School Information Booklet 2024-25

Introduction

The Claremont Senior School House system runs from Year 9 to Year 13. In addition to helping build a strong sense of community, the House system allows all students a chance to explore the nature of competition, teamwork and leadership, whilst also trying new experiences. Our four Houses are named after four historic castles, which sit across the local Kent and East Sussex countryside.

Bodiam

Pevensey

Scotney

Camber

Calendar and Key Dates

(also available on the School website)

Autumn Term 2024

New Boarders return Saturday 31st August 2024

Boarders return Sunday 1st September 2024

Term starts (Years 9 & 12) Monday 2nd September 2024

Term Starts (All School) Tuesday 3rd September 2024

Half Term Friday 18th October 2024 after 4:30pm

Boarders Return Sunday 3rd November 2024

Term Restarts Monday 4th November 2024

End of Term Friday 13th December 2024 at end of the school day

Spring Term 2025

Boarders return Saturday 4th or Sunday 5th January 2025

Term starts (All school) Monday 6th January 2025

Half Term Friday 14th February 2025 after 4:30pm

Boarders Return Sunday 23rd February 2025

Term Restarts Monday 24th February 2025

End of Term Friday 28th March 2025 at the end of the school day

Summer Term 2025

Boarders return Monday 21st or Tuesday 22nd April 2025

Term starts (All school) Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Half Term Friday 23rd May 2025 after 4:30pm

Boarders ReturnSunday 1st June 2025

Term Restarts Monday 2nd June 2025

End of Term

Friday 4th July 2025 at the end of the school day

Welcome

Hello and welcome to Claremont. We have four Houses named after nearby castles. Each House has its own identity and characteristics. Your House will soon become your family at school and offer you a supportive, fun and caring community throughout your time at Claremont.

We are incredibly lucky to have an amazing team of tutors and prefects, who will be your support system and there to help with whatever you need. No matter what your interests and talents are, you will find your place at Claremont. You will always be encouraged to explore new things, have new experiences and become the best version of yourself.

There are many ways in which you can get involved from delivering talks, House assemblies, competing in House competitions, charity activities, and the many opportunities within Sports, Performing arts, or our CoCurricular programme. Each year we have exciting House events such as the Christmas trip and a House evening. Our community is very proud of its diverse, independent student body who create a welcoming, encouraging and caring family to join. Each House has seven tutor groups; two Sixth Form groups and four Senior Form groups. So if you are new to the school, there is always another student close by to help you, as well as your tutor! Everyone always says how quickly everyone settles into school life at Claremont and we want you to feel part of a team as soon as you arrive. So welcome to Claremont and I know you will enjoy all that we have to offer in whatever House you are in.

Mrs Owen Deputy Principal

Your House team and tutor groups

When you arrive, you are given a House which you will remain in for the duration of your education at our school. Each House is led by a Head of House who is in charge of your pastoral care throughout your time at Claremont. Each House has a team of tutors who will be among the most important members of staff you will work with during your school career. You will see your tutor every day, for registration and a structured tutor period. You will be able to see your tutor on a one-to-one basis should you wish to discuss anything a little more personal. Your tutor will also discuss your academic progress with you and set targets on how to improve. Your tutor is always the first person for your parents or guardian to contact in the event of any queries.

We have Senior and Sixth Form tutor groups. The Senior tutor groups include Year 9, 10 and 11 students and the Sixth Form groups, Year 12 and 13. This helps you settle into life at school quickly as there are plenty of people in your tutor group who know how things work and they are ready to help you! These mixed tutor groups also allow leadership opportunities that are all important when you are applying for additional responsibility jobs.

Bodiam Pastoral Team

Mr Anselm DePleave Head of HouseBodiam anselm.de-pleave@claremontschool.co.uk

Mrs Sara Kendall Sixth Form

Mrs Victoria Weir Sixth Form

victoria.weir@claremontschool.co.uk

sara.kendall@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr Tom Ireland Senior 9-11

tom.ireland@claremontschool.co.uk

Ms Chiara Kirkwood Senior 9-11

chiara.kirkwood@claremontschool.co.uk

Mme Catherine Mower Senior 9-11

catherine.mower@claremontschool.co.uk

Ms Gina Keithley Senior 9-11

gina.keithley@claremontschool.co.uk

Camber Pastoral Team

Ms Vian Jalal Head of HouseCamber

vian.jalal@claremontschool.co.uk

Ms Sarah Cakebread Sixth Form

Mrs Sinead Hemsley Sixth Form

sinead.hemsley@claremontschool.co.uk

sarah.cakebread@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr James Sheriff Senior 9-11

james.sheriff@claremontschool.co.uk

Mrs Faye Eddicott Senior 9-11

faye.eddicott@claremontschool.co.uk

Ms Caitlin Merison Senior 9-11

caitlin.merison@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr Patrick Ormrod Senior 9-11

patrick.ormrod@claremontschool.co.uk

michael.cook@claremontschool.co.uk

mimi.mcnally@claremontschool.co.uk

beth.eckhoff@claremontschool.co.uk

zoe.ovenden@claremontschool.co.uk

natasha.smith@claremontschool.co.uk

paul.richardson@claremontschool.co.uk

Scotney Pastoral Team

Mrs Pippa Leeves

Head of HouseScotney pippa.leeves@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr Krishna Rasalingam Sixth Form

Mrs Sian Reeves Sixth Form

sian.reeves@claremontschool.co.uk

krishna.rasalingam@claremontschool.co.uk

Ms Beth Palfrey Senior 9-11

beth.palfrey@claremontschool.co.uk

Ms Marie LeFranc Senior 9-11

marie.lefranc@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr Jonathan Peters Senior 9-11

jonathan.peters@claremontschool.co.uk

Mrs Lucy Skinner Senior 9-11

lucy.skinner@claremontschool.co.uk

Claremont’s Prefects

Our Prefects are leaders of every aspect of pastoral life at Claremont and represent all that is important to us: student-led initiatives that drive positive change and culture in the School. They are appointed after a full application process, including formal interviews and individual presentations on their ideas to contribute to School life.

Being true leaders of the School, they are supported by a training programme to enable them to deliver a set of aims for the coming school year and are supported by the Senior Leadership Team. This agenda is set by the School Prefects, giving a vision and structure for the rest of the School to follow.

The Prefect roles are divided into six key areas, each with unique targets to achieve in the School. The Student Voice and Wellbeing Prefects are there to ensure mechanisms are in place for every student to be listened to, heard and responded to. They are responsible for leading initiatives that promote the wellbeing of our students and drive change in the School that would improve student experience.

The Charity and Events Prefects support and promote the running of student-led events throughout the school year. Every event is an opportunity to raise both awareness and funds to support charities close to our students’ hearts. We have many nationalities within our student body and the International prefects not only represent those students but celebrate the cultural differences that make Claremont such a special place to be. The Sports Prefect supports running sporting events to raise money and give students more opportunities to enjoy being active at school. The Heads of House initiate, support and coordinate House events that foster House identity throughout the year. They work closely with their own Head of House and their tutor groups to ensure maximum participation in House competitions. The Futures and Sixth form prefect works closely with the Head of Sixth form and Head of Futures to promote events throughout the school that support our students gaining knowledge of their own future pathway.

We are extraordinarily proud of our Prefects, their aspirations and achievements. We want to foster an environment that allows their talents to shine through for the benefit of all students, shaping Claremont’s future direction. Our Prefect system is an important vehicle to achieve this aim - for students to be the best they can be, to support their personal growth and the development of those around them. You too have an opportunity to be a leader. Each tutor group votes for representatives for their House and the Student Council. This gives you opportunities to work with the Prefects to learn how to support initiatives and learn to lead.

Jack Gjone School Prefect, Head of Camber

j.gjone@claremontstudent.co.uk

Tendo Kawagga School Prefect, Head of Pevensey

t.kawagga@claremontstudent.co.uk

Eddie Carr-Taylor School Prefect, Head of Bodiam

e.carr-taylor@claremontstudent.co.uk

Sophie Hayward School Prefect, Head of Scotney

s.hayward@claremontstudent.co.uk

Charity Events & Sports

Valerie Nguyen

School Prefect, Charity & Events

h.nguyen@claremontstudent.co.uk

Jonjo Wylie

School Prefect, Head of Sports

j.wylie@claremontstudent.co.uk

Wellbeing

Matt Biddle

School Prefect, Wellbeing

m.biddle@claremontstudent.co.uk

Student Voice

Paddy Ostle

School Prefect, Student Voice

p.ostle@claremontstudent.co.uk

Chloe Flaxman

School Prefect, Charity & Events

c.flaxman@claremontstudent.co.uk

Mariia Tron

School Prefect, Wellbeing

m.tron@claremontstudent.co.uk

Alicja Kasztura

School Prefect, Student Voice

a.kasztura@claremontstudent.co.uk

Futures, Sixth Form & International

Charlie McNally

School Prefect, Head of Futures & Sixth Form

c.mcnally@claremontstudent.co.uk

Andrew Feng

School Prefect, Head of International

a.feng@claremontstudent.co.uk

School Prefect Structure

HEAD OF SCHOOL

1 Manage and lead the team of prefects.

2 Lead all prefect meetings.

DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL

HEAD OF HOUSE

Manage and lead the team of House Prefects to run School events & initiatives

Manage and lead the team of House Prefects to run events & initiatives that foster House identity and spirit

Represent the student body for the House

Attend regular meetings with the Head of House teacher to manage events & initiatives

1 To support Head of School in duties.

WELL-BEING

Run a weekly drop in club for students

Liaison with teachers on any well being issues that you feel students are experiencing

Run two assemblies per year to provide information on wellbeing

Design and manage two surveys per year on student well being

STUDENT VOICE

Lead student voice meetings

Liaison between student voice committee and SLT/ Teachers to drive initiatives to improve the school

Run two assemblies per year to inform/feedback on Student Voice initiatives and findings

Input Student Voice feedback into School and House Prefect system to incorporate ideas

OTHER

GENERAL DUTIES FOR ALL

Supervise Ac Ac on a Rota.

Be part of duty rota

Give tours to prospective parents/students.

Attend all Open Days and large whole school events.

3 Create rotas for Ac Ac supervision and ensure prefects are in attendance.

4 Represent the student body at all whole school events (including marketing days).

2 Deputise Head of School duties when required.

INTERNATIONAL

Represent the international community in all aspects of Prefect activities

Run International events & initiatives that foster integration of all nationalities represented in the student body

Attend regular meetings with the Head of Boarding teacher to manage events & initiatives

CHARITY/ EVENTS

Support the promotion of chosen charities via assemblies and fundraising activities

Coordinate and support the 6 charity ideas for the school per year

Lead/plan assemblies about chosen charities and plans for fundraising

Project manage the Leavers’ Ball

SPORTS

Supporting sporting events across the school

5 Keep regular meetings with the Deputy Headteacher to monitor progress on action.

Support each other’s programmes and engage with students to run student led initiatives

Enabling greater participation of sports across the school

FUTURES/SIXTH FORM

With the Head of Futures, run a weekly drop-in clinic on careers for younger students

Lead and manage at least one event to promote information about careers in years 9-11

Support the Head of Futures ensure uptodate information is displayed on Futures opportunities

Help the Head of Futures ensure up to date information on futures opportunities is displayed in the SF Centre

Work with the Head of Sixth Form to create Sixth Form specific events including academic, careers and social activities

Ensure the smooth running of the Sixth Form Centre

Promote new ideas for the continued development of the Sixth Form Centre

Charities and Student Fundraising

The School supports charitable giving in a number of different ways. Each half term a student, or group of students, leads the school charity. They deliver a whole school assembly and organise a school event. A mufti day gives them an opportunity to raise significant funds for their chosen charity.

The School charities have varied over the years. Crisis, Hospice in the Weald and St Michael’s Hospice, Street Child United and British Heart Foundation are all examples. Events included a whole school netball and football tournaments, House quizzes, Halloween events, mufti days and a music festival. We are always looking for students to promote issues they are passionate about and see opportunities for student activism.

Social Events

Social events are a really important aspect of House identity. Sometimes Houses organise their own events and sometimes we are in competition!

We have regular charity events such as cake sales and mufti days to raise money for charities that are important to our students as well as initiatives such as the charity car wash or even a dog show!

Every Christmas, we have a day out in the last week of term, with a festive theme, such as ice-skating in places such as Brighton or Bluewater. We also have our annual House dinners, a more formal event, including a prize giving for some serious and more light hearted awards for our House members.

Other events have included pizza and film evenings, House quizzes and plenty of sporting competitions. and even a sixth form sleepover! Or, you might prefer something more gentle like a picnic at the iconic Bodiam castle, or tea parties within your tutor groups. We are always open to your new ideas and suggestions. This is your House and your school experience.

What is important with the House system is that your House is as successful as you make it: If you have ideas please do contact your Head of House, form tutor or prefect with them. We’ll always try to support you.

Remember House points mean prizes! Each half term, the leading Senior and Sixth form tutor groups win Krispy Kreme doughnuts; individuals can win some sweet treats and a ‘fast pass plus one’ to skip the lunch queues; and the leading House wins lollipops for everyone! We believe in celebrating all successes - not just the big things. Little acts of kindness or a generally good attitude goes a long way to building happy relationships.

Welcome to Claremont and we can’t wait to welcome you to your new House!

Mr de Pleave, Head of Bodiam

Mr Cook, Head of Pevensey

Mrs Leeves, Head of Scotney

Ms Jalal, Head of Camber

Co-Curricular Programme and Shape of the Day

At Claremont we take being yourself very seriously. Our aim for your time with us is to make you the very best you can be, exploring every potential talent and interest you have, pushing yourself to try new things and becoming masters at the things you love. In order to do this, we need you to be in charge of your timetable. You can choose from a huge range of activities, such as Eco Club, Warhammer Club, Palaeontology Club, Duke of Edinburgh, Sports Leaders, Model United Nations, Mystery History, Maths Challenge, Filmmaking, Chess Masters, Rock and Concert Bands, Basketball, Badminton, 5 aside Football, Swimming and so much more.

Skills Passport

There are eight main skills that have been highlighted nationally as useful for university or apprenticeship courses and ultimately future careers. Our CoCurricular Programme is committed to providing you with opportunities to develop these important skills.

The Skills Passport is where you collect evidence of your development in each skill set, using the guidance provided. Each activity will focus on one or two skills, so you should try and pick a wide variety of activities to give you a breadth of experience.

Each skill splits into four levels (Getting Started, Intermediate, Advanced, Master), allowing you freedom to try and develop your skill set at whichever level you feel suits you.

You need to show your teachers tangible evidence of having developed that skill within a certain level using the step descriptors provided. Simply being there and participating is not enough. If agreed, your teacher will sign off that evidence in your Skills Passport.

For each level, you need to have three pieces of evidence that will result in a certificate of achievement, and a prize, for that particular skill level. Remember to record your pieces of evidence in Unifrog too, as this will give you a real head start when you are applying for university or apprenticeship places.

On Wednesday afternoons, you focus on immersing yourself in one elective course that you remain in for the whole year; for the other CoCurricular clubs you will choose every term to support broadening your experience and try new things.

Telling stories is one of the most powerful means to influence and inspire others. It forges connections between people, ideas and their values. When the time comes for you to start the next stage of your learning journey, we want to ensure that you not only know what your key skills are, but know how to link your experiences in telling your own story to inspire and influence the people around you. Ultimately this will make you more successful in whatever you choose to do.

We are proud to be a part of your story!

School Day: Year 9 and 10

Claremont runs a TWO week timetable based on the following model:

School Day: Year 11

Claremont runs a TWO week timetable based on the following model:

School Day: Sixth Form

Claremont runs a TWO week timetable based on the following model:

The Claremont League: Rewards, Recognition and Competition

At Claremont, throughout the year, individual merits and commendations are awarded by teachers for a positive attitude, good work and citizenship. Each point counts towards three different layers of competition; student, tutor group and House. Every half term we have a Celebration Assembly where we recognise all that has been achieved during those weeks. Awards are given out to individual students, tutor groups and finally the winning House for that half term. Prizes include House treats, lunch queue Fastpasses, Amazon vouchers and trays of Krispy Kremes to share with your tutor group.

This celebration of individuals, tutors and House continues during Speech Day with five major awards;

• The Claremont Cup to the student with the highest number of positive points

• The Perrin Cup to the student who has demonstrated great citizenship

• The Sussex Shield to the tutor group who have earned the highest average points

• The Thomas French Jewellers House Cup to the House who have achieved the highest positive points across the year; and not forgetting the House Wooden Spoon for the lowest!

In addition, as part of our CoCurricular activities, there is a programme of House events and inter-house competitions. All students get involved, gaining bonus points for participation and support in addition to winning! Students are encouraged to lead activities as a stepping stone to becoming future School Prefects.

“The Claremont League is a driving force to make students work harder and encourage teamwork which are good life skills. I never really imagined winning the House League, but when we did it felt so amazing being honoured in front of the whole school with recognition but also with a big box of Krispy Kremes!”

“The Claremont League is very motivating because you get a prize at the end if you are best, and you just generally feel good about yourself. I would recommend that anyone joining Claremont should try to not get any negative comments but to just do their best and merits will come.”

Merit

(1 House point)

Commendation (5 House points)

Claremont Senior School Merit Table

Awarded for: Reward:

Good work

Good effort

Helpfulness

Excellent work

Sustained effort

Good sportsmanship

Co-Curricular achievement

Acts of kindness

Headteacher Commendation (10 House points)

Tutor Group Award

Student Awards

House Award

Exceptional and sustained work, effort or achievement

Tutor group with the highest House points, and attendance

Students with the highest House points, and attendance

House with the highest House points and attendance

1 House Point

5 House Points

“I

believe that the School league encourages me more and more to get merits to win the league for my House. Also I have a sibling in another House which gives me more motivation to get more merits than them!”

10 House Points

Certificate presented in Assembly

Tutor Group Prize in Assembly

Student Prizes in Assembly

100% Attendance Prize Draw

House Prizes

“The Claremont League is a great way of encouraging people to learn and give their all in every lesson. It’s really worth trying your hardest and getting lots of merits because, let’s be honest, winning is really great! Have fun!”

Senior School Rules and Sanctions

Students are expected to abide by the current edition of the School Code of Conduct when present on the School site, travelling to and from school and also while representing the School on sporting fixtures and trips.

Parents are asked to support the aims, ethos, policies and rules of the School. All of which can be found in the Student and Parent Handbooks.

Examples of the type of misdemeanour are given, but this is not an exhaustive list. For more details, please see our Behaviour Policy. Each sanction will be fairly allocated according to the severity, circumstances and any repeated history of the behaviour. House points according to type of sanction will be deducted from the student’s running total.

To reinforce more positive behaviour where repeated detentions have already been given, a report system will be used. There are three levels of reports: Tutor, House or Senior Leadership Team.

Level Awarded for:

Restore Meeting Poor attitude or effort

Negative Comment Poor attitude Poor effort

Class teacher detention Minor misdemeanour during a lesson (e.g. ignoring instructions, poor language, missing homework, lateness, uniform infringement)

Tutor Detention

Repeated misdemeanours in class and/or at break (e.g. unsatisfactory social behaviour, poor language, uniform infringement, unkindness)

Restorative conversation

0 House points

Discussed with student 1 House point

detained for 10 minutes writing a reflection

Detained up to 20 minutes with Tutor during lunchtime

2 House points

Head of Faculty Detention

Head of House Detention

Repeated poor behaviour during lessons, persistent lateness to lessons, persistent lack of homework completed

Repeated or greater severity of poor behaviour in class or around the School

Gross unkindness Missed classes

SLT Detention Further repeated or greater severity of poor behaviour in class or around the School

Serious misuse of technology Bullying Plagiarism

Detained up to 30 minutes with Head of Faculty

3 House points

Detained after school for 45 minutes (4:30pm to 5:15pm)

4 House points

5 House points

Detained after school on Friday for 90 minutes (4:30pm to 6:00pm)

Follow up interview with HoH

7 House points

Student Expectations

This list was the result of a collective discussion across the Senior school on what students expect from each other, themselves and teachers.

IT’S ABOUT LEARNING

Be well prepared and ready to learn. Come to lessons promptly and with all the correct equipment for learning.

Use lesson time well by listening and paying attention to the talk/task. Be active and engaged.

Use individual time and effort well in independent work to make good progress towards your academic goals. Be determined to do your best.

Complete work as required and on time.

Don’t get in the way of others’ learning by distracting them or wasting class time.

Be honest with your teachers and with yourself about what’s getting in the way of your progress/achievement.

Contribute positively to the lesson. Participate in lessons by responding to questions. Be respectful and share opinions when asked to do so.

Reflect upon progress and take lessons as a learning for life.

Have a good attitude to your learning and willingness to expand your brain.

Try your hardest and put in a good effort. Have a positive approach to learning new things.

Strive to be an independent learner; completing homework and discovering knowledge outside of the curriculum.

Assessment and Reporting

Attitude to Learning

Claremont reports on each student at regular points throughout the academic year so there are lots of opportunities to highlight to you if they are working to their potential, struggling or need challenging further. Reports give an attainment grade for each subject and also scores students on their Attitude to Learning (AtL). We focus on three areas:

ACTIVE:

This is a measure of a student’s attitude and approach to their work and participation in lessons. For a good score here you need to get involved, ask and answer questions and generally contribute to the learning in the classroom.

CO-OPERATIVE:

Teachers expect students to strive to do their best on a day-to-day basis. Cooperative students complete homework to a good standard and on time. They get on with tasks in the classroom without needing to be reminded and generally work conscientiously.

INDEPENDENT:

This is the hardest category in which to score highly. To do well here you need to have a self-starting, active approach to learning. They need to complete extra work, research around topics and engage in a pro-active manner with their teachers.

Each area is given a grade out of 5 in each subject (1 being the highest and most positive). For each report the students’ average AtL score is then calculated and Form Tutors keep track of their students’ scores. The best scores and the biggest improvements are celebrated and rewarded in House meetings and school assemblies.

ACTIVE

• Participates fully in lessons

• Maintains a positive attitude to learning

• Sets high expectations

• Is willing to think and enquire

• Takes intellectual and creative risks

CO-OPERATIVE

• Brings the right book and equipment

• Follows instructions from the teacher

• Records homework in their planner

• Completes homework and meets deadlines

• Presents work carefully

• Organises work

• Works collaboratively with others

INDEPENDENT

• Reflects on marks and identifies personal targets

• Asks for specific advice on how to improve performance

• Catches up with work missed

• Independently shows interest and enthusiasm in the subject

• Actively seeks and completes extension work

Assessment

At Claremont, students in Years 9, 10 and 11 are assessed regularly in topic tests against GCSE marking criteria and graded accordingly. In Year 12 and 13, students sit regular assessments as part of the curriculum and A level / BTEC marking criteria is used. Students usually find that in Year 9 and 12 their grades start low as they get used to the rigours of the new level of assessment, but they should climb steadily throughout the course as they work hard and become more proficient.

Senior School Speak

Every school has its own vocabulary; here is a mini guide to some of the language we use at Claremont Senior School.

THE OCTAGON: This is the central tarmacked area in the centre of the School between the O block, D block and Dining hall.

B BLOCK: This is the newest part of our school just, off the Octagon.

D BLOCK: This is the classroom block just off the Octagon. This is where the Science labs are.

M BLOCK: The classrooms located in the Main School building.

SF - SIXTH FORM: The classrooms located in the Sixth Form Centre.

SH (SPORTS HALL): The classrooms located in the upstairs level of the Sports Hall.

ASSEMBLY: School assemblies are held once per week for Seniors and Sixth Form in the Space Theatre at 10:10 for the Senior School (Y9,10,11) and Wednesdays for the Sixth Form. There is also one House assembly or activity each week in your House area.

COCU (CO-CURRICULAR): CoCu is a daily, timetabled, non-academic activity. Options include Duke of Edinburgh, Drama, Art, Sport and much more!

STUDY PERIOD: Timetabled study time giving you the opportunity to complete homework or other independent work vital to progress in your studies. Year 10 and 11 study periods are supervised in classrooms, Sixth Form study periods are in the workroom.

EXTRA CORE: Available to students instead of a language in Year 9, or instead of a GCSE option in Year 10/11. Classes provide additional lessons in the English, Maths and Science providing extra focus on core skills, a chance to revisit subject content and develop exam technique through practising.

IF I FEEL ILL, WHERE DO I GO? The School Nurse is based in the Health Centre in the Main School building. If you feel ill, knock on her door and if she isn’t available, go to the School Office. Do not contact your parent or guardian directly.

HOW DOES LUNCH TIME WORK? Lunchtimes for each year group are at different times based on your timetable (see pages 24-26). Lunch is a canteen service and there are always at least two options to choose from, plus a salad bar.

FIRE PRACTICE: We regularly practise fire drills so we all know exactly what to do in the event of a fire. If there is a fire, the meeting point is on the astro outside the Sports Hall. Follow instructions given by staff and the House signs on the perimeter fence of the astro. Do not run or panic, just move quickly and quietly to find your class at the assembly point.

REGISTRATION: This is held two times a day at 8:20 in tutor time at the start of the day and 14.00 in your first lesson after lunch. It is important that you attend every registration. If you miss registration for any reason, you must sign in at the School Office. If you are unable to attend school, you must email the School at absentees@claremontseniorschool.co.uk

If you need help

If you have any worries, it is important to talk to an adult. The best contact while you are at school is either your Tutor, Head of House or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Ms Rebecca Hurton). Alternatively, all members of staff will be happy to help you, including the Headteacher, the Office Staff or the School Nurse.

Ms Rebecca Hurton Designated Safeguarding Lead

rebecca.hurton@claremontschool.co.uk

Mrs Lorraine Kasztura SENDCo

Mrs Miranda Booth Medical Nurse

miranda.booth@claremontschool.co.uk

lorraine.kasztura@claremontschool.co.uk

Mrs Pippa Leeves

Head of House, Scotney pippa.leeves@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr Michael Cook Head of House, Pevensey michael.cook@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr Anselm De Pleave Head of House, Bodiam

anselm.de-pleave@claremontschool.co.uk

Ms Vian Jalal Head of House, Camber vian.jalal@claremontschool.co.uk

Mrs Victoria Liggett Head of Sixth Form

victoria.liggett@claremontschool.co.uk

Mrs Francoise Armstrong Director of Boarding francoise.armstrong@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr Ed Dickie

Principal

ed.dickie@claremontschool.co.uk

Mr Sam Cotsford

Head of Futures & UCAS

sam.cotsford@claremontschool.co.uk

Mrs Lea Owen Deputy Principal

Assistant Designated Safeguarding Lead

lea.owen@claremontschool.co.uk

Whoever you approach will help you. If something needs to be investigated, they will do so and then inform you of the outcome.

If you are worried about something, or somebody else, it is important that you tell someone. The best person at school is probably your Tutor, or Head of House. If you are a boarder, and it is a concern linked to boarding, your House Leads are probably the best people to speak to.

If you prefer to ask or report something anonymously, you can do so using a form on your tutor classroom- ‘student help form’.

At Claremont we work in partnership with ‘Believe in You Teens’ who have been invaluable at providing students with Early intervention Mental Health Support. Families can contact Natalie and the team directly, or though the school if they would like to explore this option.

The following organisations can also be useful

Childline 0800 1111 Free confidential advice on a wide range of issues.

Text SHOUT/YM to 85258 (Young Minds 24/7 text response – texts are free)

Samaritans 116123 Serious mental health crisis.

I-rock Hastings, Free counselling support

Egg-tooth, Hastings, Free counselling support

Talk to Frank Honest information about drugs.

Stop it now Harmful sexual behaviour.

The Children’s commissioner 0800 5280731 Help.team@childrenscommisioner.gov.uk

School Uniform (Years 9-11)

All Claremont Senior School students from Year 9 to Year 11 are required to wear the specified school uniform. We believe that this contributes to a sense of belonging and fosters a feeling of pride. Students are expected to travel to and from school each day in full school uniform. There are two options for school uniform, all items must be clearly name labelled. Uniform can be purchased via Schoolblazer.

TROUSER OPTION

Claremont Blazer

Grey trouser

Plain white long or short sleeved neck collared white shirt buttoned to the neck, tucked in

Claremont V necked jumper

House Tie

Grey, navy or black socks

Optional: a black or navy blue belt with a small buckle. Large buckles displaying logos are not permitted

Years 9-11 uniform options

CULOTTE OPTION

Claremont blazer

Claremont culotte

Plain white, short or long sleeve blouse with a revere neckline, tucked in

Claremont round necked jumper

House Pin

Navy/black opaque tights or navy/ black ankle socks

P.E Kit (front)

Claremont PE shirt

Claremont shorts

Claremont tracksuit bottom

Claremont mid layer

Claremont jacket

Claremont sports socks

UNIFORM FOR Y9 - 11

Claremont sports bag, with initials

Sturdy sports trainers

Optional: navy swimming costume and swim cap

For specific sports: gum shield, shin pads, studded footwear, hockey stick, cricket bat

The Claremont blazer is to be worn at all times when travelling to and from the School and when moving around the building. Sleeves should not be rolled up. The blazer can be removed in lessons and during break and lunchtimes.

The Claremont jumper is optional but alternative jumpers or hoodies must NOT be worn. The Claremont jumper is never a replacement to the blazer.

Winter coats, scarves, hats and gloves should be plain black or dark blue with no fur linings. Only small discrete logos are acceptable. Any of these items should never be worn inside the School buildings.

No badges are to be worn other than school badges such as House badge, Student Council badge or other sporting or charity badges.

Claremont PE kit must be worn for all sport activities.

School bags should be predominantly black or navy suitable for carrying a planner, books and equipment with no large logos.

Acceptable footwear is plain, black, sturdy leather or leather-look shoes of a conventional style. Platforms, sling-backs, open toe shoes, any boots, mules, plimsolls or trainers are not permitted.

Please read our Uniform Guidelines document for more detailed information.

PE KIT

P.E Kit (back)

House T-Shirts

SIXTH FORM

From Monday to Thursday, smart business attire: matching trouser/skirt and jacket with shirt and tie. Dresses are allowed with a matching jacket, conventional style shoes, no trainers or plimsols.

On Friday, casual attire can be worn. No tracksuits or ripped jeans.

JEWELLERY

Jewellery is discouraged, but if worn should be simple, understated (one small necklace, one small bracelet/wrist band, one ring per hand) and not visible, i.e. worn underneath school uniform.

Earrings must be small and simple. A maximum or 4 ear piercings in total worn in the lower lobe of the ear.

No facial, tongue or body piercings are permitted.

HAIR

Hair should be of natural colour and worn in a simple style. It should not be ostentatious in style. Beading, hair extensions or shaved patterns are not permitted. Haircuts must be no shorter than a number two. Tram lines and indents are not allowed. Where culturally appropriate, straight line braiding is allowed. Hair bands, hijabs, hair ties and scrunchies must be plain white, navy blue or black and of narrow width. No decorative hair bands, hair ties or ribbons are allowed.

An unnatural striking appearance is not appropriate in school. If in doubt whether a planned style would be acceptable, parents/students should contact their Head of House and seek advice before having their hair styled.

MAKE UP AND ACCESSORIES

Make-up should be discreet and natural. Students with heavy make-up will be required to remove it, including false eyelashes.

Clear or natural colour nail varnish is allowed. Students will be asked to remove any nail varnish that does not adhere to these colours. Nail extensions may not be worn.

Neither tattoos nor any other form of skin painting are permitted.

BANNED ITEMS

Mobile phones, MP3 players and other personal electronic devices are not allowed in school premises for Y9, 10 and 11. Sixth Form are allowed mobile phones for use within the Sixth Form area only. Mobile phones found on students will be confiscated and may only be picked up from the school office by a parent/guardian or by the student at the end of half term, whichever is sooner.

Any non-uniform items will be confiscated and returned at the end of that term.

Essential Equipment

Essential Equipment

Scientific calculator

Laptop and charger

Headphones

Pair of compasses and protractor

Black / blue ballpoint pens and pencils

Red / green / purple ballpoint pens for corrections

Ruler and rubber

Colouring pencils/highlighters

Glue stick and scissors

Suitable bag (backpack) to carry all books and equipment

A reminder that corrector fluids such as Tippex are not allowed. Correcting tape is fine.

A few words from the Principal

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all new joiners to Claremont Senior School this September.

The House system is at the very heart of our school and the relationship between yourself, your Tutor and your Head of House will be critical to your development at Claremont.

The tutors that you will work with in each House play a central role in overseeing every part of your school life. If you have any issues, concerns, worries or questions, your Tutor will be happy to help you.

Claremont is a happy, personable and friendly school, a spirit which is encapsulated through our Houses. We welcome students of all abilities and we are united by the belief that having a good attitude is the most critical ingredient for success. Everybody who has an enthusiastic attitude towards their studies, our community and themselves is very welcome here.

Starting a new school is an exciting time for everyone and I wish you all the best of luck as you start this new chapter in your life. I look forward to seeing you around the School soon.

Ed Dickie

Principal