2021/2022
THIS HANDBOOK IS DESIGNED TO GIVE YOU INFORMATION AND ADVICE TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR TIME AT SIBFORD SCHOOL TO THE FULL.
MAIN SCHOOL GROUND FLOOR HOLLY HOUSE PENN HOUSE
10
11
GIRLS’ TOILETS
SIXTH FORM
STORAGE
TO BACK LANE
SCIENCE
HEALTH CENTRE
8
JUNIOR SCHOOL
MAIN HALL
7 OFFICE
RECEPTION
DINING ROOM
6
HORTICULTURE
17
YR 6
ACCOUNTS
16
YR 6 HEAD’S STUDY
22
4
3
2
STORAGE
SPORTS HALL
CAREERS OFFICE
LIBRARY
OFFICES
DEPT HEAD
CAR PARK
5
23
MUSIC
PLAYING FIELDS
OLIVER STUDIO
WC GENTS
ART
WC LADIES
24
MAIN ENTRANCE
14
OFFICES
HOUSE GARDENS
15
DRAMA OFFICE
MAIN HALL
ENTRANCE
BOYS’ TOILETS
STAGE
PLAYING FIELDS
13
ENTRANCE
WELLBEING ROOM
HEAD’S STUDY
FIELDING HOUSE
SWIMMING POOL
OFFICE
KITCHEN
HEAD’S PA
MARGARET FELL
GREEN ROOM
OFFICE
25
26
27
SUPPORT FOR LEARNING DEVELOPMENT
MAIN SCHOOL FIRST FLOOR
1
OFFICE
EQUIPMENT LIST UNIFORM
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Make up is not to be worn by KS3 pupils. KS4 pupils may wear ‘natural’ looking make-up.
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Nails should be unvarnished without extensions and an appropriate length for sporting activities and practical subjects.
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Sibford School Blazer (or Year 11 navy blazer, see ‘how we wear our uniform’) White long sleeved shirt; either button to collar which must be worn with the school tie or revere collar, must be worn without a tie.
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Sibford School tie (not required with a revere collar shirt)
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Charcoal grey tailored trousers or Black Watch kilt (not shorter than 10cm above the knee)
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Pullover – navy V neck long sleeved with school crest
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Ankle socks, black, charcoal or navy
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Navy tights (flesh coloured tights in summer)
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School scarf in House colours (optional)
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Outdoor learning clothes – as appropriate for the season
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.
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No visible body piercing or tattoos or body art.
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Wristbands should not be worn.
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No badges or adornments, except those of merit awarded by the school.
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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; it should not appear closely shaven or unnaturally coloured.
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Outer wear is not to be worn in school buildings.
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Skirt length should no more than 10cm above the knee (best measured by kneeling!)
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Belts should be plain black with a simple, plain buckle.
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Ankle socks or tights to be worn (not long/ knee length socks except those worn as part of PE kit)
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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 Jill Spence that the colour is correct.
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All uniform, including PE kit, must be named.
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 contact Victoria Macaulay for KS3 or Jill Spence for KS4.
‘Try to live simply. A simple lifestyle freely chosen is a source of strength. …’ Advices and Queries 41.
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Reading Book
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Pen (ink or equivalent)
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Pencils and coloured pencils/pens
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Pencil Sharpener
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Eraser
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Highlighters
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30cm ruler
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Casio Scientific Calculator (not mobile phone calculator)
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Scissors
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Glue
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Memory Stick
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Protractor and compass
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P.E. kit (on appropriate days)
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Clear water bottle
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KS3/4: A device (not a mobile phone) which is capable of word processing and researching, charged overnight and bought to school with charger and headphones.
DO NOT BRING VALUABLES INTO SCHOOL
CODE OF CONDUCT Pupil Conduct and Care Guidelines produced by Student Forum
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Mutual respect is key
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Look after the school environment
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Look after each other
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Social media - think before you post
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Do something wrong - own up
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Stressed or sad – ask for support
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Be loyal to the school, teachers and pupils
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Always report bad behaviour
THE AIMS OF SIBFORD SCHOOL ‘Each talented. Each different. All valued.’ Our Quaker Ethos, which is expressed through the following aims, underpins our policies and practices: •
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To create and maintain a culture in which all members of the community can be themselves, developing confidence, selfesteem and tolerance by ensuring a secure setting in which they feel valued and respected. To enable every pupil to recognise and acknowledge his or her individual talents and to help each one realise his or her full potential.
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To meet the needs of our pupils, be they educational or pastoral.
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To provide our pupils with a thirst for lifelong learning and an active concern for their immediate environment and the wider community.
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To welcome parents into a partnership embracing trust, understanding and mutual support.
The following are central to our life as a community: •
Respect
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Relationships
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Resilience
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Responsibility
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Reflection
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.
‘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 school Snacks for boarders/day pupils staying for prep/activities are available in the dining room. 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 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 with Reception. If Reception is closed, go to a prep room, or to a boarding house if prep has finished.
FIREFLY – SIBFORD SCHOOL’S VLE Firefly is used to access important messages and to see all independent work and prep. The expectation is that all pupils should check Firefly daily for messages and tasks. It is your responsibility to keep your task list in order and to tick tasks as complete only when they have been done. You can access your Firefly page by going to Sibford. fireflycloud.net – you should then log in with your school username (your email address) and password (prefixed with 00) by clicking on the Office 365 logo (not the cloud user login box). Alternatively, the Firefly for Students app (ios or Android) is available to download from the app store for use on smart phones and tablets. The school code is ‘sibfordschool’. Your login information will be given to you by your tutor.
PREP
LOCKERS
In-school prep runs from 4.30pm to 5.45pm. If you stay for prep you must do so for the whole session. Your parents/ guardians will receive a form to complete and return if you will be staying in school for prep or for any after school activities.
You will be issued with a locker during week one. You may label the locker with the name labels tutors will provide. You should provide a padlock for your locker. We strongly suggest that you give a duplicate key to your tutors for safe keeping. You will also be allocated a cubicle where you can keep larger items such as kit/school bags.
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.)
LUNCHTIME ENRICHMENT A range of activities are available for Years 7 to 9, Monday to Friday. All pupils in Years 7 and 8 choose three lunchtime clubs/activities per week, Year 9 choose two. You will choose your activities during the first week of term. Year 10 and 11 are offered a smaller number of activities as the emphasis shifts to subject/ exam supporting workshops.
QUIET ZONES The Library is a quiet zone. It is open at break and lunchtime for quiet reading, prep and research. Support for Learning (SfL) is also open for SfL pupils to work quietly at break and lunchtimes. As long as you don’t go off campus at break and lunchtimes you are permitted to go to most places in the school. Please treat all classrooms with respect. Some areas, such as the Maintenance yard, are out of bounds, but these areas have clear signage to let you know.
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: •
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Year 10 pupils may visit ‘Greens’ on WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY lunchtimes only. Purchases should be for individuals only.
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Walk via the field NOT the drive by Holly House (for safety reasons due to the narrow road).
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Do not bring fizzy drinks / energy drinks on to the school site.
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You may buy individual sized ‘treats’ – not sharing size.
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You must not ask to borrow from other pupils.
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You must behave impeccably going to/from, and whilst in ‘Greens’.
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Do not buy goods for any pupil who, for whatever reason, is not permitted/unable to go to Greens’.
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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 Assistant Head, Pastoral, Tracy Knowles. 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 or Rachel Bee.
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 4.15 in the Dining Room. Chewing gum and sugary / fizzy drinks are forbidden in Sibford School.
AUTUMN TERM 2021 Term starts
Thursday 2nd September
Exeat
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th September
Half term
SPRING TERM 2022 Term starts
Tuesday 4th January
Exeat
Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd January
Half term
Monday 18th to Friday 29th October (two week break)
Monday 21st to Friday 25th February
Exeat
Friday 11th to Sunday 13th March
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st November
Term ends
Friday 10th December
Exeat
Term ends
Friday 1st April
SUMMER TERM 2022 Term starts
Monday 25th April
Exeat
(Compulsory) Friday 29th April 4.30 pm – Monday 2nd May 6pm (Bank Holiday) All boarders to go home or to their guardians
Half term
Monday 30th May to Friday 3rd June
Open Day
Saturday 18th June All pupils to attend; boarders may go home afterwards
Term ends
Friday 8th July
‘Every stage of our lives offers fresh opportunities. …’ Advices and Queries 21.
HEALTH CENTRE Sibford School has its own Health Centre and Health Advisor, Miri Bibb.
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)
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If it is sports kit check the Sport Department Lost Property
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Your Tutor
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Your House Staff
Please check that all of your items are named.
MOBILE PHONES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY The Health Centre is opposite the Junior School and is part of Fielding House (our Boys 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.
You must not use your mobile phone during the school day, which includes prep. If you do, it will be confiscated for up to one week. If you need to have a mobile phone on for your journey to and from school, please ensure it is turned off and stored safely during the school day. You must not use your mobile phone or any kind of camera or video facility to photograph or record pupils or staff at school or on school trips.
PICK UP AND DROP OFF All senior school pupils not using school mini-buses should be dropped off and picked up at the ‘Kiss and drop’ area by Margaret Fell House (our Girls boarding house) 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.
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Pupils must sit throughout the journey, no putting feet up onto seats.
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Windows should only be opened with the driver’s consent.
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Eating is not allowed on school buses. Pupils may drink from their water bottles.
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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 and videos whilst travelling on school buses. Foul language is not acceptable.
Pupils are not permitted to be in possession of medicines or tablets.
There is a phone in Reception that you can use with permission if there is an urgent need to contact home.
WELLBEING COACHING:
WHEN THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS
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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.
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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 our wellbeing coach please either ask the school nurse, Tracy Knowles, your Head of Key Stage, your tutor, or email the wellbeing coaches directly at help@sibfordschool.co.uk to ask for an appointment.
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Go to the nearest exit.
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Walk, don’t run, and remain silent unless asked a question by a member of staff.
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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.
‘Respect the wide diversity among us in our lives and relationships. Refrain from making prejudiced judgements about the life journeys of others. …’ Advices and Queries 22.
Acting in an unacceptable way may result in a period of suspension from using school buses, as misbehaviour compromises the safety of both passengers and drivers.
BOARDING Senior School pupils who board live in either Fielding House or Margaret Fell House during term time. Each house has at least two House parents; the Head of Boarding is Victoria Baker. 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 Baker. Boarding must be arranged by your parents/ guardians who will need to contact Victoria Baker vbaker@sibfordschool.co.uk
Pupils can flexi board on evenings when needed; this must be arranged by your parents/guardians. If you would like to flexi board, your parents need to contact Head of Boarding / Fielding House Parent, Victoria Baker (vbaker@sibfordschool.co.uk)
HOUSE POINTS
KEY STAGE MEETINGS
You will be attached to a School House: Nansen, Gillett, Fry or Clark.
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.
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. Sibford Spirit: 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. Your teachers will add your House Points to our electronic recording system. Pupils achieving all four will receive an ACES certificate and reward. Heads Commendation – awarded for an exceptional piece of work. A Heads Commendation is worth 5 House Points.
‘Be patterns, be examples …’ George Fox, 1656.
BEHAVIOUR - IF YOU GET THINGS WRONG 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 in school. 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.
‘If pressure is brought upon you to lower your standard of integrity, are you prepared to resist it? … Do not let the desire to be sociable, or the fear of seeming peculiar, determine your decisions.’ Advices and Queries 38.
THE PASTORAL TEAM PASTORAL SUPPORT
THE BOX
Young people are nearly always safe at home, at school and in the community, but sometimes things can happen to make you worried, upset or afraid. If you are ever concerned about your own safety, or that of a friend:
You can write your worry down and post it in the ‘The Box’ at the top of the stairs by the Library, or email your worry or concern to thebox@sibfordschool.co.uk. Don’t forget to add your name.
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Talk to a parent/guardian
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Talk to a friend
If you feel that nobody is listening to you or understands your problem - there are a number of people you contact:
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Talk to any member of staff at Sibford (take a friend with you if it’s easier)
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your parents/guardian
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Talk to your tutor, Head of Key Stage or Tracy Knowles.
School’s Independent Listener (Maggie Guy 01295 788727)
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Childline (0800 1111)
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Samaritans (08457 909090)
We work in partnership with parents and guardians, and, if necessary, police and social workers if we feel anyone is at risk of harm. We respect everyone and will not tolerate any form of discrimination in our school.
Tracy Knowles Assistant Head, Pastoral
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 and Health 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.
‘Do you cherish your friendships, so that they grow in depth and understanding and mutual respect? …’ Advices and Queries 21.
Jill Spence Head of KS4
Victoria (V) Macaulay Head of KS3
LANYARDS •
Staff at Sibford wear a green lanyard.
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Visitors will wear either an orange lanyard or a red one.
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Every adult on campus should wear a lanyard to ensure they are registered by the school.
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Green Lanyard – Sibford School staff
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Orange Lanyard – Someone employed by Sibford School for occasional work.
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Red Lanyard – Not employed by Sibford School. You should not be alone with anyone wearing a red lanyard.
If you see someone without a lanyard or someone wearing a red lanyard alone in school, please tell a trusted adult immediately.
SAFEGUARDING TEAM
RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY Read the following guidelines to help keep yourself safe whilst using the internet. •
Always respect others; be careful what you say online and what images you send.
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Never post anything that you wouldn’t want your granny to read!
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Think before you send or post on a social networking site; whatever you send can be made public very quickly and could stay online forever.
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Treat your password like your toothbrush; keep it to yourself. Only give your mobile number or personal website address to trusted real friends.
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Block the bully; learn how to block or report someone who is behaving badly, download the CEOP report button. Tell your tutor, Head of Key Stage or Tracy Knowles.
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Never retaliate or reply, you could end up in trouble too! DO tell a trusted adult or older student.
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Save evidence; keep records of offending messages, pictures or online conversations.
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Call a helpline such as ChildLine on 0800 1111 in confidence. Additional help is available from www.thinkuknow.co.uk and NSPCC 0808 800 5000. Don’t just stand there; if you see bullying going on, support the victim and report it.
Tracy Knowles Designated safeguarding lead
Edward Rossiter
Sibford School takes the safeguarding of its pupils very seriously. If you are worried for yourself, a friend or about something else either at home or in school, please feel free to contact us. Knock on the door; leave a note in the box or email us at:
Cyberbullying is when a person or a group of people uses the internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies to threaten, tease or abuse someone. It is AGAINST THE LAW to bully someone in this way. Something can be done to stop it – so if it is happening to you, tell someone. How would you feel if no one stood up for you? REPORT IT, FLAG IT, AND TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT. You can read the full Social Respect policy online at www.sibfordschool.co.uk/school-policies.
‘… walk cheerfully over the world …’ George Fox, 1656.
V Macaulay
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Jill Spence
tknowles@sibfordschool.co.uk erossiter@sibfordschool.co.uk vmacaulay@sibfordschool.co.uk jspence@sibfordschool.co.uk
and we will get back to you as soon as we can.