Dear Parents
I am delighted that you have chosen Sir William Perkins’s School for your child.
We are looking forward to getting to know your child and hope that they, and you, will very quickly feel part of our community. We believe that working in partnership with parents and guardians through the senior school years is vital for giving the students the best possible chance of achieving their potential in every respect.
This handbook contains information about the school and its procedures which we hope will be helpful to you both now and for future reference.
Ms Debbie Picton Head
OUR MISSION
To champion the individual and build confidence, integrity, and excellence. Our holistic education promotes innovation and creativity both inside and outside the classroom. We are guided by our core values of curiosity, ambition and generosity which enable our students to go beyond academic success, leaving the school with a conscience and world-ready.
SCHOOL AIMS AND ETHOS
The purpose of the School is to provide an excellent all-round education for its students, benefiting the public by offering a first class education for 11-18 year old students and playing a significant role in the local community.
The aims of the School are:
• To maintain high academic standards.
• To encourage the enjoyment of learning and good habits of work.
• To help each student:
to develop fully as an individual
to cultivate creative and practical skills
to gain the qualifications they need to embark on their chosen career
to grow in confidence
to think independently
to be a responsible, unselfish member of the community.
Our shared vision which describes our ethos is as follows:
Sir William Perkins’s School builds curiosity, ambition and generosity in a caring, innovative and happy community so that each student leaves having been given the best possible chance of achieving their full potential, and emerging with sound values, a breadth of skills and knowledge, and ready to take on the world.
Our community is supportive of our students and wishes them to be comfortable and confident with themselves, and within their gender identity, so that they can develop fully as an individual and grow in confidence. This is something that is naturally compatible with the type of learning community our school sets out to be.
Academic success is our priority, but education should be about far more than just top grades. We believe in educating the whole person and equipping our students to make their mark on the world. We encourage them to get involved in the many co-curricular activities on offer, to take every opportunity to develop their interests and creativity, their interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills, to be forward-thinking, and to reach into the wider community.
THE RELIGIOUS NATURE OF THE SCHOOL
The school has a Christian foundation and ethos which underpins the way it operates. However, we value the fact that the Sir William Perkins’ s community is diverse and students of all faiths and their families are warmly welcomed.
BEHAVIOUR AND EXPECTATIONS AT SWPS
SWPS has high expectations of its students and especially in terms of behaviour, both in the school environment and in public.
Should any student not meet these expectations, SWPS has a RESPECT Code, Good Behaviour Policy, and clear School Rules and Expectations which outline how these standards should be met, and the sanctions which can be utilised if they are not.
It is expected in all our dealings with behaviour that we will have the full support of parents and guardians to encourage all students to meet and exceed expectations.
Responsibility to practise courtesy, consideration and cooperation and to create a civilised community
Equality being kind and charitable to each other, irrespective of our differences
Supporting one another when difficulties arise and celebrating each other’s achievements and successes
Politeness and being aware of people’ s needs
Enthusiasm for learning and innovation
Caring for our belongings and respecting the fabric of our school Trust
in each other that creates a community where all relationships are open and friendly
RESPECT Code and SCHOOL RULES
The SWPS community is based on RESPECT for one another, as set out in the RESPECT Code below, and our School Rules and Expectations are designed to support this to ensure a safe, happy and equitable learning environment.
RESPECT FOR SELF
Students are encouraged to develop selfdiscipline and this is the main form of discipline within the school. Everyone is expected to become involved in and to take responsibility for their own learning.
Years 7 to 11 wear correct uniform in school and on journeys to and from school. (No makeup, nail varnish or jewellery may be worn, with the exception of a watch, one pair of plain silver or gold ear-lobe studs. No stretchers, tattoos, cartilage or body-piercings are allowed.)
• Years 7 to 11 must stay within the school grounds at all times.
• Anyone leaving the school during the school day must sign out.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
All members of the School are expected to be proud of the community and supportive of one another and to accept the authority of members of staff. Everyone at SWPS will show one another respect in their daily conduct such as:
• Lining up and waiting quietly when waiting for lessons.
• Keeping to the left in corridors and stairs, and walking, not running.
• Leaving any shared facilities clean and tidy after use.
RESPECT FOR ENVIRONMENT
Everyone is expected to be aware of and actively care for the grounds, buildings and equipment
• Each form must take responsibility for the tidiness of their room. Using the technology in the room and writing on boards is not allowed without permission from a member of staff. Each class must leave the room tidy.
• Bags, including PE kit, must be kept in lockers in the appropriate locations so that they do not cause obstruction.
• Litter must not be dropped; any seen should be picked up.
• No eating is allowed in the corridors or in teaching rooms during lunch times and after school.
• Chewing gum is not allowed in school or on school trips.
• Mobile phones are handed in at the start of the day and returned at the end of the school day in Years 7 – 11.
NEW STUDENTS
NEW STUDENT INDUCTION
To help all new students settle in and feel at home at SWPS, there are many induction events for all those joining the School. Induction starts with a Welcome Day and Party in July where students can meet others in their year group, as well as meeting key staff and start to orientate themselves around the School site. The first day of the Autumn Term for Year 7 students is an Induction Day where all students will continue to find their feet separately from the rest of the School. Year 7 also have an activity trip early in the Autumn Term.
Each year group has a Welcome Evening in the Autumn Term for parents, which allows parents to meet with the staff who have day to day care of the students and other parents.
Each year group has its own bespoke induction programme, which covers the following aspects:
• Academic expectations relating to lessons and homework.
• Student wellbeing and support.
• Co-curricular inductions for extra activities.
• Campus orientation and day-to-day logistics.
• Digital access and resilience.
• Introduction to their ‘Buddy’ – students who will look after them as they settle in.
Students will be guided through their induction at SWPS by their Form Tutor, Head of Year, and other key staff.
There will be a Welcome Talk from the Head and other School staff as part of the Induction process, to help you manage the transition to senior school.
FIRST DAY ROUTINE
We will write to parents in the summer holidays with specific arrival information for new joiners and with a detailed programme for New Student Induction and Welcome Talk for parents.
Each student must bring the following with them:
• iPad, fully charged, password known
• School bag with pencil case
• Water bottle
• Breaktime snack (optional, no nuts please)
• PE kit, all named (no tennis racket, just hockey stick)
Water fountains are located around the school and all students have access to water with lunch. We suggest all students bring a water bottle with them to school each day. Everyone will be provided with a timetable, a locker in their tutor room as well as their sport locker and keys.
School buses run every day during term time. Tutors will ensure that students know where to go in the afternoon to catch buses home.
LIFE AT SCHOOL
DAILY ROUTINES
A Typical Day
07:15 Doors open
08:20 Registration and Form Time/Assembly
08:45 Period 1
09:20 Period 2
09:55 Break
10:15 Period 3
10:50 Period 4
11:25 Period 5
12:00 Period 6
12:25 – 13:40 Lunch (staggered by year group)
13.40 Period 7
14.15 Period 8
14.50 Period 9 (Monday to Thursday only, Friday end of school 14.55)
15.30 End of the School Day (Monday to Thursday only)
15.50 – 16.50 After School Prep or Activities (15.10 – 16.50 Friday)
17:00 Departure of School Coaches (15.10 Friday)
ARRIVAL
The school building opens at 07:15 and students are allowed to enter from this time. They should wait in the student entrance or classroom or Year 11 / Sixth Form common rooms until the bell sounds at 07:50 when they can move freely around the building. The library opens at 08:00 and students can go there until morning registration begins at 08:20. It is vital that students are in their form rooms before 08:20 for Registration.
Students should enter the school grounds through the pedestrian entrances situated near the pedestrian crossing en route from the station behind the Design & Technology Centre, and the second is next to the Recreation Ground; in the interests of safety, pedestrians should not use the vehicle main gates.
Entry and exit to the school building for students should be via the Student Entrance (door nearest to Recreation Ground) and not by the visitors’ entrance and Reception at the front of the school.
If a student is late to school and arrives after Registration or misses Registration for any reason,
they must sign in at Reception.
If the fire alarm sounds before 08:20 students will make their way to the nominated Assembly Point and staff who are on site will supervise them. In the event of any other emergency students should find a member of staff (e.g. Main Office or Staff Room).
FORM TIME
As part of the school’s pastoral programme, each student will be able to have a personal 1:1 discussion with her Form Tutor during Form Time. These discussion times are a great opportunity for students to discuss their academic progress and co-curricular interests with their Form Tutor.
ASSEMBLIES
The pattern for Assemblies is usually:
Monday Senior Assembly
Tuesday Junior Assembly
Wednesday Tutor one to ones
Thursday Form time
Friday Form activities, Protected Reading time and SOCS co-curricular activities sign up for the week ahead
Assemblies are non-denominational and often have a moral, cultural, social or spiritual theme. They sometimes include a hymn, reading(s), and a prayer. During Assemblies the Head, Heads of Year, students or other members of staff speak to the students about relevant information, as well as awarding commendations and certificates. All students attend Assembly although parents/ guardians may withdraw their child by writing to the Head. Collective worship aims to offer all students something of value and an opportunity for reflection.
BREAK 09:55 – 10:15
Students may bring a snack to school for break time, although please note, we are a nut- free school. Snack are also available to purchase in the Dining Hall and Atrium – payment is by card. There are water fountains in school where students may re-fill their own water bottles.
LUNCH 12:20 – 13:40
There is a wide choice of clubs, activities, practices or rehearsals during lunch time and students will be given full details of these in September. Activities take place during First Lunch and Second Lunch, so students may have lunch at different times over the course of the week.
Students who bring a packed lunch to school eat in the Dining Hall (Years 7 – 11) or Atrium (Sixth Form) with other students.
AFTER SCHOOL 15:50 – 18:00
All students are welcome to remain in school until 18:00, either in their Common Room in the case of the Sixth Form, or in After School Prep/Late Stay for Years 7-11.
Held in the Dining Hall from 15:50 - 16:50, After School Prep provides an opportunity for students to work quietly under the supervision of a member of the teaching staff. It is free of charge and students may attend for as long or as short a time as they wish, before and/or after co- curricular activities, either because they cannot be collected at the end of the school day or because they want to complete their homework in school before going home. Students must sign in and out with the teacher in charge.
After 16:50 the majority of students will leave the school site and go home on one of the designated school coaches. However, students are permitted to stay at school and go to the Library until 17:30 where they are supervised by the After-School Supervisor.
Any Year 7–11 student going home on a school coach or staying after school for any other reason must register at either an organised activity or after school prep. Students will use the online app called SOCS to sign up for after school activities. This is mandatory for Safeguarding and Health & Safety reasons.
Please note that, unless they are participating in a supervised co-curricular activity, all students must attend After School Prep if they need to stay at school for any period of time between 3:50 and 6:00pm. We do not provide supervision after 18:00, except in the case of a scheduled cocurricular activity, where the teacher in charge will make arrangements for students in their care.
Students who are still on site after the library shuts at 17:30 must wait in the Student Entrance. The After-School Library Supervisor is on duty until 18:00. They check the Student Entrance regularly during this period and ensure that students are being collected or are able to travel home safely before the building is closed at 18:00. If necessary, they will contact home and in agreement with the parents/guardians will organise one of our approved taxi companies to take the student home or to a family member’s house.
Sixth Form students are permitted to work in their Common Room after school until 17:00.
LOCKERS
Students have a classroom locker for books and a games locker for sports equipment. Keys are provided for lockers. You will be charged a £6 deposit per key, which is refundable when the key
is returned. If a key is lost there is a £10 replacement charge.
SECURITY
The School’s external gates and doors are operated by a security-coded lock. To ensure student safety, the codes are only known to members of Staff and students. There is an intercom to announce your arrival during the school day. We would ask you to ensure that all doors and gates are firmly closed on your departure.
Unrestricted access to the School site is limited to individuals who have been security checked through the Human Resources Department, and to current SWPS students. All staff wear a visible identity badge with a blue lanyard, signifying that they have security clearance.
Occasional visitors and those without the required checks are required to sign in at Reception and will be issued a red lanyard; this signifies that they must be accompanied at all times.
STUDENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP
Students who arrive by means of public transport or parent vehicle should enter via the Student Entrance to the left of the Main Gate. Parents are asked not to drive in to the school grounds unless there is a medical need, e.g - your child is on crutches.
CAMPUS SPEED LIMIT
There is a strictly enforced speed limit of 5mph throughout the Campus for the safety and security of the community.
COMMUNICATION
We value the relationship between home and school very highly and believe that excellence in communication makes for a happy and productive learning environment for your child.
We believe that to provide a happy and secure education for our students, we should work in close partnership with you, the parents and guardians. It is therefore essential that there are strong links between home and school. We ask you to ensure that your contact details, as held by the School, are kept up to date. Please ensure that medical records, parents’ business and mobile numbers and two further local emergency contacts are updated when they change.
HOW TO CONTACT US
The School’s address is: Sir William Perkins’s School Guildford Road Chertsey Surrey KT16 9BN
All telephone contact with SWPS is through the School Office on: 01932 574 900 (option 0)
MAIN RECEPTION
Reception is open from 08:00 until 17:00 and can be emailed via office@swps.org.uk
Messages, such as reason for absence, may be left with Reception Staff, who will ensure the relevant staff are informed.
CONTACTING TEACHERS
Your child’s Form Tutor should be your first point of
contact, but there may be occasions when you may like to speak to the Head of Year or Head of Department.
Appointments with staff can be arranged by:
• your child
• emailing office@swps.org.uk requesting a meeting with the member of staff concerned, and your email will be forwarded to them
• telephoning the school reception 01932 574900 (option 0) and your call will be forwarded to the extension of the member of staff concerned
Teaching staff may be contacted via email in the format first initial.surname@swps.org.uk
Staff will respond to inbound communication within 24 hours. Email addresses are also listed later in this publication and on Firefly.
THE HEAD ’ S PA
Appointments to see the Head can be made through her PA (head@swps.org.uk). It would be helpful if, when requesting an appointment with the Head, you could give an indication of the nature of your concern in order to obtain any relevant information before the meeting. However, in most circumstances, it is advisable to get in touch with your child’s Form Tutor and/or Head of Year first as they will be in the best position to help.
THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE’S OFFICE
Questions about financial matters should be directed to the office of the Director of Finance and
Operations: DFO@swps.org.uk
THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Board of Governors, as charity trustees, have control of the School and its property and funds. The Chair of Governors may be contacted through the Clerk to the Governors, the Director of Finance, at DFO@swps.org.uk.
CATERING
The Head Chef is happy to discuss specific dietary issues and aspects of food provision with parents. Menus are displayed on the website and on School notice boards and screens.
ADMISSIONS
The Head of Admissions will deal with joining arrangements and general information about school routines: admissions@swps.org.uk
MARKETING
The Marketing Team can answer queries with regard to the School website, Newsletter, Social Media, advertising and promotion: marketing@swps.org.uk
USE OF THE SCHOOL LOGO
We are extremely proud of our SWPS brand and the school ethos it reflects. The symbol, logotype and colour palette have been specifically chosen to represent the School. In order to maintain the
integrity of the brand, all uses of the logo should be approved by the Director of Marketing and Admissions prior to production. Please contact marketing@swps.org.uk.
SPORT
Information about matches and fixtures can be located on Firefly or directly from the Sports Portal on SOCS.
EMERGENCIES
Contacting us during the working day: In the event of an emergency in normal working hours, arrive at the school in person, or ring the office, and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Contacting us out of normal working hours: The school Reception is open from 08:00 until 17:00, Monday to Thursday, and 08:00 until 16:30 on Friday. Outside of those hours, kindly leave a message on the school’s answer machine and it will be picked up as soon as possible.
In the event of an emergency at School, the relevant parents will be contacted as soon as possible.
ABSENCE
ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS
If students are ill and unable to attend school, parents/guardians are requested to leave a message on the student absence line (01932 574900 option 1) before 08:30 on every day of absence (unless the date of return is known), giving an indication of the possible duration of the
absence. Alternatively email notification of your child’s absence can be sent to absence@swps.org.uk, from where the information will be entered on to our electronic register and relevant staff members will be notified. This is in order to fulfil responsibilities for safeguarding children and so that the absence can be marked as authorised.
Students should not return to school for 48 hours after an occurrence of sickness or diarrhoea to avoid the spread of infection. This is in line with Health Authority guidance. This system must not be used for holiday absences – any/all holiday requests must be sent to head@swps.org.uk.
If a student requests work to be sent home for a prolonged absence due to illness, the form tutor can arrange this but at least twenty-four hours’ notice is essential in order that all the relevant subject staff can be contacted.
MEDICAL/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS
If a student has a planned appointment such as doctor, dentist, etc. parents/guardians should use either the absence@swps.org.uk email address or answerphone to inform the school of their child’ s future absence at least three days in advance. Students are required to report to Reception before leaving school to sign out and wait to be collected by their parent/guardian. If a student returns during school hours, they should sign back in at Reception.
OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES
Please do not make holiday arrangements or special outings that require your child to miss days during term time. In line with Government advice, we do not authorise such absence unless there are
extreme extenuating circumstances as it is disruptive to the whole community.
If your child needs to be away from school in extenuating circumstances, a letter should be sent via email to the Head head@swps.org.uk - as far in advance as possible to request authorisation for the absence.
HOLIDAYS
Term dates are published in advance and we expect that holidays will be taken in the school vacations. Where this is not possible, a request for authorised absence must be made in writing to the Head (head@swps.org.uk).
HOW WE STAY IN TOUCH
Once your child has started at SWPS, you will have access to our school online platforms, which are designed to provide you with access to school communications, our online booking facilities, and your child’s online learning portfolio.
These include: Firefly (our online learning platform and parent portal); From that dashboard you will also be able to access SOCS Sports (our online sports portal providing information about weekly sports fixtures, including team sheets and results), and SOCS Co-curricular (online cocurricular club booking system), SchoolPost, the online parent communication system and SchoolCloud, the parents evening booking platform.
SchoolPost
SchoolPost is a combined email, text and webbased communication system through which the School can share information with you efficiently
via email, text and online through the Firefly Parent Portal. Email notifications of new posts are sent to your login email address. Parents can access the system by clicking any of the links in the emails they receive, or by logging on directly using their email.
Every week you will receive a SchoolPost at 16:00 on a Friday which will include important reminders, forms for you to fill out for consent and trips, and upcoming events. The bulletin tends to contain information that is only listed on the bulletin alone. From time to time the school may also send an important communication during the school week if necessary.
SOCS EXTRA - CURRICULAR
We use SOCS to allow students to sign up for cocurricular activities.
SOCIAL MEDIA
At SWPS we have a very active Instagram feed that incorporates all aspects of school life. Our Facebook page also helps keep you up to date with the latest events and features photo galleries and interviews.
THE PARENT PORTAL - FIREFLY
Firefly is designed to help parents be fully engaged with their child's education and get the most out of their school.
FIREFLY FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Using your parent account which you may activate from the beginning of the academic year, you will
be able to access up-to-date information about your child including their lesson timetable, attendance record and school academic reports. You will be able to view the specific learning tasks set for homework, alongside all of the rich learning content available to your child.
HOW TO ACTIVATE A PARENT FIREFLY ACCOUNT
If you are a new parent to Firefly, you will need to activate your account to enable us to link your profile to your child’ s.
To do so please visit https://swps.fireflycloud.net and click ‘New to Firefly? Activate your account’ This will be available to parents after your child is enrolled at the beginning of term.
Please enter the email address that the school has on record when prompted.
Click ‘Activate account’
You will receive an email confirmation with the information needed to create a password and login.
If you have any issues, please contact IThelpdesk@swps.org.uk
HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR SOCS
PARENT ACCOUNT
If you are a new parent, you will need to activate your Firefly account before activating your SOCs account.
To activate SOCs, please visit https:// swps.fireflycloud.net and enter your username and password as usual.
On your dashboard, on the right-hand side, under the ‘Calendar’, you will see ‘Quick Links’ and a SOCs icon
You will see the landing page for SOCs. Please click ‘Activate Account’ and enter your email address we hold on our records for your child.
Click Activate, and you will receive an email confirmation with further instructions. If you have any issues, please contact ITHelpdesk@swps.org.uk
WEBSITE
Parents/guardians should also check the school’ s website - www.swps.org.uk - for up-to-date information, especially in an emergency. If the school has to close during term time (for example because of epidemic or extreme snow), remote teaching via Microsoft Teams will take place and teachers will set work for students using Firefly if this is not possible. In these cases, emergency information will be communicated to parents via email, text messages and via the school website.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
The School Calendar is a vital source of information detailing all events taking place at SWPS during the academic year. Students should access the Calendar and all school information via the Firefly app on their iPad. (swps.fireflycloud.net/ calendar-and-planner-information.)
The calendar is also available as www.swpscalendar.org.uk.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
School Newsletters are sent electronically to all parents/guardians fortnightly.
SPECIFIC CONTACTS
Notification of absence from School
Requests for short term absence during the School day for such things as routine dental/medical appointments
All other requests for absence from School for one day or more
Questions concerning School policies, rules and uniform
Questions concerning School bills and billed items
Questions concerning music and drama lessons and concerts
Email to the School’s absence line by 08:30 on each day of illness: absence@swps.org.uk
Telephone: 01932 574900
Email to the School’s absence line: absence@swps.org.uk
Telephone: 01932 574900
Email to your child’s Form Tutor
Email to the Head: head@swps.org.uk
The School Office office@swps.org.uk
Finance Office fees@swps.org.uk
Music and Drama Administrator
Ms L Piggott LPiggott@swps.org.uk
Appointments with the Head PA to the Head
Mrs L Brown LBrown@swps.org.uk
Questions concerning travel on the Coach Service
Questions concerning Learning Support
Questions about pastoral matters & safeguarding
Concerns about the medical wellbeing of your child
Questions concerning catering
Questions concerning the curriculum
Operations Manager
Mrs C Legge CLegge@swps.org.uk
Head of Personalised Learning
Ms A Clarke AClarke@swps.org.uk
Deputy Head – Pastoral, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs H O’Connor HOConnor@swps.org.uk
First Aid Room Co-ordinator
Operations Manager
Mrs C Legge
CLegge@swps.org.uk
Deputy Head – Academic
Mr P Forrest-Biggs
PForrest-Biggs@swps.org.uk
Head of Year by email or telephone 01932 574900
Year 7
Concerns about your child’s overall academic progress or general wellbeing
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Subject-specific enquiries
Mrs A Stebbings AStebbings@swps.org.uk
Mr P Dunford PDunford@swps.org.uk
Mrs J Thompson JThompson@swps.org.uk
Miss R England REngland@swps.org.uk
Miss K Koegler KKoegler@swps.org.uk
Miss E White EWhite@swps.org.uk
Mrs L Lewis LLewis@swps.org.uk
Head of Department by email or telephone 01932 574900
Art
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Design & Technology
Drama
Economics
English
French
Geography
German
History & Politics
Mathematics (KS3)
Mathematics (KS4/5)
Music
PE & Games
Physics
PSHCE
Psychology
Religious Studies
Spanish
Mr I Russell IRussell@swps.org.uk
Mrs T Armitage TArmitage@swps.org.uk
Ms L Haley LHaley@swps.org.uk
Ms L Rogers LRogers@swps.org.uk
Mrs C Walker CPWalker@swps.org.uk
Mrs L Timpson LTimpson@swps.org.uk
Ms J Blackman JBlackman@swps.org.uk
Ms E White EWhite@swps.org.uk
Mr P Dunford PDunford@swps.org.uk
Dr N Mercer NMercer@swps.org.uk
Mrs C Cooper CCooper@swps.org.uk
Mrs M Taylor MTaylor@swps.org.uk
Mr T Webster TWebster@swps.org.uk
Mr D Holliday DHolliday@swps.org.uk
Mr B El Deiry BElDeiry@swps.org.uk
Mrs B Middleton BMiddleton@swps.org.uk
Mrs P Tham-Williams PTham-williams@swps.org.uk
Mr R Brown RBrown@swps.org.uk
Mr J Lawson JLawson@swps.org.uk
Ms J Lockyer JLockyer@swps.org.uk
Mrs I Harris IHarris@swps.org.uk
Ms L Arden LArden@swps.org.uk
Mrs V Tommasi VTommasi@swps.org.uk
If you telephone the School, you may not be able to speak to the relevant person immediately as staff may be teaching or otherwise engaged. We would ask parents be patient as you can be assured we will be acting as quickly as we can. The Receptionist will ask what the matter is regarding so that the person you need to speak to is able to help when they return your call. It may be that the Receptionist is able to direct your call to someone else in the meantime.
Similarly, staff may not read e-mails immediately
(they will not be checking emails when they are teaching) and may choose to take time to investigate the matter before responding. Please do not think that a lack of instant response means a lack of interest on the part of the member of staff.
Staff are not expected to reply to emails outside normal School hours, or at weekends. If you have an emergency which needs to be dealt with before School next opens, please e-mail office@swps.org.uk
PASTORAL
SWPS is proud of its pastoral care and its approach to wellbeing. Looking after our students is our top priority. We focus on them all individually, encouraging them to achieve their potential and explore their interests in an atmosphere where they feel supported, encouraged and appreciated.
WELLBEING TEAM
Our Wellbeing Team consists of our First Aid Room Coordinator, two Counsellors, two Wellbeing Room and Pastoral Administrators and an Attendance Administrator. Together they provide support in response to specific needs. If a student feels unwell during the school day, they should visit the First Aid Room. The staff in the First Aid Room are first aid trained and are able to dispense ice or heat packs, paracetamol and plasters as necessary. They also hold a plentiful supply of sanitary products, and spare underwear and tights. If they feel that further information or advice is needed they will contact parents directly. The Wellbeing staff will contact parents to collect their child if they feel it is appropriate.
Please encourage your child not to contact you in the first instance if they feel unwell. We will ensure they are cared for and will arrange for them to go home, if necessary.
WHOM TO CONTACT WITH CONCERNS
The Head of Year 7 is responsible for the co-ordination of the pastoral programme and leadership of the form tutor staff in that Year and deals with individual discipline and personal problems which they may refer to the Senior Deputy Head or Deputy Head Pastoral. A similar role is played by the Heads of Years 8 – 11, and Year 12 – 13 who may refer to the Head of Sixth
Form, or to the Senior Deputy Head or Deputy Head Pastoral.
The Form Tutor has the primary pastoral responsibility for the students in their form, but all members of staff are involved in the pastoral care of all Students. Incidents and concerns are always followed up, monitored and communicated to other staff as appropriate.
FAMILY ISSUES
We aim to provide appropriate support to all our students and would therefore be grateful if you would inform us of any matters at home, for example bereavement, illness or separation, which may affect your child’s welfare, behaviour or performance at School. Such matters will, of course, be handled with appropriate sensitivity and discretion. Similarly, it would be appreciated if parents would notify the relevant Form Tutor about any planned parental absence, providing appropriate alternative contact details for use in an emergency.
STUDENTS ’ OWN (PRESCRIBED) MEDICINES
All medicines which Students bring to School, should be handed to the First Aid Room, to be kept safely. These medicines should be in their original containers, and clearly marked with your child’s name and instructions for administration. A note explaining the dose, time and reason for
administration must be sent with the medicine. If there is insufficient information, this may result in the medicine not being given. The responsibility for attending the First Aid Room for medication at the appropriate time rests with the Student.
OCCASIONAL, NON - PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES
A supply of everyday medicines for common ailments is kept in the Health Centre. In accordance with parental consent provided on the Medical Questionnaire, completed when their child joins the School, these medicines are issued to Students by the First Aid staff, when considered necessary.
PROVISION FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS
Students who suffer from asthma are asked to carry their own inhalers with them both in School and on all trips and other off-site activities. The School holds emergency Generic Asthma inhalers. Students with severe allergies should carry two in-date Adrenaline Auto Injectors (AAIs) with them at all times. AAIs must be carried by Students on School trips and other off-site activities. Trip/ activity leaders will check the student is carrying their AAIs prior to leaving on the trip. The Student WILL NOT be allowed on the trip without them All staff are given annual updates on administering AAIs.
Because some of our students have allergies we ask for your co-operation in encouraging your child not to swap or share any foods that they may bring into School, and not send them in with food stuffs containing nuts. The First Aid team should be advised of any allergy from which Students may suffer. Where this allergy may affect diet, a completed allergy form for the catering company
is required. The catering company are more than happy to discuss individual Student’s needs on request.
If there are any issues that we should know about, e.g a first aid issue, use of crutches, medication, or just to ‘keep an eye out’ please email the First Aid Room: FAR@swps.org.uk.
USE OF CRUTCHES IN SCHOOL
Please inform the First Aid Room in advance should your child be coming to School with crutches so that necessary provisions can be made.
Parents are responsible for updating the First Aid Room Co-ordinator on medical conditions and medications. Parents are responsible for ensuring the medications are in date. Emergency Ventolin inhalers and anaphylaxis auto-injectors are located in the First Aid Room.
Our staff is available every day to respond to acute and chronic medical problems. They will work with parents and health care professionals if your child has a medical need.
WELLBEING SUITE
Our dedicated Wellbeing suite is designed for students to feel safe, relaxed and calm and there are computers in case any students are not able to work in a classroom environment. Our Wellbeing suite is staffed throughout the day help any student in need. In addition, we have qualified and experienced counsellors who come into school to see students.
Our Wellbeing Room team are available every day to support Students and families with all-round Early Help Care for their children.
LEAVING SCHOOL UNWELL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Students who are unwell during the school day must, in the first instance, go to the School Office. The Office will liaise with families/ guardians if the student cannot be treated in school or is an infectious risk and needs to go home.
ABSENCES
Absences during the school day must be sanctioned by the Head, other than in cases of illness. Permission from the Head is a legal requirement. Absence without permission is recorded as unauthorised. It is not acceptable for a parent to authorise absence. Please make your requests at least one week in advance. It takes time to process such requests and to ensure that the relevant people are forewarned.
We must be advised of essential medical, dental and other unavoidable appointments.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Every student has a locker with their own key in their form room for books and personal items and a locker in the cloakroom for games kit and larger files. There should, therefore, be very few occasions when students need to carry a heavy load around the school. Each locker has a charge of £10 (which includes the keys). If a student loses their form room locker key, they may obtain a duplicate via the School Office at a cost of £10 and the payment will be added to the next fee bill. The school reserves the right to break the locks and remove the contents if they are left in the locker for longer than the permitted length of time.
Students are discouraged from bringing large
sums of money or items of value to school. Where this is unavoidable, the money or valuables should be handed in to the School Office for safekeeping.
Musical instruments brought to school should be clearly labelled with the owner’s name and address and perhaps the name and address of the school. All privately owned instruments brought into school are the responsibility of the student concerned and should be fully insured. During the day musical instruments should be kept secured either in the student’s form room locker or in the instrument locker store in the Music Department. This store has lockers for daily use only, not for permanent use, and instruments and padlocks should be removed at the end of each day. If using the store, students should provide their own padlock, or one may be purchased from the School Office (see above).
All personal possessions brought to school should be marked with the owner’ s name.
LOST PROPERTY
All belongings should be clearly marked with the student’s name so that mislaid items can be returned. Students are responsible for all their belongings.
Students should check their classrooms and with Lost Property in the School Office first, before reporting anything as lost. Any unclaimed items are taken to the School Office.
PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION (PSHCE)
AND RELATIONSHIP AND SEX EDUCATION (RSE)
A programme of personal and social education is arranged for each Year group. This aims to cover
major issues of concern at appropriate stages. These lessons include such information as substance abuse, eSafety and sex education. These lessons are 35 minutes each week and are mainly taught by the Form Tutor or the Head of PHSCE or in some curriculum lessons (eg Puberty in Biology) and by visiting speakers. The programme is taught as Life Skills in the Sixth Form. A course outline is found on Firefly.
SAFEGUARDING
At SWPS, the health and safety of all Students is of paramount importance. Parents send their children to school each day with the expectation that school provides a safe and secure environment in which their children can flourish. At SWPS safeguarding is a top priority in all areas and aspects of school life.
In order to safeguard our students, a wide range of measures are put in place:
SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
The Deputy Head Pastoral is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the whole school. She is assisted in this role by five deputy DSLs. We have a Governor with designated responsibility for safeguarding. There is a detailed Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, which is published on the website. It is the Governing Body’s duty to ensure the policy is reviewed annually. Governors and Staff have appropriate child protection training, which is updated regularly.
Allegations concerning the conduct of a member of staff should be directed to the Head: head@swps.org.uk
Allegations concerning the conduct of the Head should be addressed to the Chair of
Governors: DFO@swps.org.uk
SAFEGUARDING WITHIN THE CURRICULUM
The curriculum supports safeguarding in two ways. Firstly, the Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education syllabus. A programme of personal and social education is arranged for each Year group. This aims to cover major issues of concern at appropriate stages. These lessons include such information as substance abuse, eSafety and sex education.
Secondly, the curriculum is designed so that safety issues within any subject are discussed and safe practices taught, such as using equipment properly in PE, Science and Design Technology.
At all times there has to be appropriate staffing levels and, when the curriculum is taking place out of school, appropriate and agreed student/adult ratios are maintained. The lead adult always assesses visits as to the level or risk and all trips are finally authorised by the Head.
Visiting speakers are always welcome at school so that they can give specialist knowledge to the students. All visiting speakers undergo relevant checks and are suitably supervised.
STUDENT VOICE COMMITTEES
Giving students the platform and time to express their opinions, make suggestions and feel able to instigate change is very important at SWPS. The School Council meets at least once a term and representatives from all forms air issues and make suggestions. The Senior Prefect Team meets with the Head and Director of Sixth Form weekly. Every term, staff talk to individual students about the learning and look at their work with them. We also hold various Learning Forums with students about their experiences in special curriculum areas.
DISCIPLINE: REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
At SWPS we expect high standards of behaviour. We value honesty, care for others, respect for self and others and for property and the environment. The rules and procedures which are in place reflect this code but also exist to protect and promote the safety and wellbeing of all members of the community.
Merits and Demerits are awarded via the online platform E Praise. Parents can view the reasons for both by logging into E Praise via Firefly. Students who accrue three Demerits will receive a lunchtime detention.
It is our belief that the best way to ensure the highest standards in both behaviour and work is to create a positive ethos where the self-confidence and self-esteem of the students is promoted by regular praise, congratulation and affirmation.
A school culture which is dominated by a mutual respect between students and between staff and students will lead not only to harmonious relationships but also to the fulfilment of the students’ potential both academically and socially.
In abiding by the community rules it is inherent on all students and staff to recognise that everyone has a right to feel secure and to be treated with respect at SWPS, particularly the vulnerable. Harassment and bullying will not be tolerated. Our approach to bullying is set out in our AntiBullying Policy and the School remains strongly committed to protecting each member of the community and promoting equal opportunities for all.
The School recognises that occasionally people will transgress the boundaries of accepted behaviour and will need reminding about the high expectations of the School. Appropriate sanctions are set out as a guide to help support staff in creating a culture of outstanding behaviour. We aim to apply sanctions fairly, in accordance with
the procedures of natural justice, and, where appropriate, after due investigative action has taken place. Sanctions, some of which incur a permanent disciplinary record, include expulsion, requirement to leave, suspension, withdrawal of privileges, confiscation of property that is being used inappropriately or without consideration. Disciplinary measures should be seen by everyone as a deterrent and above all it should be clear that any sanctions are applied fairly, consistently and are appropriate to the seriousness of the offence, therefore there is a clear scale of sanctions and a staged process of progressing through them. Any Student who finds herself in the company of others breaking School rules may find herself sanctioned unless she makes it clear that she is not complicit by either attempting to prevent the misdemeanour from taking place or disassociating herself clearly from it.
The following constitute examples of serious breaches of discipline which may lead to an exclusion from the School:
• Bullying of any kind
• Possession, supply or misuse of drugs or substances, including smoking paraphernalia
• Inappropriate sexual or violent behaviour
• Purchase or consumption of alcohol when in the School’ s care
• Smoking or being part of a group in which there is smoking
• Theft of property or identity
• Inappropriate use of phones, computers (including the internet, email and social networking sites) or other forms of communication
• Vandalism
• Serious or repeated disruption, disobedience, rudeness or unsafe
behaviour
• Bringing the School into disrepute
This list is not intended to be exhaustive and it is possible that other breaches may result in exclusion. Persistent breaches or offences viewed as extremely serious may result in permanent exclusion from the School.
LEADERSHIP AND POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY
As students progress through the school, the opportunities for leadership and teamwork expand, whether it’s championing the School charities, chairing debates, captaining teams or mentoring younger Students. Every form votes for a termly Form and Vice Captain and Games Captains. Students in year 9 can apply for the role of Junior Captain.
In Year 12, students take on leadership roles in their Houses and, as Prefects, School Officers and Heads of Societies, in wider School life.
HOUSES
The House system is very much at the heart of School life. All students are placed in one of four Houses.
The Houses are named after famous British women and siblings are normally placed in the same House. Each House has two House Captains, who are Year 13 students and lead the House and organise teams for House activities.
Getting involved in House events is fun and means that students get to know other students in different year groups, so everyone is encouraged to take part.
House Colour
Lonsdale Red
Montagu Yellow
Pankhurst Green
Quant Blue
House Competitions include:
Music
Junior Drama
Netball
Sports Day
Hockey
Badminton
Football
Rounders
Cricket
Tug of War
Named after
Kathleen Lonsdale
Lady Mary Montagu
Emmeline Pankhurst
Mary Quant
Debating
Year 7 Mission to Mars
Murder Mystery
ACADEMIC
Sir William Perkins’s School enables students to open their minds and to develop their personal passions. The learning environment is supportive, yet challenging, with a sense that students and teachers are on an educational journey together.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW BY YEAR GROUP
YEARS 7 – 9
The curriculum is under constant review and school policies relating to the academic aspects of the school (including curriculum, teaching and learning, examinations, assessment) are reviewed, updated and published annually.
The subjects studied in Year 7 comprehensive introduction to a wide range of academic, creative and technical disciplines. In 2025-2026, they are:
Art History
Biology Latin
Chemistry Mathematics
Computer Science Music
Design & Technology
Physical Education
Drama Physics
English Religious Studies
French* Spanish*
Geography PSHCE
German*
* Students in Years 7 to 9 study two Modern Foreign Languages (MFL). These are allocated by the School. Families may express a preference for one MFL if there is particular reason for wishing their child to study it.
• Students in Year 9 may choose to complete a Project Qualification as a super curricular course. For this externally assessed qualification, students write either a 1,000 word (Level 1) or a 2,000 word (Level 2) essay on a topic of their choosing, as well as giving a verbal presentation on it and evaluating their learning from the course in a Production Log.
• Class sizes of 17–22.
• Setting: students are taught in sets for Mathematics. These are reviewed regularly.
• Homework/Prep: usually two or three subjects for 35 minutes each, per day.
YEARS 10 – 11
• i/GCSE syllabus.
• Six compulsory subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics (either as Double or Triple Science).
• Students also select three or four other subjects from a range of 15.
• PSCHE (Personal, Social, Heath and Citizenship Education) continues to be taught in an ageappropriate fashion.
• Class sizes of 10 –20.
• Setting: students are taught in sets for Mathematics.
• Homework/Prep: 70 minutes per subject per week.
YEARS 12 - 13
• The timetable is devised around a student’ s individual subject choices where possible.
• ‘3 A Levels+’ curriculum.
• 3 A level subjects are chosen from a range of 26.
• These are complemented by one or more ‘+’ options (details below).
• PSCHE (Personal, Social, Heath and Citizenship Education) continues to be taught in an ageappropriate fashion and is now known as Life Skills to reflect this transitionary phase between School and university / their career.
• Class sizes of up to 16.
• Homework/Prep: 4 to 6 hours of private study per week.
HOMEWORK
Homework is set primarily to consolidate the work done in class and to help students to work independently and develop good study habits, including time management. They will learn to monitor deadlines, consolidate their learning, challenge themselves as appropriate, and maintain a healthy work- relaxation balance. The school expects homework to be taken seriously; however, excessive time should not be spent on this.
A homework timetable is sent home at the beginning of the Autumn Term, which indicates the amount of time allocated to each subject. Details of the tasks will be set by teachers on Firefly, accessible via the login.
Years
7, 8 and 9
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 receive a homework timetable at the beginning of
the school year. This will also be visible on Firefly. The timetable ensures that subjects are spread evenly throughout the week. On average, they should expect to receive 2030 minutes of homework per subject every week.
Years 10-11
At GCSE, students begin to take more responsibility for their own time and study, so there is no official homework timetable. We recognise, too, that different subjects have different requirements - not all of them at a desk! We try not to set tasks to be given in the next day, but students should expect to spend more time outside lessons consolidating and developing their learning.
Sixth Form
As the number of subjects decreases, so the expectation of independent work increases.
Students should expect regular extra reading and independent tasks, e.g. essay practice, to take place outside lessons. We have found that successful students often engage in a range of independent reading and research to support their A Level studies.
CHOOSING GCSE AND A LEVEL OPTIONS
GCSE
During Year 9, students are asked to choose the subjects they wish to study for their GCSEs (normally 9); public examinations for these will be taken in Year 11.
The compulsory subjects are English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science. Additionally, students are strongly advised to take at least one language (French, German, Latin, Spanish) and one humanity (Classical Civilisation, Geography, History, Religious Studies); Further Mathematics is also available for our strongest mathematicians, who may choose to study this additional GCSE-level qualification in Year 11 alongside iGCSE Mathematics.
Further option choices are made from the following selection:
Art German
Classical Civilisation History
Computer Science Latin
DT (Product Design) Music
DT (Textiles) Physical Education
Drama Religious Studies
French Spanish
Geography
Polylingual students can take an additional GCSE in their home/second language by studying it outside of school and taking the examinations in school in any year that is appropriate in relation to their attainment and progress.
It is a priority that students make informed option choices. The options process is therefore explained at the Year 9 Information events and choices are discussed with subject teachers at the Parents’ Evening. Students are given a great deal of help and support throughout Year 9, including a 1:1 conversation with a senior member of staff, during which their options will be discussed with reference to their academic reports and Morrisby careers profile.
A Level
Similar support is given in Year 11 when students are making decisions about what to study for their 3 A Levels + programme in the Sixth Form. 3 A Levels + makes our Sixth Form experience individualised and is designed to enable students to gain extra qualifications, develop new skills and stand out for universities and employers.
Students choose 3 A level options from the following selection:
Art and Design Geography
Biology German
Business History
Chemistry Latin
Classical Civilisation Mathematics
Computer Science Music
DT (Product Design) Photography
DT (Textiles) Physical Education
Drama and Theatre Politics
Economics Psychology
English Literature Religious Studies
French Spanish
Students then choose their ‘plus’ options from the following:
•4th A Level – typically Further Maths.
•EPQ – the Extended Project Qualification is the Sixth Form version of the Project Qualifications offered in Year 9. This allows students to explore a topic of their choice, developing research, project management and independent learning skills.
• Elective Qualifications – including Core Maths, AS Sociology, GCSE Italian and Greek.
• Elective Courses – including ESB Grade 8 Oracy, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), Open University courses, Gold DofE, Peter Jones Tycoon Challenge and virtual work experience.
• Personalised Activity – support for highperformance athletes and musicians or volunteering.
ALTERNATIVE CURRICULUM
The school also works with students and parents/ guardians where there is a need for an alternative curriculum (see appendix at the end of the Curriculum Policy): this is most commonly applied for students with SEND diagnoses or who are elite performers at national level (e.g. music, sport, etc.).
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
We monitor your child’s academic progress closely at SWPS and ensure you receive regular updates.
The Assessment and Reporting Policy contains the core ethos for the setting of work and giving of feedback. Each department has its own assessment policy. For i/GCSE and A level classes, these methods reflect those set by examination boards. Students are assessed regularly in class, through the marking of classwork, homework/ prep or informal tests, the results of which are used to inform future planning for students’ progress and may form the basis of written reports or feedback at Parents’ Evenings. All students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 sit formal School examinations towards the end of the academic year. Students in Years 11 and 13 who are preparing for public examinations sit formal
mock examinations in the first two weeks of the Spring term.
PARENTS ’ EVENINGS AND REPORTS
The School prides itself on the quality of the information it communicates to parents on the academic progress of their children. This is ordinarily achieved through Parents’ Evenings and written reports.
PARENTS ’ EVENINGS
A Parents’ Evening is held at least once a year for each Year group. These are important opportunities to discuss work and progress and, in some instances, future option choices. Subject teachers, Form Tutors, Heads of Year and senior staff are all available. All students are expected to attend with their parents. Parents use an online system to book their appointments prior to the evening. At key stages in your child’ s seven-year journey – in Year 7, Year 9, Year 11, Sixth Formwe also offer in-person Parents’ Evenings. This is intended to foster clear communication between students, parents and teachers when your child is embarking on a new phase of their education, choosing their option subjects, or preparing for public examinations. In Year 7 there is an additional Parents’ evening with your child’s tutor.
REPORTS
Progress reports are issued digitally at least once per term. A full report is written for each year group once a year that includes a form tutor comment and, where appropriate, subject targets, or summer work, alongside feedback on
attainment and effort.
MEETING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
The school aims to help every child achieve their full potential and so is keen to identify any learning difficulties as soon as possible in a student’s school career. The Head of Personalised Learning should be the first point of contact for any student or parent/guardian wishing to discuss any aspect of Learning Support.
All Year 7 are screened for dyslexia within their first few weeks at school and any concerns followed up with students and parents.
The Personalised Learning Department is staffed by teachers who are specifically trained to teach students who have learning needs such as dyslexia.
Individual lessons can be arranged with the Head of Personalised Learning, where required. Where those lessons are established as a recommendation of the school there is no charge.
Appropriate access arrangements may be put in place for students who enter with an existing diagnostic report from a specialist such as an Educational Psychologist and further testing for such students can be arranged when required.
Students who have an existing diagnostic report may be re-tested once they have entered the School, to bring their arrangements in line with JCQ and CIE exam board regulations.
The Head of Personalised Learning is happy to meet with any parents of new students before they enter the School to discuss their child’ s learning needs.
ACADEMIC EXTENSION
The philosophy is inclusive, and we believe that all students must be given every opportunity to develop their learning beyond the curriculum. Therefore, alongside optional supercurricular courses such as the Project Qualifications, regular talks and workshops are held to stimulate students’ intellectual curiosity. These are open to all and often led by our Sixth Form and staff as well as by external speakers and facilitators.
Specialist support is provided to ensure that our Academic Scholars are reaching their full potential, as well as our Oxbridge, MDV (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine) and overseas university applicants.
REWARD FOR ACADEMIC EFFORT AND PROGRESS
We aim to reward both achievement, effort and service to others and the school community. We use the ePraise system to reward students electronically with House Points, accolades, prizes and certificates. Parents will be given instructions on how to view their child’s rewards on ePraise soon after joining the school. All House Points are collated and count towards the House Cup –awarded in the final assembly of the school year to the winning House.
LIBRARY
Our Library is well stocked with a variety of resources
• The Library stocks over 16,500 books, both fiction and non-fiction, supporting the needs of the current curriculum and a broad range of students’ personal interests and hobbies;
• We subscribe to a selection of print magazines and a wide range of electronic resources, both for curriculum support and for research (including Britannica, Issues, JSTOR, as well as educational resources from The British Library, Library of Congress, Smithsonian and selected museums).
• In addition to print and electronic resources, our Library offers DVDs in a variety of languages, audiobooks and eBooks. Library computers are available to students during break and lunch time.
The Library is open every day from 8 am until 5.30 pm (17:00 on Fridays) to all students for study, for borrowing books and for relaxation, for which we provide a choice of games and puzzles.
All Year 7 students have a Library Induction soon after their arrival at SWPS when they are informed about the educational resources available via Firefly, and introduced to Infiniti, our Library Catalogue, where they can browse our book
collection and access reading recommendations.
Reading for pleasure is one of the main focuses for the Library and we aim to encourage students to explore a variety of topics in order to expand their empathy and cultural enrichment. Our collection is current and diverse, but students are always welcome to recommend new books to each other and to the Librarian.
Throughout the year our Library hosts a wide range of events, such as author visits, World Book Day, National Poetry Day, STEM Week, as well as historic and literary anniversaries. These events provide an opportunity to promote specific resources and have fun.
Our Librarian offers research skills and information evaluation sessions and collaborates closely with academic departments to incorporate those skills into students’ everyday practice, both at school and at home. The Librarian is very happy to provide assistance with research projects and finding information, so please do ask for help.
CAREERS ADVICE
Every student receives first-class guidance for their journey into life beyond SWPS. Our Careers and Higher Education programme begins in a student’s first year and continues as part of their PSHE curriculum. The support increases as students move into Year 11 and they start to focus more intently on university destinations, personal statements and relevant work experience.
We follow a spiral curriculum approach to careers education, ensuring that students continuously build on their skills and experiences each year. From the start of Year 7, our focus is on developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving, all of which are crucial for success in any career.
Each year, students revisit and strengthen these skills while gaining increased exposure to the world of work through hands-on projects and real-world experiences.
Year 7
Our careers programme starts early, with Year 7 students engaging in collaborative, skills-focused projects that build essential skills for success. They engage in 2 cross-curricular, collaborative projects with their peers:
- Mission to Mars – is a team-based challenge where students apply problemsolving, creativity, and teamwork to design and plan a mission to Mars, exploring careers in STEM, engineering, and space exploration.
- Curiosity Week – is an annual themed project encouraging research, critical thinking, and communication skills. This year ’s Curiosity Week linked to SWPS’ s Tercentenary, with students researching different periods of history from the past 300 years.
The PSHCE programme in Year 7 is designed to help students develop key skills that are essential for their personal and professional futures. Topics include:
▪ Real-life resilience – Learning how to navigate challenges and develop a growth mindset.
▪ Overcoming limiting beliefs –Encouraging confidence and ambition in personal and academic goals.
▪ Working in teams – Strengthening collaboration and communication skills.
By the end of Year 7, students have already taken important steps towards becoming independent thinkers, problem solvers, and confident communicators, setting the foundation for their future career pathways.
Year 8
In Year 8, all students take part in the NHS careers competition where they design an informative
advert for a role in the NHS. SWPS has traditionally been very successful in this competition. One of last year’s group made it to the final 10 out of nearly 1500 entries and was one of 10 National Finalists.
Year 9
In Year 9, students start to explore entrepreneurship through the £10 Challenge which develops their creativity and marketing skills in a business-style competition.
Every student will have a 1:1 meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss their GCSE option choices in Year 9. In addition to this quality assurance process for our students, the Parents’ Evening in Year 9 when options are discussed are consciously held in person. The rationale for this is to ensure all the key stakeholders are togetherstudent, parents and guardians and academic staff.
Year 10
Students participate in Samsung challenge where they are tasked to come up with a way of solving a problem through the use of technology and can win various Samsung related prizes. Careers education becomes more personalised, with students engaging in careers talks and 1:1 guidance sessions to discuss A-level options and career pathways.
Year 11
Students receive tailored guidance to help them make informed decisions about their A level choices and future career pathways, ensuring their options align with their interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations. Personalised support includes:
- Regular Mentoring Meetings – Each student is assigned a dedicated mentor
who supports them in exploring their aspirations, setting goals, and identifying pathways to achieve them. These sessions help students develop a clear vision for their future.
- 1:1 A-Level Guidance Interviews – Students meet individually with a senior teacher to discuss their A-level subject choices, ensuring they select options that align with their interests, university aspirations and career ambitions.
All students are strongly encouraged to undertake some form of work experience in year 11. Students can choose their own placements tailored to their requirements and we encourage students to utilise their networks and at the same time get hands-on experience of applying to organisations, helping to build their personal development and again build on those core skills.
MORRISBY
Morrisby is an internationally recognised well established platform which uses many factors that make up an individual to help students choose degree subjects and careers. From Year 8 each student has a personalised Morrisby login which is life long and can be updated as they progress through the school. Students undertake a psychometric assessment and answer a number of additional questionnaires about their personal interests, their personality type and their work preferences. This information is all then collated and combined to suggest suitable careers and subject choices.
SIXTH FORM
The focus moves towards “Life Beyond SWPS”, preparing students for their next steps, whether that be university, apprenticeships, or employment.
From interview training, careers tasters and a varied programme of webinars, seminars and insights into different professions and industries, students access a structured programme of expert careers advice and guidance in Year 12.
Throughout the year, students are encouraged to attend University subject taster days, career-based training days, InvestIN courses, apply for MOOCs, attend academic societies and lectures, enter competitions, and embark upon wider reading; in short, to look at a range of activities that will inform their decision making and enhance their CVs and Personal Statement.
This is also the year when university applications are started, and students will be given tailored one -to-one support throughout. Whether that’s UCAS, Oxbridge, medicine or applications to leading US and international universities. We host a Higher Education Conference and Fair in the Spring Term, which is attended by top universities and features workshops from admissions tutors.
We even provide support to those students who want to gain greater life experience before entering higher education – with ideas for gap years and apprenticeships.
We are very blessed to have a wealth of experience in our parent body and our alumnae; however, we are always keen to hear from parents willing to come in and talk to students about their roles.
MDV AND ELITE UNIVERSITIES
MDV sessions are offered for those aspiring to be Medics, Dentists or Vets. Sessions may also include experience and practice tests and
interviews. There are practical talks from professionals in the medical industries, as well as workshops to help students through the application process.
