YOUR GUIDE TO LIFE IN THE
MSJ SIXTH FORM
Welcome to the MSJ Sixth Form This Guide tells you all you need to know about life in Years 12 and 13 and helps you to make the most of your time in the Sixth Form. The academic year 2018 - 2019 sees the exciting re-opening of the newly refurbished Greenslade House, a ‘Transition to University’ boarding house for Year 13, featuring open-plan kitchens and study areas, single bedrooms and various social spaces, to provide a whole new way of boarding. The Sixth Form Centre gives all of you dedicated space to live and study. It is located in the main School building, and is for the exclusive use of the Sixth Formers offering a place to study, socialise and relax. Making the most of the inspirational views across the town to the Malvern Hills, the Centre is fitted with both technology and creature comforts, offering you a living and learning environment which marks the transition between school and university. Sixth Formers’ input into the design and interior furnishing has ensured a perfectly tailored environment meeting both your academic and social needs and you are always welcome to make suggestions about how to improve it further. The Sixth Form Centre comprises teaching space, study rooms, and a communal study and discussion area. There is also a ‘Chill Area’ with lovely large sofas, a lively café-style recreational area and a kitchen with refreshment facilities. There is also a dedicated visitors’ facility so that you can welcome your friends here in the comfort of the School surrounds. The Centre combines the best of new and old. It is set in our fabulous historical Main Building, with its large open corridors and beautiful bay windows, you can really enjoy your MSJ Sixth Form experience. To begin with you may feel there is a lot to take in, but you will find everyone very helpful. This booklet should answer some of your immediate questions.
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Malvern St James Code of Conduct Malvern St James expects every girl to be honest considerate kind courteous respectful tolerant There are four guiding principles to ensure the smooth running of the School community: 1. Consideration and respect for others 2. Positive engagement in lessons and courtesy to staff 2. Public and personal safety 3. Adherence to the law and School policies
Consideration and respect for others Pupils must behave in a manner which does not bring the name of the School into disrepute Pupils must be courteous, thoughtful and compassionate in the way they speak to other people in the School community Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance whilst wearing the School uniform Noise levels within the School should not distract from the business of purposeful learning and community living In Boarding Houses and School, pupils must respect the privacy and property of everyone in the community In Boarding Houses and School the daily routines must be adhered to in order to maintain a thriving community Classrooms, corridors and cloakrooms should always be left tidy
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Chewing gum is not allowed at any time Food and drink, with the exception of water, must only be consumed in the Alice Dining Room or agreed communal areas of the School during break, lunch and tea time Pupils must treat the School site with respect, taking particular care not to drop litter and using the recycling bins where possible Internet enabled and / or communication devices must be switched off during the school day unless given specific permission for use by a member of staff. Pupils in Year 7 - 8 are required to lock such devices away in their lockers. Pupils in Year 9 - 13 must keep them turned off, but may keep them in their school bags. Sixth Form pupils may use them in the Sixth Form Centre and Boarding Houses Prep Pupils are required to hand in internet enabled and / or communication devices to form tutors Electronic media players and headphones must not be used during the School day unless permission is given by a member of staff.
Engage positively in lessons and be courteous and respectful of Staff Pupils should stand at the beginning of each lesson and for any member of staff or visitor who enters the room during a lesson Pupils must respect the right of others to learn and teachers to teach Pupils must behave with consideration and kindness and encourage others in and beyond the classroom.
Public and personal safety Pupils must always sign in and out of School and Boarding Houses on arrival and departure In the Boarding Houses pupils must ensure the House Staff know their whereabouts and must always seek permission before leaving the School site Visitors are not allowed on School premises unless permission is granted and must always report to Reception on arrival Pupils are not allowed to travel as a passenger in a private motor vehicle driven by anyone other than their parents or guardians or an authorised member of staff, unless permission is given Matches, cigarette lighters or other flammable materials are forbidden Pupils’ property can be searched by a senior member of staff in their presence. Your guide to life in the Sixth Form
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Adherence to the law and School policies Alcoholic drinks are forbidden for pupils in Year 11 and below. There is specific guidance for pupils in Years 12 and 13 Smoking and e-cigarettes are forbidden on School premises and in the vicinity of the School The consumption and possession of drugs, including ‘legal highs’ and solvents are forbidden Any internet enabled and / or communication devices must not be used for any illegal or inappropriate purposes Firearms, ammunition, knives or other offensive weapons are forbidden The School has zero tolerance to theft or criminal damage Pupils must attend School and adhere to the designated term dates Pupils must arrive punctually to morning and afternoon registration.
All pupils must abide by this Code of Conduct, and all other policies relating to pupils and their conduct, including the Behaviour and Sanctions policy, AntiBullying policy and the Mobile Phone and Digital Devices policy. The School operates CCTV for the purpose of detection of crime and to uphold our Code of Conduct.
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Sixth Form Dress Code Sixth Form students are expected to dress smartly, as befits a professional working environment. During the School Working Day ■ Smart tailored outfit (jacket with skirt, dress or trousers) ■ Skirt length must be no more than 5cm above the knee For Formal Occasions ■ A smart tailored suit in a dark colour ■ Skirt length must be no more than 5cm above the knee Accessories ■ Smart shoes or boots which are also comfortable and have sensible heels ■ Smart scarves can be worn as an optional accessory Games Kit ■ If it is necessary for you to wear this in a class, please seek permission of the class teacher beforehand Dress Down Friday ■ On Exeat and Half-term Fridays, smart, casual dress may be worn Not acceptable during the school day ■ Denim, leather (except shoes), jeans, leggings, tight-fitting tube or very short (shorter than mid-thigh length) skirts, T-shirts, strappy tops, cropped tops, logos, writing on clothes, hoodies, sweatshirts, rugby shirts, trainers, flip-flops, heels higher than 7cm, hats and coats indoors, excessive make-up Not acceptable at any time ■ Multiple piercings, tattoos, unnatural hair colour Students need to be mindful of the safety requirements of practical sessions.
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Sixth Form Games Kit and Equipment Uniform suppliers MSJ School Shop, Malvern St James
MSJ Second Hand Uniform Shop, Malvern St James
MSJ Sports Centre, Barnards Green Road, Great Malvern
Main Building, 15 Avenue Road, Great Malvern
Telephone: 01684 584680 (Shop) 01684 584638 (Sports Centre) Email: shop@msjsports.co.uk
Contact: Mrs Linda Hughes Telephone: 01684 541827 Email: secondhanduniform@ malvernstjames.co.uk
Please call to make an appointment
The Shop is open every Friday during term time (8.00am-8.30am)
Compulsory Items 1
Navy blue polo shirt with School logo and sky blue stripes
1 pair
Trainers
1 Navy blue “MSJ” hooded sweatshirt blue
1 pair stripe
Navy games socks with sky
1
Navy tracksuit bottoms with sky blue stripe
1 pair
White ankle socks
1
Navy shorts with sky blue stripe
Optional Items 1
Navy blue skort with sky blue stripe
1 pair
Shin pads
1 pair grip
Navy fingerless gloves with
1
MSJ base layer top & leggings
1 Swimming hat 1
Mouthguard (custom made mouth guards can be ordered via the School PE Department)
1 pair Swimming goggles 1
Peaked MSJ cap, with or without rear flap
1
Towel
1
MSJ sports kit bag
1
Hockey stick
1
Hockey glove
1 pair
Running spikes
1
Horse riding kit
1
Lacrosse stick
1
Ballet kit
1
Tennis racket
1 Waterproof sports top with School logo 1
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Navy swimming costume, School style – lycra ‘Y’ back
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Who’s who at Malvern St James? You will quickly get to know your Tutors, Class Teachers and Boarding Staff but these are some of the people you should also know: Headmistress Mrs Raraty Director of Pastoral Care Director of Boarding
Director of Teaching and Learning Director of Sixth Form
Mrs Wilkinson Miss van Ravenstein Mrs Hutton
Mrs Kingshott
Higher Education Co-ordinator Mr Morris Head of Careers
Chaplain
Mr Taplin
Miss Marfleet
And here are some of the other people you will meet who help to keep life running smoothly at Malvern St James: In the Main Office Mrs Bradley (maternity leave) and Mrs Swainston – the Headmistress’ PA In the Admin Support Office Mrs Sheppard and Mrs Elton In Reception Mrs Morgans and Mrs Otto In the ICT Department Mr Parvin and Mr Wylde look after our ICT network Inside and outside the School: Mr Strawbridge is our Director of Operations Mrs Fisher and her team provide the School’s catering Mrs Cramp and her team keep the inside of the School clean and tidy
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School organisation How is the School day organised? Registration 08.20 – 08.25 Assembly / Tutor Time / Hymn Practice
08.30 – 08.50
Period 1
08.55 – 09.25
Period 2
09.30 – 10.00
Break 10.00 – 10.20 Period 3
10.20 – 10.50
Period 4
10.55 – 11.25
Period 5
11.30 – 12.00
Period 6
12.05 – 12.35
Lunch 12.35 – 13.35 Registration 13.35 – 13.40 Period 7
13.45 – 14.15
Period 8
14.20 – 14.50
Period 9
14.55 – 15.25
Period 10
15.30 – 16.00
Tea 16.00 – 16.15 Prep & Activity Sessions
16.15 – 18.30 (Make sure that you sign in, in the designated room)
Day Boarders may leave at
18.10
Supper 18.00 - 19:00
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Getting around the School York Hall
Large hall where you go for Assembly
Lawnside Room
The large room opposite Reception
Staff Common Room
On the ground floor corridor
Abbey Room
At the end of the short corridor on the first floor
Health & Wellbeing Centre
In The Benhams House
Prep Department
Through the entrance opposite the Science block
Learning Support and EAL
On the second floor to the right of the main stairs
Avenue
This is the Music Department just up the road
Sports Centre School Library
This is the large building next to the Astroturf pitch Up the wooden staircase on the first floor
Science Block
Large modern block in the right hand corner of the Quad, across from the Main Building
Art and Technology Centre / Swimming Pool
Red brick building, across the Quad from the Main Building
Drama Centre
On the left hand side of the Quad as you come out of the Main Building
ICT Suites
At the end of School Corridor, before the lift
Language Labs
At the very end of the ‘L’ shape of School Corridor
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Where are you? Signing in and out is important! As well as taking the register morning and afternoon, we need to know where you are in case of emergencies. So: All girls must sign in and out every time they enter or leave the Main Building and the Boarding Houses All girls must attend morning and afternoon registration
Where do I work? In addition to the fabulous facilities of the MSJ Sixth Form Centre, other study areas around School include: The Library The Silent Study in the Library The ICT suites The Boarding Houses
Extra-curricular Activities Outside of lesson time, you are encouraged to participate in some of the many activities on offer at MSJ. This is a great way to make new friends and provide you with leadership opportunities, a chance to broaden your horizons and develop new skills. Sixth Form life is not just about academic study; extra-curricular activites will give you the opportunity to develop your interests beyond the classroom, and will provide another interesting dimension to add to your university and later job applications. Come and meet girls and staff who run different activities in the first week of the Autumn Term at the Activities Fair in the York Hall.
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How do I know what is going on and when? Remember to check your emails on a daily basis (make sure you have access to email on your phone) Listen to notices at Registration Read the notice boards Most events are in the Calendar, any ‘extras’ will be publicised. The calendar is updated regularly Be sure all events are entered into your diary Your parents will receive regular emails from MSJ ‘Communications’. Please check your parents have read the letters for the Sixth Form on the MSJ website At House meetings for boarders
Community Living As a member of our Sixth Form, whether as a Boarder or a Day Boarder, you are part of our community. This gives you the opportunity to meet a large number of people, all with different experiences, personalities, likes and dislikes. Participating in activities is one way that you can get to know everyone in your House and Form Year. You will soon see the world from many different perspectives and make the friendships that will stay with you for the rest of your life and enable you all to create a warm, friendly, happy Sixth Form.
Boarding at MSJ The Boarding House gives you one of the best opportunities to learn about yourself and others, making lasting friendships and developing your talents. You learn to take responsibility for yourself, others and the environment you live in. You have a head-start in preparing for life beyond school and you will soon discover that the more you put in, the more you will get out of community living. Be sure to enjoy all the opportunities available to you! Boarding Houses are run by a team of Boarding Staff who share responsibility for the pastoral care of all girls. The Boarding Staff are led by the Housemistress.
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Poulton House (Year 12) Address:
15 Avenue Road, Malvern Worcestershire WR14 3BA
Tel:
01684 584641
Email: poulton@malvernstjames.co.uk Student Tel:
01684 892385 or 01684 576029
Housemistress:
Miss Anouska van Ravenstein
Deputy Housemistress: Miss Heather MacDonald
Greenslade House (Year 13) Address:
Tibberton Road, Malvern Worcestershire WR14 3BN
Tel:
01684 892060
Email: greenslade@malvernstjames.co.uk Housemistress:
Miss Courtney Grainger
Deputy Housemistress: Miss Violeta Din
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House routine and timings - weekday The times are bold when you must be registered. Breakfast:
07.30 - 08:00
In School:
08.15
Registration at School: 08.20 Lunch:
12.35 - 13.35
Registration at School: 13.35 Tea:
16.00 - 16.15
Supper:
18.00 - 19.00
Night Check:
21.45
House routine and timings - weekend Saturday Breakfast:
09.00 - 10.00
Saturday Lunch:
12.00 - 13.00
Sunday Brunch:
11.00 - 13.00
Supper:
18.00 - 19.00
Friday and Saturday Night Check:
22.30
Sunday Night Check:
21.45
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The A-Z Guide to MSJ Sixth Form Absence If you need to be away from School other than on an organised trip, you must fill in a blue absence form (available from your Boarding House, Mrs Kingshott, Miss Marfleet or Mr Morris).
Academic time Academic time is Monday to Friday from 08.20 - 16.00. Your first priority should be your academic work and School commitments, with the option of studying either in the Sixth Form Centre, the School Library or in your study bedroom.
Alcohol Once you are 18, you are the legal age to drink. We expect that you only do so in moderation in the approved premises (see ‘Going Out’). We trust that you will not commit an illegal act by purchasing alcohol under-age; the School does not sanction under-age drinking. You may not have alcohol in the Boarding Houses, unless on occasions when supervised by the staff. Sixth Form are allowed a glass of wine at supervised School events such as dinners and socials. The Boarding Staff take responsibility for you whilst you are at School. If staff have any concerns about the state of your health due to alcohol they will call the Health Centre.
Art You may use the School art facilities during the evenings but should ensure that Boarding Staff know where you are and that you sign out. You must return to your House by 21.45.
Assembly Everyone goes to Assembly and Hymn Practice; this is when the whole School meets together in the York Hall.
Avenue Music Centre You may use Avenue if it is open and available to you. The Sixth Form practice times are displayed in Avenue, on the House Notice Board, and in the Sixth Form Centre.
Bank accounts The Boarding Staff do not keep pocket money accounts for you as we are keen for you to learn to manage your own finances.
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We recommend that you open a bank account. School will provide a letter on request to enable girls who are non-UK residents to open accounts. Money should not be kept in the House but, on the rare occasion that you need to, you must sign it into the House safe.
Bathrooms Please ensure you leave bathrooms as you would like to find them. Remember to take a dressing gown and some footwear to the shower as fire alarms can go off when you are in showers.
Bedrooms You should keep your bedroom tidy and remember that during the day there are often visitors to the House who look around the rooms so please dress accordingly. Once a week you will be asked to clear your surfaces and basin units so that they can be cleaned. Any food you store in your bedroom must be kept in a sealed plastic container.
Beginning & End of Term All girls must comply with the Term dates published in the Calendar and attend all end of term events End of Term: Your parents / guardian must fill in the travel form on Parent Portal. School transport will be available to London Paddington and London Heathrow. If forms are not completed on time, School will not be able to organise transport for you. Please let your Housemistress know your flight details as soon as possible.
Cars If you wish to have a car in School you must adhere to the Use of Cars by Sixth Form policy regulations (see page 38). Boarders are discouraged from having cars at School.
Cash You should keep all cash locked away in your room, locker in the Sixth Form Centre, dorm safe or in the Duty Office safe. You need to arrange for your parents to provide you with an allowance. In a real emergency the Finance Department may be able to lend you some money on receipt of a signed request from your parents. (See also ‘Bank accounts’)
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Cleaning You are expected to keep your own rooms tidy. Rooms are cleaned lightly every day and a thorough clean is given once a week when all surfaces and the wash hand basin area should be cleared.
Combustible items Combustible items put the community at risk. The following items are therefore not permitted in your room: matches, lighters, candles, incense sticks, kettles, rice-cookers, humidifiers, electric fires or fan heaters. All electrical items must be PAT tested by the School.
Common rooms There are common rooms equipped with televisions, DVD players and Freeview available for your use in the Houses.
Complaints If you have concerns about an adult, you may speak to any member of staff within the School and they will have the responsibility of passing your views on to someone senior so that action can be taken. If the concerns are academic Mrs Hutton will be informed, if pastoral Mrs Newby will be informed. If the complaint is about either of these people then the Headmistress will be contacted. You can put any anonymous concerns in the red boxes.
Confidentiality If you tell a member of staff something that is critical to the health and welfare of yourself, the community or others, that person may have to pass this information on to a more senior member of the School staff. You may consult the School Doctor without an explanation being given to anyone. The School Doctor will not give out any information about your condition or treatment without your permission.
Correspondence Your personal post comes to the Boarding House and is put in pigeon holes for your collection. These are located outside the Duty Room in Poulton. It is a good idea for Day Boarders to check these as well. All correspondence concerning House matters, including change of contact details, should be addressed to the Housemistress. If your parents or guardians are away from home whilst you are at School, your Housemistress must have a contact telephone number and details of an alternative Guardian. This is necessary even if you are UK-based.
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Day Boarders All Sixth Form Day Boarders enjoy the benefits of the Sixth Form Centre in the Main Building, and may use the common rooms and kitchen. Please remember to sign out of School when you go home. If you wish to board on an occasional or regular flexi boarding basis, you should speak to your Housemistress for arrangements to be made. Your parents need to confirm by email that you will be boarding.
Dining Our Catering Staff offer a wonderful variety of food. Meal times are excellent opportunities for you to socialise with other people. Do try to sit with different people so you can make more friends and share experiences. Please show your appreciation by respecting the staff, surroundings and each other.
Electrical items The School Electrician carries out safety checks on all electrical equipment. You will be notified of this visit. If, during the year, you bring a new piece of electrical equipment into the House or Sixth Form Centre, you must tell the Boarding / Sixth Form Staff, they will arrange for it to be tested. This is to ensure that all equipment in School is safe to use. If there is any doubt as to the safety of an electrical appliance, it will be removed until it has been checked by the School Electrician. The following are permitted in bedrooms / study rooms once tested: MSJ desk lamps mobile phone chargers hairdryers laptops The following are not permitted in bedrooms / study rooms: cooking equipment electric fires / fan heaters electrical adapters which are not PAT tested electric fairy lights kettles mini fridges rice cookers televisions trailing leads which may cause accidents or injury unauthorised appliances
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E-mails Your e-mails will never be read by any member of staff unless there is a complaint that you have broken the Code of Conduct or the Acceptable Use Policy. Only the Headmistress, Director of Teaching and Learning or Director of Pastoral Care can authorise IT staff to track emails.
Fire Always treat fire alarms seriously and follow the fire drill. The fire alarm is a continuous siren. When you hear it: Remain calm Move quickly, without running, and follow the given route in silence Remain in silence while the register is taken Listen for further instructions Do not go back for belongings During the School Day, if the fire alarm sounds, line up in Tutor groups in The Dome (Autumn and Spring Terms) amd Dome Gardens (Summer Term). Your Housemistress will advise of the drill for your House. If the alarm goes off in the main school at the weekend, all girls must return to their boarding house and report to the member of staff on duty.
Going Out The following places are approved for Sixth Form girls to enjoy eating out in Great Malvern: Agra Balti & Tandoori - 107-113 Barnards Green Rd Anupam Indian Cuisine - 85 Church Street
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Tel: 01684 577366
Tel: 01684 573814
Ask – Belle Vue Terrace
Tel: 01684 893500
Benedicto’s Italian Restaurant - 5 Church Walk
Tel: 01684 578288
The Bengal Brasserie - 5-7 Worcester Road
Tel: 01684 575744
Gallery 36 - 36 Belle Vue Terrace
Tel: 01684 562272
The Red Lion - 4 St Ann’s Road
Tel: 01684 564787
Unicorn Inn - 2 Belle Vue Terrace
Tel: 01684 574152
Yo u r g u i d e t o l i fe in t he Six t h Form
Café Zamzam - 113 Church St
Tel: 01684 576857
The Foley Arms - Belle Vue Terrace
Tel: 01684 576857
Prezzo - Belle Vue Terrace
Tel. 01684 562095
For Saturday and Sunday only With parental permission you can take a Day Exeat on any weekend to Worcester or Birmingham. If you go to Worcester or Birmingham, you must go with at least one other person. If you will not be back in school for supper please inform your Housemistress. You must return to house by 22.30 on Friday and Saturday. If you get delayed or have difficulties, please ring your House as soon as you can. You may want to take Day Exeats away from Malvern. If you are going to be out overnight you will need a completed Exeat Form as usual. All Exeat, Half Term and End of Term forms should be completed and returned to your Housemistress 14 days prior to the Exeat or Half Term. Official Exeats & Half Term Exeats and Half Terms are marked in the School Calendar. You can go home, to your guardian or to a friend’s house. If you are inviting somebody to stay with you, boarding staff need to get an invitation in writing from your parents / guardian. Your parents / guardian must provide an ‘Exeat and Half Term Travel form’. Staying in for an Exeat Both Sixth Form Houses remain open at Exeat. If you want to stay in you must provide the ‘Request to Remain in School’ form, signed by your parents / guardians, to confirm that your parents accept the charges.
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Other Weekends You may go out on other weekends unless you have a School commitment. You may not stay in a hotel You must return by 21.30 on Sunday
Special Requests: Any special requests must be made in writing by your parents / guardian and reach the Headmistress two weeks before the proposed date. It is likely that late requests will be refused.
Health If you feel unwell you must report to the Health and Wellbeing Centre which is located in The Benhams House. The member of staff at the Health and Wellbeing Centre will decide whether you should be sent back to your House or stay in the Health and Wellbeing Centre. If you are sent back to your House you should let your Boarding Staff know you are unwell. The Boarding Staff are able to deal with minor ailments and have a supply of standard medication. You may not keep your own medicine unless you have permission from the Health and Wellbeing Centre. You must hand in all other medicines to the Boarding Staff.
The Health and Wellbeing Centre If you need to see a Doctor you should call the Health and Wellbeing Centre on 01684 574454 and arrange an appointment. You should tell the Boarding Staff so that they can put the appointment in their diary. The Health and Wellbeing Centre is based in The Benhams House. The School Doctors are local General Practitioners from Court Road Surgery which provides cover when the School Doctors are unavailable. A School Doctor holds a clinic at MSJ every morning except for Thursdays. You can arrange your own appointments or you may use the Duty Room telephone to do so. You should try to avoid missing lessons whenever possible. Please let attendance know your appointment time so that they can put it in their diary and add your name to the absentee list. You may visit friends in the Health and Wellbeing Centre at the discretion of the Health and Wellbeing Centre Staff. You must report to the staff on arrival and departure and must leave by 21.30.
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If you need to speak to a nurse after 9.30pm you must ask your Housemistress to telephone the Health and Wellbeing Centre first. Dental treatment should be maintained by your family dentist during the School holidays. If you have a dental problem that requires emergency treatment we will arrange an appointment with a local dentist, once we have permission from your parents.
Help - Who do I go to? Everyone is here to help you. Your Form Tutor, who is responsible for your day to day matters, will make sure that you are happy and settling in well. They will help and advise you when you need. Mrs Kingshott (Director of Sixth Form), Mr Morris (Higher Education Co-ordinator) and Mrs Hutton (Director of Teaching and Learning) are responsible for your progress. Together with your Tutor they can help you resolve any matters which may arise and also guide and encourage you along the way. Your Housemistress, Miss van Ravenstein (Director of Boarding), Mrs Kingshott and Mrs Wilkinson (Director of Pastoral Care) are responsible for your general wellbeing.
House funds Each girl makes a contribution to the House Funds of ÂŁ5 for full and weekly boarders and ÂŁ2.50 for flexi boarders per term. The money is used to finance House social events and for incidental expenses such as cards and gifts, where appropriate.
House meetings House meetings are held on a weekly basis. You are expected to attend these meetings as they provide essential information.
Internet access Wireless internet access is available in all Houses. If you experience any difficulties accessing this you should speak to the Boarding Staff who will pass the information on to the IT Staff.
Kitchens / Coffee rooms You may use the facilities in the House kitchens and coffee rooms to cook yourself some snacks.
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You must follow the rules on food hygiene and fire safety regulations posted in the House kitchens and coffee rooms. Please ensure that you do your own washing up and leave the room as you would like to find it. Please eat your food in the House kitchens and coffee rooms rather than the communal areas so as to avoid spills. Please do not use anything in the fridges that doesn’t belong to you. Food may not be eaten in your bedrooms. Takeaways may be ordered at the weekends at the discretion of house staff.
Laptops You may bring your laptop to School; please insure it. When you are not using it you should lock it away because it is a valuable item. The School Electrician will need to test your laptop / computer for safety reasons. Take your laptop to Mr Wylde and Mr Parvin to have it set up to synchronize with the MSJ network. Wifi is available over most areas in School, including Poulton. In addition, there are four ICT suites on the Main School corridor and 1 ICT Suite in the Science Centre. The Library (open until 9.00pm), Poulton and the Sixth Form Centre classroom also have computers available.
Laundry Please label all your bedding and towels clearly. You are responsible for your own personal laundry. School washes bedding and towels for you weekly. Please bring two sets of towels and bed linen. Boarding Staff are happy to show you how the washing machines and dryers work, and if you have any questions just ask. If you would like to purchase your own duvet you can do this from the school shop. Bed linen and towels are dealt with via the main School laundry; details are posted up in your House. Please make sure these items are clearly named. The linen on you beds should be changed every week.
Leadership There are many opportunities for you to develop your leadership skills in the Sixth Form. You have the opportunity to be for example a Subject Ambassador, Form Mentor, a Boarding Ambassador or part of the Prefect Team.
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Lost Property Remember that it is easier to look after your belongings than to try to find lost property! The following tips will help: Inform your form tutor / Boarding House All your possessions must be named clearly Do not bring valuable articles or large amounts of money into School Always keep your purse and mobile phone safe Try Lost Property or inform your Tutor / Boarding Staff, who will send an email on your behalf to help you relocate It.
Maintenance issues If you notice any maintenance issues such as a light not working, you should report it to the Boarding Staff or your Form Tutor as soon as possible.
Mobiles You must let the Boarding Staff or your Form Tutor know your mobile phone number, as it is useful if they need to contact you when you are away from the House. Please enter your House phone number into your mobile: Poulton 01684 584641
Muslim Prayer Room There is a room in The Benhams set aside for Muslim students to pray during the school day if they are not in lessons. Please ask the Chaplain if you are not sure where it is.
Newspapers There is a selection of daily newspapers for you to read in your House and the Library. It is very helpful when preparing for university interviews that you have a good understanding of issues of public interest.
Night Check Night Check is the time at which Boarding Staff check you are in the House. After this the House should be quiet. During the week Night Check is from 9.45pm onwards. If you are not in your room at 9.45pm you should leave a note on your door so the Boarding Staff know where to find you.
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Padlocks There are lockers for valuables in the Sixth Form Centre but you will need to provide your own padlock. You are advised not to keep more than ÂŁ10 cash in your rooms.
Passports New immigration rules for international students mean that the School needs to hold your passport during the term. You need to sign it in and out of the House, on the rare occasions that you need it for identification purposes. When you stay away from School, we need to know all the addresses you will be staying at so that we can inform the UKVI, if necessary.
Prefects One of the most important ways in which we can prepare you for the future is to provide you with the opportunity to exercise leadership. In Year 13 we have a Head Girl and a team of Prefects to assist in the running of the School. The Prefect team plays an invaluable role and makes an essential contribution to the development of good working relations between staff and girls.
Quiet times and places Try to make a time in each day when you stop to become still and quiet in order to reflect on your day. You can use the Chapel and the Chaplain’s Room as a quiet space at any time when they are not in use; you do not have to ask permission.
Rewards At certain times when everyone in the House has made a special effort, the Boarding Staff may arrange a particular treat. Thoughtfulness and good behaviour will always be acknowledged and you will be thanked by the Boarding Staff. Sixth Form girls will be awarded Merits and Distinctions which contribute to Ships points and will be taken into account for the annual Awards dinner where you have the chance to be nominated for your contribution to the life of the Sixth Form.
Safe The House has a safe where we will keep your valuables such as passports, BRPs and tickets locked away. You must sign for them in the appropriate record file. All dorms also have a personal safe for you to lock your valuables in.
Sanctions You must follow the School guidelines and Code of Conduct at all times or you will be given an appropriate sanction.
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Security You must take responsibility for yourself and your possessions. All valuable items should be locked away. Please bring a padlock with you. Personal Security - for your own protection, you should remember: If you find yourself in a difficult situation contact Boarding Staff You must never leave or return to the House alone on foot after dark Remember, there is safety in numbers There are security-coded locks on the entrance doors at each House and the main School building. It is important that everyone ensures that these doors are always properly closed and locked and that the number is not passed onto anyone outside School. If you have a visitor they must be introduced to a member of staff and signed in.
Ships Every girl at Malvern St James belongs to one of four Ships. Your Tutor will tell you which Ship you are in. The Ships are: DARING DRAGON TRENCHANT TRIUMPH Ships compete against each other for the most coveted prize in the School – The Admirals’ Cup. There are Inter-Ship sporting and artistic competitions, as well as some fun events. Points are awarded for effort, co-operation and participation as well as for being successful. Work hard, play hard and support your Ship.
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Signing in and out You are required to keep Staff informed of your whereabouts at all times. There are form sheets for signing in and out for this purpose in the Houses. Everyone must also sign in and out in the Main Building even if you have to come down from Poulton. You should state your destination and time of departure and return. You should not sign in or out on anyone else’s behalf. Signing in and out sheets must be kept up to date in order to comply with fire regulations.
Smoking Smoking is not allowed on school premises or in the vicinity of the School.
Spiritual life MSJ is a school with Christian values in a country with a Christian tradition. This means that many ideas you will hear in Assemblies and services come from Christianity. At the same time, we respect other faiths, which are a valued part of school life. MSJ wants you to grow into a person with your own beliefs and spiritual values. During your time here there will be many opportunities to explore, discuss and think about spiritual life. We meet together for: Assemblies in York Hall when we share ideas and think about what is means to be part of the School family. You are welcome to join in leading these Hymn Practice Quiet-time in our beautiful School Chapel with your Form and House A Sunday service, celebrated in a variety of ways and in a variety of venues, including local Churches and your own House for special Prayers and Blessings Large-scale occasions celebrating with the whole School, typically in Malvern’s beautiful Priory, such as the Carol Service at Christmas and our Summer Commemoration Service My family is from a different faith or Christian tradition – how can I practise my beliefs? Talk to the Chaplain who will do his best to help you. For example, there is support for Muslim students during Ramadan, we will happily arrange for Roman Catholic girls to attend the local Catholic Church, where you will be warmly welcomed for Confession and Mass, etc. There is a Prayer Room with washing facilities available for Muslim students to use if you are free at appropriate times during the day.
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How can I grow in my spiritual life? There are lots of opportunities to explore and share ideas, including: Holy Communion Confirmation group Tutor group Quiet Times Study and discussion groups for Christian and Muslim students and those girls simply exploring ideas of faith Services for special days, e.g. Ash Wednesday Are my prayer requests confidential? Yes, absolutely, if they are put in the box just inside the Chapel. You are welcome to put ribbons on the Prayer Tree outside York Hall at any time. If you want to light a candle for someone, please ask a member of staff. Where can I find space if I need to be quiet by myself or with a friend? You are welcome to use the Chapel, by York Hall, at any time. There are interesting things to look at, as well as helpful reading material and music. There is a Prayer Room in The Benhams House for Muslim students.
Sports Centre The times you will be able to use the Sports Centre are on your House and Sixth Form Centre notice board.
Storage Space in the Houses is limited and you should therefore restrict the number of possessions you bring. Girls who live outside the UK may only store one duvet and one trunk (or two suitcases) and tuck box over the holidays. Girls leaving the school at the end on Year 13 must take all their belongings with them.
Supper Supper is an excellent opportunity to socialise outside the House. All Year 12 girls are required to be registered between 18:00 - 19:00 in the Dining Room. Supper check is compulsory. Girls in Year 13 may choose to cook in Greenslade and should register in the Duty Office, or in the dining room.
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Takeaways You may order or collect takeaway meals with permission from the Boarding Staff at the weekend. They should not be delivered after 21.00. As a matter of courtesy no one should bring a takeaway meal into the Dining Room during meal times.
Tennis courts You may use the tennis courts in the evenings and at weekends. Please remember to sign out.
Travel arrangements The Boarding Staff need to know your travel arrangements as soon as you know them, so please help them by passing on details. Your exeat and end of term forms need to be completed by your parent/guardians on Parent Portal. If you do not have this signed permission you will not be able to travel on School transport or leave School. Please keep an eye on the notice boards and at your House meetings for any details about travel.
University Open Days and interviews For interviews and Open Days: you should fill in a blue absence form and return it to the Director of Sixth Form. If you require overnight accommodation this must be discussed with the Boarding Staff and a signed Exeat form submitted by your parents / guardians. You must keep the Boarding Staff informed of any changes of plan as they need to know where you are at all times.
Visitors Visitors from the other Houses are welcome at the weekends from 13.35 - 21.00 and weekdays from 19:00 - 21:00. They should sign in and out in the Visitors’ Book and let the Housemistress know. If you invite a Senior School girl to visit, she must first ask her Boarding Staff for permission and she should also be introduced to your Boarding Staff on arrival. Visitors from outside the School community should only be hosted in the visitors’ area in The Sixth Form Centre. You must make sure that your visitors sign in and out in the Visitors’ Book. You should introduce all visitors to the Boarding Staff. Male visitors may not go to your bedroom, except at the beginning and end of term when helping with luggage.
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Anti-Bullying Policy: Information for Pupils This information can be found on Firefly. It is also in the Welcome Guides for pupils. The policy of the School is that the bullying of one member of the school by another represents behaviour which is unacceptable and which will not be tolerated. The ethos of the School is that individuals have a right to a secure learning environment, free from the stresses of bullying.
Bullying; is deliberate is hurtful is repeated takes advantage of an imbalance of power
Bullying may take several forms: physical acts (such as hitting, kicking, the taking or damaging of another’s belongings) verbal abuse (such as name calling, offensive remarks including any of a sexual or homophobic nature and any made regarding race, religion, culture, sex, sexual orientation or disability) indirect -such as the spreading of stories, exclusion cyberbullying (such as the sending of malicious or humiliating texts, photographs, emails or social media comment)
Aims and Objectives The aim of the School is to: raise the awareness of all members of the community to the various forms nature and impact of bullying promote a consistent approach towards identifying, challenging and responding to bullying educate pupils in ways of preventing, identifying and dealing with incidents
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produce a safe and secure environment where pupils can flourish, where bullying is unacceptable and measures are put in place to reduce its likelihood promote an awareness of ‘What is Bullying?’ and to encourage debate and discussion amongst staff and pupils to listen to pupils and to take seriously what they tell us about bullying to ensure pupils are aware that any concerns they have about bullying will be dealt with sensitively and effectively
Who are Bullies? Who are Victims? Anyone can be a bully or a victim. If you are being bullied you need help. If you are a bully you need help.
If you feel you are being bullied, the following strategies should could help you. 1. Try to be assertive. Explain to the bully that her words /actions are upsetting; she may not be aware of this. However, if the bullying continues, try not to show your feelings. 2. Walk away quickly and confidently, even if you do not feel that way inside. Do not become involved in arguing. 3.
The bully will not stop if she thinks that she can get away with such behaviour. Discuss the problem with your friends, and if you think it is serious, tell a member of staff, a senior girl, or get your friends to tell them on your behalf. Do not be afraid to do this.
4. Be proud of who you are. 5. Tell your parents.
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What will happen once you have spoken to a member of staff? 1. You, as the victim will be interviewed by the appropriate member of staff, this could be your Form Tutor, your HOY or a member of your House staff. You will be asked to describe and write an immediate account of events. The process for dealing with bullying will be clearly explained to you. 2. You will be given the opportunity to discuss your own reactions and behaviour towards the bully. 3. The relevant member of staff will then interview the alleged bully and any other pupils involved, either as bystanders or participators, individually. They will also be asked to write an immediate account of events. The process of dealing with bullying will be clearly explained to them. 4. Support and advice will be given to all pupils involved. 5. Details of the incident will be recorded on the School system CPOMS and then archived, until those involved reach the age of 25 years old. 6. Parents of all pupils involved will be contacted and a meeting may be arranged if deemed appropriate by the HOY and the Director of Pastoral Care. 7. If it is decided that it is not to be labelled a bullying incident, the matter will be dealt with under the School’s Behaviour and Sanctions Policy 8. The Form Tutor/HOY/Director of Pastoral Care will continue to monitor the situation.
You can help to stop bullying Talk to a member of staff, so that the school can take steps to help the victim Stand up for them – studies show that one of the most effective ways of stopping bullying is for fellow pupils to show their support for the victim Be sceptical about rumours concerning other pupils. Don’t add to them. Put yourself in the position of the person targeted Don’t be drawn into simply standing by. Many perpetrators will not persist in bullying unless they have an audience to play to, and by not taking action it could be argued you are condoning what is happening If you think that someone is being bullied, offer support to the person and make it clear that you do not accept the bully’s actions If the girl being bullied is in danger, get help. If she isn’t, stay with her. Your presence may help the situation
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Give sympathy and support to pupils who are being bullied. Treat them as you would like to be treated, if you were in the same situation Be careful about teasing people or making personal remarks, they might not find your comments funny If you see someone by themselves and they look unhappy then try to include them in what you are doing Never join in with behaviour you consider to be bullying Do not be a by-stander and fail to report bullying, this can be just as bad as being the bully, always take action
Who can I talk to? At MSJ there are lots of people you can go to if you are finding something difficult and feel you would like someone to talk to. You can talk to your: Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Form Tutor / Assistant Form Tutor Head of Year / Director of Sixth Form House Staff/ Head of Boarding Health and Wellbeing Centre Staff The School Chaplain Mrs Chryssa Taplin Director of Pastoral Care Director of Teaching and Learning Headmistress
You can also talk to your: Form Ambassadors House Ambassadors Prefects
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When you are talking about bullying with an adult, be clear about what has happened how often it this has happened who was involved who saw what was happening where it happened what you have done about it already
YOU can help to stop bullying by making sure that you treat people in the way that you would wish to be treated yourself. Within our community the principle of mutual respect and support can help to prevent bullying.
Independent Agencies Childline Freepost 1111 London N1 OBR Freephone: 0800 1111 24-hour help-line for children and young people in danger or distress or with any problem. Youthline: 0800 096 1425 Free (apart from mobiles) confidential helpline for young people, the number will not show up on your parent’s phone bill. Mon – Thursday 4pm – 10pm Friday 4pm-7pm www.youthcomm.org.uk BBC website ‘Bullying’ has links to other sources of help and information and interactive sites for children. www.bbc.co.uk/schools/bullying Bully Online http://Bullyonline.org www.thinkuknow.co.uk www.beatbullying.co.uk
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Children’s Legal Centre Telephone: 01206 873 820 (10am-noon 2-5pm Mon-Fri) www.childrenslegalcentre.com Kidscape www.kidscape.org.uk/advice/advice-for-parents-and-carers/anti-bullying-parentadvice-line/ Advice line for parents and children National Child Protection Helpline (NSPCC) Free phone: 0800 800 500 A 24-hour helpline for anyone concerned about a child at risk of abuse (including bullying), including children themselves Open Door Youth Counselling Offers free short and long term counselling to people under the age of 26 on a range of issues including: relationships, anxiety or depression, bereavement, abuse, self-confidence and other topics. Telephone: 0121 472 2071 https://www.opendoorcounselling.org.uk The Samaritans Telephone: 08457 909090 http://www.samaritans.org.uk Young Minds https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/
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What are the Term dates? Autumn Term 2018 (13 weeks) Lower Sixth Boarders return
Sunday 2 September 2018
Lower Sixth Day and remaining Boarders
Monday 3 September 2018
Term Begins
Tuesday 4 September 2018
1st Exeat
Friday 21 September 2018
Half Term
Wednesday 17 October 2018 (15:30)
Travelling day return
Sunday 28 October 2018
2nd Exeat
Friday 16 November 2018
Term Ends
Friday 14 December 2018 (12:30)
Spring Term 2019 (11 weeks) Travelling Day
8 January 2019
Term Begins
Wednesday 9 January 2019
1st Exeat
Friday 25 January 2019
Half Term
Friday 15 February 2019 (15:30)
Travelling day return
Sunday 24 February 2019
2nd Exeat
Friday 15 March 2019
Term Ends
Friday 29 March 2019
Summer Term 2019 (10 weeks) Travelling Day
Tuesday 23 April 2019
Term Begins
Wednesday 24 April 2019
1st Exeat
Friday 10 May 2019
Half Term
Friday 24 May 2019 (12:30)
Travelling day return
Sunday 2 June 2019
2nd Exeat
Friday 21 June 2019
Term Ends
Thursday 4 July 2019
Please take note of the dates and times above and do not plan holidays in term time as this will disrupt your daughter’s education. Remember that if your daughter misses time from School, it may affect her academic performance. Your co-operation over this will be much appreciated. Also, it is important that your daughter does not miss whole School celebrations such as the Carol Service, Commemoration and Prizegiving. These are events that bring the whole School community together and reinforce our ethos and culture.
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Use of cars by Sixth Form pupils The School recognises that a number of Sixth Form girls will pass their driving test whilst at school a pupil of the School, and may have a car which she wants to use. We are keen to encourage girls to be independent, but at the same time we have a responsibility to keep them safe. 1. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that students have a full driving license and valid insurance, and that the vehicle has a valid MOT and is roadworthy.
2. Under no circumstances may you give another pupil a lift unless written permission has been obtained from the Headmistress. Such permission will only be granted with the consent in writing from the parents of both pupils.
3. Cars may not be parked on the main school car park or at the Sports Centre. Cars are parked at the drivers’ own risk.
You and your parents are asked to sign a form to acknowledge your roles in keeping you safe.
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My notes
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My notes
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Call 01684 584624 admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk Malvern St James, 15 Avenue Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3BA