Senior School Information Booklet
Welcome
from the Principal We are very much looking forward to welcoming your child to Akeley Wood School. This is an exceptional learning environment. We offer a perfect blend of academic rigour, for all abilities, a strong well-being support structure and endless opportunities for students to find and develop their interest and passions. This is an exciting place to come to school. Combined with our carefully developed academic curriculum we have enviable Exceptional Potential (gifted and talented) and Enrichment Programmes which support our commitment to preparing students for successful lives beyond school. Teamwork, Encouragement and Responsibility are core values which run through everything we do at Akeley. I ask the students, and indeed the staff, to ‘Be More Goose’. This is to take turns to lead, support those leading, encourage each other and take responsibility in doing their part to make the ‘whole’ run in the best way it can. These are qualities which develop character and benefit them throughout their lives. It’s about working as a community, doing right by one another and helping each other to achieve. Throughout their Senior School years, we take the time to get to know our students as individuals, helping them to find their voices, discover their strengths
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and to reach their potential. Recognising that students may respond differently to the variety of education practices we may adopt, our teaching and support staff work hard to tailor their approaches where appropriate to better meet the needs of students. This way, we can prepare them fully to make the right choices when they approach GCSE and beyond – with excellent results. We are an open, honest, unpretentious and proudly mixedability school. This means that we want to work in partnership with you in supporting your child in his/her education. Please do talk to us. We are very proud of what we offer here and of our staff but we are not complacent. We are committed to offering the best educational experience available and, in order to do this, we listen to our students via our student council and various other school initiatives and from you, our parents. I hope that your child will make the most of every moment of their life at Akeley. I look forward to seeing more of you in the months and years to come. With best wishes, Simon Antwis Principal
Introducing the Leadership Team Heads of School
Ms Kate Carr
Ms Rebecca Chapman
The Senior Leadership team includes Mrs Annie McMillan - Head of Learning Support and SenCo Mr Stephen Baker - Director of Studies Mrs Lotty Dee-Andrew - Head of Sixth Form Mr Steven Allen - Business Manager
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Aims of the school Our motto: “be more goose”
Our core values: teamwork, responsibility, encouragement
Aims: • Your child’s safety is paramount and our highest priority is safeguarding of all members of the Akeley community. • We know that a happy child is a motivated child and, as a result, is an over-performing child. We have created a curriculum and well-being support programme that provides a welcoming, safe environment where children’s happiness is fundamental and can be prioritised. • At Akeley we place great importance on our students’ value added performance. Value-added is a fair measure of the progress and achievement that students have made. Rather than relying solely on pure attainment only, it takes account of where each student started from and the progress they made relative to their own ability. Our aim is to exceed 0.5 grade VA by the end of A-level. This means that students would achieve at least half a grade more by being with us. • We educate the whole child in preparation for life, higher education and the world of work. An Akeley education enables students to leave school as independent resilient lifelong learners with the necessary life skills to become future leaders. • All stakeholders in the life of the school are entitled to contribute to plans for its future development. A genuine partnership allows, through initiatives such as school council leaders, prefects and well-being ambassadors, everyone to feel they have a sense of ownership in the destiny of their school. • We embrace recognised and respected innovative student tracking systems to empower teachers to have a meaningful and accurate
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dialogue with student and parents, regarding their child’s academic progress and plan for the future. We have staff dedicated to the achievement of children of all abilities. • Akeley is small enough to ensure that we have a deep and valuable knowledge of every individual student but large enough to create a wide and varied academic, pastoral and extra-curricular offer. This is supported through our three campus approach, developing smaller communities within a greater whole. • Akeley has a strong family ethos evidenced by the number of siblings, former students’ children and staff children who attend the school. Akeley uniquely belongs to a large extensive but close knit global family of schools and is a genuinely cohesive community with links locally, nationally and internationally. • Akeley provides a return to traditional values and standards in a modern setting. We believe good manners and high personal standards of dress and conduct cost nothing and that a culture of mutual respect and courtesy is a valuable life skill. • We believe that an enriching school experience is as important as academic progress. Akeley will aim to provide a multitude of trips, musical, sporting and cultural events that will ensure students will leave Akeley with adventurous experiences that will give them the edge in competitive job markets. Our Enrichment Programme on a Friday afternoon is the pinnacle of opportunity with students being involved in activities as far ranging as ballroom dancing to stage combat, wakeboarding and Warhammer.
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Key Contacts Senior School Senior Leadership Team Principal
Receptionists
Mr Simon Antwis simon.antwis@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
THM Reception: thmreception@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
Heads of School
AWH Reception: awhreception@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
Ms Kate Carr kate.carr@akeleywoodschool.co.uk Ms Rebecca Chapman rebecca.chapman@akeleywoodschool.co.uk Head of Sixth Form
Tile House Mansion Reception (Years 7 & 8): 01280 860 182 Akeley Wood House Reception (Years 9 – 13): 01280 814 110
Mrs Lotty Dee-Andrew lotty.dee-andrew@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
Admissions
Director of Studies
Transport
Mr Stephen Baker stephen.baker@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
transport@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
admissions@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
Welfare Officer (Medical) SENCO Mrs Annie McMillan annie.mcmillan@akeleywoodschool.co.uk Business Manager Mr Steven Allen steven.allen@akeleywoodschool.co.uk Principal’s PA kim.thornley@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
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wendy.delaney@akeleywoodschool.co.uk E-mail addresses for all staff follow the format: forename.surname@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
Term Dates Academic Year 2020–2021
AUTUMN TERM 2020 Term/Holiday
First Day
Last Day
Autumn Term 2020
Thursday 3rd September 2020
Friday 16th October 2020
Half Term Holiday
Monday 19th October 2020
Friday 30th November 2020
Autumn Term 2020
Monday 2nd November 2020
Thursday 17th December 2020 - 12 noon finish - all campuses
Christmas Holiday
Friday 18th December 2020
Tuesday 5th January 2021
SPRING TERM 2021 Term/Holiday
First Day
Last Day
Spring Term 2021
Wednesday 6th January 2021
Friday 12th February 2021
Half Term Holiday
Monday 15th February 2021
Friday 19th February 2021
Spring Term 2021
Monday 22nd February 2021
Wednesday 31st March 2021 normal finish time
Easter Holiday 2021
Thursday 1st April 2021
Friday 16th April 2021
SUMMER TERM 2021 Term/Holiday
First Day
Last Day
Summer Term 2021
Monday 19th April 2021
Friday 28th May 2021
Half Term Holiday
Monday 31st May 2021
Friday 4th June 2021
Summer Term 2021
Monday 7th June 2021
Friday 9th July 2021 - 12 noon finish -all campuses
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The School Day LESSON
AWH
THM
Registration in Lesson One
08.30
08.30
Lesson Two Begins
09.30
09.30
Morning Break
10.30
10.30
Lesson Three Begins
10.50
10.50
Lesson Four Begins
11.50
11.50
Lunch Break
12.50
12.50
Registration Begins
13.45
13.35
Lesson Five Begins
14.00
13.35
Lesson Six Begins
15.00
14.50
Lesson Six Ends
16.00
15.45
School Day Ends
16.00
15.50
Tile House Mansion Students at THM may wait in the hall, where there will be supervision between 3.50 and 4.20pm. Akeley Wood House Students at AWH may wait in the designated area outside the Drama Studio, by the Lucky Tree where there will be supervision between 4.00pm and 4.20pm. Please see over for details of After School Club 4.00 – 6.00pm at Akeley Wood House.
START OF THE DAY (8.30AM) Morning Registration starts at 8.30am with Tutors. Tile House Mansion Students may wait in the Hall from 8.00am. If you arrive earlier, please wait with your child at the front of school until the member of staff on duty welcomes you in at 8.00am. Akeley Wood House Students may arrive into the Dining Hall from 8.00am. If you arrive earlier, please wait with your child at the front of school until 8.00am when supervision in the Dining Hall commences.
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In the event of a student arriving late after registration and they have not registered with their Form Tutor, they must sign in at Reception so that we know they are here. If students arrive late because of a medical/dental appointment or need to leave early to attend one, they should sign in/out at Reception.
END OF THE DAY (3.50PM – THM & 4.00PM – AWH) School ends at 3.50pm at THM and at 4.00pm at AWH. Students taking buses line up to be registered and are supervised by staff until each bus is ready to be boarded. Collection from THM: Students being collected by parents wait at the front of school from 3.50pm and until 4.20pm (unless at a club/fixture). If you have any difficulties collecting your child, or if there is a change of plan e.g. someone else is collecting or you’re running late, please let Reception know. Collection from AWH: There is a one-way system which requires parents to circle the area by the ‘Lucky Tree’, pulling over to the left by the Lucky Tree to pick up their child as he/she arrives. Staff are on hand to assist. Anyone not collected by 4.20pm will be taken to join After School Club and a charge could be made. THM students booked into the After School Club, which runs for all Senior students at Akeley Wood House, should take the bus from THM to AWH. Advice and guidance will be given.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB AT AKELEY WOOD HOUSE This takes place at AWH from 4.00pm – 6.00pm for all THM and AWH students who wish to book and use the service. THM students travel by bus to AWH at 3.50pm. Students may attend on a regular or occasional basis and this should be booked directly via AWH Reception. Please book a place via AWH Reception and by 9.00am if the arrangement is for the same day. Students are transported to AWH and then have a break and a snack tea followed by an opportunity to complete homework. There is an inclusive cost charged per session (circa £10). THM parents: If you have a change of plans and your child will not be able to be collected from THM, do let Reception know asap so that a place can be booked for them and we can ensure that your child gets the bus to AWH at 3.50pm to attend After School Club (the charge will apply). Please also note that there is no After School Club on the last day of each term.
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Parent parking at THM & AWH – outside school drop off and collection THM:
anyone who isn’t a member of staff or a student, so please don’t ask your children for them or ask a student to let you through into the hall.
Please park in front of the house at THM, unless a school event is taking place with signposted parking or there are students outside at break and lunch times. If the tarmac is out of use during the day, please use the stable courtyard area when it is not in use by coaches (8.15 – 9.00am and 3.00pm – 4.00pm).
If you are visiting (rather than dropping off your child) please sign in at reception and collect a lanyard.
AWH:
Astroturf on both THM and AWH campuses.
At Akeley Wood House there are spaces especially designated for visitor parking adjacent to the main house building, with additional car parking available near to the sports dome. If children are to be picked up from Akeley Wood House, they will wait outside the stable block there. Please follow the one-way system to loop round past the stable block. To keep the traffic moving we ask that parents do not park in this area.
Transport & Coaches
Please take care when driving in the vicinity of the main school buildings and also when entering or leaving the main driveways and observe the signposted speed limits. Visiting & Door Codes Parents, please always use the main entrance doors at each campus and ring the bell for our reception teams to welcome you in.
Please remember to sign out when you leave. If the fire alarm sounds, please go to the astro turf. Fire Assembly Points
A separate information sheet gives full details of the coach journeys and the shuttle bus services between the three campuses. Coaches cannot wait for children who are late. Seat belts must be worn by all students at all times when on the coach. A high standard of behaviour is expected of those travelling by coach. Behaviour on coaches is monitored by cctv and by senior students who act as coach monitors. Please direct all transport related queries and information requests to the transport team: transport@akeleywoodschool.co.uk For safety reasons, students are only permitted to cycle to/from school once a cycle contract has been completed.
For security, we don’t share door codes with
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Attendance Research clearly shows that a child’s attainment is closely linked to their attendance at school. For this reason we monitor all children’s attendance and if this falls below 96% we may contact home to establish if there are any problems or issues on which we can work together. Please be aware that we will look carefully at your child’s attendance when responding to requests for absence. Please note that 96% attendance is the expected minimum. There are also regular rewards for excellent attendance.
Absence ‘go to’ sheet It is very important for us to know if any student is absent from School for all or part of a day, either because they are ill or because you require authorisation for an absence in advance. Please refer to the table below which explains who to contact for which type of absence: Child is unwell and is not able to attend school
The School Receptionists should be informed as early as possible on each day of absence and should be kept updated throughout the absence. If we have not heard from you and your child is absent for morning registration, we will contact home. We ask that, in the case of sickness or diarrhoea, students do not return to school until 48 hours have passed since the last occurrence of symptoms.
Telephone Reception Email Form Tutor - Please copy in Head of Year if more serious/ ongoing
Medical/ Dental Appointments – request in advance
We would appreciate it if, where possible, medical and dental appointments are made outside the school day. We do need to be informed in advance if a student needs to be away from School to go to the doctor, dentist etc. Students leaving the site during the day must sign-out in Reception as they leave, and also sign back-in on return.
Email Reception and please copy in Form Tutor
Medical Absence/ Injury
If your child is scheduled to have ongoing treatment or a procedure or has an injury, please contact your child’s Head of Year and the Welfare Officer, Wendy Delaney, to request a meeting or phone call so that we can discuss support together and ensure the appropriate arrangements and communication can be put into place.
Head of Year & Welfare Officer
Occasional day or half-day’s absence
To make a request for an occasional day’s absence (e.g. funeral) or an early collection/drop off, please e-mail your child’s Head of Year.
Head of Year and Reception
Holidays during Term Time/ Extended Absence
Only in exceptional circumstances will the Principal be willing to authorise the taking of holiday during School time. All requests for extended absence (above one day and not related to medical reasons) should be made in writing to the Principal, Mr Antwis.
Principal, Mr Antwis, using the request form
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Copy in Form Tutor & Reception
Copy in Head of Year
Health, medicines & accidents A student suffering from an infectious condition should not attend School. If a student feels unwell, they should inform a member of staff or prefect straight away who will send them to the medical room. Students will be assessed by a trained first aid officer. If a student is too ill to remain in school, or hospital treatment is necessary, contact with the parent will be made by the school. A log will be kept in school on Meditracker. It is the responsibility of parents to inform the school if a student has a medical condition (including allergies). If any medication needs to be administered at school it should be handed in to first aid room at the start of the day and should be clearly labelled with the student’s name, frequency of administration and dosage. Parents should inform the School Welfare Office immediately of any changes to medication so that we have up to date records. Parents should also inform the School Reception immediately of any changes in contact details, even if on a temporary basis and during times when students are away on school trips. The Welfare Officer will assist where a child has an injury or illness that requires greater support
and management. If, for example, your child has a broken bone or an injury that impacts their mobility, the Welfare Officer will need to assess how your child will be able to move around the school and access their lessons and consider any adjustments, arrangements and support that will be required on a case by case basis.
Catering Students may bring a snack and drink in for morning break. We encourage students to bring in healthy snacks (fruit/cereal bars and not sugary snacks and fizzy drinks) and remind them that these should be eaten outside and not in the building. We do have children in school with serious nut allergies, some airborne, so please do not allow your child to bring nuts or food containing nuts into school. School lunches are cooked on the premises. The menu changes daily and students may choose from a wide range of food, including homemade soup, a super range of hot meals including vegetarian options, jacket potatoes, filled rolls and baguettes, a salad bar, pudding, yogurt and fresh fruit. The menus are displayed on the boards outside of the servery and students are also asked to make suggestions and give feedback. Special dietary requirements can be catered for. Please let us know if you would like to speak with our Catering Manager and we can arrange a discussion.
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Communication Contacting Staff All of our staff are happy to help, but it is helpful for us and for you and your child if communication reaches the member of the team who is best able to assist. Your child’s Form Tutor is your first point of contact regarding any academic or pastoral concerns. Remember, what we know about we can help with, so please do communicate with us. A full list of teachers and tutors can be found on our website. We ask you to keep in mind that staff are teaching and may not get to their e-mails straight away, but will get back to you as soon as they are able, we aim for within 24 hours if initial contact is made during the working week. If you have safeguarding concerns please do not delay or wait to share this information. If you would like to talk anything through or have any questions or concerns, please feel free to book a meeting, arrange a phonecall or send an e-mail. The information below gives some general guidance as to how different members of staff can help.
Form Tutor & Head Of Year
Subject Teacher/Head of Department Subject Teacher • Day to day subject/lesson/homework/ progress related queries or information • Updates, as appropriate Head of Department • Academic concerns which are more serious or on-going • Queries that need to be followed up within their department • cc Heads of Department into e-mails to other staff for their information, as appropriate
SENCO Please do contact the SENCO & Team directly, and cc the SENCO into other correspondence, as appropriate.
Admissions & Marketing Team • All Admissions related matters • Marketing, including articles for newsletters, social media, publications, website etc. To share news with marketing email: news@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
Form Tutor
• Events (please check reply slips for when RSVP’s need to be returned to the event planning team)
• Day to day queries, pastoral or academic concerns, attendance and absence a related information, your child’s achievements
Finance Team
• Updates the Form Tutor should be aware of
Please contact the Finance Team directly for all finance related matters.
• cc them into e mails to other staff for their information, as appropriate
A full staff list and contact details can be found on the School website.
Head of Year • Updates the HOY should be aware of • Concerns that are on-going or more serious • Requests for a planned absence
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Safeguarding Designated Safeguarding (Child Protection) Leads The Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Senior School is Mrs Rebecca Chapman rebecca.chapman@akeleywoodschool.co.uk There are also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads on all campuses. If you have any safeguarding concerns about any child please do not delay in sharing this information. A copy of our Safeguarding policy is on the school website and contains further information and guidance.
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Student Organisation All students are issued with ‘The Green Book’ which contains information and guidance. Students are expected to have their Green Books with them at all times.
General Equipment All text books and exercise books are provided by the School. However, students should have the following equipment, named where possible: • Year 7 & 8 - Fountain pen (blue cartridges) • Set of felt tip pens • Pencils • Protractor • Pencil sharpener • Pair of compasses • Pencil eraser • Scissors • 30cm ruler • Glue stick • Set of pencil crayons • Dictionary • (No tippex) • Thesaurus • Scientific calculator • Appropriate School bag • A pen/biro with green ink
leave observing the school standards in full uniform. Any exceptions would be at the discretion of Extra Curricular or PE staff. • The uniform for PE should be worn to all PE and Games lessons. The relevant uniform should also be worn for all sports fixtures. • Shoes should be flat black leather shoes - no ballet pumps, trainers, canvas shoes, sandals or heels are not permitted. • Hair should be worn up and there should be no make-up in Years 7 and 8. • Hair should be neat and tidy, off the face and only one natural looking colour. There should be no hair accessories that do not match the school uniform in colour/style. Neutral colours are fine. • Kilts are to be to the knee in length. Trousers should be black, school-type with no patch pockets. • Jewellery/Watches. One plain silver/gold stud earring in each earlobe and small wristwatches. No other jewellery is allowed.
School Uniform Policy
• Appropriate clothing should be worn on all school trips and during non-uniform days or school activity days.
The correct wearing of the school uniform is an important school value. Students are to be smart and in correct uniform at all times during the school day. It is also expected that when wearing the uniform outside of school time, for example, on the way to/from school, it should be worn in the same manner.
• When walking around the school, Blazers are to be worn at all times, unless “shirt sleeve order” is declared in very warm weather. Please ensure that every item of clothing and equipment (including footwear) is clearly named.
• The wearing of full school uniform is compulsory. • Clothing should at all times be clean and smart, with shirts neatly tucked in. • Students should always arrive to school and
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Lost Property
School Uniform Shop
Please label ALL items of uniform and equipment (coats, PE kit, pencil cases, shoes etc.) The onus is on students to look after their own belongings and to take responsibility for keeping their own and others’ possessions safe. There are pigeon holes/lockers around the school as well as hooks to hang coats and bags. We ask that all floor space is kept clear and belongings are not left on the floor.
All items of uniform are available online at www. stevensons.co.uk, our school uniform suppliers. Stevensons attend our Information Evening each year.
Lost Property that has been found should be handed to Reception to be stored in the Lost Property Box. If something goes missing we expect the student to have taken responsibility for looking thoroughly and carefully in the bag store areas, their form room and the Lost Property Box before confirming that it has gone missing. This is always the first question we will ask!
In any cases of dispute regarding uniform/ appearance the Head of Year’s decision regarding uniform is final.
Unnamed and unclaimed property in the Lost Property Box will be disposed of after a reasonable period. Please can we reiterate the importance of ensuring all property (including shoes) is named.
A full list of Uniform is printed in this guide. If in doubt the Head of Year should be contacted prior to any purchase to confirm the suitability of any items.
School Uniform All students are encouraged to take pride in their appearance and gain a sense of identity and belonging by wearing the correct school uniform. Please ensure all uniform is correctly and securely named.
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* Must be purchased from Stevensons.
^ Although available at Stevensons can
+ To be purchased at an appropriate
be purchased elsewhere. Uniform
Item
School Dress
store of your choice. Compulsory or Optional
Fitted senior blazer
Compulsory
Standard box fit blazer
Compulsory
School house tie
Compulsory
White long or short sleeved shirt (buttoned to top – no open neck)
Compulsory
Kilt (knee length minimum requirement)
Compulsory
Black regulation school trousers (wide leg over shoes)
Compulsory
Black opaque tights (we recommend that tights are worn in autumn and spring term, however ankle socks can be worn if preferred in summer term) Black socks (which must cover the ankle, trainer socks are not permitted)
Outdoor Learning Kit (Year 7 and 8)
Flat black leather shoes - Ballet pumps, trainers, canvas shoes, sandals or heels are not permitted.
Compulsory
Plain navy blue or black coat (no logos or fur)
Compulsory
Green regulation pullover (V-neck)
Optional
Bottle green scarf
Optional
Purchased From
* * * ^ * ^ ^ ^ + ^ * * * ^ ^
Red windbreaker jacket
Compulsory
Black waterproof trousers
Compulsory
Wellies – can be provided if necessary
Optional
Hockey Netball PE Kit
Green polo shirt
Compulsory for fixtures
*
Each item must be clearly named.
Black games top
Compulsory
Green tracksuit top
Compulsory
Black tracksuit bottoms or Plain black sports leggings/skins.
Compulsory
Green hoody
Optional (advisable)
Base Layer
Optional (advisable)
Black skirt
Compulsory
Akeley sports socks
Compulsory
Sports kit bag
Compulsory
Trainers (for indoor use)
Compulsory
Astro trainers
Compulsory
Plain white PE socks
Compulsory
Shin pads
Compulsory
Hockey stick
Compulsory
Mouthguard
Compulsory
* * * + * ^ * * ^ + + + + + +
Rugby Football PE Kit Each item must be clearly named.
Cricket PE Kit
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* * ^ * * ^ * ^ * * ^ + + + +
Green polo shirt
Compulsory
Black PE shorts
Compulsory
Black rugby shorts
Compulsory
Green tracksuit top
Compulsory
Black tracksuit bottoms
Compulsory
Plain white PE socks
Compulsory
Akeley sports socks
Compulsory
Sports kit bag
Compulsory
Akeley rugby jersey
Compulsory
Green hoody
Optional (advisable)
Plain black base layer or skins
Optional
Studded boots
Compulsory
Mouthguard
Compulsory
Shin pads
Compulsory
Trainers (for indoor use)
Compulsory
Akeley cricket shirt
Optional (Compulsory for fixtures)
*
Akeley cricket trousers
Optional (Compulsory for fixtures)
^
Cricket box
Compulsory
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School Uniform APPOINTMENTS NOW LIVE! Appointments NOW LIVE
To keep both our staff and customers safe, our branches will be operating on an appointment only basis this summer. Appointments are recommended for new starters only and can now be booked online for an instore fitting. To help schools and their parents we have allocated a recommended appointment window for your school, which is Monday 22nd June until Sunday 28th June. Please, where possible, book during this window. Our online store will be operating as normal but we highly recommend new starters visit our branch. Online orders must be placed by July 17th for new starters.
Keeping you updated
With the current lockdown, retail restrictions and social distancing likely to have a significant impact in the flow of customers through our retail branches over the summer, we are having to revise our operations to maintain a smooth customer service experience. So we can update you on these changes it is important that we ask you register on our website so we can communicate these once we are in a position to reopen.
Unrivalled 120 day returns policy
Our industry-leading 120 day returns policy means you can purchase now and still be able to exchange unused garments if your child has a sudden growth spurt before the start of school.
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Open Days We have a number of Saturday Open Days and Meet the Head events throughout the year. Prefects and Scholars are expected to assist with these, and any student is welcome to volunteer and contribute. Please see the website for dates, and information will be sent home as necessary.
School Website, Publications & Social Media The school regularly shares news of the activities of the school in the Newsletter, the News section of our website and Social Media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Unless you have indicated on our Photo Permissions Form that you do not give permission for your child’s photo to be used in school on and off-line communications, we may include your child in our publications. We are also always interested to hear of student’s activities and achievements outside of school – please do email us with any news you would be happy to have shared. The e-mail address for sharing this information is: news@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
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Day to Day Life House System The School operates a House system to give all students the opportunity for healthy competition. The four Houses are Hillcrest, Pilgrim, Stuart, and Thompson; the names are all connected with the School’s history. All students and teaching staff are allocated to a House. Siblings are placed in the same House. If your child has a House allegiance that we might be unaware of (e.g. from a parent/other family member) please do let us know. House matches are played in the major sports, and there are House Competitions and events. A House Trophy is awarded annually for the House which has been most successful overall.
Prefects Student leadership is an important experience and we encourage students in Year 8 upwards to make the most of this opportunity to assist with the leadership of Akeley Wood School. A number of students are appointed as Prefects and House Captains. From the prefect body, Heads of School at each of our Senior School Campuses are elected together with students to act as ambassadors and take on other specific leadership roles.
Enriched Curriculum (EC) on Friday Afternoons Once a week, on a Friday afternoon, students across all years have the opportunity to develop new interests by selecting an Enriched Curriculum option. The programme is designed to enable students to develop a range of skills, encounter new challenges and enhance their talents. The vast majority of activities are available to students in all years and provide a good opportunity for them to work in mixed age groups across both THM and AWH. The activities take place at THM, AWH and offsite, so there may be the need to make alternative pick-up arrangements and some off-site activities involve a cost. Enriched Curriculum choices are made by students using an on-line system following a launch assembly each term. Full information is shared regarding this by the member of staff who oversees EC.
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If students are participating in a specialist EC activity (e.g. horseriding or skiing) they will need to get changed at THM at lunchtime on a Friday (meeting in the Hall to be escorted to the Dome at the allocated time). They will need to remember to take their uniform with them when they leave for EC. Please check the information about EC sent home carefully so that you note the start/finish dates of the curriculum and any details regarding additional charges/ pick up arrangements. Buses run between THM and AWH and to external providers (eg. Wakeboarding). Students need to be collected from the site or location where their EC activity takes place (or take the shuttle to/from AWH/THM)
School Trips & Residentials There are numerous trips on offer throughout the year. From residential trips, sports tours, ski trips, volunteering work, to subject-related day trips and Enriched Curriculum activities which take place off site. For each trip a letter is sent home to parents with full information about the trips and the letter will list the Trip Leader, who will be able to respond to any queries. For all residential trips, there will be a parent and student trip information evening scheduled too
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so that the Trip Leader can present more detailed information and you have an opportunity to ask any questions.
Clubs A Clubs and Activities Timetable showing students the variety of opportunities during lunchtimes and after school is issued each term.
Rewards & Sanctions House points are issued by subject teachers/ Form Tutors for effort and attainment above and beyond normal expectations. Praise Postcards are issued for exceptional endeavor, both academic and community contributions can be rewarded, students also receive 5 house points per postcard. We celebrate students’ many successes regularly throughout the year in class, form time, assemblies and at awards events and celebrations. Please see the Celebration & Conduct Policy for further information. In line with the policy, students may be given a detention to follow up with an infringement of the school rules and expectations. C1 - minor infringement may result in detention during Break/Lunch, a detention with a Head of Year at lunchtime for a more serious matter – C2 or a Senior Leadership Team Detention from 4.00pm – 5.00pm after school on a Friday. 48 hours’ notice
will be given if an SLT Detention is given. Details of the school’s conduct expectations can be found in the Green Book and on the school website. More serious incidents – C4 may result in an internal or external suspension or permanent exclusion – please see the behaviour and exclusion policies on the school website.
Music Lessons Music forms an important part of life at Akeley Wood School and there are many lunchtime groups providing opportunities for children to broaden their musical education. In addition to class and extra-curricular music, we are able to offer individual instrumental tuition (Piano, Strings, Drums, Woodwind, Brass, Guitar, Voice). Arrangements should be made with the Head of Peripatetic Music. A full half term’s notice is required if lessons are no longer required These are open to all students, but we expect students who are learning an instrument to attend at least one ensemble. If you have questions about Music or about instrumental tuition, please contact: Head of Peripatetic Music: natasha.cuin@akeleywoodschool.co.uk Head of Performing Arts & Director of Music: christopher.powell@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
Drama & LAMDA Outside of the curriculum, there are numerous opportunities for students to join Drama clubs and audition and participate in school productions, both on-stage and backstage. Letters are sent home from the Performing Arts team about opportunities, auditions and productions, including details about rehearsals and ticketing for performances – there is a large number of extremely high quality productions throughout the year. LAMDA Drama lessons are run on an individual or paired basis, and students work towards the LAMDA acting examinations. If you would like your son/daughter to be involved, please contact Reception and information will be sent to you.
If your child decides to withdraw from LAMDA lessons, a term’s written notice is required. If you have any questions please contact Mr Keegan, Director of Drama: lance.keegan@akeleywoodschool.co.uk
Sports Fixtures – Selection & Arrangements There are numerous fixtures in the calendar and we are proud of our sporting commitment and success. All fixtures and training sessions are organized centrally by the PE Department. Please direct all Sport & PE related questions in the first instance directly to the PE Department (not to Reception). If a child is selected for a match, the team sheet is emailed to the parent and a copy pinned to the noticeboard in school. Students are to confirm their attendance by either ticking or crossing the team sheet on the sports board. It is expected that if a student is unable to play in a match for any reason that parents email the teacher in charge to inform them of their absence. Those selected for School matches are expected to make themselves available to play, both on School days and at the weekend. School matches should take precedent over any club commitments. Travel to away matches is usually, but not always by coach, for we encourage parents to transport and support their children at matches which take place at weekends. Parents are warmly invited to watch both Home and Away fixtures. Please check the arrangements for the collection of your child after fixtures carefully.
Sports Changing PE bags are bulky – as far as possible, please only bring in PE bags on days they are needed. Students will be allocated an area to store their PE bags. Students will usually get changed at the start and end of a PE lesson, unless instructed otherwise by PE staff (depending on the timetable). Students playing in matches will need to get changed at the end of lunch if the fixture is in
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the afternoon. Please note that students are not permitted to go to the Sports Dome without an adult present, and they will need to meet the member of staff prior to the fixture at the allotted time in the Hall at the allotted time to go over to get changed. Students must wear tracksuit bottoms or skins under shorts/skirts in school prior to leaving for the fixture.
Off-Games Notes If a student is genuinely unable to take outdoor exercise, parents are asked to send a dated note to the Games teacher asking for the student to be excused from Games and giving the reason. For ongoing complaints, a regular update would be appreciated, and for chronic conditions a Doctor’s note is appreciated. Students are required to bring in and wear their PE kit so that they can officiate games or still take leadership roles (coaching), neither of which necessarily requires mobility.
Contact Sports
Mouth Guards As you may be aware, the governing bodies of rugby, hockey and lacrosse whose schools’ International players are required to wear mouthguards, strongly recommend the wearing of custom fitting mouth-guards at all levels. The school policy is now for all students to have a mouth-guard for rugby and hockey. We have asked OPRO, the dental organisation that specialises in mouth-guards, to visit the school and to give everyone, including wearers of fixed braces, the opportunity to have a dentally fitted mouth-guard at a reasonable cost. OPRO now visits a very substantial number of schools, and provides the following service; • A qualified dental professional to take the impression. • A CE approved individually named mouthguard. • School name in mouth-guard.
Contact sports are part of the School curriculum at Akeley Wood, as at nearly all other schools. All sports are played within the guidelines laid down by the relevant governing bodies. The School is, of course, fully insured, but students are not covered for personal accident. The safety of the students is our first priority. However, notwithstanding every effort on our part, sports do involve some element of risk of injury of which parents should be aware.
• Mouth-guard returned to the school usually within a week.
Parents have the right, after discussion with the Principal, to withdraw their child from contact sports, but no alternative sport is offered. If, as we hope, parents choose to allow their child to engage in contact sports, we ask for their help in making the activities as safe as we reasonably can. Please note the kit requirements set out below.
Please order your child’s mouth-guard online at www.opro.com to see the full range of designs available. Orders can be accepted online, by phone or post. In all cases please deal directly with OPRO and not the school.
Checks are made of both teams before all home inter-School matches and we would expect referees at away matches to do this as well. At Akeley Wood, checks are made at the start of each term and periodic random checks continue throughout the season. However, the School cannot undertake to check every child’s kit before every Games lesson, and primary responsibility for ensuring that children are properly kitted for relevant sports must remain with parents.
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• A prompt replacement in case of loss (OPRO keep the model). • A comprehensive aftercare service • A dental accident warranty for 12 months OPRO visit the school to undertake mouth-guard fittings each September.
Whilst we are able to take order forms on the day of the fitting, this does cause inconvenience and may delay the delivery of the mouthguards, so can we urge you to order as soon as possible. If your child already has a mouth-guard, please check if it fits. Your child’s growth can prejudice the fitting and effectiveness of a mouth-guard.
Forbidden Items & Substances
Social Media
For the purposes of clarity, the following are not allowed in School under any circumstances: aerosols, chewing gum, cigarettes, lighters, electronic cigarettes/vaping equipment, matches, alcohol, knives.
Social media is a fact of modern life and offers many positive aspects. However, there are dangers as well and we address these regularly with students at several points of the year. They are a specific part of the ICT/Computing and Life Learning curriculum.
The possession or use of illegal drugs on the School premises or during School activities should be expected to result in immediate and permanent exclusion from School.
Personal Property & Insurance Neither large amounts of money nor valuable possessions should be brought to School. The School’s insurance policy does not cover students either for personal property brought onto the School premises (including such items as musical instruments and lap-top computers or iPads/iPhones/Apple Watches) or for personal accident. Parents are advised to arrange their own insurance cover.
Mobile Phones Students may bring phones to school and keep them with them during the day. However, they must be switched off by arrival and must not be switched on or used at any time during the school day unless given express consent by a member of staff. This includes Break and Lunch. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in sanctions/ confiscation of device.
One of the biggest challenges is the use of social media outside the school day. A number of problems have been caused in school by the use of social media in the evenings and at weekends. Most social media apps are designed to be used by those over the age of 13 and we would ask parents to consider very carefully whether their child uses apps such as Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp etc. at all during Years 7 and 8. We believe that ‘down-time’ from school is very important and that this is extremely difficult for children to manage if they are constantly messaging each other. It is all too easy for situations to escalate or for unkind comments to be made at the ‘click of a button’. We would ask for your support in talking to your child about the issues surrounding social media as well as regularly monitoring their usage. Activity that causes hurt or distress to another student may be addressed by the school behaviour policy, even if that activity happens outside school hours. Issues surrounding social media are rapidly changing and a number of websites provide useful information for parents and children. These include: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/ young-people/resources-11-19s https://www.childnet.com/young-people/ secondary/need-help https://www.bullying.co.uk/cyberbullying/
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Cognita Connect
Student Email Address
Cognita Connect is our new parent portal app, dedicated to transform the communication between us in school, and you as parents. The app is designed to bring you closer to your child’s learning experience, giving you 24-hour access to personalised news and information via your mobile, tablet or desktop advice. Through a targeted newsfeed, tailored notification and smart calendar, Cognita Connect allows you to manage important information about our students’ progress in a familiar, digital experience and keeps you up to date with latest news and events.
All students are issued with a school email address and this should always be the only email address used if they ever need to contact a teacher. Teachers are not permitted to respond to any other student email address.
Other key features:
Year 7 and 8 students will sit exams in the majority of their subjects in the last half-term of the Summer Term. This examination week is just one of the ways that we assess progress during the year, but also helps students to gradually get used to having a period of examinations and developing revision and exam technique, as they
• View letters and give trip permissions • M ake payments for trips, clubs and wraparound care* – from September • View achievements* - from January • Access school reports* - from January • See timetables • Book parents evening slots* – from September • C omplete online forms e.g. Change of address, medical information In order to keep things streamlined, all other learning platforms will be accessible via Cognita Connect, including Firefly and any online learning resources for homework. Launching June 2020, parents will each have their own individual logins to the app and once registered, it will include everything you need under one roof.
Homework Homework is set each evening in line with the Homework Timetable created for each year group. We will be sharing strategies to support your child with adapting to managing their homework in Year 7 at the start of the year. In the unlikely event that homework cannot be completed in the allocated time, parents, please send an email to the class teacher. forname.surname@akeleywoodschool.co.uk Homework Club runs every lunchtime at THM. Students should sign up on the clipboard in the Hall earlier in the day and have an early lunch, if they wish to attend.
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Assessment & Reporting Homework Assessment and Reporting Students are assessed at a number of points during the year; this includes an ‘Exam Week’ in the Summer Term.
will need to be able to do when they take their GCSEs. When students arrive at AWH they take a YELLIS test. This gives us a baseline figure for us to project their grades for GCSE. Against this baseline we set a challenge target for every child so that they are stretched and motivated to go above and beyond what they feel is possible. There is continuous assessment and regular tests show how they are performing against both this baseline and challenge target. Where needed, intervention, which can involve additional support or projects for both the most able and those struggling, 1:1 tuition and mentoring is put in place. Teachers regularly engage their classes in low stakes testing – mini tests on recent class learning to enable staff to have an up-to-date view of student progress. Students are supported by preparation in lessons and by targeted homework. In addition a Revision Guide is issued in well advance of the examination week, containing revision lists for all subjects as well as revision strategies and activities.
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Akeley Wood Senior School Tile House Mansion Campus Lillingstone Dayrell, MK18 5AN Tel: 01280 860 182 Akeley Wood House Campus Bycell Road, Buckingham, MK18 5AE Tel: 01280 814 110
www.akeleywoodschool.co.uk