Where girls Aspire To Be More Welcome to
AESG Senior School
On behalf of all the staff and pupils, I would like to officially welcome you to Alderley Edge School for Girls and congratulate you on receiving a place here. I am sure you will be very happy and achieve great things.
When you start, you will meet lots of new faces and quickly make friends. This is simply the ‘AESG way ’ . We are like a new family that you are joining, there to support one another to ‘be more ’ . There will be lots of opportunities for you to get involved in all that AESG has to offer - of course a host of exciting subjects, but also the many extra-curricular activities, trips and events.
My advice to you is to embrace it all and to aspire to be the very best version of yourself! Who knows, we may even have a future prime minister in this year group! But whatever your skills, talents and passions, I know every one of you has something unique and special to offer. Your form tutors and I look forward to getting to know you all and wish you every success during your time here.
In the meantime, should you have queries or questions, this booklet is designed to give you some idea of what to expect when you arrive, what the first few days will be like, how the School works and how you can best prepare yourself.
With best wishes,
Mrs Smillie Headmistress
Introduction
Head Girl Team
On behalf of the entire Sixth Form team, I extend to you a warm welcome to our wonderful school! As the Head Girl of the Sixth Form, I wanted to take a moment to assure you that your transition to AESG will be a fantastic journey filled with exciting experiences and incredible opportunities.
I understand that starting a new chapter in your academic life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, please remember that we are here to support you every step of the way. Our school community is built on a foundation of kindness, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to see every student thrive. You are not alone, and we will ensure that you settle into your new environment with ease.
Firstly, let me tell you about all the amazing things that await you in Year 7. You will have the chance to explore various subjects, uncovering hidden passions and talents you might not even know you possess. Embrace this opportunity to broaden your horizons and discover what truly ignites your curiosity. In addition to your academic journey, Year 7 is packed with exciting extracurricular activities.
Whether you enjoy sports, music, drama, art, or any other interest, there will be numerous clubs for you to join. These extracurricular activities provide a chance to make new friends, develop your skills, and add a touch of excitement to your time at school. Embrace them wholeheartedly and dive into the multitude of opportunities available.
One of the most exciting aspects of Year 7 is the opportunity to make new friends and build lasting relationships. Embrace the chance to meet your peers, many of whom will become lifelong friends. Participate in group activities, collaborate on projects, and engage in conversations with an open mind. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, looking to create new connections and forge unforgettable memories.
As you embark on this exciting chapter, remember that feeling nervous is completely normal. However, trust that you will soon settle into the rhythm of school life, forming new routines, and finding your place within our vibrant community.
02
Starting At AESG
Your First Day Drop Off
It is most likely, that you will be dropped off in a car at our Turning Circle which is off Brook Lane. Parents do not need to park the car put drive around the circle and the girls get out of their car If you are walking, please walk to the Turning Circle and make yourself known to a member of staff. A member of staff will then bring you to Reception and show you to your 'buddy'.
Uniform
Please can girls return in September in their Winter Uniform
Checklist For The First Day
Pencil case including: pens, pencils, rubber, colouring pencils, glue stick
Protractor and metal compass
iPad - details of iPad recommendations have been sent home.
Apron - Y7-9 and GCSE Food Tech
Refillable water bottle
Locker Lock
Money for a snack (max £1)
School P E Kit
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Trips & Enrichment School Production
Every girl has the opportunity to take part in our annual School production There have been many exciting shows to take part in such as Legally Blonde, The Wizard of Oz and Le Misérables!
Even if being on stage is not for you then you may like to take part in the set design, lighting and sound.
In the Summer term, there is a Arts Soiree. This is a music and drama showcase, so if you love to act, sing, dance or play an instrument, you may be asked to perform!
Trips
There are many exciting school trips in the Senior School and they are a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills
You will be given details of how to sign up for the clubs and on what day they are when you start
Trips at AESG have included:
A trip to Iceland
German trip to the German Christmas markets
A computing trip to Cambridge
A languages trip to Paris
Theatre trips
A Spanish trip to Madrid
Art & DT to London
Sports tours abroad
Music, Sport & Drama
Music
If you already play and instrument, or would like to play an instrument, there are many instruments you can learn to play From the flute, violin, double bass, drums and guitar to the cornet and harp, if you would like to sign up, please contact Mrs Pattrick our Director of Music on apattrick@aesg.co.uk
Sport
If you love sport, then there are many opportunities to be part of a school team such as netball, hockey, swimming, cross country, rounders, cricket and tennis.
As well as sports teams, there are a multitude of clubs you can join such as climbing, running club and trampolining
Drama
If you love to perform then there are many opportunities for you to be involved in. You can take part in LAMDA speech and drama lessons. Please contact dflint@aesg.co.uk to book individual lessons.
We have a drama club and there are many ISA Drama competitions to take part in Our Head of Drama is Mrs Foster, you can contact her on cfoster@aesg.co.uk.
Additional Information
Homework
On the first day of term your Form Tutor will give you a homework timetable. This will tell you which subjects are set on which nights and how long the homework should last You will receive training on the Satchel One App and this is where you will see what has been set for homework each day.
Girls in Years 7 – Year 11 have the opportunity to stay in school from 3.45pm to 5.45pm five days per week to complete their homework, under the supervision of a member of staff This is called 'homework club' and is a drop in option.
School Nurse & Student Wellbeing Counsellor
Mrs Clark is our School Nurse
If you feel unwell, you can go and see her in her office during breaktimes. Only in an emergency should you ask to leave lessons
Parents are welcome to contact the School Nurse if they have any concerns about their daughter’s health. Our School Nurse can be contacted via email: cclark@aesg co uk
We also have a Student Wellbeing Counsellor, Rachel Vora, who works two days a week and supports girls alongside the Pastoral Team
To access counselling support, please contact Mrs Wood in the first instance. Your daughter's need will be reviewed by the team and appropriate counselling will be provided whilst you arrange external services.
Absences
If you are off school, your parent or carer must telephone or e-mail the school on EACH day of your absence, before 9 00am to tell us why you are away.
If you need time off school to visit the Orthodontist, Hospital, Doctor, Optician, etc., or to take a Music or Dance examination, a special ‘Request for Absence’ form must be sent to Reception at least three days before your appointment. This form can be found on ParentPortal.
Whenever you are away from school it is important to remember that you will have missed some work. It is YOUR responsibility to copy up any work that you have missed.
Mobile Phones
You are allowed to bring a phone into school if you wish. Pupils must hand in their phones to the Form Tutor during registration and will collect them at the end of the school day from the PA Hall. You must never keep it in your pocket, on your person or in your locker.
They must not be used to access unsuitable websites or to take photos of other girls or staff.
Social Media
We expect girls to act responsibly on social media and to behave towards others online in the same way as they are encouraged to behave in the real world.
Due to our mobile phone policy (see website), girls should not interact via social media during the school day. However, any social media behaviour which takes place –either in a girl’s own time or in school – and which impacts the happiness and wellbeing of girls or staff in school, will be investigated thoroughly and, if deemed necessary, appropriate sanctions will be given.
School Rules
There are a number of rules around hair, make-up and jewellery. This can be found on the Parent Portal and your form tutor will run through them on your first day Below is a summary of the key things to note.
Girls are encouraged to wear a watch. Necklaces with a Religious symbol as well as a small set of stud earrings are allowed. Please wear your hair tied back at all times. Year 10 and 11 may wear their hair down except at lunchtime, Please bring a bobble to tie it up
Uniform
When you wear your school uniform you are representing the school You should look smart at all times.
Uniform is purchased at Monkhouse in Cheadle Hulme. We also have a wonderful PreLoved Shop, details of both can be found on our website.
Notice Boards & Assembly
Important information will be read out in Assembly or posted on the relevant screens and notice boards, and in the form rooms. Please check the screens and notice boards regularly. It is up to you to be in the right place at the right time If you are worried about missing important information, please speak to your form tutor.
Eating and drinking
All girls have lunch in the Hub unless they have ordered a Grab Bag to enable club participation. Year 7 have the option to buy break snacks every Monday
Politeness
Remember that lessons have a formal beginning and end. Please queue and enter a classroom quietly and wait to be told to sit down Never start packing away or leave the room until the teacher tells you to
• Your teacher will let you know how to participate in class discussions.
• Aim to wait hear another pupils' contribution before you share your ideas
• Respect the space and belongings of every other student in your class.
• Please keep the classrooms tidy and contribute to checking the learning spaces are left ready for the next class.
• Please do not graffiti anywhere in School.
Please remember that specific departments, such as Science, Art, DT, PE , Food Technology and others will often have additional rules. You must be aware of these department specific rules and take them very seriously as often they are really important for your Health and Safety
Above all, be kind and respectful to your friends, teachers and belongings.
Presentation
All your work (whether class work or homework) should have a date and title which are underlined neatly.
You should mark your work as class work or homework accordingly.
Please ensure all your handouts/worksheets must be stuck in your exercise book
Your exercise book/file is an important part of your learning – you will be using it to revise – so keep it neat and ordered at all times
Some work will be stored digitally and it is important to keep this organised too.
School Bag
Pupils in Years 7- 9 must use the AESG school bag to carry their belongings to school. Year 10 and 11 can use a plain black or navy bag with no logos on.
Lost Property
All of your personal belongings can be kept in your locker. All uniform should be named and if you do lose anything then please go to Reception. All lost sports kit will be taken to the Head of Sport.
Keeping In Touch
You can email your daughter's Form Tutor any time with questions and they will respond as soon as they can. We also have a weekly school newsletter called #BeMore Connected
Please also follow our Social Media Channels @aegirlsschool
We Hope You Enjoy AESG!