Wells Junior School Handbook by Wells Cathedral School

Junior School Handbook

Bags Boarders Change of address

Choristers Clothing Complaints

Absence from School

Appearance

If your child is unable to come to school due to illness, injury, doctor/hospital/dental appointment please either complete the Absence Form on the School Portal or email Sam Fear at Junior School Reception (s.fear@wells. cathedral.school) and copy this to your child’s Form Teacher or ring Junior School Reception (01749 834400) to inform us of the situation before 10.00a.m.

We encourage all pupils to take pride in their appearance and we appreciate parental support with the following:

Authorised Absence

• •

Any other absence must be submitted in writing to the Head of the Junior School and authorised.

Academic: A Rich Curriculum Our Junior School offers a challenging and creative curriculum to inspire our pupils to become problemsolvers and to take risks from early in their school careers. All pupils are encouraged to develop teamwork and leadership skills, make friends and have fun.

Activities & Co-curricular Clubs * The School has a great number and variety of cocurricular clubs and activities on offer to strengthen life beyond the classroom both at lunchtime and after school. A new list is published each term and children/ parents sign up using the School Cloud system. Parents are informed of the clubs on offer and this also appears in the School Portal. Pre-Prep children also have a list that is published each term, information and signing up is communicated through the Form Teacher.

•

children should be smartly dressed at all times, wearing either the skirt/trouser uniform or sports kit. children are allowed to wear badges awarded by the school but no other jewellery. Watches and plain gold or silver stud type earrings may be worn but must be removed/or covered for all sport. only navy blue hair accessories should be worn and long hair should be tied back.

Assessment (Attainment and Effort) Attded grades for effort in each subject.

These range from 5 (excellent) to 1 (cause for concern) and indicate effort (application, enthusiasm, character strengths) rather than attainment. The criteria for each grade is found inside pupils’ Prep Planners.

2021 - 2022

Bags Boarders Change of address

Beliefs

• • • • • • • •

Enabling pupils to strive for excellence by developing academic, musical, sporting, artistic and personal potential individually and in the community. Inspiring pupils to live with integrity and social responsibility, upholding our Christian tradition, welcoming other faiths and promoting mental, physical and spiritual well being. Creating an adventurous, enjoyable environment that inspires confident, questioning, successful learning for life. Nurturing leadership and teamwork through a rigorous, competitive, yet supportive and accepting climate throughout the school. Developing international class musicians within a varied and vibrant education and encouraging all pupils to experience music. Living and learning within the heritage, mystery and wonder of the historic Wells environment Communicating and celebrating personal and community achievement. Playing a creative and influential part in the formation of national policy in education and music education.

Focus Inspire success

Choristers Clothing Complaints

Table of Contents 4

Introduction

Key Information

Term Dates

School Map

Our Code of Conduct

Beliefs and Focus

A-Z

Absence, Academic, Activities and Clubs, Appearance and Assessment

Bags, Boarders, Change of address, Choristers and Clothing

Clothing List: Nursery

Clothing List: Sports Kit (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

Clothing Lists: Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

Clothing Lists: Years 3-6

Clothing Lists: Sport Kit (Years 3-6)

Complaints and Communication with Parents

Contacting the School, Covid-19, Exeat Weekends, Forms and Food

Form Structure and Form Teaching

Homework (Prep), Insurance and Key Events

Leadership Opportunities, Leaving School and Lost Property

Medical Problems, Money and Music Lessons

Parking and Buses and Pastoral and Well-being

Parent Partnerships, Parents’ Association, Performing Arts and Planners

Rewards and Sanctions

School Day

Sport

Transition to Senior School and Trips

Checklist 3

Introduction

Bags Boarders Change of address

Wells Cathedral School is recognised around the world as a centre of excellence for music within a high achieving 2 - 18 co-educational day and boarding school situated in Somerset. Our dream is to provide an inspiring education in a musically alive and beautiful environment as a brilliant foundation for life. Our school motto tells pupils to ‘be what you are’ (esto quod es), and its fundamental belief combined with our dream creates the vibrant environment which makes up Wells Cathedral School.

4 4

Choristers Clothing Complaints

As we look to the future we believe in the importance of providing a high quality musical experience for all, wherever they are on their personal musical journeys. Music has the power to enrich educational development across all areas of school life, in whatever way pupils choose to engage with it, whether as a consumer, composer or performer.

Key Information Address: Wells Cathedral Junior School Jocelyn House 11 The Liberty Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST Tel:

01749 834400

Fax:

01749 834401

Email:

juniorschool@wells.cathedral.school

Website:

http://wells.cathedral.school

School Portal:

https://portal.wells.cathedral.school (This is our parent website to keep you up-to-date with all that is happening within the School.)

Head:

Mr Jody Wells (from September 2021)

Policies Policies can be accessed from our website https://wells.cathedral.school/policies. They are, amongst others: Admissions Anti-Bullying Behaviour Management Child Protection and Safeguarding Complaints Curriculum Educational Visits eSafety First Aid

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Health and Safety Privacy Notice PSHE Scheme of Work - Junior School Learning Support and SEND Remissions

Chair of Governors: The Dean of Wells c/o Wells Cathedral School The Liberty Wells, BA5 2ST

Term Dates We divide our academic year into six short Terms, each of which is separated by either a half term break or School holiday. These are Michaelmas/Advent Terms, Epiphany/Lent Terms and Whitsun/Trinity Terms. Our future Term Dates can be found on our website: https://wells.cathedral.school/term-dates

2021/2022 Dates Michaelmas Term 2021

Lent Term 2022

New Staff Induction Day Monday 30 August Staff Training (INSET) Day Tuesday 31 August and Wednesday 1 September New Pupils’ Day Thursday 2 September Boarders return Thursday 2 September (by 7.00pm) Term begins Friday 3 September (morning registration) Full Exeat Friday 24 (4.00pm) – Sunday 26 September (by 7.00pm) Term ends Friday 15 October (4.00pm) Boarders leave Saturday 16 October (by 9.30am)

Boarders return Sunday 20 February (by 7.00pm) Term begins Monday 21 February (morning registration) Full Exeat Friday 11 (4.00pm) – Sunday 13 March (by 7.00pm) Term ends and Boarders leave Friday 1 April (11.30am)

Advent Term 2021 Boarders return Sunday 31 October (by 7.00pm) Term begins Monday 1 November (morning registration) Full Exeat Friday 19 (4.00pm) – Sunday 21 November (by 7.00pm) Term ends and Boarders leave Friday 10 December (11.30am)

Whitsun Term 2022 Staff Training (INSET) Day Monday 25 April Boarders return Monday 25 April (by 7.00pm) Term begins Tuesday 26 April (morning registration) Term ends Friday 27 May (4.00pm) Boarders leave Saturday 28 May (by 9.30am)

Trinity Term 2022 Boarders return Sunday 5 June (by 7.00pm) Term begins Monday 6 June (morning registration) Term ends and Boarders leave Friday 1 July (Senior School 12.15pm)

Epiphany Term 2022 Staff Training (INSET) Day Tuesday 4 January Boarders return Tuesday 4 January (by 7.00pm) Term begins Wednesday 5 January (morning registration) Full Exeat Friday 21 (4pm) – Sunday 23 January (by 7.00pm) Term ends Friday 11 February (4.00pm) Boarders leave Saturday 12 February (by 9.30am)

Little Wellies Nursery Opening Dates Please note: Little Wellies is open for 50 weeks all year round (except Bank Holidays, the last week of August and Christmas week).

Terms Dates 2021/2022 Academic Calendar2021/2022 Academic Year Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su

August/September 2021 A B A B 30 6 13 20 27 31 7 14 21 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26

Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su

Key:

A 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

December 2021 B 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22 9 16 23 10 17 24 11 18 25 12 19 26 March 2022 B A B 7 14 1 8 15 2 9 16 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20

June 2022 B A B 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22 9 16 23 10 17 24 11 18 25 12 19 26

Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su

27 28 29 30 31 A 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 A 27 28 29 30

B 28 29 30 31

1 2 3

Week M Tu W Th F Sa 1 Su 2 Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su

October 2021 A B 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22 9 16 23 10 17 24 January 2022 A B A 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22 9 16 23 April 2022

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

July 2022

School Holiday

Term time

Bank Holiday

Boarders return

Christmas Day Bank Holiday Boxing Day Bank Holiday New Year’s Day Holiday Good Friday

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 B 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su A 31

Week M Tu W Th F Sa Su

1 2 3 4 5 6

A 25 26 27 28 29 30

Week A M Tu W Th F Sa Su 1

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

M Tu W Th F Sa Su

B 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

May 2022 B A B 2* 9 16 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22

A 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

February 2022 B A 7 14 21 8 15 22 9 16 23 10 17 24 11 18 25 12 19 26 13 20 27

August 2022 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

A 29 30

B 28

30 31

29 30 31

* 2nd May 2022 – the School will be open for a normal Monday on this Bank Holiday

Bank and public holidays 2021/2022

27 December 2021 28 December 2021 03 January 2022 16 April 2022

November 2021 A B A 1 8 15 2 9 16 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20 7 14 21

Easter Monday May Day Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Summer Bank Holiday

18 April 2022 02 May 2022* 30 May 2022 29 August 2022 7

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We s ton-s up er-M are Che dda r G las tonbu ry Stre e t

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ion

Developing international class musicians within a varied and vibrant education and encouraging all pupils to experience music. Living and learning within the heritage, mystery and wonder of the historic Wells environment Communicating and celebrating personal and community achievement. Playing a creative and influential part in the formation of national policy in education and music education. A

Inspire success C

Focus EG

8 l

Bekynton

St Th om as C h urch

Sports Pavilion Cedars Hall Edwards House Plumptre House

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Brock House No 8 New Street Haversham House Shrewsbury House 26 Vicars’ Close 34 Music School (including Quilter Hall)

29 30 31 32 33

Thomas Lecture Room) 27 Junior School Pre Prep 28 Junior School Nursery

22 Sixth Form Centre (including Wellensian Room) 23 Drama Studio 24 Dance Studio 25 Dining Hall 26 Science (including Peter

20 Library 21 Bursary

14 15 16 17 18 19

Claver Morris House De Salis House Plumptre Courts Swimming Pool Sports Hall Cook Building

Polydor The Coach House Mullins Ritchie House Beaumont House

3 4

Cedars (including the Head Master’s Office & Reception) Jocelyn (including Junior School reception) St Andrew's House Ritchie Hall

onsti tut

• • • • O

• •

•

Beliefs

OLD BRISTOL ROAD

School Map

Our Code of Conduct “Esto Quod Es” – Be What You Are

“Let Me Know” Box (Years 3-6)

As members of the School we expect the children to:

Each form has a “Let me know” box on the teacher’s desk. This is just a place your child can drop a note about anything he or she might want to let their form teacher know, such as something they have achieved or something they are concerned about. Their teacher will speak to him or her at a time which is easy for both of them. This can be a very good way of being helpful.

• • • • • •

be helpful to other children in their class and in the School as a whole be encouraging in what they say – help others to feel good about themselves be courteous in the way they conduct yourself take time to talk to someone if they are looking sad let a teacher know if they see a child upsetting another child make the School a friendly place for everyone.

Encourage your child to talk to any teacher and explain if something is bothering them. All teachers are here to help the pupils enjoy their time in School.

Our Three Bees (Pre-Prep)

• • •

‘Bee’ Ready ‘Bee’ Responsible ‘Bee’ Respectful

Beliefs and Focus Beliefs

• • • • • • • •

Enabling pupils to strive for excellence by developing academic, musical, sporting, artistic and personal potential individually and in the community. Inspiring pupils to live with integrity and social responsibility, upholding our Christian tradition, welcoming other faiths and promoting mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Creating an adventurous, enjoyable environment that inspires confident, questioning, successful learning for life. Nurturing leadership and teamwork through a rigorous, competitive, yet supportive and accepting climate throughout the School. Developing international class musicians within a varied and vibrant education and encouraging all pupils to experience music. Living and learning within the heritage, mystery and wonder of the historic Wells environment. Communicating and celebrating personal and community achievement. Playing a creative and influential part in the formation of national policy in education and music education.

Focus Inspire success

Absence Academic Activities and Clubs

Appearance Assessment

A-Z: A

Absence From School

Appearance

If your child is unable to come to School due to illness, injury or an appointment (doctor/hospital/dental), please either complete the Absence Form on the School Portal (https://portal.wells.cathedral.school/showme/ absence-form) or email Sam Fear at Junior School Reception (s.fear@wells.cathedral.school) and copy this to your child’s Form Teacher or ring the Junior School Reception (01749 834400) to inform us of the situation before 10.00am.

We encourage all pupils to take pride in their appearance, and we appreciate parental support with the following:

• •

Authorised Absence Any other absence must be submitted in writing to the Head of the Junior School and authorised.

•

Children should be smartly dressed at all times, wearing either the skirt/trouser uniform or sports kit. Children are allowed to wear badges awarded by the School but no other jewellery. Watches and plain gold or silver stud type earrings may be worn but must be either removed or covered for all sport. Long hair should be tied back. If worn, hair accessories should be navy blue.

Activities and Co-curricular Clubs The School has a great number and variety of co-curricular clubs and activities on offer to strengthen life beyond the classroom both at lunchtime and after school. A new list is emailed to parents each term. Year 3-6 parents sign up using the School Cloud system; Pre-Prep parents sign up via their Form Teacher or an online form.

Assessment (Attainment and Effort) Attainment Tests Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. Our assessments are rigorous and robust and provide formative, summative and diagnostic feedback. Formative assessment takes place in our daily teaching and informs short term planning. Summative assessment also takes place during the academic year. Results are analysed carefully and used to track pupils’ progress, inform planning, and allocate pupils to sets in maths. We also track progress both for individuals and cohorts which allows us to ensure that pupils are challenged and supported appropriately. Results from attainment tests are reported back to parents either at Parent’s Consultation Evenings or in written reports.

Effort Grades Each term, pupils in Years 3-6 are awarded grades for effort in each subject. These range from 5 (excellent) to 1 (cause for concern) and indicate effort (application, enthusiasm, character strengths) rather than attainment. The criteria for each grade is found inside pupils’ Prep Planners.

A-Z: B-C

Bags Boarders Change of address

Choristers Clothing

Bags

Clothing

Books and folders should be kept in the School bag, only available from South West Schoolwear, so that they do not get damaged. Please ensure they are named clearly. Pupils also find it helpful to customise their bag with a keyring or similar to help them identify it.

We try to make our uniform as affordable as possible whilst ensuring our pupils look smart and clearly

The School games bag, only obtainable from South West Schoolwear, must be used for sports kit, but please mark your child’s name clearly on the outside. Pupils also find it helpful to customise their bag with a keyring or similar to help them identify it.

South West Schoolwear

Boarders We have a wonderful dedicated co-educational Prep School Boarding House, Claver Morris for Years 4-8. We are able to offer full, weekly and occasional boarding. Please see our Boarding Handbook on our website: https://wells.cathedral.school/joining-us

Change of Address It is important that the school knows of any change of address, telephone number and email address immediately. Please inform our Junior School PA Sam Fear (s.fear@wells.cathedral.school) by email. You can also amend your details directly on the School Portal.

Choristers Choristers play a significant role in the Junior School. Pupils can start as a Probationer Chorister in Year 4 but we also consider early auditions at Year 3 for PreProbationers. Mrs Armstrong is the pastoral carer for the choristers and she liaises with families, the School and Wells Cathedral on a constant basis. Chorister parents are issued with a Chorister Handbook and Calendar via the Cathedral Office. Pupils can experience chorister life at ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ and auditions are held during the year. If you would like to learn more about your son or daughter becoming a chorister, please let us know.

represent our School community.

Purchasing Clothing Some items of our uniform must be purchased at South West Schoolwear, located at 23 Broad Street, Wells, BA5 2DJ. Please see our clothing lists for details on what needs to be purchased there. Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 9.00am - 5.00pm Tel: 01749 670000 Website (including prices): https://www.swschoolwear.co.uk

Second-hand Clothing Sales Our Parents’ Association also hold regular second-hand clothing sales, usually at the same time as pre-season sports training. There are opportunities to buy and to sell second-hand uniform.

Other Shops Some items of clothing can be purchased elsewhere. Please see our Clothing Lists key for details.

Naming Clothing All clothing, including socks and shoes, should be named clearly so that we can promptly return items which have been mislaid. Name tapes may be ordered from the shop.

Clothing Lists Key For the following clothing lists, please note that: * Articles marked thus must be obtained from South West Schoolwear or from the PA second-hand sale. ^ Articles marked thus are available from South West

Schoolwear, elsewhere or the PA second-hand sale. Unmarked articles cannot be purchased at South West Schoolwear.

Clothing List: Nursery Clothing List: Sports Kit (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

Clothing List: Nursery Nursery Uniform Item

Notes

Navy sweatshirt

With logo

Pale blue polo shirt

With logo

School style skirt, pinafore or trousers

Clothing List: Sports Kit (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) Sports Kit Item

Notes

Navy sweatshirt

With logo

Navy

White polo shirt

With logo

Socks or tights

Navy

School tracksuit bottoms

Navy

Black shoes

Velcro fastening

^ ^

Navy sports shorts

Not skorts

Socks

Navy

Whitsun, Trinity and Michaelmas terms (optional)

A-Z: C

Blue and white summer dress or dark shorts with a pale blue polo shirt (Little Wellies logo)

Instead of long cord trousers

White socks

Trainers

Black daps

In addition to trainers

^ *

Drawstring bag

For daps

Small sports bag

With logo

School swimming costume or trunks

Also goggles, towel and swim hat (for long hair only)

Outdoor clothing required

Waterproofs

Trousers and top

Wellingtons

To be left in School

Spare socks Hat/scarf/gloves

Sun hat

Sports kit and spare clothes (to be left in Nursery) Trainers

Velcro in bag

Tracksuit trousers

Dark

Spare socks/ underwear and t-shirt

Please supply a complete change of clothes for your child (nonuniform but School colours)

Clothing Lists: Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

A-Z: C

Clothing Lists: Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) Skirt and Trouser Uniform

Trouser Uniform Item

Notes

Item

Notes

Navy blue School woollen sweater

V-neck with School crest

Smart black shoes

Plain and flat

Shirts

Blue and white striped

School coat

And/or navy waterproof coat

School tie

Elastic option for Reception only

Long navy cord trousers

School scarf

Socks

If worn, the scarf must either be the School scarf or plain navy blue (available elsewhere)

School woollen hat with School crest

If worn, the hat must either be the School hat or a plain navy blue (available elsewhere)

* ^ *

Art overall

* *

Navy cord shorts

Instead of long cord trousers

Mid blue polo shirt

With School crest

Skirt Uniform

Notes

School fleece

With School crest

Shirts

Blue and white striped with rounded collar

Navy cord pinafore

Navy knee length socks/navy tights

School summer dress

White socks

Navy gloves School bag Wellingtons

To be left at School

Old clothing

Years 1/2 only for Forest School (we will advise)

Waterproofs (trousers and top)

All year round Reception only

Spare socks In cold weather

Whitsun, Trinity and Michaelmas terms (optional)

Short, navy

Whitsun, Trinity and Michaelmas terms (optional)

Item

Hair accessories

If worn, must be navy blue

Sun hat

White or navy blue

A blazer is NOT required for Pre-Prep.

Clothing Lists: Years 3-6

A-Z: C

Clothing Lists: Years 3-6 Trouser Uniform Item

Notes

Michaelmas/Advent/Epiphany & Lent terms

School tie

Navy blue cord trousers

Navy blue sweater

Shirts

Socks

With School crest

Item

Blue and white striped Short and navy

Navy blue polo shirt

With School crest

Cord shorts

Navy blue

School blazer

School coat

And/or navy waterproof coat

Smart black shoes

Plain and flat

Black daps/trainers

For drama and dance

Name tapes

For clothes and shoes

Art overall

School scarf

If worn, the scarf must either be the School scarf or plain navy blue (available elsewhere)

School woollen hat with School crest

If worn, the hat must either be the School hat or a plain navy blue (available elsewhere)

Gloves

If worn, must be plain navy blue

Baseball cap

If worn, must be navy (Whitsun, Trinity and Michaelmas only)

Hair accessories

If worn, must be navy blue

School rucksack

With shoulder straps and handle

Pupils will be expected to wear shirt and ties for formal occasions

Skirt Uniform Item

Notes

Michaelmas/Advent/Epiphany & Lent terms

* * *

Navy cord skirt Navy blue sweater

With School crest

Shirts

Blue and white striped with rounded collar

Navy blue tights or navy blue knee length socks

Tights must be 40 denier minimum

Whitsun, Trinity and Michaelmas terms (optional)

School summer dress/skirts, blouses

White ankle socks

Notes

With School crest

Whitsun, Trinity and Michaelmas terms (optional)

* *

Skirt and Trouser Uniform

Not trainer socks

Clothing Lists: Sports Kit (Years 3-6)

A-Z: C Clothing Lists: Sports Kit (Years 3-6) Girls Sports Kit (Years 3-6) Item

Notes

School sports bag

Named clearly on the outside; the size is parental choice

Skort

Navy blue

Navy blue base layer leggings to wear with skort

Optional

Navy School skin

(Optional

White polo shirt

Boys Sports Kit (Years 3-6) Item

Notes

School sports bag

Named clearly on the outside; the size is parental choice

Rugby shorts

Navy blue

Pair of studded boots

(approved safety studs)

School rugby shirt

With School crest

Matching School tracksuit bottoms and top

With School crest

Custom fitted gum shield

Fitted by a dentist; for hockey

* *

Navy School skin

Optional

Games socks

School colours

Shin pads

For hockey

School tracksuit bottoms and top

With School crest

Custom fitted gum shield

Fitted by a dentist; for rugby and hockey

Long games socks

School colours for hockey

Shin pads

For Hockey

White polo shirt

With School crest

White shorts

For PE

Outdoor trainers

For astroturf, cricket and athletics

Baseball cap

Navy blue

School swimming shorts

Also goggles, towel and swim hat (for long hair only)

Cricket trousers

White cricket sweater

* * ^

Pair of trainers

Towel

White ankle socks

Not trainer type socks; for gym, netball and summer games

School swimming costume

Also goggles, towel and swim hat (for long hair only)

Sports gloves

Optional

* *

School colours

Protective cricket box Navy blue base layer leggings

Optional

Complaints Communication With Parents

Complaints If there are any matters about which you feel strongly, please contact the Head and let him know your concerns as it is important that the School is aware of problems. Our Complaints Policy is available on our website: https://wells.cathedral.school/policies.

Communication With Parents White Calendar A calendar is issued to parents at the beginning of the school term. This contains the main events for both the Junior School and the Senior School. All updates to the calendar can be found on the School Portal.

School Portal To keep in regular contact with parents, we have the School Portal, our parents’ website. In order to log in to the system, you will need to create a password using the following link: https://portal.wells.cathedral.school/request-password NB: Please use your own email address that you used when you registered your child, not your child’s email address. Once you have the password, the link for the portal is: https://portal.wells.cathedral.school

Weekly Blog We send out a weekly blog via email during term time. As well as publicising and celebrating weekly events, there is also useful information and updates to help parents prepare for the weeks ahead. It is really important that you read our blog to keep informed of up and coming events. You will also receive weekly communication about the School as a whole, including Senior School.

A-Z: C Parent Representatives There is regular liaison between the Head of Junior School, Head of Pre-Prep and Parent Representatives. Parent Representatives play a valuable role in School, and they provide feedback as well as new suggestions and social events for the year group. New parents will be buddied by the Parent Representatives when they start their journey at Wells, and they will also be able to help all parents with questions.

Online Consultations Online parent consultations take place twice a year, once around the end of the Michaelmas Term and the other towards the end of the Epiphany Term and the beginning of the Lent Term. These are designed to enable parents to speak to the teachers about the progress of their children. An online appointment system is used for Years 3-6. Notification of these dates will be sent and reminders will always appear in the Head’s blog. PrePrep consultations are arranged directly through the form teacher.

Emails All teachers can be contacted using their school email address and our policy is to respond within 24 hours, albeit sometimes with a holding email to acknowledge receipt. Staff are also often available at pick up time at the end of the school day. Parents are always encouraged to make contact with members of staff if there are any concerns at all. The pupils’ well-being is our utmost priority and therefore we prefer to know about issues straight away so that appropriate action can be taken.

Reports These are issued to parents twice a year: at the end of the Advent Term and at the end of the Trinity Term. Parents of children in Years 1-6 will be able to access this via the School Portal for each child. Just click on the blue Reports button. Parents will be informed at the time these go ‘live’.

A-Z: C-F

Contacting the School Covid-19 Exeat Weekends

Contacting the School If you wish to contact the School between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm, please ring on 01749 834400. A member of our Administration Team will be happy to deal with your enquiries. If the member of staff on reception is away from the desk or busy on another call, please leave a message, and you will be contacted as soon as possible. Any matters relating to the curriculum (academic, sport, music or co-curricular) should be referred to the subject teacher (or form teacher) in the first instance. Pastoral matters are dealt with by the form teacher in the first instance

• • • •

For Music lessons, please email: juniormusicadministrator@wells.cathedral. school The Head may be contacted through his P.A., Mrs. S. Fear. s.fear@wells.cathedral.school or directly j.wells@wells.cathedral.school Please see the list of emails in the pupils’ Prep Planners. All members of staff can be contacted using their initial and then surname on the school address. For example: Jody Wells - j.wells@wells.cathedral.school

Covid-19 The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance. We monitor government advice to ensure that all guidelines and restrictions are followed, and as such we may need to adjust some of the provisions outlined in this Handbook accordingly.

Exeat Weekends The School operates a six-term year. Exeats occur once a term, and boarders are able to go home after school commitments on the Friday evening. Boarders return by 6.30pm on the Sunday evening. Boy and girl Choristers take it in turns to stay on and sing the weekend services at exeats. Details are given in the Choir Calendar issued to all Chorister parents at the beginning of each term. There will be no prep set on exeat weekends. 18

Forms: Emergency Contact and Medical Food

Forms: Emergency Contact and Medical New parents are asked to complete an Emergency Contact form and Medical form so that we have upto-date details. This includes information about food allergies and intolerances. You can access these forms on https://wells.cathedral.school/joining-us. It is imperative that you keep us informed of any changes to your home address and telephone details as well as any changes to your child’s health and well-being. Please ensure that these details are emailed to l.carruthers@wells.cathedral.school

Food Lunch Our dedicated catering team provides a wide variety of choice and they endeavour to cater for all tastes and dietary requirements. The School has secured a “Food for Life” accreditation from the Soil Association. We are one of the first schools to obtain this status, which is highly prestigious and difficult to obtain. It recognises our commitment to serving healthy food - cooked from scratch without undesirable additives, colouring and sweeteners - and making use of local and seasonal ingredients, including sustainable fish, free range eggs and meat that can be traced back to the farm.

Menus Menus can be accessed on the School Portal to help parents with mealtime planning at home: https://portal.wells.cathedral.school/section/19 and select ‘Dining Hall (Menus)’.

Dietary Requirements and Nut-Free Policy Parents should let the School know if their child requires any special dietary requirements or if they have any concerns regarding food. Please note that we do not purchase nut products, and we remind all staff and pupils that they should not bring any nut products onto site in their own private meals and snack to ensure the School is as nut-free as possible.

Food (continued) Form Structure Form Teaching

A-Z: F

Food (continued) Water All pupils are encouraged to bring a named reusable water bottle to school each day in order to stay hydrated. Water helps to maximise physical performance, energy levels and brain function as well as helping to prevent headaches. Water bottles can be refilled during the day as required. In addition to this, children are encouraged to use the water that is available in each building.

Breakfast and Supper Clubs To help busy parents, we offer wraparound care. For a small charge (added to the school bill), junior pupils from Reception through to Year 6 can attend breakfast club (from 7.45am) and/or supper club (from 5.00pm - 6.00pm) in the School Dining Room. Parents should contact the Junior School Reception to book their child in for breakfast/supper.

Snacks Reception to Year 2: Snacks are prepared and provided at morning break.

Years 3-6: A fruit basket is located in each building and pupils can take a piece of fruit each morning; fruit is also available at lunchtime every day. Children staying on for an activity after school (e.g. club or prep) should bring in a drink and a suitable healthy snack to maintain their energy levels.

Junior School (KS2) Year 3: 7+ Year 4: 8+ Year 5: 9+ Year 6: 10+ The forms are also given a letter which is taken from the surname of the form teacher.

Form Teaching From Nursery to Year 4, the Form Teacher will teach the majority of subjects but not all; all of our pupils benefit from subject specialist teaching (including Music, Drama, Dance and Sport). At Year 5 and particularly Year 6, pupils are prepared for their transition to our Senior School with further access to subject specialism, for example in English, History, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL). Pupils are registered by their Form Teacher each morning and Years 3-6 have ‘Form Time’ on a Monday and Tuesday morning as well as further timetabled ‘Reflection Time’ at the end of the day (with the exception of the sports fixture day) to ensure good communication between teacher and pupil.

Form structure Generally children will be put into the following forms:

Little Wellies Nursery Ducklings (Nursery: 2+) Cygnets (Nursery: 3+)

Pre-Prep Robins (Reception: 4+) Hummingbirds (Year 1: 5+) Puffins (Year 2: 6+)

Homework (Prep) Insurance Key Events

A-Z: H-K Homework (Prep)

Insurance

Staff will only set prep if they honestly judge that it will make a difference to pupil learning. Teachers, therefore, do not have to set prep if they deem it inappropriate for a particular topic or for a particular stage of learning.

All pupils are enrolled in the Pupils’ Personal Accident Scheme which provides cover against permanent disability or death. The cost is included in the fees. The Bursar will be pleased to provide details of the scheme on request. Parents are strongly advised to insure pupils’ personal effects against loss or damage. Cover provided by the School’s insurance policy is very limited for pupils’ belongings. An extension to the parents’ household policy will often suffice.

Prep is given Monday to Friday. As a guide, prep should take no longer than 30 minutes in Years 3-6. If your child has a problem in regularly finishing prep within the time, please contact the member of staff who has set the prep.

Reception to Year 2

Key Events

From Reception to Year 2, pupils have daily reading, spellings and maths.

Michaelmas Term

Year 3

Year.

Pupils in Year 3 will have reading, spelling and tables work during the week in the Michaelmas and Advent terms. Additional prep may be introduced during the course of the year in order to prepare children for Year 4.

Year 4 The amount of prep in Year 4 builds as the year progresses. In addition to the usual spelling lists, tables practise and reading activities offered in Year 3, there will be one subject prep introduced during the Michaelmas and Advent Terms. During the Epiphany and Lent Terms, a second subject prep is set.

Years 5-6 Pupils in Years 5-6 will have single subject prep set during the week with Wednesday generally being prepfree.

Years 3-6 Parents should support their children with their spelling work, which is completed in their Spelling Journals.

Choral Evensong - to mark the beginning of the School Tea on the Lawn - during the first week of term (weather permitting), we hold tea on Jocelyn Lawn from 3.30pm- 4.30pm. This is a perfect time for current and new parents to get together. Parents can also catch up with their child’s new Form Teacher and other teaching staff in an informal setting over a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Beginning of Term Service - a short inclusive service in the Cathedral Quire for all pupils from Cygnets to Year 6. All parents and friends are invited to attend. Save the Children Walk - pupils of all ages can take part in a 5 or 10 mile walk to raise money for Save the Children. This is a lovely family occasion. Harvest Festival - the service includes all pupils from Nursery to Year 6. Pupils are encouraged to bring in either packaged/tinned food (pasta, cereal, tea, coffee, tuna, baked beans, soup, etc.) or a small donation of money in a decorated envelope. We deliver the food to our local food bank in Wells, and the money raised goes to a charity chosen by the School Council.

Advent Term Fireworks - a super evening event organised by the Parents’ Association for all pupils and parents/friends on Cedars field

Key Events (continued)

Key Events: Advent Term (continued) Christmas Fair - a lovely event organised by the Parents’ Association in Cedars Hall. This is ‘opened’ by our Pre-Prep children who place their decoration on the tree and switch on the lights. There are usually performances from Pre-Prep and Junior School children too. There are some terrific stalls where parents and pupils can purchase gifts as well as some wonderful festive refreshments. Pre-Prep Christmas Production - this event showcases the talent of our Pre-Prep children where all those from our Cygnet to Year 2 Classes take part in a Christmas production on the stage in Ritchie Hall, complete with Christmas refreshments for parents beforehand. Truly heartwarming.

Christmas Celebration - all pupils in Years 3-6 (inclusive) take part in a magical two night celebration of Christmas with songs, readings and topical sketches in the Cathedral Nave. End of Term Service - a whole school service in the Cathedral involving all pupils and parents Platform Concerts - these are ‘informal’ opportunities for year groups to show parents what they have been doing in class. Instrumental Concerts - an opportunity for pupils to perform in solos and groups.

Epiphany Term Sports Photographs - team photographs for Rugby, Hockey and Cross Country. Parents can order these online via our photographer. Platform Concerts - these are ‘informal’ opportunities for year groups to show parents what they have been doing in class.

Lent Term Parent Consultations (from Reception) Platform Concerts - these are ‘informal’ opportunities for year groups to show parents what they have been doing in class. Instrumental Concerts - an opportunity for pupils to perform in solos and groups.

A-Z: K Pre-Prep Spring Production - a perfect opportunity to see how our Pre-Prep children have grown in confidence since their Christmas show, the PrePrep Spring production is an all-singing, all-dancing performance on stage in Ritchie Hall. Spring Fair - organised by the Chorister Parents Social Committee (CPSC).

Whitsun Term Pre-Prep Arts Week - a week full of workshops and activities where the pupils can explore a range of different art genres with a new theme each year.

Trinity Term Open Exhibition Afternoon - the pupils get a chance to shine in front of parents and prospective families, with drama, dance and gymnastics performances. Swimming Galas - Years 2, 3 and 4 swim in an evening event held at the School swimming pool, where children compete (according to ability) to win points for their house groups. The following morning Years 5 and 6 swim. All parents and supporters are welcome and refreshments are on sale. Sports Photographs - team photographs for Hockey, Netball and Swimming. Parents can order these online via our photographer. Summer Production - All children from Years 3-6 will have the opportunity to audition and take part in our annual summer production. Sports Days - Our Sports Day for Years 3-6 is a terrific day at the athletics field at Tor, and it is split into two sections. The morning is focussed on field sports where the children move around in small groups to compete in the various athletics disciplines; track events take place in the afternoon. Parents and supporters are invited to each part of the day. We also have a Pre-Prep Sports Morning on Cedars Field; all children from Nursery through to Year 2 are invited to take part. Speech Day - parents and family are invited to attend a buffet lunch on Cedars Lawn followed by Junior Speech Day in Cedars Hall. All children from Reception to Year 6 are involved. Parents’ Association Ball - this is a fabulous end of term ball for all parents and friends held in a marquee on Cedars Lawn.

A-Z: L

Leadership Opportunities Leaving School Lost Property

Leadership Opportunities

Leaving the School

Pre-Prep Opportunities

The vast majority of our Junior School pupils make the transfer to the Senior School at 11+. If a pupil leaves the School, a long term’s notice in writing is required otherwise parents will have to pay fees in lieu. Details of the school your child will be moving to will also need to be provided.

Leadership opportunities start with our youngest children in Pre-Prep, from the ‘special helper’ in Reception and Year 1, to the playground monitors and Christmas elves in Year 2, there is no shortage of work to be done in the Pre-Prep community! Humphrey Groups - the children benefit hugely from the camaraderie of our Humphrey Groups, developing a team spirit. We carry out many activities in these teams where we encourage Year 2 pupils to act as leaders. Reading Buddies - each week, the Pre-Prep children join with their reading buddy in another year group to give them opportunities to both support and be supported by their peers.

• • • •

Playground - as our playground has developed, so have the children’s responsibilities! The children know that if they wish to use a variety of resources and facilities they need to look after them. We have two playground monitors who look after each area and we expect children to be independent in and respectful of the provision. Lunchtimes - the Year 2 children are superstar helpers at lunchtime and help to clear away.

Years 3-6 Opportunities There are a number of leadership opportunities in Years 3-6 such as:

• • • • • •

School Council - each class has a representative

House Captains - Year 6 Sports Captains - Year 6 Peer Mentors - Years 5 and 6 Librarians Hosts for Sing and Swim toddler groups and other events - Year 6

Lost Property All belongings should be named clearly so that we can promptly return items which have been mislaid. We have a lost property area outside the staffroom in Jocelyn House/Reception for items of clothing, books, pencil cases, water bottles etc. Please check here first if your child has lost something. For safeguarding reasons please do not go to the changing areas/classroom to look for lost property yourself, a member of staff will always help.

Medical Problems Money Music Lessons

A-Z: M

Medical Problems

Money

It is essential that parents let the School know of any problems relating to health, no matter how minor. If a child needs to be absent from games/PE, please inform the School. Without this, we expect pupils to take part in all activities.

Pupils should not bring money to School unless there is a specific reason, such as a charity event, which requires it.

Covid-19 - The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are: a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

• • •

a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal If your child has any of these symptoms, book a test to check for coronavirus. Your household will need to stay at home until you get your result.

Illness/Accident - if pupils have accidents at School or are unwell, they are taken to the School Medical Centre (St. Andrew’s Lodge) where our fully qualified medical staff will carry out an examination and contact a doctor if it is felt necessary. In these cases, parents would be informed.

Music Lessons and Choir If your child wishes to play an instrument please contact our Junior School Head of Music and Performing Arts who will advise you. Children play a variety of instruments in the School with an opportunity to join music groups, such as brass, percussion and string orchestra. The Junior School Choir is extremely active and performs throughout the year. Music lessons take place throughout the school day, and younger pupils are chaperoned to and from their lesson. Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 are either reminded to attend their lessons and music practice or else chaperoned when required (depending on the child’s age and the location of the lesson). The Junior School operates a two-weekly timetable and wherever possible endeavours to avoid the same academic lesson being missed each week. However, with over 2,000 lessons a week, this is not always possible. If you have concerns regarding the timetabling of music lessons, please email us on: juniormusicadministrator@wells.cathedral.school

If children are unwell before coming to School, please do not send them in (which includes their instrumental music lessons) as not only is it unfair on the child, it can also spread germs.

Diarrhoea and/or vomiting - our policy states that children do not return to school for 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.

Head Lice - occur from time to time, and we will try and inform parents through the School Portal or email if action is needed. Please check your child’s hair on a regular basis and ensure that long hair is tied up.

A-Z: P

Parking and Buses Pastoral and Well-being

Parking and Buses

Pastoral and Well-being

Parking

We aim to provide all pupils with a family environment within a kind and caring community where they can be happy, healthy and, most importantly, who they are. We have a daily staff briefing to talk about our pupils. We work closely with parents and families to resolve any issues, using open and honest communication.

Parking on our site is limited. In the morning parents can drop children off at the turning circle outside Jocelyn. This is a one-way system that works well. Children can be handed over to a member of staff. Parents are asked to drive off straightaway to ease congestion. Turn left when you exit the turning circle. Nursery and Reception have designated drop off and pick up at Mullins and outside the Reception Class. At the end of the school day, the same process as in the morning is applied. Parents should not park outside Ritchie Hall or come into the area at the back of Cedars when collecting or dropping off as this poses health and safety difficulties. Please do not leave your vehicle longer than necessary or block other drivers in as this causes unnecessary chaos for other parents. We also politely request that engines are turned off whilst waiting. Free parking is also available in St. Andrew’s Street, Waitrose and in the Market Square before school.

Buses The School operates a range of bus routes to support parents in getting their children to school at a reasonable rate. Please see this link or QR code to further details about our routes and times: bit.ly/3cEhOgB

If you’d like to use our bus service, please complete our Bus Request Form: http://wells.cathedral.school/busrequest

Form Teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of the pupils in their form. If there are any problems, parents should contact the Form Teacher in the first instance. We also have a dedicated team of school counsellors at St. Andrew’s Lodge, our medical centre. A School Welfare Team meets each week. We are very fortunate to have visits from two therapy dogs who play an important part in the well-being of pupils and staff in School. Peer Mentors (Years 5 and 6) and Playground Friends are also key in the well-being of pupils. Quiet spaces, such as the Dennis the Menace Den and the decked area outside Jocelyn, are perfect for reflection and reading or quiet games, and there is ample space and equipment for more rigorous exercise. Each pupil in the Junior School is put into one of four Houses. Each House has its own assembly once a week so that the pupils can gather together under the guidance of the House Teachers and discuss matters relating to the House (competitions, work, etc.). It gives pupils a chance to relate to other members of the School who are both older and younger.

Parent Partnerships Parents’ Association Performing Arts

Planners

Parent Partnerships We work closely in partnership with our parents in a variety of ways, such as:

• • • • •

We hold parent workshops. We actively encourage parents to volunteer helping with reading, trips and visits. We have Parent Representatives at each age group who liaise with other parents and the Head on a regular basis. There is a Chorister Parents’ Social Committee for chorister fundraising. There are also parental engagement groups, such as Digital Citizenship and Parental Learning

Seminars.

Parents’ Association The School has an extremely active Parents’ Association (PA) which organises events during the year. We hope that as many parents as possible will be able to support the PA by attending events and, if possible, assisting when help is needed.

Performing Arts

A-Z: P Christmas Celebration - Years 3-6 hold a magical two-night Celebration of Christmas with songs, readings and topical sketches in the Cathedral Nave. Junior School Open Exhibition - this is held on the first weekend of the Trinity Term, and all children from Reception to Year 6 take part in performances, including gymnastics, dance and drama. All parents and prospective parents are invited to attend. Summer Musical: at the end of the summer term, all of the pupils in Years 3-6 take part in a production with three performances. Previous shows have included: The Lion King (Jr), Mary Poppins (Jr) and The Wizard of Oz (Jr).

Planners In Years 3-6, each child has an Academic Prep Planner in which prep is written down, targets are set and reading and tables practise is recorded. The diary may also be used as a means of communication between home and School (although email is often better). In addition to prep, it is expected that regular reading and tables work will take place at home. Parents should sign the relevant section each evening to say which pages have been read, what tables practise has been done and on what date. Comments may also be written.

There are a number of opportunities for all children to perform throughout the school year. For example:

Pre-Prep Performances - Nursery to Year 2 pupils perform a wonderful musical production at both Christmas and in the Spring (end of Lent term).

Performance Platform: Drama, Dance and Music - throughout the year, individual year groups from Years 3-6 have a performance showcasing their work. Performance Platform: Instrumental Concerts there are usually four instrumental concerts across year groups throughout the year, typically in Cedars Hall. Music performances - these include Wells Young Musicians String Orchestra/Ensemble, percussion, brass, orchestra, rock band

Rewards and Sanctions

A-Z: R Rewards (Credits, Merits and Colours) and Sanctions Pupils are given rewards for work and behaviour during the term. They take the form of gold and silver credits worth 3 points and 1 point respectively. Merits are worth 10 points and are awarded in assembly. Head’s Commendations are also awarded for outstanding achievement.

Awards for Years 3-6 Character Strength Certificates – are awarded in assembly for resilience, curiosity, motivation, critical thinking, risk-taking and resourcefulness.

Colours are awarded to pupils who have excelled in a particular sporting activity. Colours take the form of a badge which may be sewn onto the tracksuit. Please contact the Head of Junior School Sport for the criteria. The Good Egg is awarded each week to a pupil from Years 3-6. Staff nominate pupils for acts of kindness, consideration, helpfulness and they are mentioned in a Friday assembly.

Awards for Nursery and Pre-Prep Humphrey Points - these are team points with the winning team announced each week in assembly.

Bucket Filler Awards - we award children with ‘magic’ pom poms for random acts of kindness. The children get a special award each time they receive 20 pom poms.

Character Strength Certificates – are awarded for resilience, curiosity, motivation, critical thinking, risktaking and resourcefulness.

Golden Spoon - awarded for great lunchtime manners.

Traffic Light System The Junior School has adopted a four-tier traffic light system for behaviour: green, yellow, amber and red. Posters are displayed in every classroom and space where children work. We recognise that children will make mistakes and that this is part of growing up; it is our job to help children learn from their mistakes.

Bullying The School treats bullying most seriously. It is important that parents contact the form teacher immediately if they have concerns at home. In a school, incidents in the playground will happen from time to time and these are normally “one-off” incidents. Teachers cannot see everything and that is why feedback from parents is important. Bullying is not tolerated in the School, and a firm stance will be taken if a situation occurs. For further information, please see our Anti-Bullying Policy. https://wells.cathedral.school/policies

School Day

School Day Start and Collection Times (Nursery) 8.00am: drop off if a Breakfast session has been booked (or arrive just before your session) 9.00am: drop off for school day and morning sessions 1.00pm: collect from morning session and drop off for afternoon session 4.30pm: collect from afternoon and school day sessions 6.00pm: collect from whole day and light tea sessions

Start and Collection Times (Reception to Year 6) 8.20am: arrival for Reception to Year 2 (8.40am registration) 8.35am: registration for Years 3-6. 3.30pm: collection for Reception to Year 2 4.00pm: collection for Years 3-6.

Dropping Off Breakfast Club is available from 7.45am. There is a small charge per day, which is added to the end of term bill. Children should report to the Dining Room.

Nursery children should be taken directly to their Nursery building. Parking is allowed in Mullins for Nursery families only.

Reception to Year 2 children should be dropped off at the Pre-Prep building. Limited parking is available at Pre-Prep. Parents must leave by 8.30am.

Children in Years 3-6 should be dropped off in the Junior School play area before school. Please use the Jocelyn turning circle for drop-off only; this is a nowaiting area. All pupils in Years 3-6 should be brought to school in time for the bell at 8.35am. Any early arrivals should report to the Dining Room and join Breakfast Club.

A-Z: S Picking Up After School Nursery parents who are picking up children at lunchtime may park in Mullins and should collect their children from their Nursery building. Children in Reception to Year 2 need to be picked up from outside the Pre-Prep building at 3.30pm with parking available in Pre-Prep from 3.00pm. Children in Years 3-6 should be collected in the Junior School play area after school at 4.00pm. Please use the Jocelyn turning circle for pick-up only; this is not a waiting area. At 4.15pm, children are taken from this play area for clubs or to the prep room in Jocelyn. If you are late picking up, your child/children will be looked after in the Jocelyn prep room.

School Buses Those children catching the school buses will be escorted from Jocelyn at 5.00pm to the car park/Stable Yard and seen onto the buses by a member of staff. Buses leave at 5.15pm.

After-School Care Pre-Prep - After-school care is available from 3.30pm - 5.00pm for all children from Reception to Year 2 inclusive. We suggest that you pack a small healthy snack if your child will be staying. Please book in advance.

Children in Years 3-6 (inclusive) are able to do prep at school. This takes place in Jocelyn House from 4.15pm until 5.00pm. This is always supervised by a member of staff.

Supper Club - At 5.00pm, children from Reception to Year 6 are taken to the Dining Room. There is a small charge for supper club, which is added to the school bill. In unforeseen circumstances, pupils can be looked after in Claver Morris, our Prep Boarding House, beyond 6.00pm, until they can be picked up by parents.

Note - If it is very wet, children will be sent to their form rooms rather than wait in the playground.

Sport

A-Z: S Sport Because we hope every child will find a sport they can enjoy in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we make sport and physical activity an integral part of our overall education. We offer our pupils a wide range of sports to play, and we give them support and expertise to help them to develop their performance in the areas they choose. All pupils benefit from sports specialist coaching.

Nursery and Reception The children benefit from:

• • • •

Physical development - regular fundamental movement skills sessions delivered by specialist teachers

Games lessons (including activities promoting fundamental movement skills) - delivered weekly by specialist teachers Welly Wednesday - active outdoor education and Forest School Dance - dance sessions delivered by specialist teachers.

Reception to Year 2 In Pre-Prep, the children benefit from:

• • • • •

Daily movement or yoga breaks Games lessons (including activities promoting fundamental movement skills) - delivered weekly by specialist teachers Swimming - weekly lessons delivered by specialist teachers. Welly Wednesday - active outdoor education and Forest School Clubs - for example, Football, Ballet and Multisports

Years 3-6 In Years 3-6, pupils have two periods of Physical Education (PE) and two afternoons of Games timetabled per week to include a fixture afternoon where pupils compete against other schools. Steve Bratt is Head of Sport and Laura Bain is Head of Girls’ Games, and they lead a team of dedicated Sports Staff. PE involves fundamental movement skills, gymnastics or swimming for both boys and girls.

Boys’ Games

Girls’ Games

Term 1 - Rugby Term 2 - Hockey Term 3 - Cricket

Term 1 - Hockey Term 2 - Netball Term 3 - Rounders

Pre-season training for Years 3-6 pupils takes place before the start of the Michaelmas, Epiphany and Whitsun terms; all details can be found on the School Portal.

Cross Country The Junior School has a very successful cross country team, which takes part in the Mendip League alongside a number of other local schools each year. Unfortunately these fixtures are not in the white calendar as the dates are not made available from the organiser until after the calendar is published. Trials are held at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. The 10 fastest children (10 boys and 10 girls) are selected from Years 3 and 4 (known in the league as Lower School) and Years 5 and 6 (known in the league as Upper School). The fixtures are held on a Tuesday afternoon. Parents are always encouraged to support. Pupils can track their progress on the Mendip League website. Pupils are given a snack, and they are free to go home once they have completed their race and signed out with a member of staff.

Sport (continued)

A-Z: S

Sport (continued)

Parental Advice for Supporting Sport Fixtures

Kit List

Parents are always encouraged to support their child at fixtures both at home and away. Fixture days for Years 3 and 4 (Under 8’s and Under 9’s) are usually on Mondays and for Years 5 and 6 (Under 10’s and Under 11’s) are usually on Wednesdays. There are also occasional weekend fixtures/tournaments. Some parents choose to drive their child home at the end of the fixture or tournament. Children and parents are given refreshments (‘team teas’) following a fixture. Following is a code of conduct that we would like parents to follow when watching teams, whether it is at home or away. If at any stage you are unhappy with the way a match has been handled, please feel free to contact the Head of Games who will follow up any queries.

Steve Bratt (Head of Sport) sends out a termly update entitled ‘kit reminder’ so you know what kit your child needs when. All sports kit details can be found on page 16.

Sports bags can be purchased from South West Schoolwear and parents can decide which size is most suitable for their child. For Year 3, the smaller bag can be a squeeze for the children to fit all of their kit into so most parents recommend the larger one. Pupils drop their sports bags into the cellars below Jocelyn when they arrive at School. This is where they change for most games sessions.

Safety studs/cleats - Players’ boots must conform with the world rugby specifications and must not be longer than 21mm or have any burring or sharp edges.

Sports Fixtures We have a busy fixture list where pupils compete against other schools. These are played at home or ‘away’ at a hosting school. For away fixtures children are transported by coach or sometimes school mini bus and returned to School for collection. Pupils picked for a School team are expected to play unless there are good reasons why they cannot. School sports kit is worn for all these fixtures, and pupils are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and responsible manner. A team sheet will be posted on the notice board on Jocelyn playground.

Delays Please bear in mind that despite our best endeavours to return at the stated time, we cannot always predict the traffic, especially when we are faced with congestion in Bristol or Bath, and we ask for your understanding. If we are significantly delayed when returning from a fixture, we will endeavour to inform parents giving an estimated time of arrival.

Parents’ Spectator Code for School Matches

• • • • • • •

Act as a positive role model to all pupils. Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all pupils, irrespective of the team in which they play and the school for which they play. Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to make a mistake. Never make adverse comments to pupils, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators; such behaviour can create a negative environment for pupils and their behaviour will often reflect this. Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than “to win at all costs”. Verbally encourage pupils in a positive manner, shouting for and not at the pupil/team. Encourage all pupils irrespective of their ability.

Safety All pupils playing rugby or hockey must have gum shields (fitted by a dentist) for each lesson. Shin pads are also compulsory equipment for hockey. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 playing cricket will require a cricket box.

Transition to Senior School Trips

A-Z: T Transition to Senior School

Trips

Children are able to transfer to the Senior School at 11+ after they have finished Year 6 (Key Stage 2). In the Epiphany Term all Year 6 children take the Senior School entrance assessments. There are also opportunities for scholarships (details of scholarships can be found on our website). Parents of children in Year 6 are informed about scholarships during the Advent Term by the Senior School. There are two opportunities for Year 5 & Year 6 parents and children to attend Move Up Mornings to find out more information about the transition process.

During the year, children will often have the chance to go on trips (educational, sporting etc.). Teachers who are organising such events will send details to parents in advance. The majority of these trips are included within the school fees with the exception of residential trips, such as Skern Lodge for our Year 5 and 6 pupils. Please note that because of the complexity of the music timetables, if a pupil misses a music lesson for a trip, then the lesson will still have to be paid for.

Checklist We are looking forward to welcoming you to our School! If you haven’t done so already, please ensure you have done everything on this checklist before your child’s start date.

Activate Your Parent Portal Account In order to log in, you will need to create a password using the following link: https://portal.wells.cathedral. school/request-password (NB: Please use your own email address that you used to register your child, do not use your child’s email address.) Once you have the password, you will be able to log in using this link: https://portal.wells.cathedral.school

Complete our Forms Please complete the forms below as applicable; links to these forms can be found on our website: https://wells.cathedral.school/joining-us

• • • • • •

Activate Your Tapestry Account (Pre-Prep) Parents of children in Nursery to Year 2 will be given access to their child’s Tapestry Account where we will share photographs of your child’s learning. Please ensure you activate your account.

What You Need to Have/Bring:

• • • •

School uniform PE/Sports kit Backpack Boarding essentials as required for boarding, including casual clothes for outside of school time (see our Boarding Handbook for details).

Medical Form Emergency Contact Form Direct Debit School Fee Payment Form (if you wish to pay by direct debit) Music Lesson Booking Form (if your son/ daughter wants to have music lessons at School) Bus Service Request Form (for day pupils who want to use our School bus) Nursery Payment/Collection Form (for Nursery pupils only)

Boarders only:

• • • •

GP Registration Form Guardianship – Parent Form Guardianship – Guardian Form (please send this link to your Guardian to complete: https://wells.cathedral.school/guardianshipform-guardians) Start of Year Travel Form (this will be circulated nearer the time once any quarantine restrictions are known)

This handbook is aimed to help parents with questions they may have about the School. There are, no doubt, a number of areas we have not covered in this edition and feedback would be helpful for future publications. Please contact s.fear@wells.cathedral.school

A-Z

Bags Boarders Change of address

Choristers Clothing Complaints

Beliefs

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Focus Inspire success

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01749 834400 or juniorschool@wells.cathedral.school We are always happy to help! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01749 834400 or juniorschool@wells.cathedral.school We are always happy to help!