Guide to life at Bedford Girls' School 2023-24

YOUR GUIDE TO LIFE AT Be dfo rd G i rl s’ School

2023-2024

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Welcome “Our students soar; they are the creative thinkers, the change-makers and the problem-solvers of the future.”

Welcome to Bedford Girls’ School, an exceptional school for girls aged 7 to 18. We are experts in recognising the qualities of girls, understanding how they learn and what makes them tick. Energy and enthusiasm for teaching and learning pervades our school and, true to our core values of being bold, imaginative and reflective, we teach our students how to think, not simply amass information. Success of every kind is celebrated and a strong sense of ‘can do’ exudes from both the students and the staff.

In our environment positive role models abound with students excelling in every subject and activity.

Ultimately, every one learns to be proud of their achievements, to learn from their mistakes; we respect and include every individual and understand that a BGS education is a continuum of growth.

There is no doubt that BGS will give your daughter the best possible education for life.

We hope that this booklet will answer many of the questions that you may have as a new parent.

Do contact us at any time if you would like more detailed information on any of the subjects covered.

We are looking forward to welcoming you into our BGS community very soon.

Carbon balanced print is produced by a carbon balanced printer on carbon balanced paper.

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Contents Introduction

02

Our Vision School Values School’s Expectations of Our Students Classroom Routine Upholding of the School Ethos Movement Around the School Protection of the School Environment Security and Personal Safety Safeguarding and Child Protection

02 02 02 03 03 03

Staff List (Senior School)

05

Staff List (Junior School)

06

Main Site Map

07

School Routines

08

Special Arrangements for the First Day Arriving on the First Day Leaving on the First Day Catching the Bus The First Week The School Day Arriving at School Breakfast Club Registration Assemblies Break Time Lunches End of School Day Late Care School Office Absences Authorised Absences Money and Valuables Mobile Phones Road Safety Transport to and from School

08 08 08 08 08 09 09 09 10 10 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 13

Communication The Pastoral Team Website iSAMS Parent Portal and App BGS Sports Portal

Junior School: Student Planners Junior School: Google Classroom School Reports & Parents’ Evenings Evening Schedules

15 15 15 16

Teaching and Learning

17

Junior School Educational Ethos Transfer to the Senior School at Age 11 Senior School Curriculum Speech and Drama Music Lessons Sex and Relationships Education Senior School Essential Equipment Homework Marking Examinations Rewards Consequences Learning Support Experiential Learning Houses The Bridge Career Service

17 18 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 22 22

Uniform

22

Purchasing School Uniform Lost Property Second Hand Uniform Sales Junior School Senior School Sixth Form Sports Kit

22 23 23 23 24 25 25

Health Care Information

27

Medicines Emergency Medication Counsellor

27 27 27

Fees

28

PTA and Alumnae

28

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The School Year

29

14 14 15 15

Contact Information

29

03 03 04

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Introduction

“ Let me keep an open mind so I understand as much as I can in my lifetime and not reach the limits of my imagination ” Prayer to a Telescope, a poem by Diana Syder

OUR VISION

Our students soar; they are the creative thinkers, the change-makers, and the problem-solvers of the future.

We strive to deliver a future-inspired education: innovative teaching practices, technology and compassionate care combine to empower our students with the attributes and self-confidence to seize opportunities and tackle the challenges of a complex world.

SCHOOL VALUES The three values which are central to our philosophy are: Bold, Imaginative and Reflective These values are complex, and inherent in their meaning are the qualities of the key attributes we wish to develop in our students, so that they become communicators, thinkers, knowledgeable, inquirers, risk-takers, caring, open-minded, balanced, reflective and principled.

These values and aims have been built into every aspect of our ethos at Bedford Girls’ School and are the basis on which our school flourishes. At Bedford Girls’ School we want to create a culture where everyone feels truly valued and is proud to be part of the School. We are kind to each other and respectful to all members of the community; the atmosphere is purposeful and learning in all areas of the curriculum is prized.

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SCHOOL’S EXPECTATIONS OF OUR STUDENTS We have high expectations of our students.

We aim to teach our students to make a positive contribution to our community and the world beyond. They are expected to behave in a courteous manner at all times when in school uniform or representing Bedford Girls’ School. We believe in creating a positive, rewarding learning environment where everyone will flourish. By establishing these expectations we create the best possible climate for learning, teaching and working collaboratively.

We expect our community to be purposeful, kind and mutually respectful.

To this end, we rely on the acceptance by all its members of an agreed code of expectations. We expect our students to show common sense and respect for themselves, for others and for their environment.

These expectations exist to protect not only the safety and comfort of our community, but also the good name of our School. All members of the School are expected to observe them. Our day-to-day life in School should reflect positive and joyful attitudes to work, relationships and behaviour.

This code is discussed at the beginning of each year through a process of consultation with students and staff.

CLASSROOM ROUTINE Students should: • be punctual and arrive at lessons, registrations, assemblies and clubs in an orderly manner.

• maintain a positive approach to lessons, complete the work set to the best of their ability and allow others to do the same.

• settle quickly in lessons, bringing all the necessary equipment.

• listen carefully to instructions and not talk whilst others are talking, allowing others to hear and learn.

UPHOLDING OF THE SCHOOL ETHOS Students should: • embrace and engender the whole school values, striving to be bold, imaginative and reflective in all aspects of their lives.

• celebrate and value everyone, regardless of gender, race or status.

• welcome visitors into our community.

• lift each other up with nurture and challenge.

• always be kind and remain constantly curious to the perspectives of others.

• be respectful of the world around us.

uniform, students are representing the whole School. Our uniform helps to give a sense of belonging to the School and is also important in helping to establish a good working atmosphere. It should be worn correctly and with a sense of pride.

MOVEMENT AROUND THE SCHOOL • Movement around the School should be orderly and courteous. A ‘­keep to the left’ system operates in order to allow for calm ease of movement.

• Silence should be observed when approaching assembly to encourage an atmosphere of calm reflection.

• The front entrance of the Senior School is reserved for staff and visitors at the start and the end of the day. Students should use their year group entrance and exit points, to help minimise crowding.

PROTECTION OF THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT • Litter bins are provided throughout the site.

• Food and snacks should only be consumed in the Dining Hall or the Green Room, and rubbish placed in the bins provided.

• Students should be proud of their form room, keeping it pleasant and tidy and conserving electricity whenever possible.

SECURITY AND PERSONAL SAFETY • Students must remain within the School grounds during the whole of the school day, except when special permission has been given to leave the premises.

Students leaving School with permission must sign out at the School office and may leave by the front door.

• always remember that when they are wearing their Bedford Girls’ School 3

• In the Junior School, students only move between sites with adult supervision.

Please refer to the Positive Behaviour Policy on the School’s website.

• By 4.15pm, students not taking part in supervised activities should normally be on their way home. They are not permitted to wait unsupervised outside the front entrance after this time. If they have not been collected they are expected to sign in to the Late Care facilities in the Junior or Senior School.

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION

• After sports activities, students should go to the Senior School Late Care if not picked up immediately.

• A member of staff remains at School until all students leave Late Care. Late Care closes at 7.00pm. Students are not permitted to be on site after this time unless they are participating in a supervised activity.

Students should: • take care of their personal belongings by using and locking their lockers. It is essential that they use their padlocks to keep their possessions secure in their lockers.

• never leave cash around the School.

• ensure that these items are clearly named. All items of personal belongings are brought into the School at the pupil’s own risk and must be kept securely in their lockers.

• take care also of books, iPads and equipment on loan from the School.

They are the responsibility of the students who should use the storage facilities provided.

• in line with the School’s Positive Behaviour Policy, do not bring into school smoking materials, illegal substances or hazardous items capable of causing injury or harm.

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We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and care.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.

Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals make sure their approach is child-centred.

This means that they consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Ms Elaine Teale (Deputy Head Pastoral) The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Mrs Gemma Gibson (Headmistress)

Mrs Carolyn Howe (Junior School Head) Mrs Helen Woolley (Director of Sixth Form)

All Heads of Year have also received DSL training.

Staff List (Senior School) The full and current staff list is available on our website, this list provides an overview of staff who are the key links for your daughter during the 2022 - 2023 academic year.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM Headmistress Mrs G Gibson

KEY PASTORAL TEAM Deputy Head - Pastoral Ms E Teale

Head of Junior School Mrs C Howe

Director of Sixth Form and Head of IB Mrs H Woolley

Director of Finance and Operations Mr M Scoble

Sixth Form Pastoral Officer Mrs S Longsdale

Senior Deputy Head and Head of IB Mr J Gardner

Head of Years 10 and 11 Miss Z Gray

Deputy Head - Pastoral Ms E Teale Assistant Heads Mrs J Axford Mrs P Hooley Director of Sixth Form Mrs H Woolley Director of Digital Learning, Enterprise and Sustainability Mrs R Hudson-Findley Director of Marketing, Admissions and Development Mrs J Trobe

Head of Year 9 Miss H Dawson Head of Years 7 and 8 Mrs K Cruse Senior School Pastoral Officer Miss J Roberts Head of Learning Support Mr T Williams School Counsellor Mrs M Lowe Nurse Manager Mrs M Logan

HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS ART & TEXTILES Mrs C Lugsden DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Mrs E Redfern FOOD AND NUTRITION Mrs T Lovett CLASSICS Miss C Brice DANCE AND DRAMA Mr C Stratton ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS Mrs S Barber ENGLISH Mrs F Graves GEOGRAPHY Ms S March HISTORY & POLITICS Mrs L Sadler COMPUTER SCIENCE Dr C Tansell MATHEMATICS Mr R Jeffryes

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MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES Mrs A Helm French Mrs A Helm German Mrs C Lessig Spanish Mrs M Gomez-Alonso MUSIC Mr D Keating-Roberts PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mrs V Mason-McLeod

PSYCHOLOGY Mrs P Harrold RELIGIOUS STUDIES Mrs G Greenwood SCIENCE Ms L Gethins BIOLOGY Mrs M Wathen CHEMISTRY Dr H Gates PHYSICS Mr O Bowden

HEAD OF HOUSES Miss J Huckle Franklin Mrs K Burtenshaw Hepburn Mrs S Horton Parks Mr M Mason-McLeod Nightingale Mr E Castro Chanel Mrs B Tarrant Austen

CAREERS Mrs K Whitlock

Staff List (Junior School) Head of Junior School Mrs C Howe

Head of Year 3 Mrs C Martin

Deputy Head (from January 2024) Mr S Powell

Head of Year 4 Mrs H Schofield Head of Year 5 Mrs K Whomsley Head of Year 6 Mrs D Inkson IB PYP Coordinator Mrs H Crawford-Smith

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Class Teachers Miss G Alarcon Mrs R Baker Mrs T Button Miss H Coote Mrs H Crawford-Smith Mrs V Howard Mrs N Reilly Mrs J Thomas Mrs P Woodhouse

TRINITY HOUSE

Music, Business Studies & Economics

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Modern Foreign Languages Bursary

Accounts, Nurses, Speech & Drama, Archives

BURNABY HOUSE

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KILPIN HOUSE

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CA

WING HOUSE

SIXTH FORM HOUSE

SENIOR SCHOOL

Main Site Map

A map of Cople Fields sports facility is available on our website.

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School Routines SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FIRST DAY Your daughter will need to bring her school bag containing her pencil case for the first day in the Senior School and Junior School.

Arriving On The First Day Junior School Please bring your daughter to the Terrace at the back of the School via the side gate to the left of the Junior School entrance.

The teaching staff will be on the Terrace at 8.30am to collect their classes and take them to their classrooms.

Senior School If your daughter is new to the Senior School, please bring her to the Senior School reception by 8.20am. She will be met by her form buddies and her Head of Year and taken to her form room.

Sixth Form Sixth Form students should come to reception where they will be met by the Head of Sixth Form.

Leaving On The First Day Junior School At the end of the day, students should be collected from the Terrace at 4.00pm.

Students will wait on the Terrace with their teacher until collected by a parent/guardian.

Senior School and Sixth Form Students should leave the site, using the appropriate exit for their year group.

Years 7 and 8 should use the middle gates beside Sixth Form House. Years 9-11 use the tennis court exit.

Sixth Formers may choose to use these gates or the exit door opposite the Sixth Form Common Room.

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Catching The Bus Junior School Students going home by bus are sent to the Randle Hall at approximately 3.30pm on the first day. They are then grouped according to their bus route. Where possible, they will be paired up with a student who already uses the same bus service. They are then accompanied by a member of staff to the bus collection point. These arrangements remain in place until your daughter is confident about the end of the school day routine.

Senior School Students will be guided by members of staff who remain on Cardington Road until everyone has been collected and help those students who are catching buses. iPads All students are allocated an iPad, these belong to the student and the student is expected to look after the devise.

All Junior School iPads remain at school.

Senior School and Sixth Form iPads can be used outside of school to assist with home learning and collaborative work.

Senior School Lockers All Senior School students will be allocated a locker on the first day of the school year.

All new students will be given a padlock, if needed, (some lockers have integrated locking systems) when they arrive in school.

If they lose or damage their padlocks, replacements will be supplied and the cost (approximately £6) will be added to the end of term bill.

Timetables All student timetables are published on to the student’s iPad.

THE SCHOOL DAY 08.40

Lesson One

09.45

Tutor Time/Assembly

10.15

Break

10.40

Lesson Two

11.40

Changeover

11.40

Junior Lesson Three A

11.45

Lesson Three

12.10

Junior School Lunch

12.45

Senior School Lunch

13.20

Junior Lesson Three B

13.55

Lesson Four

14.55

Changeover

15.00

Lesson Five

16.00

End

ARRIVING AT SCHOOL Junior School Your daughter is expected to arrive by 8.30am, ready for registration in her classroom at 8.40am. Once she arrives, she should make her way to the Terrace and play area through the side gate. The gate is open from 8.00am and the areas are supervised by staff from 8.00am until 8.30am when the students enter the classrooms to be ready to start lessons at 8.40am.

On extremely cold or wet mornings, they can go straight to the Randle Hall in the Junior School where they will be supervised until the start of the school day. Your daughter should not go to her classroom unless permission has been given by a member of staff on duty. The side gate will be closed at 8.30am and entry to the Junior

School after that time should be via the front entrance. If your daughter arrives after 8.40am, she should go straight to reception to register.

Senior School Your daughter is expected to be in School for 8.30am, ready for her first lesson at 8.40am. When she arrives she should go to her locker to hang up her coat and store any equipment or items not needed for morning lessons. She should then go to her form room or to Breakfast Club. Students can visit their lockers to collect books and equipment at morning break and lunchtime only.

All students should be in the right classroom for Lesson One ready to start the class by 8.40am. If your daughter arrives after 8.40am, she must sign in at reception and then go quickly and quietly to Lesson One. Sixth Form All Sixth Form students must be in school by 8.40am, even if they do not have a lesson P1. They may, at designated times, leave the School during the day if they have no lessons or other commitments, but they must sign out using the QR code before they leave.

BREAKFAST CLUB From 7.30am to 8.25am, the Breakfast Club is available for Junior and Senior School students in the Hospitality Suite in the Senior School. Hot chocolate, milk, smoothies, orange juice, cereals, sausage and bacon rolls, pain au chocolat, muffins, flapjacks, toast, homemade yoghurt and fresh cut fruit are available with payment by cash or card.

Junior School students who attend Breakfast Club will be escorted to the Junior School at 8.25am. We suggest Junior School families discuss the Breakfast Club arrangements with the Junior School office if you wish to use this service. Parents may join their 9

daughters for breakfast; entering and leaving School only through the Bursary Gates.

REGISTRATION Registration takes place at 8.40am at the start of Lesson One. If, for any reason, your daughter arrives after 8.40am she must report to reception and sign in before proceeding to Lesson One. If you know in advance that she is likely to be late, please telephone the school office and leave a message stating when you expect her to arrive. (Remember she is expected to arrive promptly for the start of any lesson or activity). Medical and dental appointments should be made outside school hours, unless in an emergency. If your daughter must leave School at any time during the day, please provide a note or email stating exactly why she will be absent and when she will leave and address this to your daughter’s form tutor in advance of her absence. All students must be collected by a parent or chaperone from reception and will be asked to sign out and sign back in at reception.

ASSEMBLIES We aim to teach our students to be life long learners who are always open to understanding the perspectives of others.

One aspect is the development of personal beliefs, including an understanding of a variety of religious and cultural beliefs which reflect the whole of our community.

All students attend assemblies each week which take into account the different religious or non religious backgrounds of our community. The assemblies are reflective and may include a hymn and prayers although staff who lead assemblies have their own style.

BREAK TIME AND SNACKS We are a nut free school, products with nuts must not be brought into School.

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Junior School Your daughter may bring a snack to eat at break time. It must be healthy and nut free.

Please do not send in chocolate bars or crisps (we will allow baked crisp snacks).

Please do not send any fizzy drinks into school. We recommend snacks such as fruit, bread sticks, or stuffed pitta breads.

All students should bring a water bottle into School.

Senior School Snacks must be eaten in the Dining Hall, the Green Room or outside. Food and drink should not be consumed in classrooms or hallways. In the Senior School, a ‘tuck shop’ is open in the Dining Hall. Items on sale include hot homemade filled rolls, snacks, cupcakes and fruit as well as a small choice of confectionery.

We encourage everyone to drink plenty of water; if this is brought into School, it should be in a suitable reusable bottle.

LUNCHES School lunches are available every day in the Green Kitchen. We are committed to providing a nutritious menu. Fresh fruit and salad are available; this underlines and reflects our commitment to healthy eating.

Students are given the choice between a packed lunch from home or a hot school lunch. The weekly menus can be found on our website. Our Catering Manager is willing to discuss special dietary requirements.

Allergen information on all food is available on the Parent Area and is printed out daily and displayed in the Dining Hall. We will automatically charge you for your daughter to have a hot school lunch.

The termly cost for school meals is added to the tuition fee account sent to you at the beginning of each term. The daily charge for lunch is currently (2022-2023) £4.67.

In the Senior School lunch passes will be handed out at the start of term. If your daughter forgets her lunch pass, she will be able to arrange to have a temporary card.

Students who usually bring a packed lunch will be able to have a school meal if they forget to bring their food; the cost will be added to their end of term school fees.

SIXTH FORM LUNCH AND CHEQUERS CAFÉ Sixth Form students may eat in Chequers, the Sixth Form café, or they may opt to have school lunches in the Dining Hall. Sixth Form students are allowed out of school during lunch after signing out.

PACKED LUNCHES If you wish your daughter to bring a packed lunch, please email the school on lunches@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk to avoid incurring the school lunch charge.

Please note that at least half a term’s notice is required for any change in your daughter’s lunch arrangements to take effect from the beginning of each term.

END OF SCHOOL DAY Junior School The school day finishes at 4.00pm.

If your daughter is not being collected from the Terrace at 4.00pm or catching one of the school buses, she should go to the Late Care which meets on the Terrace, at the end of the school day.

The Junior School Late Care is available every day from 4.00pm until 6.00pm and is supervised by three members of staff. Once your daughter has registered her attendance, she has a short break outside, weather permitting, before coming in to the Junior School Library. They can complete their homework and take part in activities. Should your daughter still be in Late Care after 6pm she will be escorted to the Senior School Late Care (in the LRC) where she can wait until 7pm.

It is not necessary to pre-book this facility; your daughter should inform her class teacher during morning registration whether she will be attending the Late Care. It is always helpful if a message confirming your daughter’s attendance is written in your daughter’s diary/planner. You may of course contact the School during the school day to inform the Junior School office that your daughter is to attend Late Care and the message will be relayed to her and her class teacher. The Junior School Late Care mobile is 07721 938105 should you have any last minute queries or concerns.

Senior School The School day finishes at 4.00pm. Unless she is involved in supervised activities, she should collect her belongings by 4.10pm, go to the cloakroom and leave the premises quickly.

All students waiting for school buses should wait in the supervised bus shelter at the edge of the astro pitches.

LATE CARE Late Care will be supervised from 4.10pm onwards. All students attending Late Care are expected to have signed into the LRC by 4.15pm. It is expected that all students are collected from Late Care by 7.00pm at the latest. If you need to make contact with the member of staff on duty, please call the main School number until 5pm, after which please call the Late Care mobile number 07810 857859. If you should need to ring after this time please, call the Senior Leadership Team emergency mobile 07432 674386.

Students who intend to use Late Care, should not go off the site between the end of the day and going into Late Care, unless authorised by a member of staff. Students can attend after school co-curricular activities and then go to Late Care.

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A healthy, nut free snack can be taken to eat in Senior School Late Care, or they may purchase a snack from the Chequers Café before 5.00pm.

There is no charge for your daughter to attend Senior School Late Care and you do not need to inform us in advance.

Parents, or authorised adults, should ring the Late Care doorbell at the main reception and students will be sent to meet their parent.

SCHOOL OFFICE The School offices in the Junior and Senior Schools are open from 8.00am-5.00pm each day. An answerphone machine will take messages outside these hours and they will be dealt with promptly. If you need to get a message to your daughter, please be aware that her mobile phone will be switched off during lessons and activities. You may prefer to contact her via the School office by telephone or email.

ABSENCES We are required to maintain accurate records of any absences on a day-to-day basis.

If your daughter is unable to attend School, please telephone the Junior or Senior School office as early as possible on the first day of absence to let us know the reason for her absence and the likely date of her return. Please continue to inform us on each subsequent day of absence. Please ensure you call or email before 8.30am, to avoid the need for school staff to contact you. Outside of school office hours (8.00am - 5.00pm), a telephone answering service is available. On the day of your daughter’s return to school, please confirm the dates of her absence and please email the Senior School at absence@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk, for the Junior School juniorschool@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk or by letter (via your daughter).

This information will be kept on file. Please 12

ensure your daughter’s name, form and the date are clearly marked on the letter or email.

EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS DURNG THE SCHOOL DAY If your daughter needs to leave for an appointment during the school day, the School must be informed in advance, via absence@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk. All students (Years 3-11) must be collected by a parent or pre-arranged chaperone from school reception. They are required to sign out and to sign back in at reception.

We will contact parents if we have concerns about your daughter’s absences.

AUTHORISED ABSENCES Any leave of absence, other than for illness, may be detrimental to your daughter’s progress and will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances (family holidays are unlikely to be deemed as exceptional). If you wish for a request to be considered you must email the Headmistress, in good time, for prior approval via: absence@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk.

Retrospective requests will not be authorised.

MONEY AND VALUABLES Your daughter should not bring large amounts of money or expensive personal possessions into school. The School does not accept responsibility for personal possessions.

Junior School, Any money brought into School should be carried in a named purse or envelope and handed to the form teacher for safe keeping.

Money must never be left in a school bag or cloakroom.

Senior School Small amounts should always be kept on her person or locked in her locker.

MOBILE PHONES Junior School Students are responsible for their mobile phones. They should place them in the classroom trays for safekeeping. Phones are not allowed to be used during the day, unless they have permission from a member of staff.

All phones should be named.

Senior School Mobile phones should not be used in lessons, form times, or in corridors, assemblies or any other learning activity, unless directed to do so by a member of staff. Mobile phones may not be used in the Dining Hall. Sixth Formers can also use their phones in the Common Room during study periods. The School does not accept responsibility for loss of or damage to mobile phones.

ROAD SAFETY Junior School students are only permitted to cross Cardington Road under the supervision of a member of staff during the school day. The pedestrian crossing situated on Cardington Road is always used as the crossing point.

Senior School students are required to use the pedestrian crossing whenever crossing the road.

TRANSPORT TO AND FROM SCHOOL As part of a policy to improve its environmental impact, Bedford Girls’ School encourages pupils and parents to choose eco-friendly ways to travel to and from school.

Class teachers and form tutors should be informed of a students travel arrangements at the beginning of term. Please notify the school of any changes during the term.

car park on Cardington Road to pick up their daughters. Parking in other school car parks is not permitted.

Walking and Cycling to School We encourage students to walk or cycle to School where possible.

Every student who cycles to School is expected to wear a cycle helmet and to know and apply the rules of the Highway Code.

Bicycle racks are provided in the Senior and Junior Schools and all bicycles must be padlocked during the school day. There should be no cycling within the grounds of the school.

Transport by Coaches There is an extensive network of coaches which have been arranged by parents for those students who live outside of Bedford.

It is important that, if necessary, you contact the transport providers as soon as possible as places are limited and most buses run for all Harpur Trust schools. Details of routes and contacts can be found on the school website.

Students must wait for the coaches in the designated supervised area. Junior School students will be taken to the area; Senior School students should leave School and go directly to the waiting area.

Please note, the School does not run coach or bus services. They are privately organised.

Sixth Form Car Parking There is limited parking for Upper Sixth students in the astro car park. Students apply for and display a parking permit, which are allocated on first come, first served basis.

Drop Off and Pick Up Parents may use the “drop and go” point in front or the Senior School in the morning.

Parents may only park in the astro 13

Communication THE PASTORAL TEAM

Heads of Year

The Form Tutor/Class Teacher

Heads of Year oversee the year groups and work with the form tutors to ensure student’s welfare. Parents are welcome to contact the Heads of Year directly if they have issues they wish to discuss.

The form tutor is central to the pastoral care at BGS. They support and mentor the students in their care and will know them holistically. Implicit in our aims is the expectation that every teacher will accept responsibility for the development in each student, not only of the highest academic standards, but also of the confidence and self-esteem which comes from feeling valued as an individual within a community. The role of class teacher in the Junior School or form tutor in the Senior School is crucial to your daughter’s experience of school life, and she/he will normally be your first point of contact if you have any queries.

She/he will always be pleased to see parents to discuss any areas of concern that you may have. Please feel free to contact your daughter’s form tutor by telephone or email them directly (all email addresses can be found within the iSAMs Parent Portal) any time during the school year, if you have any matters which you wish to discuss with them. She/he will endeavour to call or email you back as soon as her/his teaching commitments allow, at the very latest within two working days. Meetings can be arranged at mutually convenient times.

Senior School Senior Tutors and Mentors The Heads of Year and form tutors are aided by senior tutors who support the students as they progress through the School, giving additional layers of consistency and guidance. Students may also, at times, be assigned a staff Mentor to support them to manage specific aspects of school life.

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In the Junior School there is a Head of Year for each year group and in the Senior School we have a Head of Years 7 and 8; a Head of Year 9: a Head of Years 10 and 11 and a Director of Sixth Form.

In the Senior School the Heads of Year are supported by pastoral officers who deal with pressing enquiries and requests from students and parents.

The Deputy Head - Pastoral, together with the Director of Sixth Form, oversee the Pastoral teams.

WEBSITE Our website www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk is an excellent way of keeping abreast of all that is happening within the School. Up to date information and the School calendar can always be accessed online, along with the latest sports fixtures and results.

It also provides an opportunity to read a wide variety of blogs from school trips, different subjects, departments, staff and our Headmistress.

We will also keep you up to date with daily news and events from around the School via our social media channels including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Our weekly newsletter, The Edit, which is sent to all parents, students and staff every Friday afternoon provides a round up of the week’s news and events and a reminder of the key dates for the following week. Each term, you will also receive a copy of our

magazine, The Muse, giving you an insight into the ethos, inspiration and outcomes of a Bedford Girls’ School education. We also run a series of Curriculum Conversations each year where parents can find out more about our teaching and learning ethos.

Details of these sessions are circulated at the beginning of each term.

iSAMS PARENT PORTAL AND APP When your daughter starts at BGS, each parent will be issued with a dedicated log-in to access the iSAMS Parent Portal.

Here you will be able to access information on your daughter’s timetable and school letters, progress reviews, school reports, fee and billing account information, House points and PTA information. Details will be communicated with you before your daughter joins.

BGS SPORTS PORTAL Details of all sports fixtures, team lists and sports results can be found on our dedicated sports portal on our website.

You access the Sports Portal through the drop down Portal list at the top of BGS website home page.

You can download all relevant sporting fixtures into your electronic calendars and find route maps to away games.

DAY-TO-DAY JUNIOR SCHOOL COMMUNICATION Student Planners Junior School Short messages will be relayed between home and school in their planners. Please check the planner each night as the teacher will check them each day for messages from home. Please sign them on a weekly basis.

A timetable of your daughter’s school day will be issued on the first day, so you and she will be aware of the days when games kit or any other essential pieces of equipment are required.

Junior School Google Classroom Each class in the Junior School has a Google Classroom site. This is where teachers will share homework, notices and resources to support the work in the classroom.

SCHOOL REPORTS AND PARENTS’ EVENINGS Throughout the year, parents in the Junior and Senior School will receive feedback on how their daughters are progressing.

The table (on the next page) shows the timing and format of that feedback.

Team Sheet Secure Login: bgssocs16 Team lists are password protected, please use the following password to access team lists, these will be uploaded a few days prior to matches.

In the Junior School team sheets are also emailed to parents prior to a fixture.

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Year

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Years 3 - 6

Parents’ Information Evening

Parents’ Evening

School Report

Year 7

Parents’ Evening

Parents’ Information Evening MidYIS Testing

Progress Review

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Parents’ Evening

Progress Review

Parents’ Information Evening

GCSE Options/ Parents’ Evening

End of Year Assessments

Parents’ Information Evening and Tutor Meetings

Parents’ Evening

2 x Progress Reviews

Progress Review

Progress Review

Progress Review

GCSE Mock Examinations

School Report

Parents’ Evening

Progress Review

End of Year Assessments Results Sheet

Parents’ Evening

Results Sheet

GCSE Examinations

Progress Review

Internal Assessments

Progress Review

A Level and IB School Reports

Parents’ Evening

UCAS Predicted Grades

Progress Review

Mock A Level and IB Examinations

A Level Synoptic Assessments

Year 11

Sixth Form Evening

Lower Sixth

Parents’ Information Evening

ALIS Testing

Parents’ Evening

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Progress Review

2 x Progress Reviews

Progress Review

2 x Progress Reviews

Upper Sixth

Progress Review

Parents’ Evening

UCAS Interviews School Report

UCAS Evening

Results Sheet

Parents’ Evening

Results Sheet

A Level and IB Examinations

Teaching and Learning We use a two week timetable. The very first week of the academic year is Week A and the second week is Week B. It alternates thereafter each school week. Each lesson is an hour in length.

THE JUNIOR SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL ETHOS The International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy delivers a future inspired education that best prepares our children as they grow up to be global citizens in the 21st century. The IB Primary Year Programme (IB PYP) forms the building blocks of the Junior School curriculum.

The IB PYP curriculum creates greater synergy across BGS. The IB philosophy approach mirrors our fundamental beliefs that education should place the child truly at the centre of learning; that it must ensure students grow into confident, enthusiastic and independent learners, who use their skills and attributes in the pursuit of personal knowledge, global understanding and meaningful actions; and that we learn in an enjoyable, creative and non-judgemental environment.

English Language and Mathematics are learnt in daily lessons with Junior School class teachers who are experts in the early acquisition of these subjects. Developing a strong set of skills in literacy and numeracy are vital for unlocking potential across all subject areas.

Learning in Science, Humanities, Arts and Personal, Social and Physical Education takes place through six trans-disciplinary themes, taught through half termly Units of Inquiry. The themes are of global significance and provide students with the opportunity to explore local and global issues, to make real life links and study areas of personal interest. As the students progress through the School, the key

thematic areas are revisited to build on

prior knowledge and understanding and

to provide a more immersive, challenging experience. There is an emphasis on

independent and inquiry led learning, as the students will be encouraged to ask and explore broad reaching questions,

develop independent answers and express themselves in a multitude of exciting ways.

The curriculum is extended through subject specialists who teach Spanish, Music, PE and Dance on a weekly basis. In Year 6,

students have additional subject specialist

lessons in Science and a rotation of Spanish, French, German and Classics as well as a

term of Food and Nutrition, DT and Textiles.

We offer a wide variety of sports throughout the School, taught by specialist teachers.

Sports are taught in year groups and rotate around the winter sports of Hockey and

Netball and summer sports of Rounders, Athletics and Tennis. Swimming takes

place throughout the year and Lacrosse is introduced in Year 6.

Pupils use their iPads as an integral part of

their learning. They quickly learn how to use

technology to find out key information, locate resources and create their own projects.

They have their own unique school email

address and learn how to use the technology responsibly. The School has robust e-safety procedures in place to ensure the students

are always protected when working online or remotely.

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JUNIOR SCHOOL We believe that learning is not limited to the classroom and that conversations at home, time alone to explore concepts and ideas, trips away and practising key skills all contribute significantly to your daughter’s achievement in School.

Students are set small home learning tasks every day. Each task is time-limited and students are only expected to spend the allocated time on the task, not necessarily see each task to completion. These tasks include key skills practice in English and Mathematics such as reading, practising spellings or times tables. The School uses the MyMaths platform as it has example lessons for recap, it provides instant feedback and it also allows the teachers to review the work instantly.

In addition, students are encouraged to initiate their own ideas and are given choices in their home learning through supplementary Active Inquiry Task. Home learning links the ideas the students have begun to explore in class and challenges them to develop and extend their understanding through individual personalised tasks. Every fortnight, students choose a Active Inquiry Task and plan their course of action with the support of teacher and parent. Active Inquiry Task homework encourages individualism and creativity and encourages students to take authentic, meaningful action in response to their learning in School.

TRANSFER TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL AT AGE 11 We expect all Junior School students, under normal circumstances, to progress into the Senior School. In Year 6 they will start to have more lessons in the Senior School as part of the transition programme to ensure they are confident and happy in the surroundings of the Senior School prior to moving into Year 7.

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As part of the transition programme, they have the opportunity to meet with the Headmistress, and will spend time getting to know the Head of Years 7 and 8.

SENIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM Students in Years 7 and 8 have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects. The curriculum for both year groups includes English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Religious Studies, two Modern Foreign Languages chosen from French, German or Spanish, Drama, Music, Dance, PE, Art, Design Technology, Food and Nutrition, Computer Science, Textiles and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). In Year 7, they all follow a course in Classics and in Year 8 this is replaced with Latin.

In Year 9, an element of choice is introduced together with new subjects. Students will be taught English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Philosophy and Religion, Political Science, PE and PSHE. They continue to study two Modern Foreign Languages. Students then choose to study three from the following subjects: Art, Design Technology, Food and Nutrition, Textiles, Computer Science, Music, Drama, Classics and Latin. This allows for a more in depth study of these subject areas in preparation for GCSE study, but does not define their subject choices in Year 10.

In Years 10 and 11, students will take GCSEs in English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (or double science) and at least one Modern Foreign Language. They can then choose another three subjects from a wide range of options, one of which should be a humanities subject i.e. Geography, History or Religious Studies. In addition to their examination courses, all students will follow non-examination courses in PE, PSHE and Philosophy and Religion.

SIXTH FORM When students move into the Sixth Form, they will be able to follow either a course leading to A Levels, or a course leading to the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Whichever route they choose to take they will all have PE lessons, PSHE lessons and will be expected to take part in the CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) programme.

For the IB Diploma Programme, students choose a broader range of six subjects, incorporating English, Maths, a Language, a Science, a Humanities plus one other.

Students also all complete a CAS programme, an Extended Essay and a Theory of Knowledge course, all of which contribute to their final qualification.

For A Levels, students choose three subjects and supplement their development with CAS, EPQ and other additional qualifications.

SPEECH AND DRAMA Group and individual classes are held in Burnaby House. Students enter through the side door.

MUSIC LESSONS Music lessons are held in Trinity House, our music centre next to the Junior School.

Junior School enter Trinity House via the door that backs on to the Junior School.

Students in Years 7 to Upper Sixth can enter Trinity House either via this door or through the front door of Trinity from Cardington Road.

SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION (PSHE) This is firmly rooted within the framework of Personal, Social and Health Education, supported by work in the Science Department, the Pastoral team and our school nurses.

SENIOR SCHOOL ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT An iPad - Purchased through the School.

A pair of Headphones.

Mathematics • A clear perspex ruler (30cm in length, measuring cm and mm).

• A pair of compasses.

• A set square.

• A clear semi-circular protractor.

• An HB pencil.

• A good eraser.

New students in Years 7-11 will be provided with a scientific calculator for use by the Mathematics Department and the cost will be added to the end of term bill. This will enable them to be given appropriate instruction in its use within Mathematics lessons. Your daughter will be responsible for keeping the calculator in working order, and ensuring that she brings it to all Mathematics lessons.

It is essential that the appropriate equipment is brought to all Mathematics lessons.

Food and Nutrition (Years 7-9 only) • A bag or basket to take food home in and a labelled container or cake tin in which to place completed products.

• Ingredients which have been weighed or

measured to the quantity required (years 7-9 only).

• On occasion, an ovenproof dish or disposable foils may be required.

Science • An overall Additional items A fountain pen or rollerball pen, pencils, 19

ruler, eraser, felt tips, glue stick, scissors and colouring pencils for everyday use.

SENIOR SCHOOL At Bedford Girls’ School we firmly believe that independent learning through the completion of activities, outside of directed curriculum time, is a valuable part of the education of every student. Tasks and learning opportunities completed at home or outside of the classroom make a significant contribution to raising attainment across all year groups. As an integral part of the development of the learner profile, it should be planned and prepared alongside all other programmes of study. A successful homework policy depends on staff, pupils and parents working together.

Students at BGS undertake a variety of co-curricular activities as well as travelling from a wide catchment area to attend School. Both of these factors create challenges for the effective completion of homework. The students capacity for selfmanagement is therefore a crucial factor in ensuring positive outcomes from the homework set by teachers. Our systems and approaches allow for the flexibility required to accommodate the wide range of needs of students, whilst still providing the rigour and focus required to ensure effective outcomes.

To help structure the process of students becoming effectively self-managing, a homework programme is created for Years 7-9. The programme sets out the frequency of homework task-setting by staff, and gives a structure of when students can expect to have tasks set for them. The programme is designed to coincide with the timetable as far as is logistically possible. To allow for the flexibility needed to accommodate the individual circumstances, deadlines for homework completion will be a minimum of three working days from the task being set by the teacher. It is our expectation that 20

most students should finish their work in the time given but we would like parents to monitor her work in the evening. We suggest that, if she meets difficulties, she should spend no more than ten minutes beyond the allocated subject time. We want to work in partnership with you to ensure your daughter is able to complete her homework which contributes to her learning. One way of supporting your daughter with her homework is to ensure that she is provided with a quiet working environment.

MARKING Constructive feedback and guidance is at the heart of our Marking Policy so that individual students fully understand how they are progressing and how to move forward.

Work is set regularly in all subjects, and marked in line with the school’s expectations. Marking guidelines and criteria within each subject are made clear to the students. Marking is used as a way of enabling pupils to understand how they have met the learning intentions set in subjects and to set their own targets based on the feedback and advice provided by their teachers. It enables the teachers to respond to individual needs and inform planning and individual target setting.

EXAMINATIONS In the Senior School, formative internal assessments occur throughout Years 7 and 8. End of year summative assessments are held immediately before or immediately after the half term break in the Summer Term for Years 9 and 10. Lower Sixth examinations are held straight after the Easter holidays. In Years 11 and Upper Sixth, internal mock examinations take place in the Spring Term.

REWARDS In line with our ethos and values, we reward service, learning and representation which create a strikingly positive contribution to the school, and goes above and beyond our expectations. Our policy of encouraging students to behave responsibly and work conscientiously is supported by a system of praise and rewards throughout the Junior and Senior Schools. These include House points and Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum and Diamond certificates.

Work of exceptional quality or impressive commitment is recorded in the Head’s Book of Excellence.

Senior School Colours are awarded in Year 10 and above for outstanding contribution and performance in Sports and the Performing Arts.

CONSEQUENCES In the Junior School, minor breaches of inappropriate behaviour are dealt with on the spot, usually through a reminder of the school rules and expectations.

If a student’s behaviour continues to give cause for concern, parents will be contacted, either by the Head of Year or the Head of the Junior School to discuss the problem.

In the Senior School, we always assume that the students will work hard and cooperate willingly with each other and their teachers. Any concerns are discussed with the individuals who are encouraged to take responsibility for their action and a suitable intervention will be put in place, which may involve adopting a restorative approach.

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) liaises closely with her team of Heads of Year and senior tutors who work with their form tutors to monitor the welfare and progress of all Senior School students. Matters of particular concern are brought to the attention of the Headmistress.

All concerns from staff regarding behaviour, attitudes to learning and mis-appropriate wearing of uniform are monitored. Parents will be informed if we continue to have concerns around any of these issues. There are appropriate consequences in place for the continual disregard of the School’s expectations around behaviour, attitudes to learning and uniform.

We expect students to wear regulation uniform, with pride, at all times and we appreciate the support of parents in ensuring that the students are appropriately dressed in accordance with our guidelines at all times.

For further details please refer to our Positive Behaviour Policy on the website

LEARNING SUPPORT Our Head of Learning Support, Mr Tom Williams, and his team work with students outside the classroom in identifying their individual needs. They help to find appropriate strategies to improve their learning techniques. They will also coordinate with relevant staff and communicate with parents, so that students can be supported.

When your daughter starts at the School informing the Head of Learning Support, at the earliest opportunity, of any learning difficulties or needs she may have, will enable supportive teaching strategies and interventions to be quickly and effectively implemented. We also offer some English as an Additional Language support as needed to individual students.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES We believe that the experiences that your daughter gains outside the classroom are equally as important as the teaching and learning she does inside the classroom.

For your daughter to develop into a confident and competent global citizen of 21

the future, she will need to take part in team activities and learn to work with people she does not know, as well as develop new skills and the ability to be Bold, Imaginative and Reflective. For this reason we aim to provide a wide range of co-curricular activities. These will range from sporting teams in the major sports of hockey, lacrosse, netball and swimming, to speech and drama activities, musical ensembles and choirs, a variety of dance clubs offering a range of styles, as well a number of subject and non-subject based clubs and societies, such as chess club, maths club, computing club, tinker labs, creative writing societies, debating and public speaking, gardening club, art workshops and many more. These take place on the School site either at lunch time or after school and are fully supervised by members of staff.

There will be a wide range of sports teams to cater for all levels of ability. We strongly encourage all students to take part in a wide range of activities to expand interests and broaden skill-sets. Participation will be monitored. If your daughter would like to have individual instrumental, singing or speech and drama lessons these are available at an additional cost. Some sporting activities in the co-curriculum, such as skiing and equestrian, will also be subject to an additional charge.

Uniform

Students should wear their uniform with pride and respect. We expect students to always wear regulation uniform and to arrive at School each day in the correct uniform Please ensure that all uniform and other personal items are clearly labelled with your daughter’s name.

We hold regular charity non-uniform days, the dates of which are always communicated in advance.

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Further details of the full co-curriculum programme will be published at the start of the new school year; your daughter will be able to choose those activities that she would like to take part in during the coming year.

HOUSES On entry to BGS your daughter will be placed in one of the six school Houses. The House system is a vertical grouping of girls in all year groups from Year 3 up to Upper Sixth. Students take part in a number of activities, throughout the year earning House points for academic achievement, sporting success, and many House challenges. There is a House assembly once per fortnight where plans are made for future events and challenges. The House system is an excellent way for your daughter to integrate with students in other year groups and to develop a sense of family and mentorship across the School.

THE BRIDGE CAREERS SERVICE All students benefit from our integrated careers service, which supports them as they develop interests and aspirations, to ensure that they are effectively prepared to make well informed choices about post school opportunities.

PURCHASING UNIFORM Unless stated, all school uniform is purchased through our online partner www.schoolblazer.com. Schoolblazer offer an easy to navigate website which assists with sizing, offers free name tagging services and an express delivery for last minute purchases. Your sizing information can be stored to make repeat purchases easier For any enquiries or concerns please email: customerservices@schoolblazer.com.

SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALES The Association (the PTA) run regular second-hand uniform sales throughout the year. These provide excellent opportunities to buy and sell additional items of uniform.

Full details can be found on The Association section of the Parent Portal.

LOST PROPERTY Students are responsible for their own belongings, however there will be times when items go astray. Please ensure all items are clearly marked with your daughter’s names and we will always endeavour to return items to their owners.

Your daughter should always store items in her locked locker to minimise the chances of losing her belongings.

In the Senior School lost property items will be collated in the lost property boxes in the Green Room and in the Senior School Office corridor, students are responsible for checking these stores. In the Junior School lost property is kept on the Lost Property Trolley.

JUNIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM LIST Compulsory items

All items from our regular school uniform supplier, Schoolblazer, unless clearly stated.

Blazer

Grey; to be worn to and from School.

Skirt

Kilt style to be worn to the knee.

Tailored grey trousers

Can be worn as an alternative to the skirt.

Blouse

White short sleeved, with school crest.

Jumper

Teal blue jumper.

Socks

White socks ankle or knee length for Summer Term until Autumn Half Term.

Black knee length socks for Winter and Spring Term.

Overall - Art / Science

Navy.

Optional uniform

All items from Schoolblazer unless stated.

Tights

Plain black opaque for Winter Term, until May Half Term.

Coat

Plain black, fleece lined coat from SchoolBlazer.

Bench Coat

Alternatively, students in Year 6 may wear the BGS sports Bench Coat Purchase from: nolimitz.co.uk.

Scarves, hats, gloves

A bespoke designed school hat and scarf available from Schoolblazer. Gloves must be plain back.

Hair scrunchie - Black

Hair bands of any description must be black. Scrunchies and hair ties should be black. No decorative clips.

Footwear and bags Shoes

All school shoes must be black leather and heels should be flat. Shoes should enclose the foot and remain securely on the foot. They may have a strap around the ankle, a T-bar or be lace ups. No trainer style shoes allowed.

School bags

School Backpack from Schoolblazer.

Jewellery, make-up and hair Please note what is permitted; we do NOT permit any other items.

Jewellery

One pair of discreet stud earrings. No other items or piercings are allowed.

Jewellery must be removed for PE and other lessons.

Please only get ears pierced at the start of the summer holidays so studs can be removed for PE in September.

Hair

Hair must be tidy and shoulder length hair must be tied up in practical lessons and PE.

Nails and make-up

We do not permit nail varnish or make-up.

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Junior School Dance, Drama, Music Dance and Drama top

These are optional but should be plain black from a high street shop.

Dance and Drama Leggings These are optional but should be plain black from a high street shop.

Dance Shoes

These are optional Black Jazz Shoes.

Music performance outfit (for performers only)

Junior School students will wear School uniform for all musical performances.

SENIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM LIST Compulsory items

All items from our regular school uniform supplier, Schoolblazer, unless clearly stated.

Blazer

To be worn to and from school.

Skirt

Kilt style to be worn to the knee.

Tailored grey trousers

Can be worn as an alternative to the skirt.

Blouse

White short sleeved, with school crest.

Jumper

Damson jumper or in Year 11 a grey cardigan.

Socks

Plain black or white ankle or knee length socks. Trainer socks or sports socks should not be worn.

Overall - Art / Science

Navy.

Optional uniform

All items from Schoolblazer unless stated.

Tights

Plain black opaque for Years 7 and 8. Sheer black permitted for Years 9 and above if preferred.

Coat

Girls should wear a blazer to and from school. They may also choose to buy a plain black coat of their choice with no patterns, furry lining, or trims.

Bench Coat

Alternatively, students may wear the BGS sports Bench Coat - Purchased from: nolimitz.co.uk.

Scarves, hats, gloves

A bespoke designed school hat and scarf available from Schoolblazer. Gloves must be plain back.

Hair scrunchie - Black

Hair bands of any description must be black. Scrunchies and hair ties should be black. No decorative clips.

Cardigan Year 11 only

Year 11 a grey cardigan may be worn instead of Damson jumper.

Footwear and bags Shoes

All school shoes must be black leather and heels should be flat. Shoes should enclose the foot and remain securely on the foot. They may have a strap around the ankle, a T-bar or be lace-ups. No trainer style shoes allowed.

School bags

School bags for Years 7 & 8 should be bought from Schoolblazer. Other year groups should have bags that are sturdy, plain and dark in colour.

Jewellery, make-up and hair Please note what is permitted; we do NOT permit any other items.

Jewellery

Two simple studs, one ring, one necklace and one bracelet ONLY. Any jewellery must be discreet.

No other piercings are allowed.

No hoop earrings or ear bars are allowed.

Jewellery (including ear studs) must be removed for PE and other lessons.

Please only get ears pierced at the start of the summer holidays so studs can be removed for PE in September.

Make-up

Is only allowed in Years 9 and above, it must always be discreet and natural.

Hair

Hair must be tidy and of a natural colour.

Shoulder length hair must be tied up for PE and other practical lessons.

Nails

We do not permit acrylic nails or nail varnish.

Dance, Drama, Music Dance and Drama top

These are optional but should be plain black from a high street shop.

Dance and Drama Leggings These are optional but should be plain black from a high street shop.

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Dance Shoes

These are optional Black Jazz Shoes.

Music performance outfit (for performers only)

Black dress or trousers, any style but appropriate for playing a musical instrument in a public performance.

SIXTH FORM SCHOOL UNIFORM LIST Compulsory items

All items from our regular school uniform supplier, Schoolblazer, unless clearly stated.

Grey suit jacket

To be worn to and from school.

Grey suit skirt

Must be worn as smart business wear (no shorter than 10cms above the knee).

Tailored grey trousers

Can be worn as an alternative to the suit skirt.

Blouse

Long sleeved white and pink striped blouse.

Overall - Art / Science

Navy, if studying practical subjects.

Optional uniform Jumper

Damson optional, from Schoolblazer.

Cardigan

Grey – instead of damson jumper, optional, from Schoolblazer.

Grey sweatshirt

With school crest, optional BUT cannot be worn for formal school events. From Schoolblazer.

Tights

Plain black or natural sheer or opaque.

Coat

Any style, black or dark colour.

Bench Coat

Alternatively, students may wear the BGS sports Bench Coat - Purchase from: nolimitz.co.uk.

Scarves, hats, gloves

A bespoke designed school hat and scarf is available from Schoolblazer. Gloves must be plain back.

Hair scrunchie - Black

Hair bands of any description must be black. Scrunchies and hair ties should be black. No decorative clips.

Footwear and bags Shoes

Any colour but NO trainer styles allowed.

School bags

Bags should be large and sturdy to carry items such as laptop, files and iPad.

Jewellery, make-up and hair Please note what is permitted; other items are NOT permitted.

Jewellery

Studs and small hooped earrings are permitted.

Discreet necklaces, rings and bracelets are permitted.

A discreet nose stud is permitted but no other visible piercings are allowed.

Jewellery must be removed for PE and practical lessons.

Make-up

Appropriate make-up is allowed.

Hair

Students are allowed flexibility with hair styles and colours. Any colouring of hair should be subtle and styles should not be so extreme that they would look out of place in the working world.

Nails

Simple acrylic nails and nail varnish permitted. Extreme nails not permitted.

Dance, Drama, Music Dance and Drama top

These are optional but should be plain black from a high street shop.

Dance and Drama Leggings These are optional but should be plain black from a high street shop.

Dance Shoes

These are optional Black Jazz Shoes.

Music performance outfit (for performers only)

Black dress or trousers, any style but appropriate for playing a musical instrument in a public performance.

SPORTS KIT LIST Compulsory items

All items from our regular school uniform supplier, Schoolblazer, unless clearly stated.

Sports shirt - Damson

For winter sports and cricket in the summer.

Sports shirt – White

For netball in the winter/spring term and summer sports.

Mid layer top

Black with damson trim and school logo.

Black skort or black PE shorts

Shorts or skort option for PE lessons; but skorts must be worn for all team matches.

Tracksuit trousers / bottoms Black with school logo.

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Sports socks

Damson with black hoops at top.

Sports bag

Black and damson with school logo.

Swimsuit

Black Speedo endurance swimming costume or black modesty Speedo. (for swimming up to end of Year 8).

BGS swimming cap

All students must wear a cap in the pool, it does not need to be a branded one unless on the Swimming team. Afro swim cap is available.

White summer weight sports socks (ankle)

From Schoolblazer or any sports shop.

Optional Sports Wear

All items from Schoolblazer unless stated.

Waterproof games jacket

Optional.

Sports base layers

Must be plain black, either from Schoolblazer or any sports shop.

BGS bench coat

Only from Year 6 can also then be worn as school winter coat. Purchased from nolimitz.co.uk.

Netball dress

Optional for all players; compulsory for team players from Year 9. Purchased through the PE department.

Cricket trousers

Black ladies cricket trousers; optional for softball, compulsory for hardball teams (from Year 7). Purchased from nolimitz.co.uk.

Sports hijab

Optional. Available through Schoolblazer.

Specific Team Wear

If your daughter is in a team or rows she will be expected to have the items listed below.

Team shirts for hockey and lacrosse

From Year 11 for all team players. Purchased through the BGS PE department.

Netball dresses

For all A, B and optional for C team player from Year 9.

Black cricket trousers

For team players from Year 7 upwards and purchased from nolimitz.co.uk.

Swimming

All team swimmers must have a BGS swim cap.

Rowing Kit: All in one, Leggings, Lycra top, Splash top

Ordered through the Rowing Department (bi-annually).

White tennis skort

Optional for team tennis players.

Sports Footwear Trainers

Compulsory from Year 3; any colour.

Astro trainers

Compulsory from Year 3 for Hockey.

Football boots

Compulsory for Lacrosse from Year 6.

Netball trainers

Optional for Netball team players.

Sports Equipment

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Mouthguard

All students must have a mouthguard for hockey and lacrosse. We recommend this is purchased from OPRO where you can select a bespoke BGS design opro.com/schools-and-club-designs.

You will receive 10% off if you use the following code: BedfordGirls10.

Lacrosse goggles

Compulsory from Year 6. Purchased online, information comes for PE Department.

Shin pads

Compulsory for Hockey from Year 3.

Hockey stick

Compulsory for Hockey from Year 3.

Lacrosse stick

Year 6 and above. Ordered through the PE department.

Tennis racket

Summer Term only up to Year 8; then only for tennis players.

Cricket bat

Optional for those playing hardball cricket. School equipment provided.

Cricket helmets

Optional for those playing hardball cricket. School equipment provided.

Cricket pads

Optional for those playing hardball cricket. School equipment provided.

BGS swim bag

Optional in Junior School purchased through the PTA.

Health Care Information The Health Centre is located in Burnaby House, close to the Junior School. Students wishing to see the nurse during the school day must report to reception in the Junior or Senior School and the nurse will collect them. Students must not make their own way to the Health Centre. A medical record for your daughter is kept at the Health Centre.

If your daughter is taken ill during the school day, she will be sent to the Health Centre.

One of our nurses will contact you if she feels that your daughter needs to come home. Injuries sustained out of school hours and illnesses which develop at home should be assessed and treated by your individual GP services.

MEDICINES We try to discourage the bringing of medication of any kind into School.

However, if absolutely necessary, prescribed medication can be brought to School. It must be in the original container and you should also send a letter to your daughter’s form tutor, stating what the medicine is for, the prescribed dosage and how frequently it should be taken. This will be stored at the Health Centre and administered by a school nurse. In the case of antibiotics, one dose of antibiotics will be given at lunchtime prior to, or following food, as required.

Paracetamol may be given for the relief of pain, headaches and menstruation cramps.

A note will be sent home with your daughter advising that paracetamol has been administered. In the Senior School, students are permitted to carry a single dose supply of paracetamol should they wish to.

EMERGENCY MEDICATION Any student suffering from a known medical condition that may lead to a medical emergency, e.g diabetes or a student suffering from anaphylaxis, will require a care plan to be completed. Students who

suffer from asthma are encouraged to carry their own inhaler on their person at all times. A spare inhaler can be kept in the Health Centre. Students who require an EpiPen should carry it with them at all times if prescribed to do so and a spare should kept in the Health Centre. Junior School students should give their EpiPen to their class teacher. If your daughter requires medication to be administered during the lesson (e.g, asthma or diabetes) she should have her medication available with her and should also provide spare medication (for emergencies) to be kept by the school nurse in the Health Centre. It should be clearly named and checked at the end of each term to make sure it is in date and that there is sufficient medication. Sugared food and drink may be kept in the PE Office if your daughter has diabetes. For further information on medical policies, please refer to the Health Centre Policy or contact one of our school nurses on 01234 361925.

COUNSELLORS AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES We have a term time counselling team, led by a full time counsellor, who will work in conjunction with the nurses and Pastoral team to support students. Referrals are usually are made via the Pastoral team.

Consultations are confidential but students are always encouraged to keep their parents informed. We seek parental consent for all students below Year 9 before arranging any counselling services. We also employ a wider range of therapeutic techniques to support the students, including the use of therapy dogs, a well-being room and a well-being gardens to provide space for reflection. We will work in conjunction with outside agencies and medical professionals where appropriate to support students in our care.

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Fees A schools fees invoice will be published to your iSAMS secure Parent Portal shortly before the start of each term. The normal method of paying school fees is termly by direct debit, or paying annually in advance.

For further details about fees, please contact the Harpur Trust Fees Manager directly on 01234 369510.

NOTICE PERIOD If a family decide to withdraw a student from the School, a full term’s notice must be given in writing to the Headmistress.

Fees in Lieu of Notice will be charged if a full term’s notice is not received. Please refer to the Parent Contract.

PTA & Alumnae The Bedford Girls’ School Parent Teacher Association (The Association) exists to support the School in a number of ways, primarily by organising social events and fundraising activities.

The Alumnae is open to all former students and staff of Bedford Girls’ School and its heritage schools. The Alumnae offers a

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wide range of activities to benefit members of different ages in diverse communities. It organises reunions, opportunities to network and the chance to mentor current students as they start on their life beyond school.

For further information, please refer to the appropriate sections of the website.

THE SCHOOL YEAR Autumn Term 2023

Spring Term 2024

Summer Term 2024

First day of term

First day of term

First day of term

Wednesday 6th September

Tuesday 9th January

Tuesday 23rd April

Half term

Half term

Half term

Two weeks commencing

Week commencing

Week commencing

Terms ends

Terms ends

Term ends

Friday 15th December

Thursday 28th March

Friday 12th July

Monday 23rd October

(school ends at 12 noon)

Monday 19th February

Monday 27th May

(school ends at 12 noon)

(school ends at 12 noon)

CONTACT INFORMATION Junior School Office

Senior School Office

(8.00am - 5.00pm)

(8.00am - 5.00pm)

Telephone: 01234 361910 juniorschool@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

Telephone: 01234 361900 information@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

After School Study

Senior Leadership Team Mobile

Senior School: 07810 857859 (4.00pm - 7.00pm) Junior School: 07721 938105 (4.00pm - 6.00pm)

07432 674386 (For emergencies outside school hours)

Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust: a company limited by guarantee Registered in England: Company Number: 3475202 Registered Office: Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford, MK41 7PZ Registered Charity Number: 1066861

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Cardington Road, Bedford, MK42 0BX Telephone: 01234 361900 information@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk

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