Upper II are provided with a book bag. A small navy or black rucksack or satchel for books is required for pupils in Lower III. Please note this should be capable of being folded flat for storage.
• THE POCKET OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY: Published by Oxford University Press. Alternatively, a genuine pocket sized dictionary is a good investment.
• STATIONERY: A supply of HB pencils, pencil sharpener with a bin, rubber, glue stick, pair of scissors, set of coloured pencils and a small set of felt tips. All items should be named and kept in named pencil cases or boxes.
• POCKET SPELLER: Collins Pocket Speller FranklinTPQ-108 available online or from stationers and bookshops. • RAINBOW GOOD NEWS BIBLE: Latest edition of the Collins Rainbow Good News Bible is required for girls in Upper III – Upper IV, and those taking GCSE or A Level RS.
• RULER: A 30cm ruler marked in centimetres and millimetres.
• PHILIP’S MODERN SCHOOL ATLAS: Girls entering Upper III - Upper IV, and Lower V and Lower VI if taking Geography at GCSE or A Level, require a copy of the latest edition of Philip’s Modern School Atlas 98th Edition: hardback - ISBN 9781849073547.
• MATHEMATICAL SET: A set of mathematical instruments, including a protractor and a set square, is needed from Lower II (Year 4). • A FOUNTAIN PEN: During the course of Lower II, girls will be taught to write with a fountain pen, after which this becomes a required item of stationery, together with cartridges (blue washable only, please).
ART AND DESIGN EQUIPMENT • A3 plastic folder • Paper glue • Drawing pencils • Poster paints (red, (HB, 2B, 4B) yellow, blue, orange, • Fine liner pen green, purple, black, • Rubber white) and watercolours • Putty rubber* (small tin of 12 colours) • Coloured crayons: • A fine brush (No. 2 or 12 colours No. 4) and a mixing • A pair of scissors brush • Chalk pastels and/or oil • A wash brush pastels: 12 colours * (No. 8 or No. 10) *
• SIMPLE CALCULATOR • A CLIPBOARD • RECORDER: Descant Aulos – available from Cookes Pianos, 19 St. Benedicts Street, Norwich, and other outlets. • OXFORD PRIMARY DICTIONARY ISBN-13: 978-0192732637
• USB PEN DRIVE: USB pen drive of at least 2GB. Girls studying Art at GCSE and A Level may find a larger size useful.
• OXFORD PRIMARY THESAURUS ISBN-13: 978-0192756893
• LOCKER: All lockers are operated by key locks. Please note that a small fee will be charged if a locker key is lost and requires replacing.
• RAINBOW GOOD NEWS BIBLE: Latest edition of the Collins Rainbow Good News Bible. 29
Travel and Transport Public Transport:
Liftshare:
Minibus Routes:
All you need to do is register a few simple details and your journey to the school, and then you will be able to find and interact with others who would like to liftshare in the same area as you. If you don’t drive, you could also register to ‘seek a lift’.
A number of train, bus and coach services serve the main routes into Norwich. The County Council also operates a park and ride service from principal parking locations and further information regarding this can be found on their website.
We have now launched a new liftsharing website in collaboration with liftshare.com, exclusively for the use of Norwich High School parents. This new site can be found at norwichhighschool.liftshare.com
We run a fleet of minibuses for our pupils. Full details of the routes are available from Mrs Tina Pye (t.pye@nor.gdst.net).
Liftsharing is flexible, excellent for the environment and could also save you money; the average commuter who liftshares saves over £900 a year.
Currently services run to and from the bus and rail stations, and from Hoxne, Roughton, Attleborough, Gorleston and Hemsby with pick-up points along each route. We will be happy to add additional routes should there be sufficient demand.
Car parking:
Blue badge holders and Norwich City Council green badge holders are welcome to park in the school parking areas. We ask parents to use the designated parking spaces on Christchurch Road, Albemarle Road, Lime Tree Road and Newmarket Street for dropping off and picking up their daughters. There is also non-permit parking on Bury Street and Onley Street. We recommend staggering pick up times. The roads are quieter after 4.00pm.
Cycling:
Both the Junior and Senior Schools have cycle racks and we encourage girls to cycle or walk to school where possible. (Please note that cycling is not permitted in the school grounds.)
Coming by car:
Please drop your daughter off so she can enter school by either the Christchurch Road or Albemarle Road entrance. For their safety we do not allow students to walk down the main drive from Newmarket Road. We operate a voluntary one-way system from the Newmarket Road end of Albemarle Road and would ask you not to drive into Albemarle Road from Mount Pleasant at drop off and pick up times. We ask parents to stagger pick up times, and to try to avoid the very busy times when possible. Parking is not permitted in front of Stafford House or outside Polliwiggle Nursery at any time.
Snow routine:
We remain open during term time despite spells of severe weather. However, if weather conditions pose a danger or cause disruption to travel and accessibility we will email information concerning potential re-organisation of the school day to parents and you will be able to access regular updates on our website www.norwichhigh.gdst.net
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Opportunities for Parental Involvement
Whole School
Senior School
We are delighted to have so many interested parents and welcome your involvement in school life very warmly. Parents are invited to:
Norwich High parents are very generous with their time and expertise and have often contributed in the following ways: • giving talks in the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme • contributing to the Enrichment and Careers Programmes • attending A Level and GCSE Art Exhibitions • helping with mock interviews • assisting with costumes, transport, recording school shows and pantomimes and on some trips.
• ‘At Home’ – in order to meet staff and hear about the programme for the new academic year, and how and when you can help • accompany many of our school visits, however, numbers are sometimes limited • give talks about your work as part of our Careers Programme, or the Inspiring Females programme • support matches, school plays, concerts, sports days, carol services, exhibitions, prizegiving, and functions of the Norwich High School Association (NHSA) such as the November Market, Quiz and Summer Fete • join the Committee of the Norwich High School Association.
Please approach us if you would like to be involved in these ways or in another capacity. We are always pleased to hear your ideas.
Junior School Helping your daughter with reading, spelling, tables, learning numbers and homework is particularly valued in the Junior School. We also invite you to attend Form and Awards Assemblies and to stay for refreshments afterwards.
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Additional Information Polliwiggle Nursery At Polliwiggle Nursery we support your daughters and help them grow and learn about the world in a happy and secure environment. Through our individually tailored and flexible curriculum they will gain the skills and confidence to start them on a successful journey both in education and in life.
SETTLING IN We are keen for your daughter to settle in as quickly and comfortably as possible and, for her first few days with us, we are happy for her to bring in a ‘comforter’ such as a blanket or teddy. Thereafter we would request that toys and special items are not brought in unless there is a reason of which you are aware, such as a ‘Show and Tell’ session.
ATTENDANCE We appreciate that for families with young children, flexibility is key. We are able to offer full or part-time places to suit your needs and offer a range of term time sessions. All day sessions, from 8.30am to 3.30pm, come with the option of an 8.00am drop off which can be combined with after school care until 6.00pm. Morning sessions, from 8.30am to 12.30pm, can also be combined with an 8.00am drop off, while afternoon sessions, from 11.30am to 3.30pm, can be combined with after school care until 6.00pm. Your daughter should attend a minimum of six sessions per week and session choices should be confirmed at the beginning of each term or half termly.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Girls’ personal independence and ability to take the initiative are actively encouraged. From the very start they are encouraged to develop a strong moral sense and to distinguish between right and wrong. They learn how to be responsible and consider the needs of others, learning first within their own small world and later in the context of the wider school community. The curriculum provides opportunities for cultural enrichment, and an understanding of Christian and other religions’ beliefs and festivals. As the year progresses some lessons and activities – such as the Christmas Production and parties, assemblies and visits – are undertaken jointly with older Infant classes. This enables the girls to broaden their social contacts, familiarise themselves with the school layout and get to know other members of staff, ready for their transfer to Reception the following September.
Supervision in the Nursery is available from 8.00am to 3.30pm. From 3.30pm, your daughter can be booked into our after school club, Bishy Barney Bees. This is open until 6.00pm and a reasonable charge will be administered for the use of this facility. Girls who have not been collected by the end of the Nursery day will be taken to Bishy Barney Bees in Stafford House. We ask that session choices for Bishy Barney Bees are confirmed at the beginning of each term.
A Learning Journal is undertaken throughout the year to record your daughter’s progress, based on observations and formative assessments. We are happy to share this with you at any time.
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PARENTAL CONTACT It is important to us that we work in partnership with you to give your daughter the best possible start and to help her develop and progress. Members of the Nursery staff are available to discuss matters of interest or concern before the start of the day and at the end. Please feel free to approach them at these times. A noticeboard near the front door displays daily matters of interest and reminders and we send home notes and letters to advise you of the learning areas that your daughter will be investigating together with dates and any other appropriate details. Your daughter will be given a bag to carry notes (including notes from us) to and from school. Each girl also has a home-school diary where we encourage you to note any special events, give us any useful information or simply let us know how your daughter is feeling! We will endeavour to write in these books daily and encourage you to respond.
FOOD Snacks consist of freshly prepared fruit, vegetables or salad and are varied to ensure the girls widen their understanding of different foods. We ask you not to send in additional snacks or drinks. Lunch is freshly prepared every day and Nursery girls eat in the main school dining room. The food is appetisingly presented in small helpings offering a range of familiar and less familiar foods. As an example, they will be offered roast meats and vegetables, pasta dishes, casseroles, fish, pizza, fresh vegetables and fruit (served every day), hot pudding once a week, yoghurt, fresh fruit / fruit cocktail or mousse. Each girl is encouraged to try unfamiliar foods, but we fully understand and cater for those with conservative tastes! We can cater for children with special dietary requirements. Please get in touch with us if you wish to discuss this further. ILLNESS OR ACCIDENTS DURING THE DAY Should you require us to give your daughter medicine at school, we ask you to make a written request to this effect. It will be administered by one of our first aiders. If your daughter becomes ill or has an accident in which she hurts herself during the day, she will be looked after by a qualified first aider and we will contact you. Please ensure your emergency contacts will be available to take your daughter home in case of illnesses such as tummy upsets.
In line with the main school, Nursery also has an ‘At Home’ evening towards the start of the autumn term which provides an opportunity to hear about your daughter’s coming year and to meet other parents socially. There are parents’ evenings in the autumn and spring terms and a written report at the end of the year. Additional appointments may also be booked if required at any time; please do not hesitate to ask.
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Additional Information Junior School Stafford House is home to the Junior School, from the Reception class to Lower III. We make every effort to ensure that your daughter will soon settle in and feel part of the community, and that you as parents will also get to know us well.
Contact
Uniform and equipment
URGENT OR INFORMAL – WITH STAFF It is always possible to get in touch quickly with a member of the Junior School staff about any concern. You are also welcome to leave a message in your daughter’s planner or with the office. Most members of staff are in school from 8.15am and are usually available for a few minutes at the close of the school day.
NAMING ITEMS Please name your daughter’s clothes and other equipment with her full name and if the name is written on a name label in a garment, please check it regularly for legibility. We try hard to re-unite lost property with its owner and well-named items of equipment usually find their way back quickly! Schoolblazer offers this service to parents on ordering.
If you wish to make an appointment with either the Head of Junior School or any member of staff, please call 01603 453265. The Junior School office is staffed until 4pm. Bishy Barney Bees, our after school club, can be contacted on 01603 351 871.
Safety and security In the interest of the girls safety and security, we ask that all parents drop their children off at the main entrance of Stafford House on Albemarle Road. Please note that there is limited parking on this road, but girls can be dropped off outside quickly and safely.
CLASS CONTACT LISTS We will send you a list of names, postcodes and telephone numbers for the girls in your daughter’s class. We hope that this will help you in planning social meetings among the girls. Please note that there may occasionally be omissions from the list you are given, if a parent has not given consent for a daughter’s details to be included. We would be most grateful if you could help us to help you by informing us of changes to the details we hold about your daughter as and when these occur.
We ask that you do not use the entrance opposite the tennis courts when dropping off or collecting your daughter/s please. The door code is imperative to the security of the building and should not be shared beyond students and staff at Stafford House. Please help us by asking your daughter not to share the door code with anyone including yourself. We would also like to remind parents not to drive into or walk up the front drive at Eaton Grove and to park carefully in and around the school grounds. This is to ensure the safety of the girls at busy pick up and drop off times.
PARTY INVITATIONS If your daughter does not intend to invite all the girls in her class to a party, please do not send the invitations in to school for distribution. We also ask that if girls wish to celebrate with their class at school by bringing in cakes, that these are individual cupcakes, or ready cut into portions. Please note that we are a nut-free school.
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Start of the school day
Clubs
INFANTS AND JUNIORS School starts at 8,30am when registration takes place in form rooms. Please ensure that Reception pupils are handed over to a member of staff and not left to come into school alone.
INFANTS External providers run a number of clubs for the Infants from 3.10pm to 3.45pm, and each pupil may choose one to belong to for a term if they wish, starting from their second term in Reception. Details are sent out by letter each term. Additionally, girls may join Gym Club (Mondays or Thursdays 3.10pm to 3.50pm), the DramActive Club (Fridays 3.45pm to 4.30pm) or a one of our Tennis clubs. For all of these there is an additional cost and parents will be contacted about these, by the club organiser, at the start of the autumn term. Please direct all queries regarding these clubs to the organisers, including collection and arrangements.
End of the day INFANTS Infant classes finish at 3.10pm. Reception, Kindergarten and Lower I classes are collected from the Newmarket Road door. Please inform school in writing if your daughter is to be collected by someone other than her parent / guardian.
JUNIORS We offer a wide range of clubs to cater for many interests, run by staff and external providers. Most Junior clubs and activities take place during the lunch hour and details are given in the school diary for the term. Additional clubs, for which there is a small fee, are Gym Club (Mondays or Thursdays 3.55pm to 4.45pm), a Drama Club on Fridays (4.15pm to 5.00pm and 5.00pm to 5.45pm) and a mixture of Tennis clubs. For the Lower III musicians, there is the opportunity to belong to the Intermediate Choir and Orchestra, both of which rehearse after school.
JUNIORS The Junior School day ends at 3.50pm. Girls in Upper I and Lower 2 are collected at the Newmarket Road door, while girls from Upper to Lower III leave by the Albemarle Road door. Please wait by the appropriate door to collect your daughter. Please note that no pupil is permitted to leave the school grounds if she is waiting for a parent / guardian to collect her. Please inform school in writing if your daughter is to be collected by someone other than her parent / guardian or has your permission to leave the school to walk home or to another location, including Eaton Grove.
Swimming caps – which colour?
Mid-morning snacks
In the interests of safety in the swimming pool, children wear a RED cap whilst classified as beginners. To qualify for a WHITE cap, girls must pass a test given by the PE staff. The test requires girls to jump in at the deep end, to tread water for 30 seconds and to swim 25 metres unaided. Please send your daughter with the appropriate coloured cap. All girls who join with a white cap will be given a test in their first lesson.
Milk or fruit juice and a snack can be ordered and paid for separately on completion of an order form before the end of each term. It is helpful, for ordering purposes, if the form is returned by the date indicated on the form. Alternatively girls may bring in a healthy snack and drink for break-time. We are a nut-free school and snacks must not be sweets or chocolate. A drink and fresh fruit snack are provided free of charge to children in their first term of Reception.
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Governors We are delighted to introduce our Governors with whom we work closely to support and develop the educational and co-curricular opportunities at Norwich High School. Rosemary Randle LLB (Hons) – Chairperson
David Bond BSc(Hons)
Rosemary moved to Norfolk in 1996 and has a daughter who was previously at the school. A great asset to the school, Rosemary chaired the NHSA and has previous experience on PTAs and as a Governor. She became a Governor in 2007 and currently chairs the Annual Giving Committee. Rosemary is a practising Solicitor and is keen to encourage our students to explore new avenues of study and career as the employment market re-defines itself. She is also a great exponent of achieving a fulfilling work / life balance.
David has two daughters at the school, who are the third generation of his family to attend, after his mother and his sister. He has developed a successful farming business growing a wide range of specialist crops, including herbs and daffodils, selling to customers in the UK and abroad. He has represented both the herb and daffodil industry on national bodies. He is also a keen sportsman and hockey coach. David became a Governor in 2015.
Andrew Ray BSc (Econ) (Hons) ACA
Professor Caroline Dean OBE BA PhD FRS
Andrew Ray is a chartered accountant with management consulting experience in China and South Africa. Until he retired through ill health he was engaged in assisting start-up companies with novel technology. His daughter was at the school until 2011 and he became a Governor in 2007. He is also treasurer and trustee of the Nancy Oldfield Trust which offers sailing to the disabled on the Broads and an archaeological project, the Caistor Roman Project, both of which have offered opportunities to Norwich High School girls.
Caroline feels privileged to have had the opportunity to follow her passion in her career as a molecular research scientist interacting with fellow scientists from all over the world and undertaking research in a number of environments both here and abroad. Having moved to Norwich in 1989 she is a project leader at the internationally renowned John Innes Centre and a world leader in research investigating developmental timing and adaptation in plants. Keen to help and encourage young women to consider science and especially research as an option for the future, Caroline became a Governor in 2010.
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David Whitehead FCA
Mrs Jennifer French-Constant BA, MA, MB.BS, DM, FRCPATH, FRCP
David is a Partner and the Chairman at Chartered Accountants Larking Gowen in Norwich. In his career, he has worked in London and Hong Kong and he currently gives Corporate Finance advice to businesses. Larking Gowen places great emphasis on training and development and recruits 25-30 students each year. His daughter has been at the school for six years. He became a Governor in 2012.
Jennie has been a Consultant Haematologist at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital since 1994. She has two children; Mark, a teacher, and Sara, a medical student, who was a pupil at Norwich High School from the age of four. Jennie has a keen interest in education as a Senior Lecturer at the UEA Medical School, Examiner of the Royal College of Pathologists and Chair of the British Society of Haematology Haemato-Oncology Guidelines Task Force. Jennie has been a Trustee of the Norfolk cancer charity Big C for over 10 years and therefore appreciates the importance of integrating charitable work both with education and medicine.
Pauline Alpin DCR(R), PgD Medical Imaging
Pauline moved to Norfolk in 1987. She has worked at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for 26 years; 15 years as a Radiographer and 11 years as a Sonographer. Her daughter, Emma, attended Norwich High School from the age of four to eighteen years old and was appointed Head Girl. She also has a son, John, who is studying Architecture at University. Pauline and her partner, Antony, are actively involved with the Norfolk Community Foundation which is a charity that supports local community organisations to help improve the quality of life for people across the county. She is also an active member of Ovacome, a UK charity which aims to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, promotes early diagnosis and provides vital support for women and their families who are affected by ovarian cancer.
Deborah Bourassa, HNDip (Business), DipPFS
Deborah understands the benefits of a GDST education not only as a former pupil (of Blackheath High School) but also as the mother of two daughters who have recently left Norwich High School. Deborah is a director of a Norwich based Financial Advisers firm and is keen to encourage girls to pursue careers in traditionally male dominated professions and businesses. Deborah became a Governor in 2014.
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School Policies An up-to-date list of all School Policies can be found on our website www.norwichhigh.gdst.net Key school policies are available for download, with all other policies available from the School Office on request.
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Notes
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Norwich High School for Girls ages 3 to 18
Parent Handbook Norwich High School (GDST), 95 Newmarket Road, Norwich NR2 2HU Tel: 01603 453 265 Email: admin@nor.gdst.net Norwich High School GDST @NorwichHigh www.norwichhigh.gdst.net
Part of the
Version 1: May 2016