Dean Close School Parent Handbook 2014/15

Senior School

| Ages 13 - 18

Handbook for Parents

SEPTEMBER 2014

INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dear Parents and Guardians, Welcome to the Dean Close Handbook for Parents.

Visitors and newcomers to the School often comment on the family atmosphere that they find here. We very much hope that your sons and daughters will benefit greatly from this ethos and as time goes on will also be able to contribute to it.

This handbook is intended to give you answers to many of the detailed questions that may arise and to give you some idea of the activities and experiences that take place in School.

Most importantly, it is not a substitute for conversations with all of us who are responsible for your child’s progress and you should feel most welcome to contact us at any time by telephone or email and we shall aim to arrange meetings whenever necessary.

If I might give two pieces of advice at this introductory stage: To pupils - you can’t be too involved. There really is an astonishing range of excellent activities to do and to see, and new ones open up each year. The people who commit to things are the ones who have the most fun and benefit the most.

To parents - it is wonderful for you to be very involved as well, but please bear in mind that as your sons or daughters move on in the School they are learning to think and speak for themselves and you can often help best by giving them an opportunity to take the initiative. If that doesn’t work then, as always, please let us know.

As the proverb has it, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Education is a team effort and we greatly look forward to working with you in the coming year.

Jonathan Lancashire

CONTENTS : SENIOR SCHOOL

CONTENTS Introduction from the Headmaster Important Information for Parents Nomenclature Contacting the School School Calendar Visiting the School Social Events Parents’ Meetings Parents’ Network The Business Club Dean Close Aims and Principles Pastoral Information The House System Counselling The Tutorial System Personal, Social and Health Education Guardianship Chaplaincy Daily Timetable Sixth Form Social Centre Academic Information Curriculum Examinations Assessment and Monitoring of Progress Learning Support English as an Additional Language Academic Discipline Notes for All Pupils Timings Leave of Absence from School Chapel Transport Cars Belongings Implications of Absence from Lessons The School Code of Conduct Dress and Appearance Mobile Phones Field Day and Other Activities Beginning of Terms Parties Eighteenth Birthday Celebrations Notes for Day Pupils Absence Supper (and other extra meals) Conduct School Buses Occasional Boarding for Day Pupils Notes for Boarding Pupils Stated Aim Leave-Out Half terms

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

PAGE 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

Exeats Airport Transport Information Communications Technology Using Laptops in School Use of the Internet Careers Advice Work Experience Co-curricular Activities Sport Music/Drama Monday & Wednesday Activities CCF Duke of Edinburgh Community Action Clubs and Hobbies Fourth Form Activities Medical Information Insurance Appointments Treatment for Day Scholars Immunisations Gum Shields Bursary Information Payment of Fees Insurance Extras Optional Extras Notice of Leaving Electrical Testing School Shop Hours of opening Clothing Lists and Regulations Uniform for Lower School (Fourths, Removes and Fifths) Uniform for Sixth Form Sports Clothes (all Pupils) General Uniform Guidelines Items required by all pupils Boardersʼ requirements School Bus Service The Old Decanian Society Policies, guidelines & procedures GUIDELINES Stealing Principles Sanctions Practical Actions Alcohol Aims Management Sanctions Education

PAGE 11 11 11 11 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 20 20 20 21 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 24 24

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CONTENTS : SENIOR SCHOOL

Illegal Drugs Principles Management Sanctions Confidentiality Substances not currently illegal Principles Sanctions Education Tobacco Principles Sanctions Education Conduct between boys and girls Principles Management Education/Information Equal Opportunities Principles Responsibilities Religious Faith Behaviour and Discipline Classroom Management

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24 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 26

Staff Discrimination Direct Indirect Victimisation Harrassment Practice Recruitment Teachers with disabilities Guidance Monitoring Disability Introduction Expanded Definitions General Aims Summary Development to 2016 Strategic Aims Pastoral Academic Co-curricular Growth & scale Finance & Charitable Status Maps

26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 27 28

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS Mark & Romey Tottman 01242 258015 mdtottman@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258066 01242 258023

While we hope very much that most common questions are answered in this handbook, it is not intended to replace face to face conversations or telephone communication. Please do get in touch with us if you are in doubt about any aspect of school life, or if you have any suggestions as to information which should be included in this handbook. One of the first things to be aware of is there are certain terms which may not be used elsewhere but which are part of the Dean Close language. The most common ones are given here:

Gate

Hatherley

Kate Milne 01242 267433 kemilne@deanclose.org.uk

DEAN CLOSE NOMENCLATURE

Mead

Paula Watson 01242 258026 pswatson@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258026

DCS DCPS HsM Exeat

Mufti

Abbreviation for the senior school Abbreviation for the preparatory school Abbreviation for Housemaster/Housemistress School closes for the weekend from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening Compulsory day when the timetable is suspended for activities Casual dress

Terms Michaelmas Lent Trinity

September - December January - March April - early July

Field Days

Fax Payphone

Payphone Shelburne

Fax Payphone Tower

Year Groups Fourth Form Remove Fifth Form Lower Sixth Upper Sixth

Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 (main GCSE year) Year 12 (AS Levels) Year 13 (A2 Levels)

Fax Tutor Payphone Turner Hall

Tutor Payphone

Julie Kent 01242 258010 jdkent@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258054 01242 258021 Berian Williams-Jones 01242 258008 bwwilliams-jones@deanclose.co.uk 01242 258008 01242 258650 01242 258024 Mrs Ciara Allen 01242 258011 callen@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258059 01242 258000 Ext 403

CONTACTING THE SCHOOL It is our aim to work very closely with parents and guardians to promote the education and welfare of each pupil.

Communication about the pupil should in the first instance always be with the HsM (Housemaster/Housemistress). HsMs will let parents and guardians know of good times to phone and of any other useful information, eg email addresses. We use a wide range of printed and electronic means to keep parents and guardians informed, as well as the many opportunities that arise for face to face discussions.

Other useful numbers School numbers are 01242 258000, followed by extension number. There are also DDI lines.

General Enquiries Headmaster Headmaster始s PA

Senior Deputy Head HOUSEMASTERS AND HOUSEMISTRESSES Brook Court

Tutor Payphone Dale

Fawley

Tutor Payphone Field

Justin Slade 01242 258087 jslade@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258088 01242 258089 John Watson 01242 258034 jpwatson@deanclose.org.uk Julia Abbott 01242 267411 juabbott@deanclose.org.uk 01242 267412 01242 267413 Paul Montgomery 01242 258009 psmontgomery@deanclose.org.uk

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

Deputy Head (Pastoral)

01242 258000 Option 4 office@deanclose.org.uk headmaster@deanclose.org.uk 01242 267401 jlynton@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258036 bjsalisbury@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258019 jadavis@deanclose.org.uk

Senior Master (Communication) Deputy Head (Academic)

01242 267446 drevans@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258037 mdtottman@deanclose.org.uk

Director of Fourth Form Studies

01242 258051 ajgeorge@deanclose.org.uk

Director of Remove & Fifth Form Studies bpprice@deanclose.org.uk Director of Sixth Form Studies jtalbot@deanclose.org.uk SMT Administrator 01242 267436 Ext 394 lrichardson@deanclose.org.uk

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INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

Assistant Director of Studies Head of Boarding Chaplain Admissions Tutor Registrar Marketing Manager Bursary

rjdonaldson@deanclose.org.uk bwilliams-jones@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258062 eltalbot@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258035 mmcclaran@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258044 registrar@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258045 tcolbert-smith@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258086 Fax 01242 258004 bursary@deanclose.org.uk

01242 258042 07762 469381 estates@deanclose.org.uk School Shop 01242 258016 shop@deanclose.org.uk Health Centre 01242 258046 medical@deanclose.org.uk Mobile 07871 750979 Theatre Administrator 01242 258002 Fax 01242 258007 Accounts Estates

Website The School website can be found at www.deanclose.org.uk. It is updated on a daily basis and contains the latest news, sports results, events, departmental information, etc. Within this site is an Extranet area. It is specifically for parents and has a login and password which is emailed out to parents at the start of each term.

Email address for pupils Every pupil joining the school is entitled to his/her own email address, which starts with surname then initial ie.othera@deanclose.org.uk.

Addresses It is important that parents (and guardians where appropriate) keep the Database Administrator informed whenever address, email address or phone number is changed. Please email: hedaly@deanclose.org.uk.

Other meetings with Headmaster, Housemaster/mistress, Director of Studies, tutor, etc If such a meeting is desirable to discuss any aspect of the pupil’s progress, it is best to arrange an appointment by telephone or email.

Social Events Parents are always very welcome to attend school events, matches and match teas. Any suggestions or offers to arrange other social events would be warmly received; a group of parents meet on Saturday mornings to play hockey in the winter and tennis in the summer.

Parentsʼ Meetings In a world in which electronic communication is increasingly becoming the preference of so many, parents’ meetings provide the invaluable opportunity to meet one to one with each of your son/daughter’s teachers, face to face. The dates and times of the meetings are advertised, each term, in the School calendar and via mailings and the parents’ extranet.

Parentsʼ Network The Dean Close Parents’ Network was created to provide parents with opportunities to meet other parents in their child’s year group as well as sharing sporting, social and business opportunities available to them at the School.

Year Reps provide a valuable support service for new parents introducing them to the Dean Close community and helping parents familiarise themselves with the School.

Each Year Rep organises an informal social for their year group. The Development Office produces year contact lists for parents enabling them to contact other parents in their child’s year group to make social arrangements.

The Development Office will contact new parents soon after their child starts inviting them to opt in to the network. If you would like to be put in touch with your year rep or for more information, please contact the Development Office at development@deanclose.org.uk or 01242 267439.

School Calendar This is produced termly. A desktop version of next term’s calendar is sent to parents and guardians in the End of Term mailing. Pupils receive a booklet copy at the start of each term.

All information can also be found on the School website.

The Business Club The Dean Close Business Club offers free membership to all parents who would like to network and promote their business interests. The Club has over 100 members and meets twice a term in the Bacon Theatre for networking and presentations.

There is also a LinkedIn group to enable members to network between meetings. Members can volunteer to present at our Breakfasts, to our Business Studies pupils and provide work experience opportunities.

Newsletters The School emails an E-newsletter to all parents and guardians at the end of each term.

For more information or to join please contact The Development Office at development@deanclose.org.uk or 01242 267439.

School Magazine The Decanian is published annually.

DEAN CLOSE AIMS AND PRINCIPLES

VISITING THE SCHOOL Parents, guardians, relatives and family friends are always welcome at School at any reasonable time and, in particular to plays, concerts and matches (including match teas in the Dining Hall). We ask that if you are planning to visit a boarding house, you make contact with the Housemaster or Housemistress in advance and ‘touch base’ with whoever is on duty on arrival.

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Aims of Dean Close School Dean Close is a Christian school and community which aims to uphold the Christian faith as a positive force for all, including those who do not share this faith.

The School seeks to treat every member of its family as unique and equally valuable. The ethos challenges selfishness and holds community, respect for others, relationship and service at the heart of the School.

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

Dean Close welcomes pupils with a broad range of abilities, aiming to give each and every one a well-rounded education, blending good academic performance with real achievement in their individually-discovered talents.

The School encourages independent thinking and the selfconfidence to challenge the status quo.

Places for dayboarders are strictly limited in order to maintain the atmosphere and ethos of the boarding houses. Places are allocated upon written request from parents and on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Please note that there is no guarantee that because a pupil has been a dayboarder at DCPS there will automatically be a place available as a dayboarder at DCS.

The School has a Development Plan, a summary of which can be found on page 26 of this handbook.

Questions regarding dayboarding should be addressed to Admission Tutor, Mary-Ann McClaran on 01242 258035 or mmcclaran@deanclose.org.uk.

In particular, we aim to: • develop the whole person, a desire for truth and a respect for others; • produce an open, trusting, Christian ethos in which each pupil feels able to approach any other member of the community, confident that he/she will be treated as an individual; • create an atmosphere of tolerance, openness and trust in which teasing, harassment and bullying should not be a part; • provide the conditions for pupils to develop their intellectual talents through excellent teaching, high quality resources, participation in activities and in an atmosphere that values effort; • provide a range of activities, hobbies and opportunities related to age and maturity that will assist in each pupil’s personal, social, spiritual and cultural development; • safeguard and promote the welfare of each boarder, by providing an environment that is, as far as possible, free from physical hazards and dangers of any sort; • develop pupils’ responsibility for self, others and their environment; • develop pupils’ qualities of leadership and ability to work as part of a team; • provide the opportunities for boarders to share with adults their good experience as well as being able to turn to them for advice, counselling and support in times of difficulty; • maintain close links with pupils’ families which are seen as an indispensable part of their support and development.

PASTORAL INFORMATION

Boarding Boarding is central to the life of the School. Recognising the particular needs of young people living away from home we aim to: • provide the highest standard of pastoral care through houseparents, tutors, resident staff and matrons; • create in each house a distinctive community with support and encouragement at heart; • provide a programme balancing activity and entertainment with rest time; • provide accommodation that is comfortable and suited to the needs of pupils, according to age and maturity, and with adequate privacy; • keep families fully informed and involved, through both formal systems of communication and informal and social contact.

Dayboarding Dayboarding is provided as a ‘half-way house’ between being a day pupil and a boarder. Many who take up the option of dayboarding become full boarders in due course, and it can be seen as a way of easing into boarding for someone who has not boarded before.

Dayboarders have their pastoral base within one of the boarding houses in line with the aims above.

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

The House System There are ten houses at Dean Close and every pupil is a member of one of them. The houses are as follows: House Brook Court (boarding boys) Dale (day boys) Fawley (boarding girls) Field (day boys) Hatherley (day girls) Gate (Sixth form boarding boys) Mead (day girls) Shelburne (boarding girls) Tower (boarding boys) Turner Hall (Sixth form boarding girls)

Housemaster / Housemistress Mr J Slade Mr JP Watson Mrs JU Abbott Mr PS Montgomery Mrs KE Milne Mr & Mrs MD Tottman Mrs PS Watson Mrs JD Kent Mr BW Williams-Jones Mrs C Allen

It is usual for a pupil to remain in the same house throughout their time at Dean Close. However, if the status of a pupil changes, from example boarding to day, a change of house would be considered. Each house has its own atmosphere and pupils are encouraged to involve themselves fully in house activities and events. Younger pupils may have house duties to do; older pupils take on responsibilities such as house prefects, house duties and being mentors to younger members of the house.

Each house has a Housemaster or Mistress, an Assistant Housemaster or Mistress, and a team of tutors. Boarding houses have a resident tutor as well. The tutors support the HsM in the House, have a group of junior tutees and perform regular duties. Each boarding house also has a matron who is not only a housekeeper but often the first port of call for pupils feeling unwell or upset in some way. The Deputy Head (Pastoral) has overall authority of all houses.

Counselling The School provides a Counsellor, Amanda Cook, for pupils through the Family Project which is part of the Gloucestershire Counselling Service. Any pupil can arrange to see Amanda on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon either via direct contact or through their HsM or other member of staff. The service is confidential to the Counsellor and pupil and does not involve either parents or other members of staff. The Counsellor is accountable to the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and confidentiality will only be breached if there is a very serious concern and a risk of harm to the pupil or others. Initially this service is free but there may be a charge for long term arrangements.

The Tutorial System Every pupil has a tutor. In the junior years this will be a tutor attached to the house and the tutees will be allocated by year group. In the Sixth form pupils choose their tutor. This process

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INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

begins during the Trinity Term. The tutor oversees the academic and pastoral progress of their tutees as well as general issues within School. Often this becomes a significant and supportive relationship, particularly in the Sixth form. Tutors work closely with HsMs to ensure that all pupils are happy and fulfilled during their time at Dean Close. Both tutors and HsMs maintain contact with parents and/or guardians about academic and pastoral issues. The Lower School has one weekly Tutor period in the timetable. Sixth Form Tutors see individuals regularly on a one-to-one basis. Some Tutor periods are used for PSHE and career matters.

PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education) All junior pupils (Fourth, Remove and Fifth forms) have a timetabled PSHE lesson, the content of which is based on National Curriculum guidance for personal wellbeing and economic wellbeing and financial capability. The curriculum aims to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life. A variety of issues are addressed including risk, drug, alcohol and tobacco education, sex and relationships education, personal finance, rights and responsibilities and anti-bullying. The department has a wide range of resources to deliver this curriculum and outside agencies such as theatre groups and speakers are used where possible. PSHE topics are often followed up in tutorial sessions and discussions. Citizenship topics may be included in PSHE lessons.

The Sixth form do not have a formalised PSHE programme but issues are discussed on a more ad hoc basis. During the course of the academic year the Sixth form will be addressed on issues such as drugs, sexual health, where to seek help and further education options. A leadership course is organised for the Lower Sixth form focusing on individual development and teamwork.

Any enquiries about the PHSE programme or requests to withdraw a pupil from a lesson should be addressed to the Head of PHSE or Deputy Head (Pastoral).

Where necessary, and if able, guardians may also assist with communication between the School and parents if there is a language barrier.

6. To act for parents in granting permission for: (a) Overnight leave-out at weekends; (b) Urgent medical treatment; 7. To ensure that the pupil is properly equipped with clothing etc at the beginning of each term.

8. To be responsible for passport and inoculations being kept up to date..

Guardians should be a person who is not involved in travelling overseas other than for holidays. Guardians must inform the School if they are away from their usual address for any length of time and let the School know how they may be contacted in an emergency.

Guardians should ensure that they register, as necessary, with their local Social Services and Police Station as required under the Children Act 1989. They should also hold appropriate insurance and third party liability cover.

Note 1: Accommodation during holiday periods must comply with the School’s standards of pastoral care. Guardians must inform the School at least a week in advance of school holidays where the pupil will be staying.

Note 2: t is very important that pupils are in attendance at Dean Close from the first day of term, right through to the last.

The School provides a full programme of lessons and activities and pupils will be disadvantaged by late arrival or early departure.

Parents are responsible for appointing a guardian. (Dean Close is not able to arrange guardians for students because UK laws require a separation of responsibilities). Advice about appointing a guardian can be found at: www.ukboardingschools.com/advice/getting-ready/ukguardians and details of guardian organisations at: http://www.aegisuk.net

GUARDIANSHIP Dean Close School requires all students (including those over the age of 18) who have parents living overseas to have a UKbased guardian. A guardian must be appointed before your child starts at the School.

The Guardian should be an adult over the age of 25, live in the UK (ideally within two hours travelling time from Cheltenham) and be prepared to undertake the following responsibilities: 1. To act in loco parentis and to take responsibility for the welfare of the pupil for holiday periods, half-term breaks and exeat weekends. Guardians should provide accommodation with adequate adult supervision and suitable living and studying accommodation. The School must be informed of the arrangements made. (see Note 1) 2. To take decisions in emergencies on behalf of the parents in cases where the School is not empowered to do so.

3. To arrange for accommodation for pupils in emergencies (eg suspension or expulsion as a result of severe infringements of discipline; or for a long-term illness).

4. To authorise or make travel arrangements (tickets, visas etc.) as required, and inform the School in advance of the times of departures and arrivals. (see Note 2) 5. To provide a point of contact for discussion of matters concerning general welfare or academic progress of the pupil. (Ideally, guardians will attend Parents’ Meetings).

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CHAPLAINCY Dean Close has a very strong Christian ethos which we hope is apparent in all that we seek to be or do. Above all else we regard each child as being unique and highly valued by God and so by us. Our desire is to see each one reach their full potential. Relationships for us matter supremely, and we seek to foster good and healthy ones. Because we believe that the Christian faith is best demonstrated in community, Dean Close provides a secure context in which those who are not Christians can be encouraged to listen, question and ultimately think through the Christian faith for themselves. Alongside this those pupils and staff who are Christians have opportunity to express and live out their faith in a variety of ways.

The Chaplaincy Team (which consists of the Chaplain and male and female Lay Assistant Chaplains) exists as a pastoral presence from this distinctly Christian perspective. While many of the Staff are Christians, the Chaplaincy Team is there specially to encourage and support the Christian members of Dean Close whilst at the same time, and equally importantly, being available to everyone, encouraging them to look at the big questions of life, and seeking to help them when times are difficult. Nothing is ever forced on anyone, and many people take advantage of having someone outside their immediate situation to listen to them.

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INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

DAILY TIMETABLE

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

7.30am

Breakfast

Breakfast

Breakfast

Breakfast

Breakfast

7.30am

Breakfast

8.20am

Registration & Chapel

Registration & House Assembly

Registration & Chapel

Registration & Tutorials

Registration & HC (Volun)

8.20am

Registration

8.55am

1

1

1

1

1

8.35am

1

9.50am

2

2

2

2

2

9.25am

2

10.40am

Break

Break

Break

Break

Break

10.10am

Break

11.05am

3

3

3

3

3

10.35am

3

12.00pm

4

4

4

4

4

11.25am

4

12.50pm

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

12.10pm

Lunch

2.10pm

5

5

5

5

3.05pm

6

6

6

Games & Fixtures

6

3.55pm

Buns

Buns

Buns

Buns

Buns

Activities

Activities

Activities

Activities

Chapel

(MAA, Orchestra & Drama)

(Clinics, Drama & Jazz)

(Pers Dev, CCF Service & CU)

(Clinics & Drama)

(followed by team practices)

(pick up from 5.30pm)

(pick up from 5.30pm)

(pick up from 5.30pm)

(pick up from 5.30pm)

(pick up from 5.30pm)

6.30pm

Supper

Supper

Supper

Supper

Supper

7.30pm

Prep

Prep

Prep

Prep

Prep

4.15pm

In terms of activities, Chapel plays an important role with the combination of compulsory and voluntary, traditional and contemporary services. The whole School community is expected to attend the Compulsory Whole School services (normally on a Friday early evening, but occasionally on Sunday morning) and the briefer midweek Morning Chapels.

Here the aim is to stimulate, and to enable us to reflect on life issues from a Christian perspective. Alongside this there is a weekly Christian Union meeting open to all, as is the House Bible Study which each House holds on a weekly basis. There are also Confirmation Classes, Alpha groups, Growing Leaders’ Course, an annual House Party, an annual set of Lenten Addresses, a leadership course for Christian Sixth Formers and lots of informal gatherings for prayer and fellowship (including attendance at local churches).

One particularly valued activity is the Parents’ Prayer Fellowship which meets regularly to pray for the School (details from the Chaplain). The Chaplain prepares pupils for Confirmation, starting in January each year, Confirmation being conducted by the Bishop in the School Chapel in April or May.

SIXTH FORM SOCIAL CENTRE Members of the Upper and Lower Sixth enjoy the privilege of belonging to the Social Centre which is located near the heart of the School. The Centre’s facilities include a function room with bar area, soft seating, coffee tables, table tennis, table football, flat screen, freeview and iPod docking station. It also

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

SATURDAY

Games & Fixtures

(pick up from 2.45pm)

6.30pm

Supper

has a kitchenette with microwave, kettle and toasters.

Established in 1999, aided by the generosity of parents, the Centre is refurbished by the maintenance department and financed through Sixth form subscriptions. It is managed by a Committee representing a cross-section of the Sixth Form community, chaired by a member of the Upper Sixth assisted by two members of staff. It is open daily and special functions are arranged at weekends. Alcohol may be available on such occasions, under adult supervision.

Each member pays a termly subscription of £15 (charged a term in advance on the bill) which helps to subsidise the facilities, pay for kitchen supplies and magazines, and finance special events. Any parent preferring that a son/daughter should not be a member should please write to the Bursar before the start of his/her first term in the Sixth Form.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION Curriculum The main purpose of our curriculum is to offer a challenging and balanced academic education, which will equip the young people for the opportunities and demands of their future lives.

We aim to stretch the minds of the pupils and ensure they obtain the necessary qualifications and that they are challenged intellectually. The Directors of Studies, along with the housemaster and tutor, advise the pupils on subject choices at all stages of their progression through the school.

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INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

Fourth Form All pupils in the Fourth Form study the following subjects: Biology Chemistry Creative Studies English French, Spanish or EAL Geography History •

Gratin, Latin or Classical Civilisation Mathematics Physics Religious Studies PHSE Study Skills

The Creative Studies course introduces pupils to a wide range of artistic and creative subjects, embracing Design Technology, Drama, Music, Physical Education and Art.

Remove & Fifth Form GCSE subject options are chosen midway through the Fourth Form (Year 9). The core curriculum studied by all pupils consists of: English, Mathematics, Religious Studies, Physical Education and PSHE. The majority of pupils take French or Spanish or English as an Additional Language (EAL).

The rest of the available subjects are in option groups – one subject is chosen from each group – and the following advice on subject choices applies:

Most Sixth Form choose four A Level subjects in the first year, which will lead to AS qualifications at the end of that year.

Three subjects will normally be continued to the full A Level (A2) in the second year.

There is, at present, a wide range of 23 subjects from which to choose, as follows: Art & Design Biology Business Studies Chemistry Classical Civilisation Design Technology Economics English French Further Maths Geography Greek

The Extended Project Qualification is also available for pupils of all abilities and is worth 80 UCAS points.

Fuller details of GCSE and A Level courses are published in separate booklets which are sent to parents at the appropriate time.

•

Pupils should try to keep a breadth of choice whilst also playing to their strengths and interests.

•

It is recommended that most take at least 2 sciences unless agreed with the Director of Studies.

Examinations

•

The weakest scientists should take Core Science and this will be recommended by the Director of Studies, in consultation with the Science Heads of Department.

Internal

•

Pupils are encouraged to study at least one creative subject in their curriculum but only in exceptional cases should someone study more than two.

•

Pupils are encouraged to study one or more of the humanities

It will be possible for those of high academic ability to take both Latin and Greek (Gratin) by arrangement with the Director of Studies, in consultation with the Head of Classics.

GCSE Religious Studies is taken by all candidates at the end of the Remove year (Year 10). Members of the top set in Mathematics sit the IGCSE examination at the end of the Remove, which enables them to take Additional Maths in the Fifth Form.

There is a Fast Track Triple Science option for top science pupils who study all three sciences in two option blocks.

For those receiving Literacy and Numeracy Support, it might be advisable to undertake a more suitable, reduced curriculum. All pupils are advised on the appropriate choice of subjects by the Directors of Studies, the Head of Learning Support, the Head of Careers, the individual tutor and the Housemaster/Housemistress.

Sixth Form In order to undertake the normal A Level course, we expect pupils to have obtained a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade B and two at grade C. B is usually the standard minimum requirement in most subjects for further study although some subjects require an A at GCSE (Art, Sciences, Maths, Languages, Music and Theatre Studies).

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History Latin Mathematics Music Philosophy and Ethics Physical Education Physics Politics Psychology Spanish Theatre Studies

Internal School Examinations are held as follows: • Fourth & Remove: end of Michaelmas term and in second half of Trinity term.

•

Results are published with the School Report.

Trial Examinations •

Fifth (for GCSE): at the beginning of the Lent term; results published at Half term.

•

Lower Sixth (for AS): after Half term in the Lent term.

•

Upper Sixth (for A2): after Half term in the Lent term.

External •

GCSE Examinations are normally taken in May/June of the Fifth Form (Year 11).

•

Top set in Mathematics takes IGCSE in the Remove (Year 10).

•

GCSE Religious Studies is also taken in the Remove (Year 10).

•

AS examinations are taken in May/June of the Lower Sixth (Year 12).

•

A2 final examinations are in June of the Upper Sixth (Year 13).

Assessment and Monitoring of Progress The academic progress of pupils is monitored regularly, with achievement and effort grades awarded as follows: Achievement Grades Grades A* to G are allocated for subjects on GCSE courses.

Grades A,B,C,D,E,U are awarded for AS and A2 based on current performance.

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INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

Effort Grades These range from 1 (excellent effort) to 5 (indicating very poor effort). There is normally one grade card per half term and one end of term report. This system is to encourage pupils, at all levels of ability, to strive for improvement and avoid any tendency to be complacent. As they mature and develop through the Lower School years, we hope to instil a real measure of self-expectation and the confidence to achieve a strong GCSE profile.

Numeracy Support This service is offered to pupils who have a specific weakness in maths. A specialist Numeracy Support tutor works closely in collaboration with the pupil’s maths teacher and the head of mathematics to give one-to-one tuition that provides practice and consolidation of topics from the maths syllabus.

(See Form in Appendix for Parents of New Scholars.)

English as an Additional Language Assessments are available to parents via the Parent Portal.

Cases of concern are discussed at a full Common Room meeting and may be followed up by a pupil interview with the Director of Studies at which action plans will be agreed.

Learning Support The School recognises its responsibility to identify and provide for pupils with LDD (Learning Difficulties and Disabilities). The Learning Support department is responsible for this. The department aims to work in partnership with parents, colleagues and outside agencies. A charge is made for Learning Support, which is added to the bill on a termly basis.

The department offers three distinct services: Literacy Support, Curriculum Support and Numeracy Support. All three offer oneto-one tuition tailored to individual need. Although the above services are all year round commitments, individual tutorials are available for pupils requiring short-term support in specific areas e.g. essay technique, proof reading and analysis of exam performance. The department also offers study skills in any of the following areas: personal organisation, time management, effective learning, revision and exam technique.

The department aims to provide a non-threatening environment where pupils feel relaxed about making errors and self esteem is boosted. Learning Support aims to be very flexible, providing solutions and strategies whatever the learning difficulty presented. The department is fully committed to technological solutions and trains pupils in specialist software as well as teaching through the medium of IT. We aim to stay at the cutting edge of technology and keep abreast of software developments for LDD support.

The department is housed in a welcoming and well-resourced suite of rooms that includes a ‘drop in’ lounge and kitchenette.

Literacy Support The main category of LDD in the school is dyslexia. Pupils with literacy deficits have two sessions a week on a structured spelling course. The literacy programme is taught exclusively through the medium of IT. The aim is to boost a pupil’s literacy levels, primarily in year 9, making as rapid progress as possible towards their plateau of ability, in order to access the general curriculum more effectively. These pupils are assessed annually on objective tests and provision is reviewed in the light of the results.

Curriculum Support This service is best suited to pupils who require general support with written, learning or organisational tasks. A curriculum tutor, working on a one-to-one basis, provides support for structuring and improving written work from any curriculum area or for learning tasks. The curriculum tutor works closely with classroom teachers, ensuring well targeted subject support.

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The EAL department provides language support for pupils whose mother tongue is not English. Lessons are either in small groups or one-to-one, as advised by the EAL department, and include grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation as well as skills of writing, reading, speaking and listening. Support is also given to pupils in their everyday studies. Pupils study for appropriate EAL examinations to enable them to enter British or American universities.

All pupils should expect to sit a language needs assessment within the first few days of term. The quantity of lessons and number of pupils in the group will be determined at that time.

All pupils are expected to have a bilingual dictionary or electronic translator. If they do not arrive with one, then they will be given a dictionary, the cost of which will be added to the school bill.

Pupils may be entitled to extra time in exams, but will need to prove they fulfil the criteria and sign a declaration. Full details of criteria can be obtained through the Exams Officer or Head of EAL once the student has arrived.

Depending upon the nature of the support needed, pupils may be advised to embark upon a reduced GCSE program in the Lower School.

Academic Discipline Academic Work When a pupil hands in a piece of class work or prep which has been done with little effort, the pupil will be told to redo it.

Tutors will be kept informed and will talk this through with their tutees. If prep is not handed in, the pupil will be given a department detention. Failure to attend a department detention, or the allocation of two department detentions in a short space of time, will result in a School detention. HsMs will issue blue report cards to monitor and raise the effort levels of a pupil who is underperforming. Beyond that the HsM or DoS will contact the parents.

Poor behaviour in the classroom Poor behaviour is dealt with as follows: • A reprimand.

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If that is insufficient, extra work may be set.

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If behaviour does not improve immediately, or poor behaviour is repeated, it will be discussed by the Head of Department with the tutor and HsM.

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If the level of disruption is threatening the progress of the class, a pupil may be sent out of a lesson; each department is asked to provide an isolated work desk.

The Head of Department will be informed and speak to the pupil; the HsM will also be informed. Exclusion from a lesson is a more serious step taken only in consultation with the HoD, the HsM and the Deputy Head/Director of Studies.

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NOTES FOR ALL PUPILS Timings It is intended that day boys and girls shall take a full part in the corporate life of the School, including hobbies and activities.

Day boys and girls should not leave School any weekday before 2.00pm at the earliest unless they have the permission of the HsM. They are expected to do at least one and a half hours of Prep per weekday evening; older pupils more. In exceptional circumstances the School may require Prep to be done at School.

Day pupils require permission from HsM to be in School any evening after 6.30pm or on Sundays.

Leave of Absence from School Except for illness, leave of absence from School should be sought from the Deputy Head via the HsM. In line with legal guidelines, pupils should not be taken out of School without the School’s permission.

Chapel All members of the School are expected to attend the Whole School Services on Friday evenings (see Chaplaincy Section).

Permission to be absent will only be granted in special circumstances by the HsM. Transport No member of the School is allowed to drive any form of motor transport for going to and from School without the Deputy Head’s special permission. Such permission does not cover giving lifts to other pupils. Written parental permission for each pupil driving, carrying a passenger or being carried as a passenger, for each occasion, must be held by the Deputy Head. Generally only day pupils are given permission.

Cars Parents collecting or depositing children by car are asked to stop only on the Games Field side of Shelburne Road, for reasons of safety. The Bursary drive is not to be used.

Belongings All belongings must be adequately marked with the owner’s name. The School cannot accept responsibility for any pupil’s money or other valuables which are lost on School premises; House Banks must be used for safe-keeping. The School advises insuring valuables.

Implications of Absence from Lessons Pupils who are deemed not well enough to attend lessons may not normally take part in activities, such as visits to town, playing for a School team, playing in a House match, taking part in a School social function, later that day.

The School Code of Conduct This is published separately and a copy of it accompanies this Handbook. The School is heavily reliant on the cooperation and support of parents and guardians in maintaining a purposeful, productive and courteous School. Because the School is situated in Cheltenham, we would particularly appreciate if parents living locally supported the Code of Conduct when pupils are in their care. It can be particularly awkward to have to deal with breaches of the Code of Conduct where some pupils are day pupils, others on Leave-out and yet others boarders under the School’s supervision. An obvious example would be allowing underage pupils to visit licensed premises or nightclubs.

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Dress and Appearance We are keen to maintain our reputation as a School that produces well turned out individuals who take a pride in their appearance. Dress regulations and clothing lists are published in this Handbook and parents are asked to support the School by purchasing clothing and footwear that satisfy the requirements given there. It would be particularly helpful to us if you could ensure that your sons and daughters do not return to school at the end of the holidays with hair that is extreme in style or colour.

Mobile Phones Possession of these in School is allowed, but they must be switched off in all formal situations - class, prep, library, Theatre, Chapel, etc and after “Lights out”. Their use in School must be managed discreetly and privately. Phones will be confiscated if the rules are broken. Parents are reminded that a) the School cannot be responsible for the safe-keeping or insurance of such items and b) while scientific evidence for the risk of cancer from radiation from mobile phones is uncertain, their use is entirely a matter for parents’ discretion.

Field Day and Other Activities Service activities such as CCF and Community Action are an important part of the life of the School. Once a term the School has a Field Day, when we suspend normal school lessons and take part in service or other activities. All pupils are expected to take part in such days, and leave of absence must be requested from the Headmaster via the HsM, as for missing an ordinary school day.

Beginning of Terms Boarders should always be back in House between 6pm and 8pm on the official starting day of term. Please consult with Housemaster or Housemistress if a pupil wants to return early.

Day pupils must be in by 8.30am the following morning. (There are different arrangements for new and Lower Sixth pupils for the September start.)

Parties Because of the difficulties that can arise over transport and responsibility for pupils, parents are asked not to stage parties involving boarding members of the School during term time or immediately adjacent to the term. In the special case of eighteenth-birthday celebrations, it is hoped these will be held wherever possible during the holidays, but, if a term-time party is the only possibility, the School asks parents to follow its written guidelines and discuss arrangements in good time with relevant HsMs. Eighteen Birthday Celebrations The following guidelines have been drawn up in the hope of avoiding some of the problems that might arise when a term-time party is the only possibility for the celebration of an eighteenth birthday.

• Parties should not be arranged during the examination preparation period in the Summer Term.

• Parents should contact the host’s HsM as soon as the party is proposed and no later than 4 weeks beforehand; initial liaison over arrangements can be made and a full guest list communicated.

• All Boarding HsMs should have the names of guests in their Houses as soon as possible, but at least 2 weeks before.

• All permissions for Leave-out from parents of guests must be with the HsMs in writing at least a week before the event or pupils may be refused permission to go.

• All transport arrangements must be made and overseen by parents/guardians and must follow School policy on

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driving of vehicles and carrying passengers; the School cannot arrange or be responsible for transport.

All boarders are the responsibility of those who have made the Leave-out arrangements as soon as they have left the School and until they return to School.

latest unless they have HsM’s permission otherwise. Pupils must be collected from School and returned to the campus. It is essential that we do not allow the possibility of the loss of one of our charges. They will normally have a Leave-out card requiring the signature of the person responsible for them in loco parentis during the Leave-out.

NOTES FOR DAY PUPILS Absence If a day pupil is to be absent because of illness, the Housemaster/Housemistress should be informed by 8.15 am that day.

Extra Meals If day pupils wish to have breakfast or supper in School they must sign in by the end of lunch-time; if they forget to do so, boarders will have priority.

Conduct Day pupils are reminded that, even at times when the School is not directly responsible for them, others will judge the School by their conduct and appearance, and, if their standards at these times fail to satisfy the School’s requirements, disciplinary action will be taken. Day pupils may not visit premises licensed for the consumption of alcohol while under School regulations.

School Buses The School participates in a shared scheme of buses to and from several locations around Cheltenham and further afield; details of cost and timetables are on page 27 of this handbook.

Please contact the Bursary for a form if you wish to take up this scheme.

Occasional Boarding for Day Scholars All applications for occasional nights for day pupils in boarding houses should be made to the Registrar at least three weeks in advance (except in emergencies). Full boarding is very full, so applications should be for genuine need and parents should appreciate that pupils may not be able to be accommodated.

Appropriate charges will be made. A form for application is available from the Registrar.

NOTES FOR BOARDING PUPILS Stated Aim It is our aim to provide a full and balanced life in the caring, family, atmosphere of a Christian co-educational school; to enable young people to develop relationships and fulfil their potential as individuals in a secure and happy environment and thereby learn to play their full part in society as a whole.

Leave-out While a boarding pupil is at Dean Close, the School is in loco parentis, in consequence, absence from School is not permitted unless the following procedure is followed: Permission must be sought in writing from the HsM, at least four days in advance, for standard leave-out during an evening on a Saturday after lessons/games or Sunday. If an adult other than parent or guardian is taking out the pupil, written permission from that person and from parents is required on the appropriate form available from the HsM. For pupils’ Leave-out during term that might mean missing any School commitments, permission must be sought from the Deputy Head, via the HsM, and will normally be granted only for important family occasions, county level representative sport or a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity. This includes the missing of Whole School Services on Friday evenings or Sunday mornings. Boarders should be back by 9pm at the

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The School is happy to give Leave-out, but tries to ensure that pupils are safe by being meticulous about who is responsible for them. If there are any queries about the procedure, the HsM should be consulted in advance to avoid disappointment.

Leave-out is dependent upon the pupil not having any obligation to a School commitment or punishment.

Half Terms At half term the School closes. Boarding parents will be sent a form at the end of each term on which to let us know their arrangements for the following half term.

Exeats Pupils are expected to be away from School for official exeats.

Please inform the HsM in good time of the arrangements for exeats.

Dates of exeats and of terms are published in the School Calendar; please note there are sometimes differences between DCS and DCPS. Airport Transport The School can give parents or guardians details of a firm called “Charterbus” who will transport to and collect from flights at UK Airports. Late arrivals and early departures at beginnings and ends of terms and half-terms are detrimental to the individual pupil and the life of the School. Parents are asked to plan ahead and minimise such arrangements. Early departure or late return of more than 24 hours requires the Headmaster’s permission to be sought via HsMs. Boarders are only allowed to leave early in exceptional circumstances. Please arrange flights etc in conjunction with published term dates. Early/late departure/arrival needs permission from the Deputy Head.

INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY Using Laptops in School Dean Close Senior School welcomes the use of personal laptops in School in accordance with the School’s code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy. All laptops brought into school will need to have an industry recognised Anti-Virus preinstalled and configured for updates. Laptops without any AV should not be used within the School IT Network Infrastructure.

The School’s IT Department reserves the right to install / uninstall software and applications on to pupils’ laptops without parents’ consent. If pupils do not wish this software to be installed their laptops should not be brought to School.

It is recommended that laptops are robust in design to survive the day to day demands of a busy school. In addition the pupil will need a quality laptop bag with provision for storage of peripherals eg mouse, usb stick where appropriate. A laptop specification is available upon request.

Technical Support The Technical Support Department is available for pupils to consult regarding general IT queries. The School is committed to the support of pupils’ laptops where appropriate and

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practicable. In the unlikely event that there are compatibility problems with the School’s software, the School’s responsibility shall be limited to the removal of these items of software, although of course the School will endeavour to rectify the problem. If an unforeseen repair problem occurs with a personal laptop (particularly in respect to Boarders and those bringing laptops new to the School this year) the School can arrange for an external estimate to be provided and, if authorised by a parent or guardian, can action the repair through a reputable agent. The cost of the repair will be placed on the pupil’s School account.

It is essential that pupils have ready access to the laptop’s operating system/restore disks during their time at School.

Boarders should bring copies of the disks with them and keep them at School during term time. Once the laptop has been set up it is recommended that the settings are not changed by the pupil without consultation with the IT Technical Support Department.

Software It is recommended that the pupil has software on a machine (eg a home desktop or personal laptop) that enables access to certain facilities to support the needs of their studies, in particular for prep. Pupils benefit from access to the internet, email, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and an intermediate graphics handling program such as Adobe Photoshop Elements. In some circumstances pupils would like to advance their skills in Desktop Publishing, Graphics, Animation and Video Production and suitable software can be suggested.

In some circumstances eg Design Technology, academic department licencing enables software packages to be available for use on personal machines. This installation needs to be performed by Technical Support staff with permission from parents or guardians. Please contact IT Technical Support Department, for further details. The School recommends all software be purchased from www.software4students.co.uk as this offers legal software at a fraction of the cost of high street stores. Please mention Dean Close School with all purchases made.

Insurance and Warranty It is recommended that parents and guardians consider their need for insurance and extended warranty for a pupil’s laptop.

Many parents opt for insurance and 3 year manufacturer’s warranty on their son’s or daughter’s machine. On-site 3 year manufacturer’s warranty and adequate insurance is recommended for Boarders. This together with the insurance should be international where appropriate. Parents may wish to explore the way in which these policies include provision for ‘accessory’ cover eg power supplies and batteries. We have found that some policies do not include such cover.

Purchases of Laptops Through School The School no longer offers a Pupils’ Laptop Scheme.

However, if parents would like assistance from the School in the specifications of laptops and the setting up of the laptop once it has been purchased, please contact the IT Technical Support Department for further details.

Backup of Data All pupils are provided with an email address and a personal network area to store data. The School endeavours to ensure the availability of data, email and network services but sometimes unforeseen circumstances prevent access. It is strongly recommended that pupils ensure they have a second copy of their data. They may choose to back up their data

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remotely (using an Internet service), on USB stick (recommended on the School Uniform List) or by using additional/alternative media eg external hard drive, CD or DVD. If pupils are unsure as to how to do this they should contact the IT Technical Support Department. Pupils must not use the school network to store personal photos or videos.

External Connection to the Internet If a pupil would like to use an external connection to the internet eg mobile device, PDA, 3G Data Card, permission must be sought from IT Manager or House Master and written authorisation must be given by a parent or guardian. The School realises that some mobile devices enable independent connection to the internet. Parents need to be aware that the School does not monitor the use of such systems and that it is their responsibility to allow or not to allow the availability of the Internet in this way.

USE OF THE INTERNET The School believes that the knowledge, skills and understanding of how to use ICT as a tool is essential to the successful preparation of our pupils for their future career and life experiences. Although the pupils’ acquisition of ICT capability is carefully planned, developed and assessed, attainment is not achieved through directed standalone ICT lessons. We firmly believe that a pupil in the Senior School should develop capability through the School, but do so in curricular and enrichment study, using those skills previously acquired with those newly learned to deliver real subject content in partnership with the highly valued traditional techniques embedded within our quality teaching and learning programmes.

We aim to enable the pupil to have the ‘power of choice’, to draw upon a comprehensive range of ICT skills from basic to advanced in all document production areas, such as word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, databases, use of e-documents for communication, manipulating graphics, creating animations and working with audio and video files. In addition a wide range of subject specific ICT skills are developed including CAD/CAM, data logging, modelling, linguistic development software.

The School welcomes the use of laptops inside and outside of the curriculum and there is a high quality system and network infrastructure providing email services, the Internet and data storage for all pupils. For more information about use of ICT in this context please refer to the sections in this booklet relating to Acceptable Use of ICT and Using Laptops in School.

The School has a continuous commitment to the development of high quality ICT provision in curricular and non-curricular areas. An ability to use ICT in all aspects of the pupils’ lives is as important as the development of literacy and numeracy capability and similarly integrated into the curricular experience. Confidence in knowledge, skills and understanding are key to success as is the ability to choose to use ICT appropriately, effectively and to a high quality.

At Dean Close the pupils will have access to high quality facilities and a focus on the development of ICT capability that enables the use of ICT as a tool preparing them equally as individuals to reach their full potential. Our pupils will leave us as confident citizens ready to take their place in a global community where Information Communication Technology is integral to successful achievement in business, industry and society as a whole.

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CAREERS ADVICE One of our main aims as a School must be to ensure that every pupil obtains a niche in society on leaving. ‘Careers’ covers all aspects of pupils’ plans after school, from gap years to choices of university and course, as well as ideas about future employment. The careers staff are a vital component of the pastoral care of each pupil. They act on their own initiative under their own leader, but are responsible to the Housemaster/Housemistress. The careers staff see themselves as enablers who resource the pupils at all stages, so that they can make decisions that leave as many doors open as possible. It is a very important part of the task to encourage the pupils to know themselves well enough to make realistic choices. The following is a summary of the main events in the Careers programme: Fourth Jan May

Help with GCSE choices.

Introduction to the Careers room and system.

Remove March/April Visits to companies/exhibitions as available.

May Investigation of specific career areas after individual interest questionnaire.

Fifth October January

March April May/June

Briefing on Careers test, letter to parents.

Morrisby Careers Tests.

Careers interviews start.

Opportunity for parents to meet advisors.

Interviews completed; results to parents at the end of the term.

Continuing advice on A-Level options.

Advice/information on Young Enterprise, GAP and Work Experience.

Lower Sixth September Initial Questionnaire to check A-level choice.

Start Work Experience planning.

October Letter to parents re Course Finder Tests.

January Course Finder Tests - these help identify suitable courses. Seminar - choice of course, plan of action for the year.

February Return of Course Finder Tests and individual interview. Parents’ meeting - information on applying to University Parents receive UCAS Parent Guide.

March/April Group visit to H.E. Convention.

April & on Individual University visits.

Final Course Finder follow up interviews.

June Pre-University Week.

Pupils receive Higher Education Booklet and instructions on how to complete their UCAS form.

Upper Sixth September Interview with Headmaster, Head of Careers and Director Of Studies to confirm Universities and courses.

Oxbridge/Medic UCAS forms completed.

October All UCAS forms completed.

Interview seminar.

Nov/Dec Mock interviews, arranged with the help of Tutors.

Jan/April Advice/guidance on University offers.

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May June August

Final UCAS position.

Information for leavers and parents on post results period.

Post A-Level results advice/guidance/support.

Work Experience Lower Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to do work experience during the holidays. Parents arranging work experience for their children are reminded of the need to check that the company has suitable insurance cover and all Health & Safety implications have been considered. (This applies even if the work experience is offered by ‘family’ or a ‘friend’).

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Sport All pupils, unless excused on medical grounds, are expected to take part in Games as suggested by the Director or Assistant Director of Sport. Saturdays are full School days and as such, pupils are expected to fulfil all Saturday games commitments. Our principle is that up to the end of the Fifth Form, all pupils will play the major game for the term, except in circumstances agreed by the Director of Sport and Senior Deputy Head (who has the oversight of all co-curricular activities).

In the Sixth Form, the major games still take priority but there are many more opportunities available to pupils through a broader games programme.

Major Games Michaelmas Lent Trinity

Boys Rugby Hockey Cricket/Athletics/Tennis

Girls Hockey Netball Tennis/Athletics/Rounders

Other Games activities include: Aerobics, Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Fitness Training, Football, Golf, Pilates, Polo, Riding, Rugby Sevens, Squash, Swimming, Trampolining and Water Polo.

Music The School offers young musicians the very best opportunities for developing musical talents to the highest level and for discovering the special fulfilment and enjoyment of musicmaking. An extensive number of vocal, chamber and orchestral groups exist as well as numerous rock bands and ensembles.

A strong tradition of Oxbridge and Choral awards exists, as well as places at the country’s leading conservatoires. The Chapel Choir, as well as leading School worship, visits Cathedrals to sing Evensong and makes regular recordings.

There are regular tours abroad, most recently to Spain, Austria, Italy and New York.

Drama Drama is pursued to the highest levels in the school, and a significant number of pupils apply to leading British drama schools, on the careful advice of the department. There are between 10 to 12 productions per year in Drama, from fullymounted musicals and productions by major playwrights in The Bacon Theatre, to more intimate shows in the Drama Studio.

These will incorporate whole-school productions, the Junior Play, the Drama Scholars’ Play, The Biennial Musical, House Plays, and talented and experienced sixth formers will be invited to direct productions during the year. Close Up Theatre (the public face of DCS drama) visits the Edinburgh Fringe each year, and attendance is by audition and invitation. In Speech and Drama, a wide range of skills is offered: acting, speaking verse and prose, performance technique, public speaking, Bible reading, sight reading, improvisation and mime.

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Over 150 pupils take Speech and Drama lessons which may be shared or taken individually; most pupils will be encouraged to work towards examinations with LAMDA (London Academy of Dramatic Arts). RADA, Victoria College, UEA and LCM examinations are also offered. Many also compete in the Cheltenham Competitive Festival to considerable acclaim. The ability to communicate clearly is a valuable asset no matter what career your child chooses to pursue; these lessons can be of immense value in building self-confidence and learning to utilise voice and physicality carefully.

(See appendix for Parents of New Pupils for Instrumental Music Form/Speech and Drama Form and Fees which must be completed to secure a place.) A full term’s notice is required in writing to cease these activities.

Monday and Wednesday Activities There is a wide range of skills, hobbies, leadership, Outdoor Education and community action activities offered on these two afternoons after academic lessons. There is some difference in expectation of each year group in terms of what, and how many, activities there should be, in which pupils are encouraged to be involved. This may also be dependent upon an individual pupil’s overall portfolio or commitments.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) In the final term in the Fourth Form pupils opt to join one of the three sections of the CCF - the Army, the RAF or the Navy. They then embark on a compulsory two-year training programme which aims to develop leadership, discipline, confidence and teamwork through a wide and diverse range of activities. The CCF makes full use of a ‘Field Day’ each term when a whole day is set aside for expeditions or focused training.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ANY OBJECTION TO A PUPIL JOINING THE CCF IS REGISTERED BEFORE ENTRY TO THE SCHOOL Duke of Edinburgh Award Dean Close is delighted to be a Duke of Edinburgh Licensed Operating Authority, which encourages many pupils to gain the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Gold Awards. Since this is a voluntary Award, the pupils are expected to be independently motivated and organise their physical, skill and volunteering sections of the Award. Regular expedition training opportunities exist throughout the school year with practice and assessment expeditions being organised through the School. Challenging hiking expeditions are offered at Bronze and Gold level, with cycling as an option at Gold level. Many of the co-curricular activities offered at Dean Close can be incorporated within the Award.

Community Action There is a large Community Action Programme which operates mainly on a Wednesday afternoon but some activities run at other times during the week. Since Service activities are highly valued at Dean Close, a large number of pupils take part in the programme. Activities vary from helping to teach or coach Primary School children to doing volunteer charity work to supporting the recycling and environmentally friendly programmes.

Basketball Board Games Bridge Charity work (Uganda) Chess Classical Landscapes Climbing Coaching Awards Computer Programming Confirmation Classes Cookery (Leith’s Course) Critical Thinking Dancing Decanian (school magazine) Design Technology Drama Driving European Youth Parliament Fashion Design Film Making First Aid Certification Gymnastics Health and Fitness Judo Knitting Life Saving Certification

Newswatch Oxbridge preparation Photography Pilates Polo Refereeing/Umpiring Riding Robot building Rock Society Self Defence Sewing Bee Shooting Squash Street Dance Table Tennis Technical Theatre Skills Ultimate frisbee Vet / Medic preparation Volleyball Wargaming Water Polo Website Design Windsurfing Zoo club Zumba

Fourth Form Activities The Fourth Form participates in a number of outdoor, PSHE, citizenship, life skill, international awareness activities run Wednesday afternoons. The purpose is to help foster a year group identity, to develop some key skills and to enable those in their first year in the Senior School to understand their responsibilities to their school, local and international communities.

MEDICAL INFORMATION The School’s Health Centre is located next to the Dining Hall; it provides a surgery, treatment area and accommodation, staffed by three qualified nurses and two overnight matrons. All boarders are registered with Overton Park surgery. Drs’ Julian Wilson (school medical officer-male), Tom Morgan (male), and Trudy Christmas (female) hold daily weekday surgeries in the school Health Centre and appointment space is made available at the surgery for emergencies later in the day. Out of normal GP hours the “out of hours” system is available at the local general hospital. The doctors’ surgeries in school afford the same confidentiality as a normal GP surgery. Please note; A pupil whose GP is a different member of the Cheltenham Practice area may not be seen by the School Dr other than in an emergency.

Medical Examination The School Medical Officer gives every boarding pupil a full examination on entry.

Clubs and Hobbies These are continually changing due to both staff and pupil interests, but activities the School hopes to offer include:

Medicines Day pupils who need to bring prescribed and non-prescribed medication for use during the day should notify their HsM. Pupils who are not self-medicating can have their medication administered in the Health Centre. All medications should be in English and in their original container. No pupil should be in possession of medicine (prescribed or non-prescribed) without the knowledge from the Health Centre.

Alpha Course Art and Ceramics Art History

Records for New Pupils It is absolutely essential that parents complete the necessary health records for new pupils before the start of the term,

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Mandarin Model United Nations Music Theory

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sending them by post or email attachment in advance. ALL pupils require a completed “Health record” (contained with accompanying literature). Boarding pupils also require a completed Doctor’s Registration Form (GMS 1) (purple form) as well as a “Health Record”. Without a completed Health Form the medical/nursing team has no authority from parents to treat the pupils. Immunisation details are necessary in order to ensure your child receives all the relevant vaccinations.

Boarders names will be registered on the list of the Overton Park surgery and their NHS cards will be retained as long as they are pupils here. Boarders must not register with their family doctor during the holidays but can obtain treatment as a Temporary resident. Day boarders should continue to be registered with their home GP. Insurance We encourage all parents not otherwise insured to consider seriously our BUPA Group Scheme, which is not at all expensive and enables their child to have the services of a consultant on a private basis if ever it is necessary. Full details of the Scheme can be obtained from the BUPA handbook.

Appointments We ask parents to avoid making appointments for dentists etc, in term-time; obviously medical emergencies must be dealt with as such. However, many interruptions to School life can be avoided if visits to the dentist take place automatically each holiday. Boarders are accompanied to any hospital or dental appointment by one of the matrons. Taxi fares may be payable.

Treatment for Day Scholars During the school day, if day pupils are taken ill or require First Aid, they will receive treatment from Sister and/or may rest in the Health Centre, unless parents have requested otherwise.

Parents will be notified of any illness or accident. (Also please see Notes for Day Pupils).

Immunisations These are carried out on all pupils in accordance with health protection agency regulations, unless parents request otherwise, and include vaccines for travel health for boarders visiting overseas in the School holiday. Malaria prophylaxis is also provided for specific destinations - these are not available as an NHS provision, so a charge will be made - we will contact you if any of the above is necessary.

Gum Shields It is compulsory for all pupils taking part in contact sport to possess gum shields. This can be arranged privately, but a clinic will be run in School. Please ensure pupils bring existing gum shields.

BURSARY INFORMATION Payment of Fees Details about paying by monthly or termly Direct Debit and about the School’s scheme for the capital payment of fees in advance may be obtained from the Bursary. All fees and monies due from parents and guardians of pupils are required on or before the first day of the relevant term. Payments by cheque should be forwarded to the Bursary, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, Glos, GL51 6HE. If payment is late without just cause an administrative charge of £50 will be made, in addition interest at the School’s standard rate (currently 2% per month) will be charged on the outstanding balance.

A charge of £50 will be made for each re-presented cheque or payment.

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

Should unforeseen financial difficulties arise, parents are advised to discuss the matter with the Bursar as soon as possible.

Insurance Pupils are automatically enrolled in the following insurance schemes unless we receive written instructions to the contrary before the end of the first week of term. (i) The School Fees Refund Scheme (loss of fees through sickness) at 1% of fees. (ii) The School’s group membership of BUPA at £67.50 per term. (iii) The Pupils’ Personal Accident Insurance Scheme at £3.75 per term. (iv) Personal Effects Insurance Scheme at £10.00 per term. (v) Denplan Scheme (accidents and emergencies) at £3.60 per term.

Please note that personal possessions are not covered by the School insurance. Parents should check whether their own insurance covers such items whilst at School and if appropriate consider taking advantage of the Pupils’ Personal Effects Insurance Scheme.

The School cannot accept liability for the loss of, or damage to, pupils’ personal property or property on loan to them.

Extras Certain items are charged on the School bill as extras. The following are included in the overall termly fee: 1 All course text books and stationery (charges will be made for lost or damaged textbooks) 2 laundry 3 games equipment not listed as an optional extra 4 laboratory and CDT expenses (pupils wishing to keep completed items pay only for materials) 5 routine Combined Cadet Force (CCF) training and its alternatives 6 travel on strictly educational trips and for teams to School matches 7 lunches for day pupils The following are not included: • all fees for external examinations • a few books (eg. atlas) and personal equipment (eg. calculator) listed in the joining instructions • CCF Camps Optional Extras Notice in writing must be received before the start of the preceding term by parents wishing to discontinue any optional extra, such as Music, Speech and Drama, Riding and extra private tuition. Other optional extras include visits to plays, concerts, etc. outside the curriculum, life membership of the Old Decanian Society and use of the Sixth Form Social Centre.

Notice of Leaving Parents must give notice in writing before the start of the preceding term of their intention to remove a pupil from the School or for a change of status eg. from boarding to day, dayboarding to day, etc. If such notice is not given, a full term’s notice in lieu of notice, without the benefit of any concessions, will be payable. This notice must be received by the Bursar on or before the first day of term. Provisional notice can be accepted where a pupil’s return to School depends on examination results. Parents are advised to seek early advice from the Bursar when considering removing pupils from School.

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INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

Electrical Testing In order to meet legal obligations under Health and Safety legislation all appliances run on mains electricity must be tested and passed by the School’s electricians. Parents should ensure that only safe equipment is brought to School and arrangements will be made, in Houses, for items to be tested annually. Pupils must ensure that any item brought to School after completion of the main testing programme is tested.

Untested or failed items must not be used.

SCHOOL SHOP The School Shop aims to be a one stop shop and is located in the Sports Hall off Shelburne Road. In addition to the regulation uniform which must be purchased from the Shop, it stocks the majority of items on the school uniform lists, including a range of footwear, sports equipment, stationery, toiletries and confectionery.

The Shop is run by the school for the benefit of pupils and their parents and prices are as competitive as they can possibly be, taking into consideration quality and durability. Once term has started a school account is created for each pupil whereby senior school pupils can come in themselves and purchase items using this account. Prep School pupils can purchase items via the house matron or with a letter from their parents giving permission. Parents are welcome to purchase items directly from the school shop and the methods of payment are cheque, cash or credit card.

Opening Times During Term Time Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

8.30am – 11.30am 9.30am – 12.00 noon 9.30am – 12.00 noon 9.30am – 12.00 noon 9.30am – 12.00 noon 10.00am – 12.00 noon

1.30pm – 6.00pm 1.30pm – 6.00pm 1.30pm – 6.00pm 1.30pm – 4.00pm

The School Shop is not open during exeats, half terms and holidays.

Appointments

Trinity Term From 17th June - 27th June. The last daily appointment is at 5.00pm. (If you feel you can come before the 17th June you would be very welcome.)

Thursday 21 August Friday 22 August Saturday 23 August Sunday 24 August Monday 25 August Tuesday 26 August Wednesday 27 August Thursday 28 August Friday 29 August Saturday 30 August Sunday 31 August Monday 1 September Tuesday 2 September

9.30am – 5.00pm, appointments only 9.30am – 5.00pm, appointments only 9.30am – 1.00pm, appointments only Closed Closed 9.30am – 5.00pm, appointments only 9.30am – 5.00pm, appointments only 9.30am – 5.00pm, appointments only overseas pupils 9.30am – 5.00pm, first come first served Closed 9.30am – 5.00pm, first come first served normal opening hours

Michaelmas Term From 21st August – 1st September. The last daily appointment is at 5.00pm. Appointments are either half an hour or an hour whereby each pupil will receive dedicated time to purchase everything they need. We recommend that you try to come in the first series of appointments as the shop gets terribly busy in September when we re-open before term.

When doing a uniform fitting we make allowances for the fact that the uniform will not be needed until September. We are happy to exchange clothing assuming it has not been named or worn. Instant iron-on/sewn on name tapes are available from the Shop, the large tapes required for all sports uniform are available to order.

IT IS ESSENTIAL TO PHONE THE SHOP TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please contact Kate Wood at the School Shop on 01242 258016 or mobile 07999 718666 to arrange an appointment.

Payment for uniform should be cleared by cheque, cash or credit card on day of purchase please.

In order that uniform may be purchased for the new school year the Shop operates a system of personal appointments for ALL Dean Close pupils and those children entering the school for the first time. These appointments are held at two different times which are given below.

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HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

CLOTHING LISTS AND REGULATIONS Uniform for Lower School (Fourths, Removes and Fifths) Junior pupils are expected to be neatly dressed in school uniform whilst at School. Uniform should be clean, pressed, wellfitting and worn as designed. Items in bold must be obtained from the school shop; items in italics are optional. All clothing must be clearly marked. The School Shop can advise on all uniform issues.

The School Shop offers an appointment system for the purchasing of uniform at the end of the Trinity Term and at the end of the Summer Holiday. Appointments for new pupils should be booked in good time.

Girls • • • • • •

• •

• •

• •

•

School tie White shirt Winter – long sleeves, collar & cuffs x4 Summer – short sleeves, revered collar x4 Navy blue sweater with crest Pleated check skirt; knee length x2 Plain black, polishable leather shoes with heels no higher than 5cm. These must be robust and suitable for school wear.

Navy tights x5 Navy blazer (not shown). This is best dress and is worn for Friday and Sunday Chapel services, Theatre events and other formal occasions Coat (not shown). Dark and of mid-thigh to mid-calf length Jewellery – must be discreet and removed for games. Single small plain earrings only. No rings, bracelets or other body piercings. A discreet religious symbol may be worn as a necklace Minimal make-up and colourless nail varnish only are allowed Hair should be of natural colour, tied up and of a moderate style. Hair extensions, dyed hair and extreme styles are not allowed Optional items available from the School Shop include school scarf and gilet

Boys • • • • • • • •

• • • •

Navy blazer Dark grey trousers – no obvious flaring, tightness or other extremes x2 A plain black belt with a plain buckle may also be worn White shirt – long sleeves, firm collar and cuffs x4 Plain, dark coloured socks School tie Navy blue, v-necked woollen sweater Plain charcoal grey suit (not shown). This is best dress and is worn for Friday and Sunday Chapel services, Theatre events and other formal occasions. It can be obtained from the School Shop Plain black, polishable leather shoes.. These must be robust and suitable for school wear. Boots are not allowed Coat (not shown). Dark and of mid thigh to mid calf length Hair should be of natural colour and of a moderate style.

Dyed hair and extreme styles are not allowed Optional items available from the School Shop include a school scarf and cufflinks

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

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INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

UNIFORM FOR SIXTH FORM Sixth form pupils are expected to be well presented and have a business-like appearance whilst at School. Suits for girls and boys should be clean, pressed, well fitting and worn as designed. All clothing must be clearly marked. Individuality is encouraged within the uniform guidelines.

School Blazer offer an online service for girls to order suits and blouses. Please visit www.schoolblazer.com and follow the links to set up an account. This will then give directions to the Dean Close page. Orders need to be placed early for September but delivery times are shorter at other times of the year. The School Shop can advise on all uniform issues.

Girls •

•

•

• • •

•

• • •

A tailored skirt or trouser suit in a dark colour x 2. Faint pinstripes or checks are permissible. A shift dress is also allowed. All suit pieces must be made of the same fabric and be designed to be worn together. Stretch fabrics and body contour wear are not allowed. Skirt length should be no more than 10cm above the knee when seated. Trousers must be tailored and full length Blouse with collar and sleeves x 4. Plain colours, pinstripes and moderate checks are allowed. See-through fabrics and sleeveless designs are not permitted. All blouses must be tucked in and buttoned above the breast bone Jumper or cardigan – plain single colour of knitted fabric.

This should not be seen below the hem line of the jacket or beyond the jacket sleeve. Multiple layers are not permissible Plain, dark coloured or neutral tights. Socks, patterned tights and bare legs are not permissible Hair should be of natural colour, and of a moderate style Best dress (not shown). Black skirt suit with white blouse.

This is worn for Sunday Chapel services, Theatre events and other formal occasions Plain black or dark, leather shoes with heels no higher than 5cm. These must be robust and suitable for school wear.

Boots are not allowed Discreet make-up and pale nail varnish only are allowed Jewellery – must be discreet and removed for games Coat (not shown). Dark and of mid thigh to mid calf length

Boys •

•

•

• • • •

• • • •

18

Dark business-like suit. Faint pinstripes or checks are permissible. All suit pieces must be made of the same fabric and be designed to be worn together Shirt with collar, long sleeves and cuffs x 4. Light coloured plain, pinstripe or checks are allowed. Short sleeved shirts may be worn in summer Jumper or cardigan – plain single colour of knitted fabric and v-neck design. This should not be seen below the hem line of the jacket. Multiple layers are not permissible Tie of own choice and design suitable for school Plain black, polishable leather shoes. These must be robust and suitable for school wear. Boots are not allowed Plain, dark coloured socks Best dress (not shown). Dark formal suit with white shirt. This is worn for Sunday Chapel services, Theatre events and other formal occasions Hair should be of natural colour and of a moderate style.

Dyed hair and extreme styles are not allowed Boys must be clean shaven Coat (not shown). Dark and of mid-thigh to mid-calf length Optional items available from the School Shop include a school scarf and cufflinks

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

SPORTS CLOTHES (ALL SCHOLARS) All pupils are expected to be correctly dressed for games.

Regulation School games kit should be worn for all practices and matches. Specific team kit must only be worn for that sport. Casual sportswear such as hoodies should not be mixed with regulation kit. Specific house kit may be required for some inter-house competitions. Items in bold must be obtained from the school shop; items in bold italics are optional. All clothing must be clearly marked. The School Shop can advise on all uniform issues.

Girls • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Navy games skirt x2 White School polo shirt with crest x2 Pairs maroon games socks x2 Navy and maroon crested midlayer Black sports swimming costume and swim cap School tracksuit top Pair School tracksuit bottoms Navy School base layer Navy School gilet Sports bra Pair of non-marking indoor trainers Pair of outdoor trainers Pair of astro shoes Hockey stick Pairs of short white sports socks x2 Games bag Mouthguard suitable for use for hockey practices and matches

Girls who play tennis in the Trinity Term will require a white tennis skirt and tennis racquet.

Boys • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pairs of white shorts x2 Pairs of navy games shorts x2 White School polo shirt with crest x2 School reversible rugby/hockey shirt x2 Navy and maroon crested midlayer Pairs of navy games socks x2 School tracksuit top Pair School tracksuit bottoms Navy School gilet Navy School base layer Pair of rugby boots Pair of non-marking indoor trainers Pair of outdoor trainers Pair of astro shoes Hockey stick Pair of black swimming trunks – not Bermuda shorts style Games bag Mouthguard suitable for use for hockey and rugby practices and matches

Boys who play cricket in the Trinity Term will need a School cricket shirt, cricket trousers, a School cricket slip over and a cricket bat.

Boys who play tennis in the Trinity Term will need tennis whites and a tennis racquet.

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

19

INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

GENERAL UNIFORM GUIDELINES Casual dress or mufti may be worn on weekdays after 6pm, after 4pm on Saturdays and all day Sunday unless there is Chapel or an official School function. This must be reasonable, clean and decent (including any design or logo). Extremes of fashion, over-tight or revealing clothing is not appropriate in School. Uniform and mufti should not be mixed, particularly sports kit. Hats, pyjamas and sports kit should not be worn in the Dining Hall other than with prior permission.

Girls may require a dress for formal occasions such as Christmas Dinner and Commem. This should be of modest style with shoulders and décolletage covered, just above the knee or longer in length. Boys may require black tie or a suit for similar occasions. Musicians may need a modest black dress (girls) and black tie (boys) for major concerts.

ITEMS REQUIRED BY ALL PUPILS •

• • • •

•

•

Name tapes – these may be ordered from the school shop. All items of uniform and other personal possessions should be clearly named 2 or 3 padlocks required for games locker, lockable space in study and tuck box (if required) A transparent pencil case for examinations – no other type of pencil case is allowed into the exam hall A plain over-the-shoulder bag suitable for carrying books and other items necessary for lessons Normal stationary items – selection of pens, pencils, colouring pencils, ruler, set squares, protractor, eraser, pencil sharpener, highlighter pens, scissors and glue. Most of these items are available from the School Shop Calculator for Mathematics and Science – the Casio FX8SGTplus is strongly recommended and is available in the School Shop Occasionally specialist items are required such as waterproofs and walking boots for outdoor activities. CCF kit is issued by the school

BOARDERSʼ REQUIREMENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Underwear Night clothes x2 Slippers or soft soled indoor shoes Dressing gown Bath towels x2 and hand towels x2 with hoops for hanging Tuck box – available from the School Shop Coat hangers Shoe cleaning equipment Duvet, duvet cover x2, bottom sheet x2 Pillow, pillow case x2 Wellington boots Toiletries as required Regulation mesh laundry bag (for boys only) – available from the School Shop

Any clothing to be laundered at School must be suitable for tumbledrying.

Housemasters, Housemistresses and the School Shop will be happy to advise you on all aspects of uniform and items required at School.

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HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

SCHOOL BUS SERVICE A daily, term time bus service to and from Dean Close School is available to pupils on the following routes:

aROUTE 1 Depart Broadway Laverton Bus Stop Toddington Ph’nt Inn Toddington Swim Winchcombe (War Memorial) Rising Sun Bus Stop Southam Jnc Bus Stop Prestbury Rd Bus Stop Priors Road Shops CC Preparatory School Dean Close Cheltenham Ladies’ College St Edward’s St Edward’s Junior

7.10 7.14 7.20 7.21 7.25 7.34 7.37 7.40 7.43 7.49 8.10* 8.10* 8.10* 8.13*

Autumn £295 £274 £227 £222 £211 £127 £122 £116 £116

Fare Spr/Summer

Fare

£227 £211 £174 £170 £162 £97 £93 £89 £89

Return

Autumn

Spr/Summer

18.55 18.51 18.40 18.39 18.35 18.29 18.28 18.26 18.24 18.15 18.05 18.08* — —

£251 £233 £193 £188 £179 £108 £103 £99 £99

£192 £179 £148 £144 £138 £83 £79 £76 £76

Return

Autumn

Spr/Summer

aROUTE 2 Route 2 Depart Moreton in Marsh (Train Station) Stow on the Wold (The Square) Bourton on the Water Guiting Foxhill CC Preparatory School St Edward’s Junior St Edward’s Cheltenham Ladies’ College Dean Close

Autumn

Fare Spr/Summer

Fare

7.00

£353

£271

16.45

18.55

£300

£230

7.10 7.20 7.30 7.55 8.13* 8.10* 8.10* 8.10

£301 £253 £222

£231 £194 £170

16.40 16.30 16.22 15.50 16.03 16.00 — 15.45

18.50 18.40 18.32 18.15 — — 18.08* 18.05*

£255 £215 £188

£196 £165 £144

Return

Autumn

Spr/Summer

18.55• 18.42• 18.40• 18.33• 18.27 18.23 18.21 18.15 18.05* 18.08 — —

£300 £215 £197 £179 £108 £90 £68

£230 £165 £151 £138 £83 £69 £52

aROUTE 3 Route 3 Burford Antiques Centre Northleach (Fallows Rd) Northleach Square Compton Abdale (Junction) Andoversford East End (Duke of York) Sixways (Garage) CC Preparatory School Dean Close Cheltenham Ladies’ College St Edward’s St Edward’s Junior

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

Depart 7.10 7.23 7.27 7.31 7.35 7.44 7.46 7.50 8.10* 8.10 8.10* 8.13*

Autumn £353 £253 £232 £211 £127 £106 £79

FareFare Spr/Summer £271 £194 £178 £162 £97 £81 £61

Fare

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INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

ROUTE 4a Depart Ashton Keynes South Cerney - Water Park Cirencester (Beeches) Perrotts Brook Rendcomb Colesbourne Severn Springs Sandy Lane CC Preparatory School Cheltenham Ladies’ College Dean Close St Edward’s St Edward’s Junior

7.10 7.13 7.25 7.32 7.38 7.43 7.45 7.49 7.52 8.10 8.10* 8.10* 8.13*

Fare Autumn

Spr/Summer

£295 £274 £232 £227 £222 £211 £106 £53

£227 £211 £178 £174 £170 £162 £81 £41

Return 16.40 16.35 16.30 16.23 16.17 16.12 16.08 16.05 15.50† — 15.45† 16.03 16.00

Fare Autumn

Spr/Summer

— — 18.45 18.38 18.32 18.27 18.23 18.17 18.15 18.08* 18.05* — —

£251 £233 £197 £193 £188 £179 £90 £45

£192 £179 £151 £148 £144 £138 £69 £35

Return

Autumn

Spr/Summer

£215 £188 £180 £130 £108 £68 £45

£165 £145 £138 £100 £83 £52 £35

ROUTE 5 Fare Depart Quedgeley Gloucester Cattle Market Innesworth Churchdown (Bat & Ball) Badgeworth Lane Cheeserollers Bus Stop Church Rd Leckhampton CC Preparatory School Cheltenham Ladies’ College Dean Close St Edward’s St Edward’s Junior

7.10 7.10 7.10 7.30 7.35 7.40 7.45 7.55 8.10* 8.10* 8.10 8.13

Spr/Summer

£253 £222 £211 £153 £127 £79 £53

£194 £170 £162 £118 £97 £61 £41

aROUTE 6

16.55 19.05 Route to 18.55 meet 18.45 demand 18.40 including18.35 Route 6 18.30 stops 18.25 15.50† 18.15 18.08* 15.45† 18.10* 16.03 16.00

Fare Depart

Nailsworth Bus Station Amberley Lay By Stroud Bus Station Murco Garage (Before The Camp) Foston’s Ash Birdlip CC Preparatory School Dean Close Cheltenham Ladies’ College St Edward’s St Edward’s Junior

Fare

Autumn

6.55 7.05 7.10 7.20 7.30 7.35 7.50 8.10* 8.10* 8.10* 8.13*

Fare

Autumn

Spr/Summer

£353 £295 £253 £222 £211 £185

£271 £227 £194 £170 £162 £142

Return 19.05 19.00 18.55 18.45 18.35 18.30 18.15 18.08* 18.10*

See Route 5

Autumn

Spr/Summer

£300 £251 £215 £188 £179 £157

£230 £192 £165 £144 £138 £120

Notes: *Change at CC Prep School. †Change at St Edward’s Junior. Connecting services between schools will be held if necessary.

•Dedicated connecting service joined at Andoversford.

Fares are for Termly Season Tickets, effective from 1 September 2014. Pro-rata tickets (part term or part week) are available on request.

Inward Timetable runs Monday to Saturday inclusive, outward Timetable runs Monday to Friday only.

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HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

INFORMATION : SENIOR SCHOOL

THE OLD DECANIAN SOCIETY Dean Close School - ALUMNI All pupils join the OD Society on entering the school unless they chose to opt out. The lifetime subscription of £200 is collected through the Bursary with the Fees during the first four terms of admission.

The Society’s primary objectives are to help ODs keep in touch with each other and with the School; it also furthers the interests of the wider Dean Close Community. The OD office works tirelessly to maintain an accurate database with assistance from the Development office, including up-to-date contact information as well as academic and career progress. It provides a network of members all over the world and endeavours to assist pupils in regard to work placements, work experience and mentoring.

On the sports and social front, the ODS runs a number of clubs and activities for all its members: an Annual Summer Lunch & AGM, an OD stand at Commemoration Day, London & international gatherings, pub drinks reunions, an OD Rugby/Hockey Festival, Cricket Week, golf competitions and several other events throughout the year.

The OD Society is a member of AROPS (The Association of Representatives of Old Pupils Society) and OD representatives attend their annual conference.

By request, the Society can also help with tracing the history of former pupils for family members with the assistance of the Archivist. Old School Records are maintained by the School Office for a number of years and then transferred to Archives and Registers.

The Society provides an Annual News magazine which can be posted or electronically mailed to its members. There are a number of publications and other OD items, such as ties, framed school prints, clothing that can be purchased from the OD office or the School Shop. The Society has a LinkedIn page ‘Dean Close School-Old Decanians’ & a Facebook page ‘The Old Decanian Society’.

ODS web pages can be found on the School website at www.deanclose.co.uk on the Alumni section. Further information can be obtained from Mr Alex Hume (OD Liaison Officer) on 01242 258048.

• •

The right not to lend must be respected.

Pupils should be aware that putting pressure on another to lend can lay them open to a charge of bullying.

Sanctions • Parents are informed.

• The School reserves the right to involve the Police in any case of stealing.

• Regardless of Police action, stealing will always be regarded as a serious matter.

• All incidents of stealing/ loss of property in unexplained circumstances should be recorded.

• Serious incidents should be referred to the Deputy Head (Pastoral) / Deputy Head, and any of the range of punishments from Estate Work to required removal is possible Practical Actions • Day pupils must only bring small sums of money to school, and boarders should not keep much cash in their rooms, or in School.

• Cash should be left with House Staff, who will make the House Bank as accessible as possible.

• All lockers should be padlocked, and if necessary a spare key kept with HsM. • Pupils must not leave valuables or money in Changing Rooms, but lock them away or give them to a member of staff for safe keeping.

• HsMs will be happy to hold valuables for safekeeping.

Passports, tickets etc. should always be kept with HsMs. • As a general rule, personal items of value and items of sentimental value are best not brought to School.

• Any incident of theft should be reported immediately to a member of staff and the HsM should be informed as soon as possible.

GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO THE USE OF ALCOHOL Aims The School aims to educate pupils about the proper use of alcohol. Pupils need to understand that alcoholic drinks, taken in moderation, can be pleasurable without having deleterious effects, but, at the same time, need to be very aware that alcohol can have serious consequences and can be lethal.

Pupils should be able to learn from good example that alcohol, in itself, need not be the focus of the event, nor is it necessary for relaxing and being sociable.

POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES ALL SCHOOL POLICIES ARE REGULARLY REVIEWED AND UPDATED. PLEASE REFER TO THE SCHOOL WEBSITE FOR THE MOST RECENT VERSIONS. THESE CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN THE BACK OF THE TERMLY SCHOOL CALENDAR OR HARD COPIES CAN BE REQUESTED FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE.

GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO STEALING Principles • Taking or making use of property belonging to any other individual, the School, shops or any part of society at large, without permission, constitutes theft.

• While it is recognised that in a close community some borrowing may occur amongst peers, no pupil should assume that he/she has a right to borrow. Permission must be gained for each article each time. Borrowing without explicit permission from the owner will result in sanctions as for stealing.

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS

Management • The Deputy Head must be consulted before alcohol is served at School events.

• When alcohol is served at School events or on social occasions it is available in limited quantities, carefully monitored and usually only for Sixth Formers.

• Tutors and teachers intending to serve alcohol to pupils must discuss their intentions with the HsM. • Pupils may not bring alcohol into School, unless as a present/charity donation or similar, and then only after discussion with HsM. • When pupils are within the School’s jurisdiction they must not consume alcohol without permission.

• Permission to drink spirits in School will never be given.

• Licensed premises may be visited by Sixth Form with HsMs' permission (in accordance with the Law of the Land).

• Anyone below Sixth Form may be given permission to visit licensed premises for a meal (in accordance with the Law of the Land).

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POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES : SENIOR SCHOOL

•

• • •

• •

Sixth formers may have occasional leave for a meal in Cheltenham, where a limited quantity of alcohol may be taken with the meal (intentions must be discussed with HsMs beforehand).

Sixth Formers who are members of the Sixth Form Centre may drink alcohol there on authorised occasions.

Soft drinks will always be available as an option whenever alcohol is served.

For all events the source and supply of alcohol must be under careful adult supervision. There must be enough members of staff present, otherwise the occasion must be “Soft”.

A clear decision must be made beforehand about the quantity of alcohol to be served.

The School affirms the policy of not drinking and driving.

Sanctions • Parents are informed if the rules are transgressed, and the Police will be informed of illegal sales.

• Sanctions will vary, depending on the academic year of the pupil, how the alcohol was obtained, and the degree of drunkenness of the individual.

• It is likely that alcohol offences will be dealt with at the highest level.

• Sanctions include the possibility of fines, Estate Work, and the requirement for parents to remove the pupil temporarily or permanently.

• If fined there will be no town leave until the fine is paid (pupils may be accompanied to the bank to obtain the money for the fine if necessary).

updated on developments in drug misuse to ensure that sensible discussions can take place and decisions can be made about the misuse of drugs. Professionals from the wider community will be consulted whenever appropriate.

2.

Suspicion of misuse may arise from behavioural changes giving rise to deterioration in a pupil’s demeanour and/or performance. Such signs include a decline in performance in school work, marked swings in mood, excessive tiredness, sores and rashes especially on the mouth or nose, a lack of interest in physical appearance and an unwillingness to take part in School activities; or other signs or evidence, such as the finding of certain items of equipment, behaviour on a particular occasion, or other information that has been gathered. All staff shall be alert to signs of drug misuse, taking into account the warning signs set out in the booklet Drug Prevention in Schools, April 1995, Annex 6 – Drug or Solvent Misuse, Recognising the Signs.

3.

Education This will be continuous throughout the pupil’s time at Dean Close and is the responsibility of all adults who come into contact with an individual. Alcohol education forms a major part of the PSHE programme; topics include: the strengths of different types of alcohol; the biological effects; alcohol and the law; alcoholism; associated social problems.

Individual pupils who repeatedly fall short of the guidelines on alcohol use, or who are drunk more than once, may be required to seek medical advice.

GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO THE USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS AND MATERIAL ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE Principles The purpose of these guidelines is to prevent pupils from using controlled drugs at any time. It reflects a clear recognition that drugs are readily available, widely used by some teenagers and that this is a problem which must be faced squarely both at School and at home. The implementation of the policy will be based on trust and understanding between pupils, staff and parents, and in the best interest of all pupils in the School, it is also meant to act as a positive and effective deterrent.

The clear statement of policy is: It is the policy of Dean Close School that it shall actively prohibit the use of controlled drugs and shall treat cases of use by pupils as serious misconduct.

Management 1.

24

Prevention through education Priority will be given to a continuing programme of education and support through formal PSHE, and through the tutor system. Pupils, parents and staff will be regularly

Suspicion of misuse If a member of staff has reason to suspect that a pupil is misusing drugs he/she must report the situation through the pupil’s Housemaster/mistress, to the Headmaster or his appointed Deputy, who will decide if further investigation or a drug test is warranted.

Investigation into possible misuse Once the Headmaster or his appointed Deputy has decided that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a pupil has been using controlled drugs he/she shall be accountable for all further action. A urine, hair or other test may be carried out; parents will be informed at the earliest opportunity. Refusal to take the test will be considered an admission of guilt and all normal sanctions will operate.

It is intended that the procedure be fully in accordance with the standards required to satisfy any legal challenge.

Sanctions • If the only firm evidence that a pupil has been taking controlled drugs or illegal substances is a positive test, the pupil may be allowed to return to School, having served a suspension and if so, will be given further guidance and support within the School and will be required to receive external professional counselling. The pupil will be required to disclose any drugs or related materials in his/her possession and to hand them over to the School authorities within a specified period of time. The pupil will also be under an obligation to submit to further testing during the rest of his/her career at the School. Any further positive test will lead to the pupil’s permanent exclusion from School.

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Any pupil caught supplying or inciting the use of controlled drugs, or being in possession with the intent to supply shall be permanently excluded from the School.

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Any pupil caught using controlled drugs or in possession of them, otherwise than for supply, shall be permanently excluded (except in the most extenuating circumstances).

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With regard to drug related offences the Police will usually be informed.

Confidentiality The records of testing will not be used for any other purpose and they will be destroyed when the pupil concerned leaves the School.

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POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES : SENIOR SCHOOL

GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO THE ABUSE OF SUBSTANCES NOT CURRENTLY ILLEGAL

GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO CONDUCT BETWEEN PUPILS

Principles • To prevent pupils from abusing those substances commonly called “Solvents” and “Steroids”, the use of which is not illegal, but the supply of which often is.

• A programme of education and support through PSHE and the tutor system, as with other harmful substances.

• Pupils’ awareness of the dangers of these substances, and the methods of inhaling them.

Principles This policy is set in the context of a caring Christian Community, and takes into account the introduction to the new Code of Conduct, which states “Pupils are expected at all times to show courtesy and respect towards all members of the school and the wider community, to behave responsibly, and to conduct themselves in everything they do so that they enhance their own reputations.”

Management If a member of staff has reason to suspect that a pupil is abusing these substances then he/she must report the situation through the pupil’s Housemaster/mistress to the Headmaster or his appointed deputy, who will decide on further actions.

The School emphasises the importance of mutual trust and respect in all relationships. Because Dean Close is a Christian School with pupils of both genders, many of whom are boarders, it is particularly important that pupils avoid public displays of private affection, since these are both inappropriate and potentially insensitive to the feelings of others, both pupils and adults. In general, use of common sense should and does ensure that pupils behave in an appropriate way. We recognise that particular one-to-one friendships will develop but they should be characterised by appropriate mutual respect and decency and should not, in the interests of those concerned, become exclusive. The School will uphold the principle that a full physical and emotional relationship should be reserved for marriage.

Sanctions • Parents are likely to be informed, in line with the Code of Conduct.

• The Police will be informed, in appropriate situations, as the sale of these substances in some quantities and their supply to a minor are illegal.

• Sanctions may include fines, estate work, and the requirement to be temporarily or permanently removed.

• At any level of sanctions pupils may be required to seek counselling.

GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO THE USE OF TOBACCO Principles • Dean Close School is a non-smoking community • Pupils may not smoke in school, in the vicinity of school, nor when in school dress.

• Possession of cigarettes is forbidden, as is supplying them to another pupil.

Sanctions • Initial offences will result in fines and estate work, escalating throughout an academic year (see Sanctions Procedure in the Code of Conduct).

• No town leave will be granted until the fine has been paid.

• A change in behaviour, such that there are no further incidents for two terms, will mean that the cumulative nature of such sanctions will cease. Therefore, resumption after this time will be treated as a first offence.

• Parents are likely to be informed in line with the Code of Conduct.

• The Police will be informed of persistent illegal sales.

• Persistent transgressions will be brought into the domain of the Senior Management Team, which means that Estate Work or required removal become possibilities.

• Persistent smokers will be expected to seek help to give up as part of the sanctions procedure.

Education • This begins in Dean Close Preparatory School, but continues through the PSHE programme, particularly in the Fourth Form. Health, anti-social, and economic aspects are considered. Parents and professionals, as well as staff, should be involved.

• It is expected that all members of staff will use formal and informal situations to continue this education.

• The value of doing something positive and absorbing in spare time cannot be minimised. For instance, it has been shown that learning to juggle can help someone to stop smoking.

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Management However, in cases where there is doubt about particular types of behaviour, clarification may be needed. Accordingly, the expectations are: • Pupils do not walk around or sit hand in hand or with arms around each other.

• Pupils refrain from kissing and touching in public, including in Common Room areas such as the Sixth Form Common Room.

• Pupils remain fully and modestly dressed in public, including in Common Room areas, on games fields (particularly in summer) and in the School grounds.

• Pupils must not cause embarrassment to those around them.

• Closeness of contact of a sexual nature is not allowed.

Such behaviour is considered a serious offence and pupils can expect the sanctions to include the possibility of suspension or permanent exclusion.

• Sexual language and behaviour can be used to intimidate others and, when used in this way, are covered by the School's guidelines with regard to bullying and abuse.

Sexual harassment is a serious offence and, like other serious sexual misdemeanours, will be dealt with by the Headmaster, Deputy Head or Deputy Head (Pastoral).

In the case of serious sexual misconduct: • Pupils will normally forfeit the right to remain in the School and are liable to be required to leave quickly.

• At the discretion of the Headmaster, they may be allowed to re-enter the School, provided they and their parents can assure the Headmaster that future conduct will be wholly appropriate; they may be required to receive some form of external counselling/support.

• A second serious offence will normally lead to permanent exclusion.

Education/information The School will aim to provide a suitable level of education for all pupils through the PSHE, tutor and general pastoral system of the School. Appropriate information published by outside agencies will be available through the medical system, as will confidential advice.

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POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES : SENIOR SCHOOL

GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Principles The School recognises the key legislation that underpins the provision of equality of opportunity in schools • • •

Sex Discrimination Act 1975 Race Relations Act 1976 Disability Discrimination Act 1995

All pupils at Dean Close School should have equal opportunities in all areas of activity without discrimination because of their gender, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, disability or nationality. They should be treated equally with regard to behaviour and discipline.

However, this cannot extend to areas of life in a Christian coeducational school such as games, necessarily played in single-sex teams, and boarding houses which necessarily accommodate a single sex.

DISCRIMINATION Direct Direct discrimination results from treating a person less favourably.

Indirect Indirect discrimination arises when a condition or requirement, although applied equally, has the effect of penalising or treating an individual less favourably.

Victimisation Victimisation occurs when a person is treated less favourably because he/she has exercised rights under the policy or legislation.

Harassment Harassment is behaviour, deliberate or otherwise, which is offensive and may threaten the employee’s job security or be intimidating.

PRACTICE All pupils are expected to observe the school regulations with regard to clothing, make-up and the wearing of jewellery. While the School will do all it can to assist access to the school by pupils with disabilities, and will not discriminate against pupils on the grounds of disabilities, the very nature of the buildings and plant may make it difficult for pupils with certain disabilities to attend the school.

Responsibilities Positions such as Team Captain, Prefect, Head of School, etc. will be conferred according to merit.

Religious Faith Those of different faiths should have the opportunity to practise these if they so wish. All members of the School are expected to attend the community’s acts of worship.

Behaviour and Discipline The School attempts to ensure that policies required by law include strategies to promote good relations, mutual respect, fairness, justice and tolerance between all members of the school community.

Classroom Management Staff should not discriminate in class, either by comment or in questioning, by gender or race.

Staff The School opposes unfair discrimination in employment and is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities.

It is intended that the recruitment, selection, training and promotion of staff are based on the criteria of merit and ability, and that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, domestic circumstances, age, disability, trade union activity, or political or religious beliefs.

The School considers it desirable to produce a statement of policy on equal opportunity in employment and to provide the necessary encouragement and guidance to Staff to implement the policy.

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Recruitment Applicants will be given clear and accurate information in the form of an up-to-date job description and person specification.

The selection panel will be aware of issues to do with equal opportunity.

Teachers with disabilities The School will train and retrain any teachers who become disabled while in employment or whose disability deteriorates.

Guidance The policy will inform and guide any action or thinking in the areas of Dismissal and Redundancy, Discipline, Grievance and Working Environment.

Monitoring Practice in the light of the policy will be monitored at regular intervals.

SUMMARY DEVELOPMENT TO 2016 This plan is a rolling programme of actions based on the School’s values and aims, and has been developed after consultation with staff and governors and taking into account parental opinion.

Strategic Aims The following strategic intent has been established. It is set within the context of the School’s Christian ethos and the values outlined above: •

Pastoral: To remain a flourishing, co-educational community for families; to be a welcoming, caring place where there is trust and where relationships are developed. Every individual feels valued. All pupils are equipped to cope with life after school.

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Academic: To sustain and enhance our reputation as a School with a strong academic emphasis while avoiding selection based on academic grounds alone. To encourage creativity, independence of thought and initiative, and to provide pupils with a body of knowledge of lasting value.

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POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES : SENIOR SCHOOL

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Co-curricular: To have a range of activity suitable to develop talents in all our young people. To preserve a national reputation for excellence in some aspects of the creative and performing arts and sports, and a regional reputation for strength in other major areas.

Growth and Scale: To maintain a structured development of the year groups through Pre-Prep and Prep Schools so that the Senior School can remain at capacity of 500.

Finance: To deliver a net surplus margin of not less than 6% p.a. with a borrowing limit of six months’ total income and a target to invest our annual surpluses, providing an environment fit for these aims to be achieved.

Charitable Status: To fulfil our founding objects as laid out in our Articles.

Under each of these headings a number of strategic aims have been identified and the School’s ambitions in each of these graded. Where it is felt that the current achievements differ from the aim, strategies to make the change are developed in the detailed plan.

Equally where the aim is being met the strategy to sustain this is included.

The full Plan comprises some 25 pages of actions and developments, and about 50 building, development and refurbishment projects. Some of these are longer-term aspirations, and some are commercially confidential. A line of summary under the relevant headings is given below: Pastoral • Maintain the strength of the Chaplaincy teams and their activities; provide chaplaincy centres.

• Sustain and encourage the family atmosphere in all three Schools; encourage staff families to be here; enable all boarding house parents to generate a family feel. Ensure that the welcome is maintained at all levels, particularly on induction for new pupils and staff.

• Maintain the strong anti-bullying culture; support open, respectful, friendly relationships between age groups and between pupils and staff. Enhance the feeling of inclusion of support staff.

• Improve pastoral environment: reduce inequalities between boarding houses; enhance day house layouts and equipment; provide social space for DCS junior pupils; enhance domestic matron provision.

• Maintain dual house and tutor systems in DCS and DCPS, and form-teacher system in DCPPS. • Maintain strong integration and experience of overseas pupils; enhance the programme of activities and social occasions.

• Maintain and enhance the PSHE/life skills programmes through the Schools.

Academic • Through well-targeted marketing and pupil recruitment secure the range of abilities within the School that will maintain our academic aspirations.

• Use opportunities for unrestricted curriculum (Y7-9) to best effect. Develop thinking, presentation and communication skills further. Continue to promote DCS library as a key resource.

• Encourage departmental and faculty ethos: sharing of best practice; cross-curricular thinking; cross-School communication; generation of academic buzz. Improve location of some classrooms and seek to provide some shared ‘faculty’ spaces.

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Continue planning work on academic ‘Heart of School’ project.

Balance academic breadth with sufficient depth to support university applications.

Ensure retention, recruitment and development of the best staff, teaching and non-teaching. Programmes to bring interns and GTP teachers into the School to be expanded.

Staff accommodation to be increased and improved.

Introduce computing as a taught subject at DCS; continue to enhance and develop cross-School IT provision.

Co-Curricular • Maintain the excellence of hockey at top level while ensuring good participation. Develop rugby, cricket, netball and tennis to provide strong School-level experiences with some challenging fixtures. Maintain the School sports club approach and the expectation of involvement.

• Relocate/upgrade swimming facilities.

• Produce a whole-School coaching strategy ensuring through-flow of talent and skills.

• Continue to support and develop the minor games programme internally and continue to have a strong presence in equestrian sports.

• Sustain a strong musical reputation producing choral excellence at a national level and individual instrumental achievement at diploma standard. Encourage large-scale participation in individual lessons, congregational and choral singing and rock music events.

• Installation of new Chapel organ.

• Maintain a national reputation for drama at a high standard while retaining participation and involvement and a high number of individual speech and drama pupils. Enhance DCS teaching and studio facilities.

• Retain the requirement for all pupils to have an involvement in Community Action. Sustain the strength of Uganda and other long-term charitable links, including local activity in Cheltenham.

• Extend outdoor activities at all ages so that the overall take-up of DofE through to Gold level increases. Support CCF and Ten Tors.

Growth and Scale • Improve retention post Nursery, from Y2 to Y3, Y6 to Y7 and Y11 to Y12. Sustain capacity numbers in all three Schools and marketing focus on the balance and range of talent on intake.

• Build a strong programme of Development and academic events.

Finance and Charitable Status • Maintain operating surplus at around 6% of fee income; ensure competitiveness of fees.

• Generate maximum additional income consistent with the School’s educational activities. Review activities of DCSL. • Focus bursary support on genuine widening of access but retaining the School’s founding objects as a criterion for selection.

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MAPS : SENIOR SCHOOL

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Chapel Bacon Theatre Swimming Pool Astro-Turf Pitches Estates Bursary School Shop Gymnasium Sports Hall Kenyon Pavilion Drama Studio

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MAPS : SENIOR SCHOOL

The Senior School is located on Shelburne Road, Cheltenham and for Sat Nav you should enter postcode GL51 6HE. On the School website, www.deanclose.org.uk, you will find links to Google maps and downloadable site maps.

Travelling by rail From London Paddington, Birmingham New Street and Bristol there are regular trains to Cheltenham.

The School is a five minute taxi ride or a ten minute walk from the station. Train times can be found on www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Travelling by air Nearest international airports are Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff, all approximately 1 hour away.

Local Taxi Companies A2B - 01242 580580 727 - 01242 523523

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Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6HE Telephone: 01242 258000 Registrar始s Email: registrar@deanclose.org.uk Headmaster始s Office Email: office@deanclose.org.uk Website: www.deanclose.org.uk