Senior School Parent Handbook 2023-24

Senior School Parent Handbook

Your guide to Years 7-11

Welcome to Alton Senior School

This handbook is designed to give you the key information you need about our Senior School (Years 7 to 11). Please take the time to read it carefully as it is important that you know the routines and procedures we have in place for the benefit and wellbeing of your child. We believe a close and active partnership with parents is essential if your child is to thrive and succeed. If you have any questions that are not answered here please do get in touch via the School Office at office@altonschool.co.uk.

Our school has at its heart people who care about your child and who always give of their best. We provide education in a caring and supportive environment which encourages pupils to thrive and to fulfil their potential. We encourage all pupils to participate in a wide range of cocurricular activities which are an essential part of the rounded education we offer.

It is the job of the Form Tutor to monitor your child’s academic and pastoral wellbeing, and should you have any questions or concerns, they should be your first port of call. Mr Sanderson oversees pastoral and academic care for pupils in Years 6 - 9 whilst Mrs Ward oversees Years 10 - 13. They are supported pastorally by Mrs Eacott and academically by Rev Hodgson. Mrs Brooks, the Deputy Head, or the Headmaster are happy to meet with parents if concerns persist and an appointment can be made by emailing Mrs Pigott, the Headmaster’s PA, at headmaster@ altonschool.co.uk.

The Chair of Governors, Mr Hexton, may be contacted through the School via a letter addressed as Confidential and sent to The Bursar, Clerk to the Governors, via bursar@altonschool.co.uk.

We look forward to working with you and your child to do all we can to ensure their success and happiness in their life here at Alton School.

"A very warm welcome to you and your family to Alton School. I am delighted to be joining the Alton School Community and I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you in September and beyond."

Andrew Reeve, Headmaster, 1 September, 2023.

Who we are

We are one School Community that values and cares about every child from 6 months to Sixth Form and every member of our wider community. Much of who we are stems from our Catholic heritage and regardless of your own faith we warmly welcome you.

We have a continuous educational pathway, which from an early age teaches our pupils to be self-confident and adaptable learners. We know each of our pupils individually and understand how best to balance the challenge, support and encouragement that they need to succeed. We are proud that our young people achieve excellent progress at every educational stage.

At Alton School there is the opportunity for pupils to develop a wide range of talents and interests. Beyond the core subjects, there is a breadth of sport, music, drama, art and enrichment opportunities.

We are proud to be part of a vibrant international community. Through the many trips and foreign exchanges, pupils broaden their outlook and experience the joy of being part of something meaningful.

We are committed to preparing our pupils for the future. The need to prepare our young people for a rapidly changing and technology-driven world has never been more real than it is today. Thanks to a developed use of IT within the School, we are able to teach a full and interactive timetable through our Alton@Home provision whenever the need arises.

We are always there for our pupils. Alton is a happy and friendly School with a community feel and strong pastoral care. We are bold and ambitious in our approach and in our aspirations for our pupils. We are committed to finding the spark in every child we teach, helping them to flourish and empowering them to be the best that they can be.

The life of the school is founded in the Catholic tradition, which underpins who we are and how we behave.

We are one community, where we listen to each other, learn from one another and love and respect those around us.

Listening to each other is a vital part of our community. Learning is at the centre of everything we do. Love, care and kindness underpin who we are.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care at Alton School is woven into the fabric of every pupil’s daily life to ensure we nurture a wellbeing culture for all. Our attention to each child provides the backdrop for academic success and we are strongly committed to this. Our proactive approach enables us to strengthen our values, promote character education and secure a successful pastoral curriculum.

Part of our success is a result of encouraging open lines of communication; our opendoor policy gives students the freedom to talk whenever they feel the need to. By building a culture of openness, staff are able to support students when things are small, which can often prevent things from escalating. By offering advice, support, action or just by listening, we want students to know we are here for them and to help them.

The outstanding pastoral care at Alton School is made up of a team of teachers and additional support staff. Office staff are often the first point of contact for parents and students, and they will always be more than happy to point you in the right direction if required. The wider pastoral team is supported by our excellent nursing team and our dedicated School Counsellor. The daily contact with tutors and teachers allows us to be there for students, they are supported across the Senior School by our Pastoral Lead, Director of Upper School and overseen by the Deputy Head; Student Development.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate commented in 2017 that the quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent and they were particularly impressed with the quality of our pastoral care. As a Catholic School, we have always had a strong focus on spiritual and emotional wellbeing. We nurture our students and teach them to love and value others as well as themselves.

Form Tutors

The role of the Form Tutor is not just about reacting to problems that arise during the course of the year. They will also proactively encourage their tutees to involve themselves in the co-curricular life of the School. In the case of busier pupils who may have multiple commitments across departments, tutors help them manage and balance academic study with their additional activities. Every tutor provides a continuing personal contact with each pupil in their tutor group, to ensure that everyone is known and valued and to foster a caring atmosphere in the tutor group.

A tutor:

» Guides their pupils through their time at Alton School

» Knows and records events and communications concerning their tutees

» Is the first point of call for pupils, parents and other staff

» Anticipates problems that might affect a pupil’s progress and suggests solutions

» Registers pupils daily and delivers information from other staff

» Knows their pupils

Learning Support

The learning support department is dedicated to supporting our pupils’ academic development and to co-ordinating the delivery of additional academic provision, in order to improve learning outcomes. The department encourages pupils to make the most of their personal strengths. Our aim is to help build each individual’s confidence, self esteem and ability to fulfil their potential.

The Wellbeing Hub

The Wellbeing Hub, introduced in September 2023, will help support and educate our whole community by providing access to up-to-date professional advice and practical tools, so that pupils are more equipped to deal with the pressures of growing up.

Information provided draws on the latest research from psychotherapy, psychology and neuroscience, along with Teen Tips Founder, Alicia Drummond’s experience of working as an adolescent therapist and being a mum.

Training and resources are delivered via webinars, talks and The Wellbeing Hub, a live and interactive web app which provides expert support for the whole School Community to access.

The aim is to aid staff, parents and carers in deepening their understanding of childhood and adolescence in order to create environments which promote emotional wellbeing in young people.

Parents will be provided with weekly updates in the School’s Round up, and a login so that they can access 24/7 information to help with a wide variety of topics.

Students will use PSHMEE lessons to access information so that they can gain the tools to manage their own mental health and wellbeing. This also links to careers.

For more information please visit https://teentips.co.uk/wellbeing-hub/ or contact your child’s Form Tutor.

House system

The House System at Alton School contributes to a strong sense of belonging and provides the opportunity for pupils to work with those in other year groups. All pupils belong to one of our houses.

The Houses have a vital role to play in our activities and charity programme including fundraising events, sport house matches, drama day, stalls at our annual fayres and much more. They also connect pupils across all year groups from Reception to Sixth Form enabling our oldest pupils in the School to know and interact with the youngest.

Each House has a House Captain who is responsible for coordinating events. They are supported by a staff member in the role of Head of House. All pupils are encouraged to play an active part in the school community, learning to co-operate and form relationships with others.

Credit System

Credits are used by staff to highlight a particularly strong piece of work, or a concerted effort on a piece of work, in a lesson or a school activity. Credits are also awarded for a positive social or moral act, or for making a positive contribution to the life of the school. All credits contribute to the House Academic Cup, which will be handed out in the last assembly. Debits are issued for poor behaviour and may result in a detention.

Trips and Visits

Day trips and Residentials

Our trips provide exciting opportunities to gain experiences beyond the curriculum. Some are optional (such as the ski trips, cultural visits, trips to Wimbledon, or the regular Modern Languages exchange trips), others are formal extensions of the curriculum and all pupils are expected to take part. You will receive information providing details of the itinerary and timings close to the time of the trip. The dates for all residential trips are listed in the school calendar.

There are residential trips for each year group and these are opportunities for pupils to bond together and broaden friendships. Some may find staying away from home difficult and the residential programme is a good way of helping them learn to be more independent. All pupils are expected to participate in their Year’s residential trip as follows:

» Year 7: activity weekend (Autumn Term)

» Year 8: cultural visit to France (Autumn Term)

» Year 9: visit to Battlefields (Spring Term)

» Year 10: weekend in Bath and Bristol (Spring Term)

» Year 11: weekend to Canterbury (Autumn Term)

Communication on School trips

We will let you know by text or email that pupils have arrived safely. This happens once pupils have settled so please do not panic if you do not hear immediately after the scheduled arrival time. We always provide an estimated time of return for school trips and you will be notified via text/email of any delay of over 30 minutes. We would ask that you are here promptly to collect pupils.

Mobile internet-enabled devices are not permitted on school trips in Years 7-9. Please respect and support this policy, which has been made in light of experience. Staff will contact you if neccessary.

Travel documents

A valid passport for oversees visits is required. The current requirements for travel to an EU country state that the passport must be:

» Issued less that 10 years before the date of entry into the country (check date of issue)

» Valid for at least 3 months after the leaving date (check expiry date)

A valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows access to state healthcare in Europe at the reduced cost or sometimes free. These can be obtained though the NHS website.

Exchanges

To support our teaching of French and Spanish, pupils in Year 9 and 10 have the opportunity to take part in language exchanges. In Year 9 there is a French Exchange to Bordeaux and in Year 10 a Spanish Exchange in association with our sister school in Colombia.

Typical School Day

8.30am - 8.35am:

8.35am - 8.50am

8.50am - 9.50am:

9.50am - 10.50am:

10.50am - 11.10am:

11.10am - 12.10pm:

Homework

Each Form has its own homework timetable for the year and this is distributed during the first full week of the Autumn Term. Normally, pupils receive two or three pieces of homework each night: these are set from Monday to Friday; the number of minutes that pupils should spend on each piece is indicated next to each subject on the timetable. It is important that pupils complete homework on the day that it is set, even if the due date is not for a day or two; if pupils wish to hand homework in before the due date, they may use the teacher pigeonholes next to the IT and Learning Support offices for this purpose.

Pupils should stick to the length of time indicated for each subject’s homework; if they persistently spend a great deal longer (or less ) than this, parents should inform the Form Tutor. If you feel your child is spending too much time on homework, please stop them and write a short note to the teacher directly into the exercise book for the subject teacher to read.

Lastly, as the purpose of homework is to enable pupils to consolidate their learning, pupils should complete all homework proactively and independently. While it is acceptable to give your child a hand with understanding homework instructions, you should avoid assisting them with the actual completion of tasks. If you feel your child is having difficulties with a particular piece of homework, please let the subject teacher know.

ShowMyHomework

ShowMyHomework is an online tool to help you keep track of your child’s homework. All homework will be published here. Year 7 starters will receive their login during their first week and this will remain with them throughout their senior years. You will be given a parent login PIN which is linked to your child’s homework calendar.

Lockers and cubby holes

All pupils have a locker and will need to provide their own padlock to secure it. Padlocks should be similar in specification to an ABUS 145/30 to ensure it is the correct size for the lock mechanism. Pupils will be required to provide their combination number to the School Office. Pupils are asked not to bring valuable items or large sums of money into School. Anything of value should be locked away. We cannot accept responsibility for anything lost from bags or blazers. The lockers are not suitable to take large holdalls so please ensure PE kit is kept in a small bag (as supplied by our School Uniform supplier) that will fit into the lockers. We are not able to accommodate large holdalls around the locker area. We recommend a trainer bag for PE shoes - this can be a plastic bag.

Lunches

A school meal is provided for all pupils in the Refectory. Our caterer Holroyd Howe, commit to a Fresh Food Policy which means at least 90% of the dishes they serve must be prepared from fresh ingredients. Nutritional guidelines and sample menus are available on our website. Pupils may bring their own snack for break time. We recommend pupils bring in a refillable water bottle to school. No fizzy drinks are permitted.

Please note that we are a nut-free school. All snacks, cakes for cake sales and food provided for your child must be nut free. Please check packaging on all food items, particularly cereal bars.

Before School

In the Senior School there is no care provided before school. Pupils are permitted to enter the School building from 8am and wait in the locker area until it is time to go to registration. Pupils should not go straight to their classrooms or wait on the Bridge.

After School Prep

Pupils may stay at school until 6.00pm to do homework with a teacher providing supervision. They must not leave the school site before attending Prep due to fire safety and safeguarding. It is important that pupils are collected promptly by 6.00pm and must sign out with the duty teacher when they leave. If parents fail to turn up, pupils are taken to the Manor House and can be collected from there.

Acts of Worship/Chapel

All pupils participate in acts of worship and are expected to be supportive of the School’s ethos. Regular Masses are held at the start and end of each term, on Holy Days of Obligation (if at all possible) and on other special occasions. The dates for these Masses can be found in the School Calendar. Attendance at School Mass is compulsory for all pupils.

The Roman Catholic faith underpins everything we do at Alton School. It is the basis for our value system and is the core of our philosophy that every child matters.

Enrichment

Hypatia

Our Hypatia Programme replaces Alton School’s previous awards and scholarships. The programme focuses on enrichment and extension and there are awards available for Music, Drama, Art, Sport and Academic. These are non-monetary and recognise achievement and ambition.

During the first half of the Autumn Term, the Director of Studies together with teaching staff will observe pupils and identify those who would benefit from or show a particular interest in stretching themselves either academically or in their chosen area. They will then be invited to join the relevant Hypatia Programme, commencing in the second half of the Autumn Term.

All our Hypatia Programmes are subject to annual review and in some cases specific conditions for each award.

There is also the opportunity for pupils to join the Hypatia Programme at a later stage, should we feel they are performing at a high enough level in the relevant discipline.

Rev Hodgson is the contact for Hypatia: mhodgson@altonschool.co.uk.

Music

Music is highly valued at Alton School and all pupils are encouraged to get involved. In addition to the specialist class music teachers, a team of highly qualified peripatetic staff support the department, allowing pupils to take part in music-making at every level. Individual tuition is available in the following instruments: Piano, Keyboard, Theory, Voice, Guitar (acoustic, electric and bass), Recorder, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet/Cornet, Tenor/French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass, Percussion.

Parents wishing their children to receive private lessons in music should contact the music department.

Arrangements for fees and lessons are with the peripatetic teacher and not the School. If your child plays a musical instrument or sings there is an expectation that they join the choir and/or orchestra.

Dr Shahov is the contact for music: pshahov@ altonschool.co.uk

Drama

The Drama Department stages an annual production which is often produced in conjunction with the Music Department. Past shows have included Matilda Jr., Beauty & The Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Singin’ in the Rain, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Anything Goes and Grease! Roles are allocated by audition; actors and crew are expected to commit to a rehearsal schedule which may include weekends and evenings.

Mrs Regan is the contact for drama: aregan@altonschool.co.uk.

Sport

In addition to our core sports (football, hockey, netball, athletics, cricket), we offer the following extra-curricular sporting activites: trampolining, morning mile, gym club, cricket nets, golf, dance, tennis, unihoc and equestrian club.

Equestrian

We offer equestrian lessons at Greatham after school on a Thursday for Years 7-13 for all abilities. You will receive further information at the beginning of each term to sign up for these lessons.

Mrs Naylor-Davis is the contact for equestrian: jnaylor-davis@altonschool.co.uk.

Clubs and Activities

We set time aside for co-curricular activity. All pupils are expected to be involved in at least two activities a week. Clubs run during lunchtime with some running after school. The co-curricular programme gives opportunities for pupils to explore new interests and develop new skills. We aim to keep the activities on offer as varied as possible.

LAMDA and Dance

Group and individual LAMDA and dance lessons are available with our visiting teachers. Arrangements for fees and lessons are with the peripatetic teacher and not the School. Please contact the School Office for further information: office@altonschool.co.uk.

CCF

Alton School's CCF is a partnership with the Ministry of Defence that offers challenging activities to develop personal responsibility, leadership, and self-discipline. Available to Year 8 students and up, training includes parade evenings, field days, weekend camps, and summer camp.

DofE

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a top global youth achievement programme that fosters personal growth and empowers millions of young people to reach their full potential. It offers three levels (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) with increasing difficulty and time commitment. Students in Year 9 and above can participate and engage in community service, physical and skill-building activities. The programme's main feature is a team expedition, which includes planning routes, equipment, and menus, followed by a practice and qualifying expedition.

Before you start in September

Prior to beginning school in September, it is important to ensure that you have all necessary items prepared, such as uniform, equipment, technology, and other essential materials. Please see the next 2 pages for all the relevant information.

Uniform

It is our School Policy that all pupils wear School uniform when attending School, or when participating in a school-organised event outside normal school hours. Details of School uniform are sent to parents with their induction pack and can also be found online with our uniform supplier: Stevensons Ltd (www.stevensons.co.uk). Sports uniform can be purchased at www.bluebloodsports.co.uk.

Years 7 – 11

School uniform must be worn to and from School each day. Uniform standards apply at all times, including in classrooms and when pupils leave the classroom for any reason during a lesson (e.g. blazers/jackets must be worn if leaving the room).

Blouse uniform

» Blazer

» Tartan skirt, tailored shorts or navy trousers

» Jumper

» Short or long-sleeved blue blouse

» Navy blue tights or socks (winter)

» Natural tights or white ankle socks (summer)

Shirt uniform

» Blazer

» Grey trousers or shorts

» Jumper

» Short or long-sleeved white shirt

» School tie

» Grey socks

Additional required items

» Navy coat

» School backpack

» Black school shoes*

» Indoor and outdoor trainers

» Astro or studded football boots

» Mouth guard for hockey

Sports Kit (Blue Blood Sports)

» Alton polo t-shirt

» Alton shorts and/or skort

» Alton midlayer

» Alton tracksuit bottoms

» Alton sports socks

» Alton cricket whites for those in fixtures

*shoes must be sturdy and supportive. Ballet pumps are not acceptable

Stikins - label your belongings

Our PTFA have a fundraising account with stikins which is a great way of naming uniform and belongings. Visit www.stikins.co.uk and use the code 36217 to help fundraise for the PTFA.

Personal Appearance

Jewellery, makeup and nails

On health and safety grounds we do not allow pupils to wear jewellery in our School. The exceptions to this rule are one small, plain ring, a discreet cross on a chain and one pair of gold or silver earring studs in the lower lobe of pierced ears (no other piercings are permitted). We ask pupils to remove all jewellery during PE and games to prevent them from causing injury.

Pupils, in Years 10 and 11 may wear a light layer of foundation and mascara, but no other makeup is permitted. Painted and false nails (acrylics) are not permitted.

General presentation

As a minimum standard, shirts should be tucked in and top buttons done up. Ties should be worn at an appropriate length and cover the top button. Trousers should be worn so that the waistband is on or above the hips. Skirts should rest on or below the knee. Blazers should be worn at all times, except when summer dress regulations are in place.

The role of parents

We ask all parents who send their pupils to our School to support the School Uniform Policy. We believe that parents have a duty to send their pupils to school correctly dressed and ready for their daily schoolwork. Please ensure that your child has the correct uniform, and that it is clean and in good repair.

Modification of uniform policy

We welcome pupils from all backgrounds and faith communities. If for significant reasons e.g. religious grounds, parents request a modification to current uniform e.g. wearing of hijab or a longer length skirt, we will seek to accommodate the modification as far as possible.

Mufti Days

All students are still expected to dress appropriately and in a manner conducive for a working and learning environment. This particularly relates to items of clothing that are too revealing such as:

» Vests, cropped or revealing tops

» Excessively short skirts or shorts mid-thigh

» Leggings worn on their own as trousers without a long top or suitable dress to cover

Technology

Student Devices

All Senior School students are required to have a device as part of their equipment. Devices are used both in School and at home. Each student must have a device which can operate a full suite of Microsoft Windows products.

For compatibility and full network integration it is preferable for devices to be PC Microsoft Windows based. If you are unsure of device compatibility, please contact IT Support: itsupport@altonschool.co.uk.

The following minimum specifications are recommended:

» PC / Microsoft Windows based (to allow full integration to network)

» Intel i5 (generation 11 or above) / AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 series / or the latest mobile high-end processor

» Minimum 8GB of on-board RAM

» Minimum 256GB GB of SSD storage

» Built-in webcam/ mic (allowing for video conferencing)

We strongly recommend that your child’s device is covered by Accidental Damage and Theft Insurance, which can be purchased at the point of buying the device. This is likely to include cover for liquid, fire or malicious damage. Alternatively, you may want to add the device to your own home insurance - please check with your insurer/ broker to ensure that the cover includes damage outside the home.

Student devices need to be set up for in-school use – this includes installation of software (including Impero for classroom monitoring, Trend Micro Antivirus and Malware protection, Microsoft Office 365 suite), configuration of Windows and additional administration tasks to ensure compatibility of the device with our existing network infrastructure. Please contact Mr Scott Mansell on sjmansell@ altonschool.co.uk to discuss the scope of the work required as well as agree the timescale involved.

Pupil mobile phones

We know pupils might need mobile phones for communication with parents and security getting to and from School. We do not accept responsibility for phones unless they are handed in for safe-keeping during the day.

While in School, all phones must be switched off and remain locked in lockers - not left in blazer pockets. Pupils can make calls home from the School Office for urgent matters.

Please do not expect your child to send or receive messages from you on a mobile during the school day. Please do not phone your child whilst they are at School. Mobile phones used during school hours will be confiscated and returned when the Headmaster or Deputy Head feels it is appropriate.

Phones may be taken into Prep club so you can make contact when you have arrived in the car park to avoid pupils having to wait outside in the winter months.

Other Equipment

Text Books, Stationery, and Art & Design materials

All pupils will be provided with the exercise books they need for class work, including an Art sketch book. They must have their own pencil case containing pens and pencils for general writing, a pencil sharpener, a rubber, scissors, a glue stick, and highlighters in several colours.

KS3 Art and Design - pupils will need: a black fineliner, 4B and 8B pencils, watercolour pencils, a 30 cm ruler, and paintbrushes (round size 6 or 8; flat size 14 or 16).

While textbooks are provided, all pupils must provide their own calculator. Spec: Casio scientific calculator, in particular one of the following models: fx-83GTX, fx85GTX, fx-83GT-CW, fx-85GT-CW, fx-991EX or fx-991CW. All of these are suitable for GCSE Maths, with the latter two also suitable for A level Maths.

Pupils wear a white lab coat for Science practicals, which are provided by the Science Department. For all KS3 and GCSE Music lessons, pupils are required to bring their own wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack for use with musical keyboards. Please note that wireless headphones cannot be used.

Social media and gaming

Please keep an eye on how much time is spent on mobile and gaming devices at home. TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and other social networking sites can be a distraction and escalate emotional worries. They may be used to send and receive unpleasant messages and young people may think it is ‘cool’ to collect as many friends as possible. It may help your child if you set a phone curfew at a reasonable time in the evening and keep devices downstairs at bed time.

If your children have mobile devices, please monitor what information is being shared. Taking the stance that your child’s right to ‘privacy’ is more important than his or her safety is highly inadvisable. Social networking sites, emails and text messages can all put your child at risk. Please put your child’s safety before their privacy and keep checking what they are doing as they grow older.

We run regular sessions in school regarding internet safety and wellbeing. We also offer sessions for parents. Please look out for these in the calendar.

Please refer to the Wellbeing Hub for advice on mobile phone usage, gaming and social networking.

Computers & Internet

Alton School recognises the importance of ICT in education. Our ICT network is available for students to use for their studies both in and out of lesson times.

Alton School has an ‘Acceptable Use’ policy, which is available on our website. All students and parents are required to sign up to this policy before students can receive their username and password.

The purpose of the policy is to ensure that our pupils use their laptops, the internet, email and other technologies available at School in a safe and secure way. It also seeks to ensure that pupils are not subject to identity theft and therefore fraud and that we help our pupils to avoid cyber-bullying and just as importantly, becoming a victim of abuse. It also provides a clear set of dos and don’ts. Some of these are considered offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and will be taken very seriously by the School.

E-Safety

The School is committed to ensuring all pupils have a sound awareness of the environment in which we live. Our aim is to help one another navigate the digital world, being mindful of the dangers and making the most of the positive aspects.

We deliver PSHMEE lessons on the over-use of social media and invite speakers in to talk to us about a range of issues including the dangers of online-grooming and sexting.

DO

» Use printers sparingly for educational purposes only

» If you come across any inappropriate website or content whilst using the ICT equipment, report it to a member of the ICT department immediately

» Only access suitable material – the Internet is not to be used to download, send, print, display or transmit material that would cause offence or break the law

» Be polite - never send or encourage others to send abusive messages

» Use appropriate language - remember that you are a representative of the School on a global public system. What you say and do can be viewed by others. Never swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language

» Consider the file size of an attachment, files exceeding 50MByte in size are generally considered to be large and you should consider using other methods to transfer such files

» Inform the ICT department immediately if you forget your password

» If you believe that someone else may have discovered your password, then change it immediately and inform a member of the ICT department

» You should report any security concerns immediately to a member of staff

DON’T

» Change or remove software

» Undertake any configuration changes without expresss authorisation

» Create or upload computer viruses

» Cause deliberate damage to computer hardware

» Use printers for non-education or offensive material

» Access internet chat sites. Remember you could be placing yourself at risk

» Never give or enter your personal information on a website, especially your home address, your mobile number or passwords

» Deliberately delete files

» Access online gaming sites. Remember that your use of the Internet is for educational purposes only

» Use the Internet to order goods or services from online, e-commerce or auction sites

» Subscribe the school to any newsletter, catalogue or other form of correspondence via the Internet

» Reveal any personal information about yourself or anyone else, especially home addresses, personal telephone numbers, usernames or passwords. Remember that electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private

» Download or open file attachments unless you are certain of both their content and origin. File attachments may contain viruses that may cause loss of data or damage to the School network

» Reveal your password to anyone

» Attempt to access files or programmes to which you have not been granted access. Attempting to bypass security barriers may breach data protection regulations and such attempts will be considered as hack attacks

School Rules and Expectations

School rules

Our School rules are for the safety of all and are based on courtesy, consideration for others and common sense. Please read these carefully.

Breach of the following rules will have serious consequences:

» Use and/or possession of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vapes) are strictly forbidden

» Bullying, whether verbal, physical or cyber is not tolerated in the School Community

» Stealing is not tolerated. This includes borrowing without permission and keeping items which you find

» Immoral and anti-social behaviour is not appropriate in School. Included in this are offences such as sexual misconduct, bad manners, graffiti and the use of offensive language

» Fighting or any other form of physical misconduct is not allowed

» Pupils may not absent themselves from School or from an activity without permission

» Improper use of the fire alarm system is a serious matter

» Damage to buildings, fittings, furniture or school books must be reported to a member of staff immediately. Deliberate damage of school property is a serious matter

» No pupil should be in possession of any dangerous item or offensive weapon

» No pupil should leave the grounds without the permission of staff unless engaged in an organised outing or activity. Pupils must sign in and out at the School Office and must be collected by a parent or guardian

» Chewing gum is not allowed in School

» Masking white fluid (Tippex) is not allowed in School

Computers and Mobile Phones

» All School equipment must be used appropriately. This includes all ICT equipment in accordance with the ICT Acceptable Usage Policy

» Pupils must not use or have visible mobile devices of any kind between the hours of 8.30am and 4.10pm (i.e. during the school day)

» The camera and video application on mobile devices must not be used at any time, unless with the express permission of a member of staff

School uniform and the School day

Pupils must…

» Wear the appropriate School Uniform according to Uniform guidelines.

» Wear the School blazer to, from and around school. This is a compulsory uniform requirement

» Have a spare pair of trainers in school to wear outside at break and lunchtimes

» Arrive punctually for morning and afternoon registrations and lessons

» Enter the Senior School by the Refectory

» Use the stairs next to the Library to go up, and the stairs near the Bridge to come down from senior classrooms

» Move around on the left-hand side of stairs and corridors to allow safe flow of movement around the school

» Bring notes from home detailing all absences promptly - within five working days; emails to Form Tutors or the School Office will also suffice

» Eat in the Refectory at lunch times

» Familiarise themselves with our fire procedure

» Show the highest standards of respect for all property and people at all times

» Be courteous and considerate at all times including on the journey to and from School, and on trips and visits. Bad language will not be tolerated

Code of Conduct for Pupils

We place importance on how pupils conduct themselves and behave towards their peers and staff. We expect pupils to follow our code of conduct at all times.

» Try to understand other people’s point of view and be reasonable and sensitive

» Be kind at all times. Bullying (physical or verbal) will not be tolerated. This includes misuse of social media, i.e. unkind or inapproriate messaging, taking and posting photographs or videos

» Never post online any photos or videos of School life, or School staff, without express permission from a member of SLT

» Smile and greet staff as you pass them, especially first thing in the morning

» Be aware of staff or visitors at doorways and wait for them

» Always show appreciation for events and trips which are organised for you and thank staff who run trips and visits - this includes the coach driver

» Ensure your parents arrive on time to collect you on your return from a trip or from Prep

» Show exemplary behaviour to visitors or volunteer helpers and always show appreciation and thanks

» Place your rubbish in a bin

» Be proactive in raising money for charities

» Be punctual to lessons

» Meet deadlines for homework and for examination work

» Be equipped for lessons

Classroom Code of Conduct

Every teacher has the right to teach and every student has the right to learn in a safe, friendly and well-ordered environment. High standards of behaviour are expected at all times if pupils are to achieve their very best.

Before each lesson and transition around school

» All pupils are to wait quietly outside the relevant classroom or changing area until a member of staff invites them to enter

» Pupils are to move quickly and safely to their seats or changing space

» Pupils should take responsibility for their own actions

» Pupils are expected to arrive on time to lessons

In the classroom

» Bring all the necessary equipment for each lesson

» Remove all outdoor clothing and put bags away safely

» No eating or chewing in lessons

» Listen to and follow all instructions in class carefully

» Know and follow all School safety instructions

» Behave sensibly in lessons

» Respect the learning opportunities of others

» Put your hand up before speaking

» Enter and leave the classroom in an orderly manner

» Adhere to the School Mobile Phone Policy at all times

» Treat others and their property with respect

» Treat the School environment and equipment with respect

» No verbal or physical abuse towards staff or pupils

» Leave each lesson smartly dressed and move swiftly to the next lesson

After each lesson

» Staff are to ensure that pupils are correctly dressed before they leave the lesson

» The teaching space should be left tidy and clean (including a clean board)

Communication to School

The School Office

The School Office (tel: 01420 82070, email: office@altonschool.co.uk) should be the first port of call for all visitors to the school. The office staff will be able to take messages from parents for staff and provide information. Please feel free to phone between 8.30am and 5.00pm when there will always be someone willing to help.

Lateness

If a child is late for school and misses registration (8.40am) pupils must sign in at the School Office. Registers will be amended from this information.

Absence

For safeguarding reasons it is essential that we know if your child is not coming to school.

» Telephone 01420 82070 and select option 1 for absence. Please leave their name, tutor group and a brief description of why they are absent

» We must be informed of an absence for illness on each day of the absence

» Once the period of absence is ended, please email the Form Tutor with confirmation of the total days of absence

We ask you to avoid booking medical appointments during the school day, however we are aware that at times this is not possible. For planned absences from school or lessons, such as dental/medical appointments which are likely to be less than half a day, then you can notify the relevant tutor directly.

If your child needs to leave school during the day, they must sign out in the ‘Signing Out’ book in the School Office and sign back in when they return.

There is a proven link between attendance and achievement. We want all pupils to achieve the highest possible standards, and therefore attendance is constantly monitored. Those whose attendance falls below 95% will be interviewed. Parents will be notified when unauthorised absence occurs. This applies to any absence not explained in writing or by telephone by a parent/carer.

Parents are asked to avoid booking family holidays in term time. However, should this be absolutely unavoidable, please write to the Director of Middle/Upper School requesting permission.

School Records

We ask you to be vigilant about keeping medical records and contact numbers updated. Should there be any change in your child’s health or family circumstances, or any problem that may affect your child, please let us know in writing as soon as possible.

Communication from School

Parent Portal

Our parent portal can be accessed via our website or via an app. You will be sent login details before your child starts at Alton School. The parent portal allows you to access information about your child’s activities, curriculum and progress. Our website (altonschool.co.uk) is the best point of reference for any policy documents. We aim to be as ‘paper free’ as possible, and so will not send you hard copies of these documents automatically. We are of course very happy to send you documentation if needed. Please speak to the School Office if this is the case.

The Weekly Roundup & Email Communication

We communicate via the parent portal as much as possible. Every Thursday we send out the Weekly Roundup via email to all parents alerting them to new information that has been added to the portal that week. This email also contains links to extra information and letters from the School. Urgent information which we need to communicate to parents, for instance a school closure, will be sent via a email and may be backed up by text message if needed. Parents are asked to ensure that they keep us updated with any change of email addresses or mobile numbers.

Parents’ Evenings and Welcome Evenings

At the start of each Autumn Term, there are a series of Welcome Evenings during which aspects of School life relating to academic and pastoral routines are explained. In addition, Form Tutors attend these evenings, which is a good opportunity for you to meet them.

There is one Parents’ Evening for parents of pupils in Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, and two for parents of Sixth Formers. Evenings are organised through the School Cloud online booking system, with a choice of in person and online appointments. Teachers will have a long list of parents to see over the course of the evening, so if you feel you need longer than five minutes (ten minutes for Sixth Form), please ask the teacher for a further meeting or telephone call. Year 9 will also have a GCSE Options Evening in the Spring Term.

Reports and assessments

There are several types of reports that pupils receive throughout the year:

» Interim reports, which are short, data-based snapshots of holistic progress

» Subject reports, which include teachers’ comments as well as data relating to progress;

» Tutor reports, in which Form Tutors comment on pupils’ participation in school life generally

» Exam reports, which contain the results of major exams such as Year 11 and Year 13 January mocks, and end of year exams for all other year groups.

The master reporting schedule for pupils’ reports and Parents’ Evenings will be sent to parents via the weekly Thursday Roundup in September. Reports themselves are published to parents and pupils via the ISAMS Parent and Student Portals and it is advised to download the PDF of each report in order to view the descriptors that explain the terminology used.

Pupils should expect to be assessed on a half-termly basis in each subject, generally coinciding with the end of a particular unit of study. This can take a variety of forms, for example, a performance, a piece of artwork, a traditional in-class test, an essay, or a presentation. The results of these assessments are recorded and reviewed within Curriculum Groups as well as by the Director of Studies.

After the Summer half term break, pupils in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 sit end of year exams, the results of which are reported to parents as detailed above.

Year 11 and Year 13 pupils sit their mock exams in January.

SOCS (Sporting Fixtures)

We have a dedicated website and app for tracking sports fixtures including times, locations and team selections. Instructions on how to download the app are on the Parent Portal. All fixtures are put onto the app at least a week in advance. We ask parents to keep an eye on the app until up to half an hour before the fixture starts as it will be updated if the fixture has been cancelled.

Newsletters & Social Media

The marketing department produces a whole School Newsletter every half term which shows what has been going on throughout the School from our youngest to the oldest pupils.

We are also busy on social media sharing insights into all that is going on across the School. Please do follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If your child has done something that you would like us to share, please contact the Marketing team via communications@altonschool.co.uk.

Community

School Events

Twice a year we hold a Saturday morning Open Day, which are our opportunity to showcase Alton School to prospective parents and pupils. We regard these as compulsory school days and all students should attend. The dates are available in the calendar at the start of the academic year and we would appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that students are available.

Our traditional Christmas Fayre and the PTFA’s Summer Fete may fall on Saturdays. We rely on our parents’ and pupils’ support and attendance to ensure the success of these events. They are both important fundraisers for the School.

Key Events

Whole School Open Days

These are usually held in the first half of the Autumn and Summer Terms. Please check the calendar for dates.

Feast Day

The School closes for a day at the end of November. This is to observe the Feast Day of Our Lady of Providence.

Carol Service

A widley anticipated event for Years 3 to 13. The choirs of Alton School come together to perform a beautiful carol service at the beginning of December.

Christmas Fayre

Our PTFA run a fayre to get us into the Christmas spirit. This is either held on a Friday or Saturday at the beginning of December.

Senior School Production

Years 7 - 13 take to the stage in the Spring Term to showcase months of hard work.

Summer Fayre

Our PTFA run a Summer Fayre during the Summer Term. This is usually on a Friday afternoon but can sometimes fall on a Saturday.

Sports Day

Sports day for the Senior School is held on an afternoon in the middle of the Summer Term. All parents are welcome to join the day to support the pupils.

Founder's Day

Founder’s Day is when we celebrate the success of our pupils. Prizes are given to pupils throughout the School for good conduct, effort, achievement, progress and contribution. This event is held towards the end of the Summer Term.

Our PTFA

Our PTFA is a very important part of our school community to which everyone is welcome. All parents are automatically members of the PTFA when they join the School. Whether as an active committee member or as an attendee to one of the PTFA events, your contribution will be gratefully received. There is an annual PTFA AGM where the Committee agrees its members and its plans for the year. The Committee organises regular events and fundraising opportunities and works with class representatives.

The success of everything the PTFA does depends very much upon the enthusiasm and support offered by the whole School Community. Please let us know if you have experience or expertise which might be helpful. The school calendar, which is sent out in the summer holidays and can be found on the parent portal, contains dates of the main PTFA events. Further details are added to the parent portal nearer the time and communicated to parents.

The PTFA Committee meets reguarly and extends a warm open invite to any parents who would like to join them for a tea or coffee. Dates of these meetings will be circulated.

We have a second-hand uniform shop run by parents. The organising parents can be contacted at secondhanduniform@altonschool.co.uk. To see their stock please visit their website https://www.pta-events.co.uk/altonschool

If you would like to be on the PTFA list of willing helpers, or have any questions, please email: ptfa@altonschool.co.uk including your child’s year group.

Extra event information

There are regular teatime music concerts, drama showcases and PTFA social events. You will find dates on the Parent Portal Calendar, which you will be able to access from September.

All of our term dates can be found on our website.

Administration

Fees

The Governing Body determines these annually during the Spring Term. Fees are payable in advance on the first day of each term. Parents are able to set up a monthly standing order with their bank, over 10 months - September to July, to cover school fees. Please contact the School’s Bursar, Mrs Magdalena Jackson (mjackson@altonschool.co.uk ) for further details. Parents are reminded that a term’s notice is required when a child is to be withdrawn from the School or stop any activities which incur additional costs. Notice needs to be in writing addressed to the Headmaster. Termly bills may also include charges related to extras, e.g. school trips, lost books, chargeable activities (CCF or DoE)

Deposit

The deposit is held on the account throughout your child’s education at the School. The leaver’s bill is raised once a child leaves the School which may include final charges – all credit balances are refunded to parents unless they wish to donate them to the School.

Public Examinations

Please be advised that there is a fee for each exam taken at GCSE and A level. This is not included in basic school fees and will be added to the termly bill.

Minibus Transport

We operate transport services to and from School for Basingstoke, Liphook, Petersfield, Farnham, Haslemere and Winchester areas. Details of the current routes and pick-up points are available from the School Office.

Car Parking

We are fortunate to have ample parking. However, our car park can be very busy at peak times and we ask for your cooperation with the system as outlined below.

Staff park at the bottom end of the car park. The upper right is for Lower School parents to park and drop off. The upper left is for the Senior School parents to park and drop off and for Sixth Formers to park.

If the car park is full, please park in Anstey Lane but not too close to the School exit and with consideration for local residents.

Please drive carefully and slowly when passing through the car park. There is a 5mph limit. Please use the closed off pathways, do not walk in the parking areas. Please do not stop to drop pupils off before reaching the allocated area. We aim to minimise the danger to all.

Although there is no one-way system indicated, please drive out through the car park and not back up the main drive.

The crossing is patrolled from 8.30am to 9.00am and from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Please use this crossing and move in front of the person on duty, not behind out of their vision.

The Nursery car park is strictly for Nursery parents only.

Policies

Our School Policies can be found on our website. If you wish to have a hard copy please contact the Headmaster’s PA or the School Office.

» Admissions

» Anti-bullying

» Child Protection

» Safeguarding of children

» Complaints Procedure

» Confidentiality

» First Aid

» Health and Safety

» Missing Child

» Non Collection of Child

» School Trips and Educational Visits

» SEND & Learning Support Policy

» Discipline, Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions

» Emergency Closure

Privacy & School Records

» English as an Additional Language Policy

» Ethos

» Exclusions Policy

» Curriculum Policy

» Relationships and Sex Education Policy

» Fundamental British Values Policy

» PSHMEE Policy

» Online Safety Policy

» Supervision of Students (incl EYFS) Policy

» Risk Assessement Policy

» Equal Opportunities Policy

» Accessibility Plan

Records are checked regularly to ensure we have the most up-to-date information for your child, but we ask you to be vigilant about keeping contact and medical details updated. Should there be any change in your child’s health, family circumstances, or any problem that may affect your child, including any dietary requirements, please let the School know in writing as soon as possible. The School’s privacy notice is on our website.

Complaints

If you have a complaint please refer to the Complaints Procedures which are available on our website or from the Headmaster’s PA, enquiries@altonschool.co.uk.

Medical Arrangements

If pupils feel unwell during a lesson the Form Tutor will send them to the School Office and the School Nurse will be contacted. If it is outside lesson time, the pupil must in the first instance contact his or her Form Teacher who will assess the situation, then contact the School Nurse if necessary. A number of staff are qualified first aiders. Paracetamol may only be issued to a child if parents have given consent by signing the back of the medical form. If a pupil is not well enough to remain in school, or needs hospital treatment, parents will be contacted. No pupil can phone home or leave the School without prior permission from the Form Tutor, relevant Director of School, Deputy Head, or Headmaster.

Pupils should never phone you directly to ask you to come and collect them.

If your child has a life-threatening condition which would require a teacher to administer a particular drug (for example the Epipen for anaphylactic shock), please contact the School Nurse to discuss the procedure and required permissions.

If your son or daughter has an injury or receives medical treatment that affects their mobility in School, or affects their ability to function or dress as normal, then they may not return to School until you have provided detailed information to the Deputy Head and this has been agreed. This includes describing any special medical aids, footwear, clothing or bandaging and how long such treatment/aid will be necessary. This should be a consultative discussion, not a letter or email sent with a returning pupil just stating what has happened. We need to know full details how mobility is affected and how a pupil will manage the normal day to day routine of school. As you will appreciate, the stairs and corridors are busy when lessons change and safety is paramount. The School will then undertake a risk assessment and together with you, agree on the terms and conditions needed to accept your child back into school.

While it is not our policy to care for sick children, who should be at home until they are well enough to return to the school, we will agree to administer medication as part of maintaining their health and wellbeing or when they are recovering from an illness. All medicine must be provided to School in original package showing the prescribed dosage.

In many cases, it is possible for a child’s GP to prescribe medicine that can be taken at home in the morning and evening. As far as possible, administering medicines will only be done where it would be detrimental to the child’s health if not given in school.

Due to safeguarding regulations, no pupil can carry or self-administer medications including paracetamol and ibuprofen. Any medication needs to be handed in with a parental permission slip which is available from the School Office.

Immunisations

We invite the Hampshire NHS Schools Division to deliver immunisations at school, currently covering:

» Year 8: HPV vaccination (implemented with a course of 2 injections)

» Year 9: Triple (diphtheria/tetanus/polio) and meningitis ASWY

The School Medical Policy can be found on the website under ‘About Us – Policies’

Safeguarding & Child Protection

Ensuring the safety and welfare of all our pupils at Alton School is critical. It is our aim to know everyone as an individual and to provide a secure and caring environment so that every pupil can learn in safety.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility; all members of staff have a duty to safeguard our pupils’ welfare and are trained to do so. In all matters relating to safeguarding and child protection, the School follows its own procedures, those of the Hampshire Safeguarding Children Board together with Department of Education guidance contained in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2023).

If anyone has a concern about the safety or welfare of a pupil, they have a duty to report this concern to the DSL.

All staff have a responsibility for the personal and academic development of our pupils but if you have any problems concerning your child, you are asked to first write or phone the Form Tutor who has daily contact with their tutees. If necessary, concerns will be passed to the Middle School Pastoral Lead for concerns in Years 6-9 and the Director of Upper School for concerns in Years 10-13.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Scott Sanderson - Deputy Head. Email: ssanderson@altonschool.co.uk

Deputy DSLs (DDSLs):

Sarah Harvey - Nursery Manger EYFS. Email: sharvey@altonschool.co.uk.

Jackie Ward - Director of Upper School. Email: jward@altonschool.co.uk.

Nominated Safeguarding and Child Protection Governors:

Mrs Sheila Mansell, Mr Nicholas Caddick and Mrs Heather Trim. Contact through the Clerk to the Governors: email: bursar@altonschool.co.uk.

If you do not wish to contact the School, please refer to our Safeguarding Policy on our website where you will find additional numbers for support.

If you have concerns about online safety, you should report this to the School. However, you (adult or pupil) can report your concerns to CEOP, Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre by clicking the link below. www.thinkuknow.co.uk.

Further details about the School’s approach to Safeguarding and Child Protection can be found in the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy on our website www. altonschool.co.uk.

www.altonschool.co.uk

@altonschool1938

enquiries@altonschool.co.uk