AGC Senior School Induction Booklet A5 25_26 by AGC1

An Introduction to Our Community

INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS

A Warm Welcome

Mr Jenkinson Head

Welcome to our College Community.

This information booklet is intended to help you, as new parents, to be aware of and understand some of the day-to-day essentials, regarding life at Abbey Gate College for

Further details are on our website and Parent Portal and, please, never hesitate to ask us directly if you are unsure of anything or simply want to know more!

We trust that your child will settle quickly in our College and we look forward to working with you in the coming years, as your child grows and develops under our shared guidance and care.

We hope you will ﬁnd this booklet helpful.

With kind regards

Absence

Academic

Arrival & Departure

Assemblies & Tutor

Bag Storage, Lockers & Valuables

Bicycles

Buses

Calculators

Calendar

Classroom Essentials

Co-Curricular

Curriculum

Daily Timings

Data Protection

Financial Matters

Food & Drink

Homework

Learning Enrichment

Houses

Library Lost

Medical

Mobile

Music Tuition

Online

Parents’ Teachers’ & Friends’ Association (PTFA)

Pastoral Care

Prefects

Rules & Code of Conduct

Safeguarding/Child Protection

Safety in Sport

Service

Speech & Drama

Term Dates

Trips and Visits

Uniform Wellbeing

INTRODUCING SOME KEY PEOPLE

Head

Mr C Jenkinson

Saighton Grange

Chester CH3 6EN

Senior Deputy Head

Mr A Austen

Deputy Head - Academic

Mr M Booth

Deputy Head - Pastoral/DSL

Mrs C Houghton

Head of Sixth Form - Academic

Dr E Leatherbarrow

Head of Sixth Form - Pastoral

Mr D Rowett

More Able Gifted and Talented Coordinator

Mr G Darbey

Finance Manager

Mrs A Williams

Excecutive Personal Assistant

Mrs K Simons

Admissions Manager

Mrs S MacLaren

Lead First-Aider & Counsellor

Mrs P Sheckley

OUR GOVERNANCE

The Board of Governors at the College is a highly committed and hard working group who give their time freely to support the leadership team in delivery of the key initiatives outlined in the College’s strategic vision.

We still have on the Board a number of the founding governors and parents who took on the task of setting up the College over 40 years ago, and continue to support it to this day.

FOUNDATION GOVERNORS

Governors who have served not less than 25 years may be offered the position of Foundation Governors. They are entitled to attend, but not vote at, Governor’s meetings and do not have the legal responsibilities of Governors.

All correspondence for the Chairman of Governors (Mr Andrew Grime) should be sent to the following address:

Abbey Gate College

Saighton Grange

Saighton

Chester CH3 6EN

Tel: 01244 332 077

Email: clerktogovernors@abbeygatecollege.co.uk

WHAT ARE THE GOVERNING BODY SUB-COMMITTEES?

Abbey Gate College has the following sub-committees:

a) Education

b) Finance

c) Promotions

d) Wellbeing

e) Estates

HOW ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNORS INVOLVED IN THE SCHOOL?

1. There is an annual schedule of full meetings and sub-committee meetings, which include respective reports, updates and discussions of school business and implementation of procedures.

2. Each member has an allocated responsibility for speciﬁc regulatory policies, working alongside the College Leadership Team to provide additional support, advice and ratiﬁcation whenever a policy is reviewed or updated.

MEMBERS OF OUR GOVERNING BODY

Andrew Grime

Paul Carter

Chair of Governors

Deputy Chair of Governors

Deputy Chair of Education Committee

Brian Wake Company Secretary

Estates and Compliance Committee

Vanessa Brodie

James Brown

James Goddard

Gareth Lee

Damian Stenhouse

Emma Bunting

Tim Stanley

Lynne Horner

Chair of Wellbeing Committee

Safeguarding Governor, EYFS Governor

Chair of Finance Committee

Deputy Chair of Wellbeing Committee

EDI, Careers and GDPR Governor

Chair of Estates Committee

Chair of Promotions Committee

Chair of Education Committee

ECT, SEND and MAGaT Governor

Finance Committee Member

Finance and Bursaries Committee Member

Promotions and Communities Committee Member

PSHE and RSE Governor

Promotions Committee Member

Canon Rosie Woodall Wellbeing Committee Member

Derek Bunting

Noel Dutton

Jane Robinson

Key:

Foundation Governor

Finance and Bursaries Committee Member

Foundation Governor

Estates and Compliance Committee Member

Foundation Governor

Estates and Compliance Committee Member

ECT: Early Career Teacher

EDI: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

EYFS: Early Years Foundation Stage

GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation

MAGaT: More Able, Gifted and Talented

PSHE: Personal, Social and Health Education

RSE: Relationships and Sex Education

SEND: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

ABBEY GATE COLLEGE

SET IN HISTORIC SAIGHTON GRANGE

Our Senior School and Sixth Form enjoy a truly special setting in the historic Saighton Grange buildings, surrounded by rolling countryside with far-reaching views towards the Welsh hills and the Cheshire sandstone ridge. It’s a place that inspires learning, curiosity and calm.

A PLACE TO THRIVE

Abbey Gate College is a remarkable place to learn and grow - full of character, ambition and care. Our dedicated teaching and support staff go the extra mile to ensure every student feels supported, challenged and encouraged to be their very best.

OUR STUDENTS

Polite, motivated and full of potential, our students are a genuine delight to teach. They work hard, achieve strong academic results at GCSE and A Level, and bring a real sense of community spirit to College life. One of the most striking things for new colleagues is the respectful, friendly rapport between students and staff - it’s something we’re proud of and work hard to nurture.

OUR STAFF

We’re a tight-knit team who share a passion for working with young people. Our staff are enthusiastic, collaborative and generous with their time - and that commitment doesn’t go unnoticed. Students and parents value the care and energy our teachers bring. With subject expertise, humour, drive and a clear sense of vocation, our teachers ﬁnd real reward in life at Abbey Gate College.

MISSION

MISSION AND AIMS

We are committed, within our safe and caring community, that each one of our pupils will become the best that they can be, and have the self-belief to go forward into this changeable world with courage and with compassion.

AIMS

We pursue our whole College mission, guided by three deﬁning and aspirational aims: SELF, SERVICE AND SUSTAINABILITY

SELF

Each pupil cares for their mental and physical wellbeing; learns and achieves to their individual potential; and is content, comfortable and conﬁdent to be who they are in our diverse and inclusive College.

SERVICE

Each pupil makes a positive difference to the lives of others in our College, as well as in our local and in wider, global communities.

SUSTAINABILITY

Each pupil contributes towards preserving and protecting the planet we all inherit and share, and has the opportunity to be creative and innovative; to help further humanity’s progress in the future.

COMMUNICATION

We believe that the education of all our students is the shared responsibility of our students, their parents and our staff. We hope that you will never hesitate to contact us on any matter concerning your child’s work or welfare, and we shall make every effort to keep you informed about your child’s progress as well as life at our busy school.

IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT US

In the ﬁrst instance the ﬁrst point of contact should be the Form Tutor of your child.

1. By Email: If you wish to contact a member of our staff, please email into admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk marking who the message is for and our Admin team will forward this on to them. We would ask all parents to respect, however, that staff will only respond to emails during professional hours of work. We would also ask parents not to use email if you wish to raise any concerns; we would much prefer to talk with you in person and would again encourage you to contact your child’s Form Tutor.

2. By Telephone: Our Ofﬁce is open during term time from 08.15 until 17.00 on 01244 332077; someone will take your call and try to help. If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please contact us immediately, at any time, and leave a message on the Senior School absence line (01244 332077 – press 1 for Seniors, then 1 for Attendance; 2 for Reception; 3 for Admissions ).

IF WE WISH TO CONTACT YOU

1. By Telephone: please ensure that we always have correct contact numbers, including for emergency contact. Please let us know immediately if any details need updating.

2. By Email: almost all school letters and other information are sent to you electronically (with a summary bulletin sent every Friday). Please check your email account on a regular basis and let us know if you are not receiving anything or if we need to update your email address.

3. By text: occasional, urgent messages are sent by SMS only, or by SMS and email. Again, please do let us know if your mobile device number changes at any time, so that the details we hold are always correct.

COME IN AND TALK WITH US

Notwithstanding all the alternative options, our preferred way to communicate with you is in person. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to arrange a meeting with one of us to discuss the matter, and we shall do our best to help.

PARENT PORTALS

iSAMS Parent Portal enables you to log on securely via the iSAMS app or the internet. Within this portal you will be able to see up-to-date information about your child (or children) and also be kept informed of relevant school information that we hope you will ﬁnd useful.

Using the portal, you will be able to see your child’s:

•Timetable

•Attendance

•Academic reports for download

•Term and event dates

•Fee Invoices

•Rewards & Sanctions (Senior School only)

•Exam Schedules (Senior School only)

Parents will be able to use the iSAMS Parent portal to make absence requests for dental and medical appointments, update contact information, and to update consents, for example for medication and use of your child's photograph. You can also view the medical information that we hold for your child. Around the time your child joins us, you will be sent your login details.

Fireﬂy VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) enables you to log on securely to access your child’s scheduled homework, along with a storage hub of messages from the school relevent to your child.

If you encounter any technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact us.

WEBSITE: abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Our website is updated with all the daily news and stories about life in our busy school. It also has a lot of other information, which we hope you will ﬁnd helpful. For example, in our Useful Links section, you will ﬁnd access to a selection of some key policies, including:

Admissions Policy

Academic Performance Statement

Anti Bullying Policy

Attendance Policy

Behaviour Policy

Bursary Policy

Careers Policy

Complaints Policy

Curriculum Policy

Employers Liability Insurance

Exclusion Policy

First Aid Policy

Health and Safety Policy

More Able, Gifted and Talented Policy

Online Safety Policy (incl. Pupil Acceptable Use)

Privacy Notice

Provision of Information

PSHE and RSE Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Smart Technology Policy

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Policy

Vision, Mission and Aims Statement

The website also has links to our school’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

YOUR CHILD’S LIFE AT OUR SCHOOL

AN ‘A-Z’ OF BASICS

Absence

a) Absence through illness - If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please contact us immediately, at any time, and leave a message on the Senior School absence line (01244 332077 – press 1 for Seniors, then 1 for Attendance;). Alternatively you can email the school at: attendance@abbeygatecollege.co.uk

b) Absence other than illness - If there are exceptional circumstances and you wish to request leave of absence for your child, please write well in advance directly to the Head, Mr Jenkinson.

Please avoid taking children out of school during term time for holidays or social occasions, since this type of absence can impede academic progress and has a disruptive effect on the life of the school.

c) Absence from sport - If your child is not ﬁt to take part in sport on a particular day, please send a note to the teacher in charge of the activity.

Academic Progress

At Abbey Gate College, we take great care to monitor each student’s academic progress and personal development. Subject teachers assess students throughout the year using a range of information, including classwork, homework, and both formal and informal assessments. This allows us to identify strengths, support areas for improvement, and ensure that every student is working towards their individual potential.

Students also complete baseline or diagnostic assessments at key points during their school journey, including aptitude tests and subject-speciﬁc tasks. These help teachers tailor their approach and monitor progress effectively across all year groups.

High-quality feedback is an essential part of our teaching and learning approach. Students are given regular, purposeful feedback to help them reﬂect on their work and improve it. They are expected to act on this feedback through dedicated time in lessons or as part of their homework, in line with our whole-college “Progress and Response” model.

You will receive three reports on your child’s progress across the academic year:

•Two Progress Records, which include attainment and attitude to learning grades

•One Full Written Report, which also includes written comments from subject teachers and the Form Tutor

In addition to written reports, each year group has a Parents’ Evening, offering the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with subject teachers. Where needed, the College may contact you at any point in the year to share concerns or celebrate achievement.

Come In And Talk With Us

Arrival & Departure

Please note that for reasons of pedestrian safety, students travelling to school by car should be dropped off outside the College, and walk onto the College site.

At the end of the College day (3.50pm), students will make their way to the entrance and should be collected from there; please do not drive onto the school campus for drop-off or pick-up.

Parents should only use the school car park to collect students following after-school activities.

The buses will collect students from the designated stops in the morning and drive on to the College site to drop them off. At 3.50pm students will ﬁnish lessons and board their buses, which will leave the site at or soon after 4pm.

If a Senior School student is collecting a sibling who attends the Infant and Junior School, and who has been dropped off at the Senior School by the shuttle bus, they will do this from the Senior School Library.

Assemblies & Tutor Time

A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

All students will attend a whole school assembly each week, in addition to regular House or Year Group assemblies. On the remaining days, pupils spend time with their Form Tutors on a variety of activities, including discussions and quizzes.

Our school assemblies have a moral message. They are led by members of staff, visiting speakers and students, as appropriate. These gatherings of our school community are intended to be accessible to pupils and staff of all faiths, and none, and core themes will often reference a wide range of religious, cultural, and philosophical contexts.

Bag Storage & Valuables

Students sometimes have to carry quite a lot of materials and, therefore, should think carefully about what they should bring into school each day. Bag storage is available for all students. Students should take special care to look after any mobile or computer devices, and the school accepts no liability for any loss or damage to any such personal equipment.

Please note that games kit should be carried separately from schoolbooks in small robust bags. Students should not bring valuable articles or money to school. However, when valuables are necessarily brought to school they may be handed into the ofﬁce for safe keeping.

Bicycles

Due to the nature of the roads surrounding College, very few students cycle to school but for those who do, they should secure them in the designated areas. Parents are asked to note the frame number (usually under the saddle on the upright column) and to insure the bicycles. The school is not responsible for any damage or loss.

Buses

Calculators

We ask that students bring a calculator to their Maths lessons. Whilst we encourage mental maths skills, there will also be occasions when it is necessary or more efﬁcient to use a calculator and it is important that pupils practise using the different calculator functions.

We recommend the Casio FX-85GTCW, although any similar model will be suitable, as long as it is a scientiﬁc calculator, rather than one with only the basic operations.

Calendar

The termly calendar for all school events is posted on the College’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Although it is helpful to read this on a regular basis and note key entries, we do send out speciﬁc invitations and reminders nearer the time of most events.

Classroom Essentials

We would ask that each pupil bring the following basic stationery items to lessons:

•Pencil case

•Black or blue pens

•Pencils

•Eraser, pencil sharpener

•Coloured pencils

•Pair of compasses

•Ruler

Exercise books are provided as well as access to all textbooks or other resources.

Students will also need a geometry kit with ruler, protractor and compasses.

Co-Curricular

There is a wide range of activities, clubs, and societies and we actively encourage students to join a minimum if two per term and develop their interests and hobbies. The co-curricular side of school life, both sporting and cultural, forms an important part of the Abbey Gate College programme. At the start of the academic year there will be a ‘co-curricular fair’ for students to visit and sign up for the activities which interest them. Further details about what is available are on our website in the School Life, Co-Curricular activities section.

Students selected for school teams, whether on school days or Saturdays, are expected to play, throughout their school career, and we would ask that school representation is given priority, please, over other personal commitments. Students wishing to be excused for any reason must bring a parental note to their PE or games teachers well in advance of the ﬁxture.

Similarly, students selected to represent the school at music, drama or in other areas outside of school hours are expected to show full commitment. As for sport, if a student needs to be excused on any occasion, this must be covered by a parental note in advance of the scheduled event.

Curriculum

Our Curriculum Policy is available through the school website and this sets out what we subjects we teach and at which key stage.

If you would like to know more about the actual topics being studied in each of these subjects, we have placed overviews on our website in the School Areas, Senior School, Curriculum section.

All students also have a weekly lesson in PSHE (Personal, Social, and Health Education), which includes content on citizenship and also RSE (Relationships and Sex Education). Full details of what is taught and when are available in our RSE & PSHE Policies, which are available on our website.

Daily Timings

There is a six-period day and students change classrooms at the end of each period. Students should be in school for 8.30am, before registration at 8.35am. The school day will end after Lesson 6 at 3.50pm.

Lessons last 50 minutes each with scheduled movement times and the vast majority of lessons are singles.

The morning break is 20 minutes and starts at 10.35am.

Lunchtime is 1 hour and starts at 12.40pm.

Data Protection

As a school, we take our responsibilities with regard to Data Protection very seriously. Some information pertaining to this is included in our Terms and Conditions, but fuller detail is provided in our local Privacy Notice, which is accessible in the Policies area of our school website.

Financial Matters

Should parents wish to discuss any ﬁnancial matter, they should contact the Finance Department in the ﬁrst instance as follows: Mrs A Williams at anna.williams@abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Food & Drink

We are proud of the consistent quality and range of food on offer, all of which is freshly prepared in our own kitchens daily by our dedicated catering staff and managed by Chartwells Independent.

College lunch is compulsary for all students and is taken in The Stables Refectory at staggered intervals per year group; if a student requires an early lunch due to participation in a lunchtime club then they are issued with a lunch pass to get in ﬁrst.

Lunch fees are added to the termly bills for all parents.

Students should bring a water bottle with them that they can ﬁll at one of the water stations throughout the day.

If a student brings in a snack for break time please ensure that it is nut-free.

Homework Support and Expectations

Homework plays an important role in reinforcing classroom learning and supporting your child’s development of independent study skills.

Students in Years 7–11 follow a structured homework timetable, shared with them at the beginning of the year.

Sixth Form students are given work regularly by their subject teachers, with sufﬁcient notice to plan their time effectively.

All homework is set via the College’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so you and your child can keep track of tasks and deadlines. Teachers explain homework clearly in class and ensure students understand what is expected.

Your child is expected to complete homework to the best of their ability and hand it in on time. If this is not possible, we ask that they speak to the teacher before the deadline or that you contact the College to explain the reason.

As a guide, students are expected to spend the following amount of time on each subject’s homework:

•Year 7: 20 minutes

•Year 8: 25 minutes

•Year 9: 30 minutes

•Years 10–11: 40 minutes

•Lower Sixth: 2–3 hours per subject each week

•Upper Sixth: 4–5 hours per subject each week

Homework is not usually set for holidays or half terms, unless it forms part of a longer piece of work, coursework, or revision. Tasks set prior to a break will not be due immediately after the holiday.

If your child is struggling with a homework task, we encourage them to:

•Ask you or another family member for support

•Contact a friend from their class

•Use online resources, including those available on the VLE

• Speak to their teacher as early as possible for help or clariﬁcation

Please support your child in managing their time effectively and encourage them not to leave work until the last minute. If there are any concerns about homework, teachers will communicate with you directly.

Houses

The House System provides students with the opportunity for personal development, representative participation, involvement with different year groups, and leadership through a wide range of organised competitions and events.

Students and staff are grouped by tutor group into three Houses, named after former Abbots of Chester: Hastings, Marmion and Ripley.

Each House has a Head of House (staff) and House Captains (pupils).

Students are awarded House Points for good work, effort, co-curricular achievements, being kind and courteous etc, and these contribute to the termly tally of House points.

Learning Enrichment

We have a highly qualiﬁed and experienced Learning Enrichment Department, and our Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Policy is available through the school website. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs L Hornby our Head of Learning Enrichment, at admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Library

The School library is open Monday to Friday and we run a range of themed weeks and activities for students.

Lost Property

All losses should be reported immediately to the Form Tutor. Students should ask at Reception if they have misplaced any particular item, in the ﬁrst instance. We strongly recommend that all items are clearly named.

MAGaT

We recognise that all pupils are individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, gifts and talents. Excellence in all areas is encouraged and celebrated throughout all students’ school careers, whilst developing and supporting their future beyond our College. Provision for any individual pupils who are identiﬁed as more able, gifted and talented is an integral part of the personalised approach to teaching and learning in every lesson at Abbey Gate College, while also providing speciﬁc pastoral support and intellectual extension as appropriate and applicable.

Medical Matters

At Abbey Gate College, we have a full time Lead First Aider, who can be contacted directly at admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk. In addition, a large number of members of teaching and non-teaching staff are qualiﬁed in both First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.

If there is anything that relates to your child’s medical wellbeing, about which you think we should be aware, please do tell us.

If your child feels unwell at school, they are asked to go to the Medical Room or, if it is not manned, go to Reception where a member of staff will make any arrangements necessary. Please do not attempt to contact your child directly at school, if they have a mobile device; all communication should be through school Reception.

As a school, we are bound by strict regulatory procedures with regard to medicines, in order to minimise the risk, among others, of a student taking too much medication during the school day and becoming unwell.

It is also our legal duty to ensure as much as possible that any medication on the school site is kept securely, so that it cannot be taken by student who should not take it.

Our policy sets out clearly how medication can be administered during the school day, but there is due procedure to be followed for the protection of both staff and students.

We would appreciate your support in adhering to our policy.

This includes, for example, not sending children into school with Paracetamol or other products containing Paracetamol, to take during the day.

Mobile Devices/Mobile Phones

The College is a "Phone-Free" school. Further details of our approach, expectations, and guidance in relation to students' ownership and use of smart devices are in our 'Smart Technology' policy, which was co-written with parents, as well as our 'Behaviour', 'Acceptable Use', and 'Online Safety' policies.

Students may bring personal mobile phones into school, but their safety remains the student’s responsibility. Smartphones or similar are not, however, recommended until children are in their mid to late teens, as supported by research ﬁndings and advice. "Phone-free" means that any mobile phone must be switched off and put away for the full duration of the school day.

We would ask for your support and understanding in this, by not trying to ring, text or otherwise contact your child at school through their mobile phone; if you wish to communicate with your child, please contact Reception, who will pass on any message.

Musical Tuition

Abbey Gate College has a variety of instrumental ensembles including a Concert Band and Jazz Group.

We encourage students to learn an instrument as it is not only another skill, but when they join an ensemble they meet pupils from other year groups and of different standards of performance.

In September, we will again be offering our successful instrumental scheme for Year 7 students where they can learn an instrument for free, for 6 weeks.

After half term, if the student wishes to continue with the instrument, lessons will revert to individual tuition at the school rate, currently £17.50 per half hour.

Should you wish to discuss this, or indeed any other matter relating to music at Abbey Gate College, please do not hesitate to contact Mr J Andrews, our Head of Music, at admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Online Safety

We all share the responsibility for ensuring that your child learns how to use the Internet safely and sensibly. Advice and guidance on this are incorporated into our PSHE curricula and the school’s Acceptable Usage policy; further information will also be given to all parents during their child’s school career.

However, in the ﬁrst instance we would strongly advise that your child does not have unsupervised Internet access at home; the recommendation is for Internet access to be from a computer in a family room, which enables reasonable supervision of how the Internet is being used by your child.

It is also worth bearing in mind the following regarding social networking:

Students should not:

• have social media accounts before the age speciﬁed by the particular company.

• give out personal details to friends online. Personal information includes their messenger ID, email address, mobile number and any pictures of you, your family or friends.

• open ﬁles that are from people they do not know. They will not know what they contain – it could be a virus, or worse – an inappropriate image or ﬁlm.

• believe, reply to, or use SPAM/ Junk email and texts.

Students should realise that:

• if they publish a picture or video online – anyone can change it or share it.

• some people lie online, both about who they are and what they believe to be the truth

Online Safety (cont.)

• it is better to keep online friends online. They must not meet up with anyone they ‘meet’ online.

• it is never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable.

• there are people who can help. Pupils can talk to someone in school, their parents or report their concerns online at www.ceop.gov.uk or the AKS help button on the website.

**SEE OUR COLLEGE ONLINE SAFETY INFOGRAPHIC AT THE END OF THIS BOOKLET**

Parents, Teachers and Association (PTA) and Year Group Representatives

The PTA exists to enable parents to meet socially, build our community and to provide valuable ﬁnancial support for our school.

Membership of the PTA is open to all current parents and staff in Abbey Gate College and they entitled to join in and attend all events. The Committee welcomes new members, with the only requirement being some of your time and lots of enthusiasm!

PTA meetings are held regularly throughout the year. Dates of all meetings and social events appear in the school calendar and on the PTA page under the About Us tab of our website.

The College is currently working to establish Parent Representatives for each year group to act as a point of contact in addition to the work of the PTA. More information regarding this will be with you at an appropriate time.

Pastoral Care

We have an extremely well-developed pastoral care system.

In addition to your child’s Form Tutor, who will see your child every day, each year group has a Head of Year who oversees all students in their care.

The Deputy Head - Pastoral has speciﬁc responsibility for all matters pastoral.

Each member of teaching and non-teaching staff also has a pastoral duty of care,

Pastoral Care (cont.)

We also offer an anonymous reporting platform to all students called Whisper. This allows people to pass on information, a concern or comment (via a link on the VLE). They then receive a personal response from a member of the College safeguarding team, with help and advice relevant to the comment you have raised. The option to add your name if you wish and all issues with be dealt with within 24 hours.

Prefects

The Heads of School and Senior Prefects apply and are selected because of their leadership qualities and their character; to be chosen for one of these positions is a signiﬁcant honour, and the selection process includes consideration of the opinions of all teaching staff.

The Prefect body supports our teaching staff and assists in the smooth running of the school.

Rules & Code Of Conduct

The School Code of Conduct is there to ensure that we have an orderly and courteous community in which our students can thrive.

Further guidance is given in the Rules, Rewards & Sanctions handbook, as well as in our Behaviour and Exclusions Policies, which are available on our website in the Policies section.

**SEE OUR COLLEGE CODE OF CONDUCT INFOGRAPHIC AT THE END OF THIS BOOKLET**

Safeguarding/Child Protection

The school’s approach to the care of our children is intended to ensure that they feel safe, that they are able to talk, and that they feel that they will be heard.

The RSE and PSHE curriculum plays a crucial role in this process. Although this formal curriculum is important, the culture of the school, the strength of the tutorial system, and the positive relationships formed between children and teachers all enhance our overall level of care and increase the likelihood that our children will feel able to conﬁde in us, and that we will be aware of any causes for concern.

Our day-to-day contact with the children means that we are well placed to observe any child protection issues.

The Children Act (1989) requires that all school staff pass on to The Head and/or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from non-accidental injury, neglect, emotional or sexual abuse.

The school will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with parents and, where possible, seek their consent for any referral to the Social Services Department. However, this can only be done where such discussion and seeking of agreement will not place the child at increased risk of signiﬁcant harm.

Safeguarding/Child Protection (cont.)

In all such matters, the school is bound by, and willingly complies with, its legal obligations and, with regard to the above, the school follows the procedures set out in our Safeguarding Policy, which is available on the school website. All members of staff, including volunteers, are DBS cleared to Enhanced Level.

Safety in Sport

Your child will be participating in activities at Abbey Gate College for which it is strongly advisable to wear a mouth guard. Furthermore, the governing bodies of rugby and hockey strongly recommend the wearing of custom ﬁtting mouth guards, made to a speciﬁc standard by a dental surgeon. The school policy is to follow these guidelines.

The self-mouldable mouth guards that are available in most sports shops no longer meet the minimum standard required and do not hold the ‘CE’ mark of approval. Sub-standard mouth guards not only fail to provide adequate protection for your child, but are potentially dangerous as they can be easily dislodged and in extreme cases can cause choking.

If you require further information please contact our Head of PE at: admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Shin pads for participation in football and hockey are also a mandatory item of protective equipment.

Service

Through our House system, every year the College nominates and fund-raises for local charities, as well as supporting larger national events.

A range of events takes place throughout the year and students are encouraged to get involved and take the lead in all fundraising activities.

Abbey Gate College also has a long-running partnership and service project with the Mlindzini community in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). We have been working with the Mlindzini High School and its two feeder primary schools since 2013.

Speech & Drama

The Drama Department offers speech and drama tuition in Acting, Verse/Prose, Reading for Performance, Public Speaking and Mime. Through Speech and Drama students benefit enormously, improving their knowledge of literature and theatre, whilst developing their communication skills and also their personal confidence. In so many aspects of life where individuals are required to present themselves confidently in public, speech and drama tuition allows the foundations to be laid very firmly indeed.

If you have any questions regarding Speech and Drama, please contact: performingarts@abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Speech & Drama (cont.)

Individual tuition can be arranged, students receive 10 half hour lessons per term. Students may receive lessons singularly or join together for duologue or small group work.

Lessons take place during the school day and normally operate on a rotational system to ensure students do not miss the same academic lesson each week.

Timetables are clearly displayed in the drama department and new students are given full guidance as to how these work.

Ultimately, students will work towards taking a graded examination and the school runs as a New Era Academy Examination Centre at two opportunities throughout the year. Please note that entering students for Speech and Drama examinations will incur additional fees. Costs are billed separately from termly school fees.

Should you wish to cancel your child’s Speech and Drama lessons at any point, written notice must be given by half term to terminate lessons from the start of the following full term.

Term Dates

Term dates for the academic year can be found on the College’s website under School Life, Term Dates.

Trips and Visits

We offer a wide range of trips and visits, many of which are part of the Curricular and Co-curricular Programme.

These range from local trips for ﬁeldwork to residential overseas trips which may take place either in term-time or in the holidays.

In the Summer, for example, students take part in an ‘Activities Week’ where a range of different events are planned.

Information on trips will be sent to you as appropriate and payment is made via a portal called ParentPay.

Uniform

We place great importance on personal appearance and expect all pupils to adhere to the school dress regulations. Details are available on the College website in the School Areas, Senior School, Uniform section.

Please note that all new items of clothing, including games kit, must be clearly and indelibly marked with the owner’s name.

Wellbeing

At Abbey Gate College, wellbeing is a way of being – a context for who we are and how we are. Students in our ‘Self’ committee work alongside us, as teachers and leaders, in developing our understanding and practice in relation to wellbeing.

The beautiful, natural surroundings of our Senior School, together with the historic buildings, and general sense of calm and community – all contribute to our daily perspectives and mindsets. Additionally, we organise speciﬁc events and sessions, which raise further awareness and also enable our pupils to have some fun and enjoy each others’ company in activities beyond the classroom.

A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS

JOINING THE COLLEGE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do I go ﬁrst thing in a morning when I arrive in school?

On your ﬁrst day in September go straight to Reception and you'll be shown to your Form room. After this you should go straight to your Form room and wait for your other classmates and your Form teacher to arrive to take registration. Registration begins at 8.35am every morning. We will let you know which is your Form room –don’t worry.

What do I do if I get lost?

You could ask another student who is close by, or go into a classroom where there is a teacher – apologise for interrupting them but ask them politely if they could show you the way to the room you are trying to ﬁnd. If you don’t want to do either of these then go to the main Reception and the staff there will help you. Note that, on your ﬁrst day in school, you will be grouped with people in your Form so there'll always be someone to go to lessons with.

What are the timings of the school day?

Please see below for the structure and timings of the school day as they currently are:

College opens to students

Will I get in trouble if I am late for lessons?

In the ﬁrst few weeks your teachers will know that you are still getting used to where you have to be and at what time so they will be very understanding. After this if you are still turning up late for lessons, then they might start to wonder if you are doing it deliberately! Either way, if you are late, knock politely on the classroom door, enter and apologise for being late.

Where do I go if I arrive late for school?

If you arrive in school after 8.45am when ﬁrst lesson has started, go straight to the Attendance desk in Reception and speak to one of the staff who will make sure you are marked in as present.

What is the difference between my Form group and my teaching group? Your Form group will be the group of students in the same year group who you will have registration and Form time with throughout the year.

You will see your Form Tutor and your friends here twice a day. For some lessons you will be taught in slightly different groups, called teaching groups. Here you will be with some of your friends from your Form group but you will also be

Sometimes students ask Reception to ring home to ask someone to bring in the work they have forgotten but most of the time you should go and ﬁnd the teacher before the

You could ask someone at home if they can help. You could phone one of your friends to see if they can help you. If you have access to the internet, then you might ﬁnd the

If you are still unable to do it then you should go and see the class teacher and explain

What do I do if I forget my PE kit?

You could ask Reception to ring home to see if someone can bring in your PE kit in time for the lesson. If this can’t happen then you should ﬁnd one of the PE staff to apologise and explain you have forgotten your kit.

Where do I go if I feel ill?

If you feel ill during the school day then you should speak to your teacher if you are in a lesson and they may send you to the First Aid Room to speak to one of the staff there. If you are ill at break or lunchtime, then you should head straight to the First Aid Room for help.

How will I know which bus to catch?

If you are coming to school on a bus, then your parents/carers will have been sent details of which bus stop you should wait at in the morning and at what time. If you are leaving school on a school bus, there will be staff available at the end of the school day to help you ﬁnd the correct bus.

All of the buses wait in the school car park outside the sports hall. Most of them have a sign on the front to say where they are going and one tip is to check with the bus driver before you sit down that he is going to your bus stop.

You will also get to know quickly what bus company does your school bus journey and which other students are on your bus.

How will I know when it is my turn for lunch?

The lunch rota is displayed by the Refectory on the cobbled yard. Students go in to lunch with the rest of their year group so if you stay with your friends then you will all go in at the same time.

If you have a club on a particular lunchtime then the member of staff in charge will give you a pass so that you can get in ﬁrst.

Where do I go at break and lunchtime?

You will have chance to use the toilet and there are sometimes snacks available to buy in the Refectory and some students head in to here.

Students will then meet their friends, play on the all-weather pitch (if you are wearing the correct footwear and are playing ball games) or go and wait outside the room for their next lesson.

Lunchtime is similar but in addition there are a number of extra-curricular clubs and therefore after eating lunch they go to these (whether these are indoors or outdoors).

If the weather is nice you will be able to go into some of the College gardens to sit quietly and chat with friends and some pupils may go to the all-weather pitch to play ball games.

You will be allowed to use a designated room indoors.

Will I get a detention?

You will only get these if you haven’t done what you should have! If you behave well, are kind to people and complete all your tasks then you will be ﬁne. Students receive many, many more positive housepoints than detentions. You get positive housepoints for all sorts of things including trying really hard, producing your best work or being courteous and kind.

What clubs are there to join?

There are lots of opportunities to get involved in sport, music and drama as well as many other clubs such as Young Engineers, Science Club, Computing Club, Library Club and many more. At the start of term we have a lunchtime co-curricular event where you will be able to learn all about the clubs that are running and you will be able to sign up to their activities.

What if my school uniform doesn’t arrive in time to start at the College?

If for any reason you have a problem with school uniform then ask your parents/carers to contact your Form Tutor (admin@abbeygatecollege.co.uk), and we will be able to work out what you can do while you are waiting for it to arrive.

If we have missed anything or you still have questions, then please contact school.

MISSION AND AIMS

MISSION

AIMS

We pursue our whole College mission, guided by 3 deﬁning and aspirational aims:

SELF

SERVICE

Each pupil makes a positive difference to the lives of others in our College, as well as in our local and in wider, global communities.

SUSTAINABILITY

Learning with Courage and Compassion

CODE

We always aim to:

Care for our own Wellbeing

Give of our best in learning, perseverance and participation

Uphold our high standards of appearance, behaviour and manners

Be kind, friendly and respectful to all people

Make a positive difference to the lives of others

Respect

Learning with Courage and Compassion

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