Sixth Form Parent Handbook 2023-24

Sixth Form Parent Handbook

Your guide to Years 12 and 13

Welcome to Alton Sixth Form

At Alton School Sixth Form we work with our students to achieve the best possible academic outcome and prepare them for adult life. We have a strong Sixth Form tutor team who have regular contact with their tutees and are always on hand for advice and support.

This handbook is designed to give you the key information you need about our Sixth Form. 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.

Jackie Ward is Director of Upper School and has responsibility for the Sixth Form. She can be contacted at jward@altonschool. co.uk. 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.

“I am looking forward to supporting your child on their journey through A level study, getting to know them and seeing them grow into responsible citizens, ready for their future learning pathway. Over the next few years they will have many significant choices to make and the Sixth Form Team will be here to support them every step of the way.” - Mrs Ward, Director of Upper School.

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 students 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 students. 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. Academic success has to be underpinned by attention to the individual 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 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 board.

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.

The Sixth Form Centre

Students have designated shared study rooms in the Sixth Form Centre. They are expected to look after this learning space and to use it for quiet study. They have access to a common room with a kitchen where they can meet other students and relax during break and lunch time or nontimetabled lessons. Students are responsible for ensuring that these are kept clean and tidy.

Sixth Form Tutors

Our tutors have lots of experience in dealing with the day to day running of the Sixth Form and the specialist areas we encounter - EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), UCAS, Careers, and Enrichment Activities. Our tutors are full-time members of staff who work closely with our students to get to know them, understand their individual needs and aspirations, and support them through their two years here. The relationships between students and the Sixth Form team differ from those in lower years as the style of learning and levels of responsibility for study and independence change significantly. Tutors are there at every step and share the celebrations as well as supporting during more challenging moments. Thanks to our size, the tutors can devote a meaningful amount of time to everyone, with regular 1:1 meetings and support available, in addition to that provided by subject specific teaching staff.

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.

Our Sixth Form students have the opportunity to take on the role of House Captain; leading House events and working closely with their House to build House spirit.

Roles of Responsibility

In the Sixth Form, students are given various roles of responsibility such as being house captains in the Lower Sixth. Additionally, Upper Sixth students can apply to be president and vice president which is the highest level of responsibility in the entire school. These roles provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and contribute to the school community.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Studying an EPQ allows students to embark on a largely self-directed and self-motivated project with the support of an experienced supervisor. Students choose a topic, then plan, research and develop their idea and decide on their finished project (which must include a report but can also include an artefact or a production such as an event or show).

Students learn project management and organisational skills as well as essay writing, research, and critical analysis. They learn to identify, design, plan and complete a project; to research a range of sources, analyse data and apply it relevantly; to solve problems creatively; and to review and evaluate their learning and performance.

For universities it shows a high level of knowledge and interest in a subject as well as independent learning and is often a key talking point at interviews. The qualification provides an opportunity for students to extend their abilities beyond the A level syllabus and to stand out, with the added bonus of earning extra UCAS points. It is also great preparation for university study or future careers.

School life

The usual School day applies to Sixth Form students. However, as the school year progresses they are given more flexibility over their time in school. In Lower Sixth, students are expected to be in full time until the October half term and can be flexible from there after. All students are expected to be in School for Monday Assembly and for all Open Events.

8.30am - 8.35am:

8.35am - 8.50am

8.50am - 9.50am:

9.50am - 10.50am:

10.50am - 11.10am:

11.10am - 12.10pm:

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. No fizzy drinks are permitted. Please be aware that we are a nut-free school and no nut based snacks must be brought to school.

Mass and Assemblies

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 students including students in the Sixth Form.

Assemblies will take place every Monday as a whole school and when required as a year group.

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.

Medical Arrangements

If a student feels unwell during the day, they should report to the School Nurse (based in the Sixth Form building). Paracetamol may only be issued to a student if parents have given consent by signing the back of the data sheet when joining the School. If individuals are not well enough to remain in school they may go home after notifying the Director of Upper School and signing out. If hospital treatment is needed then parents will be contacted.

If your son or daughter has a life-threatening condition which would require a teacher to administer a particular drug (for example the Epipen for anaphylactic shock), please ensure the pupil medical data sheet contains this information and is updated appropriately.

Please complete and return the data sheet to keep our school records correct. Should there be any change in your family circumstances, or any problem that may affect your child, please let the School Office know in writing as soon as possible.

Personal study

Each A level is structured with 4 hours of teaching per week, with a 5th hour of guided learning negotiated by each staff member. This may be a formal lesson, an opportunity for directed study in the study room, or a tutorial session, or a combination of these approaches. In addition to these 5 hours of study, each student is expected to do 5 hours of independent study per subject per week. Many of our students choose to do this work in school making use of their study periods in their study rooms, the resources and facilities we offer.

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

Work experience/Training/Open Days

To avoid students losing too many days from teaching, we would ask that work experience and training, not specifically arranged by Alton Sixth Form, to take place during the holidays. Attending University Open Days is useful if students have researched courses that may suit them. If possible at all, students are asked to attend such events at weekends or during holidays. Up to two open events during term time will be authorised, please speak to the Director of Upper School to arrange.

Personal Appearance

Although we would like Sixth Formers to feel they have a greater sense of freedom as young adults, all students are still expected to dress appropriately and in a manner conducive for a working and learning environment. Students should not wear:

» 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

» Torn jeans

» Tracksuit or pyjama bottoms

» Scuffed or inappropriate footwear such as UGG boots, flip flops or sliders

Equipment

Students should have a laptop capable of supporting their A level studies. Most have a lightweight and easily portable device, and our IT department can advise on these if required. In addition, students need to equip themselves with the usual stationery basics. Departments are well-equipped with most of what students will need, but there is an expectation that specialist individual equipment may need to be purchased by students from time to time (e.g. art canvases, photographic film, etc. for individual projects). For PE, students should have trainers, leggings or shorts, a t-shirt and a hoodie or warm top. These are non-uniform items but should be appropriate for school activities.

Enrichment

In addition to A level study, enrichment is a core part of life in our Sixth Form. Workshops, talks by external speakers and trips both home and abroad develop higher level thinking, knowledge of current affairs and wider world awareness.

Music

Music is highly valued at Alton School and we encourage our Sixth Form students to get involved in choirs and orchestra. 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. To organise private lessons in music please contact the music department. Arrangements for fees and lessons are with the peripatetic teacher and not the School. 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.

Physical Education

We encourage all Sixth Form students to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. We allocate one lesson session a week to sport and the students have use of our well equipped gym when supervised.

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.

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.

Day trips and Residentials

There is an opportunity to bond as a Sixth Form in the Autumn Term with a cultural trip to a European city for the Christmas Markets and various activities.

We hope that our biennial New York trip will be possible again. We fly to New York for five days of culture and squeeze in as much as we can including a visit to MOMA, the Met, Central Park and the Highline, the Ground Zero Memorial and 9/11 museum, and of course a river cruise to Coney Island past the statue of Liberty. We usually take in a show or a basketball match too.

Our Lourdes Pilgrimage is an opportunity for our students to give something back and learn about lives so different from their own. This is a hugely enlightening and rewarding experience and our students report that it is one of the highlights of their time here. It takes place during the Easter holiday every other year, and students work hard to fundraise for the pilgrimage.

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.

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. This includes 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

» Students 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 student should be in possession of any dangerous item or offensive weapon

» Students should not leave the grounds without the permission of staff unless engaged in an organised outing or activity. Students must sign in and out at the School Office or use the electronic sign in/out system in the Sixth Form Centre

» 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

» 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

Code of Conduct

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, posting photographs/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

» 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 and have the appropriate equipment

» Meet deadlines for personal study and for examination work

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 lesson time, 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’ using the electronic system.

There is a proven link between attendance and achievement. We want all of our Sixth Formers to achieve the highest possible standards, and therefore attendance is constantly monitored. Students will be asked to explain absences to the Director of Upper School. Those whose attendance falls below 95% will be asked for reasons. Parents will be notified when unauthorised absence occurs. This applies to any absence not explained in writing or by telephone by a parent/carer. All Sixth Form students are required to attend registration, assembly on a Monday morning and other key School events.

Parents are asked to avoid booking family holidays in term time. However, should this be absolutely unavoidable, please email the Headmaster requesting permission.

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 are two Sixth Form parents’ evenings. These are organised through the School Cloud online booking system, with a choice of in person and online appointments. Each appointment is 10 minutes long, if you need longer, please ask the teacher for a further meeting or telephone call.

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.

After the Summer half term break, students in Year 12 sit end of year exams, the results of which are reported to parents as detailed above. Year 13 students 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

Privacy & School Records

» Emergency Closure

» 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.

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