Welcome to the Key Stage 3 and 4 Pupil Handbook. In this booklet you should find all of the information you will need for day-to-day activities within school. Please take some time to read through the information. You may have further questions and your tutor and Head of Key Stage are always available to answer these.
You will meet with your tutor twice each day during morning and afternoon registration. If you need help at any other time during the school day, please go along to Reception where the friendly team will be able to help you.
TUTORS
Your tutor is responsible for your wellbeing; you will meet them each morning and afternoon for registration. Twice a week you will be with your tutor and your tutor group for a longer session when tutor group activities take place and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is delivered. Remember – you can ask your tutor questions about your daily routine or talk to them if you have a problem or concern.
The tutor is the first point of contact for parents.
THE PASTORAL TEAM
Phil Tattersall-King Deputy Head ptattersall-king@sibfordschool.co.uk
Stephen Nation Grainger Head of KS3 snation-grainger@sibfordschool.co.uk
Luke Hallam Evans Head of KS4 lhallam-evans@sibfordschool.co.uk
Kimberley Bigland-Coles Head of Year 7 kbigland-coles@sibfordschool.co.uk
Helene Gentry Pastoral Support Administrator hgentry@sibfordschool.co.uk
‘Do you cherish your friendships, so that they grow in depth and understanding and mutual respect? …’ Advices and Queries 21
UNIFORM
• Sibford School Blazer (or Year 11 navy blazer, see ‘how we wear our uniform’).
• White shirt; either button to collar which must be worn with the school tie or revere collar, must be worn without a tie.
• Sibford School tie (not required with a revere collar shirt).
• Charcoal grey tailored trousers or Black Watch kilt.
• Pullover – navy V neck long sleeved with school crest.
• Ankle socks, black, charcoal, grey or navy
• Navy blue or black tights .
• School scarf in House colours (optional).
• Outdoor learning clothes – as appropriate for the season.
• Black or navy-blue outdoor coat.
SHOES
Shoes should be black, sturdy, smart and formal with no embellishments and securely fastened to the feet. Heels should not exceed 4cm. Strictly no trainer or canvas type shoes.
HOW WE WEAR OUR UNIFORM
A tidy, clean appearance is expected at all times. Pupils are to ensure that their clothing and shoes are clean, in good order and correctly worn.
• Jewellery is not to be worn with uniform or during the school day. Pupils may wear a watch and one pair of simple ear studs in the lobe of the ear. Any other jewellery should not be visible.
• No visible body piercing or tattoos or body art.
• Wristbands should not be worn.
• No badges or adornments, except those of merit awarded by the school.
• Make up is not to be worn by KS3 pupils. KS4 pupils may wear ‘natural’ looking make-up.
School Uniform is intended to create a uniform look for all pupils - it is not intended to act as a fashion statement. Shirts should be tucked securely in with top buttons fastened. Ties should be neatly presented with shirt collars folded down around them and with the school crest visible.
If you have any doubts about any aspects of the uniform, please speak to your tutor or Head of Key Stage.
• Nails should be unvarnished and not exceeding fingertip length as appropriate for sporting activities and practical subjects.
• Hair must be tidy and should be tied back in subjects where longer hair may present a health and safety risk. A pupil’s eyes should always be visible. Hairbands should be unobtrusive. Hair clips should be plain. Hair should be smartly styled and suitable for the workplace. No extreme styles or colours.
• Skirts should not be rolled over and tailored to knee length.
• Belts should be plain black with a simple, plain buckle.
• Ankle socks or tights to be worn (not long/ knee length socks except those worn as part of PE kit).
• Year 11 navy blazer to be colour matched to the Sibford School navy pullover – if at all unsure, leave the shop tags in place and check with the Head of Key Stage 4 that the colour is correct.
• All uniform, including PE kit, must be named.
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE
Recommended specification
As of 2023, the minimum recommended specification for a new student laptop is as follows, for Year 7-13:
• Laptop with a minimum 14” screen.
• Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
• 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) Hard Drive.
• 8GB Memory.
• Windows 10 PRO (not home)
Sibford School do not recommend the use of MacBook or Chromebook computers.
Students studying Design Technology GCSE or Product Design AS/A level must have a Windows laptop to access the software required for these courses.
It is essential that the laptop runs Windows Pro as this will allow full access to the Microsoft services available at Sibford School.
Companies such as Dell and HP frequently have offers on these business style laptops, so it is worth shopping around for the best deal. This specification should give at least 3 years of use. There is no requirement for students to upgrade an existing laptop, however these recommendations should be considered if a device is to be replaced soon.
A small number of students might have more specialised requirements, such as running Photoshop in Art; please contact the appropriate teacher for recommendations in this case.
EQUIPMENT LIST
• Reading book.
• Pen (ink or equivalent).
• Pencils and coloured. pencils/pens.
• Pencil sharpener.
• Eraser.
• Highlighters.
• 30cm rule.r
• Casio Scientific Calculator (not mobile phone calculator).
• Scissors.
• Glue.
• Protractor and compass.
• PE kit (on appropriate days).
• Clear water bottle.
• Laptop.
• Charger.
• Headphones.
DO NOT BRING VALUABLES INTO SCHOOL
SIBFORD SCHOOL – OUR PURPOSE
Mission
To nurture ambitious learners who shape their worlds with their compassionate, creative and questioning minds.
Vision
To empower future generations who live adventurously in the world and take responsibility to improve it.
The following values are central to life at Sibford School:
• Endeavour.
• Respect.
• Community.
• Kindness.
We expect our pupils to adhere to the Code of Conduct, to build good relationships with all members of our community and to function as you would hope with a well-balanced family: being respectful, supportive and using good manners at the forefront of all that you do.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Pupil Conduct and Care Guidelines produced by Student Forum
• Mutual respect is key.
• Look after the school environment.
• Look after each other.
• Social media - think before you post.
• Do something wrong - own up.
• Stressed or sad – ask for support.
• Be loyal to the school, staff and pupils.
• Always report bad behaviour.
‘Live adventurously. When choices arise,
do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts
…’
Advices and Queries 27.
PATTERN OF THE DAY
8.40am
Pupils to register in tutor rooms
8.45am
Meeting for Worship/Tutor time
9.10am
Periods 1 & 2
10.15am
Break (snacks are available in the dining room – bring a small amount of money if you want to buy snacks).
10.35am
Periods 3 & 4
11.45am
Periods 5 & 6
12.50pm
Lunch (there is a rota for lunchtimes – your tutor will show you the rota and there is a copy posted near the pupil entrance to the dining room).
1.50pm
Pupils to register in tutor rooms
2.00pm
Periods 7 & 8
3.10pm
Periods 9 & 10
4.15pm
End of lessons Snacks are available in the dining room for pupils staying for prep/activities. If your parents are late collecting you or if you miss the school bus you need to report to Reception and sign in.
4.30pm
Prep/Activities Pupils booked to stay for prep are registered in prep rooms. Pupils staying for activities must register in Reception.
5.45pm
Tea for boarders Day pupils may stay for tea provided they have booked 48 hours in advance. (Parents collect day pupils after prep from the Dining Room via Junior School car park).
Any unexpected change of plan must be notified to Reception. If Reception is closed, go to a prep room, or to Fielding Boarding House if prep is finished.
VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (VLE)
Sibford School uses a Microsoft Teams based Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is a mixture of webpages where we keep you informed of Senior School and individual class activities, useful resources, and homework tasks.
You will have an individual login which you will use throughout your time at Sibford School to access all school computer services. Links to the VLE, as well as other useful resources, are sent out at the beginning of each school year.
PREP
In-school prep runs from 4.30pm to 5.45pm. If you stay for prep you must do so for the whole session. Parents / guardian’s can book this using SOCS.
Prep set is:
Year 7/8 – approximately 20-30 minutes per subject.
Year 9 – approximately 30 minutes per subject.
Year 10/11 – approximately 40 minutes per subject (although some pieces for exam prep may take longer).
LESSONS
Pupils are expected to be appropriately equipped with one electronic device to work on. Headphones may only be used as directed by staff for access to video content (not for personal music).
LUNCHTIME ENRICHMENT
A range of activities are available for Years 7 to 9, Monday to Friday. In the first week of term, all pupils in Years 7 and 8 choose three lunchtime clubs/activities per week; Year 9 choose two. Pupils are also encouraged to run/lead these activities. Year 10 and 11 are offered a smaller number of activities as the emphasis shifts to subject/ exam supporting workshops.
SOCS
SOCS has a variety of important functions including signing up for clubs, listing sports fixtures, interventions, hosting the school calendar and timetables, plus much more.
There is a link to SOCS on the Teams homepage.
QUIET ZONES
The Library is a Quiet Zone. It is open at break and lunchtime for quiet reading, prep and research. As long as you don’t go off campus at break and lunchtimes you are permitted to go to most places within the school. Please treat all classrooms with respect. Some areas, such as the Maintenance Yard and trees near Penn House, are out of bounds, but these areas have clear signage to let you know. Laptops are only to be used in the library at break / lunchtime.
VISITING ‘GREENS’ –THE VILLAGE SHOP
Pupils in Years 7 to 9 are not allowed to be off campus during the school day unless with a member of staff.
Year 10 and 11 pupils may visit ‘Greens’ at lunchtimes only, not before prep / clubs or during the school day and must adhere to the regulations below:
• Year 10 pupils may visit ‘Greens’ on THURSDAY lunchtime only.
• Year 11 may visit on WEDNESDAY andFRIDAY lunchtime only.
• Purchases should be for individuals only.
• Walk via the field NOT the drive by Holly House (for safety reasons due to the narrow road).
• Do not bring fizzy drinks / energy drinks on to the school site.
• You may buy individual sized ‘treats’ – not sharing size.
• You must not ask to borrow money from other pupils.
• You must behave impeccably to/from, and whilst in ‘Greens’.
• Do not buy goods for any pupil who, for whatever reason, is not permitted/unable to go to ‘Greens’.
• You must be smart and be role models for the school.
STUDENT FORUM
Our Student Forum consists of a group of pupils, one chosen from each tutor group, who meet termly to discuss various matters that concern the pupil community; it is the voice of the pupils and is run by our School Captains supervised by Heads of Key Stage and our Deputy Head, Philip Tattersall-King. You will be invited to become a Student Forum Representative via your tutor group.
ECO GROUP
Our Eco Group is run by pupils and overseen by a member of staff. They meet twice a term to discuss and review various eco projects that are ongoing. As current Green Flag holders, the group meet to monitor projects, feedback to the rest of the community and develop new ideas. If you are interested in joining the Eco Group speak to your tutor.
SNACKS
Healthy snacks are available to purchase from the dining room at break time. For those staying for prep/activities, the school provides a healthy snack at 4.15pm in the dining room. Chewing gum, oversized bags of crisps/confectionary and sugary foods / drinks are forbidden in Sibford School.
Pupils are encouraged to drink water throughout the day but should only refill bottles during break/lunch.
HEALTH CENTRE
Sibford School has its own Health Centre and Health Advisor.
The Health Centre is opposite the Junior School and is part of Fielding Boarding House. It is accessed through an external door.
Pupils may visit the Health Centre at break and lunch but during lessons you must get permission from your teacher to go to Reception first; staff will then contact the Health Advisor.
Pupils are not permitted to be in possession of medicines or tablets. Any medication required throughout the day should be formally arranged by parents and given to the Health Advisor.
The School Nurse is only responsible for dealing with conditions that present during the school day, they should not replace review by a GP for ongoing health concerns or issues that arise outside of school.
WELLBEING COACHING:
We offer a wellbeing coaching service at Sibford which is open to anyone who feels they may benefit from talking to a Wellbeing Coach.
If you would like to talk in confidence with the Wellbeing Coach, please either ask the School Health Advisor, your Head of Key Stage, your tutor, or email the Wellbeing Coaches directly at help@sibfordschool.co.uk to ask for an appointment.
POSITIVE POSTBOX
Having a positive outlook on all aspects of school life is an essential part of our community. Help spread some positivity by posting a positive postcard to another student or staff member. Postcards can be collected from your tutor and posted in the post box which is located in the foyer by the main school hallplease include your full name and the full name and tutor group of the person you are posting this to.
RED BOX
The Red Box is available for students that need emergency sanitary products and can be accessed by asking Reception.
LOST PROPERTY
If you have lost something - first check the places and the rooms you have visited and then check with:
• Lost Property (ask at Reception).
• If it is sports kit check the Sport Department Lost Property.
• Your Tutor.
• Your House Staff.
Please ensure that all of your items are named.
MOBILE PHONES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
Years 7-10: Students in Years 7-10 are not permitted to have a mobile phone in school. You are strongly advised not to bring your phone with you but if you require one as part of your travel to and from school, it will be collected in before registration and you can collect it at the end of the day. Students that are on sporting fixtures will also hand in their phones and these will be held by a member of PE staff and returned to students at the end of the event. Any student in Years 7-10 that is found to have a phone in their possession during the school day will have it confiscated. It will be taken to the school office for safe keeping and you can collect it from Reception at the end of the day. You will be given an After School Detention within the following week.
Year 11: Students in Year 11 may bring a mobile phone to school. You must not use it during the day. If you are seen using your phone during the school day, it will be taken to the school office for safe keeping and you can collect it from Reception at the end of the day. You will be given an After School Detention within the following week.
WHEN THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS
If the fire alarm sounds you should make your way quietly to the gathering point which is on the sports field outside the front of the school.
• Go to the nearest exit.
• Walk, don’t run, and remain silent unless asked a question by a member of staff.
• Line up in tutor groups, in register order, so that
your tutor can quickly check that everyone is present.
We hold several practices each year. Therefore, when you hear the fire alarm sound it will probably be a practice, but you must act as though it is a real emergency.
PICK UP AND DROP OFF
All senior school pupils not using school minibuses should be dropped off and picked up at the ‘Kiss and Drop’ area by the Pavilion and then walk up to school via the footpath.
TRAVELLING ON SCHOOL BUSES
Behaviour on school transport is governed by school rules. Pupils travelling on school transport for trips, fixtures and on the day buses, are expected to act in a sensible and respectful manner with regard to the driver, other bus users and the public.
Please note the bus travel specific regulations below:
• Seat belts must always be worn when travelling on school buses.
• Pupils must sit throughout the journey.
• No putting feet up onto seats.
• Windows should only be opened with the driver’s consent.
• Eating is not allowed on school buses. Pupils may drink from their water bottles.
• Pupils should show respect for other’s property
• Pupils may use their mobile phone whilst travelling to/from school. If listening to music pupils must use headphones not speakers. Pupils must not take any photographs whilst travelling on school buses.
• Foul language is not acceptable.
• Pupils should talk quietly and not disturb the driver.
Acting in an unacceptable way may result in a period of suspension from using school buses, as misbehaviour compromises the safety of others.
BOARDING
Boarding pupils will receive a Boarding Handbook with full information about boarding life at Sibford.
If you are a day pupil and are interested in boarding, either full time, flexi or for just one night, please talk to your tutor or to Victoria Hall. Boarding must be arranged by your parents/ guardians who will need to contact Victoria Hall vhall@sibfordschool.co.uk
HOUSE POINTS
You will be attached to a School House: Nansen, Gillett, Fry or Clark.
Pupils earn House Points to contribute towards the House totals. These Points are awarded for:
Achievement: Achieving a high standard in relation to peers or self.
Community Service: Giving back or performing a deed for the benefit of the community.
Effort: A consistent level of high effort either academically or behaviourally; on an individual piece of work, or over a series of pieces; on prep or classwork, attitude or performance.
Spirit of Sibford: An action/deed that promotes or reinforces the ethos of the school underpinned by the Quaker core values of the 5 Rs: Resilience, Respect, Relationships, Responsibility and Reflection.
Heads Commendation – awarded for an exceptional piece of work. A Heads Commendation is worth 5 House Points.
KEY STAGE AWARDS
At the end of each term you will attend a meeting with the rest of your Key Stage. This is an opportunity to recognise your efforts and achievements and various prizes are awarded.
BEHAVIOUR
As a clear reflection of our Quaker principles at Sibford we hope to recognise the ‘good’ within each person and endeavour to find peaceful and reasonable resolutions to conflict. Our positive ‘culture of praise’ informs our day-to-day life at Sibford and we expect pupils and staff to treat each other with respect, consideration, kindness, and good manners.
To ensure that you feel safe and protected at school, and so that the school runs smoothy and you are able to learn effectively, there are rules. Most pupils never need sanctions, however, if you break a school rule you are likely to have a sanction. If you feel you may have broken a rule it is always best to ‘own up’ and tell a member of staff such as your tutor.
Ultimately, we want to offer you guidance and support and hope to build a good relationship with you. Sometimes you might not make the best choices; we value the opportunity to help you make better choices in the future.
Level 5 Sanctions discussed
Level 4 Sanctions discussed
Level 3
Worth 5 behaviour points = after school DT
Level 2
Worth 3 behaviour points = immediate lunchtime DT
Level 1
Worth 1 behaviour point. 3 x behaviour points = lunchtime DT
‘Be patterns, be examples …’ George Fox, 1656.
