LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES START HERE
WELCOME
TERM DATES
NEW TERM 2025
PASTORAL CARE & FORM TEAMS
BECAUSE WE CARE GOOD TO KNOW ATTENDANCE MATTERS
GENERAL REGULATIONS
CODE OF CONDUCT
HOUSE SYSTEM
UNIFORM
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WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Methodist College Belfast, where your child has unlimited access to our celebrated tapestry of opportunity, diversity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. As a new parent/guardian to the school or a parent/guardian already connected to the College you are embarking upon this exciting journey with your child for the first time which is exciting for you as a family.
At Methody, we believe that every child is unique and has the potential to achieve great things. Our dedicated team of passionate staff is committed to unlocking your child’s full potential and guiding them towards success. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued, respected, and inspired to explore their interests and talents both inside and outside of the classroom.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a well-rounded education that fosters academic excellence, critical thinking, creativity, and socialemotional development. We aim to ignite a lifelong passion for knowledge and equip pupils with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
We place a strong emphasis on character development and values. We believe in instilling in our pupils a sense of integrity, empathy, and responsibility, preparing them to become compassionate global citizens who make a positive impact on society.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to working with you as we embark upon this wonderful educational journey together, nurturing their potential and shaping their future.
Methody is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.
THIS IS METHODY.
J Lendrum Principal
TERM DATES 2025/26
AUTUMN TERM
Wednesday 27 August 2025Friday 19 December 2025
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Monday 27 October 2025Friday 31 October 2025
SPRING TERM
Monday 5 January 2026Friday 27 March 2026
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Monday 9 February 2026Friday 13 February 2026
SUMMER TERM
Monday 13 April 2026Tuesday 30 June 2026
MAY DAY HOLIDAY
Monday 4 May 2026
Monday 25 May 2026
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS
Friday 24 October 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
Monday 16 February 2026
Wednesday 25 March 2026
• All dates are inclusive.
The Education Authority (EA) has a policy of co-ordinating the dates of school holidays in all the Primary and Secondary schools under its control and of providing school transport only on the dates when their schools are in session. Since the College holidays do not always coincide exactly with those of the EA, there can be occasions when the College is in session but there is no school transport. Based on information provided by the EA, it would appear that there will be a number of dates during the 2025-2026 academic year when the College will be open but school transport will not be provided and pupils will not be able to use their bus/train passes. Parents/Guardians of any children who may be affected should note that the dates are:
Wednesday 27 August 2025, Thursday 28 August 2025, Friday 29 August 2025 and Tuesday 17 March 2026.
It is hoped that parents/guardians will make an alternative arrangement to enable their children to attend school on these dates.
NEW TERM AUGUST 2025
WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST
Form 1 pupils and NEW pupils to the College in L6 should attend as indicated below.
All Form 1 (9.00 am - 12 noon)
9.00 am in the Chapel of Unity
New L6 pupils (9.30 am - 1.30 pm)
9.30 am in the Whitla Hall
Canteen/Deli lunches will not be available.
THURSDAY 28 AUGUST
Form 1 and ALL L6 pupils
Form 1 (9.00 am - 3.00 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms
Canteen/Deli lunches will not be available.
All L6 pupils (9.30 am - 2.00 pm) Pirrie Park
9.30 am meet at Pirrie Park for activity day. All pupils should wear suitable own clothing. Pupils should bring a packed lunch or will have the option to purchase lunch.
FRIDAY 29 AUGUST
Form 1, L6, U6 and NEW pupils in Forms 2-4.
Form 1 (9.00 am – 3.00 pm)
9.30 am buses to Pirrie Park for activity day. All Form 1 pupils should wear games kit.
New Forms 2 & 3 pupils (9.30 am – 10.30 am)
9.30 am in Reception
New pupils in Form 4 (9.30 am – 10.30 am)
9.30 am in the Atrium, McArthur Hall
L6 (11.10 am – 1.30 pm)
11.10 am in the Whitla Hall
U6 (10 am – 1.30 pm)
Prefects 9.40 am and then all U6 10.00 am in the Whitla Hall
Canteen/Deli lunches will not be available.
MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER
All pupils should attend.
Form 1 (9.00 am – 3.00 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms
Form 2 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in Whitla Hall
Form 3 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms
(same as Form 2 Tutor Group Rooms)
Form 4 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in the Chapel of Unity
Form 5 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms
(same as Form 4 Tutor Group Rooms)
L6 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms
U6 (9.00 am – 3.15 pm)
9.00 am in Tutor Group Rooms
Parents/Guardians are asked to note the times for arrival as above are for these MORNINGS ONLY. On all other mornings, school starts with Tutor Group registration beginning promptly at 8.45 am. School ends at 3.15 pm Monday to Friday. Monday 1 September will follow Week B timetable.
PASTORAL CARE & FORM TEAMS
All members of staff are dedicated to support your child throughout their school experience. However, some staff have a very special part to play through the Pastoral Care and Form Teams.
The Heads of Section for Junior School, Middle School and Senior School have responsibility for co-ordinating the Form work within the College and are supported by a Form Team consisting of a Head of Form, Deputy Head of Form, Form Tutor and Tutors. Each pupil is a member of a Tutor Group, and the Tutor, who is an integral part of the Form Team, has a specific responsibility for the pupils’ academic and pastoral welfare. The Tutors are in a unique position to establish a working relationship with the pupils in their Group, to monitor their development and to deal with a wide range of matters. If you wish to discuss an issue regarding the educational welfare or
School Structure
Junior School
Middle School
Senior School
academic progress of your child, contact the Tutor in the first instance or the relevant Head of Form or Head of Department.
On occasions, you may have a serious pastoral concern because of family or personal difficulties affecting your child. You should contact a member of the Pastoral Care team, either the Deputy Head of Pastoral Care for Junior School, Middle School or Senior School. Urgent or highly sensitive issues should be brought to the attention of the Head of Pastoral Care or the Vice Principal (Pastoral).
Forms 1 - 3
Forms 4 - 5
Forms L6 – U6
WHO TO CONTACT
If you have concerns about your child contact their Tutor in the first instance. Your concerns will then be raised with the appropriate member of staff as per below:
TUTOR TUTOR TUTOR TUTOR TUTOR TUTOR TUTOR
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 1
IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS PASTORAL CONCERN BECAUSE OF FAMILY OR PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES AFFECTING YOUR CHILD CONTACT THE RELEVANT DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE. HEAD OF U6 VICE PRINCIPAL (PASTORAL) HEAD OF FORM 1 HEAD OF FORM 3
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 2 HEAD OF FORM 2
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 3
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 4 HEAD OF FORM 4
DEPUTY HEAD OF FORM 5 HEAD OF FORM 5
DEPUTY HEAD OF L6 HEAD OF L6
DEPUTY HEAD OF U6
DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE JUNIOR SCHOOL
DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE MIDDLE SCHOOL
DEPUTY HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE SENIOR SCHOOL
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL
BECAUSE WE CARE
Further support for you and your child includes:
COUNSELLING SERVICE
To help support pupils, there is also a counsellor from an independent counselling service called Action Mental Health which is approved by the Education Authority Independent Counselling Service for schools. The Action Mental Health counsellor works in partnership with the College’s Pastoral Care Team. Information about the service is available from the Head of Pastoral Care.
PRINCIPAL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Support is available from the College to help pupils from financially disadvantaged backgrounds participate in the life and work of the College. This Discretionary Fund is disbursed by the Principal and financed by annual contributions from Methody Collegians. Further information can be obtained from the Principal’s Office: principal@methody.org
TOOLED UP EDUCATION
As a member of our school community, you will gain exclusive access to a digital platform called ‘Tooled Up Education’. This gives you privileged access to a digital library, packed full of evidence-based tips, activities, educational webinars and enlightening podcasts, on all matters relating to mental health, aspiration, learning, digital life and family life.
INDIVIDUALLY, WE ARE ONE DROP. TOGETHER WE ARE AN OCEAN.
SAFEGUARDING
At Methodist College both pupils and staff are valued and respected as individuals, and they are encouraged to develop their unique talents and abilities to their full potential. We seek to create a safe, caring, positive and supportive environment in which pupils have the right to be heard and see staff and volunteers as approachable people who will listen to their concerns about issues inside and outside school and take them seriously.
We follow government advice regarding our safeguarding procedures.
Safeguarding Team
• Mrs Lendrum, Principal
• Mr Lowry, Designated Governor for Child Protection
• Mrs Kennedy, Designated Teacher for Child Protection
• Mrs Cooney, Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection
• Mrs Marrs, Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection
• Mrs Parker, Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection
• Mrs Steenson, Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection
CHILDREN ARE THE WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE AND ITS BEST HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
GOOD TO KNOW
THE SCHOOL DAY
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All pupils must be in school by 8.40 am for their Tutor Group Assembly at 8.45 am. Those who have not reported to Tutor Group or registered in a morning activity before proceeding to Main Assembly or Form Assembly will be recorded as absent (unless they have recorded their presence in school by reporting to the Rolls and Records Office in A Block); you will be required to communicate the reason for absence as soon as possible.
Pupils can arrive for school from 8.15 am. Pupils must remain on the school premises throughout the school day, including break and lunch, unless special leave has been given. Sixth Form only have permission to be out of school during lunchtime. School ends at 3.15 pm Monday - Friday.
WEEK A/B
We operate a two-week timetable, so please check the School Gateway App for guidance.
LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS
The lunchtime is as follows: 12.50 - 1.35 pm (Monday - Friday)
Pupils in Forms 1-5 can take lunch in the College Canteen or Deli Bar or eat their packed lunch in the areas allocated. The main canteen area serves hot meals and the Deli Bar is a take-away facility. Both eateries offer a wide range of snacks and meals for break and lunch. We also have a Sixth Form Café for Sixth Form pupils only. All venues cater for all dietary requirements.
A biometric system is in operation and parents/guardians can ‘top up’ online to allow your child to pay for lunch through a cashless system. Pupils are also able to top up their account at one of the cash machines located in the Canteen/Sixth Form Centre.
Only Sixth Formers are permitted to leave the College grounds at lunchtime, but at no other time without appropriate permission.
DRINKS
Pupils are encouraged to drink water throughout the day and water facilities are provided throughout the school. Flavoured water is permitted. Energy drinks are not allowed.
BUS/TRAIN PASSES
The documentation for applying for a bus/ train pass is available through the EA website.
LOCKERS
Pupils can hire a locker in school. The cost is £10 per year and is non-refundable.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
Methody.org
Please check the school website for information relating to the school.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay in touch with all school news and follow our social media channels: Facebook @methody Instagram @methodybelfast X @methodybelfast
METHODY MATTERS
Methody Matters is a newsletter that is sent every week to inform you of upcoming events and important information.
ALLERGIES
Pupils are not permitted to bring nuts or foods that contain nuts into school.
SCHOOL GATEWAY APP
The College uses the School Gateway App for most payments, reporting and absence management. Following receipt of your pupil information sheet further details will follow via email to allow you to access this App.
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY APP
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
ILLNESS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
If a pupil feels unwell during school they should go to the San (Medical Room) where the School Nurse will assess their condition. If deemed necessary, they will contact the parent/guardian and request that the pupil is collected from the College. Pupils must not contact their parents/guardians directly in this regard unless advised to do so by a member of staff.
ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
In the case of absence due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, parents are asked to message the College via the Gateway App before 9.00 am on each day of absence. The Department of Education requires that we receive written confirmation from the parent/guardian when a pupil is absent from school giving the reason and date(s).
Notification via the Gateway App on each day of absence satisfies this requirement. If you contact us by telephone this must be followed up by written confirmation from a Parent/Guardian clearly stating the dates of absence and the reason again using the Gateway App. Parents/Guardians will receive a message via the Gateway App if their child does not arrive in school and we have not been informed about the reason for their absence. Parents/Guardians should reply about absences via the Gateway App. All queries not related to absences should be made to reception on 028 9020 5205.
PLANNED ABSENCE
Attendance is key to securing success for your child. Pupils should not be absent from school during term time except in case of illness or other emergency; this is important at the beginning and end of terms as well as at other times. In special circumstances, where absence is unavoidable, leave of absence must be obtained in advance. Requests for leave of absence should be made in writing, explaining the circumstances, a minimum of three days before the required date. Requests for absence for part of a day should be made to your child’s Tutor (in this instance notification via the Gateway App is also acceptable), for a complete day to the Head of Form and for periods longer than one day to the appropriate Head of Section. When a pupil leaves school during the day, for a medical or dental appointment, for example, they must sign out in the Rolls and Records Office and sign in there on return to school. It should be noted that social engagements, entertainment, holidays, etc. are not acceptable as a reason for absence.
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY APP
MISS SCHOOL, MISS OUT.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
BEHAVIOUR
When places are offered and accepted, it is on the understanding that parents/ guardians will undertake to co-operate with the College in ensuring that their child conforms with its traditions and standards and will accept that the College also has rules which may relate to aspects of a pupil’s life outside the College.
RESTRICTIONS ON CARS IN THE COLLEGE GROUNDS
Please note that parents/guardians are not allowed to drive into the College grounds to leave or collect pupils from school unless permission has been sought in exceptional circumstances from the appropriate Head of Section. Pupils are not allowed to drive cars or park in the College grounds.
RESPECT FOR PROPERTY
Everyone assists in maintaining the good appearance of the buildings and grounds. Bins are provided at numerous points. Any accidental damage to College property must be reported immediately to a member of staff. Deliberate damage will result in an appropriate sanction.
MOBILE DEVICES
If a mobile device is brought into school, it must be kept out of sight in a school bag or zipped blazer pocket at all times.
If there is an emergency, parents/ guardians can phone Reception for advice on how to contact their child. Of course, a pupil may approach a member of staff if an unforeseen situation arises.
Sixth Form pupils can use mobile phones in the Sixth Form Centre only.
PERSONAL PROPERTY (INCLUDING MOBILE DEVICES)
Every article brought to school, especially all clothing, should be marked clearly with the full name of the owner. While staff will be as helpful as possible, it must be understood that the College cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of such items. All valuables, including bicycles, mobile devices, and musical instruments, should be covered by home insurance.
Non-essential items of value or large sums of money should not be brought to school. Items such as watches or money must not be left in changing rooms or the sports pavilions at any time. It is the pupils’ responsibility to take care of all personal possessions. The College does not accept responsibility for personal property brought into school by pupils.
GAMES AND PE
All pupils must take part unless they are excused for medical reasons. Requests to be excused from Games must be made via the Gateway App before 12 pm on the day in question. For extended absence from Games, a doctor’s certificate may be required.
Special buses are arranged to take pupils to and from afternoon Games venues (at Pirrie Park, Deramore and elsewhere) but parents/ guardians may wish to make arrangements to collect their child from these venues. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transport to ‘home’ fixtures on Saturday mornings. When afternoon Games are cancelled, all pupils in the Forms concerned must attend classes or other activities as arranged by the PE staff.
All Games/PE kit and equipment must be clearly marked with the owner’s name. On Games day pupils may leave their Games kit in the locker areas before 8.45 am and collect it at lunchtime.
CHANGES IN CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS
Parents/Guardians should notify the College, in writing, of any change of home address, telephone numbers and email addresses immediately. This should be done via the School Gateway App.
IF EVERYONE IS MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER, THEN SUCCESS TAKES CARE OF ITSELF.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUPILS
ATTENDANCE
All pupils must:
• attend on every occasion that the school is in session, unless ill, or unless prior permission has been given;
• arrive in school no earlier than 8.15 am, unless involved in a supervised College activity;
• arrive in school for Tutor Group Assembly (registration class) by 8.40 am;
• provide written explanation from a parent/guardian for every absence;
• attend all classes, assemblies, Games and activities as shown on individual timetables and rotas;
• remain on the school premises until the end of each school day (Sixth Form pupils are allowed to leave the school grounds at lunchtime but must return promptly for the start of the afternoon session);
• leave the College grounds within ten minutes of their last supervised activity;
• if feeling ill during the course of the school day, go to the Sanatorium (going home without permission from the College Nurse or a senior member of staff is not permitted);
• if present in school but unable to take part in school Games or Physical Education classes, bring a letter of explanation from parent/guardian to the Head of the Physical Education Department;
• request permission from teachers prior to being absent from class;
• wear uniform in line with College Uniform Regulations at all times.
ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR
All pupils must:
• set high standards of behaviour for themselves, both inside school and on the journey to and from school, or when involved in school activities, including school trips;
• take responsibility for their behaviour, attitude and appearance at all times;
• show courtesy and consideration for all other pupils, teaching and ancillary staff, and visitors to the College at all times;
• observe and adhere to all safety instructions given to them;
• arrive in each class on time, with the correct materials, and preparatory work and homework completed on time to the best of their ability;
• follow instructions given by all teachers, ancillary staff and College Prefects;
• take responsibility for their own possessions and belongings, ensuring that where possible, all are clearly marked with their name;
• report any accident or breakage immediately to a member of staff;
• take responsibility for valuable possessions brought into school.
Pupils must not:
• use offensive language or act in an offensive or violent manner towards any other person;
• bring into school any item or substance which will contravene school regulations such as alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance which has an intoxicating or hallucinatory effect (smoking, including smoking e-cigarettes, is strictly forbidden in all circumstances, both inside school and on the way to and from school and school activities);
• borrow, use or take away any item belonging to another person or the school without clear permission;
• intentionally damage College property or that belonging to another person;
• eat or drink in class, assembly, corridors, locker areas, toilets or in study areas (pupils are permitted to drink still water in class only with the permission of their teacher);
• use mobile phones/devices at any time on school premises, except with the permission of a member of staff;
• record or send an image or sound without the permission of a member of staff and the people being recorded;
• bring into school knives, other weapons or any dangerous item;
• interfere with fire extinguishers or fire alarms.
DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN, AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN, AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.
JOHN WESLEY’S CHALLENGE
HOUSE SYSTEM
HOUSE SYSTEM
The House System was reintroduced to College life in 2025. The House System promotes collegiality, competition, leadership and most of all fun!
The Houses are as follows:
The new House identities are all taken from the Methodist College Belfast Crest. Each House logo contains the Maltese Cross within because even though the pupils compete for their house, they are united by the fact they are Collegians.
When pupils have their place confirmed at the College they will be allocated one of the six houses.
If pupils have an historical link to a particular House or House colour and would like this to be continued, please complete this on the Pupil Data Capture Form. Please note we cannot accept requests for houses unless there is a genuine family connection. All information about the Houses can be found on our website.
Once pupils have been allocated to their House parents/guardians must purchase a school tie that has the house colour stripe. This is available from school.
WORK HARD, HAVE FUN, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
DOWNEY HOUSE
FULLERTON HOUSE
MCARTHUR HOUSE
NEILL HOUSE
RITCHIE HOUSE
WESLEY HOUSE
WEARING THE CREST WITH PRIDE
At Methody, we wear our uniform with pride. All pupils are expected to align with this and take pride in their uniform and follow our uniform policy.
OFFICIAL UNIFORM STOCKISTS:
CA Gowdy Ltd
121-131 Woodstock Road, Belfast
David Gotto
72 Stranmillis Road, Belfast
McCalls 20-24, Market Street, Lisburn
Warnocks 791-792 Lisburn Road, Belfast
Financial Assistance towards the cost of school uniform is available for some pupils through the Education Authority’s clothing allowance. The eligibility criteria are the same as those used for free school meals. Please contact the Head of Pastoral Care, Mrs Kennedy for more information.
PRE-LOVED UNIFORM
We have a pre-loved uniform shop in school that is open at key times throughout the year. There are also pre-loved uniforms often available from the Save The Children shop (Tel 02890 249549) 12 Botanic Avenue, Belfast.
The following items should not be worn:
• Chinos, jeans or ‘jean like’ trousers, skinny jeans or leggings.
• Hooded tops/sweatshirts.
• Non-uniform cardigans/jumpers.
All items of uniform should be labelled with the pupil’s name. Pupils who lose items of uniform/equipment should check Lost Property.
Any garments worn below shirts should be plain, light coloured and not visible.
THE UNIFORM
NAVY BLAZER with embroidered logo. Blazer with School Crest for Form 1 - 5, with Maltese Cross for Sixth Form.
METHODY REGULATION SKIRT
worn no shorter than knee length with plain, black opaque tights or dark grey knee socks, or, trousers as per below. Navy shirt for Form 1 - 5, grey skirt for Sixth Form.
DARK CHARCOAL GREY, TRADITIONAL SCHOOL TROUSERS
full length and regular fit. To be worn with plain black or dark grey socks, no white or trainer socks.
WHITE BUTTON NECK SHIRT/ BLOUSE must be tucked into trousers/skirt at all times. White revere collar summer blouse can be worn in the summer term.
METHODY REGULATION NAVY OR GREY V-NECK knitted jumper may be worn.
SCHOOL TIE
to be worn up to the top button (fastened) and tied correctly with the College symbol visible.
PLAIN BLACK SCHOOL SHOES with no more than 6cm heel.
FOOTWEAR REGULATIONS
Please note that the following do not conform to the College regulations and must not be worn with College uniform:
• Shoes with white or coloured soles/ rim/logos/trainers or trainer type shoes such as Nike Airforce 1s, Replay footwear, black Vans.
• shoes with suede, nubuck or canvas finish;
• stiletto/kitten/wedge heels/ platform shoes;
• ballet pumps;
• boots/fashion footwear above the ankle.
BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF ACCEPTABLE FOOTWEAR FOR GIRLS
BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF ACCEPTABLE FOOTWEAR FOR BOYS
BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF UNACCEPTABLE FOOTWEAR
UNIFORM
• External coats/jackets (plain black or navy only) may be worn over the blazer but should not be worn inside the school building.
• Hair should be neat and tidy, natural in colour and conventional in style (minimum #2 clipper, medium/high/skin fades are not permitted i.e. the scalp should not be visible).
• Nails should be natural in colour and should be an appropriate and safe length for a working environment.
• If worn at all make up should be subtle and natural in appearance.
• Fake tan should not be worn.
• The following piercings are permitted: ear (no more than 2 small, plain studs per ear); nose (a clear retainer may be worn but no nose stud). Parents/Guardians/ Pupils must ensure that new piercings are done during the summer period to allow for removal from the start of term.
• Pupils will be required to remove the following if worn: bars, spacers, hoops and any other facial piercing (e.g. in septum, on eyebrow, on lip).
• Pupils are discouraged from wearing valuable items in school. One ring may be worn but bracelets and necklaces are not permitted.
• Visible tattoos are not permitted.
• A plain navy Methody fleece/Methody quarter zip may be worn during inclement weather under the blazer, to and from school, but must not be worn during the school day.
• All jewellery and piercings must be removed prior to PE and Games classes. In the case of a new piercing that cannot be removed, a clear flat top plastic retainer must be purchased and worn. The inability to remove a new piercing will not be deemed an acceptable reason to be excused from PE or Games.
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES FOR UNIFORM
If for any unavoidable reason a temporary deviation from the Uniform Regulations is required, a written request should be made to the Head of Form. (For example, a pupil may be unable to wear their complete school uniform due to a broken leg or arm. If this is the case, full school tracksuit or tracksuit bottoms and regulation top may be worn).
Deviations from these regulations on the grounds of religious beliefs may be permitted. If the adjustment is not a previously agreed change, a request should be made in writing to the Vice Principal (Pastoral) for consideration.
If a head covering is worn for any reason it should be plain fabric – black, white or navy in colour.
Individualism is not an acceptable reason to depart from the regulations. The College reserves the right to issue further guidance to pupils during the school year in the event of fashion trends impacting adversely on pupil appearance.
INFORMATION ABOUT PE AND GAMES UNIFORM
The items of PE and Games uniform can only be ordered online from the Canterbury School Shop located in the College (with the exception of those items marked with an *). Items can be collected from the shop by pupils at lunchtimes on Tuesday and Thursday during term time. Details of all opening times and how to order are available on our website.
Pupils going home after Games or after school practices are permitted to wear either full school uniform, including blazer, or navy blue tracksuit bottoms and top, (but not a mixture of school uniform and Games/ PE kit.). Leggings are not an acceptable alternative. If a pupil is representing the College on a team, agreed MCB apparel must be worn.
I THINK IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING WHEN YOU WEAR A UNIFORM WHICH REPRESENTS A GROUP OF PEOPLE, BECAUSE WHAT IT SYMBOLISES IS ONENESS, TOGETHERNESS.
UNIFORM REGULATIONS FOR ALL PUPILS
If pupils are involved in a sporting activity from the beginning of the school day, they may only come to school in their full tracksuit if they have been given permission to do so by the Head of PE or the teacher in charge of the activity.
Shorts or leggings must not be worn throughout the school day.
If pupils are leaving for a sporting activity during the day they come into school in their uniform and they change at the following times:
Leaving between lunchtime and breaktime – change at breaktime;
Leaving after lunch – change at lunchtime;
Leaving at the end of school for a match or practice – change after school.
If pupils return during the course of the school day they must change into full uniform.
PE AND GAMES UNIFORM
Boys’ Compulsory items
• PE T shirt
• White ankle socks*
• Non-marking training shoes* (no fashion trainers)
• Rugby shirt OR Hockey polo shirt
• Navy rugby shorts OR navy hockey shorts
• Hooped Games socks
• Rugby/football boots are required if playing rugby*
Girls’ Compulsory items
• PE T shirt
• White ankle socks*
• Non-marking training shoes* (no fashion trainers)
• Games skort
• Hooped Games socks
Optional Items: Tracksuit bottoms (strongly recommended), hooded top/fleece. PE/ Games activities will often be outside in the winter.
PE and Games uniform should be purchased from the online school shop, with the exception of those items marked*. It is strongly recommended that:
• in contact sports mouthguards and shin guards are worn;
• in sunny weather sun cream should be applied.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUPILS
It is the responsibility of our pupils to make themselves aware of the Uniform Regulations. These are displayed around the College and are available on the school website. Pupils should understand the correct uniform and the way in which the uniform should be worn.
Pupils should also be aware that failure to follow these regulations may lead to disciplinary sanctions. We want all of our pupils to wear their uniform with pride.
To view all our policies, please visit methody.org/policies
WE WEAR OUR METHODY CREST WITH PRIDE.
METHODY’S CULTURE OF DETERMINATION, EXCELLENCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT CREATES AN ENTIRELY UNIQUE AND WONDERFUL ENVIRONMENT.