Information Handbook for New Year 9 Parents

Information Handbook

Introduction This booklet provides information to assist you when filling out forms on the Parent Portal.

Please note that you must fill in all relevant forms by Friday 22 May 2020.

Biometric Registration and Use of Biometric Information The School uses biometric information for cashless catering and electronic pupil registration.

Both systems use the latest biometric technology to scan the thumb of your son and generate a unique code that will identify him when he places his thumb on a scanner at the catering revaluation pay point, the catering tills or at selected pupil registration points around the School. Please note no image of the thumb print is reproduced or held by the School and neither can one be reproduced from the code.

Further details on the use of this technology and consent to register your son can be found on the Parent Portal.

Biometric registration for cashless catering and electronic pupil registration will take place during Induction Day. The School’s Biometric Information Policy can be found on the School website under About Us/School Policies/Biometric Information.

Medical Centre Information Please complete the Medical Questionnaire on the Parent Portal by Friday 22 May 2020 with all relevant information, including dates. If you have any queries the School Nurse will be pleased to assist you.

The Medical Centre is situated in Aldenham House and is open during School term time from 08:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday. There is Paramedic cover provided on a Saturday for home sports fixtures. Medical Centre contact number: 0208 266 1790 and email address: schoolnurse@habsboys.org.uk.

Medical Centre Staff • • •

Gill McGrath - Senior School Nurse Martina McGrath – School Nurse Lizette Nolte – School Counsellor

• • •

Gail Churney – School Counsellor Dr Nicolas Small – School Doctor Dr Joshua Plaut – School Doctor

General Health Information Please keep us updated of any changes such as hospital admissions, illnesses or new medication.

It is extremely important to keep this information updated in case of an emergency. It would also be of benefit to inform us of any significant events such as divorce or bereavement which may affect your son emotionally. We are always happy to talk about any existing medical conditions which your son may have and which may influence our care of him in School; e.g. food allergies/diabetes/asthma/and any severe reactions your son has had which requires use of an AAI (Adrenaline Auto Injector). Relevant information will be shared with appropriate staff if essential to your son’s wellbeing. If your son develops any contagious disease (chicken pox, measles etc.) please inform the Medical Centre as soon as possible. If your son is unwell, eg has a raised temperature, has episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting, please ensure that you wait 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped before he returns to School.

Request for School to Dispense Prescription Medicines If your son requires any prescription medicine to be taken at School, please complete the form on the Parent Portal (Request for School to Administer Prescription Medication), and either you or your son bring it to the Medical Centre along with the medication to be dispensed. It is your son’s responsibility to attend the Medical Centre to be given his medication.

Collection of unwell boys from School It is vitally important that either a parent/guardian is always available to collect an unwell/ injured boy from the Medical Centre. Please notify the Medical Centre as soon as possible if parents are away even for short periods and please provide a contact number of a suitable guardian who can act on your behalf in case of an emergency.

We look forward to hearing from you and to welcoming your son to the School.

Gill McGrath Senior School Nurse

Martina McGrath School Nurse

Dr Nicolas Small School Doctor

Music Instrumental Lessons If you would like your son to learn to play a musical instrument or continue to develop on an instrument he already plays, please complete the relevant forms here by Friday 22 May 2020.

Getting started It is our hope that through learning a musical instrument your son will gain enormous musical and social enjoyment, artistic and expressive satisfaction, and a real sense of achievement which will continue throughout his life. Although learning to play a musical instrument is a long process requiring commitment and hard work, there will be many occasions along the way to celebrate and enjoy. Opportunities to share music-making with others in the vast array of co-curricular ensembles on offer at Haberdashers’ naturally culminate in performance opportunities through the concerts scheduled during the year.

The advantages for taking up a musical instrument at a young age have been well-rehearsed over the years, but here are a few quotes from recent articles: In terms of brain development, musical performance is every bit as important educationally as reading or writing. – All-Parliamentary Group for Music Education – 2020 A Primary School in Bradford which was 3.2% behind the national average moved to being 21% ahead of the national average over 7 years by providing up to 6 hours of music every week to all children. – The Guardian 2017 Anatomists today would be hard put to identify the brain of a visual artist, a writer or a mathematician - but they would recognise the brain of a professional musician without a moment's hesitation. – Oliver Sacks 2007 The decision to learn a musical instrument should be taken after careful consideration. This information sets out to help you make that decision and to serve as a guide for both you and your son.

Choosing the ‘right’ instrument We are often asked to advise parents and pupils on what instrument to learn. There is no hard and fast answer to this question, however one should not underestimate the ‘gut feeling’ that children may have towards specific instruments. It is important that your son is aware of the sounds that particular instruments make as they are going to be spending a lot of time hearing and perfecting that sound. You can help this process by taking your son to an appropriate concert and by encouraging them to take the opportunity to sit in on rehearsals of orchestras and bands at school and to watch and listen carefully.

It is important that you discuss these things with your son, as this joint approach will help you understand and support the learning process later.

Instrumental Lessons are available on the following instruments: Flute Oboe * Clarinet Saxophone * Bassoon * * not available to year 3

Trumpet French Horn * Trombone * Tuba *

Violin Viola Cello Double Bass *

Acoustic Guitar * Piano Organ * Percussion Drums * Voice

Timing of Lessons - Lessons last 30 minutes and are rotated through as many academic classes as possible, except for year 3 and the senior examination years who generally can expect to have lessons which are fixed outside of timetable. Some parents may be concerned about this aspect of learning an instrument at school, but experience has shown that students learn to organise themselves well and make up any missed work without problems. Should your son’s class teacher have a concern about the impact of missing lesson time, they will inform us. All possible arrangements will be made to support the needs of your child, both in terms of carrying on the instrument and learning time.

Record Books - Every pupil has a Record Book which is intended as a record of the year’s work and progress. This can be acquired from the instrumental teacher or the Music Office. The pupil must ensure that it is used properly. Practice times should be entered every day, Parent(s) must sign it weekly and the instrumental teacher will assess the previous week’s work and write in current work.

Examinations - When the instrumental teacher considers your son ready to take an examination you will be notified by letter at the end of the term preceding the one in which the examination will take place – you will be invited to complete an application form for the examination at that time.

Additional Examination Classes •

•

Aural Classes - Aural tests are an integral part of all examinations. In preparation for this part of the exam, classes are arranged in lunch hours and an extra fee is payable on the school account. It is highly recommended that boys attend these sessions. These classes maximise the possibility of obtaining a good result rather than a mere pass. Application for these classes is either in writing to the Music Administrator or by signing the appropriate section of the examination letter reply slip.

Theory Classes - In order to progress beyond Grade V all Associated Board candidates must first pass Grade V Theory Examination. Classes for this are arranged from Monday to Thursday from 4.15 pm to 5.15 pm and an extra fee is payable. It is advisable to start preparation for the Theory examination well before Grade V Practical is taken and many boys prepare for both Grade V Practical and Theory at the same time.

Care of Instruments • • • • •

Instruments should only be brought to school on days when the Pupil has a lesson or rehearsal.

Ensure instruments are always left in the appropriate store, and if possible, keep instrumental cases locked.

All instruments brought to School must be clearly marked on the outside of the case with name, form, school and home address: it is a good idea to put this information inside the case as well.

If your instrument has a serial number, be sure you know what it is; your teacher will help you identify it.

All personal instruments must be insured: the school does not have a policy which covers damage or loss to instruments other than those owned by the school.

Safeguarding - Instrumental Teachers are aware of the school Child Protection Policy and have been trained by the school DSP. Teaching of instrumental lessons may inevitably involve some physical contact. Whilst instrumental lessons take place in individual practice rooms it is possible for another person to view the lesson from outside the room, and parents may sit in on lessons at certain prearranged times. Instrumental Teachers are happy to share with you as parents and carers information about their own working practices.

Welcoming Parents - Parents are invited to attend their son's first lesson here at Habs. It gives an opportunity for parents to meet the Instrumental Teacher and reinforce the partnership that,

hopefully, will continue throughout your son's time here. In addition, in late January every year we hold a Music School Open Week when parents can come to their son's lesson - details for this are issued in early January.

Practising - the parent's role - Children need to be supported in the habit of practice.

Progress in music requires significantly more discipline than most other activities – as parents you are a vital link in ensuring your son progresses as much as possible. Regular daily practice for a short time is far more beneficial than longer less frequent sessions. Please do whatever you can to be positive and encouraging of your son’s practice. Self-motivation will occur as your son begins to progress.

Application Procedure - Application is by signed agreement form, which when complete should be directed to the Music Administrator, Mrs. Nathwani. Application does not necessarily guarantee that the school will be able to offer these lessons immediately. When the Music Department acknowledges this application, you will be informed if no place is currently available and your son will be put on a waiting list.

Fees, Agreements and Notice - The School aims to provide 30 lessons in the year, invoiced in advance of each group of 10. The cost of these from September 2020 is £235 per ten individual lessons, or £150 per ten group lessons. These lessons cannot commence prior to receipt of a signed application form by the Music School. If, at any time, the Parent wishes lessons to be discontinued, the Parent must give notice in writing to the Music Administrator before the halfterm break falling during the intended final 10-week period of lessons.

Richard Osmond Director of Music

School Shop Dear Parents I would like to take this opportunity to send you a personal welcome and introduction to The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Shop.

Our School Shop is situated in the Medburn Sports Centre on the Elstree site. We carry the full range of school uniform and sportswear required by your son except for black school shoes and white trainers and we stock a comprehensive selection of competitively priced stationery.

Under normal circumstances items may be purchased via our website (www.habsboys.org.uk) and we operate an ‘Approval System’ whereby items of clothing, i.e. uniform, sports kit including footwear (not stationery or accessories) over £10 can be taken home and paid for the following day. Goods taken ‘on approval’ which are not suitable must be returned within five working days. Please note returned goods must be in their original wrapping, unsoiled and accompanied by the invoice. Goods taken on approval which are retained by parents should be paid for by cash, debit card or cheque made payable to “The Haberdashers’ Aske’s School Shop Ltd” accompanied by the invoice. We would appreciate your full co-operation regarding approvals.

The Coronavirus has clearly affected the shop’s normal operation and it remains closed until the Government’s restrictions are eased and enabling us to: be open 08:30 – 11:50 and 12:35 - 16:00 during term time; offer hourly outfitting appointments; and an appointment system during School holidays. The latter avoids long waits, makes shopping more comfortable for you and the staff can give you their undivided attention. We will be in touch regarding when the shop and its website will be able to re-open.

Yours sincerely

Michael Lewis Director of Operations

School Uniform The School Shop stocks a complete range of School uniform and price lists can be obtained from them or found on the School website under the ‘About Us’ tab. All clothing must be marked with name tapes, which can be obtained from the School Shop or from your local outfitters, with the owner’s name. The School Shop is open during normal School hours (by appointment only) and at specific times during the School holidays when appointments to visit can be made.

We expect boys to take a real pride in their appearance and to be smartly dressed on all occasions.

• • • • • • •

Shirts – white Senior School tie in House colour Jumper – navy with Habs crest Blazer - navy with Habs crest Trousers – charcoal Socks – charcoal Art apron

Physical Education • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Rugby shirt – navy/sky with Habs crest Rugby shorts – navy/sky with Habs crest Rugby socks – navy/sky hooped Base layer - navy Hooded sweatshirt – navy with Habs crest PE t-shirt – with Habs crest PE shorts – with Habs crest House games shirt – compulsory for inter House matches White PE socks/white trainers Tracksuit - navy with Habs crest Swimming shorts/trunks – plain navy only Rugby boots Shin pads Gum shield (Your son can be fitted with an OPRO gumshield but we advise purchasing a ‘boil and bite’ gum shield at £2.00 as a spare)

Accessories • • • • • • • • •

Rucksack - the Litepak with lumbar and shoulder support with Habs Crest Habs House bag - compulsory - only to be used within School and stored in locker.

Sports holdall – sky/navy with Habs crest Swim bag – navy drawstring with Habs crest Boot bag – carrier bags are not acceptable, navy/sky trim with Habs crest Name tapes/permanent marker pen Filled pencil case Calculator - natural display FX-85GT plus Bag tags (free of charge)

PLEASE ENSURE ALL ITEMS ARE CLEARLY NAMED

Coach Service If you wish to apply for a place on the coach service, you can now do so via the Parent Portal.

Select the ‘School Coach’ icon on the left-hand side of the screen and follow the instructions. All requests to join the coach service must be submitted by Friday 22 May 2020. After this date we may not be able to accommodate your request.

Casual Coach E-Tickets Please be aware that you can issue your own casual coach e-tickets for one off use of the coaches, subject to availability, via the Parent Portal under school coaches.

Induction Day All children may use the coach service on induction day to be held on Friday 4 September 2020 and we would encourage you to do so. There is no need for an e-ticket and there is no charge for travel on the coaches on this day.

Individual Needs The School’s Individual Needs Policy aims to ensure that each boy at Haberdashers’ enjoys personal and academic success. We hope to achieve this by sustaining a close partnership with parents and offering access to relevant support as your son progresses through the School. The Head of Academic Support co-ordinates a team consisting of the specialist teacher, and senior academic and pastoral staff.

Support can occur at various levels in School life e.g. through the Form Tutor, Housemaster and Deputy Housemaster, subject teachers, study support sessions and learning skills programmes.

The School’s Individual Needs policy is available on the School website.

At this point of entry, it is important for all staff to be aware of any identified specific learning need (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, hypermobility, visual and hearing impairments’) relating to your son.

If applicable, please complete the online Individual Needs Information form on the Parent Portal by Friday 22 May 2020

Admissions Questionnaire (only applicable for new parents joining at 13+) Dear Parents, As the 2020 admissions for 13+ entry are finalised, it is very helpful to us to analyse our procedures and improve as and where necessary. At Haberdashers’ we are eager to include within any review, all parties who are involved in our admissions procedure.

We would be grateful if you would be able to spare a few moments of your time in order to complete the questionnaire, which can be found here, by 22 May 2020 I should stress that there is no obligation for you to do this but that you may be able to help us improve the service we give to parents in future years. All returned questionnaires will, of course, remain confidential.

Thank you for your time.

Yours sincerely,

Keren Pollock Director of Admissions and Marketing

School Policies All our school policies are updated regularly and are available to read on the school website by clicking here.

You may request any of the information in hard copy by contacting the School.

The Chairman of the Aske Board is Mr Simon Cartmell OBE, the Chairman of the Boys’ School Committee is Mrs Margot Chaundler. Both can be contacted at the address of our Trustees, The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers: Haberdashers’ Hall 18 West Smithfield London EC1A 9HQ Tel. 020 7246 9988

Term Dates (all dates have been agreed and synchronised with the Girls’ School) 2020 Summer term begins Bank Holiday Half term holiday Summer term ends Autumn term begins Half term begins Autumn term ends 2021 Spring term begins Half term holiday Spring term ends Summer term begins Bank Holiday Half term holiday Summer term ends Autumn term begins Half term holiday Autumn term ends 2022 Spring term begins

Wednesday 22 April Friday 8 May Monday 25 – Friday 29 May Wednesday 8 July (11.45am) Monday 7 September Monday 19 – Friday 30 October Thursday 17 December (11.45am) Monday 11 January Monday 15 – Friday 19 February Friday 26 March (11.45am) Thursday 15 April Monday 3 May Monday 31 May – Friday 4 June Thursday 8 July (11.45am) Thursday 9 September Monday 18 – Friday 29 October Thursday 16 December (11.45am) Monday 10 January

Boys’ School - Dates to Note Induction Day for new entrants (11+ and 13+) 7+/13+ Examinations 11+ Examinations Prep School and Pre-Prep School closed

Friday 4 September 2020 Thursday 7 January 2021 Friday 8 January 2021 Monday 18 January 2021

Staff Training Days Summer term 2020 Autumn term 2020 Spring term 2021 Summer term 2021

Friday 22 May 2020 Monday 1 June 2020 Thursday 3 September 2020 Friday 4 September 2020 Monday 22 February 2021 Friday 28 May 2021 Monday 7 June 2021

School Values

Join Habsline...