YEAR 7 Information Guide
Our Values
We ask everyone at Bablake to live by our values, and by doing so, our community will be diverse, tolerant, kind, sustainable, supportive and aware of the world around us.
Responsible
We take responsibility for our actions, our studies and our role in society. We do what we say we will. We act before being asked and consistently deliver.
We prepare thoroughly for all tasks. We use our resources responsibly, developing and caring for the environment around us. We are committed to promoting peace and reconciliation.
We encourage autonomy in all and seek leadership. We acknowledge and seek to resolve problems.
Reflective
We are curious to other perspectives and value every individual. We foster relationships through compassion and empathy.
We reflect on our actions and our studies. We are resilient and understand failure as an intrinsic part of success. We look for better ways of doing things and aim for excellence in all we do.
Respectful
We have a deep regard for each other and celebrate our diversity through an understanding of our shared values and traditions.
We encourage individuals to stand up for what they believe in and to celebrate their individuality. We act with honesty, integrity and kindness.
We believe we can positively impact our school and local community, challenge prejudice and foster peaceful relationships.
Welcome to Bablake
It is my great pleasure to welcome you and your family to Bablake. Thank you for placing your trust in us at such an important stage in your child’s educational journey.
Bablake is a friendly, vibrant school, full of energy, opportunity and ambition. We pride ourselves on being a caring and supportive community, where individual and collective success is encouraged and celebrated in all its forms.
Alongside academic excellence, we offer a rich and varied co-curricular programme. From sport and music to drama, House events and an abundance of clubs and societies, there is something for every interest and every pupil. At Bablake, we believe in nurturing new passions and hidden talents. When our pupils are inspired to step outside their comfort zone and try something new, we know we are doing our job well.
We look forward to getting to know you and your child and to sharing in what we hope will be a happy, fulfilling and memorable journey through senior school life.
Mr Andrew Wright, Headmaster
OUR AIM:
The Pursuit of Excellence
We aim to develop character, intellect, and well-being within a happy, scholarly, and caring community and to educate and inspire young people, so that they may lead full and responsible lives and shape a better world.
OUR OBJECTIVE:
The Spirit of Opportunity
We are committed to providing opportunities in which pupils can achieve more than they imagined possible. We achieve this rich, broad, and stimulating education by balancing four strands: Pastoral Care; Academic Excellence; Co-curricular Enrichment and Community Service.
Term Dates
AUTUMN TERM
Induction day Friday 4 September 2026 (Shells and Lower Sixth)
Term begins Monday 7 September 2026
Half term Monday 19 October to Friday 30 October 2026
Term ends Friday 11 December 2026 (12pm)
SPRING TERM
Term begins Tuesday 5 January 2027
Half term Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2027
Term ends Thursday 25 March 2027
SUMMER TERM
Term begins Tuesday 13 April 2027
Bank Holiday Monday 3 May 2027
Half term Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June 2027
Term ends Friday 8 July 20267 (12pm)
Essential Daily Information
The school day
Starts at 8.40am and finishes at 4.00pm. Pupils start the day in their form rooms at 8:40am for registration.
Those arriving after 8.45am need to report in person to Pupil Services. After registration, pupils either attend an assembly (Main, House or Year) or remain in their form rooms for tutor time.
Dropping Off and Collecting Pupils
To ensure pupil safety and smooth traffic flow around the site, please follow these guidelines:
Main entrance access:
The turning circle is closed to all cars between 8.10am – 8.40am and 3.00pm – 4.20pm.
Drop-off and pick-up location:
Use the playground next to the Sports Centre for drop-off and collection. Afterwards, exit via the access road beside the front field.
Gate times:
Sliding gates close at 8.35am and reopen at 3.30pm.
Pupil collection:
• Pupils meeting parents will go straight to the playground.
• Pupils on foot heading away from town use the Dining Hall gate
• Pupils on foot heading towards town use the pedestrian gate by the turning circle.
8.40am - 9.00am Registration/Tutor Time
9.05am - 9.55am Lesson 1
10.00am - 10.50am Lesson 2
10.50am - 11.10am BREAK
11.15am - 12.05pm Lesson 3
12.10pm - 1.00pm Lesson 4
1.00pm - 2.10pm LUNCH
2.10pm - 3.05pm Registration and Lesson 5
3.10pm - 4.00pm Lesson 6
Food and Dining
Pupils are not allowed to eat or drink in form rooms or in the corridors. Pupils bringing packed lunches are encouraged to eat in the Dining Hall.
The Dining Hall operates a cashless system. Pupils pay for food and refreshments using their ID cards, which must always be worn on a lanyard, which will be supplied by the school. Payments are made via ParentPay. Please see page 14 for information on ParentPay.
We offer a great range of healthy nutritious food during break and lunchtime:
• Hot main meals, including vegetarian and Halal options
• Light snacks
• Self-serve salad bar
• Pasta/jacket potatoes with freshly made fillings
• Grab and Go cold counter serving sandwiches, baguettes etc
• Cold drinks
Homework Supervision
• Homework supervision for all year groups is available until 5.45pm in the Sixth Form Centre. The main Library remains open until 5.00pm (excluding Fridays).
• Pupils staying on school grounds after 4.00pm must sign in either at the Library or Sixth Form Centre for homework supervision, unless they are attending a co-curricular activity.
• Please note that there is no supervised care after 5.45pm. There is no charge for homework supervision.
Lost Property
If something is lost, pupils should report it to their Form Tutor and Pupil Services. We have a lost property group on Microsoft Teams, which pupils should access if they lose any belongings.
• Pupils are notified through Teams if Pupil Services have named property belong to them.
• Unnamed items are listed on the lost property group on Teams which all pupils have access to and will be kept until the end of the half term.
• Unclaimed items will be displayed and then either donated or disposed of.
Personal Belongings
Please help your child keep their belongings safe by:
• Labelling all clothes and items with their surname and initials
• Avoiding expensive equipment or large amounts of money in school
• Ensuring school bags are reasonably sized.
• Reminding them not to leave valuables in unattended bags or clothing.
All losses should be reported to their Form Tutor and Pupil Services. Pupil Services is in the main school building next to reception.
We recommend checking your home insurance to see if it covers belongings at school.
School Visits, Matches and Pick-Up Arrangements
While staff take every precaution to ensure pupil safety, parents are responsible for prompt pick-up after school events.
Please ensure pupils are collected no later than 10 minutes after the scheduled finish or return time.
• Parents will be informed of finishing/return times via pupils.
• Match return times are posted on www.bablakesport.com and updates shared on X (@BablakeSport). Pupils may also be asked to contact parents directly if return times change.
Games Field/Astroturf (Games Afternoons)
• If parents are more than 10 minutes late, pupils will be taken back to school to wait.
• For Games Afternoons at the playing field:
- Meet at 1.45pm at the turning circle.
- Parents may collect their child from the field by 3.45pm or pupils return to school.
Saturday Matches/School Trips
• A member of staff will stay until all pupils are collected.
• Pupils wait at the turning circle, under the Sixth Form Centre or in the Sports Centre.
Walking Home from the Games Field
• Shells/Year 8 need parental permission first (please email Mr Burdett or Mrs Russellspecific staff email addresses can be found in the iSAMS parent portal app).
• Those in Year 9 and above may walk home unless parents state otherwise.
If parents are delayed after 3.55pm, please check the Games Pavilion first. If pupils have left, they will have returned to school for homework supervision. Pupils will always be allowed to call home in such cases.
Staying Connected
Communication
We value parental communication and will provide a ‘Whom to Contact’ sheet to help you contact the appropriate member of staff. In general, if the question relates to academic progress, it should be the subject teacher and if your concern is pastoral, it should be the Form Tutor. Specific staff email addresses can be found in the iSAMS parent portal app.
If there are any changes at home, such as illness, family circumstances, contact details or anything affecting your child’s wellbeing, please let us know as soon as possible. Always include your child’s name and form when contacting the school please. General enquires can be sent to Pupil Services.
We will keep you updated with our weekly e-newsletter on a Friday. This will give you lots of useful information including news and activities at school, trips and excursions and upcoming events.
Please note that staff are often teaching during the day and may not be able to reply immediately.
Reports and Parents’ Consultation Evenings
We value strong home-school communication at Bablake. Parents’ Consultation Evenings are held during the year for you to discuss your child’s progress with teachers.
You will also receive academic reports at regular intervals. Dates for reports and consultations are listed in the school calendar, and we will notify you in advance.
Absences
PLANNED ABSENCE (PART DAY)
If your child needs to leave school for a short time (e.g. for a medical appointment), please email both the Form Tutor and Pupil Services with:
• Date and time
• The reason and whether your child will return to school that day
Pupils must be collected from Reception by a parent and they should sign back in at Pupil Services if they return.
PLANNED ABSENCE (WHOLE DAY OR MORE)
Only the Headmaster can authorise full day absences. Please email at least two weeks in advance to:
headspa.bablake@csfoundation.org.uk including the reason and length of absence.
GAMES AND PE NON-PARTICIPATION
If your child is unable to participate due to illness or injury, they are usually still expected to remain in school unless prior permission has been granted. Please notify Pupil Services.
Pupils selected for inter-school fixtures or musical groups should prioritise these commitments. If unable to attend a weekend fixture, please inform the school by the Wednesday prior.
Illness
If your child is unwell and will be absent from school, please notify Pupil Services by 9:30am on the first day: 024 7627 1202 (voicemail available)
pupilservices.bablake@csfoundation.org.uk Include the expected duration of absence if possible.
Website: Parent Information
On the Bablake website www.bablake.com you will find the Parent icon located in the top right corner.
From this page, you can easily access the school calendar, sports results, timetables, book parents’ evening appointments and navigate to the Parent Portal.
iSAMS Parent Portal
The iSAMS Parent Portal is the central hub for all key information regarding your child’s education and wellbeing at Bablake. The Parent Portal gives you access to your child’s timetable, attendance record, discipline reports, reward and conduct points, as well as all school reports and assessments.
If you are new to the School, you will receive a registration email with instructions on how to create your Parent Portal account when your child joins Bablake. Siblings of existing pupils at Bablake will be added to the account automatically.
The Parent Portal can be accessed via a link on the School website at www.bablake.com
Mobile Phones
Pupils may bring mobile phones to school, but they are intended for emergency use only and should not be used during the school day, this includes breaks and lunchtimes.
If a pupil uses their phone inappropriately:
• It will be confiscated for the rest of the day
• An after-school detention will be issued We recommend that phones are covered by insurance and suggest avoiding high-value models.
ITWe use Microsoft 365 to provide up to date, industry standard packages for pupils to use to complete their work. Each pupil has OneDrive cloud storage, an Exchange mailbox linked to their Coventry School Foundation email address, access to the online versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as access to other Microsoft 365 apps such as Forms and OneNote. All of this is available 24/7.
Through the school licencing agreement, pupils can download up to five versions of the full Microsoft Office suite on to computers, laptops and other devices for their use at home.
Microsoft Teams is used to share resources with pupils and for workflow such as submitting and receiving feedback on assignments, homework activities and some classwork, where appropriate. OneNote Class Notebook is also used by some teachers.
Co-Curricular Activities
Please refer to the Co-Curricular Brochure for information on our extensive activities.
Sports fixtures can be found at www.bablakesport.com
Music and Drama events listed in the school calendar, which can be found at www.bablake.com on the Parent page.
THE HOUSE SYSTEM
Crow Fairfax Bayley
Our House system is more than just friendly competition, it is where friendships are formed, talents are discovered and teamwork truly comes alive.
Designed to accommodate all interests, the House system ensures that everyone, regardless of their talents or abilities, has a chance to participate in sports, music and other unique challenges.
It is not just about competition; it’s about building a strong sense of community and connection.
Shell Olympics
The House journey begins right away with the Shell Olympics on the very first Saturday of term. This high-energy morning sets the tone for a year of teamwork and House pride. Further information will be emailed to parents.
Our House History
To read more about the history of our Houses visit: www.bablake.com/school-life/houses
Wheatley
Pastoral Care and Safeguarding
At the heart of your child’s wellbeing at school is their Form Tutor who will be the first point of contact should you have any concerns. We encourage you to reach out as soon as any questions or worries arise. Maintaining open lines of communication is crucial in providing the best support for your child.
Medical Information
It is essential that we are fully informed of any medical conditions, ongoing treatments or allergies your child may have. Please ensure that you complete the medical section of the Induction Form and notify the school promptly of any updates or changes to your child’s health or medication.
If your child requires prescribed medication during school hours, we ask that it be brought in its original packaging, clearly labelled with your child’s name and handed over to the School Nurse. For short-term medication needs, a letter from you should accompany the medication. Medicines that need to be taken more than three times a day can be administered during school hours. For medications required less frequently, we encourage them to be taken at home.
Pupils with asthma or allergies should always carry their inhalers and EpiPens with them, clearly labelled with their name. The School Nurse will also require a spare EpiPen for your child.
Paracetamol can be given to pupils only with your prior consent, as indicated on the Induction Form. We will only administer one dose while at school, and parents will be contacted if further medication is requested.
If Your Child Becomes Ill at School
Should your child feel unwell during the school day, they should visit the Medical Centre. The School Nurse or another trained first aider will assess the situation.
If your child cannot continue with their lessons, we will contact you to arrange collection. If we cannot reach you, we will call the emergency contact provided. In rare instances where we are unable to contact anyone, your child will remain in the Medical Room under supervision.
Accidents and Injuries
If your child sustains an injury during school hours, they will be assessed by the School Nurse or a trained first aider. If the injury requires hospital assessment (unless it’s an emergency), we will contact you to collect your child from the Medical Room and in emergency situations, an ambulance will be called.
General Health and Safety Information
• The school is not responsible for pupils off school premises, unless they are part of an organised, school-authorised trip for which parental consent has been given.
• If your child is unwell, they will not be allowed to leave the school alone. If your child is well enough to travel independently, we can arrange a taxi with your approval.
• Should your child need contact you, they should first approach a staff member or seek assistance via Pupil Services.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
The Coventry School Foundation Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy applies to all schools within the Coventry School Foundation, including EYFS settings. This policy is reviewed annually (at minimum) and is available on the school website or by request from the School or Foundation offices.
Our safeguarding procedures align with the Coventry Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) and adhere to its inter-agency guidelines. The Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) for the Senior School are Mrs N Cooper and Mrs K Lacey.
Learning and Progression
Homework
Homework supports independent learning and helps pupils develop discipline and subject knowledge. It is set regularly and tailored to each teaching group, with details explained by form tutors in September.
While important, homework should not overwhelm your child’s free time. If you’re concerned, they are spending too much (or too little) time on it, please contact their Subject Teacher and/or Form Tutor.
HOMEWORK PLANNERS
All pupils receive a School Planner to record homework and key dates. This helps them stay organised. Even when tasks are posted on Microsoft Teams or OneNote, pupils should still note the exact task to be done and the day that it is due in their planner.
Form Tutors check planners regularly, and your support in monitoring them at home is appreciated.
Mathematics
We recommend that all Shell pupils use the Casio fx-85GT CW solar calculator, which features circular buttons. This is the latest model from Casio, and its layout differs from older versions. Using the same calculator helps ensure consistency in lessons, and it will be required for GCSE.
To help maintain confidence in mathematics over the long summer break, you will be sent a set of practice questions with answers included. We strongly encourage all Shell pupils to complete this work so they feel ready and confident for the start of term.
At Bablake, mathematics is taught in abilitybased sets. This allows us to stretch confident pupils and provide extra support where needed. All sets follow the same curriculum in the same order but vary in difficulty. Set changes may be made after assessments each term, with teacher input considered. All pupils will be entered for the higher-tier GCSE, and we aim for strong results across all sets.
Life Choices
Life Choices is part of the personal development curriculum, sessions are led by form tutors, with contributions from external speakers.
Content is revisited and built upon as pupils progress through the school. The curriculum is structured around five key strands:
• Careers, Finance and the Future
• Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
• Physical and Mental Health
• The World Beyond School
• Risk and Safety
The programme is designed to be inclusive, actively anti-racist and supportive of all pupils. It aims to prepare pupils for life beyond school, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to make informed decisions and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
To ensure transparency and collaboration, parents are invited to attend Pastoral Information Evenings annually, which offer further insight into the topics covered.
Recognition, Support and Future Pathways
Praise Points
Pupils in the Lower School are awarded Praise Points for demonstrating positive qualities such as effort, kindness or achievement. These can be given by teachers, Form Tutors, Heads of Year, support staff or visitors. These are posted on the iSAMS parent portal for parents to access.
Certificates are awarded as pupils reach milestones (10, 20, 40, 50, 80, 100, 150 points). Positive behaviour and good work are also celebrated through verbal praise, written feedback and messages home.
RESPONSIBLE
• Can do attitude
• Adaptable
• Patient
BOLD
• Tolerant
• Upstander
• Courageous
Learning Support
Our Head of Learning Support oversees Learning Support and SEND provision. If your child has a learning difficulty or needs help accessing the curriculum, please inform their Form Tutor so appropriate support can be arranged.
Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) receive tailored support in line with their plan, developed in consultation with families and staff.
RESOURCEFUL
• Resilient
• Self-reflective
• Leader
• Independent Learner
Careers Education and Guidance
Careers education begins in the first year at Bablake, helping pupils explore their interests, strengths and future ambitions. They are introduced to Unifrog, an online platform offering career profiles, pathway advice and goal setting.
Careers guidance is supported by teachers, Heads of Year and a full-time, qualified Careers Adviser, who offers one-to-one support during key transition points (Years 9, 11 and Sixth Form). These personalised sessions help pupils consider options, explore different routes and build an action plan for their future.
Parents play a key role in this process and are welcome to book an appointment with the Careers Adviser to discuss their child’s goals.
CURIOUS
• Enthusiastic
• Hardworking
• Active Listener
CREATIVE
• Collaborative
• Think outside the box
• Cooperative Learner
Most Able and Talented (MAT)
Academic scholars (in Maths, English or General) are invited to join a scholars’ group in their first year. All pupils are encouraged to stretch their abilities within lessons, regardless of background or ability.
From Year 8 onwards, pupils identified as Most Able and Talented, based on test data and staff input, are offered enrichment opportunities such as clubs, external competitions or the Symposium, where they present research on a chosen topic.
Bablake Learner
Financial Matters
Payment of School Fees
School fees are billed in advance by email for the following term and fall due for payment before the first day of each term. Methods of payment are detailed on the invoice, but please note we do not accept cheques or cash.
School Fee Plan
As an alternative to paying school fees termly, we encourage parents to consider paying fees by direct debit through our partner, School Fee Plan (SFP). By signing up to School Fee Plan you can spread the cost of the annual School Fee over a 12-month period interest free.
For more information: www.myschoolfeeplan.com
Supplemental Charges
There are supplemental charges for activities not included in school fees. Examples of items that are charged in addition to school fees include, but are not limited to, additional trips, transport, stationery, clothing, music lessons, music examinations and instrument hire and school meals.
Payment for any supplemental charges incurred should be made through Parent Pay. You will receive login instructions on your child’s first day.
Examination Charges
Public examinations, namely GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11 and A Levels at the end of the Upper Sixth, will be billed in addition to school fees as a supplemental charge
Insurance
Pupils’ Accident Insurance
The school fees include provision of personal accident insurance cover.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will be provided by the school for school trips; details can be requested from the trip leader as and when appropriate.
Personal Possessions
While all reasonable care is taken to ensure the safety of pupils’ possessions within school, the Governors do not accept responsibility for any loss or theft occurring on school premises and the school’s insurance policies do not cover any personal property and effects of pupils.
ParentPay
ParentPay is a cashless online system used by parents to manage payments for trips, events, catering and more. It provides secure and flexible payment options and parents can keep track of transactions from within their online account.
If you are new to the School, you will receive a registration email with details on how to set up your account when your child joins Bablake. Siblings of existing pupils at Bablake can be added to your account when they join the School.
Transport
Zeelo is our home-to-school transport provider, offering a range of routes and flexible ticket options. Bookings can be made via the Zeelo app or on their website.
Zeelo provides bus services for organisations across the country with services built on technology, including online booking platforms, 24/7 customer support, live vehicle tracking and status notifications for every service.
An email containing a link to the Transport booking page and instructions on how to set up an account will be provided as part of the induction process. More information can also be found on the Transport page on the Bablake website.
Key Policies
Behaviour and Code of Conduct Policy
Our Behaviour and Code of Conduct Policy has been developed in consultation with staff, parents and pupils.
Its aim is to ensure that all members of our school community can thrive in a caring, well-ordered environment. Through courtesy, good manners, thoughtful behaviour, and smart appearance, pupils help uphold the strong reputation of Bablake - both locally and beyond.
We value a close partnership with parents to support pupils in following our Code of Conduct and Behaviour Policy.
For more details, please refer to the Terms and Conditions booklet or consult our policies online.
Further Information and Policies
Additional information is available on our website www.bablake.com and social media channels: @bablakeschool
Key statutory policies, including safeguarding, complaints, behaviour, curriculum and relationships and sex education can be accessed via the Bablake website. Other policies are available on request from the Headmaster’s PA. Public examination results are shared with parents annually.
Contact Information
Main Reception 024 7627 1200 info.bablake@csfoundation.org.uk
Pupil Services 024 7627 1202 pupilservices.bablake@csfoundation.org
Safeguarding pastoralhub.bablake@csfoundation.org.uk
School Nurse nurse.bablake@csfoundation.org.uk
Fees/Finance finance@csfoundation.org.uk