Pages 7 -13: Communication between Home and School
o Contacting us
o Keeping us informed of a change of address
o Parental Responsibility
o Parents’ Conferences
o Reports
o Parent Information and Systems
o Pupil Planner , Merits and Demerits
Pages 1 4 - 15 : Pastoral Organisation
o Buddy System (Year 7)
o Houses
o PSHE
o Forum (School Council)
Pages 1 6 -18 : Timing of the School Day, Registration and Absence
o The School Day
o Travel to and from School
o Registration and Punctuality
o Attendance and Absence
o Absence Procedures
Page 1 9 : Term Dates
Page 20 : Lunches , C o-C urricular Activities
Page 2 1 -22 : Instrumental and Vocal Tuition
Page 2 3 : Speech and Drama Tuition
Page 2 4 : Educational Visits C onsent Arrangements
Page s 2 5 -26 : Homework
o Homework
o Office 365
Page 2 7 : Internal Examinations
Page 2 8 : Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
o SEN D
o Pupils with disabilities
Pages 2 9 -35 : School Uniform and Appearance
o School uniform and appearance
o Senior School Uniform , Stationery, PE and Dance kit lists
o Further PE Information
o Sixth Form Dress Code
Pages 3 6 -38 : Property, BYOD, Mobile P hones, Lockers
o Pupils’ property
o Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
o Mobile Phones and other devices
o Lockers
o Lost Property
o School Property
o Money
o Borrowing money in emergencies
o Water bottles and drinking water
Pages 3 9 -42 : Medical Issues and the School Nurse
o School Nurse
o Medical records and health checks
o Illness and accidents
o Medication in School
o Prescription medicines
o Asthma
o Nut allergies
o Health Care Plans
o Immunisations
o Mental Health
o Newcastle NHS C -Card Scheme
o PSHE
o Counselling in School
o Confidentiality in School
o External agencies
Page 4 3 - 50 : Policy Information
o Pupil Code of Behaviour including rewards and sanctions
o ICT Acceptable Use Agreement
Page 5 1 : List of Policies Available
Pages 5 2 -53 : Pastoral Information
Our Vision, Mission, and V alues
Vision
Our vision is to be champions of excellence in all -girl education, empowering girls to be leaders, trailblazers and world shapers.
Mission
Newcastle High School for Girls is committed to offering an outstanding all -girl education from age 3 to 18, that promotes happiness and well -being, allowing every girl to flourish academically. Creating an environment where girls learn without limits supp orted by the opportunities arising from being part of the GDST family.
This is strongly underpinned by our shared GDST values:
• Girls Firs t
• Fearless
• Forward -thinking
• Family
• Fulfilling
It is also underpinned by the NHSG Pupil Lear ning Characteristics (the 8 Cs)
• Creative –innovative and able to ‘think outside the box’
• Caring – considerate of their own needs and the needs of others
• Composed – poised and self -controlled . Showing calm and resilience in the face of adversity or responding to a setback.
• Communicative – expressive and able to co nvey their ideas in an articulate manner . Listening attentively and having an appreciation of the views of others.
• Courageous - willing to embrace new opportunities, with the strength of character to do the right thing. Able to learn from setbacks that are encountered. Possesses a strong sense of justice and is willing to stand up for others in the face of adversity.
• Confident –self-assured and believes in her abilities .
• Curious –inquisitive, with a strong desire to further their learning .
• Collaborative – works effectively with others and enjoys being part of a team .
Safeguarding
Newcastle High School for Girls is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and believes that all pupils, regardless of age, special needs or disability, racial/cultural heritage, religious belief or sexual orientation have the right to be protected from all types of harm and abuse. This emphasis on Safeguarding and Child Protection forms a fundamental part of our approach to providing excellent pastoral care to all pupils, including young people who may be over the age of 18 years.
The full Safeguarding policy is available for parents to consult on the school website .
Communication between home and School
Contacting Us
School
Contact Details
Newcastle High School for Girls GDST
Tankerville Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 3BA
Telephone
Telephone number: 0191 281 1768
Email: seniorschooloffice@ncl.gdst.net
The Senior School Reception is open from 08.00 to 18.00 . Staff are available to answer the telephone during these hours. If you telephone outside these hours , you will be able to leave a message on the answerphone .
In Person
There is a member of staff on duty at Reception from 08.00 until 18.00
We ask all parents (and other relatives or family friends) to enter School via our main Reception on Tankerville Terrace . Please note it is not possible to guarantee a meeting with a specific member of staff if you arrive at Reception without a prior appointment.
Telephone Messages for your Daughter
The School Office can pass -on messages to your daughter in exceptional circumstances, or if you are unable to contact her by another means. Please remember that pupils in Years 7 -11 should not be using their mobile phones during school hours and should not contact you directly if they feel unwell or need to speak to you for a specific reason during school hours . Under these circumstances, pupils should speak to the office staff, the School N urse or their Head of Year who will contact home on their behalf , if necessary
Email
You can email the office or individual members of staff. Please see below for more guidance about who is the best person to contact regarding specific issues.
Please bear in mind that teachers have a wide range of duties during the school day, including timetabled lessons, and are not generally office -based. We ask our teachers to check their emails at least once a day during term-time, but this may mean that there is a delay between receipt and reply.
In addition, outside the normal school day, we appreciate that our teachers will be managing their marking, lesson preparation and other school commitments alongside family and personal life. We therefore have a policy which states our teachers are not required to send or respond to work -related emails between 19.00 in the evening and 07.00 on the next school day. We hope that you will be understanding of this policy and not expect teachers to have read or to respond to emails during these hours.
In school -holiday time, teachers check their emails on a more infrequent basis. Therefore, if your request requires urgent attention please telephone the School O ffice.
Staff email addresses consist of their first initial, stop, surname plus @ncl.gdst.net, example as follows: a.staffmember@ncl.gdst.net
Contacting Specific Members of Staff
Pastoral Concerns
If you need to discuss pastoral concerns , your first port of call should usually be the Form Teacher . The Form Teacher may be contacted in writing, by telephone, by email, or in person if he/she is free when you come into School. You can also contact the Head of Year in the same way.
For 20 26-20 27, the Heads of Year are as follows:
Head of Year 7:
Head of Year 8:
Head of Year 9:
Head of Year 10 :
Head of Year 1 1 :
Head of Sixth Form:
Mrs Kay Thew ( k.thew@ncl.gdst.net )
Mrs Emma Waton (e.waton@ncl.gdst.net )
Mrs Victoria Mansueto ( v.mansueto@ncl.gdst.net )
Ms S arah Emmett (s.emmett@ncl.gdst.net)
Mr Greg Bignot ( g.bignot@ncl.gdst.net )
Mrs Alex Wilson ( a.wilson@ncl.gdst.net )
If the concern relates to medical issues, please contact our School Nurse, Mrs Vicki Wilson: v.wilson@ncl.gdst.net
Mrs Lucy Franks-Doyle ( Deputy Head, Pastoral ) would also be happy to speak to you or see you regarding any pastoral issues if you feel that there is a significant concern or a concern of a particularly sensitive nature: l.franks-doyle@ncl.gdst.net
Academic Concerns
If the concern relates to a specific subject, it is usually best to contact the Subject Teacher in the first instance. Depending on the nature of the concern, it may then be appropriate to involve the relevant Head of Department as well.
Mr Greg Bignot
Modern Foreign Language s
Mrs Nina Cameron Classics
Mrs Anna Dobson Drama
Mrs Laura Dodd Religious Studies and Philosophy
Mr Aidan Caulfield English
Mrs Antonia Estevez -Blanca Spanish
Mrs Jo Sanderson Business
Mrs Natasha Scatchard Art
Mrs Victoria Mansueto Food and Nutrition
Mr Andrew Gouge Economics
Mr David Hyde History and Politics
Mrs Debbie Hylton Dance
Ms Cath Chambers G eography
Mr Will Postl ethwaite Physics
Dr Christopher Reed Chemistry
Mrs Ann Robinson Psychology
Mrs Judith Tasker Maths
Mrs Katie Waters Music
Mrs Emma Waton Science and Biology
Miss Nicola Watson Head of PE
Mrs Alex Wilson Head of Academic PE
Mr Lee Willis ICT and Computing
If the concern relates to academic concerns across a number of subjects, please contact the Form Teacher , Head of Year or Deputy Head Academic (Tori Snowdon – v.snowdon@ncl.gdst.net ).
If you are concerned that your child may have a special educational need that you want to discuss, please contact our SEN DCO , Daniel Harrison: d.harrison@ncl.gdst.net
Safeguarding Concerns
If you have a safeguarding concern, you should contact Mrs Lucy Franks-Doyle as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. If it is an emergency and Mrs Franks-Doyle is not immediately available, you can contact one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads in Senior School: Mrs Hardie, Nurse Wilson, Miss Penny, or Mrs Snowdon .
General/Miscellaneous Concerns
For any general queries or concerns, or if you are not sure who to contact, please contact the School Office in the first instance and they will direct you to the appropriate member of staff : seniorschooloffice@ncl.gdst.net
Contacting the Head
Mrs Hardie (Head) is also happy to communicate with parents about particular issues if required. However, in most cases it would be more appropriate to follow the communication routes set out above, as these are the staff best placed to deal with specific issues, and it i s likely that she would need to ask another member of staff to look into your concerns in the first instance.
Keeping us informed of changes of address or contact details
Please inform us immediately of any change s of address or telephone contact numbers at home, work/daytime numbers and emergency numbers and email contact . You should do this by sending an email to datasupport@ncl.gdst.net Please note that we are legally required to retain details and at least two emergency contacts for every pupil on roll.
Parental Responsibility
In the interest of your daughter’s welfare and for legal reasons, the School must have accurate and up -todate records of the following:
- who lives with your daughter and which of these people have parental responsibility
- whether there are any other people with parental responsibility for your daughter who live apart from her
- whether there are any court orders which may have made changes to those who have parental responsibility , or which impose restrictions on the exercise of parental responsibility
If there are any changes to the above following your daughter’s admission to the School , please notify Mrs Hardie immediately.
If you are going away and leaving your daughter in the care of family or friends, please advise School of the details, including emergency contact arrangements. Please also ma ke sure that your daughter knows the contact names and numbers of the person(s) she is staying with.
If an arrangement of this type is going to be in place for 28 days or more it may be classed by law as Private Fostering if the person your daughter is staying with is not the parent, does not have parental responsibility and is not a close relative (step -parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt). Parents and private foster carers are legally required to inform the local authority about a proposed placement (i.e. your daughter staying with someone other than relatives as listed above) at least 6 we eks in advance. Professionals who encounter the child also have a duty to ensure the Local Authority is aware of the arrangement by making a referral.
Communication with Parents: Parents’ Conferences
Each Year Group has one Parents’ Conference each year
Pupils in all years are invited to attend the C onference with their parents. Parents’ Conferences are a form of verbal “full report” and dialogue , and we do encourage you to make every effort to attend your daughter’s conference.
The C onference gives you and your daughter the opportunity to discuss progress with subject teachers and pastoral staff, such as the Form Teacher and Head of Year.
The face -to-face Parents’ Conference for each Year G roup runs from 16.15 to 18.30 . However, if you have significant concerns in relation to your daughter’s learning in a particular subject, please don’t wait until the Parents’ Conference to raise these, as appointments only last five minutes and so they are not suitable to discuss more detailed issues.
As well as the annual Parents’ Conferences to discuss progress, some Year Groups have additional parents’ meetings throughout the year , covering topics such as GCSE and A Level Choices, Study Skills, Digital Safety, Exam Stress, and Mental Health Awareness, among other things.
Communication with Parents: Reports
Parents also receive regular information about their daughter’s progress through grades cards. You should expect to receive a grade card each half term for pupils in Year s 10 -13 and every term for pupils in Years 7-9 This grade card will grade your child on the following areas:
• Knowledge and understanding
• Application of knowledge
• Retrieval
• Attitude to learning
Annual Full Reports
In addition to the Grade Cards , every girl receives one full report each year. This report contain s comments for each of your daughter’s subjects, including a section on strengths and a section containing targets. There are also contributions from her Form Teacher and an overview of your child’s academic year.
Please see the following page for the academic reporting and assessment calendar for the academic year 202 6/202 7:
Grade Cards and Reports
Year 7
27 th November , 5 th March , 28 th June
Parents’ Conference Events
Year 7 – 1 st December
Year 7 and 8 Showcase
9 th March Supporting your daughter’s academic progress
Year 8
6 th November, 12th February , 28 th June
Year 9
4 th December, 2 6 th February , 28 th June
Year 8 – 23 rd February
Year 7 and 8 Showcase
9 th March Supporting your daughter’s academic progress
9 th March Supporting your daughter’s academic progress
22 nd September – Supporting your daughter through GCSE’s
22 nd September – Supporting your daughter through GCSE’s
10 th November Sixth Form Taster Day followed by Into Sixth Form Evening
2 nd September – An Introduction to Sixth Form at NHSG –TBC
Post 18 Parents event - TBC
Communication with Parents: Parent Information and Systems
Firefly Parent Portal
At NHSG, we have a ‘one stop’ online parent portal and app where you will be able to view some basic information related to your daughter including her timetable, attendance, other important/useful information about school and quick links to other apps and systems used in school. You will also find here an archive of all general correspondence sent to you by School including the Friday Bulletin In addition, your daughter’s progress reports are issued through the Firefly Parent Portal
This is a personalised system and therefore relies on linking to our school database system (SIMs). If your daughter is new to the school, she will need to have been formally admitted on our School Infor mation Management System (SIMS) before you can access the Parent Portal This usually takes place on her first school day, and you should be able to access Firefly within two to three days of your daughter starting school. You must use the same email address you have provided us to be able to access the Firefly Parent Portal
The URL for Firefly is : https://nhsg.fireflycloud.net/
Friday Bulletin and General Correspondence
Most correspondence is sent to parents by email via SchoolPost, which is why it is important that we have an accurate email address for you. We rely on parents being in the habit of checking for emails from School on a regular basis. It is therefore best that the email address you provide to School is one that you are likely to check regularly. We aim to streamline the process for you by sending out nearly all our correspondence giving information, about trips and e vents, on a Friday, in our ‘Friday Bulleti n’. You may also hear about PE fixtures and trips at other points during the week, and staff may still contact you directly at different times concerning academic or pastoral issues. You should start to receive a Friday Bulletin from the very first Friday after your daughter joins the School.
SOCS - School Calendar, Co -curricular, Music and Sport Communication Systems
We use a system called SOCS which supports the management of our school calendar, sporting and cocurricular activities.
SOCS will also enable you to have easy access to a live personalised online school calendar including sport, music, speech and drama and co -curricular for your daughter. It is also the system through which you will be able to book your daughter’s co -curricular activities (see page 18 ).
Once your daughter has been formally admitted to the School on SIMs, we will send you full instructions on how to register for SOCs. These are normally sent to you within two to three days of your daughter joining the School.
You can also view our ‘non -personalised’ school calendar without the requirement to register via our school website www.newcastlehigh.gdst.net
If you have trouble accessing the Firefly Parent Portal or SOCS, or you do not receive a Friday Bulletin as described above, please email for assistance.
E-Praise, Merits and Demerits
Last year , following a consultation process with pupils via the School Forum, we took the decision not to hand out pupil planners at the start of the Autumn Term . Instead, all of the information that used to be included in the school planners is now shared via Teams , and pupils should use online systems to keep track of homework deadlines.
We also use the online platform, E -Praise, as part of our Behaviour for Learning system . This allows pupils and parents of how many merits and demerits are accrued throughout the year . Parents can access E -Praise via the Firefly Parent Portal.
If pupils are awarded a certain number of merits, they move up our Rewards Pyramid during the year through a series of commendations. At each point, parents will be alerted that their daughter has achieved a commendation via E -Praise, and these achievements will also be celebrated in Year Group or Whole School Assemblies.
These individual rewards also feed into a collective rewards system, linked to the Form class, Year G roup, and House system, with prizes awarded at the end of each term for collective achi evements.
Alongside our rewards system, we have sanctions. Demerits are a low -level sanction which staff allocate via E -Praise Demerits may be given for a range of low -level misdemeanours, such as failing to submit homework on time, uniform infringements, eating outside of the Dining Hall, or having mobile phones on them between 8.35 -3.50.
If pupils are given five demerits in one term, this will trigger a lunchtime detention.
Parents will be alerted to the fact that their daughter has attended a lunchtime detention via E -Praise on the Firefly Parent Portal.
If a pupil attends 3 lunchtime detentions in a year , this will trigger an after -school detention. Pupils will also be placed on a Head of Year report at this point, so that Heads of Year can monitor and support them more closely in school Parents will be given 24 hours’ notice if this happens. After -school detention may also be used as an immediate sanction for behaviour which warrants a more severe sanction.
Demerits are reset at the start of each new term, and our hope is that in this way pupils will learn from their behaviour and improve on it if required .
Please not e the Pupil Code of Behaviour policy is included in full on pages 41 -46 .
Pastoral O rganisation
Buddy System
Every girl in Year 7 is assigned a Year 1 2 Buddy who will meet regularly with her and help to ensure she settles quickly into the School. Buddies are linked to House Families (see below).
Houses
Each girl is a member of one of the four Houses:
- Acadia - Carpathia - Mauretania - Turbinia
House events are held regularly throughout the year , and many opportunities are offered for the girls to get to know and work together with members of the House in different Forms and different Year Groups.
The Houses are led by members of the Sixth Form Leadership Team , and girls in every Year G roup can put themselves forward as a House Rep .
Pupils are placed in House Families upon joining the School. House Families are made up of two or three pupils from each Year G roup, plus one or two members of staff. Girls will usually stay with the same House F amily until they leave the school at the end of Year 13 . The House Family system allow s pupils to regularly interact across the different Year G roups. It also provide s continuity for pupils in the form of a vertical tutor system , which runs alongside the horizontal, Year G roup tutor system, where pupils are typically randomly mixed up at the end of each academic year.
PSHE
A programme of Personal, Social and Health Education is delivered to all girls in Years 7 – 13. These are weekly sessions usually led by your daughter’s Form Teacher. In Years 7 -9, there are additional timetabled lesson s delivered by a specialist PSHE teacher.
Occasionally the sessions will consist of whole Year Group assemblies or other activities with visiting speakers.
The aim of PSHE is to help pupils to develop in such a way as to prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities of life. They are encouraged to develop skills such as listening to others and confidence to put forward their own view.
Relationship and Sex Education (RSE)
Within PSHE, pupils also cover Relationship and Sex Education , as per the D epartment for Education ’s statutory requirements.
RSE is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about teaching sex, sexuality and sexual health in a way that is fully understood and effectively retained by the girls in our care. This
includes a focus on good health, the value of self -esteem in making choices and judgements, the nature of healthy and consensual relationships, and knowledge about how the body works, all within a context of moral issues and values.
The purpose of RSE is to give pupils information to help them to lead healthy and safe lifestyle s and to care and respect their bodies. We provide them with the right tools to enable them to seek information or support should they need to, both during their school years and beyond.
This teaching is not intended to replace advice or guidance which is received at home, but to supplement and broaden knowledge and understanding.
If parents would like to find out more about what is covered in RSE, or to offer feedback, please find the policy in full, alongside schemes of work for each Year G roup, on the school website.
Forum (School Council)
At NHSG, the School Council and the structures that support it are known as “The Forum”.
All pupils are involved in the Forum through regular Form Councils, Year Councils and the Forum meetings themselves, as well as feedback assemblies to each Year Group. In addition to this cyclical system there are regular Sub -G roups, open to everyone, on a range of issues.
The Forum provides structured opportunities for all pupils to have their say on almost every aspect of schoollife, including teaching and learning, equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainability issues, mental health, and the updating of school policies such as those relating to behaviour or uniform
Timing of the School Day , Registration and Absence
Timing of the School Day
Monday, Wednesday , Thursday and Friday
Morning 8.35
9.05
10.05
10.10
11.10
11.30
12.30
Afternoon 13.40
Registration & Assembly or Form Time
Period 1
Walking time
Period 2
Break
Period 3
Lunchtime
Period 4 including PM Registration 14.45
14.50
15.50
Walking time
Period 5
End of day
Morning
Tuesday
8.35
8.40 -9.10
9. 10
9.1 5 – 10. 10
10.10
10.15 -11.10
11.10 -11.30
Registration
PSHE (30 minutes)
Walking time
Period 1 (55 minutes )
Walking time
Period 2 (55 minutes)
Break
Then as Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
School opens for pupils at 08:00 . Pupils arriving before 8.15 will need to stay in the LRC, before moving up to their form rooms.
The school day starts form ally with registration at 08:35 and ends at 15 :50 , during which time , all pupils in Y ears 7 to 11 are expected to remain on the premises. Pupils in Years 12 and 13 are able to s ign out at Reception and leave school at 14:50 if they do not have a lesson or supervised study pe riod 5.
The only exceptions to this are if your child is out of School ‘officially’, such as on a school -trip or fixture, or in response to formal requests from parents received by staff in School and approved in advance.
At the end of the day, pupils may work quietly in the Dining Hall or LRC until 18.00 . Alternatively, they can wait in Reception.
Travel To and from School
Newcastle High School for Girls is proud to be a ‘green’ school, so we try wherever possible to promote more sustainable modes of transport. Our Senior School is located at the south end of Tankerville Terrace in Jesmo nd and is easily accessible by M etro from either Jesmond (4 -minute walk) or West Jesmond (5minute walk) metro stati ons.
The School is also well served by public bus services with a number of stops close -by on Osborne Road, the Great North Road and Jesmond Road. We also have plenty of secure cycle storage on site and promote a number of park and stride pick -up and drop -off locations to help a lleviate congestion and air pollution in the vicinity of the school which can be found by clicking this link.
We run an extensive network of chaperoned daily home to school bus services to both Senior School and Junior School and run regular shuttle services between our Senior School and Junior School sites.
Full details of the transport options available for travel to and from our School can be found by following this online link. https://newcastlehigh.vectare.co.uk/
Registration and Punctuality
All girls in Years 7 -13 are expected to be present in time for registration at 08:35. They will receive late marks if they are not punctual , and these will be monitored by Form Teachers and Heads of Year . Parents can track lateness via E -Praise. If pupils are persistently late, parents will be contacted to discuss any barriers around getting to school on time. Pupils may also end up in after school detention if the issues continue once they have been flagged as a concern.
Attendance and absence
Regular attendance is vital because any absence has the potential to affect the quality of your daughter’s learning and, at times, her social integration and interaction with her peers.
Your daughter will benefit most from the opportunities offered by NHSG by attending school in every session School is open and so t he ideal is 100% attendance.
We monitor attendance closely, with Form Teachers and Heads of Year scrutinising the figures actively to look for patterns. The girls are informed of their attendance percentage at regular intervals , and the Head of Year may make a comment relating to it on the annual Full Report.
An average attendance figure of below 95% causes us concern as it is the equivalent to one session –either morning or afternoon – off school each fortnight . 90% represents one morning or afternoon off each week. E very 5% drop in the figures after this represents the equivalent of another half -day off school each fortnight.
Whenever attendance causes concern, we follow a protocol in School which will usually begin with making contact with you to discuss the situation and next steps . We may also inform the Local Authority if there is no improvement in your child’s attendance following these initial discussions, in keeping with the national Safeguarding requirements that all schools must adhere to. In extreme circumstances, we may also make a referral for legal action if all other attempts to improve attendance have failed.
Unplanned Absence
We understand that unplanned absence does occur, such as related to illness. Please see below for the procedure to follow should such an absence be necessary. We would ask you to exercise judgement about whether your child needs to be off for minor ailments - most children will cope in school with these. However, there are protocols to follow around illnesses connected to vomiting and diarrhoea . Please keep your child off school until 48 hours have elapsed since they have become symptom -free under these ci rcumstances.
Planned Absence
We would ask that planned absence be kept to a minimum, with medical and other appointments arranged around the school day if possible, to reduce the amount of time off school which might be needed.
Term-time leave of absence or holidays
It is our expectatio n that parents will not take their children out of School for holidays which fall within our published term -dates. The Department for Education has issued new statutory guidance for schools in England which c ame into effect from August 2024, whereby authorised absence during term time will only be applicable for exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons. Unauthorised absences of 10 sessions or more (i.e. 5 days) must now also be reported to the Local Authority . This would include holidays
Term dates for the following academic year are normally set and published by the end of November of the preceding academic year. Parents are asked to note these dates and share them with partners and relatives who may be booking holidays on their behalf so that bookings during term -time may be avoided. The Term dates are sent to parents via School Post, are included in this information booklet, and also can be found on the Firefly Parent Portal as well as the school website.
All requests for leave of absence in exceptional circumstances should be made to the Head using the leave of absence form on the Firefly Parent Portal All requests should be made in advance and in good time for the Head to make a considered response.
Should a pupil have leave of absence from School, whether authorised or unauthorised, teachers will not normally set personalised work . T he pupil will need to take the initiative to obtain work and to catch up.
Absence Procedures
Unplanned Absence
If child is not well enough to come to School in the morning (including days when she is due to go out on a school trip or visit), you should notify the School before 09:00 by emailing seniorabsence@ncl.gdst.net or telephoning Reception. If a pupil is absent on a given morning without explanation and no information has been received, parents will be contacted by Reception, on the morni ng of the first day of absence, and subsequent days if notice of absence has not been provided by parents.
Planned Absence
If the absence is planned because of a medical, dental or other appointment, you should inform School in writing, by email ( seniorabsence@ncl.gdst.net ) or telephone ( 0191 281 1768 ) in advance.
Term Dates 2026 -2027
Lunches and Co -curricular Activities
Lunches
All pupils in Years 7 to 1 3 take school lunch. Th e termly cost of this is added to the s chool fees.
Co -C urricular Activities
The School runs a wide range of co -curricular activities which are run by staff and members of the Sixth Form. These activities take place before school, at lunchtime or after -school. Every term we produce a cocurricular timetable which is communicated to pupils and parents. Details are also given via Year Group Teams and announcements made during form time and assemblies.
Information about our co -curricular programme will be available through SOCS (an electronic calendar system) and details will be sent to you in due course.
We expect everyone in school to take part in the co -curricular schedule. Co -curricular activities promote passion and excitement and offer pupils the opportunity to broaden their horizons and develop their skills, as well as to interact across different Year G roups. In addition, they require effective time management, helping pupils develop the ability to prioritise opposing responsibilities.
In Years 7, 8 and 9, we expect all pupils to take part in at least three co -curricular clubs per week.
In Years 10 and 11, we expect pupils to take part in at least two co -curricular clubs per week.
Instrumental and Vocal Tuition
At Newcastle High School for Girls, we provide opportunities to study a plethora of musical instruments. These are taught by our peripatetic tutors, all of whom are carefully selected. We are proud to have some of the region’s finest musicians teach in our Music department. Pupils who learn instruments then have the chance to participate in NHSG’s wonderful, high -class ensembles, including Orchestra, Choir, Chamber Choir, Guitar Ensemble, and Brass Ensemble. It is impressed upon pupils that when they learn an inst rument they also attend an ensemble to maximise their involvement.
In Years 7 -9, the pupil s’ music lessons are taught on a rota to avoid missing the same school/subject lesson too frequently, a system which is highly successful. In Years 10 -13, pupils are taught during lunchtimes and before and after school, to avoid missing school/subject lessons. Pupils will be required to inform teachers of their lesson times.
Learning to play a musical instrument provides a fabulous opportunity for the pupils at NHSG to gain a skill that could last the rest of their lifetime and provide them with endless enjoyment, as well as, for examp le, the opportunity to play in the wide range of instrumental and vocal ensembles that NHSG has to offer and to take part in numerous performance activities both in and out of School.
As each pupil begins to achieve grades in her instrument, this is something which will prove a valuable addition to a CV or UCAS Personal Statement, with the higher grades even providing additional UCAS points. Instrumental ability is highly regarded by all u niversities, as it shows a commitment to regular practice, use of the intellect, and a high level of co -ordination.
The following instruments can be studied at NHSG:
Piano Flute Trumpet Classical Guitar
Violin Oboe Trombone Electric Guitar
Viola Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar
French horn Saxophone Singing Acoustic Guitar
Lessons last for 30 minutes and are taught individually. Some teachers may take on pairs or even groups at their discretion (generally only if similar ability pupils are available). Lessons during 202 6-27 will be charged at £22 5 for a series of ten, payable at the start of each term direct to the teacher. Ten lessons’ notice (or ten lessons’ fees in lieu) is required to terminate lessons. If a teacher misses a lesson, it will be made up at a later date. Unfortunately, teachers cannot undertake to make up lessons missed by pupils who are absent from School, or who fail to attend for any other reason.
To register to begin lessons in any of the instruments listed, please confirm your requirement by completing the section in the electronic information forms we have asked you to complete by Friday 3 rd July
We cannot guarantee a September start for pupils whose forms are returned after this date.
If your child already has lessons at NHSG Junior/Senior School, you do not need to reapply using the online form; lessons will continue automatically unless you have given your child’s teacher the appropriate written notice of cancellation or unless the peripatetic teacher will no longer be working at NHSG Senior School.
If your child’s teacher is not listed and you would like them to continue lessons on their instrument, please complete the electronic form referred to above.
The following staff will be giving Instrumental and Vocal tuition in NHSG from September:
Ms Alessandra Amorino (flute)
Mr Gary Cowey (saxophone, clarinet, piano)
Ms Amy Mellor (singing)
Ms Emma Hughes (guitar)
Mr Laura Davison (brass)
Mr David Lourie (Drum Kit)
Mrs Alison Northey (piano)
Mr Merlin Roxby (piano)
Mr Jonathon Trevor (violin, viola, piano)
Mr Andy Watt (guitar)
Ms Penny Kempson (violin/viola)
Ms Laura Oldfield (singing)
Any questions regarding instrumental and vocal tuition should be directed to Mrs Waters, Head of Music, k.waters@ncl.gdst.net
Speech and Drama Tuition
Speech and Drama lessons are open to every pupil in the School, both those who have previous experience of (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) examinations, and those who have not chosen to have lessons in previous years. The lessons are open to all , regardless of their ability or experience.
Speech and Drama lessons place emphasis on the individual needs of pupils in Public Speaking and Acting. These individual lessons ensure that every pupil is given the very best in vocal training and acting. Pupils are given one private lesson per week which lasts for 30 minutes. It is also possible for pupils to have a shared lesson with another pupil if they would like to perform duologues.
In order to minimise the disruption curriculum lessons, Speech and Drama lessons operate in a similar way to Music tuition; they work on a rotation system and we aim to offer lunchtime sessions to girls who also have Music lessons.
Pupils are offered the opportunity to sit LAMDA examinations in which they are able to gain graded qualifications leading to Bronze, Silver and Gold awards which can be used to gain UCAS tariff points.
Should your child wish to enter the LAMDA examinations there will be a fee of approximately £40 per examination.
It is possible for pupils to take lessons without ever entering into the LAMDA examination system, for example if they wish to develop their skills in public speaking and voice control in order to help them in their future careers.
Lessons are taught by a specialist Speech and Drama teacher , Mrs Maggie Childs.
Lessons during 202 6-27 will be charged at £2 15 for a series of ten, payable at the start of each term direct to the teacher.
Payment for lessons is made at the start of each term directly to the Speech and Drama teacher. There is an additional fee for LAMDA or RADA examinations.
To register to begin lessons, please confirm your requirement by completing the section in the electronic information forms we have asked you to complete by Friday 3 rd July
If you have any questions about Speech and Drama tuition please contact Mrs Dobson, Head of Drama, by telephone or email to a.dobson@ncl.gdst.net
Educational Visits: C onsent Arrangements
Parents of pupils joining Year 7 are asked to complete and return the Educational Visits Consent Form (the EVC Form) in the preceding Summer Term . This is provided in an online format . This is then processed in time for the first day of the Autumn Term and is in place for the five academic years of Years 7 to 11.
Parents of all pupils in Year 12 are asked to complete and return the Educational Visits Consent Form (the EVC Form) in the preceding Summer Term. This is provided in an online format. This is then processed in time for the first day of the Autumn Term an d is in place for the two academic years of Sixth Fo rm.
Parents of pupils joining other Year Groups are asked to follow a similar system, with the EV C form covering all subsequent academic years up to and including Year 11.
Pupils are not permitted to go on any trips in a given academic year i f the completed, signed Educational Visits Consent F orm is not held on file at School.
Once this consent form is in place, you will not be asked to consent to your child ’s participation in other local trips and visits or day trips within the UK , although you will be informed by letter/email of when they are taking place and given the opportunity to withdraw your consent if you wish.
You will be asked to complete an ‘Update Consent Form’ – which allows you to pass on any changes to your contact details or information about your child, such as medical or dietary issues - shortly in advance of every trip which is outside the local area, and which may include an overnight stay. Updated consents will also be sent for trips which include activities such as swimming and skiing. This is because our procedures require both the EVC Form and the Update Consent Form to be in place for all out of area and residential visits
Homework
Our Vision for Homework
Homework is an important part of our curriculum. Our aim is to ensure that all homework:
• Supports meaningful progress beyond lessons
• Develops independent and active learners
• Reinforces and deepens knowledge and understanding
• Provides opportunities for practice, retrieval, and application
What Homework Will Look Like
Homework at Newcastle High School for Girls is designed around three key purposes:
1. Consolidation of Learning
Students will complete tasks that reinforce what has already been taught in lessons. This may include:
• Practising skills (e.g. mathematics problems)
• Short written or creative tasks
• Digital activities using platforms such as Seneca or MathsWatch
• Reading or video tasks with clear follow -up questions
2. Preparation for Assessment
Students may be set:
• Exam -style questions
• Practice tasks that mirror assessment expectations
• Structured written work to develop subject -specific skills
3. Retrieval and Revision
Students will revisit prior learning using evidence -based strategies such as:
• Self-quizzing or flashcards
• Retrieval activities from previous topics
• Guided revision tasks to prepare for assessments
Time Expectations
We are mindful of workload and aim to balance study with wellbeing:
• Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form): Extended independent study is expected
Teachers will make clear how long each task should take.
Students will have at least 48 hours turnaround time for homework and 1 weeks notice for in class assessments.
How Homework Is Set and Accessed
• Homework will be set via Microsoft Teams Assignments
• Parents can view homework via our Firefly platform
• Where appropriate, tasks may include digital learning platforms to support accessibility and independent study
Ensuring Accountability and Feedback
Homework is most effective when it is meaningful and followed up. Therefore:
• All homework tasks will include a clear outcome
• Work will be reviewed or used in lessons as part of the Connect Activity
• Students will receive feedback which may take the form of:
o Self- or peer -assessment
o Automated feedback via online platforms
o Whole -class or verbal teacher feedback
Students will be provided more formalised written feedback on work completed in class using our What Went Well, Even Better If and Now format.
KS3 Transition
To fit with our commitment to transition at key points in the student’s education, you should expect Maths and English homework once per week. For all other subjects the students will be assigned fortnightly homework.
Supporting Independent Learning (KS4 & KS5)
Older students will also complete Guided Independent Study tasks, which involve:
• Identifying strengths and areas for improvement
• Completing targeted tasks to close knowledge gaps
• Uploading work for teacher review into their Independent Study folder on OneNote.
This approach helps students develop the study skills needed for GCSEs, A Levels, and beyond. Year 10 and 11 will be set one Independent Study task per subject each half term and Year 12 and 13 will complete an Independent Study task each week due to their timetable flexibility.
How Parents and Carers Can Support
You can support your child by:
• Encouraging them to complete homework independently and on time
• Providing a quiet space for study
• Discussing what they are learning
• Supporting activities such as quizzing, explanation, or reading
We may occasionally ask for your involvement in tasks such as signing off verbal explanation activities. Homework tasks are likely to be a hybrid of online and written tasks. Your daughter should read the instructions for completion carefully to ensure they are completing the work as the member of staff intended. Built into our Academic Calendar are Screen Free Homework weeks to ensure that the girls are away from devices and practicing writing. There will be three Screen Free Homework’s set across the academic year per subject - when they are set is at the discretion of each department.
When Homework is not Submitted
Teachers will give pupils who have failed to hand in homework on the due date the opportunity to hand it in the following day. They will also issue a demerit. If the homework does not come in on the following day, the teacher may issue a further four demerits and put the pupil into lunchtime detention to make up the missing work.
Office 365
At Newcastle High School for Girls our ICT infrastructure is supported by the Microsoft Office 365 suite of applications. This means that your child will have her own OneDrive, which is securely backed up in the cloud to store all of her work. This also means that we can approach their daily education in innovative new ways using technology in the classroom to enhance the delivery of subjects. Although every department will use these technologies in their own way to supplement the nuances of their courses, one whole school approach is that work is hosted and distributed via Microsoft OneNote, whilst homework is distributed via Teams Assignments . This will be introduced to new Y ear 7 pupils in their first week with us, supported further in their first term of ICT lessons, and parents will be sent videos at the start of the Autumn Term for a demonstration of how this works.
Internal Examinations
Internal school examinations are held annually for Years 7 to 10 and 12 during the Summer Term. If your daughter is absent from a school examination, the staff will decide if/when she should take the examination. As it is difficult to supervise examinations outside the set period, papers may be given to your daughter to be do ne at home, in any free time at School, or, by agreement with the Deputy Head Academic , in other subject lessons.
Year 11 and 13 mock examinations take place in December. They will then have internal assessment in lessons towards the end of March .
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
At NHSG we aim to provide high quality teaching and learning experiences which enable and inspire all pupils to achieve across an incredibly wide range of activities. In order to ensure academic success, pupils with learning support needs including such th ings as ADHD, autism and dyslexia, are offered appropriate advice and assistance to ensure that their experience of school is successful and happy. We identify and provide appropriate, specific support through close liaison between the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO), parents, the pupil concerned and the teaching staff.
The Senior School has a designated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (Mr Harrison) , in line with the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice. In order to inform teachers of how best to support pupils with specific learning needs in the classroom, the SENDCO works with each pupil on the School’s SEN register to produce a Learning Plan. Each pupil’s input is central to this plan, which details and describes the difficulties they face and outlines individual support strategies that she and her teachers can implement to help address these dif ficulties. This is then reviewed each year in conjunction with the pupil to ensure ongoing support remains appropriate and effective. In order to assist with early identification of support needs, parents of new entrants to the School should forward any e xisting assessment documentation (e.g. dyslexia screening reports, psychological assessments, letters from medical consultants) and any other relevant information directly to the SENDCO.
Parents will be informed by the SENDCO or Head of Year of any concerns or difficulties their daughter may be experiencing and this will be monitored by subject teachers and supported through adapt ation of classroom activities. As part of our continuous assessment, staff may assess whether a pupil has an underlying learning difficulty that could be hindering the learning process. In some cases, it is necessary to involve the expertise of outside ag encies and the SENDCO will advise parents if further professional assessment or support is required. The GDST advises that any additional costs incurred by the use of external agencies must be met by parents and are not part of the fees paid to the School.
All the staff at NHSG work together in liaison with parents to ensure that all the pupils in our care are given the best possible advice and support to enable each individual to reach her full potential across all activities in school.
Pupils with Disabilities
It is our policy to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with disabilities. If your child does have any special requirements, or the nature of her existing requirements change, please contact the SENDCO or School Nurse depending on the nature of the disa bility.
School Uniform and Appearance
We rely on parents’ help in ensuring the smart appearance of the pupils, particularly with regards to skirt length. School skirts are available to buy in 3 standard lengths to accommodate pupils of different heights. Skirt lengths should not be altered except in exceptional circumstances to accommodate particularly tall or short pupi ls and only with the prior written agreement of the School. To allow for growth and variation in body shapes, skirts worn up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) above the top of the knee -cap when standing will be considered to be regulation length. In order to allow for growth however a new skirt should be longer when first purchased i.e. on the knee cap . This also will help keep uniform costs down for parents.
All girls in Year 7 to 11 should arrive in School every morning in full uniform unless they have PE that day, in which case they are allowed to arrive in full PE kit, which must include tracksuit bottoms and ¼ zip mid layer.
As an accompaniment to the uniform, we have sourced a good quality, ergonomically designed backpack with integral device pouch which forms part of the compulsory uniform offer for our Junior School pupils. This is also available as an optional item for Senior School pupils and we recommend it as a good quality, practical item. As the school backpack is not a mandatory item in Senior School, we ask, if your child does choose an alternative product, that you help her choose an adequately sized school bag (one that will take A4 sized files) so she is able to carry correct equipment between School and home properly , including a padded integral device pouch suitable to protect your daughter’s device . Handbags are not acceptable/ suitable.
In addition:
• False nails , false eyelashes and nail varnish should not be worn.
• No jewellery may be brought to school or worn with school uniform, except earrings (one stud in each ear), one small pendant necklace , and watches.
• No facial or body piercings may be worn.
• If hair is dyed, the colour should be within the range of natural hair colours.
School cannot be responsible for loss or damage to watches, necklaces and earrings . F or this reason, we recommend that pupils should not wear or bring high value items to school and the School cannot accept liability for loss or damage of such items
Please note that staff will ask pupils to remove piercings that contravene the above policy . You should therefore ensure any additional piercing is done at the start of the Summer holidays so they can be removed in time for school.
We ask that you ensure that your child wears her uniform correctly both in and out of School as each pupil is an ambassador for Newcastle High School for Girls.
School uniform and PE kit are supplied through Schoolblazer.
W hen necessary for safety or hygiene, long hair should be securely fastened back, for example in laboratories, PE and dance lessons and when undertaking adventurous activities on trips. We also ask that parents help ensure that all items of uniform are clearly labelled with names – a service that our uniform and sportswear supplier, Schoolblazer, o ffers as a matter of course on all items bought from them.
All u niform items are available from Schoolblazer at the above link.
NHSG Preloved School Uniform shop
You can purchase good quality preloved uniform items from our online shop: newcastlehighschool.square.site
Senior School Uniform List
Please note that the uniform or PE /Dance items can all be purchased through Schooblazer. Unless the item is marked with an *, which indicates that the item is available exclusively from Schoolblazer, items may also be purchased from other outlets.
Compulsory items
Jacket*
Grey with school crest on lapel
Skirt* Teal/black plaid
Length: We recommend buy ing at knee length to allow for growth and to minimise the need to purchase a new skirt in an academic year if it is more than 7.5cm above the knee
OR
Full length polywool trousers
Plain grey: can be worn as an alternative to skirt
V neck ed jumper* Teal
Long/short sleeved blouse
Outdoor Coat
Tights
Shoes
Optional
Active Backpack *
Plain white revere collar , no school crest
Black (any plain black coat or jacket, without fur trims/coloured parts, may be worn)
Black opaque (or black or white ankle socks in summer)
Plain b lack 3cm max heel height
Shoes with open toes, platform soles, stiletto and kitten heels and backless shoes are not permitted. Boots are also not permitted.
Black with school crest
Pashmina Teal
Hijab
Plain black, teal or grey
Lab Coat White
Stationery
A range of stationery items and equipment, including, but not limited to the following, will be useful in the majority of lessons. Subject teachers may advise of additional requirements as and when necessary.
Basic stationery such as pens, pencils, a highlighter
Scientific calculator of any type (e.g. Casio fx -83/85 series)
Ruler
Protractor
Pair of compasses
Drawing pencils: HB, 2B and 4B
Pencil eraser
Pencil sharpener
A glue stick (e.g. Pritt stick)
Mini whiteboard and pen
Lined A4 punched white paper for subjects where exercise books are not used
All of the above items will be available to buy from the school shop and pupils will be required to purchase any of the above listed items that they have not brought to school with them. Pupils arriving to lessons without the correct equipment will receive a demerit.
A small number of calculators will be available for pupils to borrow (for a charge of £3 per lesson) and this should be arranged before the start of any lesson to avoid receiving a demerit.
Pupils will be required to purchase printer credits to enable them to use the school printers. These can be purchased either online or in the school shop and are available in denominations of £1, £5, £10 or £20.
PE Kit
Please note that the uniform or PE /Dance items can all be purchased through Schooblazer. Unless the item is marked with an *, which indicates that the item is available exclusively from Schoolblazer, items may also be purchased from other outlets.
Compulsory
Fitness T shirt*
Midlayer top*
Training pants*
Skort*
Running Shorts* or PE shorts*
Swimming hat* (Year 7 only)
Swimming costume (Year 7 only)
Hockey socks*
Optional
Swim/Stuff bag*
Sports Bag*
Fitness leggings*
Teal with school crest
Teal with school crest
Black with school crest
Black and teal with school crest
Black with school crest
Teal with school crest
Plain black
Teal and white hoops
Black with school crest
Black with school crest
Black with school crest
Netball socks White
Active Jacket*
NHSG dryrobe*
Base layer top
Black with pro viz school crest and name
Black with teal embroidery
Plain black
Limitless adjustable sports bra A variety of colours are available
Sports hijab
Plain black
The following items relating to PE lessons and activities can be purchased through a retailer of your choice.
Compulsory
Trainers
Shin pads
Gum Shield
Swimming goggles
Optional
Must be suitable for participation in a variety of indoor and outdoor physical activities and have non -marking soles. Fashion trainers such as Nike Airforce 1’s or those with a raised sole are not permitted.
Compulsory for football and hockey only
Compulsory for Hockey only . * Please ensure that a suitable gum shield is purchased and fully moulded before the start of the School Year
Year 7 only
Hockey stick (optional but recommended for those playing co -curricular hockey)
Tennis racket (optional but recommended for those playing co -curricular tennis - summer only)
Astroturf Shoes/Boots (optional but recommended for hockey and football)
Pupils will spend several lessons during the two -week timetable in the Physical Education Department and we hope that the pupils will also be involved in lots of co -curricular activities. Pupils will need to be well organised to ensure that they have the c orrect, fully named kit on each occasion. ALL kit should be clearly named.
To help you in the first few weeks, here is a list of the equipment pupils will need for each activity (please refer to the previous page for the full PE kit list).
Netball: - skort/ training pants - fitness t-shirt
- white socks - lace -up trainers, which provide support and cushioning (ie not fashion shoes) with a non -marking sole. ‘Nike Air Force 1s’ are not appropriate for physical activity - mid layer top
Hockey/Football: - skort/ training pants - mid layer top - fitness t-shirt
- hockey socks (teal and white hoops)
- shin pads - gum shield - hockey stick (optional but recommended for those playing extra -curricular hockey)
Swimming: - Plain black costume (Year 7 only) - School swim ming hat - towel - goggles
Dance Kit
In Years 7 - 9, PE kit may be worn for Dance lessons .
The fo llowing optional items would also be suitable for those taking part in Dance performances , or GCSE Dance .
Dance leggings
Dance T -shirt
Dance Hoodie*
Plain black . H owever PE training pants must be worn over the top when not in a Dance lesson.
Plain black
Black with school crest
Your daughter should only wear their Dance Hoodie for Dance and will also require a ¼ Zip.
GCSE Dancers (Years 10 - 11)
Dance leotard
Plain black which can be worn instead of the kit listed above.
School Uniform PE and Dance Information for Years 7 -11
General
• No jewellery may be worn for any PE or Dance lesson. This includes ea rrings and any other piercings, so please ensure piercing is done at the start of the holidays so they can be removed for lessons. Taping of earrings is also not allowed.
• Hair must be tied back.
• Asthmatic children/diabetic children – must have appropriate medication at every lesson.
• If your child needs to be excused from a PE or Dance lesson, she must bring a note from parents explaining why, and for how long she wishes to be excused; she must wear her full PE kit to come to the lesson.
• Pupils are encouraged to take part in all lessons.
• Alternative activities can be provided for those with slight injuries if they cannot take part in the full lesson
• Parents of a pupil with a health problem that may affect her participation in PE or Dance are asked to advise the relevant member of staff , as well as the School Nurse
As well as PE and Dance lessons, pupils are encouraged to become involved in co-curricular activities.
A list of the clubs and teams will be displayed on the PE notice board and SOCs (electronic calendar and events system) in early September.
Sixth Form Dress Code - Years 12 -13
There is no prescribed uniform for Sixth Form at Newcastle High School for Girls. In preparation for future life at university and in the workplace, we expect students to follow the professional standards that are common across most industries. In many pro fessions, a dress code is a legitimate part of an employer’s terms and conditions, and we therefore expect our Sixth Form students to adhere to the dress code set out below. A smart, professional appearance supports a focused attitude to learning and enco urages students to approach their day -to-day work with maturity and purpose.
The Sixth Form dress code at NHSG is set out below and subject to Head and Head of Sixth Form discretion:
Trousers/Skirts/Dresses/Jumpsuits
Smart casual trousers
• No jeans/denim
• No leggings
• No tracksuit bottoms/loungewear
Smart casual dress or skirt
• No denim
Excessively long or short skirts/dresses are not appropriate for a school environment. A skirt/dress should be no shorter than your hand’s width above your knee. We have spare skirts available if pupils do not adhere to this.
Shirts/ Tops
Footwear
PE Kit
Smart casual shirt, top or jumper. Long or short sleeves are permitted . Stomachs and bra straps should not be visible .
• No vest tops/spaghetti straps
• No cropped or backless tops
• No hoodies/sweatshirts
Sensible shoes appropriate for the school’s many stairs, including smart trainers
• No stilettos/kitten heels /open toed shoes
• No flip flops/Birkenstocks/ C rocs/sliders
• No Uggs or similar
If participating in PE, the following items are compulsory:
• NHSG Fitness T -Shirt
• NHSG Mid -Layer top
• Black leggings or shorts
• NHSG tracksuit bottoms if representing the school at a fixture etc.
Property, BYOD, Mobile P hones, Lockers , Drinking Water
Pupils’ Property
All property, including articles of clothing, PE kit and other equipment, musical instruments, purses, watches, etc., must be clearly marked with the owner's name.
Items of a high monetary or sentimental value (including designer clothes, shoes and bags) must not be brought into School except in exceptional circumstances (see Money ).
Please do not allow your child to bring hair straighteners or other electrical appliances into School. We are aware that pupils sometimes go directly from School to stay with friends or other family members, but please bear in mind that locker space is very limited in School and the rule about valuable property still applies . S uch sources of heat must not be used in school except under the supervision of a member of staff.
Please note that School cannot take responsibility for loss of or damage to personal items.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
We operate a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme throughout the Senior School. The requirement for all pupils is for them to bring an internet -enabled laptop or tablet with keyboard to school each day. Their device will become an essential route to access the best possible learning experiences. It will also become essential for managing and organising their work, and their workload.
Parents will receive a separate letter and leaflet explaining more about the BYOD programme including full details of types and specifications of devices, software required and policy and procedures. Briefly, pupils should:
• Have their own device available for every lesson. Devices should be insured and should be carried in a protective case for transportation between home and school, and between lessons.
• Devices should be fully charged at the beginning of each day. If battery power will not last the whole day, then pupils can use their own chargers in the sockets around school to charge their devices between lessons.
• Pupils need to take the utmost care to ensure their device is kept safe through the day. They should keep their device safely in their bag, or leave it securely locked in their locker, when it is not needed.
• Pupils will be given training on how to get the best out of their devices to support their learning early in the academic year. They will receive support in school for configuring their device, installing necessary software and fixing technical issues that mig ht arise.
• It is worth noting that all the software that needs to be installed onto every device is provided free with the GDST’s and the School’s various software license agreements. All of the essential software for BYOD is therefore available for no additional cost. That said, anti -virus software is not provided. Free options do exist , and pupils will be sign -posted to use these, but you may wish to consider purchasing the required virus protection for your daughter’s device
• It is also worth noting that part of the Year 7 induction will include the setup of the ir devices, so there is no requirement for parents to configure accounts or install software .
If you have any questions after reading the additional letter and leaflet regarding BYOD, please contact Mr Lee Wills, Head of IC T (l.willis@ncl.gdst.net )
Mobile Telephones and other electronic devices
Every pupil in Senior School should have an internet capable laptop or tablet with keyboard with them every school day. The prime purpose behind our BYOD approach is to ensure that every pupil has immediate access to important on -line learning opportunities when and wherever needed. BYOD is our approach to using technology to support learning, but girls may wish to have other devices in school, most specifically their mobile phone.
In keeping with DfE guidance , Year 7-11 pupils are not allowed to have or use their mobile phones throughout the school day They may bring a mobile phone on their journey to and from school, for personal safety reasons. However, once they arrive on the school site it must be locked in their locker before 8.35 and not touched again until the end of the school day at 3.50
Pupils in Sixth Form are only permitted to use their mobile phones in the Common Room.
If a pupil breaches the school policy, the phone or device will be confiscated and will be held at Reception until the end of the school day. Repeated breaches of the school policy will result in the pupil being required to hand their mobile phone into Rec eption at the beginning of the school day for a minimum of a week.
We would be grateful if parents could support this rule b y not contacting pupils on their phones between these times. If you need to contact your daughter during the school day, please do so via the general office.
School cannot take responsibility for the safe use or care of any mobile phone or similar device. It is the responsibility of the individual pupil to look after their own equipment in school, and when travelling to and from school or when on any school trip
Lockers
Each girl has a locke r which she should secure with a padlock. Parents/girls should provide their own padlock (we recommend 32mm -40mm in width ), but t he School offers for sale a suitable padlock if you would to prefer to purchase it from us at a cost of £ 6 from Reception
Please note that at times , rarely and in exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary for staff to search lockers along with other possessions such as bags and clothing : this will only be duri ng school time with the girls who are affected present at the search
School staff can search for any item with pupil consent, or for prohibited items without consent. Prohibited items include: knives or weapons; alcohol; illegal d rugs; stolen items; tobacco, cigarettes and papers; fireworks; pornographic images; other dangerous items. Prohibited items may be confiscated, disposed of, or handed to the police.
In addition, e -cigarettes or vapes are banned items in school, and may also be searched for without consent.
Lost Property
If a pupil loses something, she should search thoroughly for it, then ask about it at Reception. She sho uld inform her Form Teacher if the item cannot be found.
School Property
Damage to school property must be paid for by the pupil who causes it.
Helping pupils get home in emergencies
As we are a cash free school, we are unable to lend money to pupils they ha ve forgotten funds needed to get home via public transport. Instead:
• We run a number of daily school bus services, and pupils can be added to this service at short notice if required.
• If the school bus service is not suitable or is full, we will contact parents directly to try to arrange collection (pupils can stay in school until 18:00).
• Where necessary, the school can arrange a taxi, and the cost will be recharged to parents.
Water Bottles and Drinking W ater
Pupils are advised to bring a re-usable water-bottle into School, which may be filled from the drinking fountains and mains –supply during the day. Pupils are permitted to take a drink of water at any time of the day, including during lessons, if they feel the need. The school actively discourages the use of single -use plastics. Re -fillable water bottles can be purchased from the reprographics office.
The exception s to this rule are in the laboratories, the L RC , and the ICT suites, where food and drink are not permitted for Health and Safety reasons or to protect the books and equipment.
No hot drinks or soft drinks should be brought into School
Med ical Issues
The School Nurse may be contacted during the School Day via Reception (telephone 0191 2811768) , or email v.wilson@ncl.gdst.net . The Nurse is situated near Reception on the ground floor of the Dame Catherine Cookson Building on the Tankerville Terrace site. The Nurse’s role is t o promote the health, wellbeing and protection of the pupils in the school community, through clinically effective, high quality nursing care .
Medical Records and Health Checks
For every pupil, a Pupil Health Assessment Form will be completed on Admissions P lus for new pupils.
All pupils have a health -check in Year 7. During these checks general health and welfare is discussed . If there is anything you wish to discuss with the Nurse before your daughter is seen, the Nurse is very happy to speak to meet parents.
Illness and Accidents
It is assumed that all pupils attending School are healthy and fit enough to cope with the School day without leaving lessons for medical attention. The School Nurse and first aid qualified staff are there for accidents, emergencies and illnesses that occur during the course of the S chool day. For minor injuries and ailments, in the first instance the pupils will be cared for by the designated First Aider in the area in which they are working. This will enable them to receive prompt treatment without the need to locate the Nurse and reduce the amount of time they are absent from lessons.
If your child has been absent from School because of vomiting or diarrhoea, please note that it is school policy that she stay away for 48 hours after she has become symptom free, to prevent cross infection.
If a pupil is too unwell to remain in School then the Nurse or first aid trained staff at reception will contact her parents so that she may be taken home, or inform parents if the pupil needs to be taken to hospital. Any pupil who has had an accident requiring urgent medical treatment will be taken to the RVI in Newcastle.
In addition to the normal First Aid cover available in school, the Nurse will generally be available in the Medical Room for general consultation . It is best for pupils to arrange a lunchtime or breaktime consultation via Teams Chat to ensure she is available.
Generally healthy pupils attending school should be able to manage their day around these times, without the need to leave lessons.
So, whilst the Nurse will deal with serious medical issues such as allergic reactions, accidents, breathing difficulties, breaks/sprains, epilepsy and hypoglycaemia , pupils will not be allowed to ask to leave lessons to get paracetamol for cramp s or headaches, for example, or because they feel vaguely and generally unwell. Headaches should normally wait until the recognised times or until the pupil returns home. Exceptions would be a headache coming on suddenly causing a pupil to become distressed and then help should be sought. If a pupil does need to leave a lesson for medical reasons, they must ask the teacher to complete a class pass on Epraise
NHSG is committed to teaching and building resilience in the pupils and an important part of that is encouraging pupils to take care of their own health as they grow and to develop essential coping skills. We do not encourage pupils to take unnecessary medication in School; but do encourage pupils to seek out simple strategies and alternatives to medication, such as fresh air, gentle exercise and drinking enough water.
Pupils should not telephone parents to ask to be picked up because they are feeling unwell. Instead contact will be made by a member of staff such as the School Nurse, or other designated First Aiders at Reception. We will try not to send your child home during the School day unless she is genuinely unwell and unable to cope with lessons.
The Nurse supports girls to deal with various health conditions and wellbeing issues, such as asthma, diabetes, mental health and sexual health issues. The Nurse works with the School Pastoral Team, families and external agencies to support each pupil’s health needs and enable her to attend School.
Medication in School
If possible, medicine should be given at home and not in School. However, in certain circumstances there may be occasions when a pupil requires prescription medicine during the school day. Parents are asked to complete the Administration of Prescribed Medication in School consent form which can be issued on request by the School Nurse , or via reception . Girls can carry their own medications such as inhalers, insulin pens, antihistamine or Automatic Adrenaline injections for anaphyla xis.
Prescription medications should be in their original packaging and labelled with the pupil’s name, name of medicine, directions for use and the date of dispensing.
Simple medication consents are sought on admission, and the nurse and trained reception staff can administer medications, such as paracetamol, if consent has been obtained. T he School Nurse or another designated First -Aider can administer over the counter medicines when app ropriate. Medication given in School will be documented on Epraise. Usually, only one dose of paracetamol will be given in the school day, to prevent the maximum of 4 doses a day being exceeded.
Spare emergency medications must be left at Reception. Parents are responsible for providing the emergency medication and need to note the expiry date and replace the medication when necessary.
Asthma
Pupils with asthma are encouraged to participate in all school activities and for their asthma to be well managed. Please ensure that pupils always have their inhalers with them, clearly marked with their name. Please provide a spare, named inhaler, to be kept at main Reception. Parents are responsible for providing the inhalers to be kept in School and need to note the expiry date of the inhaler and replace it when necessary.
From 1 st October 2014 the Human medicines (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2014 allows schools to buy salbutamol inhalers, without prescription, for use in emergencies. The emergency salbutamol inhaler should only be used by children for whom written parental conse nt for use of the emergency inhaler has been given, who have either been diagnosed with asthma and prescribed an inhaler, or who have been prescribed an inhaler as reliever medication. Consent for these is on the health assessment form on admissio n and on asthma care plans.
Allergies
NHSG is an allergy aware school, and takes allergies seriously , taking a whole school approach. We cannot guarantee an allergen free environment but take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to a pupil’s allergy. Parents should inform School of any allergies, or suspected allergies, on Admissions Plus , prior to admission or following an allergic reaction, in order to take the necessary steps to minimise exposure and treat any allergic reactions appropriately.
From 1 st October 2017 the Human medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 allows schools to buy Adrenaline Auto Injectors, without prescription, for use in emergencies. The emergency Adrenaline Auto Injector (AAI) should only be used by children, for whom written par ental consent for use of the emergency AAI has been given, who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis and prescribed an AAI. Consent for these is on the health assessment form on admission and on allergy care plans.
Health Care Plans
Health Care Plans detail the level of support that School may provide for a pupil who has significant needs resulting from a medical condition or illness, particularly in an emergency for example Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes and Epilepsy. These are arranged with the parent, School Nurse, health professional and School as necessary.
Immunisations
The School works closely with the NHS School Immunisation Team on immunisation programmes such as the HPV vaccination programme for pupils in Year 8 , and Diptheria/Tetanus and Polio, and Meningococcal ACWY in Year 9.
Mental Health in School
NHSG and the GDST are aware of the challenges faced by young people, and the impact on their mental health. There are several events over the school year to increase awareness of mental health, as well as regular training for staff on mental health. The sc hool nurse, the school counsellor and staff support pupils with mental health concerns, as well as supporting parents to access appropriate external support and advice. Please see p.5 5 for links to useful information. Safety plans are completed to ensure detailed support for a pupil with mental health needs is in place.
Newcastle NHS C -Card Scheme
NHSG recognises the need to support pupils in all aspects of their health. Pupils over the age of 13 are able to access confidential sexual health advice and contraception (condoms) in school provided they have demonstrated sufficient maturity and are Gill ick competent. Pupils will always be encouraged to talk to their parents/guardians. Any safeguarding concerns disclosed in a confidential setting will be reported according with the safeguarding policy. There is more information on this service here
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
The Nurse supports the teaching staff by being involved in PSHE. She covers a range of subjects including sex and relationships, hygiene and healthy eating. We also work with external agencies to provide relevant PSHE sessions.
Counselling in School
We have our own School Counsellor who works with the pupils. The counsellor sees pupils for several reasons, and this gives pupils the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe , confidential and structured environment. More information is available from the School Counsellor or the School Nurse
Confidentiality in School
The School N urse and School C ounsellor follow their professional codes of practice ( NMC and BACP ) and can provide confidential support and advice to pupils over the age of 13, provided they have sufficient maturity and can demonstrate this through assessment, such as Fraser Guidelines or Gillick Competen ce. Pupils will always be encouraged to talk to their parents/guardians. Any safeguarding concerns disclosed in a confidential setting will be reported and follow the safeguarding policy.
External agencies
The Nurse often works with external agencies and parents to provide additional support to those pupils who require it.
Pupil Code of Behaviour (NB this policy is currently being reviewed with staff and pupils and a new version
will be shared with pupils and parents in September 2026)
The pupil Code of Behaviour is part of the Discipline and Behaviour for Learning Policy.
All pupils have a ccess to a summary of the Code of Behaviour on Teams . At the beginning of the academic year, and at other times, staff go through the Code of Behaviour with the pupils so they are fully aware of its contents. This includes our system of sanctions and rewards.
Pupils who breach the Behaviour for Learning Policy and Pupil Code of Behaviour whilst on school business will be dealt with in the same manner as if the incident had taken place in School.
For incidents that take place outside of School and not on school business, these policies will still apply if there is a clear link between that behavio ur and maintaining good behavio ur and discipline among the pupil body as a whole. This includes bullying behavio ur within the school community, behaviour in the immediate vicinity of the School or on a journey to or from School , or online behaviour
A copy of the Discipline and Behavio ur for Learning Policy and the Pupils’ Code of Behaviour is available on the School website.
Code of Behaviour for Senior School Pupils
Expectations
At Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG), we have high standards and clear expectations of how you should behave in and around school. We expect you to:
• be courteous, co -operative, helpful and considerate towards other pupils, staff and visitors or other persons within and outside the school premises
• show, through your behaviour and language, respect and consideration for all members of the School community and appreciate everyone regardless of race, background, religion, lifestyle, ability, sexuality, gender orientation and physical characteristics
• behave helpfully and responsibly
• respect the right of others to hold their beliefs and opinions
• be punctual for registration, lessons and other activities
• work to the best of your ability and behave in a manner which contributes to a positive learning environment
• help to prevent all forms of bullying
• behave with health and safety of others in mind
• wear proper school uniform or adhere to the right dress code
• respect the school environment and the property of others
• Adhere to other relevant codes, such as the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Agreement, and Anti Bullying Policy
These expectations are underpinned by the 8 Cs, which link to our core values. Through these, we encourage pupils to be:
1. Creative
2. Caring
3. Composed
4. Communicative
5. Courageous
6. Confident
7. Curious
8. Collaborative
Positive Behaviour and Rewards
At NHSG, we would like you to be motivated by your own goals. The reward system should be seen as a recognition of this internal motivation, rather than the driving force behind it.
NHSG recognises the efforts and achievements of its pupils in a variety of ways. The culture is a supportive one in which being a valued member of our community and participation are valued as highly as excellence, such that one leads to the other in all m anner of fields. You are encouraged to recognise that bringing out the best in each other brings out the best in ourselve s. We want you to stretch yourselves both academically and f and are congratulated when doing so. Personal and team achievements are regularly mentioned in whole school assemblies and other smaller forums.
1. The Merit system identifies the particular skill/quality/value you have demonstrated on a particular occasion.
2. Commendations build upon the Merit system and are awarded for consistently praiseworthy behaviour/effort.
These individual rewards then feed into a collective rewards system, linked to the form class, year group, and House system.
Merits
Our merit system seeks to promote and celebrate the development of our school values. There are eight different types of merits you could be awarded:
Merit
What they might be awarded for?
Creative An outstanding creative response in any subject.
Caring Caring for both others and yourselves with integrity. For example, supporting a friend who is struggling, being a buddy to a new pupil, supporting a charity event, supporting the local community.
Composed Showing resilience in responding to a setback.
Communicative Putting forward an ar gument in a clear and constructive manner. Listening attentively and having an appreciation of the views of others. Actively contributing to lessons; delivering presentations; showing parents around school on open days etc.
Courageous Trying something new or having the strength of character to do the right thing. Embracing new opportunities. Learning from setbacks that are encountered. Having a sense of justice and standing up for others in face of adversity.
Confident Speaking in a whole school assembly; excellent homework or classwork; putting yourself forward to take on additional responsibilities etc.
Curious Extending your learning beyond the classroom. The ability to be motivated by long term goals and seek out new knowledge independently of your lessons.
Collaborative Excellent teamwork on a group endeavour. Supporting a community event such as a stall in the hall activity or House event.
Teachers can reward merits by on E -Praise. Parents can also see this information via the Firefly Parents Portal
Commendation Pyramid – Individual Rewards:
If you are awarded a certain number of merits, you will move up the rewards pyramid throughout the year through a series of commendations. At each point, parents will be alerted that you have achieved a commendation, and these achievements will also be ce lebrated in Year Group or Whole School Assemblies:
Number of Merits Commendation
Reward
75 Bronze Postcard sent home by Head of Year
15 0 Silver Breaktime hot chocolate and snack with Head of Year and presentation in Year Group Assembly
2 50 Gold Privilege Pass awarded in Whole School Assembly
30 0 Platinum Lunch with Head, plus Head’s Commendation, and presentation of certificate and book voucher at Prize -Giving
When pupils achieve a Gold Commendation, they can choose which Privilege Pass they would like to use in discussion w ith their Head of Year from a range of options, including: going to the front of the lunch queue for a day; choosing a free breaktime snack/drink; choosing a music playlist in the dining hall for a day; having a “winner’s lunch”; lunchtime trip to Exhibition Park; other options to be confirmed.
Collective Rewards
As well as individual rewards, there will also be termly rewards for collective achievements:
Group Reward
Form Class
Year Group
The form which attains the highest number of merits overall each term will be given the option of choosing one of the following rewards. The form class must decide upon which reward they want through a democratic process:
• having a form time hot chocolate one morning
• going to the front of the lunch queue for a week
• sitting where you want to in lessons for a day
• having a form class picnic in the park one lunch
• choosing a form time or lunchtime activity for a day – Just Dance, Karaoke, etc.
The year group which attains the highest number of merits each term will be rewarded with a non -uniform day if they are in Years 7 -11.
House The House with attains the highest number of merits each term will be rewarded with a House breakfast (and the honour of the House Merit Cup!).
The winning form/year group/House will also be recognised on screens around school each term.
Academic Achievement
In addition to the merit reward system, each department may decide upon subject specific rewards, such as termly subject postcards to pupils who they deem have made exceptional progress or achievements in their subjects. Departments can also recommend ind ividuals who are deserving of the Head’s Academic Commendations on a termly basis.
Negative Behaviour and Sanctions
Alongside our rewards system, we have sanctions. Whilst we would always hope to promote positive behaviour primarily through praise and encouragement, there are also certain behaviours that will not be tolerated in school.
Unacceptable behaviour
disrupts or impacts on the learning or welfare of other pupils, or on the
maintenance of health, safety and discipline within the school community. It may take place inside or outside of School. Bullying is an example of unacceptable behaviour. When incidents of bullying do occur they are investigated thoroughly and strong action is taken to deal with those responsible and to support the person or persons targeted. All incidents of unacceptable behaviour are reported to the Form Teacher and the Year Head so that behaviour can be monitored and action taken. Serious or persistent misconduct is reported to the Deputy Head Pastoral or Head.
When our expectations are not met, we can use a range of sanctions and strategies to encourag e you to understand the effect of your misconduct and to behave responsibly in the future. Whilst it is impossible to describe or predict every possible scenario and sanction, a rough overview of the hierarchy of sanctions is set out below:
Level
Possible Sanctions
1 Demerit, being spoken to by a subject teacher in class or your form teacher, being moved in a lesson, etc.
2 Lunchtime detention, being spoken to by your Head of Year
3 After school detention, being placed on behaviour report
4 Weekend detention, removal of a privilege, e.g. participation in trips/visits, being placed on a Home -School Agreement , community service activity
5 Internal suspension, fixed -term exclusion
6 Permanent exclusion
Demerits
For common misdemeanours the sanction you are most likely to receive is a demerit. These may be given for the following reasons:
Demerit Type
Homework
Example
Failure to submit homework on time, or submitting incomplete homework
Equipment Failure to have correct equipment in a lesson, including planners
Behaviour Talking when the teacher is talking, rudeness, low -level disruption etc. Any other behaviour that a member of staff deems unacceptable Uniform/dress code Uniform/dress code infringements
Lateness Being late to lessons or registration
Mobile Phones Having your phone out anywhere in school from 8.30 -15.50 Chewing Gum Chewing gum anywhere in school
Eating Eating or drinking (except water) outside of the Dining Hall/6 th Form Common Room
Staff will immediately record a demerit on E-Praise. Parents can also see this information via the Firefly Parent Portal
De-merits do not cancel out merits (or vice versa).
If you are given five demerits in a term then you will receive a lunchtime detention.
Demerits for lunchtime detentions will be reset at the start of a new term. However, if you end up in afterschool detention for accruing demerits in one term, the next detention you receive will also be an afterschool detention in the following term.
Lunchtime Detentions
Three demerits in a term will result in a Lunchtime Detention, which runs from 12.30 -13.00 on Friday s. This takes precedence over any other activity except scheduled peripatetic Music or Speech and Drama lessons. Your parents will also be emailed to alert them to the fact that you ha ve attended a lunchtime detention and can see this information on the Firefly Parents Portal .
Miss Penny will oversee lunchtime detentions in room 10.
After-School Detentions
If you attend three lunchtime detentions in a term, this will trigger a Head of Year detention. These take place after school, lasting one hour (16.00 -17.00 ) and are overseen by Heads of Year. In order for you to attend, 24 hours’ notice will be given to your parents.
After-school detention may also be used as an immediate sanction for behaviour which warrants a more severe sanction.
If you receive an after -school detention as a result of three lunchtime detentions in a term, then you will also go on Head of Year Report for at least one month.
If you attend three Head of Year detentions in a year, this will trigger a Deputy Head detention. These take place after school, lasting two hours (16.00 -18.00 ) and are overseen by one of the Deputy Heads. In order for you to attend, 24 hours’ notice will be given to your parents.
You will also go on Deputy Head Report for at least one month after attending a Deputy Head detention
If you complete three Deputy Head detentions in a year, you will be placed on Saturday detention. If this happens, you will also be placed on Head Teacher’s Report/Home -School Agreement for at least a month.
A record of your attendance at after -school detention is kept on your school file.
More severe sanctions
More severe sanctions are also available. These are applied when there has been persistent and flagrant breach of the School’s expectations. They may also be applied where you have not responded to the other steps taken to correct and modify your behaviou r, or where the misconduct is of such a serious nature that the immediate resort to severe sanctions is appropriate. These more severe sanctions include:
• Being on -report
• Community service
• Weekend detention
• Internal suspension
• Removal of a privilege, e.g. participation in trips/visits
• Being placed on a Home -School Agreement
• Fixed - term exclusion (in line with GDST Exclusions Policy)
• Permanent exclusion (in line with GDST Exclusions Policy)
Serious misconduct which may lead to more serious sanctions, including fixed term or permanent exclusion, includes:
- Any possession, use or supply of drugs in School or school -related contexts
- Possession of alcohol in School or school -related contexts
- Vaping/smoking or possession of vapes/cigarettes in School or school -related contexts
- Breaches of the Anti -bullying policy
- Breaches of the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement
- Breaches of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Agreement
- Violence or physical abuse
- Threatening language or behaviour or intimidation towards any member of the school community
- A build -up of incidents over time which constitute, in the judgement of the Head, a repeated flagrant breach of the School’s working ethos, rules or behaviour code
It is impossible to say exactly what serious sanction would be given for each misdemeanour, as this will involve a number of factors including context, previous sanctions, frequency, etc.
Screening, s ea rching and confiscation
School staff may search your clothing, bags or lockers without consent for any prohibited or banned items. Prohibited items, which may not be brought into School, include: knives or weapons; alcohol; illegal drugs; stolen items; tobacco and cigarettes; fireworks; pornographic images; other dangerous items which may cause injury to any person or damage to property. Banned items in school are: vapes and chewing gum. This process will be governed by internal procedures a nd will only be undertaken by authorised staff in accordance with the recommended DfE procedures . The Sc hool may give due reg ard to police involvement or initiating safeg uarding processes as appropriate.
As a general rule, school staff can seize any prohibited or banned item found because of a search, and any item however found which they consider harmful or detrimental to school discipline. Items may be confiscated, retained, handed to the police or disposed of as a disciplinary penalty, when it is reasonable to do so.
ICT Acceptable Use Agreement and related policies
The ICT Acceptable Use Agreement is issued to all new pupils on entry to the School and to current pupils whenever it is revised and updated by the School or GDST . It contains guidelines concerning the use of IC T in and out of School . Any infringement of the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement is taken seriously and may result in sanctions being imposed .
Although not connected to school business, behaviour out of school hours which breaches the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement – such as nasty messages sent by text, email or through social media - will be dealt with in the same way as if the behaviour had taken place in school hours.
We ask you to monitor your child’s use of electronic communication and all messaging and social networking sites .
Policies
The following policies are available on the Firefly Parent Portal and the school website:
• Accessibility
• Admissions
• Anti-bullying
• Attendance
• English as an additional language
• First Aid
• Equal Opportunities
• GDST Exclusions Policy
• GDST Gender Identity
• GDST Health and Safety
• GDST Online Safety
• GDST Parental Complaints Procedure
• Mental Health
• Risk Assessment s
• Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Senior School Curriculum
• Senior School Discipline and Behaviour
• Examinations : complaints an d appeals
• Senior School PSH E
• Senior School Pupil Code of Behaviour
• Senior School RSE and PSHE Schemes of Work
• Senior School RSE
• Senior School SEND policy, procedure and provision overview
• Se nior School Supervision of Pupils
Pastoral Information provided to Pupils: where to turn for help…
We all need extra help at times and this information is designed to give you some ideas about how you might find that help.
If you have an accident or feel unwell during the school day
Go to the known first -aider in the area of the School you are in. If they feel you need further treatment, they will advise you to see the Nurse. When the Nurse is off -site, teaching or in other meetings , Reception will contact a first -aider.
If, during lessons, you feel seriously ill, speak to your teacher, who will seek help from a first -aider or send you to the Medical Room to see the Nurse. You should not ask to leave lessons to get paracetamol for cramps, headaches, etc. or because you fee l vaguely or generally unwell. If your parents are aware and happy for you to take paracetamol, you may bring a small quantity in for your own personal use, without the need to see the Nurse.
If you have an accident or feel unwell during break and lunchtimes , you can go to see the Nurse in the Medical Room. Alternatively , you can go to Reception who will contact a first aider.
If you are not well enough to stay in School your parents will be contacted and asked to collect you. You should not telephone your parents directly.
NHSG encourages you to take care of you own health as you grow . We encourage you to seek out simple strategies and alternatives to medication, such as fresh air, gentle exercise and water.
The Nurse is available to talk to, offer advice and discuss problems or worries regarding health concerns or other issues, such as friendship issues, relationships and healthy eating.
If you need help or have worries about friendships or bullying
We want you to be happy and enjoy your life at NHSG. However, there may be times when you feel worried or unhappy about something. It doesn’t matter if it is something to do with the School or another part of your life. You might want to talk to your frien ds but if not , you can talk to any member of staff you trust or feel comfortable with. This may be your Form Teacher, Subject Teacher, Year Head, or any other teacher. I t may also be the School Nurse, Mr s Franks -Doyle or Mr s Hardie . The staff have experie nce in dealing with these sorts of problems and all of them will be able to offer you help if you approach them. The Head Girl, S ixth Form Leadership Team , Year 1 2 Buddies, and Mental Health Ambassadors will also be happy to help you or to find the best person to talk to.
You could also arrange to see the School Nurse at a time agreeable to you both. All problems brought to the School Nurse are confidential between you and the Nurse but sometimes may need to be shared with others. The Nurse will always discuss this with you before making any disclosure to a third party.
Pastoral Information: where to turn for help
School counselling
NHSG has a qualified counsellor who works in School 3 days a week. Counselling offers a safe place to help you understand your thoughts and feelings and find ways of coping. The counsellor can help with various issues such as stress over exams, friendship difficulties, family issues and difficult feelings. Pl ease see the School Counsellor or the School Nurse for more information.
The School has a Safeguarding Policy , which is set out to help and guide staff to safeguard your welfare in any area of your life.
Useful websites and numbers, which could be of help, if you do not feel able to share your worries at home or at School: -
Sometimes you may wish to raise a concern if you feel you have been unfairly treated or if you have suffered bullying, verbal or physical abuse. Perhaps you may feel your privacy has not been respected or maybe you have had something stolen or damaged.
If so, you may speak to any member of staff and take a friend with you if you wish. You may also make a written complaint to your Head of Year, Mr s Franks -Doyle or Mrs Hardie .
