Prep School Handbook: Wells Cathedral School

Prep School Handbook

(Nursery to Year 6)

2024 - 2025

content by clicking on the mobile icons (see example to the left), which can be found at the start of each letter in

About Our School

Change of address

Wells is a family-orientated co-educational boarding and day school for 2-18 year olds which provides an allround education alongside world-class Specialist Music and Chorister training.

Our Vision

To inspire every individual pupil to nurture their talents in a vibrant, creative, spiritual and stimulating environment to become a responsible global citizen.

Our Motto

Our school motto ‘Esto Quod Es’ tells pupils to ‘be what you are’, and its fundamental belief, combined with our dream, creates the vibrant environment which makes up Wells Cathedral School. All of our pupils are encouraged to make the most of their talents, as well as to try new experiences, to discover new ones in order to ‘become the best they can be.’

As we look to the future, we believe in the importance of providing a high quality, creative experience for all, wherever they are on their personal learning journeys. Creativity 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 designer, author, composer, problem solver, artist, listener or performer.

Our Core Values: CARE

Creativity

• Embracing the power of imagination, innovation and individual talent

• Creating a culture of artistic excellence

• Valuing human ingenuity and the Arts in an increasingly technological world

• Recognising the spiritual and wellbeing benefits that an engagement with your creative self brings

• Having an original approach to all that you do

Aspiration

• Setting ambitious goals and the highest expectations of yourself

• Inspiring excellence through unrivalled opportunity and high quality teaching and coaching

• Aiming always to have positive outcomes in all you do

• Having appropriate awareness of self and others

• Demonstrating boundless curiosity

Responsibility

• Having personal ownership of your learning and behaviour

• Understanding your place and your duties in the School, local community and world

• Showing respect and care for all

• Leading by example

• Having the highest standards of honesty and trustworthiness

Endeavour

• Doing your best in all things, in the classroom and beyond it

• Trying new things and discovering new passions

• Participating and building resilience through engagement

• Trying for the sake of the team as well as the individual

• Recognising the value of determined effort and participation before winning and success

• Challenging yourself to be the best you can be

Address: Wells Cathedral Prep School Jocelyn House 11 The Liberty Wells, Somerset BA5 2ST

Tel: 01749 834400

Prep Email: prep@wells.cathedral.school

Pre-Prep Email: pre-prep@wells.cathedral.school

Website: https://wells.cathedral.school

School Portal: https://portal.wells.cathedral.school (our parent website; see here for details)

Head: Mr Jody Wells

Pre-Prep Head: Rebecca Perdrix

Chair of Governors:

Mr David Brown OBE c/o Wells Cathedral School The Liberty Wells, BA5 2ST

Key Information

Policies

Most 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 Trips and Events

• eSafety

• First Aid

• Health and Safety

• Information Communication Technology

• Learning Support and SEND

• Permanent Exclusion

• Privacy Notice

• PSHE Scheme of Work

• Remissions

• Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education

Please contact a member of staff if you have any questions about these, or any of our other policies.

Little Wellies Policies

Our Little Wellies policies can be accessed from our website.

Term Dates

We divide our academic year into six short Terms which are separated by a half-term break and paired as long Terms separated by a School holiday; these are Michaelmas/Advent Terms, Epiphany/Lent Terms and Whitsun/Trinity Terms. We are a six day a week teaching school from Year 9 upwards, giving us space in the rest of the week to include enrichment opportunities for pupils alongside their academic curriculum.

Syncing Term Dates to Your Calendar

Many parents find it useful to sync our Term dates to their personal calendar as a reference when planning holidays. For instructions on how to do this, as well as for future term dates, please see our website: https://wells.cathedral.school/term-dates

2024/2025 Term Dates

Michaelmas Term 2024

• New Staff Induction Day: Monday 2 September

• Staff Training (INSET) Day: Tuesday 3Wednesday 4 September

• New Pupils’ Day: Thursday 5 September

• Boarders return: Thursday 5 September (by 7.00pm)

• Term begins: Friday 6 September (morning registration)

• Full Exeat: Friday 27 September (4.00pm) –Sunday 29 September (Boarders return by 7.00pm)

• Term ends: Friday 18 October (4.00pm)

• Boarding Houses close*: Friday 18 October (5.00pm)

• Boarders taking Heathrow coach leave: Saturday 19 October (by 9.00am)

Advent Term 2024

• Boarders return: Sunday 3 November (by 7.00pm)

• Term begins: Monday 4 November (morning registration)

• Full Exeat: Friday 22 November (4.00pm) –Sunday 24 November (Boarders return by 7.00pm)

• Term ends and Boarders leave: Friday 13 December (11.30am)

Epiphany Term 2025

• Staff Training (INSET) Day: Monday 6 January

• Boarders return: Monday 6 January (by 7.00pm)

• Term begins: Tuesday 7 January (morning registration)

• Full Exeat: Friday 24 January (4.00pm) – Sunday 26 January (Boarders return by 7.00pm)

• Term ends: Friday 14 February (4.00pm)

• Boarding Houses close*: Friday 14 February (5.00pm)

• Boarders taking Heathrow coach leave: Saturday 15 February (by 9.00am)

Lent Term 2025

• Boarders return: Sunday 23 February (by 7.00pm)

• Term begins: Monday 24 February (morning registration)

• Term ends and Boarders leave: Friday 28 March (11.30am)

Whitsun Term 2025

• Staff Training (INSET) Day: Tuesday 22 April

• Boarders return: Tuesday 22 April (by 7.00pm)

• Term begins: Wednesday 23 April (morning registration)

• Full Exeat: Friday 2 May (4.00pm) – Monday 5 May (Boarders return by 7.00pm)

• Term ends: Friday 23 May (4.00pm)

• Boarding Houses close*: Friday 23 May (5.00pm)

• Boarders taking Heathrow coach leave: Saturday 24 May (by 9.00am)

Trinity Term 2025

• Boarders return: Sunday 1 June (by 7.00pm)

• Term begins: Monday 2 June (morning registration)

• Term ends and Boarders leave: Friday 4 July (Senior School 12.15pm, Prep School 3.30pm)

*Boarding Houses only open for pupils taking Heathrow coach the next morning

Little Wellies Nursery Opening Dates

Little Wellies is open for 50 weeks a year (except Bank Holidays, INSET week - end of August/early Septemberand Christmas week).

2024/2025 Academic Calendar

Key Staff

“Key Person”

We believe that children settle best when they have a key person to relate to, who knows them and their parents well, and who can meet their individual needs. In Nursery, this is the child’s Key Person, in Pre-Prep, the class teacher and in the Prep School, the Form Tutor.

Each child is allocated their own key person who is responsible for the induction of the child into our setting and acts as the key contact for the parents. The key person takes oversight of the observation and assessment of each child’s unique profile and developmental record and endeavours to build a strong bond with their key child, knowing what makes them ‘tick’. They will also ensure smooth communication with parents with regards to significant information.

Little Wellies Staff

We have a fantastic team who are well qualified and provide a balance of talent and experience. We strictly adhere to the legal ratios set out by the EYFS. Staff in the Nursery report to the Nursery Manager, who reports to the Head of Pre-Prep, as do the Pre-Prep school staff. The Head of Pre-Prep is a part of the Whole School Senior Management Team.

In Ducklings, the key person will refer to the daily care/ communication diary to ensure flawless partnership between home and nursery. This will include information on nappy changes and naps, as well as what they ate for lunch.

Jody Wells Head of the Prep School

Rebecca Perdrix Head of Pre-Prep

Karl Gibson Deputy Head of the Prep School

Sarah Beats Safeguarding Lead (Prep School)

Val Hancock Nursery Manager

Lauren Millington Deputy Nursery Manager

Our Expectations

“Esto Quod Es” – Be What You Are

As members of the School we expect the children to:

• 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 themselves

• take time to talk to someone if they are looking sad

• let a teacher know if they think a child is upsetting another child

• make the School a friendly place for everyone.

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 wellbeing

• Creating an adventurous and 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 and enjoy 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

• Promote our values of CARE: Creativity, Aspiration, Responsibility and Endeavour

• Develop our six principal learning powers of resilience, curiosity, motivation, detective skills (critical thinking), risk taking and resourcefulness

• Inspire success.

A-Z: A

Absence From School

If your son or daughter is unwell, has a medical/dental appointment, or or is otherwise unexpectedly unable to make it into school due to extenuating circumstances, please inform the School as early as possible on or prior to the day of the absence by completing the Absence Form on the Portal. This form will be received by your child’s Teacher and Reception.

Leave Request

If you would like to request leave (e.g., for a funeral, wedding, holiday, etc.), please complete the Leave of Absence Form on the Portal at least a week in advance wherever possible. This form will be sent to the Head of Prep or Pre-Prep for consideration.

Academic: A Rich Curriculum

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

At Little Wellies we believe in being led by the children’s interests and development and so use a Planning In The Moment approach, underpinned by the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The idea is to capture the interest of a child or children in the present moment and not just as a pre-planned activity; this allows us to embrace more opportunities for learning.

Activities and Clubs

The School has a variety of co-curricular clubs and activities on offer (starting in Reception) to strengthen life beyond the classroom, both at lunchtime and after school. A new list is emailed to parents each term so that they have the opportunity to sign their children up to activities of their choice via the SOCS Activities System.

Absence Academic Activities and Clubs

Appearance

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

• 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 (smart watches with a camera function are not allowed) 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 or black.

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 Parents’ Consultation Evenings or in written reports.

Effort Grades

Throughout the year, pupils in Years 3-6 are awarded grades for effort in each subject. These range from 5 (outstanding) to 1 (cause for concern) and indicate effort (application, enthusiasm and use of our learning powers; see this section) rather than attainment. The criteria for each grade is found inside pupils’ Prep Planners.

B-C

Change of Address

Bags

Prep School - 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. The School games bag (only obtainable from South West Schoolwear) must be used for sports kit. Please mark your child’s name clearly on the outside and add a keyring or similar to help the pupils to easily identify them.

Pre-Prep - Pupils will need the Pre-Prep backpack, a cylindrical games bag to use for Games or Forest School kit and a drawstring swimming bag (all of which must be purchased from South West Schoolwear) as well as another drawstring bag for daps/plimsolls (any style). The Pre-Prep School book bag is optional.

Please see our Uniform Guides for photos of our bags.

Boarders

We have a wonderful dedicated co-educational Prep Boarding House, Claver Morris for Years 4-8. We are able to offer full, weekly and - when space permitsoccasional boarding. Please see our Boarding Handbook for details.

Change of Address

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

Choristers

Choristers play a significant role in the Prep School. Pupils can start as a Probationer Chorister in Year 4, but we also consider early auditions at Year 3 for PreProbationers. Our Chorister Coordinator is the pastoral carer for the Choristers and liaises with families, the

School and Wells Cathedral on a regular basis. Chorister parents are issued with a Chorister Handbook and Calendar via the Cathedral Office. Pupils can experience Chorister life at our ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ event and auditions are held during the year. If you would like to learn more about your child becoming a Chorister, please let us know.

Clothing

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

Purchasing Clothing

South West Schoolwear

Some items of our uniform must be purchased at South West Schoolwear, located at 23 Broad Street, Wells, BA5 2DJ. Please see our uniform guides for details.

Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 9.00am - 5.00pm Tel: 01749 670000 Website: www.swschoolwear.co.uk

Second-Hand Clothing Sales

The School also has a second-hand uniform shop run in association with our Parents and Friends’ Association. You can email secondhanduniform@wells.cathedral. school

Other Shops

Some items of clothing can be purchased elsewhere. Please see our Uniform Guide for details.

A-Z: C

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

School Portal

The School Portal is our parents’ website where you can access reports, reference information and more. 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 each Friday during term time. As well as publicising and celebrating weekly events, there are updates and useful information 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.

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 Reception - Year 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 via the Blog at the time these go ‘live’.

Complaints Communication With Parents

Parent Representatives

There is regular liaison between the Head of Wells Cathedral Prep 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.

Contact details for the Parent Representatives can be found on the Portal: https://portal.wells.cathedral.school/showme/reps

Parent Consultations

Parent consultations take place twice a year, once in Michaelmas Term and the other towards the end of the Epiphany Term or during Lent Term (dates vary by Year group). 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 weekly blog. Pre-Prep consultations are arranged directly through the form teacher. Throughout the year there are also a number of events that allow for face-to-face meetings with staff.

Communication with Staff

All teachers can be contacted using their school email address and our policy is to respond within 24 working 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. The pupils’ wellbeing is our utmost priority and therefore we prefer to know about issues straightaway so that appropriate action can be taken.

Contacting the School

You can contact Reception and your child’s form teacher using the contact form on the Portal If you prefer to call, please do so between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm (Pre-Prep Reception: 01749 834247; Prep School Reception: 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: prepmusic administrator@wells.cathedral.school

• The Head may be contacted through his PA, 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

School Fees

Reception+ Our current School fees can be found on our website: https://wells.cathedral.school/fees Fees are reviewed annually by the Governors, and parents will be notified by a letter from the Chair of Governors at least a term in advance of any fee change.

Fees are billed three times a year in advance of the term to which they refer and any extras (e.g. music lessons, trips or activities) are billed in arrears. Payment is always due no later than the first day of the term. Bills are emailed to parents at the following times of year: August – Michaelmas/Advent fees (including extras from the previous term)

December – Epiphany/Lent fees (including extras from the previous term)

April – Whitsun/Trinity fees (including extras from the previous term)

Nursery+ Our current Nursery fees can be found on our website: https://wells.cathedral.school/littlewellies Nursery fees are billed monthly, for the coming month. These are reviewed annually.

Forms

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 wellbeing. Please ensure that these details are emailed to prepschooladministrator@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 were 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 via the My School page on the School Portal - select ‘Dining Hall (Menus)’ - to help parents with mealtime planning at home or you can find it by direct link here.

A-Z: F-H

Food (continued)

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 snacks to ensure the School is as nut-free as possible. In accordance with Natasha’s Law, cakes brought into school for birthdays or celebrations must be bought and still sealed with the ingredients clearly displayed.

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 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.

Little Wellies Nursery

We provide a balanced variety of snacks throughout the day and a hot lunch with a dessert. We are fortunate to have our meals prepared by our award winning catering staff and our little ones have their very own alcove to eat their lunch in the dining room! We provide a simple breakfast and supper for those attending wraparound hours in the Nursery building.

Breakfast and Supper Clubs

To help busy parents, we offer wraparound care. For a small charge, 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. Please click here for how to book our Breakfast and Supper Club.

Snacks

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

Food (continued)

Form Structure

Form Teaching

Years 3-6: A fruit basket is located in Jocelyn 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. Please remember we are a nut-free school.

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+)

Prep 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, art, dance and sport). At Year 5 and particularly in 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’ twice a week 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.

Key Events

Homework (Prep)

Pre-Prep (Reception - Year 2)

Pupils have daily reading, spellings and maths.

Prep School (Years 3-6)

Pupils in Years 3-6 should aim to:

• Complete daily reading and record the book and page number in their Prep Planners (see below).

• Access the Doodle learning apps (English, maths and times tables) at least three times a week. This AI-based programme is individualised and adapts to pupils’ needs and abilities. It works best with a ‘little and often’ approach and the aim is to keep in the ‘green zone’.

• Each week, pupils should also practise their spellings in their spelling journals but can also use the Doodle Spell app to support their spelling journey.

• Complete their weekly subject-specific prep which is designed to be a creative, enquirybased or cross-curricular task (taking no more than 30 minutes).

• This gives pupils the chance to apply a range of cross-curricular skills based on their classroom learning.

• These weekly tasks may constitute a single task or a longer project which spans several weeks. Details of these (including deadline dates) will be communicated through Google Classroom and in pupils’ Prep Planners.

Further details will be communicated in the ‘Beginning of Year’ letter sent by the form tutors and in the child’s Prep Planner.

Prep Planners

In Years 3-6, each child has a Prep Planner in which key information is available, targets are set and prep is recorded. The diary may also be used as a means of communication between home and School (although email is often better). Parents should sign the relevant section at least once a week - each evening if possibleto say what work has taken place.

Insurance

Parents are strongly advised to insure pupils’ persons against injury, and their personal effects against loss or damage. In particular, insurance should cover clothing, musical instruments, laptops, watches, mobile phones, cash and any other valuables. An extension to the parents’ household policy may often suffice. Parents may also wish to consider school fees insurance, which provides cover for fees in the event that a pupil is unable to attend school for extended periods due to illness. The School does not recommend any specific insurer or insurance policy, but an indicative list of providers offering such insurance products can be obtained from the Bursar on request.

Key Events

Performance platform events take place throughout the year.

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 solos and in groups.

Michaelmas Term

Choral Evensong - to mark the beginning of the School Year.

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.

Parents Evening with Tutor - for Years 3-6. 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.

A-Z: K Key Events (continued)

Harvest Festival - an ‘internal’ service, which 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 and Friends’ Association for all pupils and parents/friends on Cedars Field.

Christmas Fair - a lovely event organised by the Parents and Friends’ 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 Prep 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.

Epiphany Term

Sports Photographs - team photographs for Rugby, Hockey and Cross Country.

Parent Consultations (from Reception) - also in Lent

Lent Term

Pre-Prep Spring Production - a perfect opportunity to see how our Pre-Prep children have grown in confidence since their Christmas show, the Pre-Prep Spring production is an all-singing, all-dancing performance on stage in Ritchie Hall.

Gymnastics and Dance Performance - the boys and girls attending these activities show of their skills in a show that always dazzles.

Whitsun Term

Ensembles Concert - an opportunity for pupils to perform together in one of our Prep School ensembles.

Trinity Term

Open Exhibition Afternoon - the pupils get a chance to shine in front of parents and prospective families, with drama and dance performances as well as show off their art, which is presented as an exhibition.

Swimming Galas - Years 2-6 swim in an afternoon event held at the School swimming pool where children compete (according to ability) to win points for their house groups.

Sports Photographs - team photographs for Hockey, Netball and Cricket. Parents can order these online.

Summer Production - All children from Years 3-6 will have the opportunity to take part in our annual summer production, presented in Cedars Hall.

Move-Up Day - where pupils experience what life in the new academic year will be like.

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 and track events take place in the afternoon. We also have a Pre-Prep Sports Morning on Cedars Field; all children from Nursery through to Year 2 are invited to take part. Parents and supporters are invited to watch both events. Pre-Prep Summer Concert - an opportunity to hear our youngest pupils perform as soloists and in groups. Speech Day - parents and family are invited to attend a buffet lunch on Cedars Lawn followed by the Prep School Speech Day in Cedars Hall. All children from Reception to Year 6 are involved.

Parents and Friends’ Association Ball - this is a fabulous end of term ball for all parents and friends held in a marquee on Cedars Lawn.

Learning Powers

Learning Support

Leaving the School

Leadership Opportunities

Pre-Prep Opportunities

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 both independent and respectful when using our provision.

• Lunchtimes - the Year 2 children are superstar helpers at lunchtime and help to clear away.

• Pupil Voice Group - this group - voted in by their peers - enjoy making a difference.

Years 3-6 Opportunities

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

• House meetings

• School Council - each class has a representative

• House Captains - Year 6

• Sports Captains - Year 6

• Peer Mentors - Years 5 and 6

• Digital Leaders

• Reading Buddies

• Librarians

• Hosts for School events - Year 6

Learning Powers

Pupils at Wells aim to incorporate the CARE values into all they do, as well as use the School’s Learning Powers to aid their independent learning. These are also linked to the effort grades and targets each term. Our Learning Powers are:

• Resilience

• Resourcefulness

• Motivation

• Risk-Taker

• Detective Skills

• Curiosity

For details about each of our Learning Powers, please see our Portal: https://portal.wells.cathedral.school/ showme/learning-powers

Learning Support

If a child has been identified as requiring extra support to aid their development, liaison will begin between key staff, parents and the relevant Head of SEND. If we identify that the child requires support in addition to the typical curriculum, the team will work together to develop a child-centred personalised plan (One Page Profile) outlining the child’s strengths, areas of difficulty and targets with suggested strategies to support this. In addition to this, we are able to guide parents in liaison with external services to assess and support your child. These plans will be regularly reviewed and updated regularly based on the child’s progress. For more information, please refer to our Learning Support and SEND policy: https://wells.cathedral.school/policies

Leaving the School

The vast majority of our Prep School pupils make the transfer to the Senior School at 11+. If, however, 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.

A-Z: L-M

“Let Me Know” Box

Each form in Years 3-6 has a “Let Me Know” box on the teacher’s desk. This is just a place your child can drop a note about anything they 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 them at a time which is easy for both of them. 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.

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 near Prep School 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 or classrooms to look for lost property yourself, a member of staff will always help.

Medical Problems

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 or PE, please inform the School. Without this, we expect pupils to take part in all activities.

Illness/Accident - if pupils have anything other than a minor accident 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.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.

High temperature - if your child has a high

temperature, keep them off School until it goes away. 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 - children have lice 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 regularly and ensure that long hair is tied up.

Money

Pupils should not bring money to School unless there is a specific reason, such as a charity event, which requires it. Parents will be informed of such occasions.

Music Lessons and Choir

We offer music lessons for any instrument that your child might wish to try (additional fees apply, please see: https://wells.cathedral.school/fees for details).

If your child wishes to play an instrument please contact our Prep School Head of Music and Performing Arts c.rowntree@wells.cathedral.school who will advise you. Children play a variety of instruments in the School with an opportunity to join musical ensembles, such as brass, percussion and string orchestra. Individual singing lessons are also available. The Prep 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). Missed lessons, including those for other school events (such as trips), still need to be paid for.

The Prep 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 music timetabling, email prepmusicadministrator@wells.cathedral.school

Parking and Buses

Pastoral and Wellbeing

Parking and Buses

Parking

Parking on our site is limited. In the morning, parents can drop children off in the Prep School playground via 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 of pupils in Years 3-6 are asked to drive off straightaway to ease congestion. Parents of Years 1 and 2 may park on the left-hand side and escort their child(ren) to their classroom. All cars should turn left when you exit. 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 and Waitrose.

Buses

The School operates a range of bus routes to support parents in getting their children to and from School at a reasonable rate. To see our current availability and to make a booking, click on the navy “Local School Bus Bookings” button on the Portal homepage. We have created this ‘How to book a bus’ user guide with details on how to use the booking system.

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

Those children catching the school buses will be escorted from Jocelyn at 5.00pm to the buses by a member of staff. Buses leave at 5.15pm.

Pastoral and Wellbeing

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.

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 Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) and counsellors at St. Andrew’s Lodge, our medical centre. A School Welfare Team meets each week.

We are very fortunate to have visits from therapy dogs who play an important part in the wellbing of the pupils and staff in school. Peer Mentors (Years 5 and 6) are key in the wellbeing 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 active and energetic play

Each pupil in the Prep School is put into one of four Houses. Each House has regular assemblies throughout each term 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.

A-Z: P

Parent Partnerships

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

• We hold parent workshops and consultations

• We actively encourage parents to volunteerhelping 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

• We have a Chorister Parents’ Social Committee for chorister fundraising

• We have parental engagement groups, such as Digital Citizenship and Parental Learning Seminars

• We send out regular e-newsletters

• We produce regular reports for each child

• We have a Parental Engagement Programme

• We host a range of events for parents to attend, including performances, exhibitions, Sports Days and informal social gatherings.

Parents and Friends’ Association

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

Parent Partnerships

Parents and Friends’ Association

Performing Arts

Performing Arts

There are many 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). They also present a Summer Concert in the Trinity Term.

Performance Platform: Drama, Dance and Music - throughout the year, individual year groups from Years 3-6 hold a performance showcasing their work.

Performance Platform: Instrumental and Vocal Concerts - there are usually four instrumental and vocal concerts across year groups throughout the year, providing valuable solo performance opportunities.

Music Ensembles - these include Prep Choir, orchestra, string ensemble, brass ensemble, percussion ensemble, Years 3-4 Choir, Wells Young Musician’s String Orchestra (WYMSO)

Christmas Celebration - Years 3-6 hold a magical two-night Celebration of Christmas with songs, readings and topical sketches in the Cathedral Nave.

Prep 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 music, 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: Mary Poppins (Jr), The Wizard of Oz (Jr), Shrek the Musical (Jr) and Oliver

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 house points 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

Certificates for Learning Powers are awarded in assembly for resilience, curiosity, motivation, detective skills, 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 Prep 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 and helpfulness, and they are mentioned in our Friday Celebration Assembly.

Sprouts Points are awarded each week for good behaviour and manners in the Dining Hall and making adventurous and conscious food choices.

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.

Certificates for Learning Powers – are awarded for resilience, curiosity, motivation, critical thinking, risk-taking and resourcefulness.

Golden Spoon - awarded for great lunchtime manners.

Traffic Light System

The Prep 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.

Pre-Prep use a similar tiered system using green, yellow, amber and red flowers.

Bullying

The School treats bullying most seriously. It is important that parents contact the form teacher immediately if they have concerns. 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

A-Z: S

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 6

8.40am: registration for Reception to Year 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 for a small charge with bookings made online. Children should report to the Dining Room. This link is also available in our weekly blogs.

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 in School by 8.35am. Parents are asked to escort their children to the Pre-Prep building and depart swiftly in order to leave space for others needing to park; please see here for parking information.

Children in Years 3-6 should be in School by 8.35am. Children should also be dropped off in the Prep School playground between 8.20am and 8.35am; please see page 21 for parking information. Children are to put their games bags and instruments away and then make their way to the classrooms. Any early arrivals should report to the Dining Room and join Breakfast Club (see above for how to book).

School Day

Picking Up After School

Nursery parents who are picking up children at lunchtime may park in Mullins (please display parking pass) 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 and Jocelyn from 3.00pm. Those staying for Pre-Prep After School Care are to be collected from the Pre-Prep building by 5.00pm.

Children in Years 3-6 should be collected in the Prep School play area after school at 4.00pm. Please use the Jocelyn playground 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.

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 by emailing preprep@wells-cathedral-school.com

Children in Years 3-6 (inclusive) are able to either take part in clubs or 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 parents can book online (this link is also available in our weekly blogs). Pupils should be collected from the Dining Room by 6.00pm. In unforeseen circumstances, pupils can be looked after in Claver Morris (BA5 2SZ), our Prep Boarding House, beyond 6.00pm, until they can be picked up by parents. Please call 07931 832453 for a member of staff until 6.00pm.

Settling In (Nursery)

Taking children from as young as two years old, we recognise the need to ensure that each child is given a gradual introduction to Nursery life, allowing a smooth acclimatisation to the environment, people and routines. Nursery parents are offered as standard: a short settlingin visit with their child, then a further visit for the child to come in without parent/carer. However, it is made clear to parents/carers from the start that they are welcome and supported at the Nursery for as long as it takes to settle their child, and subsequently during their child’s time at Nursery. We aim to offer a gradually increasing pattern of attendance with an increase of sessions leading up to the potential movement into Reception class.

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 and love of physical activity. All pupils benefit from sports specialist coaching.

Nursery

The children benefit from:

• Games and Physical development lessons - regular fundamental movement skills sessions and weekly games lessons delivered 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 spoorts teachers

• Swimming - weekly lessons delivered by specialist swimming teachers.

• Welly Wednesday - active outdoor education and Forest School

• Clubs - for example, football, Rugby Tots and multisports.

Years 3-6

In Years 3-6, pupils have a session of Physical Education (PE) and two sessions of Games timetabled per week to include a fixture afternoon where pupils compete against other schools. Steve Bratt is Head of Sport, and he leads a team of dedicated Sports Staff.

PE involves fundamental movement skills, hockey, gymnastics, football, athletics or swimming for both boys and girls.

Boys’ Games Girls’ Games

Michaelmas/Advent Rugby Hockey

Epiphany/Lent Hockey Netball

Whitsun/Trinity Cricket Cricket

Cross Country

The Prep 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 always in the calendar prior to the start of Term as the dates are not made available from the organiser until after the Term has started.

A-Z: S

Sport (continued)

Sports bags - Pupils in Years 3-6 store their sports bags into the cellars below Jocelyn when they arrive at School. This is where they change for most games sessions.

Safety studs - Players’ boots must conform with the world rugby specifications and must be checked regularly.

Sports Fixtures

We have a busy fixture list where all pupils compete against other schools. These are played at home or ‘away’ at a hosting school. For away fixtures children are transported by coach and returned to School for collection.

From Year 3, all pupils play in fixtures. If your child is injured or unable to play, you need to send a message to s.bratt@wells.cathedral.school. School sports kit is worn for all these fixtures, and pupils are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and responsible manner. Pupils should arrive in school in sports kit for away fixtures, but they should wear their uniform and pack their kit for home fixtures.

Our Sports website lists our fixtures and team sheets: http://sport.wells.cathedral.school

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 to give an estimated time of arrival, either by email or via Parent Representatives.

Please Note

Please send the children to School in their uniform on PE and Games days with a packed PE bag containing the kit required for the specified sporting activity.

Parental Advice for Supporting Sport Fixtures

Parents are encouraged to support their child at fixtures both at home and away. Fixture days for Years 3 and 4 (U8’s and U9’s) are usually on Mondays and for Years 5 and 6 (U10’s and U11’s) are usually on Wednesdays. There are also occasional weekend fixtures/festivals. Children and parents are given refreshments (‘team teas’) following a fixture. Some parents choose to drive their child home at the end of the fixture. If someone other than a child’s parent is collecting from a fixture then the School must be informed in advance of the fixture; for safeguarding reasons, staff will be unable to release pupils if such permissions have not been received.

The following is a code of conduct that we would like parents to follow when watching teams, 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.

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 customfitted gum shields for each lesson. Shin pads are also compulsory equipment for hockey. Male pupils in Years 5 and 6 playing cricket will require a cricket box.

Sport Kit List for Prep (Years 3-6)

Hockey (Girls and Boys)

• Tracksuit

• White PE polo shirt

• Navy shorts PE shorts (boys)

• Navy skorts (girls)

• Long blue games socks

• Clean trainers/astros

• Water bottle

• Shin pads

• Gum shield

• Hockey stick (optional: if you have one)

Swimming / Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) Warm Up

• School trunks/costume

• Goggles

• Swim hat (long hair only)

• Towel

• Full tracksuit

• Clean trainers

• White socks

• PE Polo shirt

• PE shorts/skort

• Water bottle

Rugby

• Rugby shirt

• Blue shorts

• Rugby socks

• Rugby boots

• Trainers (whilst the ground is hard)

• Tracksuit

• Water bottle

• Gum shield

Gymnastics

• Tracksuit

• White PE polo shirt

• White PE shorts or skort

• White short socks

• Clean trainers

• School gym leotard (optional)

Netball

• Tracksuit

• White PE polo shirt

• Navy skorts

• White socks

• Clean trainers

• Water bottle

Boys’ Cricket

• Cricket whites for matches against another school (you may come to school wearing your cricket whites with a School blazer if we are going away to play a match)

• School tracksuit and whites when there isn’t a match against another school.

• Please apply sunscreen in the morning before school if the sun is going to be strong

• Protective box (optional as we play with a soft ball)

• Water bottle / Hat

Girls’ Cricket

• Tracksuit

• Navy skort

• White polo top

• White socks

• Clean trainers

• Water bottle / Hat

• Please apply sunscreen in the morning before school if the sun is going to be strong

• You may come to school wearing your games kit and tracksuit if we are going away to play a match.

Football (Girls and Boys)

• Tracksuit

• White PE polo shirt

• Navy shorts PE shorts (boys)

• Navy skorts (girls)

• Long blue games socks

• Clean trainers

• Water bottle

• Shin pads

Sports by Term (Years 3-5)

Year 3

Michaelmas and Advent

Boys’ Games: Rugby

Girls’ Games: Hockey

PE (Michaelmas only): Football

PE (Advent only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

Epiphany and Lent

Boys’ Games: Hockey

Girls’ Games: Netball

PE (Epiphany only): Gymnastics

PE (Lent only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

Whitsun and Trinity

Boys’ Games: Cricket

Girls’ Games: Cricket

PE: Swimming and Athletics

Please pack both kits for every lesson so we have flexibility should a facility become unavailable for whatever reason.

Year 4

Michaelmas and Advent

Boys’ Games: Rugby

Girls’ Games: Hockey

PE (Michaelmas only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

PE (Advent only): Hockey

Epiphany and Lent

Boys’ Games: Hockey

Girls’ Games: Netball

PE (Epiphany only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

PE (Lent only): Gymnastics

Whitsun and Trinity

Boys’ Games: Cricket

Girls’ Games: Cricket

PE: Swimming and Athletics

Please pack both kits for every lesson so we have flexibility should a facility become unavailable for whatever reason.

Year 5 (Boys)

Michaelmas and Advent Games: Rugby

PE (Michaelmas only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

PE (Advent only): Hockey

Epiphany and Lent Games: Hockey

PE (Epiphany only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

PE (Lent only): Gymnastics

Whitsun and Trinity Games: Cricket

PE: Swimming and Athletics

Please pack both kits for every lesson so we have flexibility should a facility become unavailable for whatever reason.

Year 5 (Girls)

Michaelmas and Advent Games: Hockey

PE (Michaelmas only): Hockey

PE (Advent only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

Epiphany and Lent Games: Netball

PE (Epiphany only): Gymnastics

PE (Lent only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

Whitsun and Trinity Games: Cricket

PE: Swimming and Athletics

Please pack both kits for every lesson so we have flexibility should a facility become unavailable for whatever reason.

Please Note

Please send the children to School in their uniform on PE and Games days with a packed PE bag containing the kit required for the specified sporting activity.

Year 6 (Boys)

Michaelmas and Advent Games: Rugby

PE (Michaelmas only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

PE (Advent only): Hockey

Epiphany and Lent Games: Hockey

PE (Epiphany only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

PE (Lent only): Gymnastics

Whitsun and Trinity Games: Cricket

PE: Swimming and Athletics

Please pack both kits for every lesson so we have flexibility should a facility become unavailable for whatever reason.

Year 6 (Girls)

Michaelmas and Advent Games: Hockey

PE (Michaelmas only): Hockey

PE (Advent only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

Epiphany and Lent Games: Netball

PE (Epiphany only): Gymnastics

PE (Lent only): Swimming / FMS Warm Up

Whitsun and Trinity Games: Cricket

PE: Swimming and Athletics

Please pack both kits for every lesson so we have flexibility should a facility become unavailable for whatever reason.

Please Note

Please send the children to School in their uniform on PE and Games days with a packed PE bag containing the kit required for the specified sporting activity.

A-Z: T

Tapestry (Pre-Prep)

We use Tapestry to record and send observations to parents and to track and keep records of individual children’s progress during their time in the Pre-Prep. Parents are able to comment and ask questions through this medium and also post photographs and highlights from home, giving a rounded view of the child.

Focus Children Observations (Nursery)

Each week we will choose a minimum of two children in our Duckling Room and two children in our Cygnet Room. These children will be the focus of our observations and teaching for the week. We will receive feedback from parents/carers after sending them a ‘parent consultation sheet’ to complete in advance of the week. This will give us an insight into the child’s interests at home, and things that might be going on in their lives. Using this information, and our own knowledge of the child, we can develop identified ‘areas of focus’ and suggest engaging environments. These opportunities and observations will be fed back to parents on Tapestry.

Transitions

Nursery Through Pre-Prep

Nursery - Year 2 children experience opportunities to learn and play together, across both foundation stage environments and throughout our beautiful grounds and facilities. Opportunities include play times, performance times, sports day and Welly Wednesday. These shared experiences ensure that our transition is a process, not an event and that the Nursery children have a subtle introduction to the Pre-Prep environment and expectations. In addition to this, staff across PrePrep meet on a regular basis to discuss children’s profiles, development, needs and interests. There are additional ‘stay and play’ and transition events as well as information events for parents.

There will also be times when children move to or from another Nursery or School, and we always ensure we liaise with yourselves and the current or next settings to ensure a smooth transition.

Trips

Pre-Prep to Prep School

Regular specialist teaching in a range of subjects from Prep School teachers and the shared use of our beautiful environment are just two of the key elements that support our pupils to develop their skills, confidence and growing independence in preparation for the transition to Year 3. The Year 2 teachers work closely with the Year 3 and Prep School staff to ensure that the children have a whole host of opportunities to experience Prep School life including attending assemblies, visiting their new classroom, using the Prep School playground, and going to play with their older ‘buddies’ (current Year 5 pupils specifically chosen to support them through the process)... just to name a few! We will also carry out tours for parents and hold an information event where you can meet key staff.

Prep School to Senior School

Most children transfer to the Senior School at 11+ after they have finished Year 6 (Key Stage 2). There are 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 Evenings or Mornings to find out more information about the transition process. There is also a Move Up Day for the pupils.

Trips

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.

Nursery Uniform

Link to South West Schoolwear pinafore

Link to South West Schoolwear tights

Link to South West Schoolwear socks

*Most of our uniform and sports kit items also can be purchased through our secondhand shop (subject to availability).

Waterproofs (preferably navy) - trousers and top or all-in-one

all year round

You also need to supply a complete change of clothes (non-uniform but School colours) for your child, including socks, underwear and t-shirt to be left in School.

*Most of our uniform and sports kit items also can be purchased through our secondhand shop (subject to availability).

Pre-Prep Trouser Uniform

(Reception - Year 2)

Pre-Prep Pinafore Uniform (Reception

Pre-Prep Bags and Accessories

Pre-Prep Sports Kit

Prep School Trouser Uniform

(Years 3-6)

Prep School Trouser Uniform, cont.

Prep School Skirt Uniform

(Years 3-6)

Prep School Skirt Uniform, cont.

Prep School Accessories

(Years 3-6)

tapes (to sew onto clothing)

Scarves, if worn, must be the official School scarf or plain navy

*Most of our uniform and sports kit items also can be purchased through our secondhand shop (subject to availability).

Prep School Sports Accessories (Years

School sports bag Named clearly on the outside; the size is parental choice South West Schoolwear

smaller version

Custom fitted gum shield South West Schoolwear

Shin pads (for hockey) South

Outdoor trainers (For astroturf, cricket and athletics)

Pair of studded boots (approved safety studs)

Sports gloves (with rubber grips)

*Most of our uniform and sports kit items also can be purchased through our secondhand shop (subject to availability).

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

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; please email pre-prep@wells. cathedral.school if you have any issues.

What You Need to Have/Bring:

• School uniform

• PE/Sports kit (Years 3-6)

• Dap Bag and Welly Wednesday Kit (Pre-Prep)

• Backpack

• Pencil Case (Years 5-6)

• Water bottle

• Boarding essentials as required for boarding, including casual clothes for outside of school time (see our Boarding Handbook for details).

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

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

• 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)

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