Senior School Parent Information Book

STROUD SCHOOL HANDBOOK Senior School 2021/2022

WELCOME In Senior School, we recognise that children are growing into young adults and our role is to support, guide and enhance this development. We focus on the whole child: academic rigour and exam preparation combines with exceptional pastoral support and experiences that will stay with children for the rest of their lives.

Suzy Martin Head of Senior School Please do contact your child’s form tutor should you need any further information.

This unique time is an opportunity for children to grow into curious learners who are excited by the opportunities Stroud can provide. From extended residentials to an end-of-year performance, children flourish as confident, caring individuals who are starting to understand who they really are.

Year 6 Mrs Martin: sem@stroud-kes.org.uk Mrs Duncan: rjd@stroud-kes.org.uk Miss Brooker: cb@stroud-kes.org.uk Mr Brett: jhb@stroud-kes.org.uk Mrs Fay: trf@stroud-kes.org.uk

At Stroud, we see our community as one big family, and offer the chance for children to learn from mistakes, grow and learn in an environmet that is focused on finding the talents and interests of every child. Our children leave Stroud ready to face the challenges of their next steps - sad to leave, but always ready to take on their next adventure.

Year 7 Mrs van Zyl: jvz@stroud-kes.org.uk

An accompanying sports handbook, fully explaining all you need to know about sport at Stroud, is also available - please see this for more detailed sporting information.

Year 8 Miss Edmondson: hle@stroud-kes.org.uk Mrs Wilcox: jw@stroud-kes.org.uk

CONTENT

STROUD SCHOOL TEAM

3

THE CURRICULUM IN SENIOR SCHOOL

4

HOW YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN

5

PASTORAL CARE

6

DAILY ROUTINE

7

ASSESSMENT

9

WAYS TO HELP AT HOME

10

EQUIPMENT

11

MEDICAL

12

GENERAL INFORMATION

13

COMMUNICATION

14

PARENT PORTAL

15

SSA

16

INSPECTION REPORT AND POLICIES

17

MAP OF SCHOOL

18

UNIFORM

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STROUD SCHOOL TEAM The team are looking forward to welcoming your family to Stroud and getting to know your child.

Each year team has dedicated form tutors, however the children will interact with all staff within the department.

We operate an open-door policy and we are here to help.

If you would like to discuss something in detail, please contact us via email to make an appointment.

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THE CURRICULUM IN SENIOR SCHOOL

We have a lively curriculum designed to inspire young minds. We believe that the children learn best when they are finding out for themselves and learning from mistakes. Each half term, a curriculum overview will be sent to you, explaining what your child is learning and allowing you to support your child at home with their learning.

The children are taught by specialist teachers for all of their subjects, and move to subject-based classrooms for each new lesson.

Rooms include a drama studio, science lab, sports hall, music room, art studio and DT workroom. Children are also able to use our swimming pool, having riding lessons in the menage and play tennis on our courts.

The day-to-day curriculum is enriched through trips, visitors and whole-school events such as World Book Day, where pupils take part in themed activities that provide inspiration and encourage collaboration.

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HOW YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN We know all our children in Senior School extremely well: what makes them tick, where their strengths lie and where they need support. We mould their educational experience to bring light into their eyes and to enable to them to aim high and be all that they can be.

We believe variety is key to making school fascinating. Give children lots of different ways to experience learning and they will thrive and be hungry to learn more.

Our smaller class sizes mean we have more time to teach, discuss and support each pupil. It also means we are light on our feet and able to plan and implement changes and ideas promptly.

Making school a happy place requires several things, one of the most important of which is the adults present. We have an experienced, energised and talented team who welcome the children with broad smiles. Our children know that their teachers notice them and feel reassured and safe.

Children are unique and we understand that children enjoy different aspects of school life. There is plenty of time built into the school day to play independently, to get outdoors, and to do Art, Drama, Sport and Music. Outdoor learning also appeals to and suits many children. Children have sport three times a week, as well as matches on Wednesday afternoons.

Prep, also known as homework, will be set in accordance with your child’s age. A separate Prep timetable can be found on your child’s Google Classroom.

Music and Speech & Drama lessons, also known as Extras, are available from Year 3 upwards. These will take place during the school day on a rota to ensure your child does not always miss the same curriculum lesson. Extras can be booked via a form that will be available in the school bulletin.

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PASTORAL CARE FORM TUTORS Your child’s form tutor is their main point of contact. They are responsible for your child’s welfare in school and should be your first port of call if you have any questions or concerns. As appropriate, this will then be shared with the Head of Senior School or the appropriate ELT staff.

REWARDS AND GUIDANCE Children collect stars for commendable work and actions. Gold Stars, worth ten stars, are awarded for going above and beyond. Children collect the stars for their Sections, and the Section that has collected the most stars at the end of each term is given a special Section treat. Poor behaviour will be dealt with by the form tutor and, where appropriate, senior managers. The focus will be on correcting children in a supportive and pro-active way what helps them to make better decisions in the future. Form tutors will communicate with parents to provide a cohesive approach.

SECTIONS Each child is allotted a Section: Bulldogs, Greyhounds and Terriers.

They collect stars for their Section and compete in sporting events throughout the school. Year 8 Section Leaders are responsible for leading their Section in assemblies, running litter picks and helping to build Section morale.

PREFECTS At the end of Year 7, children have the opportunity to apply for a Prefect role. These include Head Boy, Head Girl, Heads of Section and specific Prefect curriculum positions such as Sport or Music Prefect. All selections are made by the Senior School staff.

Prefects take on extra responsibilities such as duties, and are part of our Mates scheme, which partners them with Year 3 children as mentors.

Our Mates go on trips together, spend time playing in a Mates Break each week and provide a close bond between the beginning and end of the children’s Prep School journey.

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DAILY ROUTINE Senior School is located in Highwood House. The school day is from 08:40 until 16:30 Monday to Friday.

Wraparound care is available from 07:45 - 17:45 daily.

If you arrive at school later than registration, we ask that you register your child at Reception. If you need to collect your child during the school day, please go via Reception to collect them.

• • • • • • • • • • •

07:45 - 08:15 08:15 08:30 - 08:40 08:40 - 09:00 10:30 - 10:50 12:55 - 13:55 13:55 16:30 16:30 - 16:45 16:45 - 17:45 17:45 - 18:45

Breakfast in the Dining Room Early arrivals to form rooms Drop-off on ASD court Registration Break time and snack Lunch in the Dining Room, followed by break time Registration End of school day Prep tea After-school clubs or Prep Late clubs

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BREAKFAST CLUB Breakfast Club (for which there is an extra charge) is held in the Dining Room. It begins at 07:45 and finishes at 08:15. There is no need to sign-up in advance; your child is welcome to join us on the day, but please arrive by 08:00.

SNACK Children may bring in a healthy snack for morning break. Stroud School is Allergy Aware, pupils are specifically asked not to bring snacks to school that contain nuts or traces of nuts. Please also send your child with a clear water bottle each day.

LUNCH The kitchen caters for all dietary needs. We offer a range of foods, which we encourage the children to try. Should your child have specific dietary requirements, please email Matron and inform your child’s form tutor. A weekly menu is posted in the weekly bulletin.

END OF THE DAY At 16:30, children are dismissed by their form tutors from the front of Highwood House. Uncollected children will be taken to Prep.

If you wish for someone other than a parent to collect your child, please inform the School Office .

PREP TEA A light snack and drink will be provided for your child if they are staying for a club or Prep.

CLUBS Information and details on clubs, including booking, is available on My School Portal. Clubs normally start at 16:45 and finish at 17:45.

Pupils will be dismissed from the Dining Room. Late clubs are dismissed from the ASD Hall.

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT The school operates a fleet of mini buses. The bus routes are altered each year depending on parental need; please contact the School Office for further details and booking. Places are booked on a termly basis.

PREP This is an opportunity for Senior School children to complete their homework at school. This is available everyday from 16:45 to 17:45. Half Prep is also available from 16:45 to 17:15. Children can sign-up each day in registration.

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ASSESSMENT Your child’s progress will be continually assessed throughout the academic year. This will be through informal, day-to-day observations and more formal summative assessments at the end of units, at the end of each term and at the end of the academic year.

In the Autumn Term, pupils will participate in online GL Assessments that adapt to the performance of the children.

They will also sit some summative online assessments in English, Maths and Science in the Summer Term. These will help form a judgement about your child’s progress from the previous year.

Reports are sent home at the end of the Autumn Term. At the end of the academic year, a full report is sent home with effort and attainment grades.

There are regular evenings set aside for parents to discuss pupils’ progress with members of staff.

Individual learning needs are supported by the Learning Support Department, where staff liaise closely with class teachers and parents to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to succeed.

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WAYS TO HELP AT HOME We endeavour to foster a love of reading in all of our children, and encouraging this at home will support their lifelong reading journey.

Some readers prefer audiobooks, magazines or non-fiction texts - all of these are equally valid - if your child is immersing themselves in literature then please encourage this in all its forms. A recommended reading list is available on the school VLE, and your child’s English teacher will be happy to chat through some recommended options for your child. Remember that reading is a marathon, not a sprint, and all children develop at different rates - the focus is on never giving it up.

The school has access to a variety of online platforms to support your child’s learning. These include times table, spelling, reasoning and maths apps that can be completed at home to embed your child’s learning. Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like further support in using these platforms.

In Senior School, children receive homework to support their learning - helping your child to access this is a really useful way to support thelessons that have taken place in school. Please do remember that we challenge your child with a rigorous curriculum and engage them with a range of extra-curricular opportunities - once they have completed their prep, it’s important to offer some time to relax. A walk outside discussing a book they’ve read or a game of Monopoly using money skills offer relaxed ways to support your child and help them continue their love of learning.

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EQUIPMENT Throughout Senior School, we endeavour to develop pupils’ personal organisation skills. It is, therefore, expected that pupils arrive at lessons with all necessary books and equipment. The following equipment list is requested for all Senior School pupils. Please help your child to check their pencil case regularly and ensure missing items are replenished. The school equipment shop (open at break times) stocks items at very reasonable prices. Please also note that a biro should not be used as a writing pen.

Handwriting pen - blue or black

Green biro

Highlighter

Pencil

Scientific calculator

Red biro

Eraser and sharpener

180 degree protractor

Pair of compasses

Glue stick

Ruler

French dictionary

Spanish dictionary

Colouring pencils

Dictionary for home use (optional)

iPads: All pupils in Year 7 and 8 are expected to bring their own Apple iPad into school to use during lessons and for Prep. iPad Specifications: • Full size iPad (not an iPad Mini, please) • We recommend that parents should consider purchasing the latest generation iPad that supports the most recent version of iPad OS • Minimum 32GB storage • Wi-Fi only (not mobile enabled) • Compatible with an Apple Pencil. It is not currently necessary to purchase an Apple Pencil, although it has been found to be beneficial Additional Requirements: • A suitable protective case that protects the corners and screen • Insurance that includes accidental damage. Please check that you are covered for school use – some policies only cover domestic use. Please note that most policies do not cover loss • A set of headphones

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MEDICAL If your child is unwell, please fill in the absence request form on the Parent Portal: https://my.stroud-kes.org.uk/login Any pupil who becomes unwell or injured during the school day is referred to Matron. If necessary, you will be contacted to discuss the best course of action.

Medicines, including cough linctus, anti-histamine, paracetamol and ibuprofen preparations, will only be administered to children when there is permission to do so.

If your child requires medication whilst at school, their medicine should be given to Matron in the medical room. A short-term medical needs administration of medication form must be completed. Please see Matron for these forms, or they can also be collected from the School Office.

If your child is prescribed antibiotics, please ensure they have had 24 hours of the course before returning to school.

If your child has sickness or diarrhoea, they must be 48 hours clear of the last symptoms before returning to school. If they show signs of a temperature, please keep them at home until they have been 24 hours fever free.

This is to stop the spread of infection.

Stroud School is Allergy Aware and caters for pupils with a wide range of medical needs, including, but not limited to, gluten intolerance (Coeliac), nut and peanut, egg, and dairy allergies. We also cater for a wide range of cultural dietary requirements. Foodstuffs containing nuts should not be brought on site to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Parents are requested to clearly label all food brought on site that may be shared or sold for charity events. Food brought in for celebrations birthdays should be clearly labelled and handed over to the form teacher.

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Water bottles

Birthdays

Sun Protection

Your child is allowed to drink water whenever they require throughout the day and we ask that your child brings a clear water bottle to school everyday. Water bottles are available from Stevensons.

These should only contain water and be clearly named.

Birthdays are important days for the children and we enjoy sharing these special days with them.

On sunny days, suntan lotion should be applied at home prior to coming to school. For health and safety reasons, we cannot apply this at school to the children.

Children should bring in their school sun hats.

Children are welcome to bring in cakes or sweets for their birthday, but these must be nut-free, in accordance with our allergy awareness policy. It must be clearly labelled and handed to the class teacher.

Holiday Requests Requests for absence should be made through the Parent Portal.

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COMMUNICATION Stroud is a vibrant school, with lots happening every week. We share our exciting news stories in the following media:

The Stroud Bulletin A round-up of all information and news is emailed to parents every Friday evening. This also contains essential information about the following week and upcoming events.

Twitter (@Stroud_school) News stories as they happen.

Facebook (@Stroudschool) News stories for you to share with your friends and family.

Instagram (@stroudschool) News stories as they happen.

School Website stories page (http:// www.stroud-kes.org.uk/whats-happening/news/)

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PARENT PORTAL The Stroud Parent Portal provides direct information to families about their child and the school.

Inside this secure area, parents can access information about the school, such as the calendar, child-specific information, including timetables and school reports.

Parents’ evenings, Clubs and Tea Club are booked through this system. Please report your child’s absence from school or request a leave of absence on the home page.

The Portal can be found at https://my.stroud-kes.org.uk/login. When joining the school, you will be sent the link to register and details to log in for the first time. Please note, this will be sent within the first week of the summer holidays.

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SSA

Every parent automatically becomes a member of the Stroud School Association (SSA). Our aim is to organise social events for the children, families and staff to help build the strong community and friendships that make Stroud such a special place. All the funds we raise from events such as the Christmas Fayre, Prosecco Party and Easter Egg Hunt are used to fund projects for the benefit of the children.

If you are interested in helping the SSA, please join the SSA Volunteers Group on Classlist, or email us on thessacommittee@gmail. com if you would like more information about joining the committee.

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTION REPORT

In December 2019, Stroud achieved ‘Excellent’ – the highest possible grading – in its latest Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

The top grading was achieved in both academic achievement and personal development, and was recognised as such from Nursery to Year 8. The ISI is the Ofsted equivalent for independent schools, approved by the Department for Education. This was the first inspection of this type that the school has had since 2011 and follows a Regulated Compliance Inspection in 2017, which the school passed with no recommendations.

A copy of the full inspection report can be found on our website: http://www.stroud-kes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Stroud-School-King-Edward-VI-Prep-School-RCI-report-v5-2017-03-02.pdf

POLICIES All of our school policies can be found on the Stroud School website: https://www.stroud-kes.org.uk/about-stroud/key-information/

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STROUD MAP

Key Facilities: 1 2 3 4

School Reception Highwood House Early Years Key Stage 1

5 Middle School 6 Music 7 ASD Sports Hall 8 Dining Room

9 Matron 10 Wellbeing Centre 11 Forest School 12 Riding Arena

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UNIFORM Girls

Boys

• • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Stroud navy coat Stroud navy blazer Stroud green tie (Years 6 and 7) Black leather shoes Wellington boots and socks Water bottle Rucksack (pupil’s choice)

Winter • Stroud tartan kilt • Stroud green crew neck jumper (optional) • Collared, long or short sleeved white shirt • Navy tights • Stroud green knitted hat • Gloves Summer • Stroud tartan dress • Stroud green cardigan (optional) • White ankle socks • Stroud green sunhat

Stroud navy coat Stroud navy blazer Stroud green tie (Years 6 and 7) Black leather shoes Grey ankle socks Wellington boots and socks Water bottle Rucksack (pupil’s choice)

Winter • Collared, long or short sleeved white shirt • Stroud green crew neck jumper (optional) • Mid-grey school trousers • Stroud green knitted hat • Gloves Summer • Collared, short sleeved white shirt • Stroud green crew neck jumper (optional) • Mid-grey school shorts (not cargo style) • Stroud green sunhat

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UNIFORM SUPPLIER: STEVENSONS All items * are to be purchased from Stevensons. You can order from Stevensons in the following ways: 1. Order online at www.stevensons.co.uk To register, enter ‘Stroud School’, select and follow instructions.

2. Shop in store.

For expert fitting advice and a range of other school essentials’ visit our Bournemouth branch; open 9.00am-5.30pm

Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.

148-150 Seabourne Road, Bournemouth, BH5 2JA T: 01202 425192 E: bournemouthbranch@stevensons.co.uk 3.

Telephone orders Call Customer Services Department on 01727 853262 and choose option 1.

Available 9.00am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and 9.00am-5pm on Saturdays. Items will be posted to your home address.

Please direct any queries regarding uniform to: nearlynewuniform@stroud-kes.org.uk Nearly new uniform items can be viewed or purchased at https://stroudschool.square.site ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If the weather is warm up to the Autumn Half Term, summer uniform may be worn at the beginning of the Autumn Term. Pupils will be reminded in assembly when to change between uniforms.

Please put a spare change of underwear, including socks into the bottom of your child’s kit bag for emergency use.

Please ensure that children with long hair have it tied back – bottle green hair ties or bands are preferred.

Lost Property - Please ensure all uniform is clearly labelled with your child’s name. Lost property will be collected and stored in cupboards on the mezzanine floor in the ASD.Please look here for any items misplaced. Please view the lost property list https://vle/stroud-kes.org.uk/lost-property

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