AIMS OF KING WILLIAM’S COLLEGE AND THE BUCHAN SCHOOL
As the only independent school on the Isle of Man we provide parents with choice and we seek to offer an education that is distinctive and of the highest quality. We cater for a broad ability range and through our bursary scheme we provide financial support to families who could not otherwise afford independent education. We are a small school and this encourages a strong sense of community and allows individuals to flourish. As a Christian foundation we believe that education should be of the whole person and we seek to prepare our pupils to be confident and responsible citizens with a life-long love of learning.
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
We aim to create bonds of friendship and mutual support which will last a lifetime. Our pupils should play an active role in the school community and the world beyond.
ACADEMIC RIGOUR
We aim to offer an education with academic rigour at its heart. This also informs our approach to the curriculum, in particular our endorsement of the values and internationalism of the International Baccalaureate which underpins the education we provide throughout the school.
FOCUS ON THE INDIVIDUAL
We aim to support and stretch the individual. To achieve this aim we need to provide teaching and learning of the highest quality together with appropriate support structures and an extensive enrichment programme.
OPPORTUNITY
We aim to provide an education which offers a wide range of opportunity outside the classroom. So our aim is to offer an excellent programme of sport, drama and music and a broad range of extracurricular activities.
WELCOME
As the Buchan Head, I am delighted to welcome you to our school and our community. We are a thriving and welcoming school nestled in over 13 acres of beautiful grounds.
The school has a team of amazing professionals, who stop at nothing to ensure that your child receives not just a primary education, but a Buchan education. Our curriculum is challenging, varied and dynamic and your child will soon be talking about the variety of experiences they will be offered at The Buchan School.
I am always delighted to share any achievements that your child has accomplished outside of school in our special Friday assembly. Please bring any certificates, trophies or medals in to present.
I endeavour to build positive relationships with all of our parents and you will be welcome to attend many of our school events throughout the year. You will also receive an update on your child’s progress by way of assessment, report or parents’ consultation throughout the academic year. I operate an open door policy where parents can come and speak to me informally at any time.
I am looking forward to welcoming your child to the Buchan and to welcoming you all as a family.
With best wishes,
JANET Head of The Buchan School
RECEPTION (P1) TO YEAR 2 (P3)
DEAR PARENTS,
You will receive a warm and friendly welcome at Buchan Pre-Prep. The Department is energetic and lively, as children learn through being active and interactive.
The uniqueness of each child is celebrated and the needs of all children are routinely met. Children develop and achieve as a result of our enriched curriculum and specialist teaching.
In the Pre-Prep Department pupils follow an enriched national curriculum, enhanced further by subject specialist teaching. Small class sizes ensure that pupils not only benefit academically, but also pastorally and socially.
Pupils are assessed regularly, both formally and through observations, which informs planning. Challenging targets are set so that all children make good progress in their learning and development.
We value parental input and work closely together to ensure that your child’s first years at the Buchan are both fun and memorable.
Subject specialist teaching for Art, Buchan Rangers, Drama, French, Music, Physical Education and Swimming also ensure that each child receives firm and secure foundations on which to build future learning.
I am always available to discuss any problems or concerns you may have, although the first point of contact remains your child’s tutor.
We welcome you all!
Best regards,
MELISSA HAWLEY Head of Pre-Prep
PRE-PREP SCHOOL DAY
8am School opens. Optional Breakfast Club
8.20am Children welcomed onto the playground by the member of staff on duty
8.30am Morning registration
8.45am First morning session or assembly
10.20am Mid-morning break – outdoor play (weather permitting), with a snack
10.40am Second morning session
12pm Lunch break with outdoor play (weather permitting)
1.05pm Afternoon registration
1.10pm First afternoon session
2.10pm Afternoon break – outdoor play (weather permitting)
2.30pm Second afternoon session
3.30pm School day ends. Pupils are escorted to their exit point
3.30pm After-School activities until 4.30pm
3.30pm Optional Wraparound Care until 5.30pm
5.30pm School closes
DELIVERY & COLLECTION OF CHILDREN
THE START OF THE SCHOOL DAY
The official start of the day is 8.30am. Pupils may arrive from 8am for the Breakfast Club or 8.20am when a member of staff will be on duty in the Pre-Prep playground (weather permitting) or the assembly room.
At 8.30am pupils should line up in classes in the playground, where a member of staff will greet them. Teachers then escort pupils to the classroom in readiness for registration. Parents are asked to ensure that their children arrive at school on time. If for some reason a child arrives after 8.45am, please take your child to the School Office to be signed in and escorted to Pre-Prep. It is essential that this procedure is followed, as all attendance registers are monitored by the School Office and to comply with fire regulations. For security reasons the school must be absolutely sure which children are on site at all times.
THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY
At the end of the school day parents are asked to wait in the playground until 3.30pm. It is vital that staff are informed in advance of any changes in pick-up arrangements (preferably in writing) otherwise your child will not be released.
Pupils attending after-school activities or the After-School Club will be collected from the classroom by a member of staff.
RECEPTION (P1) CURRICULUM
Beginning school is a major event in the life of a four-year-old, filled with lots of opportunities to explore and learn. Our aim is to ensure that your child’s first year at school is a joyous and memorable experience.
At The Buchan School, we fully appreciate that young children have a wide range of different experiences, skills and interests, making each of them truly unique. We are committed to providing every child with the chance to thrive, establishing solid foundations for their future learning and development.
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Throughout the Early Years at The Buchan School, your child will be assigned a key person. In Pre-Prep 1 (P1), this vital role will be fulfilled by their dedicated class teacher. Your child’s class teacher will offer personalised support during this transition and will maintain close communication with both you and your child, tending to their wellbeing, pastoral care and academic requirements, ensuring a positive experience throughout the P1 year. The P1 team have a detailed knowledge of pedagogy, child development and research into early childhood education, guaranteeing that your child has an exceptional start to their education which is tailored as effectively as possible to their individual needs.
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
The children experience a well-planned and resourced curriculum, enhanced by specialist subject teaching. It is unique, broad, balanced and filled with excitement, empowering pupils to advance in their learning journey. Our approach is holistic, dedicated to nurturing children to reach their full potential and we are committed to ensuring the physical, emotional and intellectual growth of each child. Through engaging cross-curricular learning themes we deliver an education that inspires children and ignites a genuine love of learning.
In P1 we build upon the rich experiences that children have gained at The Buchan Nursery, carefully adhering to necessary guidelines and
requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage which lay down standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.
We support children in developing a set of skills known as ‘The Characteristics of Effective Learning’ which encompass three crucial strands: ‘Playing and Exploring’, ‘Active Learning’ and ‘Creating and Thinking Critically’. There are seven ‘areas of learning’ within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which are underpinned by these characteristics and form a strong foundation for your child’s future education.
Of these seven areas of learning, three ‘Prime Areas’ hold particular importance in the EYFS as they contribute significantly to your child’s overall growth and learning. As children progress, the ‘prime areas’ are further strengthened and applied as children develop their learning within the ‘Specific Areas’.
Prime Areas
• Communication & Language
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
Specific Areas
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design
At The Buchan School, we understand the immense value of play. Through play children establish connections, take risks and explore with confidence. Within the spacious P1 area, we provide an array of creative and purposeful play-based activities, both indoors and outdoors, that enable children to access the curriculum effectively.
In P1, our pupils are taught mostly by their class teacher but also benefit from specialist teachers in Buchan Rangers, Drama, French, Music, Physical Education and Swimming, enhancing their learning experience.
Core subjects such as Literacy and Mathematics are delivered through engaging direct teaching within the small class groups, reinforced through targeted activities. We ensure that each child’s unique learning needs are met through a range of methods including whole-class teaching, small group activities, individual work with the teacher, independent tasks, child-initiated activities and play. The curriculum is carefully structured, with planned activities to extend the children’s learning beyond focus group teaching.
Our carefully planned and well-resourced areas of provision in P1 enable children to access all EYFS areas of learning through play, both indoors and outdoors. Inspirational indoors spaces include areas such as role play, mathematics, writing, creative, junk modelling, reading, construction, small world, play dough, technology and investigation areas. The P1 garden canopy provides a splendid outdoor environment in all weather conditions, providing a space for exploration of activities like music and dancing, denbuilding, sand and water play. Pupils are encouraged to learn good manners and good behaviour is positively reinforced.
We strongly believe that working closely with parents to support children’s learning. Within the small class groups in P1, our teachers know each of their pupils very well
and carefully plan ‘next steps’ in learning which meet each child’s individual needs and embracing their interests.
ASSESSMENT & PROGRESSION
Assessment plays a vital role in our curriculum, informing our planning to ensure that the needs of each child are met effectively.
We closely monitor each child’s progress across the seven EYFS Areas of Learning and within the Characteristics of Effective Learning. Throughout the Early Years at The Buchan School, assessment is a continuous and formative process, allowing us to build up a comprehensive picture of what each child can do through day to day observations and activities. Key experiences and targets are recorded and shared with parents on an ongoing basis via Tapestry, an Online Learning Journal to ensure children are progressing well and are supported in the best way possible.
During the autumn and spring terms you will be invited to attend parent consultations with your child’s class teacher where you will be able to discuss your child’s progress and next steps in learning.
P1 pupils will complete standardised assessments on an individual basis alongside a teacher upon entry to P1 and at the end of the year.
At the end of the academic year, teachers are required to complete an EYFS Profile for each child, assessing them against the EYFS Early Learning Goals and providing a comment on the characteristics of effective learning. This will be shared with you in writing as an end of year report and a copy will be passed on to their new teacher in preparation for their move to Pre-Prep 2 (Year 1) in the next academic year.
TAPESTRY
All P1 children have a personalised online learning journal called Tapestry, which allows us to record photos, video clips, observations and comments related to your child’s learning and development. This builds up a record of your child’s experiences during their time in The Buchan Nursery and P1. We use Tapestry to record our observations of children, track progress and record learning and development targets. Tapestry also provides us with a digital system for two-way communication between home and school centred on your child’s learning and development.
Parental consent will be sought for Tapestry and you will be asked to complete a consent form for this prior to entry.
A password protected login linked to your email address will then be set up for you so that you can access your child’s Tapestry record via the internet or the Tapestry app using a computer, mobile phone or tablet. Parents are only able to see their own child’s information and cannot view other children’s Tapestry records.
Using your Tapestry login, you will be able to view contributions to Tapestry by your child’s teachers and also share your own comments, photographs or videos regarding your child’s experiences or learning outside of school. We warmly welcome parental comments and contributions on Tapestry and value any information you might share with us as it helps us to ensure that the care, learning and development opportunities we offer your child in school complement their interests and experiences from outside school.
OUTDOOR LEARNING & BUCHAN RANGERS
The Buchan School is nestled in 13.5 acres of beautiful grounds, boasting a large woodland area which we make excellent use wherever possible, but especially within our Buchan Rangers sessions. Each week P1 children eagerly attend Buchan Rangers, a thrilling outdoor programme which takes place in all but the windiest weather conditions.
Buchan Rangers sessions are child-centred and strongly support their development and wellbeing in a holistic manner. Sessions can help children to develop their social skills, communication, independence, self-esteem and confidence, problem-solving, gross and fine motor physical skills, resilience, safety and risk management, concentration, empathy, motivation and self-awareness, as well as their general knowledge of the world around them.
During Buchan Rangers sessions, children dress comfortably for the weather conditions and attend the school woodland for naturebased play and learning. They are typically welcomed in a circle and participate in some short group games before being offered the choice of free-play or the option to explore some planned activities and resources in response to previously observed interests. Children are given the freedom to choose their own activities within the sessions.
At Buchan Rangers, the children gain firsthand experience of seasonal changes and develop meaningful connections with the natural world. They are able to be physically active and challenge themselves, whether this is playing on a rope swing, climbing, jumping or balancing on logs. Pupils can experience a whole range of activities through the year, which have previously included bug hunting, leaf identification, woodland crafts, birdspotting, creating with natural materials, using simple tools and even outdoor cooking. Buchan Rangers is always lots of fun, whatever the weather!
YEAR 1 (P2) & YEAR 2 (P3) CURRICULUM
In the Pre-Prep Department, pupils are taught by their class teacher in small groups with specialist teachers for Art, Buchan Rangers, Drama, Music, Physical Education and Languages. Pupils in Pre-Prep 2 (P2) and Pre-Prep 3 (P3) follow an enhanced national curriculum with subject specialist teaching. A timetable and overview will be sent at the start of the academic year and a topic sheet at the beginning of each term. The curriculum is tailor-made to the pupils.
HOW CHILDREN LEARN
We understand pupils learn in different ways and at different rates. Some children are more visual learners, other auditory and some are kinaesthetic learners. We understand children need to actually ‘do’ something, where possible, in order to learn. For this reason pupils are encouraged to develop through investigative and first-hand experiences. We also recognise that your child’s interests should be at the centre of our curriculum.
ASSESSMENT & PROGRESSION
Children are assessed throughout the year. Core subjects are recorded on our tracking system half-termly. An assessment is completed in the spring term. A full written report is provided in December and June. Parent consultations are offered in October and March.
ASSEMBLIES
On Wednesdays our school Chaplain takes assembly. On Fridays, the Head holds a weekly assembly to celebrate achievement in and out of school. Other subject certificates and Pre-Prep Awards are also presented at this time. On other days teachers are responsible for assemblies in the Pre-Prep assembly room or in the classroom. Assemblies are formal occasions, which foster the development of a collective spirit, and commend special work, acts of kindness and helpfulness. Our assemblies have a Christian basis and respect other faiths.
UNIFORM
Please see HERE for our school uniform and sportswear lists, which are available to purchase online.
To start to shop please register HERE
Details on how to shop online can be found HERE
If you need assistance please contact Schoolblazer HERE
YEAR 3 (F1) – YEAR 6 (F4)
From the moment your child enters the Prep Department they will be able to benefit from the specialist subject teaching that we offer at the Buchan.
Our highly experienced staff spend time getting to know every pupil and work hard to help inspire, motivate and challenge all children. As a school, we aim for excellence in all things.
Academic excellence is encouraged at every level and pupils are supported in their endeavours to build upon their prior knowledge and to develop a love of learning. We appreciate that there is more to school life than academia and have developed a curriculum that gives every pupil the chance to shine. To enable this we are proud to have use of a STEAM room, specialist Music teaching rooms (equipped with a wide range of instruments), a Home Economics room, a dedicated Drama studio, a large fully equipped Science lab, an ICT room and roaming laptops and a huge Art room full of natural light. As well as stunning grounds for our outdoor learning programmes. These are just some of the specialist areas in the school besides the teaching rooms themselves.
We have the Buchan Charter – a copy of which every child carries around in their blazer pocket reminding them to be kind, honest, polite, to always try their best and ‘love your neighbour (everyone) as much as you love yourself’
Once the main school day is over, we offer a broad range of after-school activities - from chess or beekeeping to film critics and gardening. There are also school sports clubs, craft clubs and educational support clubs.
We pride ourselves on the level of care we give to children and our dedication to the happiness of every member of our community. Respect for the beliefs, rights and belongings of others is at the core of our pastoral care system, as we look to develop every child’s confidence and resilience.
As the Head of Prep, I am always available to discuss any problems or concerns you may have, although the first
LOUISE ASHTON Head of Prep
PREP SCHOOL DAY
8am School opens. Optional Breakfast Club
8.20am Children welcomed onto the playground by the member of staff on duty
8.30am Line up and morning registration
8.45am Assembly/Form time
9.10am Morning lessons
10.55am Morning break – outdoor play (weather permitting), with a snack
11.25am Morning lessons
12.35pm Lunch break with outdoor play (weather permitting)
1.45pm Afternoon registration
1.50pm Afternoon lessons
3.35pm School day ends
3.35pm After-School activities until 4.30pm
3.35pm Optional Wraparound Care until 5.30pm
5.30pm School closes
ASSEMBLIES
On Wednesdays our School Chaplain takes assembly. On Fridays the Head holds a weekly assembly to celebrate achievement in and out of school. Subject certificates and Prep Awards are presented at this time. Assemblies are formal occasions which foster the development of a collective spirit and commend special work, acts of kindness and helpfulness. Our assemblies have a Christian basis and respect other faiths.
DELIVERY & COLLECTION OF CHILDREN
THE START OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Pupils may arrive from 8am for the Breakfast Club. Otherwise teaching staff are on duty in the playground from 8.20am. There are no playground arrangements for the supervision of children earlier than this time. Pupils are required to remain in the playground until the teacher rings the bell. Pupils should then line-up quietly in their class lines. Pupils will be sent inside to their form rooms for registration.
THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Parents are requested to wait for their children at the main entrance to the Prep Department. Pupils will be dismissed from their classrooms and leave via this entrance. Pupils can attend the Wraparound Care until 5.30pm or those who are involved in an after-school activity will be dismissed from their activity at 4.30pm from the dining room.
PREP CURRICULUM
The school’s curriculum is balanced and broadly based. It promotes the moral, cultural, mental, spiritual and physical development of our pupils and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
Pupils are expected to acquire skills in speaking and listening, literacy and numeracy. Personal, social, health and citizenship education reflects the school’s aims and ethos. Religious education is also provided for all pupils.
The Buchan School’s curriculum is exciting and unique. It offers pupils the opportunity to concentrate on academics, whilst also having access to our unique Buchan Badge and Buchan Baccalaureate curriculum.
The curriculum is supported by a team of specialist teachers, who have access to a range of dedicated facilities. At the Buchan, we place a particular emphasis and an increased amount of teaching time upon the core subjects Maths, English and Science. A specialised Drama lesson is held every week. French is taught twice a week and Spanish is currently offered to Form 3 (F3) and Form 4 (F4) pupils as a weekly lesson.
Pupils in our Prep Department follow a timetable, which allows them access to a range of specialist teachers across the whole curriculum. All pupils have access to a wellstocked library as well as internet access to support their studies. Pupils benefit from a dedicated IT lesson each week.
To enhance our curriculum provision, we organise a range of educational visits to areas of cultural, historical and geographical interest. Environmental education is provided for through use of our own extensive grounds and visits to outdoor education centres. The teaching of citizenship and PSHE is whenever possible led by the Form Tutors and supported by specialist guest speakers and resources.
THE BUCHAN BADGE
The Buchan Badge programme gives the opportunity to study an enhanced curriculum, combined with the opportunity to learn new skills. It encompasses and reflects the ideals of the school’s well-established and respected extracurricular programme and has been running for many years.
Pupils take part in a number of six week modules. These may vary from year to year depending on teacher’s skill sets and interests. Areas covered have been; outdoor activities (orienteering and camp craft), cookery, nautical skills (kayaking and rock pooling), drama productions including film and radio plays, golf, Manx folklore, gardening, mindfulness & yoga, enterprise and IT (coding and programming).
The programme promotes the development of vital key skills. It provides learning opportunities which encourage pupils to investigate, create, develop and communicate. Modules end with a short presentation to parents to explain and show what has been learned.
THE BUCHAN BACCALAUREATE
Pupils in F4 achieve their Buchan Baccalaureate. This is an overarching qualification, which takes into account achievement and effort in all areas of the curriculum. Pupils receive either merit, distinction or honours. Certificates are presented at the end of the academic year.
HOME & SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
COMMUNICATION
Communication between parents and staff plays an important part in helping each child to establish positive relationships and to learn and develop.
For urgent messages, please contact the School Office on 01624 820481 or email buchan.rec@kwc.im
Teaching staff are generally not available at the start of the school day, as they need to set-up their lessons. We request that parents email Form Tutors to make an appointment and they will respond as soon as possible.
FIREFLY PARENT PORTAL
The school’s Firefly Parent Portal allows parents to see up-to-date information about their child or children and be kept informed of relevant school information that we hope parents will find useful.
This includes timetables, reports, parent permission forms etc.
Parents can log onto the Parent Portal and find this information from a PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone.
Parents can also log onto the site using the Firefly App for iOS Apple or Android. For further information about Firefly and how to get started, please visit here
REPORTING TO PARENTS
As well as our Induction Programme, there is a ‘Meet The Teacher’ event in September. There are also Parents’ Evenings in the spring term when the class teacher and other members of staff are available to speak with parents. Further details will be provided nearer the time. An assessment is completed in the autumn and spring term. A full written report is provided in June.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Each week a school newsletter is emailed to parents and uploaded to Firefly. This advises about forthcoming events taking place within the school. It also provides information about the week in school and any notices for the week ahead.
CHANGES AT HOME
We would appreciate it if staff could be informed if there are any significant changes in your child’s life or routine. Contact the office or tutor directly using the email address found on Firefly. School can reassure you with a telephone call if you are concerned about your child on any given day.
As a school we are required by law to have contact information for every person who has parental responsibility for a pupil at The Buchan School. This includes emergency contacts. Please notify the School Office if contact information changes.
VISITING SCHOOL
If for any reason you need to visit school after 8.30am please sign in at the School Office and collect a visitor’s badge. This is to ensure we know who is on site at any time, in the unlikely event of a fire.
EXTENDED LEARNING & HOMEWORK
At The Buchan School we use homework time to:
• Encourage all pupils to develop the practice of studying independently of the teacher and inculcate the skills and attitude for higher education and life-long learning.
• Extend the pupil’s knowledge, understanding and skills learned in the classroom and so raise attainment.
• Enable constructive feedback on progress and performance through prompt and regular formative assessment.
The below schedule gives an approximate guide to allocation of time to be spent each day on the following:
• P1 - up to 10 minutes per day of literacy work.
• P2 and P3 – 10 minutes per day literacy work. Numeracy to include number-based activities.
• F1 and F2 – 10 to 20 minutes per day.
• F3 and F4 – 25 to 30 minutes per day
LITERACY
Reading practice and listening to others forms an essential part of learning throughout the Primary years. Reading should form the basis of all homework time and should range between 10 minutes in Pre-Prep and extending to 20 minutes per day in Prep. Other literacy work will include practising phonics, handwriting, spellings, grammar and punctuation.
NUMERACY
Numeracy – number games and tasks, learning timetables, alongside more challenging activities set for Prep pupils.
EXTRACURRICULAR
A varied extracurricular programme is designed to support and extend opportunities for learning in the school. Activities are timetabled between 3.45pm and 4.30pm and are led by teachers and sports coaches.
Pupils can choose from a different set of activities each term.
Pupils can take part in an unlimited number of activities within their age range. Activities include chess, bookclub, gardening, walk and talk, strategic board games, numerous sport and homework (prep) clubs – to name just a few!
LEARNING
MUSIC TUITION
At the Buchan pupils are actively encouraged to take individual private music lessons in a range of instruments or voice (Singing or Singing for Musical Theatre). Learning an instrument or singing helps pupils to develop life-long skills including communication, interpretation, team-work and leadership, to name but a few. They help to nurture a love and enjoyment of music, across all styles and genres, encouraging creativity and tenacity whilst having a positive impact on academic attainment across all subject areas.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
There are many performance opportunities throughout the school year for instrumentalists and singers and all pupils are invited to take part. As soon as pupils are ready, they will be invited to join suitable ensembles and opportunities to perform in a friendly environment are available from the early stages. Pupils also have the opportunity to prepare for practical graded exams with ABRSM (The Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music), Trinity Guildhall and London College of Music, if they wish.
LESSONS
A team of specialist visiting music teachers, all of whom are specialists in their field, deliver the lessons in well-resourced individual music rooms. Lessons take place on a rotating timetable during class periods. Each lesson lasts for thirty minutes and there are thirty lessons in the academic year, although the spread across the terms many different depending on the termly calendar. It may be possible to arrange double length lessons in certain circumstances.
Dates and times of each pupil’s music lessons are available from their teacher or the College Music Secretary. If a pupil forgets his/her instrument or music and the planned lesson cannot take place, it will not be possible to make up this lesson at another time, although activities such as sight reading and aural may be substituted. If a pupil misses a lesson through absence from school or attendance elsewhere, a charge will still be made for the missed lesson. However, if seven days’ advanced notice of planned absence is given to the College Music Secretary by contacting music@ kwc.im or +44 (0) 1624 820445 (9am – 1pm), the
teacher will make every effort to make up the lesson at another time, but please be aware this may not always be possible.
Pupils will be collected for their individual music lessons.
CHANGES TO DISCONTINUATION OF INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL LESSONS
If for any reason a pupil wishes to change or discontinue lessons, notice of six lessons is required, in writing, except when lessons are to cease at the end of the academic year. In this case, notice is required by half term of the summer term.
PRACTICE
Each pupil will be encouraged and supported to help them develop a productive practice regime. Parents have a vital role in helping their children to find suitable times for practice and it can be helpful if they can be actively involved when and if appropriate –especially in the early stages. Details of weekly practice tasks can be found in the pupil’s notebook.
INSTRUMENT HIRE OR PURCHASE
If you need to purchase an instrument for lessons, our teachers are, naturally, very happy to offer guidance in this process; please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like any assistance. There are some instruments which are available for termly hire from the Music Department, which can be helpful in trying out an instrument in the first instance.
TRIAL LESSON
It may be possible to arrange a free trial lesson for any pupil. Please contact the Music Office for further information.
We look forward to welcoming you to our musical events in the coming year and wish each pupil every success in their musical journey.
To arrange music lessons for your child, please email the Music Secretary music@kwc.im
PHYSICAL EDUCATION & GAMES
All pupils are expected to take part in the school’s Physical Education (PE) and Games Programme. Pupils can only be excused from PE and Games lessons for medical reasons, for which a note/email from a parent is required. PE and Games take place either at the Buchan or King William’s College and swimming is held at the Southern Pool or the KWC pool. Swimming lessons are offered regularly.
SCHOOL TRIPS
A wide variety of educational visits, school trips and activities take place throughout the school year. They are a regular feature of school life at The Buchan School, providing curricular support and a wealth of extracurricular experiences for pupils.
Off-site educational visits allow children to gain meaningful and enjoyable first-hand learning experiences in the local environment, beyond the school grounds, which aim to enrich the curriculum. They also help to promote a sense of community and internationalism and aim to increase children’s enjoyment of school life.
All trips are approved by the Head before taking place and a first aid trained member of staff will be present on all outings.
To give permission for your child to go on educational trips with school staff during the school day, please complete the form on Firefly.
BEHAVIOUR POLICY & REWARDS
The emphasis of our Behaviour Policy is based upon reward and praise. Encouragement and expressions of approval are used whenever possible and a positive attitude is adopted to behaviour. Pupils are awarded House Points for good behaviour, manners and effort, as well as academic achievement.
Each House Point is recognised as both an individual reward and a collective house award. Each week the house totals are calculated and shared with the pupils during Friday’s celebration assembly.
REWARD
Pupils are praised and rewarded for good behaviour and hard work in a variety of ways.
• Teachers congratulate children publicly and privately.
• Teachers give children specific rewards in the form of stickers and golden tickets.
• Children are awarded certificates in assembly for gaining a specific number of House Points.
SCHOOL HOUSE SYSTEM
All children are placed into a ‘House’ when they enter the Prep Department. The house system provides friendly competition in sport and other contests. The system is used to give the children an opportunity to belong to a wider group and to contribute positively to the many different areas of school life.
We try, where possible, to place siblings in the same house.
• Children are encouraged to bring in trophies and awards for things they have achieved outside school. These are formally awarded by the Head, in the weekly celebration assembly, so that the school community shares and celebrates children’s success.
• Yellow slips are handed out to Prep pupils for exceptional work and behaviour, and a small gift can be selected from a gift box.
• Our Prize giving celebration is an opportunity to reward both academic success and those pupils who have acted as school ambassadors with certificates, trophies, cups and book tokens.
Godred Yellow Lagman Blue Magnus Green Olaf Red
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious education is available to all pupils in a weekly lesson. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education.
COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
All pupils take part in regular collective worship. The worship is of a broadly Christian character.
The school has a programme of collective worship involving some whole-school assemblies and tutor group assemblies. A programme is developed in conjunction with the PSHE curriculum. Guest speakers are invited in to the Buchan to support the various topics covered. The Chaplain leads one assembly per week.
Parents have a right to withdraw their children from acts of collective worship. Parents should inform the Head in writing if they wish to do so.
SEX & RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION
The school provides relationship and sex education in the Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) and Science curriculum. Pupils are encouraged and guided by moral principles and taught to recognise the value of family life. This subject is delivered at an age appropriate level.
LEARNING SUPPORT & ENRICHMENT
The Buchan’s Head of Learning Support will contact parents if there are any concerns about a pupil. When concerns are raised by a teacher, discussion takes place regarding additional help the teacher can provide within the class in the way of differentiated work.
Parents will be informed at this stage on how we intend to support the child.
GIFTED & TALENTED
The Buchan School adopts the procedures of Gifted and Talented Pupils, as suggested by the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) and the Isle of Man Government Department of Education. All pupils are provided with the opportunity to achieve their next steps and given access to extension activities where appropriate.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)
Pupils with English as an additional language will be assessed, monitored and supported by the Head of Learning Support and EAL at KWC.
Additional one-to-one lessons are also available.
COACH & MINI BUS SERVICE
The College runs a minibus and coach service. The school coach goes down the east coast to Douglas and Onchan.
In addition to the coach service, we also provide a Mini Bus service from Ramsey through Kirk Michael and Foxdale to King William’s College, and another which runs from Peel through Glen Vine via the College to The Buchan School. Children coming on any service via KWC can transfer to the minibus going to The Buchan. We also provide a dedicated Mini Bus Service, for Buchan pupils only, from Douglas to The Buchan School on a daily basis. Details of these services can be provided on request.
Coaches and Mini Buses will only stop at the designated stop-off points on the schedule, and for road safety reasons we regret that it is not possible for the drivers to make unscheduled stops. All children are required to wear their seatbelts. The charges are added to the fee bills termly in arrears. Coaches can be booked termly, part booked or ad hoc subject to availability. All trips must be booked.
Further details are available from coaches@kwc.im or +44 (0) 1624 820455.
BREAKFAST & WRAPAROUND CARE
The Breakfast Club is open from 8am until 8.30am.
The Wraparound Care is open from 3.30pm until 5.30pm and snacks or fruit will be provided. There is an extra charge payable for these sessions.
Breakfast Club: 8am to 8.30am
Wraparound Care: 3.30pm to 5.30pm 4.30pm to 5.30pm
BUCHANEER HOLIDAY CLUB
The Buchaneer Holiday Club is open during certain weeks of the school holidays and is for all Buchan children aged four to 11 years old.
Children from The Buchan School Holiday Club can take advantage of our superb facilities within the 13.5 acres of our private grounds. We offer a range of activities both on and off site. Our action-packed programme includes various art and craft activities and mystery visits to exciting places in the Isle of Man.
For more information please contact the School Office.
TERM DATES & CALENDAR
Please visit our website
PARKING
Please note that there is a 10MPH speed limit for vehicles entering The Buchan School grounds. The parents’ car park is located on the right hand side of the school, behind the netball courts. Please follow the signs and turn right at the roundabout. There is a drop-off zone outside the main entrance. Please park with care as pupils of all ages will be around the school grounds. Please do not park on the double yellow lines or zebra crossing outside the dining room or non-parking zones at any time.
ARRIVING & LEAVING SCHOOL
LATE ARRIVALS
Late arrivals after 8.35am must sign in at the office before proceeding to class. Reception will note this on the electronic register. Failure not to register or persistent late arrival will be addressed with the parents.
LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY
Parents must inform the school in writing if they wish to remove their child early from school. Pupils must then proceed to the office and wait to be collected by their parents On collecting their child parents should sign their child out using the sign out register.
CHAPEL OF ST THOMAS
We are privileged to have our own beautifully decorated Chapel at King William’s College.
On Wednesdays the Chaplain is at the Buchan for their weekly assemblies in Prep and Pre-Prep. Through story, pictures and song the children become familiar with the Bible. There are special services within the year some take place in school, some in the Chapel of St Thomas.
There are other visits to see our unique Chapel, to discover its story and how it fits into the wider Church.
NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE
ABSENCE FOR HOLIDAY DURING TERM TIME
Statutory provision regarding holidays taken by pupils during term time is contained in the Education (Registration of Pupils) Regulations 2004, which state that: “On application made by the parent with whom the child normally resides, a pupil may be granted leave of absence from the school to enable him to go away on holiday. Provided that, save in exceptional circumstances, a pupil shall not be granted leave of absence for this purpose for more than 10 school days in any school year.”
Leave of absence for holiday purposes is not an entitlement and is entirely at the discretion of the Principal. Each request will be considered on its individual merits, and the Principal will determine whether the circumstances of a particular application are “exceptional” if more than 10 days’ absence is involved. Authorised leave of absence for in excess of 10 school days annually will not be granted lightly.
ABSENCE FOR OTHER REASONS
All requests for absence of one whole day or more should go via the Head’s Office in advance. You can view the Attendance and Registration Policy on the website here.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
King William’s College and The Buchan School has long prided itself on the quality of the teaching and pastoral care provided to its students. However, no matter how hard an organisation tries, there will be occasions where it receives concerns or complaints about its service. If anyone does have a concern or complaint, they can expect it to be treated by the school in accordance with its Complaints Procedure. This policy is applicable to all parents of students in the school, students, and members of the public and is available from the School Office on request or on our website
NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL
King William’s College and The Buchan School follow the standard practice of independent schools, whereby one full term’s notice is required of a pupil leaving. In cases of uncertainty provisional notice may be given. One term’s fee is payable in lieu of notice.
In order to officially provide the School with confirmation of final notice or provisional notice, the Pupil Final or Provisional Notice Form must be completed. The information requested is a regulatory requirement and therefore must be provided in order for the school to complete its process of withdrawal. For further information please contact notice@kwc.im
IAPS & HMC
All boards of governors of reputable independent schools will insist that the Head is a member of a professional organisation. The Headmaster or Headmistress will only be allowed to become a member, and remain a member, if the inspection carried out by ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) shows that the school they run meets the high standards required by their professional body. The more prestigious the organisation, the higher the standards expected at inspection.
The most prestigious organisations for senior schools are the Headmasters’ Conference (HMC) for boys’ and co-ed schools, and the Girls’ School Association (GSA) for girls’ schools. The most prestigious organisation for independent junior schools is the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS).
The Head of The Buchan School is a member of IAPS and the Principal of King William’s College is a member of HMC.
GOVERNANCE
The school’s Board of Governors is responsible for working with King William’s College and The Buchan School to ensure it delivers a good quality education. Together with the Principal, who is responsible for day-to-day management, it sets the school’s aims and policies, monitors and evaluates the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and is a source of challenge and support.
To contact the Chair of Governors please email bursar@kwc.im
SCHOOL POLICIES
Regulatory information and the school’s policies are available on our website
PARENT CONTRACT
Our Parent Contract is available on Firefly
GUIDANCE ON PHOTOGRAPHS & VIDEOS
Parents will inevitably wish to take photographs and occasionally video clips of their children as they take part in school events. We ask everyone who does this to be mindful that shots or film may include other children. If other children feature, the material should not be posted on the internet or any social media site, but be reserved for family albums or electronic folders at home.
EDUCATION ACT
It is a legal requirement under the Education Act for all parents or guardians of children, in the age range of four to 16 years old, who live in the Isle of Man and who are being educated independently, to register this with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture. The registration form that needs to be completed is available to download from the Department’s website.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
On joining the school, parents will have completed the school’s Medical Questionnaire. The height and weight of pupils is measured with permission in P1 and Form 4. This is accompanied by a discussion about balanced diet and feedback is given to parents. Parents can ask at any time for their child’s height and weight to be taken. Manx Care have a Health Screening Programme for Reception (Pre-Prep 1) age pupils which records their height, weight and BMI alongside eyesight and hearing checks.
MEDICAL & DENTAL APPOINTMENTS
We realise that sometimes pupils will require urgent medical attention. For any emergency appointments, we would request a telephone call to the School Office or please let the class teacher know that a child will be absent or late. For any pre-booked appointments we would again request notification in writing that a child is going to be absent/late/collected early.
ILLNESS
If your child is going to be absent from school due to illness, it is always appreciated if you contact us as soon as possible to let us know. Please ensure that your child remains at home until they are fully recovered. Please provide a note of absence on your child’s return to school. If your child has sickness and/or diarrhoea, they should remain at home for 48 hours following the last episode; this is to ensure the well being of all the children. We appreciate your support and co-operation in this matter.
Children are regularly taught about the importance of good hygiene practices, especially hand washing and drying.
MEDICAL ROOM
The Buchan has a Medical Centre that is staffed by a registered nurse. The opening times are 8.30am - 4.30pm.
The nurse deals with medical emergencies for pupils if needed, liaising with parents regarding their child’s health needs and ensuring that care plans are kept up to date when required. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that medication and updates regarding their child’s health are passed on to the school. The nurses will liaise with other professionals on the Island when required. Parents are welcome to make appointments and discuss their child with the Sister at any point during their child’s education at the Buchan.
All the nurses are qualified registered nurses with the required NMC revalidation requirements. They regularly attend first aid registration and relevant school nurse courses and training, they work within the NHS and other outside settings when they are not in school, which enables them to keep up to date with other nursing skills.
ACCIDENTS
From time to time, children may have accidents whilst at school. If parental permission has been granted, the teaching staff or Sister will provide first aid and complete the relevant accident form, informing parents of the incident where necessary.
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION
If would like our nurses to administer prescribed medicines, the container must have a label from a chemist with the child’s name, date and required dosage. Please hand directly with verbal or written instructions to the Medical Centre as this will be recorded in your child’s health record. Our nurses will also administer inhalers and epipens alongside teaching staff within the school that have successfully completed a First Aid course and instruction on administering prescribed epipen, jext or emerade adrenaline autoinjectors.
ASTHMA & ALLERGIES
If your child has asthma and uses an inhaler the Medical Centre will need an asthma action plan, these can be obtained from your child’s consultant, GP or downloaded from the Asthma UK website The Medical Centre also require students with allergies to provide an allergy action plan, again these can be obtained from your child’s consultant, GP or downloaded from BSACI website.
It is the parents’ responsibility to provide the Medical Centre with up to date medications, such as inhalers and epipens or other adrenaline autoinjectors.
VISION TESTS
Please ensure that your child has had a vision test prior to starting school and inform school of the results where appropriate.
SAFEGUARDING
The school’s designated person for safeguarding is the Head. If you have any concerns or questions about safeguarding or child protection please contact the Head direct.
BARROVIAN ALUMNI
It is important that every student that attends King William’s College and The Buchan School knows that wherever their lives may take them, they belong to an extended school family.
The existence of our active alumni community is a testament to the loyalty and affection former pupils have for the school. Many of them stay connected with us and enjoy the continued contacts and friendships made during their school days.
Benefits of staying in touch with us include:
• A digital copy of the Barrovian magazine each year.
• Regular news updates.
• Invitations to alumni events, providing opportunities to socialise and network.
• Invitations to select school events.
• Eligibility to apply for our three month summer internship with Strix in Hong Kong.
• Option to become an Alumni Ambassador or Year Group Rep.
• Parent membership of the Past Parents’ Association.
• Opportunity to be married in the Chapel of St Thomas.
If you have any questions regarding alumni relations please contact the External Relations Office at alumni@kwc.im or +44 (0) 1624 820470. You can also find more information on our website
FRIENDS
Friends at Buchan and King William’s College is a strong and dedicated committee of parents, teachers, alumni and supporters whose aim is to build community spirit and raise funds to benefit the School. While our School provides pupils with the essentials for learning, Friends endeavour to facilitate those added extras which benefit the whole school and wider community. Friends also encourage our community to mix together through a wide variety of social and fundraising events and activities, such as the Christmas Fair, Summer Ball and various other events held throughout the year. Thanks to past generous donations, we have been able to refurbish the Buchan Library, upgrade our ICT technology, purchase more learning resources for the Science Lab and purchase new outdoor play equipment.
If you have a fundraising idea or would like to get involved with Friends, please contact foundation@kwc.im.
