The Purcell School Parent Handbook for 2023-24

ThePurcellSchoolisacompanylimitedbyguarantee(CompanyNo 759327),andalsoaregisteredcharity(Charity No.312855).TheSchoolisregulatedbytheDepartmentforEducation(www.education.gov.uk)andinspectedby theIndependentSchoolsInspectorate(www.isi.net) TheGoverningBodyistheowneroftheSchool Thecurrent ChairoftheGoverningBody,DrBernardTrafford,canbecontactedthroughtheClerktotheGovernors,theBursar, AdamWroblewski(awroblewski@purcell-schoolorg)

ThePurcellSchool

AldenhamRoad

Bushey

Herts

WD232TS wwwpurcell-schoolorg

SchoolOffice&GeneralEnquiries:

Tel:01923331100

Fax:01923331166

Email:info@purcell-schoolorg OR schooloffice@purcell-schoolorg

PrincipalʼsOffice: Tel:01923331104

Email:principal@purcell-school.org

Bursar:

Tel:01923331127

Email:awroblewski@purcell-schoolorg

ThenameandjobtitleforallcurrentmembersofstaffarelistedontheSchoolwebsite: www.purcell-school.org/about-us/staff-list

Alistofemailaddressesandtelephonenumbersforstaffissenttoallparentsatthebeginningofeachacademic year

WELCOMEFROMTHEPRINCIPAL

AtThePurcellSchoolwebelieveeveryindividualstudentisspecial,iscapableofextraordinaryachievementand hasarighttoexpectoutstandingsupportineveryaspectoftheirschoollife Wewanteveryoneofourstudentsto besafe,healthyand,perhapsmostimportantly,happy Allofourstaffarecommittedtoensuringthatyoursonor daughterhasanexceptionalexperiencehere;wewantthemtocreatememoriestheywilltreasurefortherestof theirlives! Therelationshipweformwithyouasparentsisavitalpartofsupportingstudentsandyoumustalways feelthatyoucancontactustoshareinformation,toaskquestionsand,inparticular,todiscussanyconcerns Iwill alsoberemindingstudentsthattheythemselvesshouldneverbeembarrassedorreluctanttoshareanyworriesor concernswithus;wearehereforthemandwillalwaysrespondwhenastudentasksforourhelporadvice.Iwould begratefulifyoucouldalsoreinforcethisimportantmessagethroughouttheyear

Thishandbookaimstoprovideinformationyoumightneedduringastudentʼstimeattheschool Itisnot comprehensive,butitcoversmostofthemainissuesthatusuallyariseandgivesaflavourofthehowtheschool operates Forconvenience,thelatestversionofthishandbookisalsoavailableontheSchoolwebsite: https://www.purcell-school.org/school-life/other-documents/

ThePurcellSchoolisafriendly,vibrantandhappyplace Ifyouaretheparentofanewstudent,restassuredthat theywillsoonmakefriendsandflourish Ifyouaretheparentofareturningstudent,youcanbeassuredofour continuedcommitmenttoexceptionalprovisionandcare.

PaulBambrough Principal

MISSIONSTATEMENT

Mission

ThemissionofThePurcellSchoolistoprovideyoungmusicianswhodemonstratethepotentialtobecome exceptional(irrespectiveofbackground)withoutstandingteachingwithinasupportiveschoolenvironmentandto equipthemwiththeself-confidence,adaptability,maturityandperspectivetosustaintheirprofessional developmentandpersonalfulfilmentthroughouttheirlives.

Aims

● Tosustainasafe,happyandhealthyenvironmentinwhichallcanflourishmusically,academicallyand emotionally

● Todeliveroutstandingmusicalandacademiceducation

● Toprovidearangeofhigh-profileanddevelopmentalperformanceopportunities

● Todeliverpersonalisedpastoralcareandsupportsothattheindividualneedsofeachstudentaremet

● Toprovideaccesstomusicalopportunityandwidenparticipationinareaswherethisisespeciallydifficult

● Maintain(asfarasispracticallypossible)openaccessbyadmittingstudentssolelyontheability,not accordingtofinancialmeans

SECTIONA:SCHOOLROUTINES&ADMINISTRATION

A1:THESCHOOLDAY

Forboarders,theschooldaybeginswithearlymorningpractice(for studentsinY7-Y11-dependingonthedayof theweek),followedbybreakfastat8.20am.

Daystudentsshouldnotbeinschoolbefore800am,andshouldleavethepremisesnolaterthan400pm(Yrs7-8) or600pm,unlesstheyarerequiredtostayforanorganisedschoolactivitysupervisedbyamemberofstaff In exceptionalandoccasionalcircumstances,permissiontostaylateratschoolisatthediscretionofthe houseparentandmustbesoughtinadvanceandconfirmedinwriting(textoremailisfine) Daystudentsmust alwayssigninwiththeirhouseparentonarrivalatschoolinthemorning,andmustalwayssignoutfromtheir housebeforeleavingschoolattheendoftheday.

DailyRoutines(weekdays):

Classroomlessonsstartontimeandfinish3minutesearlywhenfollowedbyanotherlesson Assembliesand tutorialsstartat840am

BOARDERS

DAYSTUDENTS

840am Assemblies,TutorPeriod,LessonsorMusicBlock-seebelow

10.20am Break– inthedininghall

10.40am Lessons

12.40pm+1.10pm Lunchinthedininghalland LunchtimeConcerts

Registration,byhouse,intheDiningHallorinhouse,asadvised 140pm Lessons

340-400pm Break–inthedininghall

4.00-5.00pm Y9-Y13:MusicBlock(MonandWeds), Lessons(TuesandThurs)

Y7-Y8:Freetime,Prep

6.00pm+6.30pm Supper andregistrationinthedininghall

7.15pmonwards EveningRoutines -

AvisonDaystudentssignoutandleave by400pmunlessattendinga staff-supervisedactivity

SeniorDaystudentssignoutandleave by600pmunlessattendingastaffsupervisedactivity

Assemblies/Tutor/Lessons/MusicBlockperiod(Mon-Fri8.40-9.00)

Monday WholeSchoolAssembly CPHall

Tuesday MusicBlock

Wednesday Y9-Y13tutorials,Avisonassembly Y7-8:MU3

Thursday Y9-Y13tutorialsorassemblies,Avisontutorials Y9-11RecitalRoom

Friday 6thFormAssembly CPHall

DAYSTUDENTSINFORMATION

ArrivingandDepartingSchool:

8am–8:40am ArriveatschoolandregisterinHouses

1:10–1:20pm AllstudentsregisterintheirrespectiveHouses

4pm AvisonYear7-8StudentssignoutinHouseandmustbecollectedby4pm

5pm Year9StudentssignoutofHouseandmustbecollectedby5pmunlesstheyareattendinga staffsupervisedactivityandhavearrangedtostaylater

6pm

Year10-13studentssignoutofHouseandleaveby6pmunlesstheyareattendingastaff supervisedactivityandhavearrangedtostaylater

RequestsforDayStudentstostayforsupperneedtobemadeinadvanceandstudentswillbechargedforextra mealsattheendoftheterm,unlesstheyarerequiredtostayforastaff-supervisedandorganisedmusicactivity.

BOARDINGHOUSEROUTINES

DailyRoutine(Monday–Friday)

7.00am

7.20am

RegisterinCommonRoom Cereal,toastandjuiceinthedininghall

Earlymorningpractice Y7,8,9 (Tues,Weds,Thurs)

Cereal,toastandjuiceinthedininghall (forstudentsY9-11)

Earlymorningpractice Y10and11 (Mon-NBH,Fri-Sunley)

7.30am - SixthFormandnon-EMPWakeUp

800am - SixthFormdressedandreadytoleave→ Registration→Breakfastindininghall

820am

Breakfast(Yrs7,8,9)

Breakfast(Y9+EMP)

840am Assembly, MusicBlockORTutorials→Lessons BoardingHousesoutofbounds untilbreak,forcleaninguntilbreak,aerwhichSixth FOrmmayworkinhousewiththepermissionoftheirhouseparent

1020am-1040am Break– inthedininghall Break Housesre-openforbreakonly

1240pm+110pm

Lunchinthedininghalland LunchtimeConcerts–Registration 1240pm-AvisonandSunley 110pm-NBH

1.40pm Lessonsresume

3.40-4.00pm Break– inthedininghall

4.00-5.00pm Y9:MusicBlock(MonandWeds), AcademicLessons(TuesandThurs)

Y7-Y8:ReturntoHouse

5.00-6.00 FreetimeORPrep

6.00pm+6.30pm Supper inthedininghall-Registration

6pm-AvisonandSunley 630pm-NBH

MusicBlock(Monday/Wednesday), AcademicLessons(Tuesday/Thursday)

Scheduledmusicactivities

6.30-7.30pm Eveningpractice(Y7–Y8) PrepY9 PrepYr9 715pm EveningPracticeY9from730pm Prepuntil845pm

BedtimeRoutine(Monday–Friday)

WeekendRoutines

TherearenopreptimesonFriday,SaturdayorSundayeveningsandthereisnoearlymorningpracticeon SaturdayorSundaymornings

A2:THESCHOOLYEAR

Termdatesarepublishedatleastayearinadvanceandcanbefoundontheschoolwebsite.Theschooloffers longholidays,includingthreeweeksatbothChristmasandEasterandafortnightʼshalfterminOctober We thereforerequireyounottotakeyoursonordaughteroutofschoolduringtermtime.

Exeatweekendsusuallyoccuronceeachhalfofterm Theschool(includingallboardinghouses)isclosed throughouttheexeatweekend,whichcansometimesincludetheFridaybeforeortheMondayfollowing Studentsgotoparentsorguardiansforthewholeofeachexeatweekend

Datesofexeatsfortheyearcanbefoundontheschoolwebsite www.purcell-school.org/school-life/term-dates/

Allstudentsarerequiredtobeavailableforschoolconcertsifaskedtoperform,includingthosewhichtakeplace atweekendsorduringschoolholidays Keydatesarepublishedinadvanceonourwebsite.

A3:ATTENDANCE

Allstudentsareexpectedtobeinschoolforthecoreworkinghours(Monday–Thursday,840amuntil5pm;Friday 8.40amuntil3.40pm)unlessgivenpermissiontobelate/absentorengagedinanorganisedschoolactivity(e.g.a schooltrip)

Unlessspecificpermissionhasbeengiventogohomeearly,alldaystudentsmuststayinschooluntiltheirlast commitmentoftheday SixthFormdaystudentsmayleavethepremisesaertheirlastcommitmentoftheday providingtheyhavepermissiontodosofromtheirHouseparentorHeadofSixthForm

Ifastudentwishestomissschoolforanyreason,aparentorguardianmustmakeadetailedabsencerequest byemail,14daysinadvance,tostudentabsence@purcell-school.org

A4:CONTACTINGTHESCHOOL

Forpastoralandhousematters,youshouldalwayscontactyourchildʼsHouseparentdirectly Forotherschool mattersduringtheschoolworkingday,youcantelephoneoremailtheSchoolOffice01923331100 or schooloffice@purcell-school.org Theofficestaffwilldotheirbesttohelp,orwilldirectyoutosomeonewho can Outsidethenormalschooldayandatweekends,pleasecontactyourchildʼsHouseparent

Parentsarewelcometoentertheschoolpremisesduringtheschooldaytodeliverorcollectitemsfortheir children,andshouldalwaysreportfirsttoReception.Parentswhowishtoseemembersofstaffshouldalways makeappointmentsinadvanceandshouldreporttoReception Parentsareaskednottoenterschoolbuildings withoutcheckinginwithReceptionfirst.

ParentsofboardersareaskedtoalwaysletHouseparentsknowinadvance whencomingtovisittheirchildrenin theboardinghouseorwhentakingtheirchildrenout Whenparents/guardiansarriveattheBoardingHousethey shouldmakecontactimmediatelywiththeHouseparentortutorondutyatthetime Parentsshouldnevergo upstairstotheirchildʼsbedroomwithouttheknowledgeandconsentoftheHouseparentorTutoronduty.

Absencesduetoillnessmustbereportedimmediatelytostudentabsence@purcell-school.organdthe Houseparentbyemail

A5:COMMUNICATION

Asuccessfuleducationreliesonpartnershipbetweenschoolandparents.Webelievethatthisisbestachievedby layingdownclearlinesofcommunicationandthispolicyexplainsourapproach

SchoolPost

AnaccounthasbeencreatedforyouonThePurcellSchoolʼsʻSchoolPostʼparentcommunicationsystem The schoolwillusethesystemtosendyouemails(andoccasionallytextmessages);italsoprovidesyouwitha personalonline'mailbox'whereyoucanalwaysviewarecordofallyourmessagesfromtheschooland,where appropriate,completesimplereplyforms

Publicationswithshortmessagesfromtheschoolwillcometoyourinboxusingthisemailaddress Thiswill containalinktothefullpublicationwithanydocumentsandanopportunitytoreply

StudentFormssuchastheDataCollectionsheetcanbedownloadedfromSchoolPostandreturnedto schooloffice@purcell-school.org

Academic/InstrumentalreportingisalsocommunicatedviaSchoolPost

TheWeeklyHighlightsarenormallypublishedontheschoolwebsiteonFridayaernoonofeachweekduring termtime,andwillincludeitemsofschoolnews,administrativemattersandalistofsomeforthcomingevents Theschoolcalendarcanbefoundontheschoolwebsite,alongwithtermdatesandexeats

Emergencyannouncements

Inthecaseofanyemergency,includingwhentheschoolisclosedastheresultofanemergency,informationto parents,guardiansandfamilieswillbepublishedinitiallyonthefrontpageoftheschoolʼswebsite www.purcell-school.org Thiswillalwaysbetheprimarysourceofsuchinformation

InitialContact

Ifyouhaveaqueryoraconcern,youshouldnormallydirectittoyoursonʼsordaughterʼs Tutor(academicmatters), HeadofDepartment(musicalmatters)or Houseparent(pastoralandwelfarematters)

NBEachhousehasaʻdutyʼmobilephonesothatmembersofthehousepastoralteamcanbecontactedatany time,andhouseteamsshareaccesstothehouseemailaddress,sothatmessagescanbepickedup(and respondedto,asappropriate),bywhoeverisonduty.

Wewillcontactyouifwehaveconcernsaboutyourchildʼswelfare,performanceorbehaviourwhichwethink shouldbebroughttoyourattention Allstaffcanbecontactedbyemail:emailaddressesforcurrentmembersof staffarelistedontheSchoolwebsite Alistofemailaddressesandtelephonenumbersforstaffissenttoall parentsatthebeginningofeachacademicyear.

Ifyouhaveanyconcernsregardingyourchildʼseducationorwelfare,pleasedosharethesewithusassoonas possible Itisdifficultforustoinvestigateproperlyanincidentorproblemwhichhashappenedsometimeago, andsituationscanchangequicklywithyoungpeople,soitisimperativetorespondtowelfareconcernsasquickly aspossible

DetailsoftheschoolʼsComplaintsProcedurecanbefoundattheendofthishandbook.

Disciplinarymatters

WeaskparentstosupporttheschoolʼsBehaviour&SanctionsPolicy(whichcanbefoundonourwebsite) This includesagreeingthatstudentsmayoccasionallyhavetoserveadetentionaerschoolandtotakingyoursonor daughterhomeduringtermifsuspended

Wewillnotautomaticallycontactyouifyoursonordaughterisintroubleforsomethingminor.However,wewill always contact you to discuss major breaches of the school behaviour code, and where school sanctions are involved

A6:COURTORDERS

IfastudentissubjecttoanyCourtOrderitisessentialthattheschoolisinformed Thisinformationisconfidential butwillhelpustounderstandthestudentʼspositionandsupportthem AcopyofanyCourtOrderwillneedtobe providedtotheSchoolandheldonthestudentʼsfile.

Parentsneedtobeawarethattheschoolhasobligationsinrespectofparentalresponsibility Forfurther information,pleasecontacttheschool

A7:DATAPROTECTION

PleaserefertotheSchoolwebsitefordetailsoftheDataProtectionPolicyandspecificPrivacyStatementsfor studentsandparents

A8:TRANSPORT

TheSchoolusesataxifirmfullylicensedandvettedbyHertsmereBoroughCouncil,thelocalauthority A1 ExecutiveTravelGroupLtdcanbebookedandpaidforviaappbyparents/guardians.Pleasecontacttheschool officeforadditionalinformationorsupportregardingbookingoftransport

A9:INTERNATIONALSTUDENTS

AllstudentswhoseparentsarenotpermanentlyresidingintheUKarerequiredtohaveaGuardianintheUK PleaseseetheGuideforParents&GuardiansofOverseasStudentsforfurtherdetails

AlladministrativequeriesrelatingtovisasforoverseasstudentsshouldbereferredtoMrsCarolineFletcher c.fletcher@purcell-school.org

A10:PROPERTY

StudentLockers

Theschoolhasorganisedlargeandsecurelockerstoaccommodategrowingdemandforstudentstorage.This significantlyreducesanypotentialrisksassociatedwithstoringinstrumentalequipmentandothervaluable day-to-dayitemsinunsafeplaces,(althoughstudentsshouldnotbringlargesumsofmoneyorothervaluablesto schoolunlessabsolutelynecessary)Studentsareaskednottoleavetheirbelongingsintheschoolcorridors,but insteadtousethelockerswhichareavailable LockersareavailabletohireforbothDayandBoardingStudents andforlargerinstruments,aseparatearrangementcanbemadeeitherwiththeHeadofDepartment(HOD)ora houseparents

WeencourageparentstorentalockerfromtheʻIndependentLockerSolutionsLtdʼ,whoadministertherentalfor theschool Theyearlycostforalockeris£35whichisspreadtermly(£10pertermand£5whenbookingalocker) Thekeyswillbesentdirectlytotheparent/guardian Forthoselivingabroad,lockerkeyscanbecollectedfromthe SchoolOfficeatthestartoftheterm Boardershaveasmallsafeintheirbedrooms

LostpropertyisnormallyhandedintotheSchoolOffice,althoughboardersshouldalsocheckwiththeirHouse office Attheendofterm,anypropertynotreclaimedwillbedisposedof

Studentsareresponsibleforlookingaerschoolbooksandsheetmusicissuedtothem Damageandlosswillbe chargedtoparents,aswilldamagetoschoolproperty(e.g.brokenwindows).

A11:PUBLICITY

Aspartofourmarketingstrategy,weregularlytakephotographsandmakeaudioandvideorecordingsof concerts,whichmaysubsequentlybeusedintheschoolprospectus,socialmedia,inpressreleasesoronour website Ifyoudonotwishustousephotographs,audioorvideoofyoursonordaughterinthisway,please informtheSchoolusingschooloffice@purcell-school.org.

Pleasenotethatourmarketingstrategyonly identifiesindividual studentsinphotographs/video/ recordingswhenthisiscentraltothestory,andonlythenbyfirstnameandinitial.

A12:SMOKING

PleasenotethatThePurcellSchoolanditscampusisanon-smokingenvironment.Parentsareaskedtorespect thisatalltimes,includingoutsidebuildingsandanywhereontheschoolgrounds Pleasenotethatourdefinition ofsmokingincludesvaping,e-cigarettesandʻShishapensʼ

A13:FINANCIALINFORMATION

PersonalExpenses/PocketMoney

Allstudents,bothdayandboarding,shouldhaveadequatefundswiththemeachdaytoprovidethemwiththe meanstomeetanylikelyexpenses(snacks,etc) Boardingstudentsshouldbeprovidedwithaccesstofunds, whichcanbecontrolledbypersonalarrangementwithHouseparentsorabank TheSchoolregretsthatitcannot provideloanstostudents

StudentsReceivingExternalInstrumentalLessons

Asarule,externallessonsarediscouraged Ourfullpolicyonexternalmusiclessonsisonthewebsite;thefirst paragraphisprintedbelow

ThePurcellSchoolprovidesworld-classspecialisttuitioninmusictostudentsthroughtheemploymentofan exceptionallywell-qualifiedandexperiencedstaff TheSchoolalsosupportsanumberofstudentstoaccessthe provisionofferedatjuniorconservatoiredepartmentsonSaturdays Everyyearasmallnumberofstudentswish toreceiveinstrumentaltuitionfromaspecificteacherwhoisneitheremployedbytheschoolnoraconservatoire juniordepartment Eachrequestmustbeassessedonitsownmeritsandtheschoolmustsatisfyitselfthatitisin thebestinterestofthestudenttostudywiththeproposedteacher Insuchcases,theschoolmustthensatisfy itselfthatadequatemeasuresareinplacetoprotectthesafetyandwellbeingofthestudent

Forstudentswhoseplaceincludesaninstrumentalallowance,thecostofexternallessons(asapprovedbythe MusicDepartment),includingconsultationlessons,maybesetagainsttheallowance Invoicesshouldbe submittedtotheFinanceOffice.

Forstudentsattendingoneofthejuniormusiccolleges,anamountequivalenttotheSchoolʼsinternalteachersʼ hourlyratecanbesetagainsttheallowanceinrespectoftheindividualinstrumentallessonsreceivedatthe college ThearrangementmustbediscussedwithandapprovedbytheappropriateHoDinwritingbeforethe juniorcollegecoursecommences. InvoicesshouldbesubmittedtotheSchoolFinanceOfficeonatermlybasis.

Externalteachersshouldsubmittheirinvoicesforlessonfeestoparentsinthefirstinstance,whoshouldforwarda copytotheappropriateHoDtobeapproved TheSchoolwillthenreimburseparentsuptotheamountavailable intheinstrumentalallowance,aertakingintoaccountanylessonsbeingreceivedwithinSchool

AnyqueriesshouldbedirectedtoMrsSuePickardintheFinanceoffice

MDSStudents-additionalassistance

WhereparentsofMDS-fundedstudentshavebeenpreviouslynotifiedthattheyqualifyforassistancewithtravel expensesanduniformexpenses,parentsshouldsubmitreceiptstotheFinanceOfficeforreimbursement

SECTIONB:PASTORALINFORMATION

B1HOUSES

AllstudentsatThePurcellSchoolaremembersofoneofthreeHouses:

Avison(mixed,Years7-9,boarders&daystudents)

Sunley(girls,Years9-13,boarders&daystudents)

NewBoardingHouse(mixed,Years10-13,boarders&daystudents)

EachHouseisunderthegeneralpastoralsupervisionofaHouseparent,assistedbyresidentAssistant Houseparentsand/oraDayMatronandotherstaffwholivewithintheboardinghouses Allstudentsalsohavea TutorwhoseesstudentsfortwoorthreeTutorialperiodseachweek,andboardingstudentsadditionallyhavea boardingmentor Thetutorsandmentorsareresponsibleformonitoringacademicprogress,balanceof commitmentsandpromotingstudentwelfare

B2CHILDPROTECTION

TheSchoolaimstokeepallstudentssafeandtocreateanenvironmentwheretheyfeelsecureenoughtodiscuss theirconcerns TheSchooltrainsallstafftorecognisewhenyoungpeopleareinneedofhelp Ifyouhaveany concernsaboutthebehaviourofanyadultorotherstudent,youmusttellsomeoneimmediately.Thebest peopletotellaretheschool'ssafeguardingteam;MrSzafranski,MrBurns,MsWhitty,MsShah,MrHoskins,Lady CayleyorMrBambrough

B3ANTI-BULLYINGPOLICYincludingCyber-Bullying

Theschoolisdeterminedthatnokindofbullyingwillbetolerated Theschoolʼsanti-bullyingpolicycanbefound ontheschoolwebsite.

B4ASSEMBLIES

StudentsmeetasacommunityeveryMondaymorningforawholeschoolassembly Comingtogetherto collectivelylearnabouttheworld,shareexperiences,andcelebrateeachotherʼssuccesseshelpstudentsandstaff forgeacommunityspirit,asenseofpurposeandafeelingofpride Inadditiontoawholeschoolassemblythere areadditionalassembliesduringthetermforbothlowerandupperyeargroups

SchoolCouncil

ASchoolCouncilisorganisedbytheHeadsofSchool,withrepresentativesfromeachyeargroup.Itusuallymeets everyhalftermandstudentsarewelcometoputforwardtopicsfordiscussion

B6:BOARDINGSTATEMENT

ThePurcellSchoolaimstoprovideaboardingenvironmentinwhichindividualscanfeelsecure,valuedand respected;freefromfearandanxietyandwheretheyaresupportedtoreachtheirfullpotential

ThePurcellSchoolputsSafeguardingattheheartofeverythingitdoes,andthesafetyandwell-beingofall studentsiskeytowhatwedo.Boardinghouseteamsunderstandtheyhaveaʻdutyofcareʼtosafeguardand promotethewelfareofallstudents,andtoworkinpartnershipwithstudents,parents,widerpastoralteamsand externalagencies,asappropriate,tobestfulfilthisdutyofcare

TheSchooliscontinuallyappraisingboardingprovisiontoenableittoconstantlyimproveitscareforboarders; theSchoolwelcomesbothparentalandstudentinputinhelpingittomeetitsaims

Theboardingethosderivesfrom:

● Housecommunitieswhichpromotemutualrespect,kindnessandhonestyamongstalltheirmembers, studentsandstaff.

● Housecommunitiesinwhichstudentsareknownandvaluedasindividuals

● Anatmospherebasedontrustandasharedunderstandingoftheʻdutyofcareʼ,wherestudentsfeelableto approachallmembersofstaffconfidentintheknowledgethattheywillbelistenedtoandtreatedwith respect

● Anatmosphereinwhichstudentsareaccountablefortheirindividualactionsandplaytheirpartinhelping stafffulfiltheirdutyofcaretowardsthem

● Anatmospherewhichpromotestolerance,inclusionandkindness–andwherebullying,harassmentand intolerancearerecognisedasunacceptable.

● Anenvironmentwhichenablesstudentstodeveloptheiracademicandmusicaltalentsthrough well-structuredstudytime,goodroutines,thepromotionofpersonalself-disciplineandhealthylifestyles, includingsleepandnutrition

● Anenvironmentwherearangeofactivities,hobbiesandopportunitiesforleadershipandinitiativeassistin thepersonal,socialandculturaldevelopmentofeachstudent

● Anenvironmentwhichiscomfortable,suitedtotheneedsofstudentsandwhichprovidesappropriatelevels ofprivacy

Theboardingethoswill:

● Developstudentsʼresponsibilityforself,forothersandfortheenvironment;

● Developstudentsʼqualitiesofleadershipandabilitytoworkaspartofateam;

● Encouragestudentstocontributetotheneedsandwelfareofothersinthehouseandschool,aswellasthose inthewidercommunity;

● Celebratethecontributionandachievementofstudents,individuallyandcollegially

Avison

AverywarmwelcometoAvisonHousefordayandboardingstudentsfromYear7to9.

AvisonissituatedawayfromthemainSchoolinitsowngardens Westrivetocreateawelcomingandhomely atmosphereandarefullycommittedtoprovidingyouwithasafeandsecureHouse Youwillbeabletodevelop bothacademicallyandsocially,becomingconfident,wellroundedindividuals AvisonisledbyDrBrookes, Houseparent,andAssistantHouseparents,MrsCookandMrBrookes Weareallheretosupportyouduringyour timeinAvison,inacommunitybasedonmutualtrustandrespect.

NewBoardingHouse

WelcometoNewBoardingHouse(NBH);acommunityforboardersanddaystudentsinYears10–13

MsDebbiePrescottistheHouseparent,andalongwiththeAssistantHouseparents,MsMrozekandMrCubarsi, DayMatronMrsMendesdaCosta,plusateamofwonderfulstaff,wewillbeonhandtoprovidestudents with supportandguidancethroughoutyourtimeatPurcell Weaimtoensurethatallstudentshaveasecure, comfortable,andwelcomingenvironmentinwhichtogrow,andwearecommittedtodevelopingthesocialand emotionalskillsofallourstudents WewanteachstudenttoleaveNBHasastrongandconfidentindividual,ready totakeontheworld Ourgoalistoensurethatstudentsfindabalancebetweentheirmusic,studyingand socialising,andtocreateahousewhichisinclusiveforallstudentsbasedonmutualrespect,trustandkindness

Sunley

WelcometoSunley;aHouseforgirls,boardinganddayfromYear9-12

MissPriceistheHouseparentandMrsHunteristheDayMatron MsBlondistheAssistantHouseparent,and alongwithateamofGraduateAssistantsweaimtoensurethatstudentsfeelsafe,secureandathomewhilethey areatschool Wearecommittedtocreatingacommunitythatisbasedonmutualkindnessandtrust,where everyonelooksoutforoneanotherwhilerespectingeachother'sindividuality TheHouseTeamisheretosupport studentsmusically,academicallyandsociallyandwewillencouragethemtomaintainahealthybalancebetween thesedifferentareas.Wearealwaysheretosupportandassiststudentssothattheycanachievetothebestof theirabilitiesandleaveschoolasconfidentindividuals

B7:MEDICALINFORMATION

TheSchoolHealthCentreisrunbytheSchoolNurses,MrsHilaryAustinandNurseCarolMorgan Allmedical informationisheldinconfidencebythemedicalstaffandwillnotbedivulgedwithoutthepermissionofthe student Studentsareencouragedtokeepparents/guardiansinformedofanymedicalproblemsandifthey requireprivacyareabletotelephonefromtheSchoolHealthCentre. Parentsofnewstudentsarerequiredto completeamedicalquestionnaire

HealthCentreHours

AmemberoftheHealthCentreteam isroutinely availableforstudentsfrom0830-1630MondaytoFriday Outsideofthesetimes,NurseCarolMorganisavailableforemergencies,ʻoutofhoursʼmedicalmattersand supportforhealthandwellbeing TheSchoolHealthCentreissituatedonthegroundfloorofDulvertonHouse

EmergencyContact

Intheeventofillnessorinjuryeveryeffortismadetocontacttheparentorguardian Itisveryimportantthatthe Schoolhasanup-to-dateandaccessiblehome/work/mobileorothercontactnumber Untilthestudentʼsparent /guardianiscontacted,theSchoolwilltakeanyactionrequiredinthebestinterestsofthestudent Anumberof theSchoolstaffaretrainedEmergencyFirstAidersandintheeventofanaccident,appropriateFirstAidwillbe given

Intheeventofadaystudentbecomingunwellandrequiringtobesenthome,parentsarecontactedimmediately andrequestedtocollecttheirson/daughterassoonaspossible StudentsarecaredforintheSchoolHealth Centreuntilparentsarrive

Physiotherapy

Ourvisitingphysiotherapist,DrSUpjohn,attendstheHealthCentreonWednesdays Anystudentmayrequestan appointmentwithherthroughtheSchoolNurse DrUpjohnofferssupportandadviceformusicianson maintainingmusculoskeletalwellbeingandavoidingplaying-relatedinjuries

Counselling

OurCounsellor,MsNickyMorris,visitstheHealthCentre on4daysaweektoseestudentsinstrictconfidence AnystudentmayrequestanappointmentwithherthroughtheHealthCentreorbycontactingthecounsellor directly.

Immunisations

RoutineimmunisationsaregivenattheSchoolandyouwillbeaskedpriortothesessiontoconsenttothis procedure ThisisforHPVinYear8,BCGscreeninginYear9andDiphtheria,TetanusandPolioinYear10

InformationfortheParentsofBoarders

Doctor-Registration

BoardersmustregisterwiththeSchoolʼslocalGPpractice(informationissentwiththehealthquestionnaireon admissiontotheschool).StudentswillundergoaroutinehealthcheckonadmissiontotheSchool,including height,weightandurinetest AnystudentundersixteenrequiringaGPappointmentwillbeaccompaniedbyone oftheSchoolNursesoramemberofstaff Theymayofcoursechoosetoseethedoctoraloneorwiththenurse present AllstudentswhohaveasthmawillberequestedtoattendtheGPSurgeryandbeunderthecareofthe specialistpracticenursewhowillmonitortheirasthmasymptomsandensurethattheconditionstayswell controlledthroughouttheSchoolyear.

HospitalTreatment/HospitalOut-PatientAppointments

StudentsrequiringtreatmentatthelocalAccidentandEmergencyDepartmentatWatfordGeneralHospital, approximately25milesaway,willnormallybeaccompaniedbyoneoftheSchoolNursesoramemberofstaff Everyeffortwillbemadetoinformtheparents/guardiansassoonaspossiblepriortohospitaltreatment(ie for anymedicaltreatment,anaestheticoroperationdeemednecessarybyamedicalpractitioner,specialistor surgeon).IfthisisnotpossiblethenthePrincipalorHouseparentactinginlocoparentiswillgiveconsent.Parents shouldensuretheyhavecompletedtheyellowconsentform Boardersundersixteenwillnormallybe accompaniedtoout-patientappointmentsatthelocalhospital

AdmissiontotheSchoolHealthCentre

Onafewoccasions,somemedicalconditionsmaymakeitnecessaryforastudenttobeadmittedovernighttothe HealthCentretoallowmoreclosesupervision Parentsorguardianswillbeinformed

Whenstudentsareparticularlyunwell,andhaveapersistentlyhighbodytemperatureorongoingdiarrhoeaor vomiting,everyeffortshouldbemadetoensurethattheyaresenthometoparents/guardianstorecover StudentsmustnotreturntoSchooluntiltheyarefitandwellandsymptomshaveresolvedformorethan48hours

Illness

Incasesofmildillness(forexample,heavycolds,migrainesetc)studentsmaybeallowedtorecoverintheirown rooms Thenurseswillensurethewell-beingofthestudentbyregularsupervisionandcommunicationwiththe DayMatronandHouseDutyTeamconcerned

DentalandOpticalTreatment

Routinevisitstothedentistandopticianshould,wheneverpossible,bearrangedduringtheschoolholidays All studentsshouldhave6-to-12-monthlydentalcheck-upsandanannualeyesighttest.Onlyemergencydental treatmentisavailableduringtermtime WestronglyencourageyoutotakeouttheSchoolpersonalanddental insuranceplanforaminimalfeethatcoversallpersonal/dentalaccidentandemergencytreatmentforyourchild Pleaserefertotherelevantinformationandformsentfromthefinancedepartment

PrivateMedicalCoverOption

Allstudents,includingoverseasstudents,areeligibleformedicaltreatmentundertheNationalHealthService, whetherroutineoremergency.Thisisfreeofcharge.Parentshavetheoptionoftakingoutprivatemedicalcover throughtheBUPASchoolsScheme Studentswhohaveprivatemedicalinsuranceintheirhomecountryshould checkwiththecompanyconcernedastowhetherthisisvalid/transferableforuseintheUnitedKingdom Ifa studentisalreadycoveredunderaUKprivatemedicalscheme,pleaseindicatethisonthemedicalquestionnaire

StudentsTravellingOverseas

Parents/guardiansshouldmakeanappointmenttoseetheSchoolNurseswellinadvanceoftheschoolholidays ifastudentistravellingtoanareathatrequiresimmunisation Vaccinationscanbearrangedwithparental/ guardianconsentatthelocalGPsurgery,andanycostswillhavetobemetbyparents

MedicalTreatmentduringSchoolHolidays

ItisimportantthattheSchoolNurseisinformedofanymedicaltreatment,vaccinationsgiven,andofmedicines prescribedduringtheSchoolholidays[aformissentoutattheendofeveryterm] Studentsshouldbringanynew medicationstotheHealthCentreonreturntoSchooltoensurethenursingstaffareawareofthetreatment.

IfastudentneedstoseeaGPwhilstawayfromSchoolintheUnitedKingdom,itisimportantthattheyare temporarilyregisteredwiththeGPthattheyareseeing Parentsshouldensurewhencompletingthetemporary registrationformthattheirpermanentaddressisʻThePurcellSchoolʼ,otherwisetheywillautomaticallybe removedfromtheAttenboroughSurgeryfiles Ifastudentisinthecareofaguardianoveraholidayperiodand becomesunwell,theguardianshouldliaisewiththeparentsdirectly

Medications

ItistheSchoolʼspolicythatstudentsdonottakemedicationwithoutsupervision Nostudentisallowedtobein possessionofprescribedorover-the-countermedicationswithoutpriorassessmentbyamemberoftheSchool MedicalTeam Exceptionsareasthmainhalersandadrenalineautoinjectordevices(eg EpiPens)forsevere allergies ParentsshouldsupplytheSchoolwithaspare,namedinhaler/adrenalineautoinjectordevicewhich willthenbestoredinaknown,accessibleplaceincaseofanemergency,orforSchooltrips

TheSchoolNurseispermittedtoadministersomeover-the-countermedicationsonatemporarybasisas authorisedbyanagreedlistwiththelocalGP Somemembersoftheteaching/musicstaff/Houseparentsare authorisedtogivesimpleanalgesiaandcoughandthroatremedies Pleaserefertothemedicationslistthatis sentwiththemedicalquestionnaire Anobjection/exclusionformaccompaniesthisforcompletion Any medicationsrequiredonaregularbasiswillbeprescribedbytheGP.

Visitingyourchildinher/hisboarding-house(outsideofbeginningandendsoftermdrop-offand collection)

Youareverywelcometovisittheschoolatanytime;pleaseletusknowthatyouwouldliketovisitandwewill adviseastothebesttimesintermsofyourchildʼscommitmentsandtheavailabilityofstaff Forthepurposesof safeguardingallstudentsattheschoolwerespectfullyrequestthat:

● parentswishingtoentertheupstairs(residential)areasoftheboardinghousesmustmakecontactwith thememberofhousestaffondutyinthefirstinstance Thehousedutystaffwillmakeanoteontheduty log

● parentsmayonlyvisitupstairsareaswiththeexpresspermissionofhousestaff,notbefore9amoraer 9pm

● studentsstaywiththeirparent/guardianatalltimeswhilstintheboardinghouse;

● parentsusethevisitortoiletslocatedonthegroundfloorratherthanstudentsʼfacilities

InformationfortheParentsofDayStudents

DaystudentsmustattendtheirownGPwhentheneedarises.ParentsshouldadvisetheSchoolthroughoutthe Schoolyearofanysignificantchangesinstudentsʼhealthandthestudentwillbegivenappropriatesupportin School.

IllnessAtHome

Anystudentwhoexperiencesahighbodytemperature(380Corabove),diarrhoeaorvomitingmustbeabsent fromSchoolforatleast48hoursaerthesymptomshaveresolved

Aeraperiodofabsenceduetoillnessorinjury,parentsmustnotifytheSchoolMedicalTeamofanymedication ormanagementthatthestudentmightrequireontheirreturntoSchool Thismustbeintheformofaletter outliningtheillness/injuryandthedatesabsentfromschool

AdministrationofMedicationontripsoutsideSchool

ItistheSchoolʼspolicythatstudentsdonottakemedicationwithoutsupervision TheSchoolNursesorstaffin chargeofatripmayadministercertainmedicationandparentsshouldgivetheirpermissiononthemedical questionnairefordayandboardingstudents.

AsthmaandAllergies

Studentswhohaveasthmaorsevereallergiesareencouragedtokeeptheirinhalers/adrenalineautoinjector devices(eg EpiPens)withthem Pleasearrangeforaspare,named,inhaler/adrenalineautoinjectordevicesto begiventotheSchoolNurse Thiswillbekeptinanallocatedareawithinthegeneralstaffroom,foreasy accessibility,andwillbeavailableforuseifastudentlosesorforgetshis/herinhaler Itwillalsobetakenon Schooltrips.

B8:CATERING

TheSchoolprovidesafullcateringserviceinassociationwithIFGIndependent Boardersareprovidedwith breakfast,lunchandsuppersixdaysaweek,withmid-morningandtea-timesnacksduringtheweek OnSunday, brunchisserveduntil1230pmandsupperisservedat6pm

Daystudentsmayelecttotakeluncheverydayaswellasmid-morningandtea-timesnacks

Daystudentswhowishtohavesupper(orbreakfast)onanoccasionalbasismustsignupintheirboarding-houses wellinadvance,andatthelatestbymorningregistrationofthedayinquestion.Unlesspreviouslynotified,these mealswillbechargedtoparentsontheschoolbill(£3forsupper) Alternatively,daystudentsmaybringapacked lunch.

Wetrytoencouragestudentstoeatahealthyandbalanceddiet Themenus(whicharepublishedeachweekon thecateringnoticeboards)arecarefullymonitoredtoensuretheymeettherequirementsfornutrition Vegetarian optionsarealwaysavailable Studentswithspecialdietaryrequirementsarecateredfor

Thecateringstaffprovideawidechoiceoffood,sothereshouldalwaysbesomethingforeveryone

Ifastudenthasanyparticulardietaryneedsorallergies,theyshouldtalkfirsttotheSchoolMedical TeamwhowillliaisewiththeChef.

Bought-inproductsthatmaycontainnuttracesarelabelled,butnonutsofanydescriptionareusedinthe kitchen Pleasealertusifyourchildhasanallergytonuts,oranyotherproduct.

Weaskparentstosupportourschoolpolicyinrespectofallergiesbynotallowingstudentstobringto schoolanyfooditemsorsweetscontainingnuts.

SECTIONC:ACADEMICINFORMATION

C1:CURRICULUM

Theaimofourcurriculumistoachieveabalancebetweenmusicalandacademicstudies Althoughtheexact shapeofthecurriculumwillbedifferentfordifferentstudents,thebroadintentionisthatthereshouldbea progressionovertime:youngerstudentsneedalargeramountofacademictimetoensurethatthebasicskillsand knowledgeareinplace,andthattheyareabletoachievegoodgradesatGCSEandIGCSE Astheygetolder,they areexpectedtospendmoretimepractisingtheirinstruments,takingpartinchambermusicandorchestralor choralgroups,andtheproportionoftimespentonacademicworkmaythereforedecrease Dependingona studentʼsageandinstrumentalcommitments,between25%and50%ofcurriculartimeisspentonmusical activities

AtGCSE,studentsareadvisedtotakesevenoramaximumofeightsubjects AllstudentstakeIGCSEMusicatthe beginningofYear11,andGCSEsorIGCSEsinMathematics,EnglishLanguageandScienceTrilogy(Biology, ChemistryandPhysics,givingtwoGCSEgrades)attheendofYear11 OptionalsubjectsincludeEnglishLiterature, French,German,History,DramaandArt AllstudentsuptoYear11haveonesessioneachweekofphysical education.

AllSixthFormstudentstakeMusicALevelplustwootherALevels Somestudentsmaywishtotakeafourth subjectbutthisisnotarequirementforstudyatuniversityandneedscarefulthoughtwithregardtothebalance betweenacademicworkandmusiccommitments Inexceptionalcircumstancestheschoolmayagreetoa reducedacademicprogrammeofMusicALevelandoneALevelinYear13forthosewithaparticularlyheavy scheduleorforoverseasstudentsstudyingEnglishasanadditionallanguage EALcanreplaceoneALeveloption foroverseasstudentswhomayhaveadditionalEnglishlanguageneeds,followingdiscussionwiththeHeadofEAL andHeadofSixthForm Subjectsonofferare:Music,MusicTechnology,EnglishLiterature,Mathematics,French, German,History,Art,TheatreStudies,Biology,PhysicsandChemistry

Thecurriculumanditsdeliveryareunderconstantreviewandmaychangefromyeartoyear Wecannotguarantee theavailabilityofcoursesorparticularsubjects,asthesewilldependondemandandourabilitytoprovide teachingofasufficientlyhighstandard

Theschooltimetableisdesignedforthebenefitoftheschoolasawholeandcannotbechangedtosatisfy individualrequirements Theschoolcannotguaranteethatanyparticularteacherwill,orwillnot,teachany particularstudent

PleaserefertothefullCurriculumPolicyontheschoolwebsiteforfurtherdetailsofcurriculum.

C2:HOMEWORK

Homeworkissetforallstudentsintheschool,andnotifiedusingGoogleClassroom Ouraimistoprovidean inspiring,well-managedhomeworkprogrammewhichhelpsstudentstodeveloptheskillsandattitudestheywill needforsuccessfullifelonglearning Homeworkshouldsupportthedevelopmentofindependentlearningskills However,wealsorecognisethatstudentsneedtimetopractisetheirinstruments,attendrehearsalsandengagein othermusicalactivities Withthisinmind,classroomteachingstaffsethomeworktaskswhicharemanageable, takingintoconsiderationtheamountofpracticeexpectedfromastudentatThePurcellSchool

SixthFormerstakeresponsibilityfororganisingtheirownwork Homeworkcanbedoneatdifferenttimesandas studentsgetoldertheyhavesomefreetimeduringthedayforprivatestudy Boardersusepreptimeinthe evenings,althoughinevitablysomewillneedlongerthanthesettime.

ForYears7,8and9,ahomeworktimetableispublishedatthebeginningofeachyear Nohomeworktasksetfora singleeveningorsessionshouldtakelongerthan30minutes Tasksshouldbedesignedtobedoneonthe eveningtheyareset InYear9,somehomeworkwillbeextendedsothatitcanbedoneovertwoorthreeevenings inlinewiththehomeworktimetable.

Years10and11alsoworkfromapublishedhomeworktimetable. AsstudentsʼprogressthroughtheirGCSE courses,prepwillinevitablybecomemoreextendedinsomesubjectsandmoreresponsibilityshouldbegivento studentstomeetdeadlines Nevertheless,nohomeworktasksetforasinglesessionshouldtakelongerthan30or 40minutes Courseworkdoneoutsidetheclassroomshouldbetreatedashomework

SixthFormersarealmostentirelyindependentinthewayinwhichtheyorganisetheirtime. Manyhave reasonableflexibilitywithintheschooldayandmayprefertocompletethebulkoftheirhomeworkthen Wheneverhomeworkisset,clearandsupportiveguidelinesshouldbegivenabouttheamountoftimetobespent onit SixthFormersareexpectedtospendbetweensixandsevenhoursoutsidetheclassroompersubjectper week

C3:RELATIONSHIPSANDSEXEDUCATION

ThepurposeofRSEistohelpchildrenandyoungpeopletobesafe,healthyandhappyastheygrowupandin theirfuturelives Itteachesaboutunderstandingoftheimportanceofallrelationshipsregardlessofrace,religion, genderorsexuality,aswellasprovidinganunderstandingofphysical,sexual,moralandemotionaldevelopment RSEmustalwaysbeappropriatetopupilsʼageandstageofdevelopmentandisanessentialpartofsafeguarding

AimsandObjectives

● Tobeanidentifiablepartofourpersonal,social,healthandeconomic(PSHE)educationcurriculum, whichhasplanned,timetabledlessonsacrossalltheKeyStages;

● TobetaughtbystaffregularlytrainedinRSEandPSHE(withexpertvisitorsinvitedintoenhanceand supplementtheprogrammewhereappropriate);

● Toworkinpartnershipwithparentsandcarers,informingthemaboutwhattheirchildrenwillbelearning andabouthowtheycancontributeathome;

● Todeliverlessonswherepupilsfeelsafeandencouragesparticipationbyusingavarietyofteaching approacheswithopportunitiestodevelopcriticalthinkingandrelationshipskills;

● Tobebasedonreliablesourcesofinformation,includingaboutthelawandlegalrights,anddistinguishes betweenfactandopinion;

● Topromotesafe,equal,caringandenjoyablerelationshipsanddiscussesreal-lifeissuesappropriateto theageandstageofpupils,includingfriendships,families,consent,relationshipabuse,sexual exploitationandsaferelationshipsonline;

● Togiveapositiveviewofhumansexuality,withhonestandmedicallyaccurateinformation,sothatpupils canlearnabouttheirbodiesandsexualandreproductivehealthinwaysthatareappropriatetotheirage andmaturity;

● Togivepupilsopportunitiestoreflectonvaluesandinfluences(suchasfrompeers,media,faithand culture)thatmayshapetheirattitudestorelationshipsandsex,andnurturesrespectfordifferentviews;

● Toincludelearningabouthowtogethelpandtreatmentfromsourcessuchastheschoolnurseandother healthandadviceservices,includingreliableinformationonline;

● TofostergenderequalityandLGBT+(lesbian,gay,bisexual,trans)equalityandchallengesallformsof discriminationinRSElessonsandinevery-dayschoollife;

● Tomeettheneedsofallpupilswiththeirdiverseexperiences-includingthosewithspecialeducational needsanddisabilities

● ToseekpupilsʼviewsaboutRSEsothatteachingcanbemaderelevanttotheirreallivesandassessedand adaptedastheirneedschange

Provisions

Asasubjectinitsownright,sexeducationisdeliveredwithinthePHSEprogrammewhichstudentsreceivein timetabledlessons. Inaddition,aspectsofsexeducationremainwithinthescienceNationalCurriculum. Parents cannotwithdrawtheirchildfromthelatter Detailsofthecurriculuminbothareasareavailableonrequest Parentswhorequesttheirson/daughtertobewithdrawnfromanelementofthesexeducationcurriculumare madeawareofthemissedelements Anywithdrawalofstudentsfromlessonsisrecordedinthestudentʼsfile

C4:LEARNINGSUPPORT

Theschooliscommittedtoachievingthebestpossibleeducationforeverystudent.Partofthisapproachinvolves dealingwithspecificlearningdifficulties Pleasetellusimmediatelyifyouknoworsuspectthatyourchildmay havesomespecificproblemwhichmayneedtobeaddressed.

Somestudentsarealreadyidentifiedashavingaspecialneedbeforetheyentertheschool,themostcommon beingsomeformofdyslexia Othersmanifestsignsonentry,suchasdifficultieswithhand-writing,poordifficulties withpresentation,inconsistentspellingorverysignificantdifficultieswithorganisation

Wherethereiscauseforconcern,theHeadofLearningSupportwilldecidewhethertorecommendtoparentsthat thestudentseesaneducationalpsychologisttoobtainaformalreport TheHeadofLearningSupportwillacton theeducationalpsychologistʼsadvice Iftheadviceisthatyourchildshouldreceiveextratuition,thelearning supportdepartmentwillifpossibleprovidethis,havingfirstdiscussedthematterwithyou

Candidatesforpublicexaminationsmaybeentitledtoaccessarrangementsintheseexaminations,rangingfrom extratimetotheuseofascribe,ortheuseofacomputer.Inordertoqualifyforaccessarrangements,theschool mustnormallysubmitonthestudentʼsbehalfaneducationalpsychologistʼsreportproducedinthelasttwoyears ThereportshouldcontaintheinformationreferredtointheEducationalAssessmentReportformorthe SupplementtothePsychologistReportform

FurtherdetailscanbefoundinourLearningSupportPolicyontheschoolwebsite

C5:ASSESSMENTANDREPORTING

Academicprogressismonitoredthroughformativeandsummativeassessment Thepatternofassessment providesfrequentbutʻlighttouchʼreportingtoparentsviaʻinterimʼreports(asingleeffortgradeandattainment reportineachsubject)everyterm,withfullwrittenreportsprovidedinthespringtermforYear11and13oratthe endoftheacademicyearforallotheryeargroups

Instrumentalmusicreportsareprovidedtwiceeachyear,inJanuaryandineitherAprilorJuly,supportedbyan overviewfromtherelevantHeadofDepartment

ReportswillbesenttoParents/Guardiansbyemail ParentsshouldinformtheSchoolOfficebeforetheendof Septembereachyeariftheywishtheirreportstobesentinsteadinhardcopybypost;however,thisislikelyto delaythearrivalofthosereports.

Eachstudentisgivengradesasindicatedbelow

AcademicMonitoring

Academicprogressismonitoredthroughformativeandsummativeassessment StudentsaregivenInterimGrades everytermandafullwrittenreportinthespringtermforYear11and13andattheendoftheacademicyearforall otheryeargroups.

Eachstudentisgivengradesasindicatedbelow:

Effort

E–excellent

G–good

S–satisfactory(meetingrequirementsbutneedstoimprovetoexcel)

C–concern(thisgradeisaccompaniedbyacommentclarifyingthenatureoftheconcern)

Awiderangeoffactors(classroomdiscipline,prepmanagement,motivationandengagement)cancontributeto theoveralleffortgradeaward.

Attainment

Years12-13:GradesA*/A/B/C/D/E/Uareawardedtomatchtheattainmentexpectedatthatstageofanexternal examinationcourse

(Attainmentgradesinreportsareonlyawardedonthebasisofworksubmittedinthereportingperiod Theyare NOTapredictionofafinalresult,althoughagrademayapproximatetoitinthefinalstagesofacourse,unless explainedbyanappropriateeffortgradeandcomment)

Years7-9:Studentsarerewardedoneofthefollowing:

WorkingTowardsExpectedLevel(thisoptionwillincludeasupportivecommentfromtheteacher)

WorkingAtExpectedLevel

WorkingAboveExpectedLevel

Years10-11:Grades9(highest)-1(lowest)asaboveintermsofapplyingtoworksubmittedinthereporting period

ThenewgradingsystemofGrades9-1isshownbelowwiththeoldsysteminbrackets:

Academicdepartmentswilluseregulartrackingdatatostandardiseattainment.

Benchmarks

Years10-13:Benchmarkgrades(A*-E/9–4)appearonreportsandrepresenttheminimumstandardatwhichthe studentshouldbeworkingatthatstageofatwoyearperiod/course(Y12-13(GCE)andY10-11((I)GCSE))

BenchmarksaresetatthestartofthetwoyearperiodusingabilitydataprovidedbyMidyis/YellisandAlistesting andarereviewedfollowinginternalexaminations.

TargetGrades

Years10-13:Targetgrades(A*-C/Dor9-4)fortheendofthecourse(GCE/(I)GCSE)appearonreportsandare assignedatthestartofGCEand(I)GCSEcourses,followingdiscussionwithstudents Targetgradesarerealisticbut aspirationalandareNOTpredictions.Atargetgrademustbeatleastonegradehigherthanthebenchmarkand canbereviewedfollowinginternalexaminations

ParentswithanyqueriesrelatedtotheaboveshouldcontactMrMikeLong(Y10/11)orMrSzafranski(SixthForm)in thefirstinstance

InternalExaminations

Internalschoolexaminationsareheldaerhalfterminthesummerbreakforallyeargroups,exceptthose involvedinpublicexaminations InJanuary,mockexaminationsareheldtopreparestudentsforpublic examinations;othergroupsmayhavetestsincoresubjects.

ParentsʼMeetings

Parentsʼmeetingsareheldfrom400to600pmonaFridayaernoonforeachyeargrouponceayearwhen parentshaveanopportunitytomeetacademicstaff Detailsofparentsʼmeetingsarepublishedintheschool calendaratthestartofeachacademicyear:https://www.purcell-school.org/news/calendarandareheldeither inpersonoronline

Thepurposeofthesemeetingsistogiveparentsanopportunitytodiscussstudentsʼprogresswithstaff Teaching staffandgrouptutorsattend;instrumentalspecialistteachersdonotusuallyattend SixthFormersareexpected toattendwiththeirparents;youngerstudentsarenot Theprecisedatesarelistedintheschoolcalendarand parentswillbesentanemailreminderinadvanceofthemeeting

Ifparentsareunabletoattendaparentsʼmeeting,thestudentʼstutorcan,onrequest,collatecommentsfrom academicstaffandemailthemhome.

schoolwebsite

Fulldetailsofresultsdaysandpost-examsservices,includinghowtomakeenquiriesaboutresults,torequest re-marksandallothermattersrelatingtoresultsinpublicexaminations,arepublishedontheschoolwebsite.

FurtherdetailscanbefoundinourAssessment&ReportingPolicyonthe

C6:POST-EXAMSSERVICESANDAPPEALSPROCEDURESINPUBLICEXAMINATIONS

SECTIOND:MUSICINFORMATION

D1:INDIVIDUALINSTRUMENTALLESSONS

Instrumental,singingandcompositionlessonsaretimetabledbyMrsDuce,whoworksintheMusicOffice The instrumentaltimetableisemailedtostudentsonThursdayaernoonforthefollowingweek.Lessonsdonottake placeatthesametimeeachweek,andstudentshavetobeveryorganisedandcommunicativeabouttheir planningandschedule Missedlessonscannotbemadeuporreimbursed,andsanctionsareplacedonstudents whoforgettogotoaninstrumentallessonorrehearsal

Studentsmustchecktheirlessonsonthedaytheemailisreceivedandifthereisanyclashorproblemforthe followingweek,mustimmediatelyletMrsDuceknowbyemail Thismustbedonebeforethedeadlineof1040am thenextdayi.e.ontheFridayoftheweekbeforelessonsareduetotakeplace. Ifnovalidreasonisgiven,orthe Fridaydeadlineismissed,nochangecanbemadeandthestudentmustattendthelessonastimetabled

Ifastudentwishestomissschoolforanyreason,aparentorguardianmustmakeadetailedabsencerequestby email,14daysinadvance,tostudentabsence@purcell-school.org

Whenpermissionforabsenceisgiven,thestudentisresponsibleforlettingallteachersknowcourteouslyin advance,andfulfillinganyextratasksset

Pleasenotethatparentsarenotpermittedtoattendmusiclessons

TeachingWeeks

MusicSpecialistteachersareexpectedtoprovideupto30weeksoflessonsunlessagreedotherwisewiththe relevantHeadofDepartment(HoD) InY11andY13,slightlyfewerlessonsmaybepossible,giventhepublicexams inthesecondhalfofthesummerterm Allinstrumentallessonsandmusicalcommitmentsdocontinue throughoutstudyleaveperiods,andabsencesfromschoolmustberequestedinadvanceasabove

LessonDurationandAdditionalLessons

Thenormalexpectationformoststudentsisthattheywillreceivebetweentwoandthreehoursperweektuitionin total,one-to-one.Threehoursisthemaximum;decisionsastohowmuchofthispotentialallowanceisneededfor eachindividualstudent,anditsdistributionbetweendifferentstudies,aremadebytheMusicDepartment accordingtostudentsʼmusicalandacademicneeds,timetableandotheractivities Nostudenthasanautomatic righttothreehoursʼtuition:eachindividualwillbeofferedaprogrammeappropriatetothem

Insomecases,inconsultationwithparentsandsubjecttotheapprovaloftherelevantHoD,studentsmaychoose toreceiveinexcessofthethreehourallowance Insuchexceptionalcases,theexcessinstrumentallessonscosts arerechargedtoparentsasʻextrasʼonthefollowingtermʼsbill Arrangementsforadditionalinstrumentallessons willnotbeputinplaceunlessparentshavegiventheirpermissioninwritingtotheappropriateHoD

TheSchoolacknowledgesthatteachersmaygetrequestsfromstudentsandparentstocontinuelessonsasa privatearrangementduringtheholidays Asageneralrule,theSchooldoesnotencourageoff-siteteachingoutof term,butitdoesrecognisethatitmaybethepreferredchoiceforsomefamiliesandtheremaybesomebenefits forsomeindividualstudents Staffshouldnotfeelobligedtoagreetoanyrequestsandshouldreportanyundue pressuretoprovidelessonstotheSchool. Equally,staffmaynotofferorseekteachingopportunitiestostudents whereithasnotbeenrequestednorapplypressureonfamiliestoagreetoadditionallessons

D2:CHOICEOFSPECIALISTMUSICTEACHER

ThechoiceofspecialistmusicteacherisdeterminedbytheappropriateHeadofDepartment(HoD) Everyeffortis madetochoosetherightteachertomatchtheneedsoftheindividualstudent.Parentsshouldalwaysconsultwith theIststudyHoDinthefirstinstancewithanymusicalconcerns

D3:CHANGESOFINSTRUMENTORSPECIALISTMUSICTEACHER

ChangesofTeacher

NochangesofspecialistteachercantakeplacewithoutpriorconsultationwiththeDirectorofMusic Notice provisionswillnormallyapply–seebelowfordetails

StartingaNewInstrumentorComposition

Thisshouldbeinitiatedbyanemailrequestfromparentstothe1ststudyHoD. Requestswillnormallybe accommodatedprovidedthatteachingisavailableandsubjecttothestudentʼsoverallworkload

ChangestoInstrumentalLessons

Anyrequestsforchangestoinstrumentallessons(eg additionaltime,ordroppingasecondstudy)shouldbe madeinwritingbythestudentʼsparentorguardianandsenttothe1ststudyHoD.

NoticePeriods

Forallchangestoinstrumentalteachingallocation,therewillnormallybeanoticeperiodofhalfaterm,and studentsareexpectedtocontinuelessonsastheyare,totheendofthenoticeperiod

ChangeofFirstStudyInstrument

AdmissiontoThePurcellSchoolisthroughmusicalaudition,andanyofferofaplaceismadefortheagreed specificcourseofstudy Anyrequesttochangethefirststudyinstrument(s)mustbemadebyparents/guardians inwritingtotheDirectorofMusic

Wheneverpossible,theschoolwilltrytoaccommodatetherequest However,thefinaldecisionwillreflectthe schoolʼsprofessionalopinionofwhatisinthebestlong-terminterestsofthestudent

D4:SHEETMUSICANDEXTRAS

Sheetmusic

Mostfamiliesfinditsimplesttoordersheetmusicdirectlyonline,deliveredbyposttostudentsatschool Where thisisdifficultforanyreason,itmaybeorderedviatheLibrary Thecostofthisandanymusicorequipment suppliedbyinstrumentalteachers,willbeaddedasextrastothenexttermlybill Musicbelongingtotheschool mayalsobeborrowedfromtheLibrary Whereparentsdonotwishtopurchaseaparticularitemofmusic,andit isnotcurrentlyavailablefromthelibrary,thenarequestcanbemadeforittobeorderedforthelibrary.Itmustbe returnedaeruse

LoansofSchoolSheetMusic

StudentsareresponsiblefortakingcareofanymusiconloanfromtheSchool Failuretoreturnmusicwillresultin achargeonthetermlybill.

Extras

Studentsareallocatedaweeklyphotocopyingallowancewhichissetaccordingtoyear-group Itisarolling allowance;ifastudentexceedshisorherallowance,theexcesswillbechargedtothebill Chargesare1ppercopy forblack-and-whiteand5ppercopycolourA4 Chargesarehigherforlargercopies Recordablemediacanbe purchasedfromtheMusicTechnologydepartment

Thecostofallsuchsuppliesandserviceswillberechargedtoparentsinthetermlybill

D5:ENSEMBLES

AllfirststudykeyboardplayersattendaweeklyPianoClass;singershaveaweeklySongClass;composershave weeklyseminars;chambermusicisorganisedbothwithinandoutsidetheschooltimetable Orchestralplayers willplayinoneormoreoftheschoolensemblesandorchestras,andtheserehearseonceortwiceweekly;there arealsomoreintensivecoursesoccasionally,dependingontheconcertprogramme Jazz,popandcommercial bandsalsorehearseeveryweek

ThereisaChamberChoir,aJuniorChoir,aSixthFormChoirandfurtheropportunitiesforchoralsingingwithin andoutsidethetimetable.

Rehearsals

Mostrehearsalstakeplaceduringtheschoolday,whichendsat340pmforyears7-8andat5pmforeveryoneelse However,thereisanhourbetween5pmand6pmwhichmaybeusedforensemblesandforextrarehearsalsclose toconcerts Boardersareencouragedtoarrangetheirowninformalmusicalactivitiesintheevening

Studentsshouldarriveateveryrehearsalontime,withinstrumentandmusicifrequired,andwithapencil.Ifa studenthasaclashwithanotherrehearsal,instrumentallessonorotherevent,theyshouldspeaktothemember ofstaffinchargeoftherehearsalwellinadvance

Ifastudentisnotneededforarehearsalforanyreasonandhasnootherscheduledcommitments,thisistimefor practice,home-work,readingorlistening–studentsareexpectedtousethetimeprofitably.

D6:CONCERTSPROCEDURE

Lunchtimeconcertstakeplacefourtimesaweek,andthereareperformanceclassesinthetimetableforyears 7-11 Allstudentsinyear9andaboveshouldaimtoperforminatleastonelunchtimeconcerteachterm, ideallymoreoen Studentsshouldplanrepertoireanddateswiththeirteacher Concertsaremanagedbythe ConcertsCoordinator,whoworksintheMusicOffice Thereareformstocompletewithdetailsoftheprogramme, andstudentsmustarrangerehearsalswithoneoftheschoolaccompanists,DebbieShahandDanielSwain,ora fellowstudent,unlesstheyareplayingunaccompanied.

Eveningconcertstakeplacemostweeks,andstudentsareinvitedtotakepart,basedontheirreadiness, willingness,generalpreparationandworkethic Anystudentwhofeelsthattheyarenotbeinggivenenough opportunitiestoperform,shoulddiscusswiththeirteacher,HeadofDepartmentortheDirectorofMusic

Attendanceatlunchtimeconcerts

Eachstudentisrequiredtoattendatleastoneconcertonceaweekandregistersaretaken

ExternalConcertsarrangedbytheschool

Therearealotofconcertsoutsideschool,somemoreformalandhigh-profilethanothers Theseareprogrammed bytheDirectorofMusicandHeadsofDepartmentinconsultationwithinstrumentalteachers

SeeAppendix2fordetailsofConcertDress(page42).

D7:COMPETITIONSANDCONCERTSWITHOTHERORGANISATIONS

OutsideConcerts

StudentsareencouragedtotakepartinmusicalactivitiesoutsideSchool,particularlyattheweekendandduring schoolholidays.Eventsthatclashwithschooldaysarenotencouraged,becauseourtermsareshortandourdays arebusy,andwealreadymanageacomplextimetableofclashesbetweenmusiclessonsandacademiclessons

Permissionmustberequested,andwillonlybegivenwhentheprosandconshavebeenconsideredbythe DirectorofMusic

Ifastudentwishestomissschoolforanyreason,aparentorguardianmustmakeadetailedabsencerequest byemail,14daysinadvance,tostudentabsence@purcell-school.org

Whenplayinganywhere,studentsareaskedtoacknowledgeThePurcellSchoolinconcertprogrammes;for example,“SamSmithholdsascholarshipundertheGovernmentʼsMusicandDanceSchemeatThePurcell School”

StudentsmaynotusetheschoolʼsnameorlogotoadvertiseanexternalprivateconcertwithoutthePrincipalʼs permission

Competitions

Competitionsaresometimesagoodidea,butnotalways,andshouldbeundertakenonlyveryexceptionallyin termtime StudentsmayonlyapplyforcompetitionswiththeagreementoftheirteacherandHeadof Department Aswithexternalconcerts,permissionforabsencewillonlybegivenaerconsiderationbythe DirectorofMusic.

Accompanists

AccompanistsareprovidedforSchoolconcerts(internalandexternal),andforAssociatedBoardexaminations organisedbytheschool Anyotherrequestforanaccompanistismadebyprivatearrangement Accompanistsare notprovidedformusiccollegeauditions.

D8:ASSESSMENTPROCEDURE

PlacesattheSchool,togetherwithGovernmentandPurcellSchoolscholarships,areawardedaerauditionand aresubjecttosatisfactoryprogressandconduct Progressismonitoredcontinuouslyandreportedtoparents If thereareseriousdoubtsaboutconductorprogress,parentsorguardianswillbecontactedmoreformally

Studentswhodonotmakeexpectedprogresswillbeadvisedonareasinneedofimprovement,andspecific targetswillbeset. Ifthesearenotmet,parentsmayberequiredtowithdrawtheirchildfromtheschoolattheend oftheyear Advicewillbegiventoenablestudentstofindsuitablealternativeschooling

D9:STORINGINSTRUMENTS

Instrumentsshouldbekeptinlockersorasafealternativeplace Allinstrumentcasesshouldbelabelledwiththe studentʼsname,schooladdress,anditshouldbeclearwhethertheinstrumentbelongstothemorisonloanfrom somebodyelse.

D10:SUPERVISEDPRACTICEANDNOTEBOOKS

Allstudentshaveregulartimetabledpracticesessions,andLowerSchoolstudentsareoverseenbyateamof practicesupervisors AllboardersuptoYear11havesupervisedpracticetimeearlyeveryweekdaymorning

Itisimportanttorememberthatpracticedoesnʼtnecessarilymakeperfect:itcanreinforcebadhabitsifnot carefullyconsidered Studentsshouldspendafewminutesatthestartofeachpracticesessionplanningwhatthey aregoingtodo,settingrealisticandachievabletargets;warmupbeforetheystart;takeregularshortbreaks;aer eachpracticesessionspendafewminutesthinkingaboutwhattheyhavedonesuccessfully,whattheyhavenot managedtodo,andusethattoplanthenextpractice Musicianscanalsopractiseveryeffectivelywithoutan instrument,byimaginingthattheyareplaying.

Studentswillfinditusefultokeepanotebookinwhichtheycanmakenotesaboutlessons,practiceand repertoire Teachers,students,parentsandotheradultsmaywanttocommunicatewitheachotherviashort messagesinthisbook

D11:SATURDAYPROGRAMME

ThereisamusicalprogrammeforboardersonSaturdaymornings. Itincludesaregularperformanceclass, scheduledpractice,andopportunitiesforstudentstoruntheirowngroups

D12:ABRSM/EXTERNALEXAMINATIONS

AssociatedBoard(ABRSM)examsaregenerallyofferedintheSchoolatleastonceduringtheyear,usuallyinthe Springterm OnjoiningtheSchool,studentswhohavealreadytakenAssociatedBoardTheoryGrade5should bringacopyoftheirresulttotheLibrarian;thiswillbeeithertheoriginalmarkformprovidedbytheAssociated Boardoracopyofthecertificate ThedocumentwillbekeptsafelyattheSchooluntilthestudentleaves,sothatit isavailableforusewhenthestudententersanyAssociatedBoardexamaboveGrade6

D13:BIOGRAPHIES

Studentswillbeaskedtowriteashortbiography(50-100words)detailingwheretheywereborn,whentheyfirst startedplaying,andperhapswhattheylikeaboutmusicorotheroutsideinterests Anyfinancialsupportthatyou receiveshouldalsobeacknowledged.Thebiographyshouldbehandedintothemusicofficeatthestartofterm oremailedtotheConcertsCoordinator

D14:INSTRUMENTALINSURANCEANDLOANS

Parentsmustensurethatallpersonalinstrumentsareinsuredandthatinstrumentsarecoveredfortraveltoand fromschoolandwhenstudentsareperformingoutsideofschool Schoolinstrumentsmaybelenttostudents (subjecttoavailability) Asmallhirecharge(£50perterminthecurrentacademicyear)maybeleviedforlong termloans.

D15:STUDENTSRECEIVINGEXTERNALINSTRUMENTALLESSONS

Asarule,externallessonsarediscouragedandparentsmustinformtheschooliftheywishtostartthem,orifthey arealreadytakingplace,andkeepusupdatedofanychanges Ourfullpolicyonexternalmusiclessonsisonthe website;thefirstparagraphisprintedbelow

ThePurcellSchoolprovidesworld-classspecialisttuitioninmusictostudentsthroughtheemploymentofan exceptionallywell-qualifiedandexperiencedstaff Externalmusiclessonsarediscouraged,asstudentsbenefitso muchfromlearninginschool TheSchoolsupportsasmallnumberofstudentstoaccesstheprovisionofferedat juniorconservatoiredepartmentsonSaturdays Occasionallyastudentmayreceiveinstrumentaltuitionfroma specificteacherwhoisneitheremployedbytheschoolnoraconservatoirejuniordepartment Anexamplemightbe wheretheschooldoesnotcurrentlyemployateacherofthatinstrument,orifa2ndor3rdstudyʻhobbyʼistobe continuedwithateacherathomeattheweekendsorintheholidays Eachrequestmustbeassessedonitsown meritsandtheschoolmustsatisfyitselfthatitisinthebestinterestofthestudenttostudywiththeproposed teacher Insuchcases,theschoolmustthensatisfyitselfthatadequatemeasuresareinplacetoprotectthesafety andwellbeingofthestudent

PleasecontacttheMusicOfficeifyouhaveaquestionaboutamatternotcoveredhere

SECTIONE:BEHAVIOURS

E1:INTRODUCTION

TheSchoolRulesaredesignedtoencouragestudentstobehaveinathoughtfulandresponsibleway,toensure thattheyreceivethemaximumbenefitfromtheireducation,tomaintaintheschoolʼsexcellentreputation,andto helpthewholeschoolcommunitytolivetogetheramicably

TheSchoolRulescanbefoundasAppendix1tothishandbook,aswellasontheschoolwebsite.Theyarealso issuedtoallstudents

YoushouldalsoreadtheschoolʼsAnti-BullyingPolicy,BehaviourandSanctionsPolicy(whichexplains rewardsandsanctionsusedattheschool),DrugsandAlcoholPolicy&theICTAcceptableUsePolicy. Summariesofthesepoliciescanbefoundbelow/elsewhereinthishandbook,andthefullversionscanbe downloadedfromourwebsite

E2:PRINCIPLESANDEXPECTATIONS

● ThePurcellSchoolencouragesthegoodbehaviourofitsstudentsatalltimes Theschoolattachesgreat importancetocourtesy,integrity,goodmanners,gooddisciplineandrespectfortheneedsofothers The SchoolRulesandtheschoolʼsAnti-BullyingPolicymakeclearourexpectationsinthisregard.

● Theguidingprincipleisthattheschooltrustsstudentstoknowhowtobehaveandtoactatalltimesin theirownbestinterestsandthoseofthewholeschoolcommunity Onlywhenstudentsbreachthistrust willsanctionsberequired

● Whensanctionsareunavoidable,studentsandparentshavetherighttoexpecttheschooltoapplythis policyfairly.However,thisdoesnotmeanthatsanctionswillinvariablybethesameforeachoffence,as theremaybedifferingcircumstanceswhichmaybetakenintoaccount Inotherwords,everyincidentwill beviewedonitsownmerits,usingthispolicyasguidance

● ThePurcellSchooldoesnotusephysicalpunishmentofanysort Thereisnocorporalpunishmentandno punishmentisintendedtohumiliateorintimidateanystudent

● TheschoolʼsBehaviourManagementStrategyisagradedscalecoveringbothrewardsandsanctions, intendedtoencouragestudentstowardsanacceptablelevelofbehaviour Acopycanbefoundasan appendixtotheschoolʼsBehaviourPolicyonourwebsite.

E3:REWARDSANDSANCTIONS

Rewards

Studentswhodoparticularlygoodworkrelativetotheirability,ormakeapositivecontributiontothelifeofthe school,receiveaCommendation TheCommendationcardisissuedbyateacher,TutororHouseparent;the studentshouldtakeittothePrincipalforrecording,beforetakingithometoshowtohisorherparents.

Attheendoftheschoolyear,prizesareawardedforeffort,forachievementinacademicsubjects,for commendationsawarded,inmusic,andforgeneralcontributiontothelifeoftheschool

Sanctions

TheschoolʼsBehaviourManagementStrategyprovidesarangeofsanctionsinagradualscaleofincreasing severitydesignedtoencouragethestudenttowardsanacceptablelevelofattainmentorbehaviour.Possible sanctionsforminoroffencesorpooracademicworkincludedetentions,gating(ie notbeingallowedtoleavethe schoolpremisesor,forboarders,thehouseaertheschoolday),academicreportorsupervisedprivatestudy Seriousmisbehaviour,orpersistentacademicindiscipline,mayresultinaSchoolDetention,whichusuallytakes placeonaFridayaerschool ThestudentwillalsobeinterviewedbytheVicePrincipaltodiscusstheoffenceand theirfutureconduct.Forcertainoffences,thePrincipalmayrequireastudenttoserveaPrincipalʼsDetentionona

Saturdaymorning APrincipalʼsDetentionisonestepshortofsuspensionandstudentsneedtounderstandhow seriousitis

Suspension

Seriousorrepeateddisciplinaryoffencesmayresultinthestudentʼssuspensionforbetweentwodaysandtwo weeks.Whilesuspended,thestudentisexpectedtoremainathomeduringtheschoolday,andworkwill, wheneverpossible,beset Asuspendedstudentmaynotattendanyschoolfunction(eg concert)orsocialevent (Astudentmayalsobesuspendedwhilstaninvestigationintoanallegedseriousincidenttakesplace)

Incertaincases,astudentmaybeputintoʻinternalsuspensionʼ,wheretheywillberequiredtoworkinschool undersupervisionduringfreetimeandwithotherprivilegessuspended.

Followingasuspension,thestudent(andifpossiblehisorherparents)willberequiredtoattendaninterviewwith thePrincipaland/ortheVIcePrincipaltodiscusshis/herfutureconduct Afinalwarningmayalsobeissuedatthis stage

Expulsion

InthemostextremecircumstancesthePrincipalreservestherighttoexpelastudentfromtheschool.Although thestudentʼsbestinterestswillbetakenintoconsideration,theinterestsofthewholeschoolcommunityandthe natureoftheoffencewillbeofparticularsignificance Insuchcircumstances,parentshavearightofappealtothe schoolgovernors AseparateprocedurecoveringtherightofappealisavailablefromthePrincipalʼsoffice

ParentsʼattentionisdrawntotheschoolʼsTermsandConditions,paragraph7(b),whichstatesthat:

ThePrincipalmayattheirdiscretionrequireyoutoremoveormaysuspendorexpelyourchildfromtheSchoolifthey considerthatyourchildʼsattendance,progressorbehaviour(includingbehaviouroutsideSchool)isseriously unsatisfactoryor(atthePrincipalʼssolediscretion)foranyotherreasonifinthereasonableopinionofthePrincipal theremovalisintheSchoolʼsbestinterestsorthoseofyourchild,otherchildren,stafforparents

ThePrincipalisrequiredtoactfairlyandinaccordancewiththeprinciplesofnaturaljustice.ThePrincipalwill makeadecisiononacase-by-casebasis,willexpelastudentfromtheSchoolonlyasalastresortandwillnot expelastudentotherthaningravecircumstances

Withdrawalofrighttoboard

Forrepeatedboardingoffences,orwherethecontinuedpresenceofthestudentisfelttobedetrimentaltogood orderintheHouse,aboardingplacemaybewithdrawneithertemporarilyorpermanentlyatthePrincipalʼs discretion.

E4:DRUGSANDALCOHOL

ThisisasummaryoftheschoolʼsDrugsandAlcoholPolicy,whichcanbefoundontheschoolwebsite

Controlleddrugs

TheschoolʼspolicyisthatThePurcellSchoolshouldbefreefromdrugscontrolledundertheMisuseofDrugsAct 1971/2001 Webelievethatinvolvementwithcontrolleddrugsisalwayswrongforthefollowingreasons:

● Itisillegal Usingcontrolleddrugscanleadtoacriminalconvictionwhichwillaffectemployment prospects,forexamplebymakingitimpossibletovisitcertaincountriesincludingtheUSA Thiscould haveseriousimplicationsforanycareer,butparticularlyinmusic

● Drugshaveharmfulphysicalside-effects Someoftheseareunpredictableandimmediateandaccountfor anumberofprematuredeathsamongstyoungpeopleeachyear;allarenowassociatedwithlongerterm healthproblems.

● Asmallnumberofyoungpeoplequicklydevelopsomeformofdependencyondrugs

● Involvementindrugculturetendstodrawyoungpeopleawayfrommoreworthwhileactivitiesandoen resultsinafallingawayofacademicperformance

● Involvementwithcontrolleddrugsisdamagingtotheschoolcommunityasawhole

Anystudentsuspectedofbeinginvolvedwithillegalorotherharmfuldrugswhileunderschooljurisdiction eitheronoroffschoolpremisescanexpecttobesuspendedfromschoolandmaysubsequentlybyexpelled dependingonthecircumstances. Theschoolreservestherighttoinformthepolice

Legaldrugs

Theschooloperatesaʻnosmokingorvapingʼʼpolicyatalltimesthroughoutthebuildingsandgrounds..This policyappliestostudents,employees,parentsandvisitors,andincludestheuseofe-cigarettesandʻShishapensʼ ThePurcellSchoolisanunsuitableinstitutionforthosewithanestablishedsmokinghabit

Studentsarenotpermittedtobeinpossessionofalcohol,orundertheinfluenceofalcohol,onschoolpremisesor whenunderthejurisdictionoftheschool(eg onschooltrips) Nostudent,includingthoseoflegalage,mayenter licensedpremises,includingoff-licences,duringtermtime.

AtthediscretionofthePrincipal,alcohol(beer,wineorsimilar)maybeofferedtoSixthFormstudentsatstaffed schoolfunctions,whereparentshavespecific,individualpermission Noalcoholwillbeservedtostudentsbelow theSixthFormonanyoccasion AlcoholmaynotbeconsumedinSchoolwithoutpermissionfromthePrincipal anddrinkmaybetakenonlyinthepresenceofamemberofstaff.

E5:ICT:ACCEPTABLEUSEPOLICY

TheSchoolʼsICT(InformationandCommunicationTechnology)AcceptableUsePolicygovernstheuseby studentsoftheSchoolʼscomputernetworkandanycomputerandperipheralequipmentconnectedtoittogether withtheuseofanystand-aloneICTequipment

TheuseoftheSchoolʼsnetworkandequipmentisaprivilegeandnotaright TheSchooltakesreasonablesteps tocontrolandmonitortheuseoftheinternetandotherelectronicmeansofcommunicationwithout unnecessarilyordisproportionatelycompromisingtheprivacyofboardersortheirabilitytocommunicatewith theirparents,guardiansoroutsideagencies TheSchoolwillthereforedetermineappropriateuseandmonitor useraccountsandfileserverspaceasnecessary Inappropriateuse,includingcontraveningtherulesand conditions,willresultinwithdrawaloftheprivilege;studentsshouldbeawareofthepersonalandacademic consequencesthatmayensuefromsuchawithdrawal. Failuretoadheretothispolicywillalsoberegardedasa breachofSchoolRulesandmaythereforeresultinothersanctions

Thefullpolicycanbefoundonourwebsite:wwwpurcell-schoolorg/about-us/policies/underICTAcceptableUse Policy(Students&Guests)

TheSchoolhasawirelessnetworkand,aercompletingtherelevantpaperwork,studentsareallowedtoconnect theirownpersonaldevicestothenetwork.TheschoolnetworkprovidesaccesstoSkypeandtosocialnetworking sites,althoughaccessmayberestrictedtocertaintimesofday

ParentsʼattentionisalsodrawntotheSchoolRules(Appendix1),Section15,regardingtheuseofmobilephones andotherdevicesinschool

SECTIONF:OTHERMATTERS

F1:SCHOOLTRIPS

Aspartoftheeducationweoffer,studentsarefrequentlygiventheopportunitytomaketripsorexcursionsoutof school.Thesewillrangefromshort,one-daytripsforawholeclasstoalocalsiteofinterest,oreveningsoutto playsorconcerts,tooccasionaloverseasconcerttourswhichtakeplaceduringholidaytime Yourpermissionwill besoughtforanytripwhichtakesyoursonordaughteroutofschool,withtheexceptionofconcertsatwhichyour childisperformingandthedetailsofwhichhavebeenpublishedintheschoolcalendar

Theschoolcarriesoutcomprehensiveriskassessmentsforanytripswhichinvolveastayovernight,andall relevantdocumentationwillbemadeavailabletoparents

F2:COMPLAINTSPROCEDUREFORPARENTSANDGUARDIANS

ItishopedthattheSchoolwillcontinuetomaintainexcellentrelationshipswiththeparentsandguardiansof studentsattendingthePurcellSchool Nonetheless,theremaybeoccasionsduringastudentʼstimeatThePurcell Schoolwhenparentsmayfeeltheywishtomakeacomplaint Ifso,pleasefollowthisprocedure

Pleasetellusofyourconcernassoonaspossible Itisdifficultforustoinvestigateproperlyanincidentor problemwhichhashappenedsometimeago. Pleasestateyourproblemorconcerncourteously:itdoesnothelp stafftoresolveissuesifintemperateoraggressivelanguageisused,eitherinwritingorinperson

Wewillnormallytrytoresolveanycomplaintswithin10workingdaysofthembeingraised,exceptwheretheyare raisedinschoolholidays,inwhichcasewewilltrytoresolvethemwithin10workingdaysofthestartofthenew schoolterm.

ChildProtection:ConcernsregardingChildProtectionareoutsidethescopeofthisprocedure Ifyouhavea concernregardingChildProtection,pleasecontacttheschoolʼsDesignatedSafeguardingLead,MrZiggiSzafranski (HeadofSixthForm),directlybytelephoningtheSchoolOffice(01923331100)

Appealsagainstexpulsion:Theseareheardunderadifferentprocedure,detailsofwhichareavailablefromthe PrincipalʼsOffice.

Stage1(Informal)

1 Itishopedthatmostcomplaintsandconcernscanberesolvedquicklyandinformally Oenthereisa misunderstandingwhichcanbeeasilyresolved Ifnot,wewillgiveyouachancetoexplainyourconcerns andwilltrytoresolvethem Ofcourse,thisdoesnotmeanthatineverycasewewillcomeroundtoyour pointofviewbutitwillhelpbothyouandtheschooltounderstandbothsidesofthequestion Itmayalso helptopreventasimilarproblemarisingagain.

2 Thepersonbestplacedtodealwithanyconcernandcomplaintwilldependonthesubjectofyour complaint,asfollows:

SUBJECTOFCOMPLAINT

Generalacademicorpastoralmatters

Otheracademicmatters,includingthe curriculumandspecialeducationalneeds

Specialistmusicteachingorthemusic curriculum

Pastoralcare,includingboarding

Financialmatters

PERSONTOCONTACT

DIrectorofTeachingandLearning,Tutor

DirectorofTeachingandLearning,

HeadofSixthFormorVicePrincipal

DirectorofMusicor AppropriateHeadofDepartment

Houseparentsor DIrectorofBoarding

Bursar

Ifyouarenotsurewhomtocontact,pleasecontacttheSchoolOffice(info@purcell-schoolorg)

3 Ifyouwishtodiscusstheproblemfacetoface,therelevantmemberofstaffwillusuallybeabletoseeyou onaschooldaybeforeoraerschool.Pleasecontactthembyemailinadvancetomakeanappointment. Pleasedonotsimplyturnupatschoolandexpecttoseesomeone,astheymaynotbeavailable

4. Ifthematterisnotresolvedtoyoursatisfaction,orifyouhaveaseriouscomplaintwhichyoufeelcannot bedealtwithbythepersonabove,youshouldthenproceedtoStage2ofthisprocedure

Stage2(Formal)

1 Ifyoubelievethatyourcomplaintissufficientlyserious,orifthematterhasnotbeenresolvedatStage1 above,youcanmakeaformalcomplaintdirectlytothePrincipal.Thismustbemadecourteouslyin writing,statingthatyouaremakingaformalcomplaint ThePrincipalwillacknowledgereceiptofyour complaint

2 ThePrincipalwillusuallydelegateresponsibilityforundertakinginvestigationofthecomplainttotheVice Principaloranotherseniormemberofstaffasappropriate Thedesignatedpersonmayasktomeetyou foradiscussionoftheproblem Youcantakeafriendorrelationtothisappointmentwithyouifyouwish, whoshouldnotbelegallyqualified,andlegalrepresentationwillnotnormallybepermitted The designatedpersonwillthenconductafullinvestigationofthecomplaintandmayinterviewanymembers ofstafforstudentsinvolved Awrittenrecordwillbekeptofallmeetingsandinterviewsheldinrelationto thecomplaint

3 Followingtheinvestigation,thePrincipalwilldecide,aerconsideringthecomplaint,theappropriate courseofactiontotake Youwillbeinformedofthisdecisioninwriting ThePrincipalmayalsoaskto meetwithyoutoexplainthedecision.

4 IfyourcomplaintisaboutanactionofthePrincipalpersonally,thenyoucanreferitinconfidencetothe ChairmanofGovernors.Youcancontacthimbywritingtohimc/otheBursarorbyemailtotheBursar (awroblewski@purcell-schoolorg),statingclearlythatyouaremakingaformalcomplaint

Stage3(Appeal)

1 Ifthematterisstillnotresolvedtoyoursatisfaction,youmaywishtoproceedtoStage3,andaskforyour complainttobereferredtoahearingpanel.Theappealmustbemadeinwriting,statingthatyouare makinganAppeal.

2 YourappealshouldbeaddressedinconfidencetotheChairmanofGovernorsandsenttohimc/othe BursarorbyemailtotheBursar(awroblewski@purcell-schoolorg) TheBursarwillacknowledgereceipt ofyourcomplaint

3 Youmustlodgeyourappealwithin10workingdaysofthedateoftheSchoolʼsdecisionmadein accordancewiththeStage2Procedure Youshouldprovidealistofyourcomplaint(s)madeagainstthe schoolandwhichyoubelievenottohavebeenresolvedsatisfactorilybytheStage2Procedure,alongwith theremediessoughtinrespectofeach Youshouldalsostatewhetheryouwishtoattendthehearing,or whetherthepanelmaydealwiththematterbasedonlyonwrittensubmissions

4 TheChairmanofGovernorswillthenconveneapanelconsistingofthreeindividuals,twogovernorsand onememberwhoisindependentofthemanagementandrunningoftheschool,noneofwhomwillhave beendirectlyinvolvedinthemattersdetailedinthecomplaintandsowillbeabletogiveitafresh assessment Thepanelwillconveneassoonaspossible,normallywithin10workingdaysofthereceiptof yourappeal.

5 Ifyouhaverequestedtoattendthehearing,youwillbeinvitedtoattendandspeaktothepanel;youmay bringafriendorrelativewithyou,whoshouldnotbelegallyqualified,andlegalrepresentationwillnot normallybepermitted ThePrincipalwillnormallyalsoattendthehearing,andmaybringacolleague (normallythepersonwhohasinvestigatedthematterunderStage2above)

6. Aerdueconsiderationofallthefactstheyconsiderrelevant,thepanelwillreachadecision,andmay makerecommendations,whichitshallendeavourtocompletewithin10workingdaysofthehearing The decisionreachedbytheComplaintsPanelisfinal Thepanelʼsfindingswillbesentinwritingoremailto theparents,thePrincipal,theChairmanofGovernorsand,whererelevant,thepersoncomplainedabout Theletterwillstateanyreasonsforthedecisionreachedandrecommendations(ifany)madebythe

ComplaintsPanel Therecordoftheoutcomeofthehearingiskeptinschoolinconfidence,availableto thePrincipalandtheChairofGovernors

FurtherdetailsoftheComplaintsPanelprocedureareavailablefromthePrincipalʼsOffice.

Welfareofboarders(inaccordancewithNationalMinimumBoardingStandard5.8)

Boardersortheirparentswhohaveacomplaintabouttheirwelfarewhichtheyfeelhasnotbeenansweredbythe schoolʼsnormalprocedurescanwritetotheIndependentSchoolsʼInspectorateat:ISI,FirstFloor,CAPHouse,9-12 LongLane,LondonEC1A9HA,ortoinfo@isi.net

Alternatively,theymaycontacttheLocalAuthorityDesignatedOfficeron03001234043.

Recordkeeping

Confidentialwrittenrecordsofallformal(Stage2)complaintsandtheiroutcome(includingwhethertheywere resolvedatStage2orproceededtoapanelhearing)willbekeptinasecurefilebythePrincipal Therecordscan bereadonlybythePrincipalandtheChairofGovernors

Parentscanbeassuredthatallcomplaintsandexpressionsofconcern,whetherraisedinformallyorformally,will betreatedseriouslyandconfidentially Correspondence,statementsandrecordswillremainconfidentialexcept wheretheSecretaryofStateorabodyconductinganinspectionundersection162Aofthe2002Actrequests accesstothem,orwhereanyotherlegalobligationprevails

F3:WHISTLEBLOWINGPOLICY

Purpose

Intheinterestsofopennessandaccountability,theSchoolencouragesanyonewithseriousconcernstocome forwardandvoicethem Thisappliestoconcernsabouttheactivitiesofstaff,governorsandexternal organisationsintheirdealingswiththeSchool

Thispolicy:

● Providesthebasisonwhichstudents/parentscanraiseanysuchconcernsandreceivefeedbackon actiontaken,

● Allowsstudents/parentstotakethematterfurtheriftheyaredissatisfiedwiththeSchoolʼsresponse,

● Givesprotectionfromreprisalsorvictimisationfor“whistleblowing”ingoodfaith

Existingpoliciesandproceduresareinplacetoenableemployeestoraisegrievancesorforparentsandstudents tomakeroutinecomplaints Thispolicyisintendedtocoverconcernsthatfalloutsidethescopeofindividual grievances. Theconcernmaybeaboutsomethingthat:

● Isunlawful,

● Iscontrarytotheschoolʼspolicies,

● Amountstoimproperconduct,

● Seemslikelytoharmsomebodyortheenvironment,

● Representsunsatisfactoryconcealmentoftheseissues

Safeguards

TheGoverningBodyrecognisesthatthedecisiontoreportaconcerncanbeadifficultonetomake,notleast becauseofthefearofreprisalsfromthoseallegedlyresponsibleforthemalpractice TheSchoolwillnottolerate harassmentorvictimisationandwilltakeallpossiblemeasurestoprotectthosewhoraiseconcernsingoodfaith

Confidentiality

Wherepossible,theSchoolwillprotecttheidentityofanyonewhoraisesconcernsanddoesnotwanttheirname tobedisclosed Itmustbeappreciated,however,thattheinvestigationmayrevealthesourceoftheinformation, andstatementsmademayberequiredaspartoftheevidence. TheSchoolencouragestheconcernedindividual toputtheirnametoallegationsmade Concernsexpressedanonymouslyaremuchlesspowerful,buttheywillbe consideredatthediscretionoftheSchool

Inexercisingthisdiscretion,thefollowingfactorswillbetakenintoaccount:

● Theseriousnessoftheissueraised,

● Thecredibilityoftheconcern,

● Thelikelihoodofconfirmingtheallegationfromattributablesources,

● Thepossibilityofuntrueorunsupportedallegations

Ifanallegationismadeingoodfaith,butisnotconfirmedbytheinvestigation,noactionwillbetaken However,if allegationsaremadethataremaliciousorvexatious,furtheractionislikely

Howtoraiseaconcern

Theearlieraconcernisraised,theeasieritistotakeaction

Asafirststep,parentsshouldnormallyraiseconcernswiththePrincipalortheChairmanofGovernors This depends,ofcourse,ontheseriousnessandsensitivityoftheissuesinvolvedandwhoisthoughttobeinvolvedin themalpractice TocontactamemberoftheGoverningBody,parentsshouldwritetotheSchoolcareoftheClerk totheGovernors,markingtheenvelopeʻPrivateandConfidentialʼandtheletterwillbepassedon. Ifparentsfeel theycannotapproacheitheroftheabove,theyshouldapproachtheGovernorwithresponsibilityforChild ProtectionandSafeguarding,DrRebeccaMooney

Concernsarebestraisedinwriting Thisshouldsetoutthebackgroundandhistoryoftheconcern,givingnames, datesandplaceswherepossible,andthereasonforconcernaboutthesituation. Ifparentsfeelunabletoputtheir concernsinwriting,theymaytelephoneoraskforameetingwiththeappropriateperson

HowtheSchoolwillrespond

TheactiontakenbytheSchoolwilldependonthenatureoftheconcern Themattermay,forexample,be investigatedinternallyoritmaybereferredtothepoliceoranappropriatestatutoryagency Inordertoprotect individualsandtheSchool,initialenquirieswillbemadetodecidewhetheraninvestigationisappropriateand,if so,whatformitshouldtake. Someconcernsmayberesolvedbyagreedactionwithouttheneedforinvestigation. Assoonaspossibleand,atthemost,withintwoweeksofaconcernbeingreceived,theChairmanofGovernorsor theappropriatememberofstaffwillrespond:

● Acknowledgingthattheconcernhasbeenraised,

● Indicatinghowitisproposedtodealwiththematter,

● Wherepossible,givinganestimateofhowlongitwilltaketoprovideafinalresponse,

● Advisingwhetherfurtherinvestigationswilltakeplaceandifnot,whynot

Whenameetingisarranged,parentsmaybeaccompaniedbyacolleagueorfriend

Subjecttolegalorcontractualconstraints,parentswillalwaysreceiveinformationabouttheoutcomeofany investigation

Takingtheissuefurther

Individualswhoarenotsatisfiedwiththeactiontakenasaresultofaninvestigation,andfeelitisrighttotakethe matteroutsidetheSchool,aredirectedtothefollowingpossiblecontactpoints: Relevantprofessionalbodies,

● TheDepartmentofEducation,

● Thepolice,

● ThecharityPublicConcernatWork(telephone02074046609)

F4:FUNDRAISINGANDSPONSORSHIP

Aswellasbeinganeducationalestablishment,ThePurcellSchoolisalsoaregisteredcharity(Number312855) andneedstofundraise.

AlthoughthegovernmentʼsMusicandDanceSchemeprovidesfundingfor143oftheSchoolʼsstudents,financial supportisrequiredfortheremaining20%ofstudents PartoftheFundraisingDepartmentʼsroleistosecure scholarshipsandbursariesforthesestudents

Parentsareaskedtoassistwiththisworkby:

● BeingambassadorsfortheSchoolandrecommendingitforsupporttotheirfriends,colleaguesand businesscontacts

● NotmakingrequestsdirectlytotheSchoolʼsbenefactorsforfinancialassistancefortheirchildren,either whilsttheyareatschoolorwhentheymoveon TheFundraisingDepartmentisresponsibleformaking approachestofundingsourcesonbehalfoftheSchoolandcanadviseonsourcesoffinancialsupport availablefortertiaryeducation.

ForfurtherinformationabouttheworkoftheFundraisingDepartment,Scholarships,Bursariesandfundraising activities,pleasecontacttheDirectorofDevelopmentManager

APPENDICES

APPENDIX1:SCHOOLRULES

Theserulesaredesignedtoencourageyoutobehaveinathoughtfulandresponsibleway,toensurethatyou receivethemaximumbenefitfromyoureducation,tomaintaintheSchoolʼsexcellentreputation,andtohelpus livetogetherasaschoolcommunity

YoushouldalsoreadtheschoolʼsAnti-BullyingPolicy,BehaviourandSanctionsPolicy(whichexplains rewardsandsanctionsusedattheschool),DrugsandAlcoholPolicy&theICTAcceptableUsePolicy

1.ATTENDANCE

a Youmustregistereveryschooldayby840aminHouses Itistheschoolʼslegalobligationtorecordyour attendanceinthisway. Ifyouarrivelateinthemorning,youmustsignineitherinyourboardinghouseoruse theelectronicsigninginsystem,InVentry

b Aernoonregistrationistakenintheboardinghousesatlunchtimebetween1pmand120pm;ifyoutakean earlyorlatelunchduetocommitmentsandmissregistrationyoumustsignininyourboardinghouse

c Daystudents:Youshouldnotbeinschoolbefore800am,andyoushouldleavethepremisesby600pm (400pmforAvison)unlessyouarerequiredtostayforanorganisedschoolactivitysupervisedbyamemberof staff(eg arehearsal) Inexceptionalandoccasionalcircumstances,permissiontostaylateratschoolisstrictly atthediscretionoftheHouseparentandmustbesoughtatleast48hoursinadvanceandinwritingfrom parentsorguardians Daystudentsmustalwayssigninwiththeirhouseparentonarrivalatschoolinthe morning,andmustalwayssignoutfromtheirhousebeforeleavingschoolattheendoftheday.

d Youareexpectedtobeinschoolforthecoreworkinghours(840amuntil340pm)unlessgivenpermissionto belate/absentorengagedinanorganisedschoolactivity(e.g.aschooltrip).Unlessspecificpermissionhas beengiventogohomeearly,alldaystudentsmuststayinschooluntiltheirlastcommitmentoftheday Day studentsinAvisonmaynotleavethepremisesattheendofthedayuntilcollectedbyanagreedadult

e Youareexpectedtoattendalltimetabledlessons,assemblies,tutorsessions,rehearsals,concertsandother activitiesunlessillorinjured Ifyoudonothaveataughtlessonduringtheworkingday,youshouldeitherbe doingpracticeorprivatestudy

f Ifyouneedtomissanacademiclesson(orothertimetabledactivity)foraninstrumentallesson,youmust excuseyourselffromthatlessonbyspeakingtothememberofstaffconcerned Permissiontomissalessonfor anextraordinaryrehearsalcanonlybegivenbytherelevantHeadofDepartment(HoD) Permissiontomiss GameswillnormallybegivenonlyifaletterhasbeenbroughtfromparentsortheSchoolNurse.

g IfyouareinYear10andaboveanddohavepermissiontoleaveschoolduringtheday,youmustsignoutof yourboardinghousewhenyouleave,andsigninagaininyourboardinghousewhenyoureturn,sothatwe knowwhoisonsiteatalltimes IfyouareinAvisonandhavepermissiontoleaveschoolduringtheday,you mustgototheSchoolOffice

h SixthFormdaystudentsmayleavethepremisesaertheirlastcommitmentofthedayprovidingtheyhave permissiontodosofromtheirHouseparentorHeadofSixthForm Thisprivilegemaybewithdrawnatany timeasasanctionforinappropriatebehaviouroracontraventionoftheschoolrules

2.WHATTODOIFYOUAREILL

a DayStudents:Ifyouareillathome,yourparents/guardiansmustphonetheSchoolOfficeoremail studentabsence@purcell-school.orgonthefirstmorningofabsence,explainingthereasonforyour absence Thisshouldberepeatedeachdayuntilyoureturntoschool

b Ifyouareillwhileatschool,youmustalwaysreportimmediatelytoamemberofstaff Duringtheschoolday, youshouldreporttotheSchoolOfficewhereyouwillbeseenbytheNurseoraqualifiedfirst-aider Underno circumstancesmayyouleavetheschool,evenwithyourparents,withoutsigningout Boarderswhofeelill

before900amoraer430pmshouldreporttoHouseStaff

c Boarders:Ifyoufallillwhileathomeandneedtoreturntoschoollate,yourparentsorguardiansshould informyourHouseparentassoonaspossible

3.SPECIALABSENCE

a Ifyouwishtobeabsentfromschoolforanexternalmusicalcommitmentsuchasaconcertoracompetition, youshouldfirstdiscussitwellinadvancewithyourHeadofInstrumentalDepartment Yourparentorguardian mustmakeadetailedabsencerequestbyemail,atleast14daysinadvance,to studentabsence@purcell-school.org

b Ifyouwishtomissschoolforanyotherreason,yourparentorguardianmustmakeadetailedabsencerequest byemail,atleast14daysinadvance,tostudentabsence@purcell-school.org

c Detailsgiveninanyabsencerequestmustincludedetailsofhowyouwillbetravelling,includingflightortrain information,andarecordoftheadultwhowillberesponsibleforyouduringthistime.

d Whenpermissionforabsenceisgiven,youareresponsibleforlettingallteachersknowcourteouslyin advance,andfulfillinganyextratasksset.

e Boarders:Tobeabsentforanyperiodoutsidetheschoolday,parentsorguardiansmustsubmitanexeat requestthroughOrah(previouslycalledBoardingware)toobtainpermission.

4.BOUNDSANDLEAVINGTHESCHOOLSITE

a Thefollowingareasareoutofbounds

Anywoodedareaaroundtheschool;Estateworkshops,laundryandanyroofs

Thelowerfieldatthebackoftheschoolaerdark

BusheyHallGolfClub

TheLincolnsfieldCentre

BusheyMillLaneaerdark

HartspringMeadow

TheMetropolitanPoliceClubandGrounds-exceptforthosestudentsintheSixthFormwhoaremembersof theMetClubGym,whocansignouttousethefitnesssuite,havingregisteredtheirmembershipinadvance withtheirhouseparent Studentsshouldsignoutintheusualway

b BoardersinYear7-9

YoumaynotleavetheSchoolsiteatanytimeunlessaccompaniedbyamemberofstaff,parentorguardian

c BoardersinYears10and11

Providedyouhavenoscheduledlessonsoractivities,youmaysignoutofschoolbetween5pmand600pm MondaytoFriday(1230pmto600pmatweekends) Youmustgoinagroupofatleastthree Youmustalways havepermissionfromyourHouseparent,statewhereyouaregoing,becontactablebymobilephoneandbe backinschoolby600pmforsupper

d.SixthFormBoarders

Providedyouhavenoscheduledlessonsoractivities,studentsmaysignoutofschoolbetweenthetimes indicatedbelowandmustbepresentforsupperat6pm:

Monday 500-600pm

Tuesday 500-600pm

Wednesday 5.00-6.00pm

Thursday 500-600pm

Friday 500-600pm 815-945pm

Saturday 1200-945pm

Sunday 1200-600pm

Exceptionsgrantedinspecialcircumstances viaDirectorofBoarding

YoumustalwayshavepermissionfromyourHouseparent(ordutymemberofstaff),statewhereyouare going,andbecontactablebymobilephone Returntimesabovemustbestrictlyobserved

Notethatpermissiontoleaveschoolintheeveningsisaprivilegebasedonthetrustthatexists betweenseniorboardingstudentsandthosewhoareresponsibleforlookingaertheminschool. Housestaffextendthetrustthatseniorboardersareuptodatewiththeirwork,willbehavealways inawaythatbringscredittothemselvesandtheschool,andmeettheschoolʼsexpectationswith regardtorules.Theprivilegemaybewithdrawnifthattrustisbreached.

e SaturdayMusicCollegeJuniorDepartments

-IfyouwishtoattendtheJuniorDepartmentofanyoftheLondonMusicCollegesonSaturdays,youmust ensurethatyourparentshavediscussedarrangementswiththeDirectorofMusicandHeadofDepartment

5.SAFETY

a Youmustensurethatyourbehaviourdoesnothingtoharmorendangeryourselforothermembersofthe school,stafforpublic,ordodamagetoproperty Thisincludestamperingwithelectronicorcomputer equipment

b Youmaynotenteranypartofthemaintenanceworkshops,roomswhereequipmentisstored,orboiler rooms Youmaynotclimbonanyrooforoutofanywindow Youmaynotremovetherestrictorsonwindows, whicharethereforyoursafety,withoutpermissionfromamemberofstaff

c Youshouldnotrunincorridors,onstaircases,orinthedininghall

d Youshouldnotenteranyschoolcarparkwithoutgoodreason Youshouldtakeparticularcareoftraffic enteringandleavingthesite

e Ifthefirealarmsounds,remainsilentandfollowstaffinstructions,walkingquicklyandsilentlyviathenearest exittotheassemblypoint.

f Youmustnottamperwithanyfirealarmequipment Settingoffthefirealarmorfireextinguishersdeliberately willberegardedasveryseriousoffences.

g Youmaynotcarrywithyouanymedicines,exceptinsulin,epipens,asthmainhalersorsimilaremergency items.AllothermedicinesmustbehandedtotheSchoolNurseorHouseparentsinthefirstinstancefor safe-keepingandadministration

6.ROOMSINBOARDINGHOUSES

a.OnlySixthFormstudentsmayusetheirroomduringthedayforpracticeandprivatestudy.

b Boysmaynotvisitstudies/bedroomsorcorridorsinSunley,orthegirlsʼsideofNewBoardingHouseor Avison.Girlsmaynotvisitstudies/bedroomsorcorridorsontheboysʼsideofNewBoardingHouse.Ifyoubreak theserulesyoumustexpecttobesuspendedfromschool

c Youareexpectedtokeepyourroomtidyandtoputyourbelongingsaway

d Allroomsmustbeemptiedattheendofeachterm,andpossessionstakenhome Thereissomestoragefor theuseofinternationalboarders

7.EVENINGROUTINEFORBOARDERS

a Allboarders(andanydaystudentsstillinschool)mustregisterfordinnerwithdutystaffintheDiningHallat 600pm(Sunley)or630pm(NBH)

b Preptimesexisttoenableyoutocompleteworkoutsidelessons PrepforstudentsinYear9isfrom 630pm-730pmMondaytoThursday,andforthoseinYears10-13from715-845pmMondaytoThursday

c AvisonboardersaresupervisedduringprepintheHouse AvisonboardersinYears7-8haveorganisedpractice timefrom630-730pm

d Boarderscompletetheirprepintheirownrooms Ifyouwishtoworkelsewhere(egintheMusicTechnology

StudioorArtRoom)youmusthavepermissionfromthememberofhousestaffonduty

e IfyouareaSixthFormerandareuptodatewithyourwork,youmayrequesttobeallowedtopractiseduring preptime ThiswillbeauthorisedatthediscretionofyourHouseparent

f Houseparentsmay,attheirdiscretion,occasionallyallowyoungerstudentstopractiseduringprepiftheyare preparingforspecificimportantmusicalactivitiesandareuptodatewiththeiracademicwork

8.VISITINGHOUSES

a AvisonstudentsshouldnotvisitanyotherHouse

b MembersofSeniorHousesmaynotvisitAvisonexceptwiththespecificpermissionoftheHouseparent

c Seniorstudentsvisitingotherhousesmustaskforpermissionfromdutystaffiftheymaysignintovisit

9.BEDTIMES

Itisimportantthatyougetsufficientsleepeachnighttoenableyoutomeetallyouracademicandmusical commitments Inyourowninterests,bedtimesforboardersareasfollows:

10.USEOFSCHOOLROOMS

a Youmayonlyusepracticeroomsforindividualpracticeorensemblerehearsals Youareexpectedtotakecare offurniture,equipment,pianosorotherinstrumentsintheserooms Youshouldalwaysleavetheroomtidy andreadyforuse,closewindowsandturnofflights Emptyclassroomsmayalsobeusedforpracticeonthe samebasis Unlessrehearsing,onlyonestudentmayoccupyapracticeroomatanyonetime

b Roomsmaynotbeʻreservedʼandstudentsshouldnotleavebelongingsinroomsduringtheschoolday Ifyou areusingapracticeroomandareleavingtoattendalesson,breakorlunchtimeyoumusttakeyour belongingswithyou

c TheMusicLibraryisavailablethroughoutthedayforquietprivatestudy Youmaynotbringfoodordrinkinto theLibrary.AllbooksormusicremovedfromtheLibrarymustbesignedfor.

d TheICTRoomisavailableforuseatcertainpublishedtimes YoumustfollowtheICTAcceptableUsePolicy, whichwillbegiventoyou.YoumaynotbringfoodordrinkintotheICTroom,andyoumustnottamperwith anyequipment

11.ACADEMICRULES

a.Youshouldensurethatyoualwaysarrivepromptlyforlessons,andhaveallthecorrectbooksandmaterials.

b Youmustbringyourplannertoalllessonsandrecordallhomeworkinit

c.Allhomeworkmustbecompletedontimeasrequiredbyteachers.Courseworkandcontrolledassessment tasksmustbecompletedaccordingtotheinstructionsofteachers,andmustbeyourownunaidedwork

d.Duringlessons,youshouldshowrespectforyourteacherandfellowlearnersby:

-Listeningandconcentratingwhenyourteacheroranotherstudenttalkstothewholeclass

-Answeringquestionsproperly,withtheaimoflearningandhelpingotherstolearn

-Workingsensiblywithyourfellowstudents,andavoidinganythingtodistractorannoythem

e Youshouldcarryoutanyreasonablerequestfromateacheratonceandwithoutargument

12.DRESSCODE

Thereisnoschooluniform,butitisimportantthatyouareclean,wellturnedoutanddecent,inclothingthatis appropriateforpurposefulacademicandmusicalwork HouseparentsortheDeputyPrincipalwillbethearbiters ofwhetherclothingisacceptable,butthefollowingexamplesgiveguidanceastowhattoavoid:

-Extremesoffashionandill-fittingclothes,croptopsorveryshortshorts,garmentswithoffensiveslogansor pictures,clothesthataretornorrippedorsee-throughmaterialswhichexposeunderwear

-Ostentatiousjewelleryorextravagantbodypiercing

-Visibletattoosunlessverysmall

Forreasonsofsafety,flip-flopsarenotacceptableindoorfootwearduringtheschooldayandyoumayberequired totieanylonghairoutoftheway(eg insciencelabs)

SeparaterulesonConcertDressareissuedbytheMusicDepartment

13.CATERING

a Allstudentsmayhavelunch,morningbreakandaernoonbreakintheDiningHallfromMondaytoFriday

b Breakfastandsupperonweekdays,andallmealsatweekends,areforboardersonly Daystudentswhowould likesupper(orbreakfastthefollowingday)mustdiscussthiswiththeirHouseparentatleastthreedaysin advance

14.RESPONSIBILITYFORPROPERTY

a.Allpersonalpropertyshouldbeclearlymarkedwithyourname.

b Donotbringlargesumsofmoneyandothervaluablestoschoolunlessabsolutelynecessary Ifso,boarders shouldkeeptheminthesafethatisprovidedintheirbedrooms.Ifyouregularlyneedaccesstolarge amountsofmoney,youshouldhaveacashcardsothatyoucanwithdrawitwhenyourequireit Donot leavecash,mobilephonesorothervaluableslyingaround

c Youareexpectedtotakesensibleprecautionstokeepyourpropertysafe Weencourageyourparentstorenta lockerfromtheʻIndependentLockerSolutionsLtdʼ,whoadministertherentalfortheschool Thekeyswillbe sentdirectlytoyourparent/guardian Forthoselivingabroad,lockerkeyscanbecollectedfromtheSchool Officeatthestartoftheterm Youshouldrequestalockerofasuitablesizeforyourinstrument Forlarger instruments,aseparatearrangementcanbemadeeitherwithyourHeadofDepartment(HOD)ora Houseparent

d.Youareresponsibleforschoolpropertysuchasbooks,equipment,instrumentsorsheetmusicloanedtoyou. Youwillbechargedifyoulosethem

e.Reportbreakagesordamagestothepremises,schoolequipmentorthepropertyofothermembersofthe schoolimmediatelytoamemberofstaff Youwillnotbechargedifitisagenuineaccident,butyoushould expecttopayfordeliberateorcarelessdamage

f Bagsandinstrumentsshouldbeleintheplacesprovidedandnotaroundschoolwheretheyarelikelyto causeanobstacleordangertootherpeople,orinvulnerableplacesnearexitsfromtheschool

g Donottamperwith,handleorinterfereinanywaywithotherpeopleʼsproperty,includinginstruments,except underclearinstructionsfromamemberofstaff

15.MOBILEPHONES

a Youmaybringmobilephonesandsimilardevicestoschool However,theymustbeswitchedoffandkeptout ofsightduringassemblies,concerts,rehearsals,lessonsandpreptimes,unlessrequiredforacademicwork Boardersmayberequiredtohandinmobilephonesorsimilardevicesduringpreptimesorovernight

b AllboardersuptoandincludingYear11willberequiredtohandinmobilephones,tabletsandlaptops overnight DeviceswillbereturnedtoY9-11aermorningpracticethenextday StudentsbelowY9willhave theirdevicesreturnedattheendoftheschoolday

c Anyuseofmobilephoneswhichinvolvesbullying,theinvasionofprivacy,thecirculationoflibellousor pornographicmaterials,orthephotographyofotherindividualswithoutpermissionisconsidered unacceptable Thisincludesreadingtextmessagesoremailsonanotherpersonʼsphonewithouttheir specificconsent.

d Youmustensurethatyouruseofamobilephoneorotherdevicedoesnotdisrupttheworkoftheschoolor disturbotherstudents,forexamplebydeprivingthemoftherighttosleep.

e YouareremindedthattheExaminationBoardsspecificallyforbidtheuseofmobilephonesinexamination rooms;ifyouarefoundinthepossessionofamobilephone,youriskbeingdisqualifiedfromallyour examinations

f Theschoolreservestherighttosearchand/orconfiscateyourmobilephoneifwehavegoodcausetobelieve thatithasbeenusedillegallyorinamannerthatwouldbreaktherulesdetailedabove

g YoumustatalltimesonlyusemobiledevicesaccordingtotheschoolʼsResponsibleandAcceptableUse Policy

16.TRAVELLINGBYMINIBUS

a Whentravellingbyminibus,youmustwearaseatbeltatalltimesandsitquietly

b Foryourownsafetyandthatofotherpassengers,youmustnotdistractthedriverordoanythingwhichmight endangerthevehicle Studentswhomakeitdifficultforthedrivertodrivesafelymaylosetheirprivilegeto usetheminibus

c Onschooltrips,youshouldlistencarefullytotheriskassessmentdetailswhichwillbereadoutbythegroup leaderbeforeyouleavetheminibusorcoach

17.GENERALBEHAVIOUR

a Youareexpectedtobepoliteandhelpfultootherstudents,staffandvisitors Thereisnoexcuseforrudeness, disrespectorinsolencetowardsothermembersoftheschoolcommunity.

b Youareexpectedtoobeyanyreasonablerequestorinstructionfromteachingstaff,boardingstaff,support stafforprefects.

c YoumustsignandobservetheICTAcceptableUsePolicy

d Youarenotallowedtosmokeorvapeontheschoolpremisesoranywhereelseduringtermtime Youmust notbringcigarettes,e-cigarettes,Shishapens,tobacco,matches,orlighterstoschool Youmustnotbring candlesorjossstickstoschool.

e Youmustnotbeinpossessionofalcohol,orundertheinfluenceofalcohol,orvisitlicensedpremisesatany timeduringtheschooldayorduringschoolactivities.StudentsinYears12and13mayonoccasionbe allowedalcoholicdrinksatschooleventswithparentalpermissiontobemembersoftheSixthFormClub andthespecificpermissionofthePrincipal,ortovisitrestaurantswherealcoholisserved,withthe permissionoftheirHouseparents SeetheDrugs&AlcoholPolicyforfurtherdetails

f Youmustnotbeinpossessionorundertheinfluenceofanycontrolleddrugs SeetheDrugs&AlcoholPolicy

forfurtherdetails

g Youmustnothaveinyourpossessionanyrealorreplicaweapons,hazardouschemicalsorfireworks

h Youmaynotentergamblingpremisesorbookmakersduringtermtime;gamblinginschoolformoneyis forbidden

i Sexualintimacy,physicalrelationshipsorpublicdisplaysofaffectionarenotappropriateinaschool Students engaginginsexualactivitycanexpecttobesanctionedasthisbehaviourwillnotbetolerated

j Youmustnotpublishinprintedorelectronicformat(eg onwebsites)anymaterialwhichisoffensiveor derogatoryabouttheschoolorindividualsconnectedwithit

k Youmaynotdriveacar,mopedormotorbiketoorfromschool,orwithintheschoolgrounds,withoutthe expresspermissionofthePrincipal SeetheStudentCarPolicyforfurtherdetails

l Youareexpectedtohelpkeeptheschoolandgroundsfreefromlitter Pleaseplacelitterintothebins provided Youmustnotbringchewinggumtoschoolatanytime

m Studentsarenotpermittedtoorderfoodtobedeliveredtoschool

Intheinterpretationofalloftheaboverules,thePrincipalʼsdecisionwillbefinal.Theserulesmaybe amendedfromtimetotime.

APPENDIX2:DRESSCODE

DressCode-Duringtheschoolday

Thereisnoschooluniform,butitisimportantthatstudentsareclean,wellturnedout anddecent,inclothingthat isappropriateforpurposefulacademicandmusicalwork HouseparentsortheVicePrincipalwillbethearbiters ofwhetherclothingisacceptable,butthefollowingexamplesgiveguidanceastowhattoavoid:

● Extremesoffashionandill-fittingclothes,garmentswithoffensiveslogansorpictures,croptopsorvery shortshorts,clothesthataretornorrippedorsee-throughmaterialswhichexposeunderwear

● Ostentatiousjewelleryorextravagantbodypiercing

● Visibletattoosunlessverysmall

Forreasonsofsafety,flip-flopsarenotacceptableindoorfootwearduringtheschooldayandyoumayberequired totieanylonghairoutoftheway(eg insciencelabs)

PhysicalEducationandGamesClothing

Boysandgirls: Nonrestrictivesafeclothingsuitableforphysicalactivity(nothoodiesorjeans) Appropriate footwearsuchastrainers

SixthFormstudents:Ifyouintendtoswim,usingthelocalleisurefacilitiesandinyourowntime,pleasebring appropriateswimwear

FormalConcertDress

Ourintentionistokeepconcertdressassimpleaspossible Purcellstudentsshouldperforminclothesthatmake themfeelcomfortableandabletoexpressthemselvesmusicallywithoutdistraction Audiencesexpectalevelof professionalismfromus,andclothingshouldbeclean,smart,andappropriatetothemusicalactivity,settingand occasion Studentswillbegivenspecificguidanceinadvanceofexternalconcerts(particulardresscode,changing andstoragespace,likelyvenuetemperatureetc)

Ingeneral"allblack"willbetheconcertdressforalmostallevents,andstudentsshouldhavethefollowing,asa minimum Thiswillbeenoughformostorchestral,choral,house,classorgroupperformances:

Smartblackshoes,blacksocks/tights

Blackcollaredshirts/blouses/tops

BlacktrousersORlongskirtORlongblackdress

Plus,optionally

Blackjacketor'dinnerjacket'/otherappropriateconcertwear

Whenperformingsoloorinsmallgroups,studentsmayoccasionallyprefertobeinsomethingmorecolourful, appropriatetotheoccasion.Thefollowingmaybewornwhenappropriate,butitisnotessentialtohavethem:

Whitecollaredshirts/blouses(NBmustbelongsleeved)

Colouredshirts/blouses

Smartcolouredsuit

Ties,bowties

Ingeneral,youngmusiciansknowwhattheyliketowearwhenperforming,followingtheexampleofrespected professionals TheSchoolwillonlyinsistonaparticularuniformifitisinthestudent'sinterests,orwherea consistentstagepictureisrequired

Ourlunchtimeconcertshappeninthemiddleofabusyschoolday,andwedonotexpectstudentstodressup formallyforthese,buttheymayiftheywish Theexpectationof"clean,smartandappropriate"stillapplies regardless.

APPENDIX3:INDEXOFPOLICIES

Thefollowingschoolpoliciescanbefoundonthe