PARENT HANDBOOK 2013/2014

Dear Parent/Carer Welcome to Christs School. We are delighted that you have entrusted us with your childs education and you can be certain that we will do all in our power to ensure that his/her time with us is enriching and successful. We are a small community where every pupil is valued and has an important role to play in the life of the school. Our aim is provide all our pupils with an outstanding education so that they leave us equipped with the best possible academic qualifications and an understanding of themselves, the world and his/her place in it. However we cannot achieve this without your support. This handbook forms the basis on which the home / school partnership is founded. In it you find a wealth of information about the school. Please do read it so you are familiar with the information. We also ask that you discuss this handbook with your son/daughter. We look forward to a productive, fulfilling and successful partnership together. Yours sincerely

Helen Dixon Acting Headteacher

CHRISTS SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to be a Church of England school where each individual is valued; their needs met and their skills and talents celebrated. Our young people are expected to achieve their potential and be suitably prepared for adult life in the twenty first century within a culture of respect and responsibility founded upon Gospel values.

Why Do We Have A Parent Handbook?

Research has shown that parental involvement in a childs education is a key to success. On first joining secondary school pupils settle in more quickly and successfully if they and his/her parents/carers are clear in advance how the school works and what is expected of the pupils and his/her parents. Before writing this handbook we consulted parents of pupils currently in the school to find out what information they feel you need to know as a parent/carer of a pupil at Christs School. We welcome your feedback. Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you require any further information or clarification of anything detailed in this handbook or the pupil planner, which will be issued to your child in September. Your first point of contact should be your daughter/sons form tutor. You can contact them directly by email or by phoning the school office.

This handbook is set out as an A to Z guide to Christs School Attendance

Good attendance is the key to success at secondary school. If your child is not in school not only will they miss what is taught that day but they will struggle to keep up in the following lessons. One day off can have repercussions for weeks. The government has set 94% as the minimum acceptable attendance rate. At first glance that might appear a good rate of attendance but in fact studies have revealed the following impact on a childs education. If a pupils attendance is above 93% they have a 73% chance of getting 5 A* C grades at GCSE. If attendance is below 90% they have only a 27% chance of getting 5 A*-C grades. 90% attendance means your child is missing 1 day in 10.

If for any reason your childs attendance falls below 94%, we will need to follow this up with you and it is likely to be taken up with the Education Welfare Service. If your child is absent it is essential that you contact us at the earliest opportunity. Until you tell us your child is unable to come to school that day we have to assume that they have gone missing on the way to school. The school will text and phone the parents of children who have not arrived at school. What to do if your child is unable to come to school 1. Phone the school on 020 8940 6982 and press 1 to leave a message or you can phone directly our Attendance Officer Kate Montagu on 020 8439 9675 Alternatively you can email: attendance@christs.richmond.sch.uk or kmontagu@christs.richmond.sch.uk 2. Please write a note in your childs school planner upon his/her return to school so the form tutor has written confirmation of the reason for the absence.

Behaviour for Learning

Visitors to Christs frequently comment on the orderly and purposeful atmosphere of the school. To support this we have the following code of conduct and sanctions that have been drawn up by staff and the School council. Christs Code of Conduct These codes have been put together from the ideas of staff and pupils. Every member of the school has played a part in creating them; therefore, every member of the school has a responsibility to see them carried out. This is the minimum expectation. Classroom Code To learn and achieve effectively in your lessons, you should: Arrive at lessons calmly, on time, dressed properly and equipped to learn. Listen carefully to the each other and follow instructions. Show respect and courtesy to everyone. Take care of our learning environment. Corridor Code Thank you for Treating everyone with respect and courtesy. Walking quietly on the left hand side. Going straight to your next lesson. Eating only at break times in the canteen or at the tables outside, Only going to your lockers before school, break times or just before afternoon lessons. Using Student Services at break or lunch times. Respecting the school building and environment so we keep our school clean and tidy. Canteen Code Thank you for Queuing up sensibly. Selecting your food quickly and politely with your account topped up to ease payment. Sitting down to eat your food. Not taking plates/ cutlery or hot food/drinks out of the canteen. Returning plates and cutlery to the clearing area/ recycling as appropriate. Putting all rubbish in the bin.

By keeping to these codes, you present yourself and the school in the best possible light. You also play your part in making sure that the highest quality of teaching and learning is able to take place.

2013 Courtesy Code

The Courtesy Code has been created by the Christs School Council putting together feedback from pupils and staff about how pupils conduct themselves within our school community. The vast majority of Christs pupils are excellent role models and ambassadors for positive behaviour and hard work. With this in mind our pupils agree to follow the schools behaviour for learning policy and to adhere to the following basic principle: To come to school every day, on time, properly equipped and ready to learn The Courtesy Code guides pupil behaviour and attitude around school. It has three clear and simple expectations: Pupils agree to: be polite, respectful and considerate to other pupils and members of staff at all times; treat all equipment, buildings and surroundings with care and respect and keep them clean and tidy; behave in a way that does not harm or interfere with the learning or play of other pupils I agree to follow the courtesy code: SIGNATURES PUPIL______________________ PARENT:______________________

HEADTEACHER:____________________

Classroom procedures: C1: C2: C3: First verbal warning (name on board) Second warning resulting in a lesson (name ticked) 10 minute detention that afternoon with form tutor Half-hour detention the following night (name ticked twice) Note of detention recorded on SIMS and pupil to make a note in the planner and teacher to initial. C4: One hour detention the following night (name ticked three times) Note of detention recorded on SIMS and pupil to make a note in the planner and teacher to initial.

Beating the Bullies: Any behaviour that makes a person feel inferior, insulted, isolated, intimidated or hurt is bullying. Bullying behaviour could be shown by an individual or a group. Bullying exists in every school to some extent but it is not tolerated at all at Christs. We work together as a community to prevent it. All incidents of bullying will be recorded and dealt with by the Head of Year. When bullying is proven, the parents of all concerned will be contacted. Restorative approaches and reconciliation will be used if this is seen to be appropriate. Heads of Year will alert staff about incidents of bullying to raise staff vigilance to ensure that it does not continue. We will work with the bully to change his/her behaviour. However if there is no change, consequences will be applied as described in the Behaviour for Learning policy. Pupils are encouraged not to put up with bullies; they will be encouraged to tell someone in authority.

Term Dates September 2013 -July 2014

Autumn Term

Monday 2nd Sept. 2013 (Staff Inset) Tuesday 3rd Sept. 2013 (Year 7 Only) Wednesday 4th Sept. 2013 Friday 20th December 2013

Autumn Half-Term

Monday 28th October Friday 1st November 2013

Spring Term
Spring Half-Term

Monday 6th January 2014 Friday 4th April 2014 Monday 17th February 2014 Friday 21st February 2014

Summer Term
Summer Half-Term

Tuesday 22nd April 2014 Friday 18th July 2014 Monday 26th May 2014 30th May 2014

Inset day
Friday 4th October 2013 Monday 24th February 2014 Monday 23rd June 2014 INSET days are subject to change please refer to the school website

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Canteen
The canteen is open before school, at break and at lunch serving a range of hot and cold foods that are prepared on site. Everything sold in the canteen is prepared in accordance with the government guidelines on healthy eating. The meal deal which consists of a main course and pudding costs 2.30. Other popular dishes are pizza, baked potatoes and sandwiches. The canteen runs on a cashless biometric finger based digital recognition system. Money can be paid into your childs lunch account with cash in school or using an on-line payment account.

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Careers Education and Guidance

The Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance programme (CEIAG) is designed to meet the needs of pupils at this school and is provided as an integral part of the schools overall approach to pupil development, welfare and guidance. The programme of activities runs through years 8-11 and helps pupils make decisions and plan his/her future, both in school and after they leave. Elements of the programme are delivered in PSHE Days throughout the year and there are a number of opportunities such as university visits to explore career development and work experience. In Years 9, 10 and 11 there are specific information evenings for parents and pupils on choosing options, work experience and college applications. Christs School also provides an important careers interview to help pupils have access to professional guidance relating to the options available to them post 16 and to devise a personalised action plan.

Charging for Activities

Parents will be asked to make voluntary contributions towards the cost of a range of activities that take place during the school day such as visits and practical lessons involving the purchase of ingredients and /or materials. We aim to ensure that no pupil will be excluded from an activity because of the cost. Parents should contact the Headteacher in confidence if they need financial assistance. However, if insufficient pupils are able to contribute, the full range of trips, visits and activities may not take place.

Christs School Chaplaincy

Christs School is welcoming and inclusive of all pupils whatever his/her religious affiliation. As a voluntary aided Church of England school Ch rists has a part-time Chaplain the Rev. Ruth Scott. Ruth comes in to school 3 days a week. There are 2 main strands to her work. She provides pastoral support for pupils, staff and, where appropriate, parents/carers. She also works to develop the spiritual life of the school through termly services, assemblies, and various projects agreed with the teaching staff. The Chaplaincy aims through its work to help develop each pupils understanding of what it means to be human and live creatively in a complex world, how diversity can be a source of celebration rather than conflict, how we can flourish as individuals when were part of a loving, dynamic community What a difference we can make to the lives of people in need through service and the support of different charities. Ruth can be contacted at rscott@christs.richmond.sch.uk.

Cycle Facilities
There are two lockable, covered, bicycle storage areas available for pupils and staff. The cycle racks are locked at 8:30am and unlocked at 3pm. Pupils coming to school by bike must wear a cycling helmet.

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Contacting Staff
All staff can be contacted by email. Email addresses can be found on the school website

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mrs H Dixon Mrs S Kieran Mrs V McGrail Mrs G Bean Mr J Butler Mr M Morris Mr J Edwards Acting Headteacher Deputy Headteacher Assistant Headteacher Assistant Headteacher (maternity leave) Acting Assistant Headteacher Assistant Headteacher: Sixth Form Business Manager

DEPARTMENTAL STAFF STRUCTURE

ART & TECHNOLOGY

Mr T Bird Mrs V Busby Ms M Conteh Miss J Murray Mrs C Harris Ms S Perkins Mr J Gray Mrs A Botta ENGLISH Mrs K Blair K Moran Mrs C Lorenz Mr T Edmondson Ms J Randall Mrs E Godliman HUMANITIES Miss R Hoyle Mr J Butler Ms H Harris Mrs S Kieran Mrs G Dhaliwal Mr M Spicer Mr E Simpson Miss S Bartlett Mr M Williams MATHEMATICS & ICT Mr L Hartnett Claire Morris Ms M Stewart Mr J Raisin Mrs D Todorinovic Resistant Materials Teacher Head of Technology (joint) Textiles Teacher (part time) Head of Technology (joint)Food Technology Teacher Art Teacher Art Teacher (part-time) Textiles and Art Teacher (Maternity leave) Technology Technician (part time) Food Technician (part time) Head of English English Teacher Deputy Head of English/D of E Leader English & Drama Teacher English & Drama Teacher Schools Direct Teacher - English Head of Humanities Citizenship Teacher/PSHEE co-ordinator/Acting Assistant Headteacher History Teacher(part-time) Deputy Headteacher and History Teacher Head of Geography Geography Teacher and Head of Year 10 Head of R.E. Schools Direct Teacher - Geography RE Teacher, Careers and Head of Year 9 Head of Maths Mathematics Teacher Advanced Skills Teacher ICT Teacher Deputy Head of Maths

MODERN LANGUAGES Mrs V McGrail Assistant Headteacher, Head of MFL and French Teacher Mrs H Dixon Acting Headteacher and French Teacher Miss H Oddy French Teacher Ms J Campa Spanish Teacher (part-time) Ms E Taber Spanish Teacher

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MUSIC Mr P Wilson PACE Mr D Sedour

Head of Music PACE Teacher

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Miss C Needham Head of P.E. Mr M Morris P.E. Teacher Ms S Bromly P.E. Teacher and School Sports Coordinator (part-time) Mr M Greenwood P.E. Teacher (part-time) Mr D Sedour P.E. Teacher SCIENCE Mr R Khodabacksh Head of Science Mrs A Mbanefo Deputy Head of Science - Science Teacher Mrs M Hickson-Kucikova Science Teacher Miss C Bell Science Teacher Miss C Giolo Senior Science Technician Miss A Keaveney Science Technician (part-time) LEARNING SUPPORT Mrs A Panesar Mrs K Kisby Mrs L Crayton Ms G Burridge Ms C Hillier Mrs J Parmiter Miss H Brown Miss H Bell Mrs L Towers Mrs A Gillum Miss E Dignum Mr M Milbourne Curriculum Support Ms S Geoffrey Mr L Scott Ms C Gleisner Ms N Burnstein COVER SUPERVISORS Mr M Morandi Miss F Williams LEARNING RESOURCES CENTRE Mrs B Bell Librarian EXTENDED LEARNING CO-ORDINATOR Ms S Brown (part-time) CHAPLAINCY Rev R Scott Chaplain (part-time) Learning Support Assistant HLTA (Higher Learning Teaching Assistant) Learning Support Assistant HLTA/Head of Year 7 (joint) SENCO/Head of Year 7 (joint) Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant HLTA Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant Learning Support Assistant Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant (part-time) Learning Support Assistant Learning Support Assistant Team Leader Curriculum Support Department Learning Mentor Learning Mentor Learning Mentor

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SUPPORT STAFF Mr J Edwards Ms K Humberstone Ms A Steward Mrs P OSullivan Mrs A Mylles Mr J Hughes Mrs H Gill Mr B Donovan Mr M Ridley Mr A Turner Mrs J Ralph Mrs K Montagu Mrs K Tullick Ms M Skinns

Business Manager PA to Headteacher (Head of Year 11) Receptionist and Finance Assistant Receptionist Office Manager and PA to Senior Leadership Team Domestic Bursar and Examinations Officer Finance Officer IT Manager IT Technician IT Technician (apprentice) HR, Work Experience and Student Administration Welfare/Attendance Officer Admissions Officer/Admin Support for Year 7, 8 and 9 Learning Support Administrator/Admin Support for Year 10 and 11

The school website: www.christs.richmond.sch.uk

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Extra-curricular Activities
Chess/Games/Lego in Library Choir Orchestra Music technology club Drama Productions Duke of Edinburgh Award Trips abroad and exchanges Field trips Clubs e.g. Science/Humanities Film Club Textiles Club A range of sporting activities including Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Cheerleading, Climbing Wall, Cross Country, Cricket, Dodgeball, Gymnastics, Football, Martial Arts, Netball, Rounders, Rugby, Tennis and Trampolining

Many informal music ensembles also rehearse at lunchtimes and after school. This is a taster of some of the extra-curricular activities available. This is subject to change and timings and you will be kept informed. No pupil will be excluded from these activities due to financial hardship. Parents who wish their children to take part in any activity but are unable to contribute can contact Sara Geoffrey in confidence to discuss places. sgeoffrey@christs.richmond.sch.uk 020 8940 6982 x 711

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Fund Raising
As a Christian school we believe that it is our duty to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Each year we raise money for charities that the pupils choose to support. Fund raising activities happen particularly during Advent and Lent. Recently we have raised money for 5 Talents, Momentum, Sports Relief, Spear Hostel and Shooting Star Childrens Hospice. During the academic year of 2011/2012 a member of our staff has travelled to South America to provide support at a childrens orphanage and to help build toilet and washing facilities for a family. So far, Christs School has donated 5000 towards the cost of the build.

Governing Body Foundation Governors

Mr M Brecknell Chair Canon R Titley Vice Chair Mrs R Martin Ms S Armstrong Mr A Saunders Associate Governors Mrs H Dixon Mrs S Kieran Clerk to the Governors Mr C Hartley

Parent Governors
Mr M Houghton-Brown Mrs S Whitmore Ms R Woodward Mrs M Moss Staff Governors Vacancy Ms S Geoffrey

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Homework
Pupils should use his/her planners to record homework. The use of these planners will be checked by the form tutor. There is Homework Club Monday-Thursday in the Learning Support Department 34pm. All pupils are welcome and there are members of staff present to help with homework if it is needed. The room is equipped with computers which can be used for research. All homework (including revision activities) is set in class and on the Homework VLE for remote access. All pupils receive a login and password for the school computer system; they login via the website using their allocated username and password, we encourage parents to check on a regular basis by logging in using your childs login.

Inclusion
Every child has a right to an education in his or her community. Christs is an inclusive, caring community where all children are valued and can learn to do the best of his/her ability. We provide an environment where all children, whatever his/her level of ability, are able to learn with the support of his/her teachers, families, peers and friends. Any child might need different or additional support at some time during his/her education. This might be because they: are having some difficulties getting going with reading or writing; have a disability or identified special educational need; have experienced a traumatic event in his/her lives; have been unwell for a period of time.

This support will be confidentially discussed and agreed with the childs parents/carers. Most parents are very supportive of inclusion. Some may feel anxious about the possible impact on his/her child. When carrying out inspections Ofsted has found that truly inclusive schools are better for all pupils. Children learn to be tolerant of each other, to empathise and to have role models. This prepares them for the world beyond secondary school.

What can parents do?

Parents attitudes to inclusion will have an enormous influence on a childs developing understanding of the world. As a parent you are in a unique position to provide a positive role model for your child. You can do this by: Making sure your child understands that all people are different and everyone should be valued for who they are. Helping your child to understand that some of the language they will hear in games, jokes or repeated comments may be insulting and hurtful to others. Telling your child about positive role models from all sections of the community Teaching your child to be patient and tolerant Helping your child to know that teasing and bullying are not acceptable Praising your child for showing kindness and respect to others Talking to your child about what makes him or her exceptional so that he/she can celebrate his/her uniqueness as well as that of others

Children can support inclusion by:

Helping to make sure no-one in the class feels left out; Setting good examples to others; Not taking part in bullying, and reporting bullying if it occurs; Knowing who to talk to if they are worried or concerned.

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Lost Property
Lost property is held opposite Student Services. However, unless property is clearly marked it is very difficult to return it to its owner. Please mark all items with your childs name. We recommend you use woven name tapes as these do not wash off and are easy to read. Such name tapes are easily purchased from John Lewis and other retailers.

Maintenance and School Fund

As a voluntary-aided school, the Governing Body is responsible for maintenance of the buildings, which are covered by an insurance policy, the premium of which is paid for by parental subscription. Each year, parents are requested to make a donation which covers the subscription to the Maintenance Scheme, improvements to the buildings and infrastructure and towards the School Fund.

Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are not allowed to be used in School between 8.30am -3.00pm. If a pupil is seen using a phone in a lesson or during break or lunchtime it will be confiscated and they will be required to do a C3 detention the following day after school. They will be able to retrieve the phone from the Student Services office after the detention has been completed.

Monitoring (Academic)
There are two academic review sessions a year which give you and your child the opportunity to discuss your childs progress and well-being.

Parental Support of Pupils

When they first join us many pupils find getting themselves ready for school is a challenge. In the first few weeks, at least, we recommend that you check your child all the correct books and equipment ready the night before. Please check your childs bag for letters that are for you. Remind your child that you need to sign his/her planner each weekend. Please check your child doesnt forget his/her lunch money.

Parents Evenings
Parents evenings run from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. You will receive a letter about your childs meeting a week or two before the event. You can find the dates of these evenings on the school website under School Correspondence and then School Events Calendar.

PTA
We have a thriving PTA at Christs. They organise a range of fund raising events throughout the school year. Events include the grand fireworks night, the quiz night, and a stand at the Richmond May fair. The PTA also provides refreshments at concerts and other evening events. They are currently trying to establish a representative for each tutor group. They will be looking for new members at the induction evening and the new parents evening in September. If you would like to contact the PTA, please email Jane Fitch: janeefitch@yahoo.co.uk They are also going to encourage parents to join the year 7 contact lists next year to encourage friendships between parents as well as pupils.

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Pupil Groupings
Each pupil is placed in a mixed ability tutor group on arrival at school and can expect to stay in this group until the end of Year 11. They are taught in mixed ability groups unless a subject wishes to teach in sets. The timetable will indicate the groupings for different subjects.

Punctuality
It is essential that lessons start punctually and that they are not disrupted by late arrivals. Any pupil arriving 5 minutes or later for a lesson without a valid excuse will receive a 30 minute detention the following day after school.

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Planner Your child will be issued with a planner at the start of the academic year. It is essentially for recording homework but is also a source of much useful information. It should contain a copy of your childs timetable and list homework, house points, cautions, notes of things to remember etc. The planner must be brought into school every day and signed each week by both form tutor and parent. If the planner is lost or forgotten a day sheet can be purchased from the pupil office (10p) until either a new planner is purchased (5) or the old planner is found. Pupils are required to buy a new planner if the missing one has not been found within one week.

Equipment This is what your son/daughter should bring into school every day. Reading Book 2 pens (blue or black) 2 pencils Rubber Long ruler Pencil sharpener Coloured pencils Stick of glue Individual subjects might require additional materials. (e.g. angle measurers in Maths)

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School Council
Each tutor group elects a form captain and a deputy each year. They attend school council meetings approximately every 3 weeks. At these meetings any issues or ideas the pupils have can be aired and discussed. The councils opinions are consulted on many school initiatives. Recently behaviour for learning sanctions have tightened at his/her request. They are involved in pupil panels for middle and senior staff appointments. They have contributed to the discussions about the new rewards system. They have contributed to the discussion about proposed changes to the school uniform. Updating school policies (e.g. Sex and Relationship Education) They also take part in termly visits to York House to discuss borough wide issues with other schools and an annual visit to City Hall in London where they meet council members from other London schools and learn about how the Mayors Office works.

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School Day Timetable

SCHOOL DAY 8.30 8.40 8:40 9:30 09:30-10:20 10:20-10:40 10:40-11:30 11:30-12:20 12.20-13.00 13:00-13:50 13.50-14.40 14.40-15.00 Registration and Tutor Time Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Break time Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lunch time Lesson 5 Lesson 6 Registration and Assembly

CONDENSED DAYS You will be advised in advance of the timings for these days.

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Senior Leadership Team Mrs Helen Dixon Acting Headteacher - hdixon@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mrs Sarah Kieran - Deputy Headteacher - skieran@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mrs Vicki McGrail - Assistant Headteacher - vmcgrail@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mrs Georgina Bean - Assistant Headteacher - gbean@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mr James Butler Acting Assistant Headteacher - jbutler@christs.richmond.sch.uk Mr John Edwards Business Manager jedwards@christs.richmond.sch.uk

Tutors TBC Heads of Year YEAR LEADER YEAR 7 - Mrs K Brown/Mrs L Crayton YEAR LEADER YEAR 8 Miss E Taber YEAR LEADER YEAR 9 Mr M Williams YEAR LEADER YEAR 10 Mr M Spicer YEAR LEADER YEAR 11 Ms K Humberstone

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Uniform
Christs School has a strict uniform policy. (Please see School Uniform Policy below) We believe this helps pupils take a pride in his/her appearance and promotes a positive image of our school. Pupils are expected to wear the full uniform tidily at all times. Trainers or any type of canvas shoes are not acceptable as school shoes. Trousers should be normal school trousers: denim or cord type material is not acceptable. All pupils must wear the approved school uniform that is sold through the school uniform shop via the school website. Royal Blue Blazer with school badge Black school trousers Collared white shirt/blouse School House striped ties Red - Dickens Blue - Elizabeth Yellow Turin Green - Attenborough School blue V neck pullover with yellow stripe around the neck Formal black shoes - no high heels, training shoes or any type of canvas shoes Dark socks Navy blue pleated skirt (no more than 4cm above the knee) If a skirt is worn then socks can be black or white, short or long; alternatively black or navy blue tights may be worn. Plain sky blue (or with gold band) jersey Navy shorts White polo shirt Sky blue shorts School track suit (optional) New Rugby House Shirt New House Shorts New House Polo Shirt School tracksuit (optional)

All pupils

Girls PE Kit

PE Kit (Year 7s available to order from 2nd August 2013 online) Summer Uniform

Sky blue polo shirt with School logo

All outer clothing, such as coats, hoodies, hats and caps etc. should be removed upon entering the school.

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School Uniform Policy

Why Christs School supports the wearing of school uniform:
We believe that there are a number of good, common-sense reasons why our pupils should wear school uniform. They include: 1. Dressing for the occasion: One of the lessons learned while growing up is that people dress differently for work and for leisure. We ask our pupils to leave his/her leisurewear and sports gear for the evenings and weekends and to dress suitably for his/her work as pupils at the school. When they start work, most pupils will be asked to wear clothing especially suited to the job. Often employers send for a reference on former pupils and ask about his/her appearance (which is ranked as important as attendance and timekeeping). 2. Reducing differences: Although some parents can afford to buy his/her children the latest in casual or sportswear, many cannot. If all our pupils come to school in school wear, these differences are much less obvious. Uniform gives pupils an equality of appearance which discourages competition. 3. Cost: It costs less to buy items of school wear than to buy the latest fashion in casual or sportswear. 4. A sense of belonging: Christs School is a small school with a long and proud tradition. We think that dressing in school colours helps pupils to feel that they belong to the school and to think and act like pupils. In addition, school uniform encourages school discipline and a more positive attitude towards work amongst pupils. 5. Security: If all of our pupils wear school uniform, it is much easier to spot intruders quickly. The provision of a safe environment for our young people must be a priority for us all. 6. School Reputation: Rightly or wrongly, the public judge our school to some extent by the appearance of our pupils. We are anxious that we create a good impression and that our pupils (and his/her parents!) receive the credit that they deserve. What will happen if a pupil wears unacceptable clothing to school? It is the responsibility of all staff to challenge the pupils who are not wearing school uniform. This applies at all times throughout the day. On a more formal basis, checks are carried out every morning and afternoon by pupils tutors. Pupils found wearing unacceptable items during such a check (or indeed noticed at any time) will be: reminded of the need for co-operation asked to report next day wearing acceptable clothes

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Continuing lack of co-operation will lead to the above and also: parents will be contacted to discuss our concerns and request his/her support with our uniform policy If this fails to resolve the difficulty, the pupil will be subject to the BFL sanctions which include detention or internal isolation The following points should also be noted: a pupil not wearing school uniform may be sent home to change if he/she lives close to the school and a member of the family is at home the school distinguishes between the pupil who is deliberately flouting the school dress code, and the pupil who is temporarily not wearing uniform because of temporary financial difficulties at home full school uniform is also part of the Christs School contract which is signed by both pupils and parents/guardians How parents/guardians can help: Ensure that your son or daughter come to school properly dressed each day and buy them, or get them to buy, items of clothing suitable for school. If there is a reason on a particular day for your son or daughter not wearing uniform, then simply provide a note explaining the situation. We hope that by working together with parents we can provide the highest possible standards at our school.

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Valuables
Valuable items such as iPods should not be brought into school. The school cannot be held responsible for such items if this rule is ignored and valuable items are lost or damaged. Musical instruments that have to be brought in should be stored in the music block or at Student Services. We strongly recommend that instruments are added to your home contents insurance.

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Year 7 in science

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RESULTS DAY 89% A*- C at GCSE

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What to do if .. a) My child cant do his/her homework: See if one of his/her friends can help. (You will have an opportunity to join the year group phone list at the first PTA event of the academic year.) Write a note in your childs school planner to explain the problem. Your child can attend the homework club which starts at 3.10pm until 4.00pm Monday to Thursday. We have specially trained staff to assist them. b) My child has left his PE kit/cooking ingredients at home. Bring them in to school. Hand them in at reception clearly marked with your childs name and tutor group c) My child has lost his school tie. It is always worth having more than one of these. Pupils will be able to buy a new tie from the pupil office price: 5.00. Check that everything for school is laid out the night before d) My childs school shoes are wet / broken / lost. Send him/her into school in non-school shoes on the day with a note in the planner from you saying when the situation will be resolved. f) My child is unhappy at school. It is very important that all our pupils enjoy his/her time at Christs. If you have any concerns about your childs welfare either socially or academically plea se get in touch with his/her form tutor or year head either by email (see the contact section of this handbook) or by phoning the school and leaving a voice message.

Mrs Mylles and Mrs Ralph from the Student Services Office.

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