CS Parent Handbook (1)

Parent Handbook Chorister School 2025/26

Confidence for Life. Respect for All. Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

Our MARK Values

Moral Integrity We have the courage to say and do the right thing We demonstrate a will to do the right thing We can be relied upon to do the right thing We act in private as we do in public We stand firm for what is right We challenge things we think wrong and are open to challenge from others We are accountable for failure as well as success, and do not allocate blame We demonstrate and promote honesty, and are true to ourselves

Ambition We achieve our goals by consistently working toward them We go above and beyond the call of duty We’re ambitious when we set goals for ourselves We seek help and support before giving up and identify lessons in setbacks We encourage all to develop maximum potential and support others to achieve We embrace opportunities, challenge, and seek to develop our skills and talents We identify opportunities for School Development

Responsibility

Kindness

We do what we say we will We are punctual and prompt in all that we do We use our resources responsibly, developing and caring for our environment We act before being asked and consistently deliver on expectations We prepare thoroughly for all tasks We are accountable for our actions We encourage autonomy in all and seek leadership We acknowledge and seek to resolve problems We pioneer better ways of doing things

We are open and approachable to all, no matter their gender, faith, race or background We welcome and listen to the opinions of others and look to engage and involve a diverse range of views in the community We attend to and include newcomers and those needing help, and actively build relationships We support each other and stand up for fellow colleagues and pupils We acknowledge individual needs within our diverse and inclusive community We speak positively of the School community, and are positive in responding to questions

Contents

Contact Information Communication Guidance The School Day Site Access, Parking & Transport Absences Late Arrival & Early Collection Holidays in Term Time Walking Buses & Walking Home Co-Curricular Clubs, Supervised Prep & After School Care Signing Out at the End of the School Day Parent App & Communication Snacks, Drinks & School Meals Planning & Record Keeping School Bag & Equipment Lost Property Uniform & Appearance Prep, Home Learning, Diaries & Planners First Aid Illness Houses Barrington Boarding House Cathedral Choristers Curriculum, Reports & Parents’ Evening Dogs on Site

Page 1 Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 4 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 15 Page 15 Page 16

Fire Evacuation & Emergency Invacuation Pastoral Welfare Learning Support Internet Policy Safeguarding Photographs & Social Media Mobile Phones & Electrical Devices School Activities, Trips & Payments Music Lessons Sports & Weekends Friends of DCSF Staff List Our Social Media

Page 16 Page 16 Page 16 Page 17 Page 17 Page 17 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23

Contact Information

Head

Mrs S Harrod

Address:

Chorister School The College Durham DH1 3EL United Kingdom

Office Hours: Telephone Number: Email Address:

8am - 6pm 0191 731 9270 Chorister@dcsf.org.uk

Deputy Head (Academic) Deputy Head (Pastoral) Head of Pre-Prep: Head’s PA:

Mr I Campbell Mrs J Balfour Dr J Wilson Mrs J Green

Receptionists:

Mrs S Watson (Mon-Tues, 8am-6pm) Mrs N Bewley-Purvis (Wed-Fri, 8am-4:30pm) Mrs J Bowler (Wed-Fri, 4:30-6pm)

EYFS - Year 6 Admissions:

Miss R Dunwell

Medical Centre: Housemothers:

0191 731 9270 option 6 san@dcsf.org.uk Mrs M Johns Miss T Britton housemothers@dcsf.org.uk

School Website: Calendar Website: Sport Calendar Website:

www.dcsf.org.uk Schoolcalendar.dcsf.org.uk/ Schoolsport.dcsf.org.uk

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Communication Guidance We value contact with our parents. Please feel free to telephone, email or write via Reception. Messages will then be passed to the relevant staff members.

The DCSF Parental Communication Policy is available to view on our website.

All circular correspondence from School to parents will be made by email. To assist parents with planning, we email a Term Card at the beginning of each term which highlights the key Chorister School dates/events/ fixtures etc. For the upcoming term – please note, this is a static document, and changes can occur during the term.

We aim to keep the number of emails to a minimum and publish a weekly update each Friday, which contains operational information for the week and term ahead. School information can be found on our SharePoint link and on the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation website.

School correspondence may be viewed on our SharePoint Our central School email address is Chorister@dcsf.org.uk

The School Day The School day begins at 8.30am and children may arrive from 8.00am for supervised play. Registration closes at 8.40am. In wet weather, children go straight to their designated classrooms or year group areas.

EYFS (FS1 & FS2) finish at 3.20pm and are collected from the purple Secret Garden gate.

Years 1 & 2 finish at 3.20pm and are collected from outside Number 8, where they are signed out with a member of staff.

Years 3–6 finish at 4.10pm and are collected from the Cobbles, where they are signed out with a member of staff.

Children attending After School Care or Supervised Prep may be collected from the designated locations from 3.30pm (Years 1–2) or 4.30pm (Years 3–6) onwards.

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Site Access, Parking & Transport Please respect the traffic flow and parking rules within The College, which includes several private properties. We ask that parents park considerately and do not park on The Cobbles outside the front of the School or leave vehicles in The College.

Access to The Bailey between 10.00am and 2.00am is subject to a £5 daily Road User Charge per vehicle.

DCSF offers a discounted Bailey Access permit for parents with children in FS1–Year 3, costing £250 per academic year. This permit allows weekday access during term time for drop-off and pick-up at the Cathedral site and covers up to two vehicles. Durham County Council terms and conditions apply.

To support sustainable travel, the School operates daily Walking Buses to and from the Cathedral Site, with collection from the White Gates at 3.45pm (Years 1 & 2), 4.30pm or 5.30pm. Free parking is also available across the river near Durham School before 9.30am and after 3.00pm, with access permitted via a School-issued drop-off pass.

School transport is available for pupils in Year 3 and above on selected routes (chargeable).

For more information, please email transport@dcsf.org.uk.

For late arrivals or early collection, please report to Main Reception. If accessing The Bailey after 10.00am, the Road User Charge will apply. In the case of illness collection, vehicles will be added to the emergency exemption list.

School Office Opening Hours: 8.00am – 6.00pm.

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Absences If your child is unwell and unable to come to School, please telephone or email to report the absence by 8:30am.

It is extremely important that pupils who are feeling unwell with a potentially contagious illness are not brought into School without first seeking advice from a GP or the Medical Centre at Durham School. Any pupil who has been ill with vomiting and/or diarrhoea must remain off School while symptomatic and for 48 hours after their last episode (this guidance is from Public Health England).

If it is necessary for you to make routine dental or other appointments for your child during School time, please inform the School in advance. Please do all you can to keep such absences to a minimum.

Late Arrival & Early Collection Children arriving on site after 8.40am should be accompanied by parents to Reception where they will be signed in and further direction given, depending on year group.

For late arrivals or early collection, please report to Reception. If accessing The Bailey after 10am, the Road User Charge will apply.

In case of illness collection, vehicles will be added to the emergency exemption list.

Holidays in Term Time Attendance at School is directly linked to positive outcomes for pupils and so we ask that children are not taken out of School unless there are extenuating circumstances.

In any event, the absence should be notified in advance to the Head, Mrs Harrod, via the School office.

Chorister@dcsf.org.uk.

Important note: unless due to exceptional circumstances, holidays in term time will be recorded as unauthorised absence.

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Walking Buses & Walking Home

Our Walking Bus is accompanied by members of staff and helps reduce congestion around The Bailey and The College.

Please do not leave your child at the drop-off point unless a member of staff is present.

Morning Walking Bus (from White Gates): Bus 1: Drop-off 7.45–8.00am, departs 8.05am Bus 2: Drop-off 8.00–8.15am, departs 8.15am Afternoon Walking Bus: Departs the Cathedral site at 4.10pm and arrives at White Gates (Quarryheads Lane) at approximately 4.30pm, where children are handed over to parents.

If you are running late, please inform the School Office so duty staff can be notified. If a child is not collected by 4.40pm, a member of staff will walk them back to the Cathedral site.

At the end of each month, pupils can earn their very own WOW badge as part of our Chorister Commute initiative.

Children earn their badge by walking to School at least once each week, helping to promote healthy habits and sustainable travel.

EYFS Shuttle Bus Our shuttle bus leaves from Bow at 8.00am for children attending FS1 or FS2.

We also offer an EYFS shuttle bus at 3.20pm, which arrives at the Bow main drive between approximately 3.30– 3.50pm, depending on traffic, and another at 4.20pm, arriving between 4.30–4.50pm.

Year 6 children may walk home independently. We ask parents to notify the School in writing at the start of each academic year to give your permission for this.

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Co-Curricular Clubs, Supervised Prep & After School Care We ask that you complete the end of day arrangements for your child each day via the SOCS app. A schedule of extra-curricular clubs is issued at the beginning of each term, along with signing up information. After School Care operates at both sites, every afternoon during term time except for the last day of term.

EYFS to Year 2 A number of extra-curricular clubs are available each term which run from 3.20- 4.10pm after which after School care is available until 6.00pm. Parents are asked to complete an clubs/activities preference form at the start of each term.

Years 3 to 6 If children are staying for extra-curricular clubs or prep at the end of the School day, they should register with the member of staff on duty in the Dining Room, before going to the relevant club or to the Library for Supervised Prep.

At 5.20pm all activities finish and pupils can either be signed out from The Cobbles, or go to After School Care up to 6.00pm.

Parents are asked to complete a clubs/activities preference form at the start of each term.

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Signing Out at the End of the School Day

We are a thriving and growing School and each term we welcome new families and staff into our School community. With this in mind, we continue to assess our procedures to ensure care and consideration for all members of our School community. Please see below a few helpful reminders for following our signing out:

4.10pm – 4.20pm: If you have indicated ‘Cobbles’ collection on SOCS, a member of staff will sign your child out from the cobbled area at the front of School.

4.30pm: Activities and Supervised Prep start, following our end of School break. This is our next sign out window if you have been late arriving to The Cobbles or if there is a late change of plan to arrangements.

5.00pm– 5.15pm: Clubs sign out. We appreciate your patience while clubs sign out – the staggered finishes help to relieve congestion on The Cobbles.

6.00pm: After School closes and all day pupils should be collected by this time.

Collecting your child from Supervised Prep/After School Please ring the doorbell at the front of School. A member of staff will answer as quickly as possible but please be patient. We ask that you offer the name of your child to staff who will then collect your child from the Prep room. Please do not go to the Prep room yourself as we must be sure that your child has been signed out by the duty staff.

Collection by another adult In the event that another adult needs to collect your child from School, you must inform the School office so that this can be recorded on our sign out sheets.

Should an emergency arise and you have been unable to notify us of a different adult collecting your child, we will call you to confirm. We will also ask an unknown adult for identification.

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Parent App & Communications We are currently updating our parent app and communication systems. We will share any updates with you as soon as they are available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Snacks, Drinks & School Meals All children are provided with a School lunch, as well as a drink and healthy snack during morning break. FS1 and FS2 pupils enjoy their lunch alongside EYFS staff, who encourage children to develop healthy eating habits and a balanced diet.

As many of our pupils have specific dietary requirements, we do not allow food to be brought into School.

Copies of the School lunch menus for both sites are available on SharePoint, and our Catering Manager is always happy to discuss any dietary needs with parents.

We kindly ask that cakes or treats are not brought into School to celebrate birthdays. Birthdays are always acknowledged and celebrated in School so that each child’s day feels special.

We encourage drinking water in School during the day, and during Games lessons. Children should bring in a filled bottle in the morning, which can be refilled as necessary from the various points around the School sites. Bottles should contain water only, no soft or sugary drinks, please.

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Planning & Record Keeping In EYFS, we monitor children’s progress regularly in order to ensure that individual needs are provided for.

Each child’s progress and achievements are regularly uploaded to a Tapestry Online Learning Journal. The children’s journals are a celebration of their achievements and contain examples of their work and participation in activities. Parents/carers are able to log in to Tapestry to view what their child has been doing, and also to add your own observations of learning at home.

We offer the children a broad and balanced curriculum which follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework: Prime Areas: • Personal, Social and Emotional Development • Physical Development • Communication and Language Specific Areas: • Literacy • Mathematics • Understanding the World • Expressive Arts and Design Our experienced EYFS staff plan activities and experiences across all areas of learning. Children are effectively challenged, and staff actively encourage children to experience a range of stimulating activities.

The setting’s activities are a mixture of both child initiated and adult led. Staff allow for children’s spontaneous interests to develop and children are encouraged to be independent learners.

Children in the EYFS have access to a variety of activities, both planned and self-chosen, which provide opportunities to learn through play which is our primary medium of delivery. We offer a mixture of quiet and active times throughout the day. Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They have access to a secure garden area and a large hard play area.

EYFS children are included in some assemblies, concerts, and events of the Pre-Prep Department.

Our Early Years children benefit from specialist subject teaching in Music and PE. FS2 children also swim regularly at Durham School.

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School Bag & Equipment Your child will receive a copy of their timetable, which will show when they have PE and Swimming. Games sessions take place on Monday and Thursday for Years 3–4, and Tuesday and Friday for Years 5–6. Games kit varies depending on the term and sport. Pupils also have one PE lesson each week, for which they may wear their games/PE kit.

Years 3-6 Swimming and Forest School run on an A and B week rotation.

Swimming pupils need: . swimwear . a towel . goggles (optional) . swim cap Forest School pupils should bring: . wellies or suitable outdoor footwear . waterproof clothing to keep at School School bags EYFS–Year 2: School bookbag or small backpack and a printed drawstring bag for swimming.

Years 3–6: School rucksack for daily items and a printed rucksack for swimming.

All pupils have their own coat peg and are encouraged to hang up coats and bags each morning.

Equipment All textbooks are provided by the School and must be looked after carefully. The School may charge for books that are lost or damaged.

EYFS–Year 2: pupils only need their School bag and a water bottle.

Years 3–6: pupils should bring a small backpack with a pencil case containing: . Pencils . Eraser . Pencil sharpener . Ruler . Colouring pencils (Highlighters and a glue stick are optional.)

Year 6 pupils will also require a basic geometry set. Parents will be notified if any additional items are needed.

Lost Property We request that all personal property is named clearly. All instances of lost property should be reported to your child’s form tutor who will endeavour to help find items as quickly as possible.

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Uniform & Appearance

School uniform should be ordered online from our approved suppliers: Uniform: www.Schoolblazer.com Sports kit: www.graysteamsports.com All items of clothing and sports kit must be clearly named.

Games kit may only be worn on Games days or with specific permission for fixtures. On PE days, children should arrive in School uniform and School shoes, changing into trainers for their lesson.

General appearance guidelines: Accessories such as headbands should be in School colours.

Make-up, fake tan and nail polish are not permitted.

Hair should be neat, a natural colour and kept off the face. Long hair (shoulder length or longer) must be tied back during the School day.

The School supports pupils with Afro-textured hairstyles, including afros, braids, twists, locs, cornrows and head wraps.

Any wraps or scarves should be navy blue or black.

Jewellery A single pair of small stud earrings (gold, silver or small pearl) may be worn in the earlobe.

No other visible piercings, necklaces or bracelets are permitted, except medical alert bracelets.

All jewellery must be removed for PE, Games and activities for safety reasons.

Only DCSF pin badges or School award badges may be worn on lapels.

EYFS and Key Stage 1 (FS1–Year 2) Children should bring named wellies to keep at School.

FS1 and FS2 pupils are encouraged to bring spare underwear and clothing to School.

Requests for religious exceptions to these guidelines should be made by parents or carers to the Headmistress.

Please do not allow your child to bring any valuable items to the School at any time. You should ensure that all property is adequately insured. All property is kept at the School entirely at the owner’s risk.

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Prep, Home Learning, Diaries & Planners Regular homework, referred to as Prep within the School, is set in an age‑appropriate and supportive way, with expectations increasing gradually as pupils progress through the year groups.

The nature and quantity of Prep will vary between years and subjects, but all tasks are designed to develop independent study skills and reinforce the learning that takes place in School. At the start of the year, children in EYFS receive a reading record book and children in Years 1 to 6 each receive a Prep Diary, in which all homework should be recorded.

This diary also serves as a useful channel of communication between home and School. A Homework Timetable is published at the beginning of each academic year and outlines subject expectations and recommended time allocations for each year group.

Pupils in FS2 have home learning tasks set on Tapestry at the beginning of each term. The expectation is that phonics flashcards and/or reading happens every night wherever possible.

Pupils in Year 1 and 2 receive Prep (homework) each day. We recommend the following times as guidance: Year 1: 15 minutes Year 2: 20 minutes In Years 3-6, we recommend the following as guidance on the maximum time children should spend on their prep each evening: Year 3 and 4: 20 minutes Year 5: 2x 20 minutes Year 6: 2x 20 minutes Children are encouraged to read daily, either independently or to an adult, alongside completing their homework.

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First Aid We have several members of staff trained in First Aid, and we can also seek advice from the Nursing staff at the Medical Centre at Durham School.

If your child becomes unwell or has a minor injury during the School day, they will first be seen by a qualified First Aider. Parents will receive a notification via Medical Tracker if first aid has been administered. If an injury or illness requires further attention, you will be contacted by telephone.

If your child needs additional treatment, you will be asked to collect them from School.

In an emergency, First Aiders will assess the situation and may contact the Medical Centre, call the emergency services, or take the pupil directly to A&E at the University Hospital of Durham.

Parents will be informed immediately, and a member of staff will remain with your child until you or your nominated contact arrives.

Illness If a pupil is unwell during the School day, they will be taken to see the Housemother or a First Aider, who will contact you if they feel that you need to be informed.

If you decide to keep your child at home for reasons of illness, please contact Chorister@dcsf.org.uk.

Sickness and/or diarrhoea It is School policy that a child should remain at home for 48 hours after the last bout of sickness or diarrhoea.

Medicines If medication is prescribed by your doctor and needs to be administered during the School day (for example an antibiotic), you should always hand in the medication to the School offices, in person, when dropping your child off.

A written, signed instruction must be handed in with the medicine indicating the dose and time to be given.

Alternatively, a form may be downloaded from the School website. Your child must report to the School Reception at the appropriate time for administration of the medication.

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Houses Every child at Chorister School is automatically placed into one of our four houses: Framwellgate, Kingsgate, Prebends, or Elvet, all proudly named after the four bridges that connect Durham City.

From Year 2 to Year 6, pupils meet in their houses once a week. These sessions are a wonderful opportunity to build community spirit and celebrate success together.

During house meetings, children are recognised for reaching their 25, 50, and 100 house-point milestones, receiving a certificate and a small prize to mark their achievement. House points can be earned for many positive contributions, from showing kindness and good manners to demonstrating excellent effort in lessons, ensuring every child has the chance to shine.

Children in FS1 to Year 1 are very much a part of our house system too and they begin earning house points from an early age. They join in with house activities whenever it is appropriate for their age group. This gentle introduction helps them build early connections, feel part of the wider School community and enjoy taking part in the excitement and celebrations.

Throughout the year, houses also take part in a range of friendly competitions, from paper-aeroplane challenges to Touch-Typing tournaments, House Singing and, of course, Sports Day. These events build teamwork, confidence and plenty of excitement. The house system also offers meaningful leadership opportunities, with Head of House roles available for pupils in both Year 2 and Year 6.

Our houses hold a special place in the hearts of both staff and pupils, and house pride is always on display.

While we value healthy competition, our house system is equally about connection, belonging, and fostering a strong sense of community across the School.

Kingsgate

Elvet

Framwellgate

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Prebends

Barrington Boarding House We have provision for Year 3 - Year 6 day pupils to board on a weekly and flexible basis. All bookings for breakfast, tea, and flexi boarding must be made at least 24 hours in advance, and the charge for this will be added to your bill. Emergency boarding can be arranged in extremis.

Cathedral Choristers The Cathedral Choristers are all educated at the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation as weekly boarding or day pupils. Every year, Durham Cathedral look for girls and boys aged 8 or over, to join the ranks, who initially start as probationers (trainee Choristers). If you would like to find out more about this, please contact Miss R Dunwell who will liaise with the Master of Choristers to arrange an informal voice trial.

Curriculum, Reports, & Parents’ Evenings Chorister School follows the National Curriculum as a foundation in most subjects and then extends beyond it, while also enriching pupils’ learning through high‑quality Art, Music, and Sports provision. Yearly curriculum overviews are published at the start of each academic year.

Information about Assessment and Reporting is also shared at the beginning of the year, and parents are invited to attend a Meet the Staff and Academic Information Evening during the Autumn term.

Parents’ Evenings are held twice a year, with meetings in the first term with Form Tutors and those in the second term providing opportunities to meet with subject teachers (for years 5 and 6). These meetings enable you to discuss your child’s progress in detail but conversations with staff can be arranged at other times should you wish to speak with them.

Effort and Attainment reports, including Form Tutor comments and targets for English, Maths, and Science, are published at the end of both the first and second terms for pupils in years 1 to 6.

A full, individualised, report is issued at the end of each academic year for all pupils (EYFS to year 6).

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Dogs on Site We enjoy seeing canine members of our families playing their part in the daily School routine in the morning and evenings. However, for the safety of the whole School community, we ask · When outside School, please keep dogs on leads and away from the Cobbles. · Please keep dogs away from the children on walking buses between School and the White Gates. · There should be no dogs on playing fields during School sports fixtures or when collecting children from sports fixtures.

Fire Evacuation & Emergency Invacuation The evacuation routine in case of fire is clearly marked in the School. There are termly fire drills and invacuation drills.

Pastoral Welfare Our Durham Cathedral Schools Behaviour Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy are available on the School website.

At the beginning of each School year, we publish a reminder of our expectations of behaviour, including rewards and sanctions.

Learning Support Chorister School is an inclusive community and provides a wide range of support for children who may benefit from additional assistance. Our experienced SEND team oversees the provision of support plans and tailored interventions, offering specialist assistance across a broad spectrum of educational and learning needs.

In most cases, our SENDCo will contact you directly regarding your child’s provision.

However, if you have any questions about academic progress or support, you are welcome to arrange an appointment with our Deputy Head (Academic), Mr Campbell, at i.campbell@dcsf.org.uk.

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Internet Policy The internet is an essential part of modern life and plays an important role in education, business and communication. However, pupils are not permitted to access chatrooms or social networking sites while at School.

We provide regular online safety training for staff, parents and pupils to ensure everyone understands how to use the internet responsibly and safely.

Safeguarding Ms H Thompson, Deputy Head (Pastoral), is our Designated Safeguarding Lead. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact her at h.thompson@dcsf.org.uk.

Further information can be found here regarding our Online Safety Policy.

Photographs & Social Media We request that photographs which parents may take at School events are of their children only and are for their own private use. Any photographs which include other children must not be uploaded to any internet site including social networking sites.

If you do not wish for your child to be named or featured on our social media channels or website, please let us know.

Parents and guardians are asked to complete the Photo Permissions form, which can be found here, to indicate their preferences regarding the use of photographs.

Mobile Phones & Electronic Devices If travelling on School transport or an independent walker (Year 6 only), pupils are permitted to bring a ‘named’ mobile phone to School. The phone must be switched off and handed in to the Reception desk each morning and then collected at the end of the School day.

Should your child need to contact you during the day, they will be allowed to use the School telephone.

If you need to get a message to your child about collection arrangements, this should be done via School Reception.

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School Activities, Trips & Payments At the start of each School year, parents are asked to complete an annual permission form allowing their child to take part in School trips and sporting fixtures.

You will always be informed in advance of any trip, including details of the activity and any associated costs. If you would prefer your child not to attend, you will have the option to withdraw them from the trip.

We aim to keep the cost of trips to a minimum wherever possible.

Pupils in Years 3 to 6 are also offered the opportunity to take part in a residential activity course during the Summer Term.

Charges for educational visits and some School activities will be communicated to parents via the Weekly Update, which will include details of the cost and payment deadline.

Payments for School trips are added to School Gateway, and parents will be notified when a payment becomes available.

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Music Lessons We recognise the many benefits that learning a musical instrument can bring to a child’s development. Most pupils from Year 2 onwards – and sometimes earlier – learn at least one instrument.

We have around 20 experienced Visiting Music Teachers, offering lessons across a wide range of instruments.

These teachers work closely with parents and the School’s Music Department to support pupils in their musical progress. To enquire about or sign up for individual music lessons, parents are encouraged to contact the Music Department.

Pupils have many opportunities to perform and develop their musical skills, including class music-making, recitals, concerts and larger performances. Children also learn additional instruments in class, such as recorder and ukulele, helping them develop their aural, theoretical, composition and performance skills.

Practice spaces are available throughout the School day, including before and after School, allowing pupils to rehearse and prepare for lessons and performances.

A range of instrumental groups and ensembles run throughout the year, depending on pupil interest and availability. These may include orchestral groups, chamber ensembles and contemporary bands, with opportunities to perform at School events and services.

Singing is a central part of life at Chorister School. From the age of three, children regularly explore and develop their voices. In addition to our Cathedral Choristers, the School has several choirs, and all pupils take part in musical events such as Nativity performances, services, concerts and House Singing competitions.

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Sports & Weekends School Calendar: https://Schoolcalendar.dcsf.org.uk School Sports site: https://Schoolsport.dcsf.org.uk • You can filter the sections of the calendar you wish to see by clicking filter and select the sections that are relevant to you.

• The School calendar can be synced to your personal calendar on your phone, tablet or computer.

• If you click onto a sports fixture displayed on the calendar, go to details and click onto the blue person icon to see the team sheet and fixture details.

• The sports map shows all our sports facility locations. If the opposition provide us with the detailed facility information for away fixtures, this will also be displayed otherwise the School details will be included.

• Pupils should inform their parents if they are selected for a match.

Note: • Every effort is made to ensure the calendar is accurate and up to date.

• Sports fixture arrangements can often change at the last minute depending on the weather, traffic, a competition taking longer than expected or other variables that are out of our control. For Chorister School, parents will be contacted by the School offices if necessary.

Rugby All children playing Rugby must have studded boots for games. This is for safety as the ground is becoming a lot more slippery.

All children in Year 4 must now also have a gum shield. (The RFU have allowed U9 players to practise tackling).

Football For safety, all children playing football are required to wear football boots and shin pads for games, sessions and matches - ths is required by law.

Off-Games We need your written permission for your child to be off games or off swimming. To do this, please either add a note to their School planner or email Chorister@dcsf.org.uk by 8am on the day.

Swimming Children from FS2 to Year 6 have regular swimming lessons. Children will require a swim suit/trunks, swimming cap, and a towel - goggles are optional. Please could children come to School wearing their swimsuit/trunks under their uniform for ease of changing prior to lessons, but please don’t forget the undies in swimming bags!

Be prepared for bad weather Children in Years 3 to 6 always walk from the Cathedral Site to the swimming pool at Durham School and will go in all weathers.

During wet periods, when children have Games in the morning, please provide them with a change of clothing.

There are a few occasions (such as Open Morning and sports fixtures) when day pupils might be required at weekends, and you will be notified in advance.

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Friends of DCSF All parents of children at Chorister School (and Durham School), along with Foundation staff members and Old Dunelmians, are automatically members of the Friends of DCSF. The Friends exist to bring the Dunelmian community together through social events and to support projects that enhance School life for our children.

At Chorister School, the Friends help organise and support a range of activities for pupils and families. Recent support has included pantomime trips, art projects, gardening areas around the School, and the ever-popular School disco. One of the highlights of the year is helping to bring Santa on his sleigh to visit EYFS and FS1 & FS2 pupils each Christmas.

Across the Foundation, the Friends also organise social events for parents, including the New Parents’ BBQ at the start of the School year and the much-loved Summer Ball on the final weekend of the School year. While these events are primarily about bringing families together, they also help raise funds for “extras” that benefit pupils across the Foundation.

The Friends also help run the year group WhatsApp groups, making it easier for parents to stay connected and informed. In addition, the Friends of DCSF Business Club meets monthly during term time for breakfast and to discuss topics of shared professional interest.

The Friends work because of the time and energy given by parents across the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation. Even half an hour a term can make a real difference. If you would like to help organise events, support School activities, or simply get involved in the community, we would love to hear from you.

For more information on how to get involved, please email friends@dcsf.org.uk.

The Friends of DCSF is a Registered Charity (No. 1081299) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 347512).

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Staff List Head

Mrs S Harrod

Deputy Head Academic

Mr I Campbell

Deputy Head Pastoral

Mrs J Balfour

Head of Pre-Prep

Dr J Wilson

Upper Key Stage 2 Coordinator

Mrs L Wilkinson

Lower Key Stage 2 Coordinator

Mrs C Batty

EYFS Lead

Mrs T Metcalfe

PA to Head

Mrs J Green

School Receptionists

Mrs N Bewley-Purvis, Mrs S Watson

Music Administrator

Mrs J Bowler

EYFS Stage 1 (Pre-School)

FS1 - Mrs Edmundson

EYFS Stage 2 (Reception)

FS2Me - Mrs Metcalfe FS2Mab - Miss Maw

Year 1

1P - Mrs Prynn 1WS - Mrs Williams & Mrs Sanderson

Year 2

2JY - Mrs Johnson & Mrs Younger 2W - Dr Wilson

Year 3

3B - Miss Batty 3BR - Miss Brewster

Year 4

4J - Mrs Jenkinson 4S - Mrs Sutton

Year 5

5MB - Mrs McNeill & Mrs Barber 5R - Mrs Richardson

Year 6

6F - Mrs Field 6S - Mr Smith 6W - Mrs Wilkinson

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Our Social Media

To stay up to date with daily life at Durham School, from pupil achievements to everyday moments that make our community special, we invite you to follow us on social media.

It’s the best way to see what makes our pupils Confident for Life.

Most of our content is shared on Instagram, unless otherwise stated. You can find us here:

Main School Channel @ChoristerSchool - Instagram Chorister School - Facebook @Chorister_sch_sport @barringtonhousedcsf @Chorister.head Alumni @old_dunelmians Facebook Old Dunelmians Friends of DCSF LinkedIn Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation Durham School A virtual map can be found on our website https://tinyurl.com/DurhamCSF

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Chorister School Durham School

@ChoristerSchool @durhamschool1414

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation Durham School

（微信）: DurhamSchool

Get in touch: prep-admissions@dcsf.org.uk 0191 731 9270 www.dcsf.org.uk The College, Durham, DH1 3EL