SeniorPrepHandbook2025/2026
Welcome to Sherfield School’s Senior Prep Handbook. This document is intended to be the go-to guide for all Year 5 to Year 8 specific information.
Should you have any questions about any of the information in the handbook, please email the Head of Prep’s PA.
Sherfield
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians
Welcome to an exciting new year at Sherfield School! Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning, we are thrilled to have you and your children with us in Senior Prep. At Sherfield, our community is built on the core values of Kindness, Courage, and Respect. These principles guide our interactions and shape a supportive atmosphere where every child feels valued. By fostering these values, we encourage our children to take risks, embrace differences, and truly belong.
Our motto, Ad Vitam Paramus ("Prepare for Life"), captures our mission to provide an education that challenges and prepares your children for the future. We aim to equip each child with the resilience and adaptability necessary to achieve their aspirations.
This year, we are enhancing our music program for Years 5 and 6, with an increase of an additional hour of music each week. This includes dedicated choir time, instrument learning as an ensemble, and weekly music theory instruction. Additionally, children will alternate swimming with various sporting activities, such as gymnastics, modern pentathlon, tennis, basketball, and volleyball, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. Specialist Science lessons will also be included into the timetable this year so that we can build scientists for the future.
In Years 7 and 8, we are excited to develop leadership roles, allowing your children to support younger Prep students through Peer Mediation, participate in the Prep Council, and engage in specialist subjects. A highlight will be a Christmas Production aimed at Junior Prep, and the Pathways Projects will continue into Years 7 and 8, offering enrichment pathways linked to careers.
The uniform for Sherfield can be found on this link and these are the only items pupil’s should wear when on school grounds.
Uniform should be worn with pride and all pupils should be dressed smartly at all times, including wearing blazers when not in lessons, this includes arriving and leaving school, between lessons, assemblies, break and lunchtimes.
You are alsowelcome tovisit ourschool uniform shopwhich is run byourwonderful Friends of Sherfield parent committee. ExcitingNews – OurSchool Uniform Shop Has Moved!
We’re thrilled to announce that the School Uniform Shop has abrand newhome!The shop has nowrelocated to aconvenient and easilyaccessible space right next to the Old ChapelAuditorium.You’ll find the entranceviathe external staircasewhich is located behindwhere the school buses park.
The shopwill be open as usual.Whetheryou're stockingup on essentials orpreparingfornext term,we’re here to help.
WeeklyOpeningHours:
Mondays &Wednesdays
Morning: 08:15 – 08:45 Afternoon: 16:00 – 16:30
We’d love foryou to pop in, browse ourfull range, and sayhello in ourfresh newspace. Ifyou have anyquestions orneed assistance, feel free to get in touchwith us at uniform@sherfieldschool.co.uk.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
The first day of the new academic year is Monday 1 September; our doors open at 8:15am and close at 8:25am.
Year 5 and 6 Pupils: All pupils in Years 5 and 6, including new pupils, should go to the Prep School Courtyard via the gated entrance at the side of the Cottage. Please park in the parents car park and you will see the cottage and gate adjacent to the steps. A member of staff will be in the courtyard to help you find your way to your classroom. Class teachers will be in their classrooms to register them and will give them their timetable, go through it with them, give them their school log on details and answer any queries they may have for the first morning. Pupils are collected at the same drop off point at either 4:15 or 5:45pm.
Year 7 Pupils: Year 7 pupils will meet their Tutors on the front lawn for the first day only. These will help for them to meet their tutor and find their way to their Tutor Room. For new parents, we recommend collecting your child from the parent car park as we can supervise them until you arrive. From the second day you can then agree a drop off and pick up point convenient for you and your child.
Year 8 Pupils: If your child is an existing pupil in the school, their drop off and collection arrangements have remained unchanged. New Year 8 pupils to the school should be dropped at the Main Reception point for the first day only and we will arrange for a member of staff to meet them there. On the first day, please collect your child from the Main Reception and then agree a drop off and pick up point convenient for you and your child.
Sherfield Senior Prep
TIMES OF THE DAY
We are excited to announce the opening of our Rise and Dine Club. Reception to Year 7 children are able to book this club a month ahead to provide care and breakfast from 7:30am. Children will be supervised and activities will be planned to ensure that children start the day active and happy. Children can only use this service if they are booked in on Parentmail in advance before the last day of the month.
Registration is at 8:25am but children can be dropped off from 8:15am. Parents may drop their child off between 8:15am and 8.25am at the designated classroom entrance. Children must not be left unattended before 8:15am. Only children in Year 4 upwards are able to be dropped to the dining hall at 8am free of charge.
At the end of the day, children in Year 5 and Year 6 should be collected at either 4:15pm or 5:45pm from the front of the Wynstow building (outside the library) and wait to be collected, where they will be supervised by staff.
Children in Year 7 and 8 should be collected promptly from an agreed point that is convenient for your family. Children who are not collected by 5:45pm will be taken to Main Reception where they can be collected.
We monitor children who are regularly collected late and may request that your child uses the Flexiboarding option to support you and your family. This is chargeable to parents.
Tea is available to purchase for Year 5 upwards and is served in the Dining Hall at 4:15pm. This consists of a grab and go bag which contains:
Aham, cheese, jam ortunasandwich
Apiece of fruit
Abakerysnack
This needs to be paid for a week ahead by Wednesday 8pm for the following week. This allows time for orders to be reviewed and dietaryrequirements to be catered for. Clubs for Years 5 and above are organised from 4:30pm to 5:45pm. Clubs organised byschool staff are inclusive in the school fees.There are some clubs which demand an additional fee due to the implications of coaching and facilities (e.g. Tennis, Fencing etc). All after-school clubs are booked forthe term, in advance.
Sherfield Senior Prep
Year 7 Option: Year 7 children have the choice to go to the main dining area, after they have checked in with the adult runningtheRiseandDineClub.
Drop-off Location: Parents will drop off at the door around the back of the dining hall next to the fire escape, the membersofstaffondutywillhelpthechildrenaccesstheirbreakfast.
Booking: Please book at least week in advance as spaces are limited to ensure staff ratios are adhered to. This will be availableasaproductonParentmail.Ad-hocsessionsmaybeavailablebutarenotguaranteed.
Price:£4.95perday.
Years 5 and 6 Day
8:25 Registration
8:35 Period 1
9:35 Period 2 10:35 Morning Break 10:55 Period 3 11:55 Lunch
12:50 Registration - Extended Tutor Time/ Assembly
13:15 Period 4
14:15 Period 5
15:15 Period 6
16:15 End of School / Pick Up
16:15 Tea / Registration for Clubs
16:30 After School Clubs
17:45 After School Clubs Finish / Pick Up / Buses
Year 7 and 8 Day
8:25 Registration 8:35 Period 1 9:35 Period 2
Morning Break
Period 3
Period 4
13:50 Registration - Extended Tutor Time/ Assembly 14:15 Period 5 15:15 Period 6
16:15 End of School / Pick Up
16:15 Tea / Registration for Clubs
16:30 After School Clubs 17:45
After School Clubs Finish / Pick Up / Buses
Sherfield Senior Prep
ARRIVING LATE AND LEAVING SITE
Pupils arriving late (after 8:25 when the doors close) must first report to Main Reception, via the black door to the left of the main entrance so that the registers may be corrected.
Pupils must not leave the site at any time without an adult. If they need to leave the school during the day for things such as a medical or dental appointment, this has to be authorised by the Head of Prep at least 48 hours in advance.
Parents must pick pupils up and return them to and from the Main Reception, where they must sign in and out of school. Parents should not attempt to access teaching areas themselves at any time. We would prefer children to be collected either at the end of their school day or at the end of their club to avoid disruption to the running of a club.
ENTERINGANDLEAVINGTHESCHOOLGROUNDS
Even at lowspeed acarcan do alot of damage to achild. Please do not exceed the 10mph speed limit and be very watchful when drivingon the school site.
When exiting the school, during busy times, please ensure that you turn left onto the A33 and use the Sherfield Park roundabout to change direction if necessary.
SCHOOL CAR PARK
We have several school car parks on site. The first area on the right as you arrive along the driveway is for staff cars. The large car park after driving past Buckfield House and between the Early Years Centre and The Cottage is for parents and visitors. There is also parking available for parents along the new spaces created on the driveway. There is overflow car parking on the driveway opposite Archers Lodge as you drive out of the site and parking along the tree line as you head towards the exit.
Please refrain from parking on the other areas of grass unless instructed to do so by a member of school staff. Other areas of the school grounds and driveway should not be used to park cars or as waiting areas.
BUSES
There are buses which bring pupils into school and take them home again (from aged 8/Year 4). The routes are changed each year to accommodate the different needs of the current pupils. This service must be booked in advance. Please contact: transport@sherfieldschool.co.uk for more information on fees and routes.
If you have registered for school transport, pupils will be told where to wait for the bus to collect them in the morning. Pupils will arrive in plenty of time for registration at 8:25am. In the evening, pupils should be prompt in leaving their after-school club and report to Main Reception to wait for the bus to take them home. School buses leave at 5:45pm.
If pupils are not travelling home on the bus at the end of the school day, please let the Main School Receptionist know before you leave school for the day.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
We expect all pupils to arrive to school for the start of their day by 8.25am and to be punctual for lessons and activities. Pupils may not leave the site during the day except for sixth formers who may venture into nearby Sherfield-on-Loddon, and only with the permission of a senior member of staff.
Parents are legally required to ensure that their children attend school regularly. If your child is unwell, please telephone the school as soon as possible prior to registration. If we do not receive a message, we will endeavour to contact you via telephone to ascertain why your child is not in school.
Medical and dental appointments should be made outside school time whenever possible. If your child does need to leave school for an appointment, please request permission from your child’s Head of Phase in writing at least 48 hours in advance. Absences should be reported to absence@sherfieldschool.co.uk Your child must report to the Main Reception before leaving the school site to ensure his/her absence is taken into account in the event of any emergency.
Term dates are published in advance on the school’s website. Parents should ensure that family holidays are booked to coincide with school holidays as in-term absences for holidays will not be authorised.
The school’s full policy on attendance can be found on our website.
BEHAVIOURPOLICY
The ethos of Sherfield is based upon the values of Kindness, Courage and Respect. We expect parents to support us in maintaining our standards which are based upon courtesy, consideration and common sense. We reward positive behaviour and effort with house points, nominations for awards throughout the year and, most significantly, at Speech Day at the end of the year. Teachers will take the opportunity informally to pass on positive feedbackthroughout theyear.
ANTI-BULLYINGPOLICY
We have a strong culture of tackling bullying in school which is enhanced by our Positive Behaviour and No Bullying policy. Children are encouraged to tell their teacher or another trusted memberof staff if someone is making them unhappyorworried.An important part of being at school is building relationships and learning how to deal with a variety of situations and challenges.
Although it is often wise to wait a short time to allow your child to try and resolve things, early intervention by the school is the most effective means of helping all concerned. Do not hesitate to contact your child’s form tutor if someone or something is making your child unhappy.
in math. Regular assessments through Accelerated Reader and daily guided reading sessions will suppo development, ensuring that children engage in independent reading and apply their learning within their w Ourfocuswillbeoninterpretationanddeductionskills,withanexpectationthatchildrenmakethoughtfulc abouttheirreadingmaterialandcanarticulatehowitenhancestheirknowledgeandvocabulary.
Building on the foundations laid in Year 4, Year 5 will explore the themes of crime and punishment throu history, including insights into Tudor and Victorian life. In the summer term, children will investigate exploration, studying notable explorers and the challenges they faced, such as those encountered by Shac This thematic approach will be predominantly delivered by their class teacher to ensure that writing ta meaningfulandconnectedtotheirlearning.
MusicEducation
This year, we are excited to enhance our music provision significantly. Each year group will have dedicated minutes of choir time, allowing children to develop their vocal skills and enjoy singing together. Every ch also have the opportunity to learn a stringed instrument for a whole year as part of the curriculum, along w hour of music theory instruction each week. This comprehensive approach to music education will enric understandingandappreciationofmusicwhilefosteringcreativityandasenseofachievement.
SportsProgram
In addition to music, our sports program will feature a mix of swimming and various sporting activities each On alternate non-swimming weeks, children will engage in gymnastics, artistic disciplines, modern pent tennis, basketball, and volleyball. These diverse activities are designed to enhance their physical education promotingteamworkandcooperation.
Outdoor learning will also play a vital role in Year 5, focusing on team building and relationship developme will integrate outdoor activities into various lessons, particularly when exploring habitats, allowing child utilizeourextensivegroundsandobservelocalwildlife.
Weareexcitedforayearfulloflearning,exploration,andgrowthinYear5!
Sherfield Senior Prep
They will develop a strong writing voice influenced by their extensive reading. Our math lessons will focus on justifying the efficiency of their methods and challenging them to solve more complex problems. To support this, we prioritize math, reading, and writing in the mornings, allowing class teachers to track progress and ensure children are challenged towardmasteryinmathematics.
Children will be regularly assessed on their reading through Accelerated Reader, participate in daily guided reading sessions, and are expected to read independently while applying their insights to their writing. Our teaching will emphasizeinterpretationanddeductionskills,encouragingchildrentomakethoughtfulchoicesabouttheirreadingand articulate how it enhances their knowledge and vocabulary. They will share their enjoyment of the books they read and providerecommendationsbasedontheirexperiences.
Year 6 aims to build on the foundations laid in Year 5 by exploring 20th-century conflict and the impact of migration on the world today. In the summer term, the focus will shift to inventors and the concept of innovation in addressing historical challenges. Additionally, students will begin to explore evolution and legacy within their science curriculum, examining how these concepts have shaped the world they live in today. This thematic approach will be delivered by theirclassteachertoensurethatwritingtasksareconnectedandpurposeful
Outdoor learning will emphasize team building and relationship development. We will embed outdoor activities into various lessons, particularly when studying habitats and adaptation, allowing children to utilize our extensive grounds andobservelocalwildlife.
MusicEducation
This year, we are excited to enhance our music provision significantly. Each year group will have dedicated thirty minutes of choir time, allowing children to develop their vocal skills and enjoy singing together. Every child will also have the opportunity to learn a brass instrument for a whole year as part of the curriculum, along with one hour of music theory instruction each week This comprehensive approach to music education will enrich their understanding andappreciationofmusicwhilefosteringcreativityandasenseofachievement.
SportsProgram
In addition to music, our sports program will feature a mix of swimming and various sporting activities each week. On alternate non-swimming weeks, children will engage in gymnastics, artistic disciplines, modern pentathlon, tennis, basketball, and volleyball. These diverse activities are designed to enhance their physical education while promoting teamworkandcooperation.
WearelookingforwardtoanenrichingyearinYear6,filledwithexploration,creativity,andgrowth!
Sherfield Senior Prep
YEAR 7 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
In Year 7 at Sherfield, we strive to cultivate independent learners who are confident in their academic abilities. Our diverse curriculum challenges students while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration across subjects.
In English, the year will begin with a continuation of their work on the graphic novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. Students will enhance their comprehension and analytical skills, and even if they did not receive a copy, we will have one available for their use. Following this, they will explore a war novel, study Shakespeare focusing on themes and language, and practice descriptive writing. The year will culminate in a poetry unit where students analyze techniques and write creatively, leading to an End of Year assessment to showcase their skills.
The mathematics curriculum will start with foundational concepts in algebra, including sequences and solving equations, before moving on to fractions, decimals, and percentages. Students will apply their mathematical knowledge to various contexts and develop problem-solving strategies. The year will conclude with a focus on geometry and probability.
In Science, students will cover a range of topics including cell structure, body systems, and the particle model of matter. They will explore forces, chemical reactions, light, sound, and reproduction, culminating in an End of Year assessment that reviews all topics studied.
Geography will introduce students to various global issues, including population distribution and resource management, with a project on globalisation. They will study ecosystems and coastal processes, including a field trip to observe landforms in action.
The History curriculum will cover significant events such as the Norman Conquest, the Crusades, and the impact of the Black Death. Students will analyze the Tudor period and explore the motivations behind European exploration.
In Religious Studies, students will examine various religious festivals, the principles of Christianity, and Sikhism, as well as ethical issues related to the fashion industry.
Language studies in French and Spanish will cover topics related to family, school, and hobbies, with a focus on grammar and conversational skills. Each language will involve revision and preparation for end-of-year assessments.
In Drama, students will develop their skills through improvisation and physicality, explore Shakespeare through workshops, and analyse a live theatre production. Additionally, they will participate in preparing for the Christmas Production for Prep children, giving them the chance to showcase their talents in front of an audience.
Sherfield Senior Prep
YEAR 7 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Physical Education will include a variety of sports, allowing students to enhance their skills in football, hockey, netball, and athletics, while promoting teamwork and fitness.
In Art, students will engage in sculpture projects, analyze self-portraits, and explore the elements of art through various media.
Design and Technology will involve practical projects in food nutrition, 3D printing, and packaging design, allowing students to develop their creative and technical skills.
Computing will focus on digital media creation, understanding networks, introductory programming, and data modeling using spreadsheets.
In Music, students will develop their keyboard skills, learn about orchestral instruments, explore different music styles, and have opportunities to perform. Year 7 will also learn to play the Ukulele throughout the year as well to support our music ensemble offer.
We are excited for a dynamic and enriching year ahead in Year 7! Thank you for your support as we work together to inspire your children
Sherfield Senior Prep
YEAR 8 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
In Year 8 at Sherfield, we aim to develop confident, independent learners through a rich and engaging curriculum that fosters creativity and critical thinking.
In English, the year begins with an introduction to Gothic fiction through Chris Priestley’s The Last of the Spirits and selected extracts from 19th-century literature. Students will enhance their analytical and creative writing skills while establishing setting and atmosphere. In the Spring term, they will explore the theme of injustice through The Merchant of Venice and contemporary protest poetry, further developing their poetry analysis skills. The year concludes with a focus on film and short story structures, preparing students for GCSE analytical skills, with an End of Year assessment on unseen fiction and creative writing.
The mathematics curriculum starts with ratios, exploring their applications and connections to fractions, before moving on to algebraic graphs and data representation. In the Spring term, students will learn to represent probabilities and solve increasingly complex algebraic equations, culminating in an introduction to Standard Form. The Summer term will focus on geometry, including calculating angles and areas of shapes, followed by a project based on a field trip to Windsor.
In Science, students will develop inquiry skills while exploring health and lifestyle, the periodic table, and electricity and magnetism. The curriculum continues with units on motion and pressure, separation techniques, and energy resources. They will finish with topics on ecosystems, including food chains and webs, and delve into metals and acids, the rock cycle, and adaptation and inheritance.
Geography will cover tectonic hazards, examining the processes within the Earth and their impact on populations. The hydrology unit will explore river processes and human influences, while the tourism unit will address sustainable management through a field trip to Lyndhurst. Students will also study the Middle East, focusing on its characteristics and conducting research on a specific country.
In History, students will explore significant events such as the English Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the British Empire. They will also examine the Transatlantic Slave Trade and how women secured the vote in the UK in 1918, developing critical historical skills throughout the year.
In Religious Studies, students will study Islam and Judaism, explore the connections between religion and human rights, and investigate philosophical questions about existence and conflict.
Language studies in French and Spanish will cover various topics, including holidays, food, and daily routines. Students will practice grammar and conversational skills, culminating in revision for end-of-year assessments.
In Drama, students will create a piece of theatre inspired by the tragic true story of Derek Bentley, study physical theatre techniques, and explore the experiences of evacuees during World War II through rehearsed improvisation. Additionally, they will participate in preparing for the Christmas Production for Prep children, giving them the chance to showcase their talents in front of an audience.
Sherfield Senior Prep
Computing will cover programming, vector graphics, computing systems, web development, and binary representations, equipping students with essential technical skills.
In Music, students will explore Pictures At An Exhibition, record and produce music in the school studio, learn about musicals and jazz, and engage in African drumming, culminating in a final performance.
We are excited for a dynamic and enriching year ahead in Year 8! Thank you for your support as we work together to inspire your children.
SENIORPREP LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FORCHILDREN
We are committed to nurturing the leadership potential of our pupils in Senior Prep. Our children are in an excellent position to become outstanding leaders, and we dedicate time to focusing on the essential skills that foster effective leadership.
In Years 5 and 6, pupils have the opportunity to take on roles within the Student Leadership Team, allowing them to practice leadership in a supportive environment. As they transition to Year 7, we begin to identify those who already exhibit strong leadership qualities. By the end of Year 7, pupils are encouraged to apply for Year 8 Prefect positions, marking an important step in their leadership journey.
Our aim is to cultivate these skills early, preparing pupils for future leadership roles in Sixth Form and beyond. We believe that fostering leadership now will empower our children to confidently embrace their responsibilities in the years to come. Thank you for your support as we guide our pupils on this exciting path!
Student Leadership Team 2025/26
Head Prefects Sixth Form
Deputy Head Prefects Sixth Form
Head Prefects Year 8
Deputy Head Prefects Year 8
Marie Petkova and Tate Wong
Benjamin Long and George Wilde
Maya Walsh and Rufus Emery
Emily Bond and Etuge Ngole
Sherfield Senior Prep
SENIOR PREP PATHWAYS PROGRAM
At Sherfield School, we believe that children thrive when they can make meaningful connections between their academic subjects and the real world. Our weekly Pathways Afternoon is designed to facilitate this integration, allowing pupils to engage in hands-on projects that bridge classroom learning with practical applications.
Throughout the academic year, pupils will participate in two distinct Pathways, each lasting approximately half the year. This structure not only adds variety to their learning experience but also allows for deep, immersive exploration of each topic. These pupil-led projects culminate in a showcase for parents and the school community, providing an opportunity for students to present their work and reflect on their learning before embarking on their next Pathway.
Next year ’ s offerings include exciting initiatives such as the Sherfield Catwalk, Sherfield CodeX, Sherfield Food Festival, Sherfield Modern Pentathlon, and the Junior/Senior Duke Award, among others. These Pathways, launched last year for Year 5 and 6 pupils, encourage children to try new things and explore career pathways they may not have previously considered.
Through their participation in the Pathways Project, pupils develop essential core skills, including resilience, courage, collaboration, optimism, and self-direction. These competencies are vital for their personal growth and future success.
We invite you to join us for a presentation on the Pathways Approach on Monday, September 8th, from 2-3 PM in the Auditorium. This session will provide more insight into these exciting opportunities and outline the many options available for pupils on Monday afternoons.
We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you!
Sherfield Senior Prep
WHO‘S WHO?
There are plenty of people to help pupils at Sherfield and if they are unsure about anything they can always ask someone to help them. A pupil’s first point of contact should always be their Class Teacher or Form Tutor who can answer most questions for them or who can signpost you to the best person.
A Class Teacher/ Form Tutor’s role is to monitor overall performance of children in their class and to nurture, listen, support and encourage all pupils to achieve their best in an atmosphere of positive education.
Next, there are the individual Assistant Head for Senior Prep (Years 5 and 6), Mr. Grigg and Assistant Head for Senior Prep (Years 7 and 8), Mr Sutherland. If you have further questions or concerns, please do contact the Head of Prep, Miss Dillon or Deputy Head of Prep, Mrs Dransfield.
For pupils who require additional support with lessons, either because they are advanced at something or need extra help, the Inclusion team are here to help with that.
Our School Nurses look after any pupils who are not feeling very well or have had an accident. They also help with the PSHE programme including healthy eating. If pupils have any medication that they need to take through the day, including pain relief, they must be taken to the Health Zone for safekeeping.
There is also a telephone at the main reception if pupils need to call home, in extraordinary circumstances.
Class Teachers and Form Tutors
At Sherfield School, our Senior Prep program features dedicated Class Teachers for pupils up to Year 6. These teachers are responsible for core subjects, including English, Mathematics, Guided Reading, PSHE, and Humanities. They spend most of the school day with their classes, ensuring that each pupil's pastoral needs are met with care and attention.
As pupils progress to Year 5 and 6, they transition to specialist teaching areas for additional subjects. However, their overall learning and development remain overseen by their Class Teachers, who provide continuity and support throughout their education.
When pupils enter Year 7, they are assigned a Form Tutor who plays a crucial role in their daily routine. The Form Tutor checks in with pupils at the beginning of the day and after lunch, during extended registration sessions. From Year 7 onward, all lessons are taught by specialist teachers in dedicated classrooms, allowing pupils to benefit from expert instruction in each subject.
Pupils quickly learn to navigate the school environment, and their Form Tutors are always available to offer support for any concerns or questions that may arise throughout the day. This supportive structure helps foster a smooth transition into the next stage of their education, ensuring that every pupil feels secure and confident as they grow.
Mrs. S. Godliman/ Mrs
CLASSROOM ESSENTIALS
All pupils should bring the following items:
A full water bottle.
A Sherfield school rucksack
A Sherfield school coat, hat or suncream depending on the weather.
Year 5 and 6 only - Outdoor Learning clothing (Welly boots, waterproofs, long sleeve t shirt and long bottoms). These will be left in school.
A pair of trainers to wear at break times. These will be left in school.
A pencil case with a hb pencil, rubber, ruler, sharpener, black gel pen, highlighter and glue stick. You can also bring some colouring pencils if you wish.
OUTDOOR LEARNING
Learning need not take place solely within educational buildings. The outdoor environment has massive potential for learning. We are extremely fortunate to have such amazing grounds and woodland environments on our school site, and our children and young people’s learning experiences can be enhanced by maximising the potential of the outdoors.
Children in Year 5 and 6 need to bring appropriate clothes for outdoor learning which may consist of a warm layer, wellies and waterproofs. Parents of Year 7 and 8 will be informed when they need to bring in a change of clothing.
VALUABLES INCLUDING ELECTRONIC ITEMS
Pupils should not bring any valuables to school, as the school will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to pupils' property.
Pupils are advised not to bring mobile telephones into school. Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like your child to have a mobile phone when travelling to and from school.
Mobile phones may not be used during the school day. All contact with pupils must be via the main reception.
Children in from Year 5 upwards are required to bring in their own device to use during the school day. This is usually a Chromebook or Laptop and is connected to our web filtering system when first brought into school.
MEALS
All our meals are cooked on the premises in our kitchens and our lunch menus are served on a three-week cycle. We encourage our pupils to develop a positive, healthy and active approach to life and learning.
Fruit is on offer at break time and we provide healthy, balanced school meals. Lunch is compulsory for all pupils and special diets are catered for (breakfast and tea can be ordered and paid for separately). Pupils are not allowed to bring meals, drinks or snacks from home.
wide range of activities in music, languages, sports, and hobbies, pupils have the opportunity to explore their passions and extend their learning beyond the classroom. These activities are included in school fees at no extra cost to parents, with some exceptions for external providers.
Our co-curricular clubs encompass a variety of interests, from the arts and sciences to sports and creative pursuits. This extensive range not only fosters individual talents but also cultivates essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Research highlights the importance of cultural capital, emphasizing that participation in a rich cocurricular program enhances pupils' personal and social development, preparing them for future challenges.
Under the guidance of Mr. Matt Reynolds, our Assistant Head of Co-Curricular, pupils are encouraged to engage fully in these opportunities. Mr. Reynolds is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil finds a club that resonates with their interests, helping them to develop a well-rounded character. Through our co-curricular program, we aim to create an environment where pupils can thrive, build lasting friendships, and gain invaluable experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives. Any questions relating to cocurricular, please contact Mr. Reynolds on mreynolds@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Sherfield Senior Prep
acts of courtesy, positive contribution to school life, service in a school event, as well as other things. Allpupilsshouldtrytogetasmanyastheycanbecause,attheendoftheyear,theyare totalledtogethertowinthecovetedHouseCup!
ASSEMBLIES
SeniorPrepAssembliestakeplaceonceaweekaswellasaweeklyhouseassembly.
RECOGNISINGACHIEVEMENT
ThereisaweeklyRoleModelforeachYear5and6class.
TheHead’sAwardisgiventopupilsforexceptionalworkandcontributiontotheschool.
Any achievements can always be sent to your child’s class teacher or Form Tutor and Mrs. Dransfieldinorderforustocelebrateandshareinregistrationtimeeachweek.
TheSherfieldApp
Ourschool app is the gatewayto all the informationyouwill need.
One-StopAccess:All the functionalityof the different platformswe use nowunderone roof.
● Parent Portal: Located at the bottom of the app, hereyou can findyour child’s timetable, conduct notifications, andviewreports at the end of each half term. Please useyourusual parent portal password. Otherkey items located on the parent portal home page are the Parent Information Hub and access to the Clubs/Enrichment platform.
● Useful Links: FoS, SeeSaw, Sports Fixtures,AfterSchool Club Booking, Parents Evening, ParentMail, Food Menus, HolidayCamp Booking, Make aPayment,Term Dates, Music Lesson Bookings, School Calendarand ourSchool Socials.
● School News: Stayupdatedwith the latest from ourschool, drawn directlyfrom oursocial mediapages.
Download the app todayfrom the Google PlayortheApp Store. Apple store: https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/sherfieldschool/id6743377548
Google playstore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? id=com.schoolwindow.sherfield&pli=1
Planned absence
If absence is known in advance, parents/guardians/carers should request absence promptly by sending one email to the Head of Prep, copying in the Class Teacher and the Reception team’s email address.
On the day of absence
Should a student be ill or there be an emergency that means they cannot attend school, please either: send an email to the Head of Prep, copying in the Class Teacher and the Main Reception email OR call the school absence line on 01256 884800 OR
use Parentmail to report the absence. This can be found in the main menu on the APP. Please click on the absence and ‘add absence’. Please add as much information as possible.
If possible, an email is the preferred method of absence reporting as this allows all stakeholders to be aware of a pupil’s absence in the most efficient manner.
Finally, please note that all absence requests and notifications must be made by a parent, guardian or carer.
TermDates2025-2026
AutumnTerm2025
Term Starts Monday1st September
HalfTerm Monday19 October– Friday 31 October
Term Ends Friday12 December t
SpringTerm2026
Term Starts Monday5 January
HalfTerm Monday16 February– Friday20 February
Term EndsWednesday1 April st
SummerTerm2026
Term StartsThursday23April
HalfTerm Monday25 May- Friday29 June
Term EndsThursday3 July
