Leweston | Joining Year 7

Year 7 Transition Booklet ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JOINING YEAR 7

LEWESTON SCHOOL

WELCOME TO YEAR 7 We are delighted that you are joining our Leweston family and hope that you are excited about starting Year 7. We know that you are bound to have lots of questions about starting senior school.

Whether you are joining from Leweston Prep, or from another school, the move to Year 7 will bring lots of change and new challenges.

This booklet has been prepared for you by pupils already in Year 7 and the staff who support them. It contains information and advice which they feel will help you.

Leweston is a friendly school so never be afraid to ask if you are unsure about anything. We want you to be happy here and to make new friends.

Leweston has a variety of subjects for people to learn and has very good teachers!

YEAR 7 STUDENT

ABOUT US St Antony’s School was founded in Sherborne in 1891 by the Religious of Christian Instruction. The first sisters travelled from Belgium and St Antony’s was the order’s first school in the UK. The sisters established two schools on the site: St Antony’s, a boarding school and St Joseph’s which offered free education to the local community.

In 1948 the senior pupils moved to Leweston Manor, an estate which dates back to the Middle Ages, where we have been ever since. The Senior School then became St Antony’s Leweston. The Prep School moved onto the campus in 1993 when the whole school was reunited.

In 2007 the school changed its name to Leweston School. The school crest remains the same and contains the reference to St Antony’s with its crossed S and A. The school motto Gaudere et Bene Facere, means Rejoice and Do Well.

WELCOME FROM MRS BRULLER HEAD OF YEAR 7 Click below to play a welcome video from Mrs Bruller, Head of Year 7.

Working alongside Mrs Bruller are a team of tutors. Your tutor is the teacher you should know best. You will meet them every day for registration and they will pass on any messages or information that you need to know and cover different topics with you. If you have any questions or worries, ask your tutor for help and advice.

They are keen to see that you make progress at school and each week they will check your planner to see that it is up to date.

There are lots of people who can support you in school, you may also be looked after by: Dr Dillow - Head of Individual Needs It is Dr Dillow’s job to make sure that everybody has the support they need for their learning. You will meet her if you need to have an assessment at school. She wants to find out how you learn and the best way to help you.

The Individual Needs department is full of good ideas about learning and you can always pop in there for help and advice.

Her office is on the bottom teaching corridor.

The Health Centre The Health Centre at Leweston is run by two qualified nurses, Sister Cole and Sister Lale, they work closely with the school doctor. The Health Centre is open between 08.00 and 18.00.

You can visit any time but the clinics run during break time and after school. This is the best time to visit so you don’t miss any lessons. The nurses may ask you to come back if you visit during lessons.

When you join Leweston please go to the Health Centre to say hello and introduce yourself. They are there to care for you whether you are sick or just feeling a little low.

When you arrive at the Health Centre ring the bell and then go straight in and sit down on the chairs inside. The nurse on duty will come and get you. They may decide that you need to stay with them for a little while, if so they will let your teacher or tutor know you are with them.

There are also two School Counsellors, Mr D Stanton and Mrs K Megahey, who have a walk-in clinic every week between 13.00 and 14.00 on Monday and Wednesday and are available for pre-booked appointments at other times. They are there to listen to you if you have a problem you would like to talk about.

Peer Mentors and Prefects Every year Sixth Form students volunteer to train as Peer Mentors. As a new pupil you will be matched with a peer mentor during your first term. You can talk to them about life in school and they will listen and advise you. They are there to help and support you as you find your way around Leweston and settle in. If necessary they can help to talk to the right member of staff.

Click below to play a welcome video from Amalie, Year 13. Amalie is our Head Pupil for 2021/22 and leads the Senior Prefect team. Each prefect has a special responsibility and helps in the running of the school. They also act as a link between staff and the pupil body. Amalie is supported by the Deputy Head Prefects Miko, Eve and Izzy. She is also a Peer Mentor.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM These are the teachers who lead different parts of the school making sure it runs smoothly.

Mr Paget-Tomlinson Headmaster In charge of the school!

Subject: History and Latin

Mr Whittle Deputy Head In charge of the academic curriculum, the school timetable and day-to-day running of the school.

Subject: Biology

Ms Atyeo Assistant Head Pastoral In charge of all aspects of pastoral care in the school and is also the Safeguarding Lead Subject: English

ADMINISTRATION TEAM There is a hard-working team of support staff at Leweston who also make sure your experience is a positive one. We expect that you are always polite to them.

The staff you are most likely to see every day are:

Miss Holmes Executive Assistant to the Headmaster

Mrs Luxton Receptionist

Miss Thorne School Secretary

Mrs Wells and Mrs Watts Library Supervisors

BOARDING AT LEWESTON Some of you may be joining as full, weekly or flexi boarders.

Full boarders stay in school seven days a week, going home at half term and the end of term. Weekly boarders stay in school from Monday to Friday and flexi boarders can stay up to three nights per week. It is also possible to stay for one night if you need to be in school for a trip, activity or because your parents may be away.

Boarding is lots of fun. Year 7 girls board in an area of the school called Martha House. Boarders share a dormitory with between six and eight others. Year 7 boys board in Antony House. Here boarders share either single or double rooms.

Having the opportunity to flexi board is great for me, as it means that I can do early morning swim on a Tuesday and not have to get up too early. I find evenings in boarding really fun as we can all mess around together, do an activity or just chill and watch TV in the Common Room!

YEAR 7 FLEXI BOARDER

The Houseparent for Martha House is Miss Ogle

The Houseparent for Antony House is Mr Cannon.

Mrs Simkins-Smith is the Director of Boarding

The focus of all the Houses is on making sure that you feel like you are part of a friendly, supported, second family. Our aim is that you see Leweston as your home from home. At the end of the day and on weekends there is always lots to do, or very little to do, if that is what you need. There are often exciting activities and trips but sometimes you will just go to the cinema or bowling or play cricket in the garden.

SCHOOL RULES All pupils are expected to observe the school’s Code of Conduct. Your tutor will go through this with you at the start of each term but some of the key things to remember are: Stand up when an adult enters the classroom.

Maintain silence in the Chapel and Library and at other times when asked to do so.

Do not take food or drink from the Dining Room.

Do not bring chewing gum to school.

Do not run in the corridor.

Stay within the school bounds permitted for Year 7.

REWARDS AND SANCTIONS Rewards play a major part in life at Leweston and you will be recognised for your achievements, attitude and contributions to the school.

HOW YOU CAN DO YOUR BEST AT SCHOOL Be on time in the morning and for lessons throughout the day.

Wear the correct uniform.

Use your planner to organise homework, events and information.

Greet others in a friendly, courteous manner and always have high standard of behaviour.

Listen when others are speaking.

Be prepared and punctual and meet deadlines.

Have respect for the school buildings and property.

Have a positive attitude and always do your best.

Discuss any problems or concerns with your Head of Year, Tutor or any member of staff.

Pupils are awarded green flags by teachers and nominated for Head Teacher Commendations for outstanding work. You may receive a certificate at the end of term from the Headmaster if you have the highest number of green flags. Certificates are also given for demonstrating the Leweston Learner characteristics. At the end of every academic year prizes for academic achievement or progress are awarded at the school Speech Day. Equally, if your behaviour is not acceptable there are consequences. Sanctions are always appropriate to the problem and will be applied fairly. There are four levels of sanction which include a verbal reprimand, lunchtime detention or community service, or after-school detention. Sometimes in order to help you improve you may be given a Pastoral Support Booklet or Plan to help teachers support you in making a change to your behaviour.

A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL Finding your way around is usually one of the biggest worries for new Year 7s but it won’t take long. Your form tutor will make sure you have a tour on your first day and even if you do get lost there will be lots of people to help you.

Click below to watch a video walk through of the school

THE SCHOOL DAY School Opens School Starts Registration Assembly/House Meetings/Tutor Time Period 1 Period 2 Break Period 3 Period 4 Lunch Registration Period 5 Period 6 Tea Supervised Study/Activities

08.00 08.15 08.20 08.25-08.45 08.45-09.45 09.45-10.45 10.45-11.05 11.05-12.05 12.05-13.05 13.05-14.15 14.15-14.20 14.20-15.20 15.20-16.20 16.20-16.45 16.45-18.45

Registration takes place at 8.20 every morning followed by the various activities below: Monday: Tuesday:

Hymn Practice Assembly or Year 7 Assembly with Mrs Bruller Wednesday: Mass and Tutor Time Thursday: Tutor time Friday: Assembly/Tutor Time Every morning at Registration you should tell your tutor what time you are expecting to leave school that day. If you arrive at school late you should sign in at Reception with Miss Thorne or Mrs Luxton. We may need to call your parents to ask why you were late, unless the delay was due to the school bus.

At 16.20 you can leave school or go to tea before joining in with one of the many afterschool activities. If you don’t have any activity you can do your homework in supervised prep.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Leweston runs 10 different minibus routes into and out of school everyday so you might be coming into school on the bus.

The buses arrive at 8.15 and leave at 18.00 Monday to Thursday and 16.20 on Friday. This allows you to stay for activities and after-school prep. The bus stops are published on the website and your parents can book online. If you are using the school bus to return home you must tell your tutor in the morning.

You must be ready to get on your bus in the evening, they depart promptly from the Prep School carpark.

When you use the bus you must behave at all times. You are an example to the Prep School children who travel with you. Remember the safety of everyone on the bus depends on the driver. They must be able to concentrate on their job.

A TYPICAL TIMETABLE

SUBJECTS IN YEAR 7 Art Biology Chemistry Computer Science English Design French Geography History

Home Economics Latin Maths Music Physical Education Physics Religious Studies Spanish

PUPIL PLANNER On your first day at Leweston you will be given your Pupil Planner. Write your name and tutor group on the front clearly. It is important that you bring it to school every day and have it on your table during every lesson. Your Planner will help you organise your work so it is important that you keep it up to date, recording your homework and when it has to be handed in. It is your responsibility to make sure your planner is signed every week.

You must keep your planner safe and it has to last a whole year so it must be looked after.

HOMEWORK You will be given a published homework timetable which your tutor will show you.

Each piece of homework should take 20 minutes and you will have homework in two to three subjects per night.

If you prefer to complete homework at School there is a supervised prep session in the Library for day pupils from 16.45 to 17.45 daily and for boarders from 17.45 to 18.45.

SCHOOL HOUSES There are four School Houses and everyone belongs to one of them:

C F M M

Campion

Fisher

Mayne

More

They are named after famous saints and you will learn more about them during your time at the school. You will join a House when you start at Leweston and stay in the same House throughout your time here. If you have a sister or brother in the school you will be in the same House.

The House system allows you to get involved in lots of activities. You will represent your House in sports competitions, and at music and drama events. Each House chooses a charity to support every year and leads fundraising events to support them.

A member of the Sixth Form is House Captain and they will organise meetings.

Each House is also led by a member of staff called Head of House.

UNIFORM

MOBILE PHONES

Your uniform is the outward sign that you belong to Leweston School. You need to keep it neat and tidy and wear it with pride. Blazers should be worn at all times.

You must wear full school uniform or sports kit not a mixture of the two and sports kit may not be worn in the Dining Room or when travelling to and from school. Special permission for this may be given after training.

We know your phone might be important to you but Year 7 may not use mobile phones during the school day, including breaktimes and lunchtimes. Day pupils who bring phones to school must keep them in their lockers between morning registration and 16.20. Boarders hand in phones during lights out and are given them back at the end of the following school day.

If you have pierced ears you should only wear one pair of studs and jewellery is limited to a cross and chain around the neck. Extreme hairstyles or colours are not allowed and make-up and nail varnish are not permitted.

If you need to contact home during the day ask at Reception. Pupils with families overseas who need to make lunchtime calls can ask the Head of Year for an exemption.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

If you are seen with a mobile phone during the day it will be confiscated and returned to you the next day.

All of your lessons will be in different classrooms around the school. You will have a Form Room where you register and a school bag to carry your books. You can keep your books and bag in your locker. Books left outside of your classroom or locker will be confiscated and taken to lost property. You need to make sure your possessions are looked after and put away.

As well as your locker you will have a mesh locker where you keep your games kit and you need to bring a combination lock to school to keep it safe. All games kit must be clearly labelled. Make sure you keep your lockers tidy because they will be checked regularly.

WHAT TO BRING TO SCHOOL Your school rucksack to carry what you need for the day

Pencil case with pens

Drawing and coloured pencils

Ruler, rubber and pencil sharpener

Calculator

PE kit on the days you need it

FOOD The catering team at Leweston serve three meals a day for boarders and lunch and tea to day pupils. All meals are served in the Dining Room. There are always hot and cold options, fruit and dessert. If you have a specific dietary requirement make sure you have told us.

Year 7 go to lunch at 12.55, this is a privilege, the remainder of the School have lunch at 13.05. If you have an activity or sports practice you may have a late lunch after you have finished. You should queue at the entrance to the Dining Room until you are called forward to the counters. Collect a tray before telling the servers what you would like. You do not need to bring money for lunch.

You are allowed to sit anywhere you like and when you have finished your meal you should take your tray to the wash up and leave the table nice and clean. Tea is served at 16.20 for those staying after-school. Supper is served at 19.00 for boarders. Day pupils can stay for supper but your parents need to book.

Tuck Shop is run by the Sixth Form at morning break. It sells a selection of sweets, chocolate and snacks, you will need some money with you.

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES At Leweston there are a wide range of extra-curricular activities and you are encouraged to get involved in as much as possible. Activities are a great way to meet new people whilst having fun.

The range of activities changes every term and is published during the holiday.

You can choose which activities you would like to do and your parents can sign up in the Parent Portal.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THIS TERM'S ACTIVITIES Year 7 pupils must sign up to at least three activities, practices or groups per week and all pupils join Cantemus, the Year 7 and 8 choir.

The weekend activities schedule is also open to everyone, not just boarders. If you are a day pupil and would like to go on a weekend trip or join in with a boarding activity you should talk to Mrs Simkins-Smith.

WHAT IF...?

I feel ill?

Don’t worry, if you are in class tell your teacher and ask to go to the Health Centre.

If it is during break or lunchtime you can go to the Health Centre yourself. If you are feeling really unwell take a friend with you to make sure you are OK. The nurse on duty will look after you.

I get lost?

Don’t panic. You could carry the map in this booklet with you for the first few days but it might be easier to just ask someone. Anyone will help.

Anyone is unkind?

You should always tell an adult if someone is being unkind. Your tutor or houseparent would be the best place to start but any other member of staff would be very happy to help. Kindness is something we value highly at Leweston and it is very important that we are kind to others, and sometimes ourselves.

I have an extra music lesson or sports fixture?

Excuse yourself with your subject teacher before the lesson you are going to miss.

Make sure you make up any work.

I forget something - my homework, PE kit, books?

Always check your timetable before packing your bag the night before school. If you forget anything then tell your tutor. It might be possible to borrow from school or we can contact your parents to see if they can drop it into Reception. If you cannot find what it is you need try and tell your teacher before the lesson if possible.

TOP TIPS FROM YEAR 7 Be confident – don’t be afraid to ask questions and be honest when you have forgotten something.

Always do your homework on the night it is given to you (if you can), never forget your homework.

Do not carry every book around, use your locker well.

In the first few weeks, spend some time at break and lunch exploring the school – it’s fun and helps you learn your way around.

Try to do quite a few clubs.

Don’t worry too much about being late if you get lost in the first couple of weeks the teachers understand.

Always write down your homework in your planner or you might forget it.

Don’t just sit with your friends at lunch; try to sit with people you don’t know as well.

Always be polite to teachers and older pupils.

Do not leave stuff lying around school – take kit home or put it in your locker.

Pack your bag the night before – do not leave it until the morning when you will be in a rush and might forget things.

On your first few days, when you are going to a lesson don’t try to find the room on your own. Instead, go with a few friends so you don’t get lost.

Always check in your planner when you get your books out of your locker so you don’t forget any.

ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS The transition to secondary school brings lots of change not only for pupils but for their families. New travel arrangements, different expectations and routines, perhaps a move into boarding. This can create feelings of anxiety in parents and children but studies suggest that when supported well it can increase pupil’s performance.

What can you do to help?

Accept that it is normal and acceptable to feel anxious as a parent or guardian but it is important not to pass these feelings onto your child. Encourage your child to embrace their new school, make new friends and keep in touch with old ones.

Talk about what they think might change in a positive and exciting way.

Help your child to talk about any worries, concerns or emotions they have about starting school and acknowledge their feelings.

Help your child build good routines: get them to pack their bag the night before, remind them to check equipment and homework.

Create a space for them to work quietly at home.

Get to know your child’s tutor and Head of Year. Contact them if you need to.

Keep encouraging a growth mindset, make sure they understand they wont be good at everything, YET, things take time and practice and they shouldn’t give up.

Encourage them to get involved, try as much as possible, this is the time in their senior schooling when they can enjoy the full range of opportunities.

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