Year 12 Student Handbook 2026-27

Y12

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2026-27

CONTENTS

04 Welcome 06 Vision 07 School Aims 08 School Values 09 History of the School 10 The Staff Team 14 The School Day 15 Homework 17 Clubs and Societies 18 Food 20 Grades 21 Pastoral Care 23 Buddies 25 Preparing for your future 26 University Preparation Timeline 28 Enrichment 29 Welcome to the Mclauchlan Library 30 Frequently asked questions 35 Key Dates

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WELCOME FROM THE HEADMISTRESS

WELCOME FROM MR TOSH HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

Welcome to the Sixth Form.

Our vision for NLCS is to honour the school’s proud legacy of intellectual endeavour and joyful scholarship, prizing knowledge for its ability to inspire whilst also preparing you for the world beyond school.

Curiosity, which is one of our new school values, is at the centre of the Sixth Form experience here at NLCS. We encourage our students to be curious about the world around them, in and out of the classroom. Developing this curiosity is a joint project between you and your teachers. Therefore, I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities available at Canons, as this will be key to your success and enjoyment.

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Best Wishes,

Welcome to the Sixth Form! I know I speak for all of the tutors and teachers who will work with you across these final two years when I say we are incredibly excited to welcome you to Canons.

Vicky Bingham Headmistress

As Head of Sixth Form, my top priority is to ensure you feel happy and confident so that you can dedicate yourself entirely to making the most of your time here at the top of the school, both in and out of the classroom. There is so much for you to enjoy as you pursue your chosen subjects in lessons and enrich your experience through your involvement

You are now at the top of the school, and I count on you to join me in leading our community with a scholarly approach to your studies, enthusiastic engagement with your extracurriculars and kindness to those around you.

I am sure you will also create many happy memories here. We are here to laugh as well as to learn. I look forward to working together with you on this final exciting chapter of your school career.

with the Senior Societies, Enrichment and Extracurricular programmes.

Your tutor remains your first port of call for all matters relating to your schooling. They will meet with you every day in form time and will be in touch with your parents across the first weeks of the Autumn Term to introduce themselves. Your parents will also have the chance to meet with your tutor as part of our Welcome Evening later this term. Overseeing the team of tutors is Mrs Whitehead, Head of Year 12. She is also available to support you should you need a little extra guidance over the coming two years. My office is also close to your Common Room, and my door is always open for anyone to pop in should you need to speak with me.

I am sure you will thrive when lessons get underway, and I look forward to seeing all you achieve across Years 12 and 13.

Benjamin Tosh Head of Sixth Form

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WHAT MAKES NLCS DIFFERENT? At NLCS, we believe in working hard, thinking big, and looking out for each other.

We care just as much about how you’re doing in your lessons as we do in helping you grow in confidence, stretch your thinking, and find your voice. We can’t wait to see all the things you’ll do here.

OUR VISION

Intellectual Tradition

Investment In The Individual

An ambitious academic education

Fostering wellbeing and character for life

SCHOOL AIMS •T o provide an ambitious academic education to enable every individual student to make the most of her intellect and abilities

• To foster a community built on positive relationships between staff and students and between students themselves

•T o nurture a team of professional teachers who inspire their students with a love of their subjects and a spirit of scholarship

• To encourage students to embrace new challenges confidently, and respond to setbacks in a resilient and determined manner

•T o enable all students to recognise excellence and realise that it is attainable

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Intrepid Innovation

Impact And Influence

Inspired by heritage, empowered by modernity

Deeply connected to the wider world

• To ensure that every member of the School feels valued, supported and encouraged

• To develop an outward looking, internationally minded community that promotes respect and compassion, service to others, and active, positive participation in society and the wider world

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NLCS VALUES HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

North London Collegiate School was founded in April 1850 by Frances Mary Buss in the family home at 46 Camden Street, Camden Town.

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ASPIRATION: we aim to be our best selves

COURAGE: we aim to push new personal boundaries

PURPOSE: we love what we do and we want to make a difference

COMMUNITY: we look out for others and for our school

CURIOSITY: we strive to ask questions and be engaged in our learning

COMMITMENT: we work hard, and we keep going

All the family assisted in the school including her artist/illustrator father, R.W. Buss, some of whose paintings hang in the Buss room in the Old House at Canons. Miss Buss was the Headmistress for 43 years and was a notable figure in the struggle for the education of girls in the second half of the nineteenth century. She took a leading part in the campaign for endowment for girls’ schools, for girls to sit public examinations and for girls to be admitted to university. Her school was “destined”, in the words of the Fleming Report of 1944, “to become the model of girls’ day schools throughout the country”.

As the school grew bigger, it moved to Camden Road and then to Sandall Road. The site at Canons was bought in 1929 but the whole school did not move there until 1939.

The new building was designed by Sir Albert

Richardson whose original drawings can be seen in the Drummond Room.

North London Collegiate School began as a private school but obtained public status as early as 1870 and later became a Direct Grant school, taking scholarships from the Local Authorities. When the Direct Grant was withdrawn in 1976, the school reverted to being an independent school with charitable status. The governors are committed to maintaining the social mix of the school, offering generous bursaries and scholarships, and have raised funds through a Bursary Appeal to compensate for the loss of the government’s Assisted Places Scheme.

The achievements of Miss Buss and her successors are celebrated each year at the end of the Spring Term on Founder’s Day.

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THE STAFF TEAM

THE STAFF TEAM

Headmistress Mrs Vicky Bingham VBingham@nlcs.org.uk

Senior Deputy Head Mrs Jessica Bedi JBedi@nlcs.org.uk

Deputy Head, Pastoral Mrs Nicola Dawson NDawson@nlcs.org.uk

Head of Sixth Form Mr Benjamin Tosh BTosh@nlcs.org.uk

Counselling Engagement Lead Beatrice Fox BFox@nlcs.org.uk

Deputy Head, Pastoral Mrs Nicola Dawson NDawson@nlcs.org.uk

Director of Innovation Mr Robin Street RStreet@nlcs.org.uk

Head of Middle School Mrs Joanna Demetriou JDemetriou@nlcs.org.uk

Head of Upper School Mrs Natasha Taberner NTaberner@nlcs.org.uk

School Counsellor April Wellesley AWellesley@nlcs.org.uk

Head of Junior School Mr Richard Queripel RQueripel@nlcs.org.uk

Chief Operating Officer Mr Tim Brown TBrown@nlcs.org.uk

Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing Ms Gayle Mellor GMellor@nlcs.org.uk

Health Care Professional Mrs Lorna Soares-Smith LSoares-Smith@nlcs.org.uk

School Nurse Ms Dionne Thomas DThomas@nlcs.org.uk

Senior Team

Deputy Head, Academic Mr Samy Etienne SEttiene@nlcs.org.uk

Pastoral Team

Medical Centre phone number: 020 8951 6446

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YEAR 12 Parents’ Handbook

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THE STAFF TEAM THE SIXTH FORM PASTORAL TEAM

Head of Sixth Form Mr Benjamin Tosh BTosh@nlcs.org.uk

Head of Year 12 Mrs Amanda Whitehead AWhitehead@nlcs.org.uk

Head of Year 13 Ms Eleanor Makower EMakower@nlcs.org.uk

OTHER KEY PEOPLE

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• Ms Veronica Simon is in charge of the stationery room which is located on the ground floor. You may buy pencils, paper and other materials from her.

• Miss Sarah Prentice is the Attendance Officer and should be contacted by your parents at the start of the day if you are absent from School.

• Ms Veena Parmar is the Executive Assistant to the Headmistress. Her office is in the Old House.

• The Librarians are on hand to support you with any research you are conducting, and to recommend texts you may require for your studies, or when reading for pleasure.

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THE SCHOOL DAY

HOMEWORK

The school day at North London is divided into nine lessons of 35 minutes each, though you will have double lessons in most subjects. A timetable for the day is provided below to help you understand the rhythm of a normal day here at Canons.

Students in the Sixth Form are expected to meet homework deadlines across several subjects. Homework provides vital opportunities for you to consolidate your work in lessons, test your understanding, stretch beyond the demands of a specification and, where appropriate, complete coursework submissions.

You will also have study periods across the week.

How many will depend on whether you study 3 or 4 A-levels or the IB. Use these study periods wisely to ensure you keep up with your work.

You will likely find that, although you are studying fewer subjects, you will still have 8.15am – 8.35am

Remember to keep your key safe. If any are not returned at the end of the academic year, your parents will be billed for the replacement lock!

8.40am – 9.15am

Students start arriving.

When you come in, tap your student ID at any external door. Make sure you have the books and materials needed for the morning’s lessons by visiting your locker.

Period 1

9.15am – 9.50am

Period 2

9.50am – 10.25am

10.45am – 11.20am

Form time / assembly On Mondays and most Fridays there is full school assembly in the Main Hall. On Wednesdays there may be more than one assembly so listen carefully to instructions from your form tutor. You always go to assembly in silence and wait in silence for it to begin. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings you will have time in your form room for form business or year group activities.

MORNING BREAK You may go to the Dining Hall if you would like a drink or something to eat. You may buy something or bring something from home. You are also free to go to your form room, relax in the Common Room with friends, or visit the Athenian Cafe to buy hot and cold drinks, as well as a wide range of snacks. You may also wish to go to the Library to catch up on work or borrow some of the many resources they have on offer. You should get ready for the next lesson which starts at 10.45am promptly.

Period 3

11.20am – 11.55am

Period 4

11.55am – 12.30pm

Period 5

12.30pm – 1.40pm

1.40pm – 2.15pm

LUNCH BREAK Lunch runs from 12.30-1.40pm and is split into two halves. This ensures you have a good break in the middle of the day, allowing you to enjoy a proper lunch in one half and attend a club or society in the other. We rely on our Sixth Form students to run most of our extra-curricular offerings when you are appointed to your roles of responsibility later in Year 12. Still, you must maintain this balance to be properly fuelled for the rest of the day. You can, of course, relax in the Common Rooms or the Athenian Café with friends during lunch too. Sixth Form students have special permission to take food from the Dining Room and can eat in the Athenian Café or Common Room.

Period 6

2.15pm – 2.50pm

Period 7

2.50pm – 3.25pm

Period 8

3.25pm – 4.00pm

Period 9

10.25am – 10.45am

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plenty of materials to take with you from lesson to lesson: textbooks, stationery and other materials needed for your studies. Of course, you do not need to carry everything with you everywhere you go. You will be assigned a locker in the Old House, which is locked with a key issued to you on the first days of term. Use your locker to store valuables and materials you aren’t currently using.

As a general overview, the time allotted to subjects in the Sixth Form is provided below: A-Level Subjects: 4 hours per subject per week (typically 2 hours per teacher. Please note that separate arrangements are in place for Art and Further Maths).

IB HL Subjects: 3 hours per subject per week IB SL Subjects: 2 hours per subject per week This includes coursework and revision for tests.

Coursework and Homework Deadlines Meeting deadlines is crucial for academic success and personal growth, as it helps students develop strong time management skills and a sense of responsibility.

Homework Deadlines Extensions for homework are highly exceptional and will only be granted under extraordinary circumstances. Students must plan their work effectively and adhere to the deadlines set by their teachers. Requests for extensions must be made well in advance and will be considered only in rare, unavoidable situations.

Our goal is to help students cultivate a disciplined approach to their studies, which is essential for their success both within and beyond the classroom. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to prepare our students for the rigours of further education and professional life.

Repeated failure to meet deadlines, asking for an extension on the day the work is due or missing extended deadlines will be communicated to a student’s form tutor so that they can check in and provide any support that may be required to help you get things under control academically.

You must not spend more than the allocated time on each homework task. Your teachers will make clear how long a homework task should take and how it should be submitted (electronically via a Teams Assignment or hard copy in lesson time, for example). It may be that, at times, there is more of a focus required on a particular task or subject, for example, before a coursework deadline or assessment. However, if you find that you are continually finding it difficult to work within the time limits dictated by a teacher, you should speak with your form tutor so that they can help you.

All homework tasks will be set in lessons, giving you time to ask questions before you leave.

Coursework Deadlines No extensions will be granted for coursework under any circumstances. It is imperative that students manage their time and workload to meet all coursework deadlines.

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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES There is a huge range of extracurricular activities and societies for you to enjoy in Years 12 and 13. Indeed, you will have the opportunity to lead many of these clubs and societies when you are appointed to the various leadership positions available to all students in the Sixth Form towards the end of Year 12. Every student receives at least one leadership position. You are of course welcome to continue attending any club, society or activity even if you are not

A list of the clubs and societies currently operating in the Sixth Form are listed here.

If you would like to start a new society, please speak with Mr Majithia, who can explore this with you.

•A fro-Caribbean Society

• Feminist Society

• Music Society

•A nimal Welfare Society

• Film & Media Society

• Muslim Society

•A rt & Design Society

• Geography Society

• Neurodiversity Society

•C anonaid & Community Service

• Hindu and Jain Society

• Oriental Society

•C lassics Society

• History Society

• Performing Arts Society

• Human Rights Society

• Philosophy Society

• Humanist Society

• Photography Society

• Jewish Society

• Politics & International Affairs Society

•C omputing Society •C reative Writing Society •C rossroads Christian Society •C ulture & Anthropology Society

• Law Society • LGBTQIA+ Society • Literary Society

• Polyglot Society • Psychology Society • Public Speaking Society

•D ebating Society

• Mathematics Society

•D uke of Edinburgh’s Award

• Marketing Society

• E conomics & Finance Society

• Medical Sciences Society

• Sikh Society

• Mental Health & Wellbeing Society

As well as a full suite of sports activities, squads and teams

• E ngineering Society • E nvironmental Awareness Society

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appointed to be a member of its leadership team. Involvement with clubs and societies is an excellent way to stretch beyond the confines of your exam specifications, meet new friends and develop new skills.

• Middle Eastern Society

• Pure Sciences Society

• Model United Nations

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DINING HALL

SMART FOOD

Food plays a vital role in keeping you energised and fuelled for a busy day at school, which is why we create exciting menus using seasonal ingredients, and the freshest produce to provide you with a healthy balanced meal that tastes great.

With health and wellbeing as our number one priority, we have developed “smart food” to help guide our food and drink offer in a healthy direction. We do this by ensuring there is at least one “smart food” recipe available daily, which can take the form of a main dish, side or salad. These recipes have been developed by our expert nutritionists and help us to ensure we are providing fresh, seasonal, nutritious food that helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Sometimes you might only fancy a light lunch from the ‘Express Bar’ where you can choose a sandwich or baguette and homemade cake or a selection of fruit. A water fountain is located at the back of the Dining Hall, so you can stay hydrated whilst you enjoy your lunch.

BREAKFAST CLUB Each morning we run a breakfast club in the Performing Arts Centre from 7.30am until 8.30am so you can kick start your day the right way with a tasty breakfast, whether you fancy cereals or pancakes, fruit salad or yoghurt.

MORNING BREAK At 10.25am, you can purchase a snack to keep you going until lunch. The shop in the Dining Hall is open to all students across Short Break.

The Athenian Cafe is available for Sixth Form students only. There are healthy options like fruit and smoothies, sweet treats like freshly baked pastries, savoury snacks such as toasties and sandwiches, and drinks such as hot chocolate and coffee.

The Dining Hall is a place for you to relax and spend time with friends, but we do ask that you clear your trays to the trolleys nearby to help us keep it neat and tidy.

LUNCH Lunch for Year 12 usually commences at 12.30 to ensure you have time to get something to eat before heading off to a club, society or meeting.

You can find the entire week’s menu displayed outside the Dining Hall, so you know when your favourites are being served. Every day, we serve a hot lunch (including a vegetarian option) and an amazing choice of desserts from the counter.

We also have a great selection of salads on our salad bar, where you can eat as much as you like. Sixth Form students can also buy hot and cold food from the Athenian Café. Sixth Form students have special permission to take food from the Dining Hall or Athenian Café to eat in the Common Rooms if they wish. Students in Years 12 and 13 can also leave the school site to get lunch at the shops and restaurants in the local area. Anyone leaving the school site during the school day must tap out with their ID cards and tap back in again upon returning using the sensors at the Gate Huts on Dalkeith Grove or Canons Park.

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SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS We understand that there may be some foods that you cannot eat, whether it is because of an intolerance or a religious belief, we will always try our best to cater for you. If you do feel like you need something else or are unsure please come and talk to us or contact us at catering@ nlcs.org.uk.

If you do have any questions or feedback about anything food-related during lunch, please ask one of the catering team on duty, as we are always happy to help or you can pop a note in our suggestion box.

EXAMPLE OF A WEEK’S LUNCH MENU MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Jamaican style jerk chicken, yellow rice (Halal option available)

Piri piri chicken wrap

Halal chicken shawarma wrap

African style chicken Yassa

Chef battered haddock, lemon wedges

Vegetable mince Bolognese, penne pasta, garlic bread

Four cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, garlic bread

Halloumi shawarma wrap

Margherita pizza slice and toppers

Cod fishfingers

Thai style vegetable and Quorn curry, rice

Vegan aubergine Vegetable paella and pepper, black bean sauce, rice noodle salad

Quorn fillet spiced wrap

Mexican style vegetable and bean burrito

Moroccan style falafel, rice, red cabbage and raisin slaw, vegan yoghurt dressing

BIG bowl salad – chickpea, beetroot and avocado salad, choice of protein toppers

Mexican style veggie taco cups

BIG bowl salad – Quinoa, fresh mint, lemon, choice of protein toppers

Vegan sausage roll

BIG bowl saladCauliflower, potato, chickpea salad, choice of protein toppers

Lyonnaise potatoes

The bar; toasted paninis

Cajun curly fries

BIG bowl salad – Turkish style mixed rice and avocado salad, saffron vegan yoghurt dressing, choice of protein toppers

Roasted sweet potatoes

Selection of three seasonal vegetables

BIG bowl salad, Greek style salad, choice of protein toppers

Selection of three seasonal vegetables

Chips, curry sauce

Selection of three seasonal vegetables

Summer pudding

Parmentier potatoes

Very chocolatey cake, chocolate sauce

Selection of three seasonal vegetables

Lemon cake, whipped cream

Banana and Selection of chocolate waffles three seasonal vegetables

Sticky toffee pudding, custard

Eton mess

Pancakes, berry compote

Strawberry vanilla layered cake

White chocolate and raspberry blondie

Sugar ring doughnuts

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GRADES AT NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL You may be surprised to find that much of your homework and classwork is corrected with a comment but no grade is put on it. This is because the teachers want you to concentrate on producing good, thoughtful work but not on being competitive about what mark you get.

When there is an important piece of work it is graded and your teachers will let you know the significance of these grades.

POSSESSIONS AND SELF-ORGANISATION Organisation is incredibly important in the Sixth Form. Although you will be studying fewer subjects, the demands on your time will be greater, given the level of study you are conducting. You will find there are more independent tasks to complete and that you may be required to juggle multiple deadlines simultaneously alongside your extracurricular commitments. You will be given a student planner at the start of the year. Ensure you use it to note deadlines and commitments, or use an electronic version (your Outlook calendar is a great choice as it will link to your NLCS email account and is accessible from a wide range of devices).

Remember to use your locker in the Old House to keep your valuables secure and store any learning materials you don’t need presently.

If you find organisation to be challenging, please speak with your form tutor, who will be able to help.

“Lessons are planned and taught well by skilful teachers who are passionate about their subjects.”

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Independent Schools Inspectorate 2024

PASTORAL CARE SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT North London Collegiate School aims for a relaxed and happy atmosphere, but with over 800 students and more than 80 staff, there are some rules that we would like you to follow to make life more pleasant for everyone: •B e organised and arrive on time for your lessons.

•D o not leave school at any time during school hours, unless by prior permission or to get lunch between the hours of 12.30pm1.40pm. Sixth Form students with no lessons in the afternoon can leave after their final period of the day to take their study periods at home. If you feel unwell go to the school nurse, and she will decide whether you should go home.

•M obile phones must always be kept out of sight. Whilst students in Years 7-11 must lock their phones away in Yondr pouches during the day, we appreciate that Sixth Form students rely on their school emails and Teams more than other students. With this in mind, students in Years 12 and 13 do not need to use Yondr pouches but must keep their phones out of sight at all times (this includes when walking around the school site!), only using them in the Common Rooms or when a teacher gives permission for them to do so.

If students are found to be using their mobile phone during the school day, a member of staff will confiscate it and take it to Reception for safe storage. Students can collect confiscated phones from Reception at 4.00pm, before heading home. If a Sixth Form student would normally have no lessons in the afternoon, allowing them to leave school early, they will still be required to wait until 4.00pm to collect their confiscated device.

Students will receive a flag each time their phone is confiscated. 3 flags in a term will see the Head of Sixth Form contact home, and the student issued with a Yondr pouch to help them with managing their phone use during school hours..

If students need to contact home during the school day, they can use the phone at Reception. If parents need to contact their daughter during the school day, they can call Reception who will pass a message on.

• Keep your form rooms, locker and the Common Rooms tidy. Do not leave your bag or other possessions in the corridors or main lobby. The intention is to develop a self-contained approach to working so that everyone is equipped and ready to start work at once.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES The NLCS Code of Conduct has been designed to ensure safety, happiness and well-being for all members of our school community. Central to the code is that we all treat each other with kindness and respect.

We should aspire to: • Show consideration, care and courtesy for others.

• Value and be inclusive of all members of our school community; listen to the opinions of others with tolerance and thoughtfulness.

• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.

• Maintain uniform and appearance expectations.

• Respect and follow the expectations of our code of conduct at all times.

Tutors will go through the full Code of Conduct with you at the start of the year • Students are encouraged to be kind and respectful to their peers. All forms of unkind behaviour and bullying will not be tolerated and will be dealt with under the school’s Anti-bullying Strategy that can be found on the school website.

• Students must respect each other’s personal space and there should be no unwanted physical contact between students.

• Students should show respect for the environment, and classrooms and lockers should be kept tidy.

• Students should not leave their bags or other possessions in the corridors or other public spaces. Students should walk around the building calmly and quietly and keep to the right-hand side of stairs and corridors.

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CEDAR SPACE

• S tudents in Years 12 and 13 are not required to wear uniform, but should ensure they are dressed appropriately for a formal learning environment, and should wear appropriate clothing when partaking in physical activities/exercise.

• S tudents should be punctual for form time and all lessons.

• S tudents should tap in using their student IDs at the start of the day at any external door when they get to school. If for any reason a student arrives late to school, they should tap their student ID in at Canons Drive or Dalkeith Grove gates to register their arrival.

• S ixth Form students may not leave school any time during school hours other than if they are heading out for lunch. All students must be back on site for afternoon registration at 1.40pm. If students feel unwell, they should go to the school nurse, who will decide whether they should be sent home.

If a student has permission to leave school during the day, they should tap out at one of the gate huts as they leave the site.

• F ood may only be eaten in the Dining Hall.

Sixth Form students also have permission to eat in the Common Rooms or Athenian Cafe, but should ensure they keep these spaces clean and tidy.

•C hewing gum is not permitted on site.

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The Cedar Space, located in the Indoor Teaching Space (ITS), offers a calm and quiet environment in which to seek support or to have some quiet time. The Cedar Space is also a place where some clubs and student voice / group sessions are run, such as yoga, mindfulness, and peer mentor sessions for example. The counsellors, who are based here, offer individual appointments to support students to deal positively with thoughts, feelings and issues and experiences relating to a range of topics. These are by appointment and following a referral from a member of staff via the Head of Year, Mr Tosh or Ms Mellor (Head of Mental Health & Wellbeing). The counsellors also run drop in sessions and you will see information about these in tutor notices throughout the year.

ARRANGEMENT OF FORMS Starting your studies in Year 12 at NLCS sees a reset of all form groups. All students, whether joining us from the Upper School or another school, will be in an entirely new form group.

This is an exciting, fresh start for everyone! Of course, as we are now in the Sixth Form, no lessons are taught in form groups. However, you will still meet together in form time, once a day, at 9.50am.

Forms are organised “vertically”, meaning there is a mix of Year 12 and 13 students in each group.

There are normally 6 or 7 Year 12 students and 6 or 7 Year 13s. You will have at least 2 form tutors, but you may have more if any of your tutor team work part-time in the school or have other responsibilities.

One of the tutors is designated as your Lead Tutor. They will be the member of staff you meet with regularly for 1:1s and see at Parents’ Evenings. However, the other member(s) of staff in your tutor group are also there to help and support you, so please speak with them too should you have any questions or concerns.

BUDDIES WHAT IS THE BUDDY’S ROLE? All students joining NLCS in Year 12 will be assigned a buddy. Your buddy will be a student who has been at the school for some time and is joining Year 12 from our Upper School. They volunteer to be part of the team of buddies and are integral in helping our new students settle in nice and quickly. Buddies are in the same form together, so they meet at least once daily, even if they don’t study the same subjects.

Buddies will ensure you know how to get around the school site, help new students get set up on the school IT systems, and provide a listening ear should you have any questions you feel more comfortable asking of a peer rather than a member of staff.

TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER At NLCS, we encourage a safe and supportive learning environment where everyone feels comfortable. You will have Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons once a week for a third of the year in both Years 12 and 13.

During these lessons, which are led by members of the Sixth Form Pastoral Team, including your Head of Year, Mr Tosh and Mrs Dawson, you’ll cover a wide range of topics, such as healthy relationships, career pathways, using the NHS, budgeting and emotional wellbeing.

From time to time, form time activities will supplement the work you do in PSHE lessons to ensure you are prepared to look after yourself and those around you as you ready yourself to move on beyond Canons.

Bullying, either verbal or physical, is unacceptable and will be firmly dealt with. We foster a policy of good relations with everyone.

If you are worried or upset about anything, or anyone, talk to your form tutor or another adult at school. We will help you.

To create a comfortable environment we ask every student to think about the best way she can contribute. Here are some suggestions that students in the school have come up with: • Listen to others and include them in your conversation.

• Don’t save seats on coaches or in the dining room – be friendly and welcoming to everyone.

• Make sure you ALWAYS wear your seatbelt when travelling by coach or minibus.

• Don’t interrupt while someone else is talking.

• Try to accept and understand other people’s views.

• Don’t gossip about classmates or repeat things they’ve said in confidence.

• Most of all, SMILE. Everyone at NLCS wants to be friendly.

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Surge is our entrepreneurship programme, giving students the tools to build their own ventures, pitch ideas, and understand how businesses start. Designed in collaboration with leading brands, ONLs and industry experts, it helps students develop a startup mindset and prepares them to lead in whichever field they choose.

Our oracy programme, Raising Voices, helps students develop confidence, clarity and originality in their communication. Sixth Formers take the lead in Brainwaves, our lecture series where they explore bold ideas and present them to the school community developing skills that serve them far beyond the classroom.

PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURE

As you begin your Sixth Form journey at NLCS, you’ll find a wealth of support and opportunity to help you shape your next steps, whether you’re applying to university in the UK, US, Canada or Europe, exploring competitive apprenticeships, or considering a structured gap year.

Our approach combines academic stretch with personalised guidance. You’ll take part in a rich programme of enrichment, lead and participate in academic societies, and engage with visiting speakers and symposia alongside other schools.

These opportunities are designed to deepen your thinking and give you confidence in articulating your interests and ideas.

You’ll also be paired with a Higher Education Mentor in your subject area to guide you through every stage of your application: from choosing courses and extending your reading, to writing your personal statement and preparing for interviews or entrance tests where required.

Mock interviews, many run by ONLs and subject specialists, help ensure you’re fully prepared.

PATHWAYS BEYOND THE UK Around 20 students apply to US universities each year, supported by SAT/ACT preparation, individual mentoring, and visits from leading institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Stanford.

European university applications are also growing in popularity, with recent destinations including Heidelberg, Thessaloniki and Valencia.

A dedicated European Universities Lead supports students through each step of the process.

For students applying to degree apprenticeships, which combine paid employment with academic study, our Apprenticeships Lead provides targeted guidance, with recent student successes in law, finance and technology.

Students in the Sixth Form go on to study a wide range of courses at some of the most selective universities, equipped with the insight and experience to make thoughtful decisions about where and what to study.

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UNIVERSITY PREPARATION TIMELINE YEAR 12 AT NLCS Autumn Term

YEAR 13 Spring Term ■ Students receive university offers and

begin planning firm and insurance choices.

■ Follow-up meetings with the Assistant

Head: University Guidance and Careers ensure informed decisions are made.

■ I ntroductory lectures introduce students to the range of future academic and career pathways.

■ S AT/ACT preparation for US applicants begins via UES, delivered during Enrichment sessions.

YEAR 12 Spring Term ■ E nrichment time is used to explore

two possible degree choices in depth, helping students understand what undergraduate study entails.

■ U S applicants continue developing

their profiles through meetings with the Head of US Applications.

■ P reparation begins for admissions tests (e.g. UCAT, LNAT, TMUA), where applicable.

■ S tudents interested in applying to the

US meet regularly with the Head of US Applications to begin early preparation and discuss potential early-round choices.

YEAR 13 Autumn Term ■ S tudents finalise Personal Statements in

early September and meet with mentors for final review.

■O ne-to-one meetings with the Assistant Head: University Guidance and Careers:

■ Final checks on Personal Statements

YEAR 12 Summer Term ■ S tudents choose one subject-specific

Enrichment session per week to support their proposed degree.

■ A dmissions test preparation continues

with tailored sessions and mock papers.

■ UCAS Day takes place, including: ■ Building UCAS profiles

and qualifications

■ Strategic advice on university choices

■ A ll students encouraged to submit

applications early to focus on academic work.

■M ock admissions tests may take place, depending on course timelines.

■ U S applicants continue refining

applications, letters and university choices in regular sessions with the Head of US Applications.

■M eeting Higher Education Mentors

■ Attending the Universities Fair (led by recent ONLs)

■ S tudents complete a draft of their Personal Statement, reviewed by their mentor before term ends.

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WELCOME TO THE MCLAUCHLAN LIBRARY The school library (The McLauchlan Library) is open from 8.15am until 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday, and until 4.15pm on Fridays. You can use the library before and after school, and during break and lunchtime.

RESOURCES

ENRICHMENT MUSIC AT NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL We provide a broad range of musical opportunities for all students and strive for ambitious music making. All styles of music thrive at North London Collegiate, whether you’re interested in classical, popular or world music. We have a busy calendar of musical events for you to get involved with throughout the school year, and a range of choirs, orchestras and ensembles for you to join – a great way for you to have fun making music and new friends. Many of these groups take part in our spectacular end of term concerts in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). There are also concert opportunities for playing solos and in smaller groups in our Old House Concert Series.

We provide individual tuition in all the major instruments and singing, and if you are interested in learning an instrument at any time,

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please speak to Mrs Degnan (the Performing Arts Administrator) or your class Music teacher.

If you are receiving lessons, information about lesson times will be posted on noticeboards which you will need to check regularly. Timings for the week ahead will be finalised before the following week, and if there are any subsequent last-minute changes these will be conveyed to you and your parents by email as well as on noticeboards. You are therefore expected to check your emails regularly for any updates to lesson times.

•T here is a wide range of non-fiction and fiction books, journals, online resources and DVDs, both for reading for pleasure, and for reading for information to help with your studies.

•Y ou may borrow four items at any one time, for a two week period, and renew items once.

•T he library computers, as with other school computers, can be used to access the library catalogue, emails and the Internet, and we ask you to observe the school rules on the proper use of computer facilities

ACTIVITIES Regular activities take place in the library, including book groups and author visits.

LIBRARY MONITORS If you would like to help in the library we run a short training scheme to become a library helper, and you can help with displays, library events and hosting visiting authors.

BOOK CLUB The Middle School Book Club (called Mad Hatters) is run by a committee of Year 12 students, and meets every week. All students from Years 7 to 9 are invited to join in, and the aim is to have fun while discussing and exploring books and reading more generally.

The sessions are varied and exciting. Recent examples include creating word stories and book themed cake decorating. During your school career you will come to the library with your class or form, but you will also visit us in your own time. We hope that you enjoy using the library, and you can ask any one of us for help in finding information, using library facilities, or even just for an idea of a good book to read.

We look forward to seeing you very soon.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to inform teachers in advance of the academic lesson you will be missing. On the day of your lesson, please make every effort to try to remember your instrument and keep an eye on the clock, especially during double lessons!

Do keep an eye on the noticeboards for details of any orchestras, ensembles and choirs you can join, or speak to your class Music teacher.

We look forward to making music with you in September!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT IF…?

YOU ARRIVE LATE FOR SCHOOL?

Upon arrival, tap your ID card on the sensor at either the Canons Park or Dalkeith Grove gates to register your arrival. You should then head directly to your lesson and explain to your teacher that you are late.

YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE DENTIST/ DOCTOR/HOSPITAL ETC?

Ask your parents to email your tutors, and absence@nlcs.org.uk to explain that you have an appointment. They will then reply to give permission for you to miss school. When leaving for your appointment, you should tap your ID card on the sensors at either the Canons Park or Dalkeith Grove gates to register yourself as absent.

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YOU ARE TOO ILL TO COME TO SCHOOL? Ask a parent/ guardian to ring the Absence Line on 020 8951 6404 or email school at absence@nlcs.org.uk before 8.30am on the first day of absence.

YOU HURT YOURSELF OR YOU ARE FEELING ILL?

YOU HAVE LOST SOME BELONGINGS? Ask at Reception if any valuables have been handed in. School uniform and PE kit can be found in the lost property cupboard near the sports lockers.

YOU ARE NOT WELL ENOUGH TO GO TO GAMES? Bring a note from your parents for your Games teacher to excuse yourself. They will tell you what to do during the lesson.

YOU ARE NOT COLLECTED IN TIME AFTER SCHOOL? After 4.00pm, students are to wait in the library until they are collected, apart

from Fridays when they must be collected immediately after lessons end. The library is open until 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and until 4.15pm on Friday.

YOU DRIVE TO SCHOOL AND WISH TO PARK IN THE GROUNDS?

Sixth Form students are not permitted to drive on the school grounds under any circumstances, even with a parent or driving instructor. If you wish to drive to school after you have passed your test, you should park in the local area, observing any parking restrictions, and walk the final part of your journey to Canons.

Never be afraid to ask – everyone here at NLCS wants to help you.

Ask your form tutor or subject teacher if you may go to see the school nurse, in the Medical Centre. Go yourself if it is break or lunchtime. You may be sent to lie down in the sick room, or if you are very unwell, or if you need medical attention, the school nurse will ring your parents. It is important that you do not leave school without the permission of a member of staff.

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TAKING CARE OF YOUR BELONGINGS In the Sixth Form you will be moving around the building during the course of the day as you go from one lesson to another – carrying your possessions with you. Even if you have been with us in the Middle and Upper Schools, you will be moving into new areas of the school, and using new classrooms so it is important to remain organised. There will be lots for you to remember, including resources you need for lessons as well as your personal belongings.

Taking responsibility for your belongings and helping your friends to remember their possessions is a manageable task if you follow these simple guidelines: • Mark every item you own with your name.

This may be a tedious task, but it is vital if you want to retrieve lost property.

• Keep your locker key safe, and use your locker effectively across the school year.

Remember to return your key at the end of the school year, else your parents will be billed for a replacement lock and key.

• Use the breaks within the school day to change the books in your rucksack. This way you will only end up carrying around one or two subjects’ worth of books at any point in the day – your back will thank you!

• Carry your student ID with you at all times.

All students must tap in at least once per day upon arrival using the sensors at Dalkeith Grove and Canons Drive, or one of the other sensors around school.

• Do not bring large sums of money or items of value to school.

• If you do have something with you that is valuable, take it to Reception and it will be looked after for you. You should make sure your phone and any other devices you bring with you (laptop/tablet etc.) is safely locked away in your locker throughout the day.

• Before you rush off to your next lesson, lunch, or break, check that you have not left anything behind. If you notice that one of your classmates has left something behind be sure to pick it up and give it to her.

• If you find an item that appears to have been lost, perhaps a pen that has fallen out of someone’s bag or a calculator left on a desk, give it to the next member of staff that you see, or take it to Reception.

PE KIT • Sky blue PE shirt • Navy skort or shorts • Navy tracksuit and midlayer • Blue socks (Lacrosse), white socks (Netball) • Trainers, lacrosse boots, stick, mouthguard • Swimming costume, towel, swimming hat, bag • Tennis racket (summer term)

EQUIPMENT • Pencil case: pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, sharpener • Colouring pencils, glue stick, scissors • Geometry set, calculator (Casio FX-991EX) • Art supplies: A size 4 soft brush - sable or nylon with a good point, 2B pencils and a soft rubber

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KEY DATES AUTUMN 2026

Space exploration captures the spirit we want our houses to embody – we want the house system to inspire you all to push boundaries, demonstrate courage, embrace a spirit of adventure – trying out things that may be different or new and to take a leap into the unknown. Importantly, by adopting an unusual twist on the Buss ship and our history, we want our house system to spark creativity and to bring the whole school community together in shared adventure and fun.

HOUSE NAMES:

ARTEMIS Named after NASA's groundbreaking programme to land the first woman on the Moon and the Greek goddess of the Moon. Artemis symbolises a commitment to future achievements and the expanding horizons.

ENDEAVOUR The Space Shuttle that saw Eileen Collins become the first female pilot in 1995. Endeavour embodies the spirit of discovery and represents how determination can overcome traditional boundaries.

MINERVA

JEMISON

Named after the Roman goddess of wisdom and science, and connected to ESA’s groundbreaking Project Minerva which introduced the first European female astronaut class. Minerva represents academic excellence, strategic thinking, and the power of knowledge to break barriers.

Named in honour of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space and a physician, engineer, and educator. Her achievements in science, medicine, and education embody an ambitious, holistic and wide-ranging approach to life.

KALPANA Named after Kalpana Chawla, the first Indianborn woman in space and accomplished aerospace engineer. She is inspiring for her groundbreaking achievements, academic excellence, and dedication to discovery.

Tuesday 1 September

Staff INSET Day

Wednesday 2 September

Staff INSET Day

Thursday 3 September

Pupil orientation day

Friday 4 September

Autumn Term begins

Monday 19 October – Friday 30 October

Autumn half term holiday

Friday 13 November

7+ entrance examination (holiday for Y3-Y6)

Thursday 3 December

11+ entrance examination (holiday for Y7-Y13)

Friday 11 December

Autumn Term ends for First, Lower, and Senior School*

*First School to finish at 11.30am (coaches depart at 11.45am); Lower and Senior School to finish at 12.15pm (coaches depart at 12.30pm).

SPRING 2027 Monday 4 January

Staff INSET Day

Tuesday 5 January

Spring Term begins for Senior and Lower Schools

Thursday 7 January

Spring Term begins for First School

Monday 15 February – Friday 19 February

Spring half term holiday

Thursday 25 March

Spring Term ends for First, Lower, and Senior School*

*First School to finish at 11.30am (coaches depart at 11.45am); Lower and Senior School to finish at 12.15pm (coaches depart at 12.30pm).

SUMMER 2027 Monday 19 April

Summer Term begins

Monday 3 May

May Day Bank Holiday

Friday 28 May

Staff Marking Day

Monday 31 May – Friday 4 June

Summer half term holiday

Wednesday 16 June

Staff INSET Day

Friday 9 July

Summer Term ends for First School* and Lower School**

*First School to finish at 11.30am (coaches depart at 11.45am); Lower and Senior School to finish at 12.15pm (coaches depart at 12.30pm).

Term dates and key events are published on the NLCS website and shared regularly via parent communications. If you have questions about anything in this handbook, your form tutor will be happy to explain more in September.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU.

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Senior School: 020 8952 0912 email: office@nlcs.org.uk website: www.nlcs.org.uk North London Collegiate School, Dalkeith Grove, Stanmore, HA7 4SQ