Sixth Form Parent Handbook 2021

P Years 12 - 13

2021/2022

Contents Page 5:

Our values

Page 6:

Safeguarding statement

Pages 7-11:

Communication between home and School o o o o o o o o

Pages 12-13:

Pastoral System o o o o

Pages 14-17:

Contacting us Keeping us informed of a change of address Parental Responsibility Communication with Parents: written correspondence from us Communication with parents Reports Calendar Pupil planner

Buddy system (Years 7 and 12) Houses PSHE School Forum

Timing of the School Day, Registration and Absence o o o o

The School Day Travel to and from School Registration and punctuality Absence

Page 18:

Term Dates

Page 19:

Lunches, co-curricular activities

Page 20-22:

Instrumental and vocal tuition

Page 23:

Speech and Drama Tuition

Page | 2

Contents (continued) Page 24:

Educational visits consent arrangements

Pages 24:

Homework and Internal Examinations

Page 25:

Special Educational Needs o SEN o Girls with disabilities

Pages 26-27:

Dress Code and Sportswear o Sixth Form Dress Code o Sportswear o Sportswear Supplier

Pages 28-31:

Property, BYOD, Mobile Phones, Lockers o o o o o o o o o

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Mobile Phones and other devices Lockers Lost Property School Property Money Borrowing money in emergencies Water bottles and drinking water

Page | 3

Contents (continued) Pages 32-35:

Medical Issues and the School Nurse o o o o o o o o o o

Page 36:

School Nurse Medical Records and Health Checks Illness and Accidents Medication in School Prescription medicines Asthma Health Care Plans PSHE Counselling in School External Agencies

Policy Information o Pupil Code of Behaviour o ICT Acceptable Use Agreement

Page 37:

Photographs and Publicity

Page 37:

List of policies available

Pages 38-40:

Frequently asked questions (parents)

Pages 41-42:

s

Appendix 1:

Application form for Instrumental and Vocal tuition

Appendix 2:

Application form for Speech and Drama tuition

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Our values to help every girl fulfil her potential and her dreams, and to empower and enable the next generations of women, to equip them with the ability to lead and make a difference in the world.

Girls first We out our girls first in everything we do; they are our focus. Their interests, happiness and wellbeing are always a first priority. We encourage each girl to the best she can be and to reach her potential.

GDST Family y School Trust, supporting each other and sharing our learning across our unique network.

Fearless Our girls take risks. They develop the confidence to push themselves beyond their boundaries, to speak with conviction and commitment. With us, they have the freedom to make mistakes as they have fun trying to think and do things differently.

Forward-thinking We stay ahead through purposeful innovation. Out school is a modern, teaching and learning environment in which we encourage our girls to set the bar high for themselves. They aim to always do the right thing, to be open, honest and accountable. This moral framework will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

In Newcastle High School for Girls we will promote these values by supporting the girls to:  Develop their intellectual curiosity  Become skilled and independent learners  Achieve their full potential  Learn to respect themselves and other members of the School and wider community  Grow in the qualities of tolerance and compassion  Experience friendship, and understanding in a caring and encouraging atmosphere  Learn the values of commitment, determination, courage and self-reliance  Above all, be filled with zest, enthusiasm and the joy of life  Be equipped for their future careers, family lives, leisure and public service  Be able to identify and pursue future goals for their own development throughout their lives.

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Safeguarding Newcastle High School for Girls is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and believes that all pupils, regardless of age, special needs or disability, racial/cultural heritage, religious belief or sexual orientation have the right to be protected from all types of harm and abuse. This Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy forms a fundamental part of our approach to providing excellent pastoral care to all pupils, including young people who may be over the age of 18 years.

The full policy is available for parents to consult on the School website.

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Communication between home and School Contacting us School Contact Details Newcastle High School for Girls Tankerville Terrace Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3BA

Telephone number: 0191 281 1768

Email: seniorschooloffice@ncl.gdst.net

Telephone The Senior School Reception is open from 8.00 to 18.00. Staff are available to answer the telephone during these hours. If you telephone outside these hours you will be able to leave a message on the answer-phone. The telephone number is 0191 281 1768.

In person There is someone on duty at Reception from 8.00 until 18.00.

We ask all parents (and other relatives or family friends) to enter School via Reception.

Email You are able to email the office on seniorschooloffice@ncl.gdst.net or individual members of staff.

Please bear in mind that teachers have a wide range of duties during the school day, including, of ur teachers to check their emails at least once a day during term-time, but this may mean that there is a delay between receipt and reply.

In addition, outside the normal school day, we appreciate that our teachers will be managing their marking, lesson preparation and other school commitments alongside family and personal life. We therefore have a policy which requires our teachers not to send or respond to work-related emails between 19.00 in the evening and 07.00 on the next school day. We hope that you will be understanding of this policy and not expect teachers to have read or to respond to emails during these hours.

In school-holiday time, teachers check their emails on a more infrequent basis. Therefore, if your request requires urgent attention please telephone the school office.

Staff email addresses consist of their first initial, stop, surname plus @ncl.gdst.net, for example m.tippett@ncl.gdst.net, etc.

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Communication between home and School (continued) Written correspondence from you All correspondence should be addressed to the Form Teacher. Please include a note name and Form.

Contacting specific members of staff If you need to discuss academic or pastoral concerns your first port of call should usually be the Form Teacher. The Form Teacher may be contacted in writing, by telephone, by email, or in person if he/she is free when you come into School. You can also contact Mrs Helen Harrison, Director of Sixth Form in the same way.

Mr Tippett (Head), Mrs Hardie (Deputy Head, Academic) and Mrs Franks-Doyle (Pastoral Deputy Head) are happy to speak to you or see you if you feel that is more appropriate to your particular concern.

Telephone messages for your daughter The General Office is able to pass on messages to your daughter in exceptional circumstances or if you are unable to contact her by another means.

Keeping us informed of changes of address or contact details Please inform us immediately of any changes of address or telephone contact numbers at home, work/daytime numbers and emergency numbers and email contact.

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Communication between home and School (continued) Parental Responsibility ust have accurate and up to date records of the following: - who lives with your daughter and which of these people have parental responsibility - whether there are any other people with parental responsibility for your daughter who live apart from her - whether there are any court orders which may have made changes to those who have parental responsibility or which impose restrictions on the exercise of parental responsibility ool, please notify the Head immediately.

If you are going away and leaving your daughter in the care of family or friends, please advise us of the details, including emergency contact arrangements. Please also make sure that your daughter knows the contact names and numbers of the person(s) she is staying with.

If an arrangement of this type is going to be for 28 days or more it may be classed by law as Private Fostering if the person your daughter is staying with is not the parent, does not have parental responsibility and is not a close relative (step-parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt). Parents and private foster carers are legally required to inform the local authority about a proposed placement (i.e. your daughter staying with someone other than relatives as listed above) at least 6 weeks in advance. Professionals who come into contact with the child also have a duty to ensure the Local Authority is aware of the arrangement by making a referral.

Communication with Parents: written correspondence from us Most correspondence is sent to parents by email, which is why it is important that we have an accurate email address for you. We rely on parents being in the habit of checking for emails from us on a regular basis. It is therefore best that the email address you provide to School is one that you are likely to check regularly. We try to streamline the process for you by sending out nearly all our correspondence giving information, in particular about trips and events, on a Friday, in ou PE fixtures and trips at other points during the week, and staff may still contact you directly at different times concerning academic or pastoral issues.

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Communication between home and School (continued) Communication with Parents: an Invitation Only Parents Conference, following on from their mock examinations).

Girls in all years are inv tend your

The conference gives you and your daughter the opportunity to discuss progress with subject teachers and pastoral staff, such as Form Teacher and Director of Sixth Form daughter will usually be in a different term from the full report.

Prio had to move them online. The online versions have been very successful and well-received, so we are currently surveying our parent body about what form fut Conferences generally run from 16.15 to 18.30.

We also run Pastoral Issues meetings for parents in all year groups at different times of the year, such as Mental Health Awareness, Digital Safety and Eating Disorder Awareness events. These events may take place online or face to face.

Communication with Parents: Reports Parents also receive regular information

through regular reports.

Termly Pupil Progress Reports Every term, pupil progress in each subject is reported in terms of grade and effort. These are discussed with Form Tutors in individual PDP sessions during registration.

Annual full reports In addition to the half-termly work and effort grades, every girl receives one full report each year. This a section on achievements and a section containing targets. There are also contributions from her Form Teacher and Head of Year.

Calendar to date version of this on the school website.

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Pupil Planner, merits and demerits At the beginning of the Autumn term your daughter is provided with both a Sixth Form planner and a Study Guide. In the planner, she records her homework for each lesson and any other deadlines or useful information. This is especially useful in the Sixth Form as it details key dates for university applications, external examination deadlines as well as hints and tips for successful study.

The planner is also used as part of our Behaviour for Learning system. This system includes merits which are awarded for excellent work and other outstanding positive contributions to many aspects of schoollife. Staff show girls the merits they have awarded by putting a merit-stamp on their work or writing a note to say they have achieved a merit. Staff then record the merits electronically in our SIMs system and printed reports are then generated at intervals for Form Teachers to be able to see how many merits each girl has received and offer praise or encouragement accordingly when they share these lists with them. In Sixth Form, these can also be exchanged for a hot drink in the Sixth Form Deli Bar. Demerits are a low level sanction which staff award by writing Demerit planner. The imposition of demerits is designed to help the girls reflect on what they have done wrong.

Under certain circumstances such as continued lateness, not adhering to the dress code or not completing set work, Sixth Form girls may be asked to attend a Friday night detention session which is from 4pm5pm.

Sixth Form girls are also issued with a Study Guide which allows them to plan their work load and also record the outside reading and study that they complete necessary for successful study at A Level.

Information regarding this extra reading is available on Firefly and is updated as necessary, following the scheme of work being studied in each subject. It is really important for girls to record the extra reading and study that they carry out as this is discussed with Form Tutors during registration.

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Pastoral organisation Buddy System Every girl in Year 7 is assigned a Buddy who will meet regularly with her and help to ensure she settles quickly into the School.

Houses Each girl is a member of one of the four Houses: -

Acadia Carpathia Mauretania Turbinia

House events are held regularly throughout the year and many opportunities are offered for the girls to get to know and work together with members of the House in different Forms from them and different Year Groups.

The Houses are led by members of the Sixth Form Leadership Team and girls in each year have every opportunity to put themselves forward as a House Rep.

Merits and House Points Every 5 merits a girl achieves counts as a Gold Merit and as well as these being awarded to the individual pupil each Gold Merit counts as one House Point.

Gold merits are tallied each half-term and the Gold Merit Cup is awarded to the House whose members have gained the highest number of merits during the preceding half-term.

Further details about merits can be found in the Behaviour for Learning Policy on Firefly or summarised in ner.

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Pastoral organisation (continued) PSHE Programme A programme of Personal, Social and Health Education is delivered to all girls in Years 12 and13. These s Form Teacher.

Occasionally the sessions will consist of whole Year Group assemblies or other activities with outside speakers.

The aim of PSHE is to help pupils to develop in such a way as to prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life; they are encouraged to develop skills in listening to others and confidence in putting forward their own view in accordance with our belief in giving every girl a voice.

Forum (School Council) In NHSG, the School Council and the structures All girls are involved in the Forum through regular Form Councils, Year Councils and the Forum meetings themselves, as well as feedback assemblies to each Year Group. In addition to this cyclical system there are regular Sub-groups, open to everyone, on a range of issues.

The Forum provides structured opportunities for all girls to have their say on almost every aspect of schoollife, including teaching and learning, diversity and inclusion, sustainability issue to mental health, or the updating of school policies such as those relating to behaviour.

The Forum also takes responsibility for choosing the Senior School charity and organising events to raise money for that charity.

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Timing of the School Day, Registration and Absence Timing of the School Day morning

afternoon

morning

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8.35 Registration & Assembly or Form Time 9.05 Period 1 10.05 Walking time 10.10 Period 2 11.10 Break 11.30 Period 3 12.30 Lunchtime 13.35 13.40 Afternoon registration 14.40 Walking time 14.55 Period 4 15.50 End of day

Tuesday 8.35 Registration 8.40 -9.10 PSHE (30 minutes) 9.10 Walking time 9.15 10.10 Period 1 (55 minutes) 10.10 Walking time 10.15-11.10 Period 2 (55 minutes) 11.10-11.30 Break Then as Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

The School opens at 7.15.

The school day starts formally with registration at 8.35 and ends at 15.50, during which time all pupils in Years 7 to 11 are expected to remain on the premises.

-trip or fixture, or examination study leave for older Year Groups, or in response to formal requests from parents received by staff in School and approved in advance.

At the end of the day, girls may work quietly in the Sixth Form Library until 18.00.

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Timing of the School Day, Registration and Absence (continued)

Travel to and from School Newcastle High School for Girls is proud to be we try wherever possible to promote more sustainable modes of transport. Our Senior School is located at the south end of Tankerville Terrace in Jesmond and is easily accessible by Metro from either Jesmond (4-minute walk) or West Jesmond (5minute walk) metro stations. We run a number of daily bus services to both Senior School and Junior School and run regular shuttle services between our Senior School and Junior School sites.

Full details of the transport options available for travel to and from our School are detailed in our Travel Information Booklet, on the Travel section of the School Website and on Firefly.

If you would like to discuss travel arrangements in more detail, please contact Reception who will be happy to help.

Registration and Punctuality All girls in Sixth Form are expected to be present in time for registration at 8.35. They will receive late marks if they are not punctual.

Attendance and absence Regular atte learning and, at times, her social integration and interaction with her peers.

Your daughter will benefit most from the opportunities offered by NHSG by always attending school and so 100% attendance is expected.

We monitor attendance closely, with Form Teachers and the Director of Sixth Form scrutinising the figures actively to look for patterns. The girls are informed of their attendance percentage at the end of each halfterm, and a comment may be made relating to this in her annual Full Report.

An average attendance figure of below 95% causes us concern as it is the equivalent to one session either morning or afternoon off school each fortnight; 90% represents one morning or afternoon off each week; and then every 5% drop in the figures represents the equivalent of another half-day off school each fortnight. In cases when attendance does drop, we follow a protocol in School which will usually include making contact with you to discuss the situation and next steps.

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Timing of the School Day, Registration and Absence (continued) Unplanned absence We understand that unplanned absence does occur, related in particular to illness. Please see below for the procedure to follow should such an absence be necessary. We would ask you, though, to exercise judgement about whether your daughter needs to be off for minor ailments: although there are particular protocols to follow around illnesses connected to vomiting and diarrhoea keep the student off school until 48 hours have elapsed since they have become symptom-free - otherwise most students will cope in school with most minor issues.

Planned absence We would ask that planned absence be kept to a minimum, with medical and other appointments arranged around the school day if possible, to reduce the amount of time off school which might be needed.

Term-time leave of absence or holidays Similarly, it is our expectation that parents will not take their daughters out of School for holidays which fall within our published term-dates.

schools, academies, indepen

August 2020), whic -time holiday would Therefore it will be unlikely that the School would be able to authorise requests for term-time holiday from this point onwards, other than in truly exceptional circumstances.

Term dates for the following academic year are normally set and published by the end of November of the preceding academic year. Parents are asked to note these dates and share them with partners and relatives who may be booking holidays on their behalf so that bookings during term-time may be avoided.

All requests for leave of absence in exceptional circumstances should be made in writing to the Head for Sixth Form girls. All requests should be made in advance and in good time for the Head to make a considered response. Requests for term-time holiday which are received less than 3 days before departure or after departure are unlikely to be authorised.

Should a pupil have leave of absence from School, whether authorised or unauthorised, teachers will not normally set personalised work but the pupil will need to take the initiative to obtain work and to catch up.

Absence procedures Page | 16

Unplanned absence If your daughter is not well enough to come to School in the morning (including days when she is due to go out on a school trip or visit), it is helpful if you can notify the School before 9.00 by telephoning Reception. If a girl is absent on a given morning without explanation and no information has been received, parents will be contacted by Reception, on the morning of the first day of absence, and subsequent days if notice of absence has not been provided by parents.

When your daughter returns to School after the period of absence, the Form Teacher, may request an additional letter/email or telephone call confirming details about the absence to supplement information provided over the telephone.

At other times of the day, information relating to absence may be sent directly to the Director of Sixth Form if that is more convenient, or you can speak to her by phone.

Planned Absence If the absence is planned because of a medical, dental or other appointment, you should inform the Form Teacher in writing/by email/telephone in advance.

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Term Dates 2021-2022 M

T

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

SEPTEMBER 2021 W T F 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30 NOVEMBER 2021 W T F 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26

M 1 8 15 22 29

T 2 9 16 23 30

M

T

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

M 7 14 21 28

T 1 8 15 22 29

MARCH 2022 W T F 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25 30 31

M

T

W

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

M

T

W

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

JANUARY 2022 W T F 6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

MAY 2022 T F

School Holidays

S 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

S 7 14 21 28

S 1 8 15 22 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

S 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

S

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

S 1 8 15 22 29

JULY 2022 T F 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

S 3 10 17 24 31

5 12 19 26

Bank Holidays

M

T

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

OCTOBER 2021 W T F 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

S 3 10 17 24 31

S 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

M

T

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

DECEMBER 2021 W T F 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30 31

M

T 1 8 15 22

FEBRUARY 2022 W T F 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25

S 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

APRIL 2022 T F 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

S 3 10 17 24

JUNE 2022 T F 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30

S 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

S 7 14 21 28

7 14 21 28

M

T

W

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

M

T

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

W 1 8 15 22 29

M 1 8 15 22 29

T 2 9 16 23 30

AUGUST 2022 W T F 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26 31

Study Days

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Lunches and Co-curricular Activities Lunches School lunch for Sixth Form girls is compulsory and is charged alongside school fees in three equal instalments each year. Notification of lunch fees for this year was included in the fees notification letter

The lunch offer for girls in Sixth Form will be relaunched and more information will be available in September.

Co-curricular activities The School runs a wide range of co-curricular activities which are run by staff and members of the Sixth Form. These activities take place before school, at lunchtime or after-school. Every term we produce a cocurricular timetable which is communicated to girls and parents as well as details appearing on notice boards and being given during Form-time and assemblies.

To view our co-curricular programme brochure, please check Firefly or contact Miss Penny (s.penny@ncl.gdst.net).

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Instrumental and vocal tuition, 2021-2022 In Newcastle High School for Girls we have enormous opportunities to study a plethora of musical instruments. These are taught by our peripatetic tutors, all of which are carefully selected. We are proud Sinfonia. Girls who learn instruments then have the rful, high class ensembles, including Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, Jazz Band, Choir, Chamber Choir and Rock and Pop Ensemble.

In Years 7-9 girls are taught on a rota to avoid missing the same lesson too frequently, a system which is highly successful. In Years 10-13, girls will be taught during lunchtimes and before and after school, to avoid missing lessons. Girls will be required to inform teachers of their lesson times and to take responsibility for having their planner signed by their instrumental teacher to ensure that all parties are aware of when a pupil needs to leave class.

This is a fabulous opportunity for the girls here to gain a skill that could last the rest of their lifetime and provide them with endless enjoyment, as well as many opportunities. These include playing in the wide range of instrumental and vocal ensembles that NHSG has to offer and taking advantage of numerous performance activities both internally and externally.

Further to that, as each girl begins to achieve grades in her instrument, this is something which will prove a valuable addition to a CV or UCAS Personal Statement, with the higher grades even providing additional UCAS points. Instrumental ability is highly regarded by all universities, as it shows a commitment to regular practice, use of the intellect, and a high level of co-ordination.

The following instruments can be studied at NHSG: Piano Violin Viola Cello

Flute Oboe Clarinet Saxophone Bassoon

Recorder Trumpet Trombone Singing

Classical Guitar Electric Guitar Bass Guitar Drums Acoustic Guitar

Most of the instruments taught in School (other than piano and drums) can be hired from school on a short term basis (maximum of two terms) at the rate of £25 per term. Please note you will only be able to hire instruments for one term, after which you will need to buy an instrument if you wish to continue.

Lessons last for 30 minutes, and are generally taught individually. Some teachers may take on pairs or even groups at their discretion (generally only if similar ability students are available). Lessons during 2021-22 will be charged at £195 for a series of ten, payable at the start of each term direct to the teacher. quired to terminate lessons. If a teacher misses a lesson it will be made up at a later date. Unfortunately, teachers cannot undertake to make up lessons missed by girls who are absent from School, or who fail to attend for any other reason.

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Instrumental and vocal tuition, 2021-2022 (continued) To register to begin lessons in any of the instruments listed, please complete the enclosed Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Application Form (Appendix 1) and return it for the attention of Mr Newey, Director of Music by Monday 28th June 2021.

If your daughter already has lessons at NHSG Junior School, you do not need to reapply using the appropriate written notice of cancellation or unless the peripatetic teacher will no longer be working at NHSG Senior School. er is not listed and you would like her to continue lessons on her instrument please complete the Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Application Form and return it to Mr Newey, Director of Music by Monday 28th June 2021.

The following staff will be giving Instrumental and Vocal tuition in NHSG from September: Mr Bijan Alimohamammadi (flute) Ms Annie Ball (piano) Mr Gary Cowey (saxophone, clarinet, piano) Ms Amy Robson (singing) Ms Emma Hughes (guitar) Mr Alistair Lord (brass) Mr David Lourie (Drum Kit) Mrs Alison Northey (piano) Mr Jonathon Trevor (violin, viola, piano) Mr Andy Watt (guitar) Ms Penny Kempson (violin/viola) Any questions regarding instrumental and vocal tuition should be directed to Mr Newey, Director of Music, d.newey@ncl.gdst.net.

If you wish to apply for new lessons, please complete the application form which is Appendi x 1 and return by Monday 28th June 2021. We cannot guarantee a September start for girls whose forms are returned after this date.

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Speech and Drama tuition, 2021-22 Speech and Drama lessons are open to every girl in the School, both girls who have previous experience of (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) examinations, and girls who have not chosen to have lessons in previous years. The lessons are open to all girls regardless of their ability or experience.

Speech and Drama lessons place emphasis on the individual needs of students in Public Speaking and Acting. These individual lessons ensure that every girl is given the very best in vocal training and acting.

Girls are given one private lesson per week which lasts for 30 minutes. It is also possible for girls to have a shared lesson with another student if they would like to perform duologues.

In order to disrupt curriculum lessons as little as possible, Speech and Drama lessons operate in a similar way to Music tuition; they work on a rotation system and we aim to offer lunchtime slots to girls who also have Music lessons.

Girls are offered the opportunity to sit LAMDA examinations in which they are able to gain graded qualifications leading to Bronze, Silver and Gold awards which can be used to gain UCAS tariff points.

Should your daughter wish to enter the LAMDA examinations there will be a fee of approximately £40 per examination.

It is possible for girls to take lessons without ever entering into the LAMDA examination system, for example if they wish to develop their skills in public speaking and voice control in order to help them in their future careers.

Lessons are taught by a specialist Speech and Drama teacher, Mrs Maggie Childs.

Lessons during 2021-22 will be charged at £200 for a series of ten, payable at the start of each term direct to the teacher.

To register to begin lessons in Speech and Drama, please complete the enclosed Application Form (Appendix 2) and return it for the attention of Mrs Dobson, Head of Drama by Monday 28th June 2021.

Payment for lessons is made at the start of each term directly to the Speech and Drama teacher. There is an additional fee for LAMDA or RADA examinations.

An application form which details the current fees, is attached at Appendix 2. If you have any questions about Speech and Drama tuition please contact Mrs Dobson, Director of Drama, by telephone or email to a.dobson@ncl.gdst.net.

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Educational Visits: consent arrangements Girls in joining Year 12 will need to complete and return the Educational Visits Consent Form (EV Form) prior to joining the school.

Girls are not permitted to go on any trips in a given academic year if the completed, signed Educational Visits Consent Form is not held on file at School.

participation in other local trips and visits or day trips within the UK, although you will be informed by letter/email of when they are taking place and given the opportunity to withdraw your consent if you wish. which allows you to pass on any changes to your contact details or information about your daughter, such as medical or dietary issues - shortly in advance of every trip which includes an overnight stay. This is because our procedures require both the EV Form and the Update Form to be in place for all residential visits.

Homework In addition to set homework, girls in the Sixth Form are expected and encouraged to carry out It is recommended that the girls spend approximately 20 hours per week studying outside of lesson time to achieve top grades at this level.

When homework is not submitted...

Teachers will give girls who have failed to hand in homework on the due date the opportunity to hand it in the following day. They will also issue a demerit. If the homework does not come in on the following day, the teacher may issue a further four demerits and girls will be asked to attend detention on a Friday evening between 4pm and 5pm.

Examinations (Internal) Due to the interruptions to School in 2021, internal mock examinations will be held for those girls in Year 13 towards the end of September this year and in June for those in Year 12. If your daughter is absent from a school examination, the staff will decide if/when she should take the examination. As it is difficult to supervise examinations outside the set period, papers may be given to your daughter to be done at home, in any free time at School, or, by agreement with the Director of Sixth Form, in other subject lessons.

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Special Educational Needs At NHSG we aim to provide high quality teaching and learning experiences which enable and inspire all girls to achieve across an incredibly wide range of activities. In order to ensure academic success, girls with Specific Learning Difficulties or learning support needs are offered appropriate advice and assistance to ensure that their experience of school is successful and happy. We identify and provide appropriate, specific support through close liaison between the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), parents, the girl concerned and the teaching staff.

The Senior School has a designated Special Educational Needs Coordinator, in line with the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice. The SENCO works closely with a Learning Support teacher. In order to inform teachers of how best to support pupils with specific learning needs in the classroom, the Learning Support Team works with each girl to produce a Personal Learning Plan. This plan details and describes the difficulties the girl concerned faces and outlines individual support strategies that she and her teachers can implement to help address these difficulties. In order to assist with early identification of support needs, parents of new entrants to the School should forward any existing assessment documentation (e.g. dyslexia screening reports, psychological assessments, letters from medical consultants) and any other relevant information directly to the SENCO. Parents will be informed by the SENCO or Head of Year of any concerns or difficulties their daughter may be experiencing and this will be monitored by subject teachers and supported through differentiation of classroom activities. As part of our continuous assessment, staff may assess whether a pupil has an underlying learning difficulty that could be hindering the learning process. In some cases it is necessary to involve the expertise of outside agencies and the SENCO will advise parents if further professional assessment or support is required. The GDST advises that any additional costs incurred by the use of external agencies must be met by parents and are not part of the fees paid to the School.

All the staff at NHSG work together in liaison with parents to ensure that all the girls in our care are given the best possible advice and support to enable each individual to reach her full potential across all activities in school.

Girls with Disabilities It is our policy to make reasonable adjustments for girls with disabilities. If your daughter does have any special requirements, or the nature of her existing requirements change, please contact the SENCO or School Nurse depending on the nature of the disability.

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Sixth Form Dress Code and Sportswear 2021-2022 The NHSG Sixth Form seeks to combine responsibility with freedom in the pursuit of high standards in every aspect of life. We take great pride in our girls, and look to them to embody the values and character of the School and to justify the trust we place in them. We also the smart appearance of the girls, particularly with regards to skirt length and maintaining a smart/casual appearance.

Whilst there must be an appropriate balance between smartness and the need to express individual style we expect Sixth Form girls to dress appropriately as ambassadors of the School to the outside world.

They should be suitably dressed for the School day with a responsible eye for the tone they set to younger girls, and for how they may be perceived by all members of the School community. In creating a casual yet smart look, girls should note the following specific requirements: Sixth Form girls may wear  Trousers/Culottes  Denim jeans of any colour includi distressed patches on them  Thick Black leggings (NOT Sport style)  Skirts of a length no more than FOUR inches above the knee  If skirt is denim NO fraying or distressed style is allowed  Dresses/Pinafores of a length no more than FOUR inches above the knee  Tops/Jumpers that cover your middle if not tucked in  T-Shirts without slogans (Brand names, cartoon characters are acceptable)  Shoes, Ballerinas, Sandals, Boots, Trainers with the caveat that shoes and boots must not have high heels or open toes if being worn in any Science Laboratory (trainers may be stored in lockers to change into for Science classes) Sixth Form girls may not wear  Sports leggings or tops anywhere other than the Gym or Fitness Suite  Velour or other lounge/track suits (unless in the Gym)  Skirts/Dresses shorter than FOUR inches above your knee  Shorts or Skorts of any kind  Ripped or frayed denim (or other) jeans/trousers   Tops with shoulder straps less than THREE inches wide  Tops with deep scooped necklines or backs  Flip-flops or Sliders (these are a trip hazard)  Political or similar slogan T shirts  Hats of any kind in-doors In   

addition Makeup should be discreet and hair a natural looking colour One pair of earrings only and no other piercings visible No visible tattoos

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Sixth Form Dress Code and Sportswear (continued) The following items will be required by girls in Year 12 and 13.

Tracksuit bottoms (for those who represent school teams) Hoodie

Black and teal with emblem Black, teal and white with emblem

T-shirt Leggings Appropriate Sports Trainers (no fashion shoes)

NHSG or plain Black NHSG or plain black

If girls have existing NHSG PE kit they can, of course, continue to wear it.

All the above PE kit is supplied by Emblematic Tel:

0191 2701449

Web: www.emblematic.co.uk

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Property, BYOD, Mobile Phones, Lockers, Drinking Water

All property, including articles of clothing, PE kit and other equipment, musical instruments, purses, watches, etc., must be clearly marked with the owner's name.

Items of a high monetary or sentimental value (including designer clothes, shoes and bags) must not be brought into School except in exceptional circumstances (see Money).

Please do not allow your daughter to bring hair straighteners or other electrical appliances into School.

We are aware that girls sometimes go directly from School to stay with friends or other family members, but please bear in mind that locker space is very limited in School and the rule about valuable property still applies. Such sources of heat must not be used in school except under the supervision of a member of staff.

Please note that School cannot take responsibility for loss of or damage to personal items.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) In September 2019, we introduced our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme throughout the Senior School. The requirement for all pupils will be for them to bring an internet-enabled laptop or tablet with keyboard to school each day. Their device will become an essential route to access the best possible learning experiences. It will also become essential for managing and organising their work, and their workload.

Parents will receive a separate letter and leaflet explaining more about the BYOD programme including full details of specifications for devices, software required and policy and procedures. Briefly, girls should:  







Have their own device available for every lesson. Devices should be insured and should be carried in a protective case for transportation between home and school, and between lessons.

Devices should be fully charged at the beginning of each day. If battery power will not last the whole day, then girls can use their own chargers in the sockets around school to charge their devices between lessons.

Girls need to take the utmost care to ensure their device is kept safe through the day. They should keep their device safely in their bag, or leave it securely locked in their locker, when it is not needed.

Girls will be given training on how to get the best out of their devices to support their learning early in the academic year. They will receive support in school for configuring their device, installing necessary software and fixing technical issues that might arise.

It is worth noting that all of the software that needs to be installed onto every device is provided ts. All of the essential software for BYOD is therefore available for no additional cost. That said, anti-virus software is not provided. Free options do exist and girls will be sign-posted to use these, but you may wish to consider purchasing the required

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Property, BYOD, Mobile Phones, Lockers, Drinking Water (continued) 

It is also wort so there is no requirement for parents to configure accounts or install software unless they wish to.

If you have any questions after reading the additional letter and leaflet regarding BYOD, please contact Mr Nick Packard, Director of ICT (n.packard@ncl.gdst.net).

Mobile Telephones and other electronic devices (tablets, iPods, etc.)

Every girl in Senior School should have an internet capable laptop or tablet with keyboard with them every school day. The prime purpose behind our BYOD approach is to ensure that every girl has immediate access to important on-line learning opportunities when and wherever needed. BYOD is our approach to using technology to support learning, but girls may wish to have other devices in school, most specifically their mobile phone.

Our expectation is that girls will not need their mobile phones during lessons. Of course, they should keep their devices safe, but during lessons, phones should be put away in a pocket, a bag or locked safely in a locker, with ringers disabled or phones set to Airplane mode. There will be occasions when mobile phones will have a place in lessons, but this will only be when directed by a teacher that this is the best way to support what is going on in the lesson.

We are currently reviewing our mobile phone policy for Years 7-11. This year, we decided to trial a ban on mobile phones for Years 7-9 between the hours of 8.35-3.50, following concerns raised by staff and parents in relation to increased mobile phone use in school post-lockdown. It is likely that we will continue and extend this ban for all girls in Years 7-10, but this will be confirmed prior to September, once we have undertaken a full review with staff, parents and girls.

For pupils in Year 11, we will allow them the privilege of using their phones outside of timetabled lessons, as long as they adhere to the following expectations: 

 

 

Pupils may use mobile phones and other internet-enabled devices before and after school, and during break and lunchtime sessions. They should not use them in corridors and when moving around school buildings so as to ensure they remain alert to their surroundings and their own safety as well as that of others.

They may not use mobile phones or other internet-enabled devices when eating their lunch in the Dining Hall.

Phones and devices other than BYOD devices must be and set to silent, during lessons, unless the teacher of that lesson gives permission for them to be used.

If phones, or other devices, are used dur confiscated until the end of the School day.

Pupils should not use any device to record other members of the school community in any way, without their express consent. This means, no photos, videos or screen and sound recordings of

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Property, BYOD, Mobile Phones, Lockers, Drinking Water (continued)



anyone without their knowledge and agreement, and in lessons, also only under the instruction of the teacher.

We encourage girls to make use of the Scho will be subject to the same filtering policies as if they were using their device or a school computer.

We are sure you will understand that the School cannot take responsibility for the safe use or care of any mobile phone or similar device. It is the responsibility of the individual pupil to look after their own equipment in school, and when travelling to and from school or when on any school trip. Pupils should ensure that their mobile phone is stored safely when not in use and locked in their locker during PE lessons, or at other times when they cannot keep their phones with them.

Lockers Each girl has a locker which she should secure with a padlock. Parents/girls should provide their own padlock (we recommend 32mm-40mm in width), but the School offers for sale a suitable padlock if you would to prefer to purchase it from us at a cost of £5 from Reprographics.

Please note that at times, rarely and in exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary for staff to search lockers along with other possessions such as bags and clothing: this will only be during school time with the girls who are affected present at the search. School permission or for prohibited items, which may not be brought into School, without Prohibited items are: knives or weapons; alcohol; illegal drugs; vapes; stolen items; tobacco, cigarettes and papers; fireworks; pornographic images; other dangerous items. Prohibited items may be confiscated, disposed of, or handed to the police.

Lost Property If a girl loses something, she should search thoroughly for it, then ask about it at Reception. She should inform her Form Teacher if the item cannot be found.

School Property Damage to school property must be paid for by the pupil who causes it.

Money If girls do carry money and cards, it must be in a named purse.

We prefer girls to bring only minimal amounts of money to School. No money should be left around the School in unattended bags or unlocked lockers. If sums over £5.00 must be brought to School, they should be given to Reception for safe--keeping. The School will accept responsibility for sums of money.

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Property, BYOD, Mobile Phones, Lockers, Drinking Water (continued) greater than £5.00 which are handed to Reception for safe-keeping but will not accept responsibility for the loss of money under any other circumstances.

Borrowing money in emergencies The Finance Office is able to lend money to girls who have lost or forgotten money so they can pay for travel home, but we ask that this is repaid the following school day.

Water bottles and drinking water Girls may bring a re-usable water-bottle into School, which may be filled from the drinking fountains and mains supply during the day. Girls are permitted to take a drink of water at any time of the day, including during lessons, if they feel the need. The school actively discourages the use of single-use plastics. Re-fillable water bottles can be purchased from the reprographics office.

The exceptions to this rule are in the laboratories, the LRC, and the ICT suites, where food and drink are not permitted for Health and Safety reasons or to protect the books and equipment.

No hot drinks may be brought into School.

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Medical Issues and the School Nurse The School Nurse may be contacted during the School Day via Reception (telephone 0191 2811768), or email v.wilson@ncl.gdst.net. The Nurse is situated near Reception on the ground floor of the Dame Catherine Cookson Building on the Tankerville Terrace site. effective, high-quality service of nursing care to all pupils to support their health and well-being.

Medical Records and Health Checks For every pupil, a Pupil Health Assessment Form should be completed and signed by a parent or guardian and returned to School. This is sent to all parents when girls join the School or when they transfer between Year 6 and 7. These forms should be completed and returned prior to admission.

All pupils have a health-check in Year 7. During these checks general health and welfare is discussed; height and weight are also monitored. If there is anything you wish to discuss with the Nurse before your daughter is seen, the Nurse is very happy to speak to/meet parents. You will be notified prior to the health assessments taking place.

Illness and Accidents It is assumed that all girls attending School are healthy and fit enough to cope with the School day without leaving lessons for medical attention. The School Nurse and first aid qualified staff are there for accidents, emergencies and illnesses that occur during the course of the School day. For minor injuries and ailments, in the first instance the girls will be cared for by the designated First Aider in the area in which they are working. This will enable them to receive prompt treatment without the need to locate the Nurse, and reduce the amount of time they are absent from lessons.

If your daughter has been absent from School because of vomiting or diarrhoea, please note that it is school policy that she stay away for 48 hours after she has become symptom free, to prevent cross infection.

If a girl is too unwell to remain in School then the Nurse or first aid trained staff at reception will contact her parents so that she may be taken home, or inform parents if the girl needs to be taken to hospital.

Any girl who has had an accident requiring urgent medical treatment will be taken to the RVI in Newcastle.

In addition to the normal First Aid cover available in school, the Nurse will usually be available in the Medical Room for general consultation at the following times (unless she is off-site at Junior School or elsewhere): Morning break Lunch times

11.10 - 11.30 12.30 -13.35

Generally healthy girls attending school should be able to manage their day around these times, without the need to leave lessons.

So, whilst the Nurse will deal with serious medical issues such as allergic reactions, accidents, breathing difficulties, breaks/sprains, etc., epilepsy and hypoglycaemia , girls will not be allowed to ask to leave lessons to get paracetamol for cramps, headaches, etc. or because they feel vaguely and generally unwell. Headaches should normally wait until the recognised times or until the pupil returns

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Medical Issues and the School Nurse (continued) home. Exceptions would be a headache coming on suddenly causing a pupil to become distressed, and then help should be sought.

NHSG is committed to teaching and building resilience in the girls and an important part of that is encouraging girls to take care of their own health as they grow and to develop essential coping skills.

We do not encourage girls to take unnecessary medication in School; however, the girls are permitted to carry small quantities of paracetamol or other simple pain relief medication, for their own personal use. In addition, they are also encouraged to seek out simple strategies and alternatives to medication, such as fresh air, gentle exercise and drinking sufficient quantities of water.

Girls should not telephone parents to ask to be picked up because they are feeling unwell. Instead contact will be made by a member of staff such as the School Nurse, or other designated First Aiders including Reception. We will try not to send your daughter home during the School day unless she is genuinely unwell and unable to cope with lessons.

The Nurse supports girls to deal with various health conditions and wellbeing issues, such as asthma, diabetes, mental health and sexual health issues. The Nurse works with the School Pastoral Team, families and external agencies in School.

Medication in School If at all possible, medicine should be given at home and not in School. However, in certain circumstances there may be occasions when a girl requires prescription medicine during the school day. Parents are asked to complete the Administration of Prescribed Medication in School consent form which can be issued on request by the School Nurse. Girls can carry their own medications such as inhalers, insulin pens, antihistamine or Epipens for anaphylactic shock. They are also permitted to carry paracetamol or simple pain relief medication, for their own personal use, and self-administer only when necessary.

Parents are responsible for monitoring whether their daughter has taken medication during the School day. When you sign the health assessment form/medical consent form, you are giving your consent to the School Nurse or another designated First-Aider to administer over the counter medicines when appropriate. Med Spare emergency medications must be left at Reception. Parents are responsible for providing the emergency medication and need to note the expiry date and replace the medication when necessary.

Prescription Medicines: me, name of medicine, directions for use and the date of dispensing. Non-prescription medicine should also be in the original container with instructions.

Asthma Pupils with asthma are encouraged to participate in all school activities and for their asthma to be well managed. Please ensure that pupils have their inhalers with them at all times, clearly marked with their name. Please provide a spare, named inhaler, to be kept at main Reception. Parents are responsible for providing the inhalers to be kept in School and need to note the expiry date of the inhaler and replace it when necessary.

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Medical Issues and the School Nurse (continued) From 1st October 2014 the Human medicines (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2014 allows schools to buy salbutamol inhalers, without prescription, for use in emergencies. The emergency salbutamol inhaler should only be used by children for whom written parental consent for use of the emergency inhaler has been given, who have either been diagnosed with asthma and prescribed an inhaler, or who have been prescribed an inhaler as reliever medication. Information and consent forms will be sent to parents who have informed us their daughter has an inhaler.

Nut allergies Nuts should not be brought in to School, as there is a risk to pupils who suffer severe allergic reactions.

From 1st October 2017 the Human medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 allows schools to buy Adrenaline Auto Injectors, without prescription, for use in emergencies. The emergency Adrenaline Auto Injector (AAI) should only be used by children, for whom written parental consent for use of the emergency AAI has been given, who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis and prescribed an AAI. Information and consent forms will be sent to parents who have informed us their daughter has an AAI. Health Care Plans Health Care Plans detail the level of support that School may provide for a pupil who has significant needs resulting from a medical condition or illness, particularly in an emergency e.g. Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes and Epilepsy. These are arranged with the parent, School Nurse, health professional and School as necessary.

Immunisations The School works closely with the NHS Community Team on immunisation programmes such as the HPV vaccination programme for girls in Year 8, and Diptheria/Tetanus and Polio, and Meningococcal ACWY in Year 9.

Mental health in School NHSG and the GDST are aware of the challenges faced by young people, and the impact on their mental health. There are several events over the school year to increase awareness of mental health, as well as regular training for staff on mental health. The school nurse, the school counsellor and staff support pupils with mental health concerns, as well as supporting parents to access appropriate external support and advice.

Newcastle NHS C-Card Scheme NHSG recognises the need to support pupils in all aspects of their health. Pupils over the age of 13 are able to access confidential sexual health advice and contraception (condoms) in school provided they have demonstrated sufficient maturity and are Gillick competent. Pupils will always be encouraged to talk to their parents/guardians. Any safeguarding concerns disclosed in a confidential setting will be reported according with the safeguarding policy. There is more information on this service on the following link: https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/services/sexual-health/c-card/ Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) The Nurse supports the teaching staff by being involved in PSHE. She covers a range of subjects including sex and relationships, hygiene and healthy eating. We also work with external agencies to provide relevant PSHE sessions.

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Medical Issues and the School Nurse (continued) Counselling in School We have our own School Counsellor who works with the girls three days a week. The counsellor sees girls for a number of reasons, and this gives girls the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and structured environment. More information is available from the School Counsellor or the School Nurse, and also on Firefly.

Confidentiality in School The school nurse and school counsellor follow their professional codes of practice (BACP and NMC) and are able to provide confidential support and advice to pupils over the age of 13, provided they have sufficient maturity. Pupils will always be encouraged to talk to their parents/guardians. Any safeguarding concerns disclosed in a confidential setting will be reported and follow the safeguarding policy.

External agencies The Nurse often works with external agencies and parents to provide additional support to those pupils who require it.

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Policy information Pupil Code of Behaviour The pupil Code of Behaviour is part of the Discipline and Behaviour for Learning Policy.

All pupils have a summary of the Code of Behaviour in their planner. At the beginning of the academic year, and at other times, staff go through the Code of Behaviour with the girls so they are fully aware of its contents. This includes our system of sanctions and rewards.

Pupils who breach the Behaviour for Learning Policy and Pupil Code of Behaviour whilst on school business, will be dealt with in the same manner as if the incident had taken place in School.

For incidents that take place outside of School and not on school business, these policies will still apply if there is a clear link between that behaviour and maintaining good behaviour and discipline among the pupil body as a whole. This includes bullying behaviour within the school community, behaviour in the immediate vicinity of the School or on a journey to or from School, or online or using other electronic devices such as mobile phones.

on the School website.

ICT Acceptable Use Agreement and related policies The ICT Acceptable Use Agreement is issued to all new pupils on entry to the School and to current pupils whenever it is revised and updated by the School or GDST. It contains guidelines concerning the use of ICT in and out of School. Any infringement of the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement is taken seriously and may result in sanctions being imposed.

Although not connected to school business, behaviour out of school hours which breaches the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement such as nasty messages sent by text, email or through social media - will be dealt with in the same way as if the behaviour had taken place in school hours. d all messaging and social networking sites.

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Photographs and Publicity Photographs of pupils are used for a variety of publications including the School prospectus and website, School Social Media sites, press statements and in our regular newsletters. Full contact details of pupils are not published.

To give consent for photographs or videos to be used, parents are asked to sign and return the letter relating to Photographs and Videos Consent Form, which is issued when your daughter joins the School or when it is updated by the School or GDST. If after giving your consent your wishes change, please put this in writing to the Headteacher.

Policies The following policies are available on Firefly and the external website: 

Admissions



Anti-bullying



Complaints Procedure (GDST)



Equal Opportunities Statement



Exclusions (GDST)



English as an Additional Language



First Aid



Health and Safety



Safeguarding and Child Protection



Safeguarding Procedures



Discipline and Behaviour for Learning



SEND Policy and Procedures

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Frequently asked questions

parents

THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS How do I contact the School with a concern? c success at School. We work hard to ensure that each girl has a secure, friendly environment in which to make the most of all the opportunities available to her at NHSG and we are always happy to discuss her wellbeing and progress.

To contact us: - Telephone Reception on 0191 2811768 and ask to speak to a member of staff who can advise you. The Reception staff will be pleased to help and put your call through to the member of staff or leave a message for the member of staff. The Reception staff will normally ask about the nature of your call to help determine who is the most appropriate member of staff to respond.

- If you know which member of staff you need to make contact with, you may also send an email to that person. Please bear in mind that staff will have many commitments, including timetabled teaching, during a working day and will not necessarily be able to get back to you immediately.

- Appointments with the Head, Mr Tippett, can also be made through the Office via Mr Tippett PA, Mrs Lord.

In general the Form Teacher is a good first port of call if you wish to speak to someone about a concern.

They will then be able to share the information with other members of staff as appropriate, including the Head of Year.

Mrs Franks-Doyle, Deputy Head Pastoral, is in charge of the pastoral system and the Heads of Year work closely with her about a wide range of issues.

Mrs Hardie, Deputy Head Academic is in charge of the curriculum and academic matters and works closely with the Heads of Department on subject-related issues.

Mr Tippett, the Head, is always happy to hear from parents and will work with other staff to address all concerns.

If you have established communication with a particular subject teacher, it is also possible to make contact with them directly, depending on the nature of your concern.

How should I contact the School if my daughter is ill?

You should telephone or email Reception before 9.00am. recorded message.

If it is before 8.00am you can leave a

For further information please see pages 15-17

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Frequently asked questions

parents (continued)

What happens if my daughter is ill at School?

Our School Nurse, Mrs Victoria Wilson, is in School every day between 8.30 and 4.00pm. If your daughter feels unwell she will be advised to consult the Nurse who will assess the situation. If the Nurse is teaching, in a meeting or off-site, one of the designated First Aiders will assess the issue.

Girls should not telephone parents to ask to be picked up because they are feeling unwell. Instead contact will be made by a member of staff such as the School Nurse, or other designated First Aiders including Faculty Technician or Reception. We will try not to send your daughter home during the School day unless she is genuinely unwell and unable to cope with lessons.

For further information please see pages 40-41.

How should I contact the School if my daughter is going to be late for School?

If you know in advance that there is going to be a problem, telephone Reception and leave a message

Most frequently, however, lateness is caused by something unexpected. In such cases, when your daughter arrives, she needs to enter her name in the which is kept in Reception, so that we know she is on school premises and we can amend our registration records accordingly.

How should I contact the School if my daughter has a medical/dental appointment during the school day?

A phone call to Reception, or an email to the Form Teacher, or a letter to the Form Teacher explaining the circumstances of the appointment should be sent to school in advance of the actual day. This should give clear details of who is picking your daughter up and at what time or whether she is making her own way to her appointment. We also need to know whether or not we should expect your daughter back in School afterwards. She must sign out at Reception and sign back in on her return.

How should I contact the School if my daughter seems to be experiencing difficulties with a certain subject? acher or Head of Year in the first instance.

They will be able to follow up your concern with the Head of Department/specific subject teacher and in most cases arrange a mutually convenient time for you to talk to them either over the telephone or in person. Staff are also happy to respond by email to questions you may have, so please do email specific teachers if this method of communication is more convenient for you. Do bear in mind that if staff are teaching or engaged in other activities, they may not be able to check their emails and respond immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

parents (continued)

How should I contact the School if my daughter is struggling with her homework?

Homework tasks and instructions should be recorded by your daughter in her planner.

If there is a ar or email the member of staff concerned directly. They will investigate the concern and report back to you as quickly as they can.

How should I contact the School if my daughter appears to be having problems socially/with specific friends?

Establish the nature of the concern/circumstances. Your observations and understanding of the situation will be valuable to our follow up a or Head of Year, or email the member of staff directly. They will investigate the concern and report back to you as quickly as they can. It may take a little time if individuals or groups of girls have to be spoken with because we do our best to ensure that everyone involved is given the same opportunity to express their views and opinions.

How should I contact the School if my daughter needs to wait in School at the end of the day?

Your daughter can remain in school after 15.50 (when the school day finishes) and work in the Library until 18.00. After 18.00 your daughter can wait in the Reception area. Should there be a need to pick your daughter up after this time please contact her via her mobile phone as no unauthorised entry into School is allowed after Reception closes at 18.00. If a girl finds herself unexpectedly staying in School after 18.00, she should let a member of the Senior Leadership Team know the situation.

How will I know how my daughter is doing?

During the year there are a number of opportunities for you to meet with staff and be informed about your daughter's progress at School.

For further information please see page 10 about P will always be available to discuss them with you. In our experience it is far better to act sooner rather than later.

As well as this, we are always keen t relate to activities outside of School. Please do contact us to keep us informed about these.

Overleaf you will also find the information we give the girls in their planners, under the heading

Page | 39

Where to turn for help We all need extra help at times and this page is designed to give you some ideas about how you might find that help.

If you have an accident or feel unwell during the school day Go to the known first-aider in the area of the School you are in, this will usually be the Faculty Technician.

If they feel you need further treatment, they will advise you to see the Nurse. When the Nurse is off-site, teaching or in other meetings, Reception will contact a first-aider. If, during lessons, you feel seriously ill, speak to your teacher, who will seek help from a first-aider or send you to the Medical Room to see the Nurse. You should not ask to leave lessons to get paracetamol for cramps, headaches, etc. or because you feel vaguely or generally unwell. As long as your parents are aware and happy for you to take paracetamol, you may bring a small quantity in for your own personal use, without the need to see the Nurse.

If you have an accident or feel unwell during break and lunchtimes you can go to see the Nurse in the Medical Room. Alternatively you can go to Reception who will contact a first aider.

If you are not well enough to stay in School your parents will be contacted and asked to collect you. You should not telephone your parents directly.

NHSG encourages you to take care of you own health as you grow. We encourage you to seek out simple strategies and alternatives to medication, such as fresh air, gentle exercise and water.

The Nurse is available to talk to, offer advice and discuss problems or worries regarding health concerns or other issues, such as friendship issues, relationships and healthy eating.

If you need help or have worries about friendships or bullying We want you to be happy and enjoy your life at NHSG. However, there may be times when you feel part of your life. You might want to talk to your friends but if not you can talk to any member of staff you trust or feel comfortable with. This may be your Form Teacher, Subject Teacher, Year Head, or any other teacher; it may also be the School Nurse, Mrs Franks-Doyle, or Mr Tippett. The staff have experience in dealing with these sorts of problems and all of them will be able to offer you help if you approach them.

The Head Girl, Sixth Form Leadership Team, Sixth Form Buddies, and Anti-Bullying Ambassadors will also be happy to help you or to find the best person to talk to.

You could also arrange to see the School Nurse at a time agreeable to you both. All problems brought to the School Nurse are confidential between you and the Nurse but sometimes may need to be shared with others. The Nurse will always discuss this with you before making any disclosure to a third party.

Page | 40

Pastoral Information from the Pupil Planner: where to turn for help School counselling NHSG has a qualified counsellor who works in School three days a week. Counselling offers a safe place to help you understand your thoughts and feelings, and find ways of coping. The counsellor can help with various issues such as stress over exams, friendship difficulties, family issues and difficult feelings. Please see the School Counsellor or the School Nurse for more information.

The School has a Safeguarding Policy, which is set out to help and guide staff to safeguard your welfare in any area of your life.

Useful websites and numbers, which could be of help, if you do not feel able to share your worries at home or at School:Useful websites and numbers Childline

0800 11 11 www.childline.org.uk

Eating Disorders Youth Line

08456 34 76 50 www.b-eat.co.uk

Papyrus (Youth suicide prevention)

0800 068 4141 www.papyrus-uk.org

Samaritans

08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans/org.uk Text: 07725 909090

Self-injury support

www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk Text: 07800472908

Streetwise

www.streetwisenorth.org.uk

Young minds

www.youngminds.org.uk Parent Helpline: 0808 802 5544

Win (for bereaved children)

0808 020 021 www.winstonswish.org.uk

If you want to make a complaint Sometimes you may wish to complain if you feel you have been unfairly treated or if you have suffered bullying, verbal or physical abuse. Perhaps you may feel your privacy has not been respected or maybe you have had something stolen or damaged.

If so, you may complain to any member of staff and take a friend with you if you wish. You may also make a written complaint to your Head of Year, Mrs Franks-Doyle or Mr Tippett.

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Appendix 1: NHSG Application for Instrumental or Vocal Tuition N.B. There is no need to reapply for lessons if your daughter is already having tuition; lessons will continue automa written notice of cancellation.

Form: (PLEASE TICK): Piano Violin Viola

Recorder Trumpet French horn Trombone Singing Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar Electric Guitar Bass Guitar Drum Kit

Double Bass Flute Oboe Clarinet Saxophone Bassoon Jazz piano (Grade 5 and above only) PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS 1. Are you a beginner in your chosen instrument?

YES/NO If NO what standard have you reached?

Instrument_____________________________________ Standard_________________ Instrument_____________________________________ Standard __________________ 2. Would you like to hire a school instrument if available? Please note that instruments are only available to hire for one term, after which you will need to buy an instrument.

YES/NO If YES, please name the instrument. _______________________________________________________________________

Please note that if you learn the piano you must have daily access to a piano (an electronic keyboard or organ is not sufficient). Recorders, and Piano are not available for hire.

Name of Parent/Guardian ____________________________________ (BLOCK CAPITALS) Address __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Telephone__________________________________

Email Address _______________________________

Signed_____________________________________ Date_________________________

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Appendix 2: NHSG Application for Speech and Drama Tuition Girls will receive approximately 10 lessons per term.

The cost of lessons will be £20.00 for a single pupil, £17.00 for a shared lesson per half hour.

Payment for lessons will be made at the start of each term and will be made directly to the Speech and Drama teacher. Should your daughter wish to enter the LAMDA examinations there will be a fee of approximately £40 per examination.

Form: 

I would like to receive individual Speech and Drama Tuition from September 2021.



I would like to share a lesson with _________________________ in order to perform in a duologue.



This will be my first experience of Speech and Drama lessons.



I have been taking LAMDA examinations and am currently on grade......



I will also be receiving peripatetic Music tuition

Please choose the areas in which you would like to receive tuition. You may choose more than one area:        

LAMDA Acting Public Speaking Speaking Verse and Prose Mime Reading for Performance Using Spoken English Devising Drama I am unsure at the moment



I would like to receive tuition but I do not wish to sit examinations.

Name of Parent/Guardian ____________________________________ (BLOCK CAPITALS) Address __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Telephone__________________________________

Email Address _______________________________

Signed_____________________________________ Date_________________________

Please return form to Mrs Dobson by Monday 28th June 2021

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