STROUD SCHOOL HANDBOOK Middle School 2022/2023
WELCOME
Lucy Tippett Head of Middle School Please do contact your child’s form tutor should you need any further information. Year 3 Mrs Tippett - lat@stroud-kes.org.uk Mr Rouse - grr@stroud-kes.org.uk Miss Payton - tlp@stroud-kes.org.uk Year 4 Mrs Robinson - err@stroud-kes.org.uk Miss Edmondson - hle@stroud-kes.org.uk Mrs Lindsey - papl@stroud-kes.org.uk Year 5 Mr Case - opc@stroud-kes.org.uk Mrs Wilcox - jw@stroud-kes.org.uk Miss Andrews - kla@stroud-kes.org.uk
In Middle School, we foster and develop a love of learning. Mistakemaking is an important part of this process, and children are given opportunities to contemplate and grapple through a dynamic and challenging curriculum. We provide experiences that cultivate curious learners who are excited by the opportunities Stroud has to offer. We focus on the whole child: academic rigour, and gentle exam preparation, combines with exceptional pastoral support and experiences that will stay with children for the rest of their lives. The nurturing environment of Middle School supports our children’s emotional development; helping them to become more disposed to being reflective and resilient with an ability to recover from setbacks. Our open-door policy ensures that parents are part of their child’s learning journey and are an important part of the Stroud family. Parent breakfasts, music concerts, sharing assemblies, welcome summer picnics and sports days offer a myriad of chances for parents to enjoy the warmth of our Stroud community. With our small classes and family feel, we offer outstanding pastoral care in an environment where children feel supported and flourish.
CONTENTS
STROUD SCHOOL TEAM 3 THE CURRICULUM IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
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LEARNING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL 5 PASTORAL CARE
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DAILY ROUTINE 7 ASSESSMENT 9 WAYS TO HELP AT HOME
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MEDICAL
11
GENERAL INFORMATION
12
COMMUNICATION
13
PARENT PORTAL
14
SSA
15
INSPECTION REPORT AND POLICIES
16
MAP OF SCHOOL
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UNIFORM
18
SPORT
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STROUD SCHOOL TEAM The team are looking forward to welcoming your family to Stroud and getting to know your child. Each year team has dedicated form tutors and a learning support assistant, however the children will interact with all staff within the department. We operate an open-door policy and we are here to help. If you would like to discuss something in detail, please contact us via email to make an appointment.
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THE CURRICULUM IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
We have a lively curriculum designed to inspire young minds. We believe that children learn best when they are finding out for themselves and learning from mistakes. Each term, a curriculum overview will be put into your child’s home-school diary explaining what your child is learning and allowing you to support your child at home.
The children are taught by specialist teachers for Music, Design Technology, French, Games, PE and Swimming, Dance, ICT and Outdoor Education. Year 5 are also taught by Art specialists. The day-to-day curriculum is enriched through trips, visitors and whole school events such as ‘Languages Day’ and ‘STEAM week’, where pupils take part in themed activities that provide inspiration and encourage collaboration. Our facilities offer a wide range of exciting indoor and outdoor learning areas. We also have use of an outdoor swimming pool, riding arena, tennis courts. adventure playground and our Forest School.
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LEARNING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL We know all our children in Middle School extremely well: what makes them tick, where their strengths lie and where they need support. We carefully plan their educational experience to inspire them to aim high and be all that they can be. We believe variety is key to making school fascinating. Give children lots of different ways to experience learning, and they will thrive and be hungry to learn more. Our children become more powerful learners through our 5c’s approach, which concentrates on learning dispositions. The 5c’s are thoughtfully woven into every aspect of life at Stroud. The 5c’s are: Collaborative, Curious, Creative, Considered and committed. We have an experienced, energetic and talented team who welcome the children with warmth and a strong family ethos. Our children know that their teachers notice them and feel reassured and safe. Our smaller class sizes mean we have more time to teach, discuss and support each pupil. It also means we are able to adapt to the children’s individual needs. Prep, also known as homework, will be set in accordance with your child’s age. A separate prep timetable can be found on your child’s Google Classroom. We see homework as a chance for children to practice doing a little bit of work at home and remembering to bring it back to school, as this is something they will be expected to do more and more as they move up the school. Music and Speech & Drama lessons, also known as Extras, are available from Year 3 upwards. These will take place during the school day on a rota to ensure your child does not always miss the same curriculum lesson each week. Extras can be booked via a form that will be available in the school bulletin.
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PASTORAL CARE
For the children, we have distilled all that is important to us at Stroud into our 3 rules for how we do it here: We are Aware… We are Ready… We are Kind FORM TUTORS Your child’s form tutor is their main point of contact. They are responsible for your child’s welfare in school and should be your first port of call if you have any questions or concerns. As appropriate, this will then be shared with the Head of Middle School or the appropriate ELT staff. REWARDS AND GUIDANCE Children collect stars for commendable work and actions. Gold Stars, worth five stars, are awarded for going above and beyond. Children collect the stars for their Sections, and the Section that has collected the most stars at the end of each term is given a special Section treat. Poor behaviour will be dealt with by the form tutor and, where appropriate, more senior staff. The focus will be on correcting children in a supportive and pro-active way what helps them to make better decisions in the future. Form tutors will communicate with parents to provide a cohesive approach. SECTIONS Each child is allotted a Section: Bulldogs, Greyhounds or Terriers. They collect stars for their Section and compete in sporting events throughout the school. Year 8 Section Leaders are responsible for leading their Section in assemblies, running litter picks and helping to build Section morale.
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DAILY ROUTINE
• • • • • • • • • • •
07:45 - 08:15 08:15 08:30 - 08:40 08:40 - 09:00 10:30 - 10:50 12:55 - 13:55 13:55 16:30 16:30 - 16:45 16:45 - 17:45 17:45 - 18:45
Breakfast in the Dining Room Early arrivals to Middle School playground Drop-off at drop-off zone Registration Break time and snack Lunch in the Dining Room, followed by break time Registration End of school day Middle School Prep Tea After-School Clubs or Middle School Prep Late clubs
Middle School is located next to Highwood House. The school day is from 08:40 until 16:30 Monday to Friday. Wraparound care is available from 07:45 - 17:45 daily. If you arrive at school later than registration, we ask that you register your child at Reception. If you need to collect your child during the school day, please go via Reception to collect
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BREAKFAST CLUB Breakfast Club (for which there is an extra charge) is held in the Dining Room. It begins at 07:45 and finishes at 08:15. There is no need to sign-up in advance, your child is welcome to join us on the day but please arrive by 08:00. SNACK Children may bring in a healthy snack for morning break. Stroud School is Allergy Aware, pupils are specifically asked not to bring snacks to school that contain nuts or traces of nuts. Please also send your child with a reusable plastic water bottle each day. LUNCH The kitchen caters for all dietary needs. We offer a range of foods, which we encourage the children to try. Should your child have specific dietary requirements, please email Matron and inform your child’s form tutor. A weekly menu is posted in the weekly bulletin. END OF THE DAY At 16:30, children are dismissed by their form tutors from their form rooms. Uncollected children will be taken to Middle School Prep. If you wish for someone other than a parent to collect your child, please inform the School Office. PREP TEA A light snack and drink will be provided for your child if they are staying for a club or Middle School Prep. MIDDLE SCHOOL PREP This is an opportunity for Middle School children to complete their homework at school. This is available everyday from 16:45 to 17:45. Children can sign-up each day in registration. CLUBS Information and details on clubs, including booking, is available on My School Portal. Clubs normally start at 16:45 and finish at 17:45. Pupils will be dismissed from the Middle School building. Late clubs are dismissed from the ASD Hall. SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT The school operates a fleet of mini buses. The bus routes are altered each year depending on parental need; please contact the School Office for further details and booking. Places are booked on a termly basis.
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ASSESSMENT Your child’s progress will be continually assessed throughout the academic year. This will be through informal, day-to-day observations and more formal summative assessments at the end of units, at the end of each term and at the end of the academic year. In the Autumn Term, pupils will participate in online GL Assessments that adapt to the performance of the children. They will also sit some summative online assessments in English, Maths and Science, in the Summer Term. These will help form a judgement about your child’s progress from the previous year. Reports are sent home at the end of the Autumn and Spring Term, along with personalised targets for each child. At the end of the academic year, a full report is sent home with attitude to learning grades, and targets. There are regular evenings set aside for parents to discuss pupils’ progress with members of staff. Individual learning needs are supported by the Learning Support Department, where staff liaise closely with class teachers and parents to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to succeed.
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WAYS TO HELP AT HOME Continuing your child’s reading journey in Middle School is vital. Spending time listening to your child read is hugely beneficial to their learning, as is sharing a book at bedtime or reading more complex texts to them. Reading offers a chance to start discussions and enjoy a shared experience; reading a page of a book or enjoying an audiobook together on a long journey will help to make sure reading is fun and accessible. Maths is all around us and Middle School children can really start to appreciate this. Letting your child add up the cost of your shopping basket and predict the change they should receive helps them to use their growing skills in the real world. Telling the time is a challenging but important skill: try to make your child aware of analogue and digital clocks around the home. Discuss what time it is, what time they carry out daily routines and how long these things take. Baking is a fun way to learn weight and measuring skills, and timing the cooking brings in those time skills as well. Children in Middle School receive an age-appropriate amount of homework, so helping your child to complete this and embed their school learning is really helpful.
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MEDICAL If your child is unwell, please fill in the absence request form on the Parent Portal: https://my.stroud-kes.org.uk/login Any pupil who becomes unwell or injured during the school day is referred to Matron. If necessary, you will be contacted to discuss the best course of action. Medicines, including cough linctus, anti-histamine, paracetamol and ibuprofen preparations, will only be administered to children when there is permission to do so. If your child requires medication whilst at school, their medicine should be given to Matron in the medical room. A short-term medical needs administration of medication form must be completed. Please see Matron for these forms, or they can also be collected from the School Office. If your child is prescribed antibiotics, please ensure they have had 24 hours of the course before returning to school.
If your child has sickness or diarrhoea, they must be 48 hours clear of the last symptoms before returning to school. If they show signs of a temperature, please keep them at home until they have been 24 hours fever free. This is to stop the spread of infection. Stroud School is Allergy Aware and caters for pupils with a wide range of medical needs, including but not limited to, gluten intolerance (Coeliac), nut and peanut, egg, and dairy allergies. We also cater for a wide range of cultural dietary requirements. Foodstuffs containing nuts should not be brought on site to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Parents are requested to clearly label all food brought on site that may be shared or sold for charity events. Food brought in for celebrations birthdays should be clearly labelled and handed over to the form teacher.
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Water bottles
Birthdays
Sun Protection
Your child is allowed to drink water whenever they require throughout the day and we ask that your child brings a reusable plastic water bottle to school everyday. Water bottles are available from Stevensons. These should only contain water and be clearly named.
Birthdays are important days for the children and we enjoy sharing these special days with them.
On sunny days, suntan lotion should be applied at home prior to coming to school. For health and safety reasons, we cannot apply this at school to the children. Children should bring in their school sun hats.
Children are welcome to bring in cakes or sweets for their birthday, but these must be nut-free, in accordance with our allergy awareness policy. It must be clearly labelled and handed to the class teacher.
Holiday Requests Requests for absence should be made through the Parent Portal.
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COMMUNICATION Stroud is a vibrant school, with lots happening every week. We share our exciting news stories in the following media:
The Stroud Bulletin A round-up of all information and news is emailed to parents every friday evening. This also contains essential information about the following week and upcoming events.
Twitter (@Stroud_school) News stories as they happen. Facebook (@Stroudschool) News stories for you to share with your friends and family. Instagram (@stroudschool) News stories as they happen. School Website stories page (http:// www.stroud-kes.org.uk/whats-happening/news/)
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PARENT PORTAL The Stroud Parent Portal provides direct information to families about their child and the school. Inside this secure area, parents can access information about the school, such as the calendar, child-specific information, including timetables and school reports. Parents’ evenings, Clubs and Tea Club are booked through this system. Please report your child absent from school or request a leave of absence on the home page. The Portal can be found at https://my.stroud-kes.org.uk/login. When joining the school, you will be sent the link to register and details to log in for the first time. Please note: this will be sent within the first week of the summer holidays.
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SSA
Every parent automatically becomes a member of the Stroud School Association (SSA). Our aim is to organise social events for the children, families and staff to help build the strong community and friendships that make Stroud such a special place. All the funds we raise from events such as the Christmas Fayre, Prosecco Party and Easter Egg Hunt are used to fund projects for the benefit of the children. If you are interested in helping the SSA, please join the SSA Volunteers group on Classlist, or email us on thessacommittee@gmail. com if you would like more information about joining the committee.
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTION REPORT In December 2019, Stroud achieved ‘Excellent’ – the highest possible grading – in its latest Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The top grading was achieved in both academic achievement and personal development, and was recognised as such from Nursery to Year 8. The ISI is the Ofsted equivalent for independent schools, approved by the Department for Education. This was the first inspection of this type that the school has had since 2011 and follows a Regulated Compliance Inspection in 2017 which the school passed with no recommendations. A copy of the full inspection report can be found on our website: http://www.stroud-kes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Stroud-School-King-Edward-VI-Prep-School-RCI-report-v5-2017-03-02.pdf
POLICIES All of our school policies can be found on the Stroud School website: https://www.stroud-kes.org.uk/about-stroud/key-information/
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STROUD MAP
13 14
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Key Facilities: 1 2 3 4
School Reception Highwood House Early Years Key Stage 1
5 6 7 8
Middle School- Years 3 and 4 Music ASD Sports Hall Dining Room
9 10 11 12
Matron Art and DT Forest School Riding Arena
13 Middle School - Year 5 14 Wellbeing Centre 15 PE Office
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UNIFORM Uniform A
Uniform B
• • • • •
• • • • • • • •
Stroud navy coat Stroud green rucksack Black leather shoes Wellington boots and socks Stroud water bottle
Winter • Stroud tartan kilt • Stroud green crew neck jumper • Collared, long or short sleeved white shirt • Navy tights or navy knee socks • Stroud green knitted hat • Gloves Summer • Stroud tartan dress • Stroud green cardigan • White ankle socks • Stroud green sunhat
Stroud navy coat Stroud green rucksack Stroud green and white striped short sleeve shirt Stroud green crew neck jumper Grey ankle socks Black leather shoes Wellington boots and socks Water bottle
Winter • Mid-grey school trousers • Stroud green knitted hat • Gloves Summer • Mid-grey school shorts (not cargo style) • Stroud green sunhat
Please note: • Uniform is either A or B, and not a combination of both on the same day • The change to summer uniform is after the Easter Holidays. If the weather is warm up to the Autumn Half-Term, summer uniform may be worn at the beginning of the Autumn Term. Winter uniform should be worn exclusively after Autumn Half-Term • Children with long hair should have it tied back with black, navy or green hair accessories
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LOST PROPERTY Please ensure all uniform is clearly labelled with your child’s name. Lost property will be collected and stored in cupboards on the mezzanine floor in the ASD.Please look here for any items misplaced. Please view the lost property list https://vle/stroudkes.org.uk/lost-property
UNIFORM SUPPLIER: STEVENSONS
All items * are to be purchased from Stevensons. You can order from Stevensons in the following ways: 1. Order online at www.stevensons.co.uk To register, enter ‘Stroud School’, select and follow instructions. 2. Shop in store. For expert fitting advice and a range of other school essentials’ visit our Bournemouth branch; open 9.00am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays. 148-150 Seabourne Road, Bournemouth, BH5 2JA T: 01202 425192 E: bournemouthbranch@stevensons.co.uk 3.
Telephone orders Call Customer Services Department on 01727 853262 and choose option 1. Available 9.00am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 9.00am-5pm on Saturdays. Items will be posted to your home address.
Please direct any queries regarding uniform to: nearlynewuniform@stroud-kes.org.uk Nearly new uniform items can be viewed or purchased at https://stroudschool.square.site
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SPORT IN MIDDLE SCHOOL As an inclusive school, we aim to provide all children with the opportunity to participate at the appropriate level in both inter and intra-school sport. Enjoyment and inclusion at all levels is central to our ethos, and we are extremely proud of the pathways provided for our children to access sport at Stroud. We offer a range of performance pathways where children can learn, develop and thrive. We foster a ‘One Team, Forever Undaunted’ mind-set in all environments. Children are encouraged to do their best at all levels of competition; celebrating their achievements along the way.
Mr J Parker Director of Sports
All children are taught by specialist sports staff and are supported by wider school staff for fixtures, tournaments and festivals. Our departmental aim is to enhance the pupils’ exposure to a range of sports, and develop a lifelong love of sport.
Sport at Stroud aims to: • Provide opportunities for all, regardless of ability • Develop enjoyment, creativity, teamwork, discipline, respect, independence and sportsmanship • Encourage team spirit and identity • Promote the importance of physical fitness and exercise • Develop physical, psychological, tactical and technical skills • Develop skilful, committed, competitive and intelligent performers • Introduce a wide variety of sports to build confidence, and a platform for the future • Promote links with local sports clubs to support development 20
FACILITIES
Wellington Sports Ground Wellington sports ground is shared with King Edwards VI School, Southampton, and consists of 33 acres of playing fields, six tennis courts, four netball courts and a water-based astro pitch. All of this enables the school to host large tournaments, allowing pupils to play a range of schools on a regular basis. A large pavilion with eighteen changing rooms, a kitchen and catering facilities for over one hundred students is also available. Main Field Our main field, set at the entrance of our rural green environment with the backdrop of the main house, hosts five football pitches, seven rugby pitches, two all-weather cricket fields and outdoor cricket nets. There is also a tartan running track and sandpit, and grass running track for athletics. Sports Hall The school has a full-size sports hall, equipped with indoor cricket nets, a netball court, a basketball court and four badminton courts. Outside the building, we have two netball courts and two tennis courts. Swimming Pool Stroud School has a heated outdoor swimming pool, which is used in the Summer and Autumn Terms for all year groups. Aside from weekly swimming lessons, children also have the opportunity to sign up for Rookie Life Guard and Snorkelling clubs after school.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS SPORT Sports Kit
Term Required
Stroud PE section polo (red, yellow, blue)
All
Stroud match shirt
Autumn and Spring
Stroud mid-layer
All
Stroud tracksuit top (waterproof)
All
Black cotton/lycra shorts
All
Stroud skort
Autumn and Spring
Stroud tracksuit trousers
All
Stroud cricket polo
Summer
Stroud cricket trousers
Summer
Stroud cricket slipover (optional)
Summer
Black or navy swimwear
Summer
Stroud green sports socks
Autumn and Spring
White sports socks
All
Indoor and outdoor trainers
All
Rugby/football boots
Autumn and Spring
Accessories and Equipment Stroud holdall/kit bag
All
Stroud water bottle
All
Shin pads
Autumn and Spring
Mouthguard
Autumn and Spring
Hockey stick (optional)
Autumn and Spring
Cricket pads, helmet and bat (optional)
Summer
Athletic spikes (optional)
Summer
Towel
Summer
Flip flops/sandals
Summer
Goggles (optional)
Summer
Skins/base layer (optional)
Autumn and Spring
Leggings (optional)
Autumn and Spring
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MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS SPORT Sports Kit
Term Required
Stroud PE section polo (red, yellow, blue)
All
Stroud match shirt
Autumn and Spring
Stroud mid-layer
All
Stroud tracksuit top (waterproof)
All
Black cotton/lycra shorts
All
Stroud rugby/football shorts
All
Stroud tracksuit trousers
All
Stroud cricket polo
Summer
Stroud cricket trousers
Summer
Stroud cricket slipover (optional)
Summer
Black or navy swimwear
Summer
Stroud green sports socks
Autumn and Spring
White sports socks
All
Indoor and outdoor trainers
All
Rugby/football boots
Autumn and Spring
Accessories and Equipment Stroud holdall / kit bag
All
Stroud water bottle
All
Shin pads
Autumn and Spring
Mouthguard
Autumn and Spring
Hockey stick (optional)
Autumn and Spring
Cricket pads, helmet and bat (optional)
Summer
Athletic spikes (optional)
Summer
Towel
Summer
Flip flops/sandals
Summer
Goggles (optional)
Summer
Skins/base layer (optional)
Autumn and Spring
Leggings (optional)
Autumn and Spring
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MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS KIT Naming Sports Kit • Please label kit with only your child’s initial and surname • All items of clothing need to be clearly named with woven name tape, indelible marker or printed labels • Shoes, trainers and boots named with indelible ink or printed label Sports Kit - Look Smart, Feel Smart We believe looking smart sends a strong statement about togetherness and shared endeavour in the pursuit of excellence at all levels of competition. Sports kit should be worn with pride, encouraging children to feel pride in themselves as well as the school. Please ensure you child is always equipped with the correct kit for lessons and fixtures each week.
FIXTURES
Fixtures Year 3 - 5 (U8, U9, U10) We introduce Year 3 and 4 to a balanced fixtures schedule as they are still learning individual skills and techniques, alongside team play. Lessons include mixed ability training, as well as higher, intermediate and foundation level group training. They will play more frequently and more competitively as they progress through the school. Year 5 enjoy a balanced fixtures schedule, including tournaments and festivals against other schools. Games are usually played in ability groups (A,B,C etc). Our intention for all teams is to play, where possible, against an opposition of a similar strength for a positive experience. Lessons include mixed ability training, as well as higher, intermediate and foundation level group training. Weekend fixtures and tournaments will be more regular for the A team. We offer Sports Days, Swimming Gala’s, Cross Country, Alternative Sports, Section Events and extra-curricular clubs, providing all children with the opportunity to train and compete together, in environments which develop the core elements of sport at Stroud - enjoyment, creativity, teamwork, discipline, respect, collaboration, independence and sportsmanship.
Useful websites - Stroud VLE Sport https://vle.stroud-kes.org.uk/sport-1 - Sports calendar https://sport.stroud-kes.org.uk/Calendar.asp
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