Your first day at RGS

INDUCTION DAY

Where do I go on my Induction Day?

Your first day at school on Friday 3 September 2021 is your induction day. You should come to the Wright Gallery by 8:45am where you will be met by your Form Tutor. If you don’t know how to get there, come to the main school entrance and someone will help you. If your parents bring you by car, on the first day they can use the main entrance and park in the playground, behind the main school building. After the first day please ask to be dropped off nearby (taking account of parking restrictions) and walk the rest of the way. It may help to practise your journey and drop off/pick up during the summer. There are a number of entrances to the school site and on a normal day your parents cannot bring their cars into the school grounds. Students are asked not to use the main school entrance, instead using other entry points around the school site. Your first day will largely be spent getting to know your form, your Form Tutor and settling in to your new life at RGS before the rest of the students return to school the following day. ?

What should I bring to school on the first day?

You will need an easily recognisable bag (coloured, customised with a keyring, or with stripes etc). We recommend a back pack containing: • your pencil case containing writing pens in green, red and purple, a pencil, a rubber, a ruler, some colouring pencils, a glue stick and a small pair of scissors; • a padlock for your locker with two keys or a combination code.

Please make sure the loop is 40 to 60mm long so it will be sure to fit. One key is for you and the other is for your Form Tutor; • on other days you may need your PE kit; • lunch is provided for you on your first day. After the first day, you will need to bring your packed lunch or pay for your lunch. RGS operates on a biometric system which means you only need your fingerprint. Every pupil has a lunch account which will be topped up by your parents.

Who will I meet on my first day?

You will meet many people, but the most important people you will meet are your Form Tutor, Head of First Form, Ms Case and Head of Lower School, Mrs Leck. You will also meet your mentor on the first day.

Where do I go?

When you are not in lessons or assembly, your form room is your home and main base. Near your form room you will have a locker in which to store your books. At break times you can play in the playground or on Broadfield Lawn, use the library to complete some work or go to one of the many clubs and activities taking place.

What should I wear on the first day?

Your full school uniform – be proud of it! Make sure everything you bring to school has your name on it. You are responsible for your belongings - your bag, your games kit, your pencil case, your watch and your books. Of course, you should respect other people’s belongings too.

What is the School Calendar?

This small book is full of information about our daily life at school and it tells you when special things are going to happen, such as sports fixtures, plays, concerts and trips. Read it carefully and don’t lose it!

What is a Buddy?

Each First Former will have a buddy group for the first two terms with whom they will share assemblies. This enables you to learn more about the school and to get to know other pupils in the year above.

What are Houses?

Everyone at RGS is in one of four Houses: Bird, Cranston, Hodgson or Williamson. Each House meets each week for an assembly. Throughout the year there are inter-House competitions and challenges, including the House Sports Day in the summer term.

Assemblies

Each week you will attend assemblies; these will be a mix of Church assembly in St Mary’s Church, House assemblies and an assembly with your year group. On those days when you do not have assembly you will spend time with your Form Tutor and/or with your Sixth Form mentor.

Where do I meet my parents after school?

On your first day, you will finish at 3:15pm. After your first day, school finishes at the normal time of 3:50pm. If your parents are going to meet you, please arrange with them to pick you up nearby (taking account of local parking restrictions).

Where shall I eat my lunch?

For the first few days of term there are special arrangements. All First Form pupils have their lunch in the dining hall (PMH) at 12:50pm. Whoever is teaching you will make sure you get there in plenty of time. After the first week, when you are used to the system, your lunch will start at the normal time of 1:00pm. For the rest of the school, their lunchtime begins at 1:10pm.

Please note, eating is not permitted in classrooms or corridors.

What is a Mentor?

A mentor is a Sixth Form student who has been assigned to help you settle in during your first year. You will meet with your mentor once a week during form time. He/she will help you with any difficulties, take part in fun activities with you and be there as a friend and guide throughout your first year. Your mentor will be in the same House as you.

What is the Homework Planner?

You will be given a Homework Planner where you will write down any homework which is set. It is also useful for jotting down other reminders. Your parents will need to sign your Planner at the end of each week to show that they have checked it. Your Form Tutor will check and sign it regularly, so complete it carefully.