Parents & Pupil Senior School Handbook 2021/22
Introduction Contents Introduction
3
Pastoral Care and House System
4
House and Tutor Group Staff
5
Registration
6
Pupil Support
7
Pupil Support – who can I talk to?
8
Safeguarding Team
9
Structure of the School Day
10
School Rules
11
Uniform Information and Guidelines Equipment
17
Work Ethic
18
Academic Monitoring and Reporting
19
Rewards and Reporting System
20-21
General Information
22
Contacting the School
23
Who to contact
Co-curricular Programme
25-26
Estate Map
PARENT & PUPIL HANDBOOK 2021/22
12-16
24 27
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Introduction Introduction Welcome to Royal Russell School. We hope you will find this handbook a useful reference document as your child sets out on their Royal Russell Senior School journey. This parent and pupil handbook is assembled with your needs in mind but if you cannot find what you need here – or you have any other queries - please remember that your child’s Housemaster or Housemistress is always ready to hear from you and to help in whatever way they can. For those of you whose children are Boarders, you will also have a boarding booklet which is to be read in conjunction with this handbook. We hope you and your child enjoy the coming years with us. Royal Russell is a unique and wonderful learning environment, of which we are proud to be the Deputy Heads. This handbook is available electronically on Firefly. All School policies are available upon request. Please email: headmaster@royalrussell.co.uk. Core policies are also available on our School website: https://www.royalrussell.co.uk/discover/policies
Mrs Nathalie Hart Deputy Head, People PARENT & PUPIL HANDBOOK 2021/22
Ms Nikki Snelgrove Deputy Head, Learning PAGE 3
Pastoral Care and House System Pastoral Care We pride ourselves on giving bespoke pastoral care to all our pupils. We encourage an ethos of respect for oneself as well as for all others within a supportive, caring and inclusive community. We promote the values of honesty, personal integrity and kindness. Our care begins with an underlying ethos of consideration and respect, with all staff working collaboratively to ensure pupils have the best learning experience possible. We support pupils’ personal, social and emotional development and a culture of encouraging good behaviour and taking responsibility. Within this framework, pupils develop self-confidence to learn to keep things in perspective and grow to be resilient.
The House System On entering the Senior School, all pupils are allocated to one of the ten Houses.
Houses are run by experienced Housemasters or Housemistresses (HoMS), and their Deputy, alongside the
Girls’ Houses: Buchanan, Hollenden, Reade and Queen’s House
Tutor team. The House teams are responsible for pupil’s welfare and monitor academic progress. All Houses have Prefects; senior pupils whose role is primarily pastoral, acting as a role model to younger pupils.
Boys’ Houses: Cambridge, Keable, Latessa Wing, Madden, Oxford and St Andrew’s House. Many factors are taken into consideration when placing pupils. We try to have a cross section of feeder schools in each House as well as sharing our pupils’ talents in areas such as work, sports, music and drama. Siblings are allocated to the same House unless a written request to the Admissions Department (admissions@royalrussell.co.uk) to the contrary is received. There are many opportunities to forge new friendships and maintain former ones in both lesson time and activities. The School Houses are a focal point for all pupils. Being part of a House fosters a sense of belonging and friendly competition, where all pupils participate in interHouse events throughout the year. Pupils celebrate the individual and collective successes of their House as well as those of the School as a whole.
Our in-House Tutoring System also plays an integral part in the day-to-day life of pupils and staff. In addition to being members of a House, all pupils have a Tutor who is responsible for their academic and social well-being. We pride ourselves on how our staff set out to develop firm, meaningful, nurturing relationships, which enhance pupils’ progress in all areas. Each pupil is an individual, each needs an individual approach, which is developed through open channels of communication and time spent getting to know one another. We aim to establish, warm, friendly relationships with parents and keep them well-informed of all aspects of their child’s development, which often helps us to better understand their child and certainly helps us to deal more effectively with any difficulties which may arise. We operate a 24-hour Health & Wellbeing Centre to deal with any health problems and we also offer some School Counsellors to whom pupils may turn to if they wish.
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House and Tutor Group Staff HOUSE
HOUSEMASTER/HOUSEMISTRESS
DEPUTY
Buchanan
Mrs Donna Pepperdine
Mr Liam Cassidy
Cambridge
Mr Alan McKenna
Mr Alex Porter
Hollenden
Ms Alba Conde
Ms Olesia Sava
Keable
Mr Edward Hutchinson
Mrs Michelle Saunders
Madden
Mr Alex Stathopoulos
Mr Chris Chapman
Oxford
Mr Colin Dear
Mr John Janowski
Queen’s
Ms Melanie Davenport
Miss Sandrine Calvet
Reade
Ms Alvina Benjamin-Taylor
Mrs Morna Harrison
St Andrew’s
Mr Adam Tansley
Mr Dominic Dureau
Latessa Wing
Mr Natxo Bueno
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Registration Morning Registration
Afternoon Registration
Morning registration takes place in Houses at 8:15am.
The afternoon register is taken in class at 1:50pm. The Attendance Officer registers any discrepancies.
The Housemaster/Housemistress, Tutor, or delegated member of staff, marks pupils present on the electronic register, and notes reasons for absences, where known. Each morning, the names of any Day pupils who are staying after school will be noted. It is important that House Duty Staff know which pupils are on the premises in the event of an emergency.
Absence If a pupil is absent, it is necessary to have confirmation of the reason from parents by email or telephone. Absence notification can be given by email to the Housemaster/Housemistress (and please copy in Attendance Officer (absence@royalrussell.co.uk) or by telephone to the School Office 020 8657 6922 extension 320. Notification must be given before 8.30am on the day of intended absence. If a pupil is absent for three consecutive days, the Housemaster/Housemistress will telephone the pupil’s parents. If a pupil is absent for five consecutive days due to illness/medical reasons, a doctor’s certificate will be required. Permission for absence for medical or family reasons may be given by the Housemaster / Housemistress; all other requests for leave must go to the Deputy Head, People giving as much notice as possible. Pupils who are absent without leave will be reported to the Deputy Head, People. There is a legal requirement for schools to complete the registers in a way which distinguishes between authorised and unauthorised absence.
After School Day pupils intending to stay at school after 3:50pm for a club, activity, sports fixture or to study in the Library should notify their Tutor at morning registration. They should indicate their proposed time of departure, whether they will be taking supper, what activity they will be attending and fill in the signing-in sheet in the House. Pupils must not go off site after school and before the activity. Pupils not staying for a supervised activity must leave the site immediately. If a pupil is waiting to be collected in the car park, and their lift has not arrived by 4:15pm, they must return to their House and inform the member of staff or Prefect on duty. All pupils on-site at 5:30pm must go to their Houses. Supervised prep is undertaken in Houses. Prep ends at 6:25pm. If your child is staying for supper, they should arrive at the Dining Hall at 6:30pm. Pupils wishing to participate in a late activity, for example Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in Year 9 and Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) in Year 10, may leave the site at the end of school, but must bring a letter signed by their parent/guardian saying they will not return on-site until the start of the activity. Pupils must still sign-in on the House activity sheet to confirm they are attending this event. Pupils using public transport must comply with normal rules for behaviour whilst waiting for and whilst travelling on public transport. When crossing the road outside School pupils must use the crossing.
If a pupil is absent and subsequently produces a valid note from their parents, or the reason for their absence is confirmed in some other way, the appropriate authorised code will be retrospectively entered. This procedure applies in every case of unauthorised absence. Pupils arriving late should report to the Senior School Office and complete a Late Arrival Slip. We will contact parents should any pupil be repeatedly late.
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Pupil Support The Health and Wellbeing Centre The Health and Wellbeing Centre is staffed by one lead nurse, two qualified nurses, and a pool of regular bank nurses. Our nurses come from a wide skill set having previously worked in the NHS in acute and primary care settings, which gives reassurance your child is in safe hands. The Health and Wellbeing Centre takes a pupil-centric approach, supporting pupils’ emotional and physical health needs. Nurses work on a rotational basis covering a 24hour period including weekends and on call service. The Health and Wellbeing Centre is located in the heart of the school in Hollenden and Queen’s boarding house. The Health and Wellbeing Centre assesses minor illnesses and injuries and will provide initial first aid and inpatient overnight care for our boarding community. Individuals are holistically assessed and the nurse will make a clinical judgement and where appropriate ensure parents/guardian are informed. If a pupil is too unwell to remain at school, or requires hospital treatment, parents or guardians will be informed immediately. Parents of pupils with additional health needs will be invited to complete an individual health care plan. Our Health and Wellbeing team want to ensure your child is cared for in the best way possible and we ask that any health needs are reported directly to our Team. If your child requires medication during school hours, the medication must be brought directly to the Health and Wellbeing Centre in the original packaging and a form must be completed. Other facilities available include regular counselling sessions and immunisation programmes run by Croydon University NHS Trust. For Boarding pupils, a doctor will visit the Centre once a week.
Should you have any questions for the Health and Wellbeing Centre please contact: medicalcentre@royalrussell.co.uk 020 8657 6922 Ext 212
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Pupil Support The School Counsellors The School Counsellors are based in the Health and Wellbeing Centre and are present on Tuesday (Steve) and Wednesday (Denise). Pupils should initially speak with a teacher or nurse to be referred to the service.
The Independent Listener The School provides access to an adult, outside the boarding and teaching staff body, whom pupils may want to contact about personal problems or concerns at school. Mr Simon Smith is our Independent Listener. He is available to listen and to help with any difficulties. His phone number is 07905 250692 and his email address is dssmith@blueyonder.co.uk.
School Counsellor Teachers
Health and Wellbeing Centre Tutor Childline 0800 1111 Headmaster House Staff
?
W
Safeguarding Team
an I Talk T C ho o
Friends
Independent Listener Parents
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Safeguarding Your Safeguarding Team is: Safeguarding Nathalie Hart Designated Safeguarding Lead
Michael McGinty Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Senior School
Kate El-Asmar Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Senior School
Jessica Ballie-Whyte Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Senior School
PARENT & PUPIL HANDBOOK 2021/22
The School and its Governing Body are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff to share this commitment. It is our desire to create an open environment where staff and pupils feel able to raise concerns and where concerns will be listened to with a readiness to involve support services and other agencies. If you have a Child Protection or Safeguarding issue you can contact Mrs Hart, Deputy Head Pastoral/ Designated Safeguarding Lead or a member of the Safeguarding Team. We offer simpler access to advice and support ensuring a prompt response when children or young people are considered to be at risk. Alternatively you can Contact Croydon Safeguarding Board • If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 •F or Urgent Action call the Single Point of Contact 0208 255 2888 – (same day intervention by a social worker) •o r Urgent Action out of Hours call 0208 726 6400 – this is the for the emergency social work service for urgent child protection matters that cannot wait until the next working day. Inevitably some families will experience breakdown and face personal difficulties of this kind during their child’s time at Royal Russell. As a School, all we ask is that you keep us closely informed of you decision to separate or divorce. In these situations, we would invite you into school together to discuss the best ways in which we can support your child through difficult times. We appreciate that this may be difficult, but we know from experience that despite the personal difficulties, both parents usually want to continue to work effectively together as parents to their son or daughter. Also should you be reconciled, we ask that you let us know about that too.
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Structure of the Day Each school day consists of twelve 30-minute periods which are split between House tutor group time and curriculum lessons. Registration takes place in the first of these periods on each day and, on a Monday and Friday the registration period is extended to an hour in length- this results in timetabled teaching lessons starting at 9.15am rather than 8.45am as on Tuesday through to Thursday. These longer registrations session provide time for House, Year group and whole School assemblies, tutor group bonding and Personal, Social, Health Education and Relationships and Sex Education sessions. All pupils have 53 curriculum periods in their school week and these are shared between the academic subjects on offer at Royal Russell. The distribution of lessons and daily schedule depends on the year group and school timetable. All pupils in Year 7-11 have lessons in English, Maths, Science, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and a full afternoon of Games per week. In Year 7-9 a spectrum of humanity and creative and practical arts subjects are also studied by all. GCSE courses commence at the start of Year 10 and at this point an element of choice is introduced for all pupils who opt to study three ‘options’ subjects to complement the core curriculum as described above.
The School Day TIMINGS
MONDAY AND FRIDAY
TIMINGS
TUESDAY TO THURSDAY
8:15
8:15
Registration and Tutorial
8:45
Registration, Assembly and Tutorial Period
8:45
Period 2
9:15
Period 3
9:15
Period 3
9:45
Period 4
9:45
Period 4
10:15
Break
10:15
Period 5
10:40
Period 5
10:50
Break
11:10
Period 6
11:10
Period 6
11:40
Period 7
11:40
Period 7
12:10
Period 8
12:10
Period 8
12:45
Lunch
12:45
Lunch
13:50
Period 9
13:50
Period 9
14:20
Period 10
14:20
Period 10
14:50
Period 11
14:50
Period 11
15:20
Period 12
15:20
Period 12
15:50
End of School Day
15:50
End of School Day
15:50 - 17:30
After School Activities
15:50 - 17:30
After School Activities
18:30-19:00
Supper
18:30-19:00
Supper
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School Rules At Royal Russell, we believe that pupils develop best when operating within a framework of sensible rules. These are laid down for the good of the individual, for the good of the School as a whole and in order to promote good relations between the School and the local community. Our Behaviour Policy is available on our Firefly page and in Houses for pupils.
General Rules • Any breach of common-sense or good manners is an offence against School Rules. Pupils will extend common courtesies to members of staff, visitors and each other at all times.
• Pupils will make themselves aware of, and comply with, the specific rules which apply to particular areas of the School, such as the Art department, Sports pitches, Library, Computer rooms, Science laboratories,
• Pupils will not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, except those medically prescribed. All prescribed medicine brought to school must be registered with, and administered by, the School Nurses.
• Chapel, Swimming Pool and Design/Food Technology.
• Mobile Electronic Devices (MED), including phones, are to be in kept in lockers during the school day. Please refer to our MED Policy for further information which can be allocated in Houses and on Firefly. • Pupils may only bring bottled water into lessons. • Pupils may go into the House of another pupil, but only by direct invitation from the other pupil and with the permission of the Housemaster/Housemistress. This rule applies to all pupils including those in the Sixth Form. • Food and drink are not to be consumed outside of the Dining Hall or Houses. • All wooded areas, as per the School Map, are out of bounds at all times, unless accompanied and by a member of staff.
• Pupils will not bring large sums of money or expensive items, such as electrical equipment to school. Where this is unavoidable, such items must be lodged with the Housemaster/Housemistress. • Pupils will not take or purchase another’s property, including clothes and Sports kit. • Pupils will not sell or offer for sale any item to other pupil. • Violence against others, property (theft or vandalism) and self (drug and substance abuse) has no place in the School community and is dealt with according to separate and specific School policies. • Violence against others includes hitting, punching, pushing, throwing things or any other act that might cause physical harm. Violence against others is never considered as play or fun. • Pupils will not drop litter anywhere and will use the bins provided.
• Pupils must not leave the school grounds during the school day. • Pupils will report to their Housemaster/Housemistress any damage to school property. Damage is liable to be made good at an offender’s expense.
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Uniform Guidelines Senior School Uniform Royal Russell has two uniform suppliers as follows: SUPPLIER
CONTACT DETAILS
Formal Uniform (plus swimming kit)
Hewitts of Croydon
45-51 Church Street Croydon CR9 1QQ Telephone 020 8680 4555 www.hewittsofcroydon.com
Sports Uniform
Dreamsport
https://customathletics.com/tea ms/royal-russell-school.html
Where no supplier is specified, please use the supplier of your choice. GIRLS’ FORMAL UNIFORM (YEARS 7-11) UNIFORM LIST NAME
COLOUR
SUPPLIER
COMPULSORY/OPTIONAL
Blazer (badged and logo)
Maroon
Hewitts
Compulsory
Skirt (knee length or longer)
Grey
Hewitts
Compulsory
Trousers
Grey
Hewitts
Compulsory
Blouse (placket front)
White
Hewitts
Compulsory
Jumper v-neck or Cardigan v-neck Coat (no logo or slogan) and must cover blazer
Black
Compulsory
Plain Black/Navy
Compulsory
Socks - ankle
Black
Compulsory
Tights Opaque
Black
Compulsory
Scarf - Plain
Black
Compulsory
Gloves - Plain
Black
Compulsory
Shoes
Black
Compulsory
GIRLS’ SPORTS KIT (YEARS 7-13) UNIFORM LIST NAME
COLOUR
SUPPLIER
COMPULSORY/OPTIONAL
Women’s Armour Fleece 1/4 Zip
Maroon
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Challenger Pant
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Tech Tee (not needed for Years 12 and 13) Girls’ Games Shirt
Compulsory for Year 7 - 11 Maroon/Navy Blue
PARENT & PUPIL HANDBOOK 2021/22
Dreamsport
Compulsory PAGE 12
Uniform Guidelines Skort
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Games Socks x 2 pairs
Maroon
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Crew Socks 3 Pack
White
Hustle Backpack
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Optional
Holdall
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Optional
Cap
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Optional
Swim Legsuit
Navy Blue
Hewitts
Compulsory
Compulsory
Swimming Towel
Compulsory Available at School Reception
Swimming Cap
Compulsory
Mouth Guard (Opro)
Compulsory
Shin Pads
Compulsory
Football Boots
Compulsory
Trainers (lace up)
White
Compulsory
Baselayer Top
Navy
Optional
Baselayer Shorts
Navy
Optional
Baselayer Leggings
Navy
Optional
SIXTH FORM GIRLS’ FORMAL WEAR ITEM
COLOUR
Smart business suit plain or subtle pattern skirt/ankle length trousers
Dark grey/blue/brown/black
Blouse with collar (long or short sleeves)
White/plain pastel colours/grey with collar
Cardigan/jumper V or round-neck (may be worn under suit jacket)
Plain
Tights
Black/skin tone
Shoes must be polishable (no stilettos/ankle straps/sling-backs and no higher than 3-inch heels) Boots must be polishable and knee length (ankle boots may be worn with trousers
Black/navy/brown/tan
Coat (must cover suit jacket)
Plain black/navy/grey
Scarf, hats, gloves (must be unbranded)
Plain
Jewellery is permitted in moderation (earrings – one per ear)
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Uniform Guidelines BOYS’ FORMAL UNIFORM (YEARS 7-11) UNIFORM LIST NAME
COLOUR
SUPPLIER
COMPULSORY/OPTIONAL
Blazer (badged and logo)
Maroon
Hewitts
Compulsory
Tie - Cambridge House
Maroon
Hewitts
Tie - Keable House
Maroon/White Stripes
Hewitts
Tie - Madden House
Maroon/Black/White Stripes
Hewitts
Tie - Oxford House
Bottle Green
Hewitts
Tie - St Andrew’s House
Navy
Hewitts
Trousers
Black/Charcoal
Compulsory
Shirts (long or short sleeves)
White
Compulsory
Jumper
Black
Compulsory
Coat (no logo or slogan) and must cover blazer
Plain Black/Navy
Compulsory
Socks
Charcoal
Compulsory
Scarf - Plain
Black
Compulsory
Gloves - Plain
Black
Compulsory
Shoes
Black
Compulsory
The tie of your son’s House tie is compulsory The tie of your son’s House tie is compulsory The tie of your son’s House tie is compulsory The tie of your son’s House tie is compulsory The tie of your son’s House tie is compulsory
BOYS’ SPORTS KIT (YEARS 7-13) UNIFORM LIST NAME
COLOUR
SUPPLIER
COMPULSORY/OPTIONAL
Men’s Armour Fleece 1/4 Zip
Maroon
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Challenger Pant
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Tech Tee (not needed for Years 12 and 13)
White
Dreamsport
Compulsory for Year 7 - 11
Boys’ Games Shirt
Maroon
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Games Shorts
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Games Socks x 2 pairs
Maroon
Dreamsport
Compulsory
Crew Socks 3 Pack
White
Hustle Backpack
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Optional
Holdall
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Optional
Cap
Navy Blue
Dreamsport
Optional
Cricket Trouser
Cream
Dreamsport
Optional
PARENT & PUPIL HANDBOOK 2021/22
Compulsory
PAGE 14
Uniform Guidelines Cricket Shirt
Cream
Dreamsport
Optional
Swim Jammer
Navy/Maroon
Hewitts
Compulsory
Swimming Towel Swim cap
Compulsory Plain
Available at School Reception
Compulsory
Mouth guard (Opro)
Compulsory
Shin pads
Compulsory
Football boots
Compulsory
Trainers – lace up
White
Compulsory
Baselayer Top
Navy
Optional
Baselayer Short
Navy
Optional
Baselayer Leggings
Navy
Optional
SIXTH FORM BOYS’ FORMAL WEAR ITEM
COLOUR
Smart business suit 2 or 3 piece (plain or subtle pattern) Trousers and non-matching jacket are not permitted
Dark grey/blue/black/brown
Tie (purchased from Hewitts)
House colour
Shirt with collar (long or short sleeves)
White/plain pastel colours/grey
Cardigan/jumper V or round-neck (may be worn under suit jacket)
Plain
Shoes must be polishable
Black/navy/brown/tan
Coat (must cover suit jacket)
Plain black/navy/brown
Scarf, hat, gloves (must be unbranded)
Plain
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Uniform Guidelines School Uniform Expectations • You are expected to be clean and tidy, to conform to the school uniform and to take pride in your appearance. School uniform should be worn in the correct manner. • School uniform should be worn for all functions at school and for all visits off-site. • You must travel to and from school and sports fixtures in full school uniform. • Outer coats should be black or navy (with no logo or slogan). Trench coats, leather/combat/denim jackets are not permitted. Coats can be left in House and if worn during the day must be removed before entering classrooms for lessons.
• Jewellery is permitted, in moderation, for Sixth Formers. • Body piercing is not permitted. • Nail varnish is not allowed in Years 7-11. • Make-up is not allowed in Years 7-10. Subtle make-up may be worn in Years 11-13. • Pupils’ hair should be clean, of a natural colour, wellgroomed and extreme styles should be avoided. Hair extensions are not permitted. • Hair accessories should be discreet and of a dark colour. • Facial hair is permitted in the Sixth Form but it will need to be shaped, well maintained and look professional.
• Royal Russell specified kit will be worn for PE, Games and Swimming. • Jewellery is not permitted in Years 7-11 with the exception of small ear studs for girls. Ear studs must be removed for all PE lessons/sports events and plasters may not be worn over ear lobes. Watches must also be removed for PE lessons/sports events.
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General Equipment List for Lessons & Examinations All pupils should attend lessons with the correct equipment. Each pupil should have: • School bag (any colour/style)
• Compass
• Large pencil case
• Protractor and set square
• Ballpoint pens / fine liner pens (Blue, black, green and red)
• Clear stick-back plastic for covering books
• Pencils and coloured pencils, pencil sharpener and rubber • 30cm ruler
• 2 x padlocks with keys (or combination locks). The padlocks should be approximately 60x30x10mm and the shackle about 3mm thick.
• Glue stick • Scissors
Items supplied by the School iPad for years 7 to 10 Text books
Calculator for Years 7-11
Calculator for A Level Pupils
FX - 83GT Plus or FX - 9911ES Plus
FX - 991EX
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Exercise books Notebooks
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Work Ethic We expect all pupils to work hard in their lessons and always try their very best, contribute to group discussion and activities and make the most of their learning time.
Pupils should never disrupt the learning of others 1
Arrive on time for the lesson and wait quietly
2
Before entering the classroom, ensure that coats are off and uniform is correct
3
Bring the correct equipment for the lesson (checks will be made)
4
Begin to work straight away
5
Homework
1
Pupils should know their homework timetable, when homework is set for each subject and when it is due
2
Teachers will endeavour to set the homework by the end of the lesson, however full details will be provided on Firefly by 5:30pm
3
Teachers will tell pupils how they would like the homework submitted
Respect your learning time by listening to others
4
Check Firefly at least once a day
6
Be engaged and challenge yourself throughout the lesson
5
We will expect that homework is fully completed to the highest standard
7
Follow teacher’s Mode of Working
6
Homework is expected to be submitted on time
8
At the end of the lesson your teacher will ask pupils to pack up, stand up and wait silently
9
Leave in a calm and orderly fashion and move quickly to your next lesson
10
Check school emails at least once a day
PARENT & PUPIL HANDBOOK 2021/22
If pupils have any difficulty completing homework, they should speak to their class teacher or Tutor who are here to help.
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Work Ethic Academic Monitoring and Reporting Regular feedback is provided by the School to pupils and parents in a variety of ways throughout each academic year. An academic reporting schedule is prepared at the beginning of each year. We publish effort and attainment grades for each subject at key intervals and teachers will give full written progress and target report at the end of the academic year. A Parents’ Evening is also held between November and February, in order to support pupil progress throughout the academic year. Parents’ Evenings have taken place online since September 2020 and we expect to continue this practice. We welcome attendance of pupils and parents to the online meetings.
School Assessment Week takes place towards the end of the Summer term. Lessons are collapsed during this period and a timetable of the subject assessments is provided for each pupil. The Assistant Head Lower School will provide more information about this process later in the academic year. Additional school assessments take place at other times in the year for Years 10-13. Other forms of assessment will take place as part of the learning process in each subject throughout all year groups, these may include class and homework assignments, practical activities and in-class tests. Feedback from these will be provided to the pupils in class.
Attainment Grades: the grade descriptors below explain the grades awarded for attainment in each School Grade Sheet or Written Report Years 7-9 Grades A*- E will be awarded, representing a pupil’s standard of attainment relative to the Royal Russell cohort, based on assessment of the standard of their work throughout the academic year. Years 10-11 Pupils will be awarded grades A*- G or 9 - 1 depending on the syllabus being studied. This grade should represent their overall standard of work, as determined by assessments throughout the course of Years 10 and 11. A briefing for parents will be provided at the start of the Autumn term. Years 12-13 Pupils will be awarded grades A*- E, or ‘Distinction starred’ to ‘Pass’ depending on the syllabus being studied. This grade should represent their overall standard of work, as determined by assessments throughout the course of Years 12 and 13.
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Work Ethic Effort Grades: the grade descriptors below explain the grades awarded for effort in each School Grade Sheet or Written Report • Making accelerated progress in the subject due to their effort and engagement.
Exceeding expectation (++)
• Works highly effectively, both individually and collaboratively, and stands out as a leader or role model for classroom learning, discussion and activities. • Committed to challenging themselves to fulfil their potential as learners in this subject. • All tasks within the set work are submitted on time and are completed to a level which exceeds expectation. • Demonstrates very high standards of punctuality, focus, organisation and engagement.
• Making good progress in the subject due to their effort and engagement. Meeting expectation (+)
• Works effectively, both individually and collaboratively, and contributes positively to classroom discussion and activities. • Keen to challenge themselves in their learning of this subject. All tasks within the set work are submitted on time and to the expected standard. Demonstrates consistently good punctuality, focus, organisation and engagement. • Not making sufficient progress in the subject due to their effort and engagement.
Below expectation (-)
• Needs repeated teacher input in order to work effectively both individually and collaboratively, may need specific direction to contribute productively to classroom discussion and activities. • Reluctant to challenge themselves in their learning of this subject. • Not all tasks within the set work are attempted, some of those done fall short of the expected standard or are submitted late. • Needs improvement in punctuality, focus, organisation or engagement.
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Pupil Rewards System There are two types of awards for positive recognition. These are Merits and Commendations.
Merits Merits are awarded for good work, good behaviour and good citizenship. 15 Merits
A Tutor’s Award and a certificate and small prize
25 Merits
The Housemaster’s/Housemistresses’ Award and a certificate and voucher
50 Merits
The Headmaster’s Award and a certificate and voucher
Top House Merit Award Once a pupil has been awarded The Headmaster’s Award, they revert back to zero merits and start collecting again towards the awards above. A final total of the number of Merits awarded during the year still runs to provide a cumulative total. At the end of the year, the pupil achieving the highest amount of Merits in their House is awarded a ‘Top House Merit’ award.
House Awards This award is presented termly. Housemasters/ Housemistresses, in consultation with their Tutors, select one pupil in the Lower, Middle and Upper years who have made an excellent contribution to House activities and maintained excellent punctuality and attendance record. A certificate and small prize are presented in the final Assembly of the term. We aim to ensure that both pupils and parents are kept informed of progress and attainment. The main components of the system are: Tutor, Housemaster/Housemistress and Headmaster Reports - reports reflecting a pupil’s current academic, cocurricular and all-round performance.
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General Information Firefly for Parents
Lunch
This is the platform for parents to view information about their child and to access information relating to the
• Lunch for all pupils is compulsory. In a long working day, having a healthy midday meal is important
School. Among its various features, you can:
• Lunch is taken on a cafeteria system, managed by a rota. The rota is posted in each House. The rota changes halftermly to allow a different year group to enter lunch first
• View and print information about your child including timetable and attendance
• Access your child’s external examination results
• There may be occasions when pupils will require an early lunch. The teacher in charge of the event requiring an early lunch will make the necessary arrangements with the pupil
• Access the school calendar and general information relating to the School
School Trips
• Information, grades and reports, reward and conduct information
You can access Firefly using the URL: https://royalrussell. fireflycloud.net or through the School website
• At all times, it is important to remember that pupils are representing the School on trips. A schedule of all trips that take place throughout the year is sent to all parents
Firefly for Pupils
• If behaviour on trips is unsatisfactory, pupils can be excluded from future trips
Pupils can access homework set and resources via Firefly - https://royalrussell.fireflycloud.net or through theSchool website.
Lockers Lockers are allocated to all pupils and are located in their House. Pupils need to provide a padlock and two keys, one of which is kept by the Housemaster/Housemistress. Pupils are required to assume responsibility for their locker and its contents.
Lost Property • All possessions must be clearly named. Valuable items and large sums of money should never be brought to school • If anything is lost, pupils are advised to report the loss to their Housemaster/Housemistress. If an item is found, this should be handed to a member of staff • Changing Rooms will be checked on a daily basis and all forgotten items will be taken to the Senior School • Office to be sorted. Named items will be returned to each House. Unnamed items are retained by the Senior School Secretary
School Sports All of our sporting fixtures, team sheets and results are listed at www.royalrussellsport.co.uk. PARENT & PUPIL HANDBOOK 2021/22
• School uniform must be worn for all trips with the exception of fieldwork days, evening theatre trips or as advised by trip leaders
The Old Russellians (School Alumni) • Old Russellians hold regular social events and reunions and keep members informed on matters relating to the School • Old Russellians often return to speak to current pupils about their career choices, attend our Careers Fair and, in some cases, provide work experience
The 1853 Society (Parents’ Association) • The Royal Russell Parents’ Association, known as the 1853 Society, is a group of friendly and energetic mums and dads from across the Junior and Senior School • It exists to bring the School community together with an array of events throughout the year, including a quiz night, pupil discos, the Christmas Fair, family movie nights and the Russellian Ball • The Parents’ Association also raises funds for the benefit of the pupils to enhance their school experience • More information can be found on our school website. If you would like to join the Parents’ Association or help at any event, please get in touch with the Chair, Mrs Emma Thistleton at 1853society@royalrussell.co.uk
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Contacting the school School Office The Senior School Office is located in the main school teaching block. Staff are able to answer the majority of enquiries and are pleased to help in any way they can. The Senior School Office is open Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 5:30pm during term time. When the Office is closed, there is an answerphone available and contact can be made via email: reception@royalrussell.co.uk or telephone 020 8657 4433. Royal Russell welcomes suggestions and comments from parents and takes seriously any concerns you may have. The School is here for you and your child, and we want to hear your views and ideas.
Should you have a concern We will always try to resolve any concerns you may have. If you raise something faceto-face or by telephone, it may be possible to resolve the matter immediately. In some circumstances the member of staff may need time to discuss the issue with others before informing you of an outcome.
We will: • Try to resolve matters raised at meetings or over the phone quickly • Respond to any email within two working days • Provide you with a written report, if appropriate If you do not feel that the matter has been resolved to your satisfaction, please contact the Deputy Head, People via her assistant at dhassistant@royalrussell.co.uk We will treat all comments in a confidential manner. It is School policy that comments made by parents will not rebound adversely on their children. We expect parents to behave in a similar manner and maintain this confidentiality. For further information and to view our Parental Complaints Procedure, please contact: Headmaster@royalrussell.co.uk. A copy is available on our website.
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Who to Contact INITIAL CONTACT Enquiry Absences
School Office
absence@royalrussell.co.uk
Assistant Head, People
Day and Friendships Leave Permissions Tutors
Pastoral
Behaviour Safeguarding
Safeguarding Team
Medical
Health and Wellbeing Centre
Attainment
Deputy Head, People Designated Safeguarding Lead
Tutors
Assistant Head/ Heads of Department
Deputy Head, Learning
Sixth Form
Tutors
Assistant Head/ Heads of Department
Assistant Head Upper School
Exams/ Performance Enquiries
Tutors
Assistant Head/ Heads of Department
Exams Officer
School Office
Appropriate member of staff
Deputy Heads’ Office
Academic Queries
Academic
Housemasters/ Housemistresses
Co-curricular Activities Calendar, Events and Trips
Headmaster
Old Russellians
Development
Fundraising Donations and Legacies 1853 Society (Parents’ Association)
Any other matter
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Headmaster’s office
Chair
1853society@royalrussell.co.uk
Reception
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Co-curricular Royal Russell is proud of its co-curricular opportunities. We encourage a healthy balance of academic rigour and cocurricular participation. Activities are run outside of the School timetable and vary term by term. Below is an example of clubs and activities run each week. BEFORE SCHOOL Choristers’ Rehearsal Barbershop Rehearsal LUNCHTIME Amnesty International Youth Group
Linguists Club
STEM Club
Biology Club
Music Theory Club
Swing Band
Chamber Choir
Multi Sports Club
Tennis Club
Chess Club
Running Club
Touch Typing Club
Geography Club
Scrabble Club
Theology and Philosophy Club
Junior Orchestra
Sewing Club
Latin Club
Strength and Conditioning
AFTER SCHOOL Athletics
Football
Puzzles and Games Club
Boarders’ Badminton
Hockey
Rounders
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
House Sport
Safeguarding Ambassadors
Boarders’ Volleyball
Japan Club
School Newspaper
Computer Science Club
Jazz Club
School Play Rehearsal
Creative Writing
LAMDA Drama Classes
Senior Orchestra
Cricket
Leisure Swim
Senior Swimming Club
Croquet
Medical Society
Sewing Club
Design and Technology Club
Mini MUN (Years 6,7,8)
Strength and Conditioning
Diversity
MUN (Years 9,10,11,12,13)
Swing Band
Driving Club
Natural Sciences Society
Tennis Club
Duke of Edinburgh
Netball Training
Trampolining
E-Safety Champions
Photography Club
Wellbeing Support Group
Food Club
Playwriting Club
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Co-curricular Boarding - Weekend Activities Every weekend, our boarders have the opportunity to take part in some exciting activities. Below is a sample of what our boarders can look forward to this year. • Archery events • Bluewater – a trip to the Shopping Centre • Bowling events • Brighton – a trip to the seaside town • Camden – a trip to Camden Market • Chessington World of Adventures – a trip to the theme park • Cinema trips • Go karting events • Harry Potter World – a trip to the theme park • High ropes events • Historical monuments’ visits • Ice Skating • Indoor climbing events • London Dungeons – London tourist attraction • London Eye – London tourist attraction • London Walk – visits to London • Museums/Art galleries • Paintballing events • Picnic in the park events • Sports activities on site and BBQs • Theatre trips • Thorpe Park – theme park • Water Park trip • Winter wonderland – Christmas event, Hyde Park, London
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ap_1170x830mm_2020.qxp_Layout 1 25/11/2020 09:44 Page 1
SPORTS FACILITIES Sports Facilities
15 Swimming Pool Sports Facilities 16 Sports HallPool 15 Swimming 1 Car Park 21 32
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
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Reception Car Park / Headmaster’s Study Junior School Reception / Headmaster’s Study
17 16 18 17
Top Pitch Sports Hall
19 18 20 19
Netball Courts The Paddock
The Pitch Paddock Top North Pitch Netball Courts
Centre 43 Early 21 North Astroturf Pitch JuniorYears School 20 Pitch Sports Facilities Performing Arts Centre / Auditorium 54 Early 22 MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) Years Centre 21 Astroturf Pitch Facilities Swimming Pool Hall Arts / CaféCentre /15 23Sports West Pitch Performing Auditorium 56 Dining 22 MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) 16 Sports Hall 1524Swimming Pool 76 Chapel Pavilion Dining Hall / Café 23 West Pitch 17 Top Pitch 16 Sports Hall 8 Great Hall 24 Pavilion Car Park 7 Chapel 18 The Paddock / Day Houses 17 TopBoarding Pitch Quad 98 Chapel Great Hall Reception / Headmaster’s Study 19 Netball Courts Buchanan / Reade / DAY 25The ParkTree Quad 1 10CarLime 18BOARDING Boarding /HOUSES Day Houses Paddock Junior School 20 North Pitch Quad 9 Chapel Cambridge / Headmaster’s Buchanan / Reade Courts 25Netball Early Years2Centre 21 Astroturf Pitch 1926 Aston Webb Building Study 11Reception Lime Tree Quad 10 Hollenden 27North Performing3 Arts Centre / Auditorium Junior School 22 MUGA (Multi-Use20 Cambridge Games Area)Pitch 26 Library / Sixth Form Study Centre 12 11 Aston Webb Building Dining Hall / Café 23 West Pitch Keable Early Years Centre Centre 4 13 2128 Hollenden Pitch 27Astroturf Medical Library / Sixth Form Study Centre 12 Chapel 24 Pavilion Latessa Arts Centre / Auditorium 5 14Performing 2229 Keable(Multi-Use Games Area) 28MUGA Science Block Medical Centre Great Hall 13 Madden 6 Dining Hall / Café 2330 Latessa West Pitch 29Houses Boarding / Day Chapel Quad 14 Science Block Oxford 31Pavilion 25 Buchanan / Reade2430 7 Chapel Madden Lime Tree Quad 26 Cambridge 32 Great Hall 8 Building Oxford 31 Queen’s Aston Webb Boarding 27 Hollenden Andrew’s/ Day Houses 33 St Library / Sixth Form Study Centre Quad 9 Chapel Queen’s 32 28 Keable 25 Buchanan / Reade Medical Centre Lime Tree Quad 10 33 St Andrew’s 29 Latessa 26 Cambridge Science Block 11 Aston Webb Building 30 Madden 27 Hollenden 12 Library / Sixth Form Study Centre 31 Oxford 28 Keable 32 Queen’s 13 Medical Centre 29 Latessa 33 St Andrew’s 14 Science Block 30 Madden
31 Oxford 32 Queen’s
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