PARENT HANDBOOK

Page 1


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.

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.

CO - CURRICULAR: CLUBS, TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

At SWPS, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are ready to embrace the world. That’s why our co-curricular programme is packed with opportunities for students to discover their passions, develop their talents, and challenge themselves in inspiring ways.

Whether stepping onto the stage or the sports field, leading clubs and societies, or joining committees, every student has the chance to thrive. Community spirit is at the heart of our ethos, with students eagerly engaging in charity initiatives and service projects. Programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award foster resilience and encourage entrepreneurial thinking, while thought-provoking talks, debates, and collaborations expose students to a wealth of perspectives. Adventurous trips and visits add an extra dimension of challenge and exploration, ensuring that life at SWPS is always vibrant, stimulating, and rewarding.

Music, drama, sport, and STEM are flourishing areas of activity, welcoming students of all ages and abilities. Whether performing in ensembles, competing on sports teams, or delving into engineering and robotics, everyone is encouraged to find their niche. With more than 100 clubs to choose from including coding, gardening, yoga, and debating there’s something to inspire every student.

Participation is actively encouraged, with students expected to engage in at least two clubs each week though most take part in many more, immersing themselves in the rich and varied life of the school. Engagement is carefully monitored, and tutors work alongside students and parents to

ensure they make the most of these fantastic opportunities.

Rowing and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award require additional commitment, with weekend sessions adding to the adventure. "Ready to Row" begins in Year 8 each September, while DofE starts in the summer term both offering unforgettable experiences that build confidence and resilience.

All activities are easily managed through SOCS Co -curricular, allowing students to browse options, sign up, and shape their own weekly timetable. Parents can also log in to track their child’ s involvement, making co-curricular engagement smooth and accessible.

With new opportunities introduced each term, there is always something fresh to explore. Whether embracing artistic expression, honing debating skills, or embarking on outdoor pursuits, SWPS students are empowered to make their school experience dynamic, enriching, and full of discovery

SAMPLE CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

ACTION FOR CHANGE

Equality Club

Female Lead Society

MUN (Model United Nations)

CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE

Art

Print Making

Ceramics

Creative Writing

Design and Crafts

Jewellery Making

The Great SWPS Sewing Bee

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Biology Club

Dissection Club

Astronomy

Computing

Digital Photography

Design Technology

Electronics

ENQUIRING MINDS

Bridge Club

Coding Club

Formula 1 in Schools

Film of the Book Club

Greek Club

Humanities Club

Lego Robotics Club

Mandarin

Medics, Dentists and Vets (MDV)

MFL Club

Ovid Competition

Philosophical Club

Poet Laureates

Politics Club

Science Club

Spanish Culture Club

The Bloomsbury Group

GREAT OUTDOORS

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

ECO Club

TRIPS

Trips and visits are an important element of enhancing curriculum and pastoral aspects of the school, giving your child unique experiences to broaden their learning journey. Staff run numerous enrichment or subject specific day trips such as theatre trips or field trips. Y7s will enjoy a team building residential trip in the first half term after arrival. Additional international trips occur every year, which vary from year to year. Examples of trips that have occurred in the last few years include South Africa, Morocco, Iceland, Greece, Spain, Austria, France and Germany.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Charity Committee

Community Volunteering

Cookery

PERFORMING ARTS

Composition Club

Drama

Drama Tech Team

LAMDA

Music (numerous groups)

Choirs

SPORT & FITNESS

Core Sports Clubs

Strength & Conditioning

Rowing

Volleyball

Badminton

Gymnastics

Year 7

September, Activity Trip to Norfolk

July, South Africa and Lesotho

Year 8

December, Ski Trip to Austria

March, Classics Trip to Italy

May, Jockey and Netball Tour to Jersey

July, South Africa and Lesotho

Year 9

October, Drama Trip to Paris

October, Trip to Barcelona

December. Ski Trip to Austria

March, Classics Trip to Italy

March, MUN Residential

June, DofE Bronze Practice

Year 10

September, DofE Bronze Qualifier

October, Drama Trip to Paris

October, Trip to Barcelona

December. History & RE Trip to Krakow

December. Ski Trip to Austria

February, Physics Trip to CERN

March, Geography Trip to Margam

March, MUN Residential

March, Classics Trip to Italy

March/April, Rowing Spring Camp

June, DofE Silver Qualifier

Year 11

October, Drama Trip to Paris

October, Trip to Barcelona

December. History & RE Trip to Krakow

December. Ski Trip to Austria

February, Physics Trip to CERN

March, MUN Residential

March, Classics Trip to Italy

March/April, Rowing Spring Camp

June, DofE Silver Qualifier

Year 12

October, DofE Gold Training weekend

October, Drama Trip to Paris

October, Trip to Barcelona

December. History & RE Trip to Krakow

December. Ski Trip to Austria

February, Physics Trip to CERN

March, MUN Residential

March, Classics Trip to Italy

March, DofE Gold Practice

March/April, Rowing Spring Camp

May, A Level Geography Trip

July, DofE Gold Qualifier

Year 13

October, Drama Trip to Paris

October, Trip to Barcelona

December. Ski Trip to Austria

February, Physics Trip to CERN

March, MUN Residential

March, Classics Trip to Italy

March/April, Rowing Spring Camp

CHARITY AND SERVICE

At SWPS, charitable giving isn’t just a vital aspect of school life it’s a driving force that shapes our vibrant school community. We believe that fostering a spirit of generosity empowers students to step beyond the classroom, engage with global issues, and create meaningful change through their actions.

Throughout the year, we join together for exciting fundraising events that support causes close to our hearts. Whether it's the thrill of a tug-of-war competition or the joy of a bustling cake sale, our students throw themselves into every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Leading the charge is our Charities Committee, a dynamic team of Prefects who select impactful campaigns and craft creative ways to make a difference.

Beyond fundraising, our commitment to service runs deep. We encourage students to extend their efforts beyond SWPS, forging connections that broaden perspectives and enrich lives. From visiting local care homes to transforming public spaces through community gardening, Perkonians embrace every opportunity to give back. Sixth Form students, in particular, take an active role in meaningful service initiatives, leaving a lasting impression on those around them.

Through these experiences, we cultivate compassion, collaboration, and a lifelong dedication to making the world a better place. By taking action today, our students build a legacy of kindness that will stay with them far beyond their school years.

DRAMA AT SWPS

At SWPS, Drama is more than a subject it’ s a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring journey. Our mission? To spark joy, ignite imagination, and empower every student to express themselves boldly and authentically. Drama at SWPS is a structured yet liberating discipline, offering a safe space to explore big ideas, tackle real-world issues, and build confidence through creativity.

CO - CURRICULAR DRAMA: A STAGE FOR EVERYONE

Our co-curricular programme is ambitious, everevolving, and packed with opportunities for students of all ages to shine on stage, behind the scenes, or in the director’s chair.

ANNUAL PRODUCTIONS

We bring the magic of theatre to life with at least two major productions each year, featuring students from every year group. From Shakespeare to showstoppers, our performances are staged in the School Hall or Drama Studio. Every other year, we go big with a full-scale musical!

Recent highlights include:

Rent

Made in Dagenham

Annie

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour

Dreamcoat

Macbeth

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Much Ado About Nothing

DRAMA CLUBS

Open to all and full of fun, our weekly clubs for Years 7–9 focus on:

Improvisation

Teamwork

Acting techniques

Confidence building

DIGITAL VIDEO EDITING CLUB (YEARS 9 –

10)

Lights, camera, action! Students learn the art of filmmaking from shooting to editing their own short films.

LIGHT & SOUND CLUB

For those who love the tech side of theatre, this club offers hands-on experience in:

Lighting design

Sound engineering

Stage management

Costume and make-up

HOUSE DRAMA

An electrifying annual competition where Sixth Form House Captains lead younger students in creating original performances. It’s student-led, staff-supported, and always a crowd-pleaser.

GCSE & A LEVEL WRITING CLINICS

Lunchtime sessions to support Drama students with coursework, exam prep, and written analysis

SIXTH FORM DRAMA: EXPANDING HORIZONS

In the Sixth Form, Drama becomes a launchpad for innovation. Students can:

· Devise original performances

Direct or act in published plays

Organise and attend workshops

Collaborate across year groups

THEATRE TRIPS & PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS

We believe in learning from the best. That’s why we organise regular trips to top-tier productions and host professional workshops on-site.

Recent trips include:

· Wicked – Apollo Victoria Theatre

· Jerusalem – Apollo Theatre

· War Horse – National Theatre

Our Country’s Good – Lyric Hammersmith

Workshops have featured:

Blood Brothers (Year 10)

Collaborative workshops with Farnborough Hill School

Devising sessions for Years 11 & 13

We also stream National Theatre, West End, and Broadway shows in our purpose-built studio via Digital Theatre.

PERFORMANCES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

There’s always something happening on the SWPS stage:

· Junior Drama – Year 8 students perform a play written and directed by Sixth Formers.

· Year 7 Panto – A festive favourite with students performing and managing backstage roles.

· Whole School Production – A musical extravaganza in partnership with the Music Department.

· LAMDA Concerts – A showcase of Speech and Drama exam pieces.

· Drama Club Showcases – End-of-term performances from all our clubs.

· GCSE & A Level Exam Performances –Original and scripted pieces performed for a live audience.

· Year 13 Pantomime – A hilarious, student -led tradition to end the year with a bang.

LAMDA

Students from all year groups can take individual or group LAMDA lessons in Speech and Drama. Our results speak for themselves many students achieve Distinctions year after year.

SPEECH AND DRAMA (LAMDA)

Unlock your creativity and confidence with Speech and Drama lessons at SWPS! Enhancing the already thriving Drama Department, these dynamic sessions incorporate the prestigious LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exams, offering pupils an invaluable cocurricular opportunity. Whether learning individually or in small groups, students develop essential communication skills while embracing imagination and performance.

Lessons are scheduled throughout the school day on a rotational basis, so students must keep an eye on their timetables via Microsoft Teams and the board outside the LAMDA room.

WHY CHOOSE SPEECH AND DRAMA?

The programme isn’t just about acting it’s about building confidence, sharpening communication skills, and developing a powerful presence that benefits every area of academic and personal life. From presentations and public speaking to literary analysis and expressive storytelling, these lessons empower students in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

A PATHWAY TO SUCCESS

Students prepare for graded LAMDA examinations at school, and are assessed by an external examiner. These qualifications, regulated by Ofqual, contribute to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), and higher grades even carry UCAS tariff points, making them a valuable addition to university applications.

SIX ENGAGING DISCIPLINES

Whether students want to master public speaking, bring poetry and prose to life, command the stage in acting, craft original performances in Devising, develop storytelling through Reading for Performance, or express emotion through Mime, LAMDA’s syllabus provides the perfect opportunity.

TAILORED TO YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY

Each student’s choices can be customised to enhance their records of achievement, especially as they approach GCSE selections. Additionally, themed work allows for cross-curricular connections, enriching their studies in unexpected ways.

A LAUNCHPAD FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

Beyond school life, these lessons prove invaluable in preparing for university applications, interviews, and presentations. LAMDA classes offer a rewarding and enriching challenge, accredited within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and widely recognised within higher education. Many students even utilise their LAMDA experience to complete the ‘Skills’ section of The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

FEES & SCHEDULING

• £115 per term from September 2025

• Three terms per year, with 10 lessons per term (Autumn Term often extends to 12 lessons)

• 30 lessons annually, providing consistent progress

MUSIC AT SWPS

Music is at the heart of life at SWPS. It’s a powerful form of human expression, and we believe every student should have the chance to experience, enjoy, and learn about it. Our approach is built on inclusivity welcoming all students to participate while also providing exclusive, high-quality opportunities for advanced musicians.

Whether looking to join a group for fun or perform at a professional level, there’s a place for everyone in our music community. Students take part in numerous performances throughout the year, from informal lunchtime concerts to prestigious public events. Annual highlights include the Year 7 and 8 Lunchtime Concerts, Scholars Recitals, the Year 7 Extravaganza, the Christmas Concert, Carol Service, Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and the Spring Soiree. This year, we also celebrated our 300th Anniversary with a special concert at Sinfonia Smith Square.

ACADEMIC MUSIC

Music is part of the curriculum for Years 7 to 9 and is offered at both GCSE and A Level.

CO - CURRICULAR MUSIC

Our co-curricular programme is rich and varied, with ensembles for musicians of all abilities. Groups rehearse weekly, leading to large-scale performances featuring hundreds of students, as well as more intimate soloist evenings and music festivals.

Our co-curricular programme includes:

• Melba Choir – A welcoming, non-auditioned choir for students in Years 7–9, singing music from all genres.

• Vox Choir – A non-auditioned choral group for Years 10–13, performing at major school events.

• Jarvis Orchestra – A training orchestra for instrumentalists working at Grade 3–4 level.

• Symphony Orchestra – An audition/invitationonly orchestra for musicians working at Grade 5+ level.

• Chamber Orchestra – An exceptional ensemble for musicians working at Grade 8+ level.

• Flute Choir – An advanced flute group for students working at Grade 5+ level.

• Swing Band – A group exploring big band, swing, and jazz styles.

• Atrium Beatz – An informal lunchtime performance opportunity open to all students.

• Theory Club – A space for students preparing for ABRSM exams and developing their aural skills.

• GCSE & A Level Composition – Support for students working on their coursework compositions.

SWPS Music Co-Curricular proposed Autumn Term 2025

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Morning

07:40 – 08:15

Lunch 1

12:35 – 13:05 Jazz Band Flute Choir

Lunch 2

13:05 – 13:35 Melba Choir

After School

15:45 – 16:45

Vox Choir

Senior Production Solos Chamber Orchestra Year 7 and Year 8 Lunchtime Concerts

ABRSM Grade 6-8 Aural

Trumpet and Trombone Club

Jarvis Orchestra

KS4 & KS5 Composition

KS4 & KS5 Composition Senior Production

KS4 & KS5 Composition Symphony Orchestra

KS4 & KS5 Composition

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

Our visiting music teachers offer students lessons on a wide range of instruments with lessons available from beginner level to diploma and beyond. SWPS has a limited number of school instruments for loan.

Fees are charged on the basis of 30 lessons per academic year and are paid to visiting music teachers in advance of the first lesson of each term. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Please complete the Individual Instrumental Tuition Form online if you would like to apply for lessons: SWPS Music

RARE INSTRUMENT PROGRAMME

Does your child have an interest in learning a trumpet, trombone or French horn? SWPS runs a ‘Rare Instrument Scheme’, offering a limited

number of places annually for students to learn a rare instrument.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a caseby-case basis. Please express your interest on the application form in the induction pack.

Terms and conditions of participating in the Rare Instrument Scheme:

Lessons will be subsidised only for the first half term of Year 7 (total of 5 lessons of 35 minutes).

Instrument hire will be subsidised for the first term only.

Students participating will be required to attend each lesson scheduled for them. Any missed lessons will be added to the school bill.

Students will participate in the Rare Instrument Ensemble.

Students will participate in the Year 7 Concert in the week before the October half term.

Vox Choir

SPORT AT SWPS

At SWPS, sport is more than competition it’ s a culture, a passion, and a journey of personal growth. With a distinguished reputation for sporting achievement, our teams consistently shine at local, county, regional, national, and international levels.

We are proud of our elite performance in gymnastics, hockey, netball, and rowing, and in the year ahead, we are expanding and elevating our football and cricket programmes to match their growing popularity.

OUTSTANDING FACILITIES

Our exceptional on-site facilities provide the perfect foundation for success:

• Floodlit netball and tennis courts

• Floodlit Astroturf for all-weather training

• A modern, fully equipped sports hall

• A purpose-built rowing facility featuring a state-of-the-art fitness suite.

SPORT FOR ALL: EVERY STUDENT, EVERY ABILITY

We believe that sport should be inclusive and accessible to all. Through a dual-approach structure, we run development squads alongside competitive teams, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to receive expert coaching, participate in regular fixtures, and experience the joy of sport.

Sport remains a core part of the curriculum at SWPS, encouraging every student to immerse themselves fully in our Sports Programme. Our

mission is to ignite a lifelong love of physical activity and competition, creating opportunities for students to engage in a wide variety of sports, regardless of talent or experience. SWPS has an excellent reputation for sport and our teams regularly achieve success at local, county, regional, national and international level.

CURRICULUM & CO - CURRICULAR EXCELLENCE

• Comprehensive Physical Education Programme: A diverse and engaging curriculum ensures all students develop fundamental athletic skills.

• Extensive Training Squads: Offering hockey, netball, athletics, rowing, tennis, gymnastics, football, and cricket, with sessions available in the morning, during the day, and after school.

• Recreational Clubs: Badminton and rounders are examples of additional opportunities for students to enjoy sport in a relaxed environment.

• Competitive Fixtures & Tours: Weekly fixtures across multiple sports, plus national competitions and international tours recent trips include South Africa and Guernsey.

SPORT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

For students displaying exceptional talent, our Elite Athlete Programme (EAP) provides specialist mentoring and expert guidance in training, nutrition, and mental preparation for competition. With access to guest speakers from the world of elite sport and tailored strength and conditioning sessions, this programme is designed to elevate performance to the highest level.

WELCOMING FUTURE CHAMPIONS: YEAR 7 SPORT CAMP

Our pre-season Year 7 Sports Camp on 2 September 2025 offers incoming students the chance to build confidence, refine skills, and forge friendships ahead of their exciting sporting journey at SWPS. Sign up now and complete your Introduction to Sport form online.

GAMES CURRICULUM

CORE CURRICULUM

ACADEMIC PATHWAYS

Physical Education is offered at GCSE and A-level, with students currently following the OCR syllabus, ensuring that they can pursue their passion for sport academically as well as athletically.

Autumn Term Netball and Hockey

Spring Term Netball and Hockey

Summer Term Cricket

PE CURRICULUM

Year Group Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Sixth Form

Gymnastics and HRF (Speed & Agility)

Dance and Football Athletics

HRF (Endurance) and Football Tag Rugby and Gymnastics Athletics

Gymnastics and Basketball

HRF (Gym Fit) and Volleyball

Football, Gym, Swim, Yoga, Dance, Multi Sport

Football, Gym, Swim, Yoga, Dance, Multi Sport

Badminton and Football Athletics

Football, Basketball and Badminton Athletics

Football, Gym, Swim, Yoga, Dance, Multi Sport

Football, Gym, Swim, Yoga, Dance, Multi Sport

Tennis, Padel, Multi Sport

Tennis, Padel, Multi Sport

SPORTS FIXTURES

Information in relation to fixtures can be found through SOCS at www.swpssport.org.uk. Team sheets are published here for parents/guardians and students to access. They are also displayed on the screens and on the Fixtures Board in the PE Department.

All team sheets are posted a week in advance where possible and will be emailed to the students involved. Cancellations or changes to fixtures will be made online and changed live through the website.

The PE Department will advise at the start of Autumn Term when sports fixtures and training sessions will begin.

ROWING is extremely popular here at SWPS, and is the School's major elite sport.

Our rowers’ journeys begin in Year 8, with a ‘Ready To Row’ programme. These sessions involve a foundation in Strength and Conditioning, fun games to develop enjoyment of sport and physical health, as well an introduction to the rowing machine and education on the wider world of rowing. At the end of the Summer Term, our Year 8s get their first taste of life on the water, with their three-day Learn to Row Course!

Rowing in Year 9 becomes a full co-curricular option with four sessions on offer each week, as we develop a group of beginners to the point where they can race nationally for the first time.

From Year 10 onwards, we offer a performance pathway for those looking to be competitive in the sport and keen to see how good they can become! We also offer a Recreational Rowing route from Y10-13 as part of Games afternoons.

Senior Squad (Y11-13) – A Programme for Elite Performance, Open to All. Our Senior Squad programme is designed to support rowers and

coxes with the potential for national and international success to progress to become the best athletes they can possibly be. However, importantly there is no minimum performance criteria for Senior Squad membership, other than full commitment to the training programme. For some rowers, national and international success may not be realistic, but racing well at local races and aiming for PBs in land testing are equally motivating targets for the wide array of athletes in this Squad!

If you have any questions contact the Director of Rowing, Chris Boddy (CBoddy@swps.org.uk)

GYMNASTICS

Students joining the School will be given the opportunity to trial gymnastics at the Tuesday after school sessions

We run 3 squads:

- The National Squad – to compete at National Level

- The Development Squad – to feed gymnasts into the National Squad, provide competitive opportunities for more gymnasts, to refine core skills, flexibility & strength and develop vaulting and tumbling techniques.

- The Participations Squad - to make gymnastics accessible for every student with an emphasis on fun and enjoyment whilst learning basic skills.

Squads train on Tuesday evenings after school and lunchtimes on Thursday. The aim is to allow every child to represent SWPS at Gymnastics if they attend club regularly and have acquired skills.

Contacts: Mrs J Thompson (JThompson@swps.org.uk ) or Mrs D Payne (DPayne@swps.org.uk).

CO - CURRICULAR SPORT

We encourage all students to get involved with our co- curricular programme. We run a wide variety of sports teams across every year group catering for all ability levels. A full timetable of events will be available from school and on the sports website at the beginning of the Autumn Term.

In September, your child’s Form Tutor will give more information about how to sign up for other co-curricular activities.

MOUTHGUARDS

Mouthguards and shin pads are required for hockey. Students will not be permitted to take part in hockey lessons or matches without them.

You may choose between the ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards available online or from other sports shops, or an individually fitted type. We recommend the individually fitted, heavy-weight variety, particularly for students who play in the school hockey teams.

HAIR AND JEWELLERY

All jewellery must be removed for PE lessons. If a student cannot remove their earrings because they have recently had their ears pierced, they must wear micropore tape over the front and back of their earrings for all PE lessons. Students should bring their own micropore tape and keep it in their locker.

PERMISSION

TO BE EXCUSED FROM PE

Students will only be excused from physical activity if they provide a handwritten note or an email from a parent. If a student is going to be excused for a long period of time due to an injury or their medical condition, a note should also be sent to the First Aid Room FAR@swps.org.uk, so that their medical notes can be updated.

must be removed for PE lessons. If a student cannot remove their earrings because they have recently had their ears pierced, they must wear micropore tape over the front and back of their earrings for all PE lessons. Students should bring their own micropore tape and keep it in their locker.

CLUBS, PRACTICES AND FIXTURES

Every term, a list of the clubs, practices and fixtures is displayed on the PE notice board and on the SOCS calendar. The majority of clubs are open to all students and take place before school, during the lunch break or after school. In some clubs numbers may be limited. When students are selected to play in matches against other schools, a team list, including the match details, is displayed on the PE notice board. This information is also available to parents via the SOCS calendar. Transport is provided to and from away fixtures; students can either be picked up from the away venue or from school on their return.

Should you have any queries, please contact the Director of Sport, Mr Rich Brown: RBrown@swps.org.uk

FEES AND FINANCE

The Accounts Office is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. The office is open throughout the year with the exception of two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

FEE BILLS AND PAYMENTS

The School requires fees to be collected by direct debit, unless specific arrangements have been made with the Director of Finance and Operations. Fee bills for the next term are sent out as soon after the end of the previous term as possible. so as to enable payment by the due date – before the first day of term. Direct Debits are taken on the first day of term.

Our current fees can be found on our website. Fees for the academic year ahead are usually published at the start of the Summer Term.

MONTHLY PAYMENT OF FEES

Parents wishing to spread the cost of fees may wish to use monthly direct debit, via the School Fee Plan company. There is also an option to pay fees in advance, using the Fees in Advance Scheme. Details of both of these schemes are available on the website: Fees

For queries on fee bills, payments and instalment plans please contact 01932 574900, or fees@swps.org.uk.

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL

In order to ensure sound financial planning the School requires one full term’s notice, should you wish to withdraw your child from the School. Where this is not given, the School will charge fees in lieu of notice. Notice should be made in writing or by email to the Head (head@swps.org.uk).

POLICIES

All School and Regulatory Policies are available on request from the Director of Finance and Operations at DFO@swps.org.uk. Most may also be viewed on the School website: SWPS Policies

CATERING

We take food seriously at SWPS and we know if our students are well-fed and nourished, they will perform better inside and outside the classroom. We ensure there is a wide range of healthy, nutritious, and most importantly, delicious food on offer throughout the day.

We offer a wide selection of healthy meals for all tastes and diets. As well as a choice of hot dishes and vegetarian main meals, soup, jacket potatoes, pasta and salads are always available at lunchtime. We cater for a wide range of diets and allergies. All our dishes are clearly labelled with allergen information, and our staff can provide more specific advice if students are unsure.

We have an established arrangement with an independent school specialist catering company to manage our catering operation and provide staffing. High quality, fresh food is brought in and the Operations Manager / Head Chef is ready to attend to issues raised. Parents are welcome to contact them to arrange to meet and discuss any matter relating to the School’s catering provision.

LUNCH

Lunch is a three-course cooked meal service in the Dining Hall. Choices of soup, hot course, pastas, jacket potatoes and salads with plenty of vegetarian dishes, are always available. Bread can also be taken with the meal. Desserts are also available each day, including yogurts and fruit. The week’s menu is available on the website: School Catering.

LUNCH PASS

All students who are signed up to take school lunches will be issued with a ‘Lunch Pass’ at the beginning of the year, which they should show to the member of staff on duty before entering the Dining Room. If a lunch pass is forgotten or mislaid, temporary passes may be issued by the Reception team.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

It is, of course, essential that the School is made fully aware of every student’s dietary requirements. Please do so, alongside their medical needs, in the online Induction Pack. The Operations Manager will be fully informed and is available to meet with parents to discuss the needs of students with particular dietary requirements.

SNACKS

Snacks are available throughout the day in the Atrium, our café, supplying healthy snacks, smoothies and drinks. Students may pay for snacks by card. There is a plentiful supply of water fountains around the School and students are encouraged to drink regularly.

DIGITAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

We continue to be committed to our Digital Strategy which allows all students to access the benefits of eLearning, using digital mobile devices at school and at home.

Aligned with our digital aims for teaching and learning, we take this approach in order to:

Use technology to enhance current good practice and to drive forward teaching and learning at SWPS.

· Strive continually to provide our students with the best possible access to learning.

Offer our students access to a variety of learning styles.

Encourage independent learning and equip our students for adult life.

The IT Acceptable Use Policy can be viewed on the SWPS website. All computers in school run the windows operating system along with Microsoft Office. Acceptance of the IT policy will be required each time a student logs on to the school system.

IPADS AND THE SCHOOL ’ S IT REQUIREMENTS

Students will have their own iPads and class sets are widely used around the school for a variety of subjects. Further information about ICT within the school can be obtained by contacting the IT Department: ITHelpdesk@swps.org.uk.

We believe that technology, used correctly and at the right times, can have a profound effect on your child’s learning, opening up new

possibilities which were difficult to achieve in the past. New advances in technology mean that we are at the dawn of an age where students can collaborate, investigate and explore like never before; as such iPads will form a key part of the learning toolkit here at SWPS.

This is not to say that traditional teaching methods are not important - but if we are to prepare our students for their future, we must equip them with the technology that will enable them to develop the skills they will need. We want to enable students to work collaboratively, to communicate effectively, to be creative and have more enquiring minds so that they become increasingly independent learners and thinkers.

After extensive research, our choice of device is the Apple iPad, and all students will be required to bring their own personal iPad into school when they arrive. This has been chosen because the device must be robust, intuitive to use, compatible with the existing school infrastructure, provide access to high quality apps, and be sustainable over multiple years.

To ensure the device is supported for the full duration of the student’s time at the school, the model should be at least an iPad 10th gen (2022) or newer. Each iPad should also have a robust case, a protective screen (see below) and a detachable keyboard. A stylus that can be used with the device is also essential to your child’ s toolkit.

Each student will bring their iPad into school in September and will be given introductory training on its use. Each student’s device will be enrolled into the School’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. This will allow us to remotely install apps onto the device and ensure that it is compatible with appropriate apps and software. It is important that each device is covered by your own insurance and that it is

charged overnight so that it has a full charge at the start of each school day.

We want our students to gain the very best educational experience through the highest of teaching standards whilst using technology and the vast benefits that this brings. We see this progression as a step towards greater independent thinking and an enhanced curriculum experience.

At SWPS, we take e-safety very seriously. Your child’s internet access will be robustly managed by the school’s IT filtering and management system. We appreciate that understanding esafety is essential for all young people and this is delivered in both Computer Science lessons in year 7 and PSHCE lessons throughout the school.

SWPS IPAD ENROLMENT

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO WITH MY CHILD ’ S IPAD?

At Sir William Perkins’s School, we use a mobile device management system which can be used to deploy network settings and applications to devices. As these devices are personally owned, there are no strict rules enforced on these devices, and the school gains no access to the content stored on them. Safeguarding is handled by the school’s web filtering on the network, ensuring all students are safe and focused.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

To begin with, we will need the serial number from your child’s iPad. The serial number can be

found on the back of the iPad, or on the original packaging for the device.

You will need to send this serial number to iPadSerial@swps.org.uk along with your child’ s full name and the year group they will be in come September.

The deadline for this in order to hit the ground running in September will be the Friday 22 August 2025.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

After you have sent us your serial number, you will receive an email from the school IT department containing setup instructions for the device. This could be a few days or a few weeks depending on when you send the serial.

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS

If you have any issues during setup, or have any questions, please email us at ithelpdesk@swps.org.uk and we will do our best to assist you or answer your questions.

WELCOME FROM THE FRIENDS OF SWPS

We are the parents’ association that brings together friendly mums and dads to raise as much money as possible to fund projects, which gives our children the best learning experience possible. We are not demanding or overbearing –we value any help you can give, large or small. If you can pour a glass of wine or make a cup of tea, you ’ll fit right in.

What

we do

• We provide refreshments (from wine and nibbles to tea and homemade cakes) at all the major music and drama events and sports day, making them feel like a friendly place to be.

• We run the second-hand uniform sales, making pre-loved uniform affordable to all.

• We have two major fundraising events every year: the Quiz Night (on the last Friday in September) and the Christmas Fair (on the last Saturday in November)

All these things help us raise sizeable amounts of money for school projects every year.

When you join SWPS, you join the Friends of SWPS

All new parents are automatically enrolled to the Friends of SWPS, with the annual fee of £20 added to your autumn school bill. We are a registered charity, so gift aid can be reclaimed on your subscription and on any donations made.

Can you lend us your time or talent?

The Friends of SWPS are always looking for volunteers to help plan and run our events – the more the merrier! Volunteering is a great way to

get to know other parents, and to stay involved in your child’s school journey: from pouring a few glasses of wine, making cakes, sorting out uniforms, helping to set up for an event, running a stall at the Christmas Fair, to adding your sparkle to the committee – there is something for everyone to do, and everyone is welcome. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out a form here: www.swps.org.uk/volunteer-clone or email us at friends.of.swps@gmail.com

Keeping you in the loop

We communicate with parents via the Schoolpost every Friday, and also via Classlist – this is an online parent’s forum which we use to send out important messages and to sell tickets to our events – you can join Classlist via our page on the school website: www.swps.org.uk/friends-of-swps - don’t forget to turn on notifications!

What we’ve achieved

Our collective fundraising power in the last couple of years has helped to fund:

• 2 samba kits for the Music Department;

• A digital binocular microscope for the Biology Department;

• 2 oscilloscopes for the Physics Department;

• Photographic equipment for the Art Department, including 2 SLR cameras, a dark room enlarger, UV light and printing press;

• First aid training equipment;

• Funding for the annual Summer Jamboree;

• A rare instrument scheme to give students the opportunity to try out new instruments;

• A donation to the leavers’ prom;

• Hockey goalkeeping kit, fitness equipment, netball post protectors, netball dresses for the senior teams, and gymnastics equipment for the Sport Department;

• A donation towards the carbon neutral recycling scheme;

• An F1 kit car for the Sixth Form to build and race.

Just imagine what we could do next!

3

easy ways to help Friends of

SWPS

1. Fill out your Gift Aid form – we can claim back £5 on every £20 donated. Please fill in your Gift Aid declaration here: www.swps.org.uk/friends-of-swps/friendsof-swps-gift-aid-form

2. Join easyfundraising – it’s the easiest way to raise funds for the school. When you buy anything online from over 8,000 retailers (including Amazon and John Lewis) they’ll donate part of what you spend to your cause (Friends of Sir William Perkins’s School), at no extra cost to you

3. Volunteer - use your time & talent on the committee or just volunteer, as and when you can. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out a form here: www.swps.org.uk/volunteer-clone or email us at friends.of.swps@gmail.com

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT

BUSES

A number of public buses stop close to school: Routes 446, 461, 557, 593

COACH SERVICES

The SWPS Coach Service offers students and parents a convenient, safe, reliable and environmentally friendly means of transport to and from school. We currently operate ten routes, using well regarded local coach operators. Areas covered include Windsor, Ascot, Sunningdale, Englefield Green, Egham, Camberley, Bagshot, Chobham, Knaphill, Woking, West Byfleet, Oxshott, Cobham, Claygate, Esher, Weybridge, Walton on Thames, Kingston, Thames Ditton, Molesey, Teddington, Hampton, Shepperton, Barnes, Richmond upon Thames, Twickenham, Sunbury on Thames, Hounslow, Ashford and Staines upon Thames. The service is open to students of all ages.

TIMETABLE

The latest route, timetable and fare information can be found on this link: SWPS Coach Service

The cost of the service is invoiced termly and added to the school fees invoice. If you would like more information, please contact the Operations Manager, Celine Legge, on 01932 574900, CLegge@swps.org.uk

ONLINE BOOKING

To reserve a place for your child(ren) on the 20252026 coach service, please complete a booking form via SWPS Coach Service. Demand for places can be high and we endeavour to accommodate all requests. However, where spaces are limited, priority will be given to those requiring full time tickets and those travelling the furthest. Our terms and conditions require a termly commitment from parents with a full term’s notice in writing required to cancel a coach seat.

CYCLING

If your child cycles to school, we have bike racks to store bicycles safely.

DRIVING

Parents who drive their child to school are asked not to use the Bus Stop outside the School for drop off.

PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC

07:30 – 08.00 and 15.30–16.30

The roads around SWPS become very busy during pick up and drop off times and we rely on your support to ensure your children have a safe journey to and from school.

Please be considerate of our neighbours at all times.

TRAIN

A large number of students use the train. The nearest station is Chertsey – a short walk from school – and there are numerous trains during the rush hour and after school.

UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE

School uniform is worn by Years 7 to 11 according to the school uniform code.

Sixth Formers do not wear uniform but abide by a smart casual dress code.

Our Uniform and Sports Kit supplier is AlleyCatz, available at:

AlleyCatz Claremont House 34 Molesey Road Hersham Surrey KT12 4RQ

01932 223 075 | info@alleycatz.co.uk | www.alleycatz.co.uk

A copy of the School’s Uniform & Dress Code (including Sports Kit and an equipment list) is available below, or on your child’s checklist.

Students who are not in line with our uniform and dress codes may be sent home to correct any identified problems.

UNIFORM CODE RULES FOR YEARS 7 – 11

• Long hair must be neatly tied back with a navy blue or black hair tie (Year 7-9). Hair should be a natural colour only

• No jewellery may be worn in school apart from a wrist-watch and one pair of plain ear-lobe studs

• No tattoos, stretchers, cartilage, or bodypiercings (including nose piercings) are allowed

• No make-up or coloured nail-varnish, acrylics or gels are to be worn at school

• No trainers

DRESS CODE FOR SIXTH FORM STUDENTS

The dress code for Sixth Form students is smart casual.

The following items are not permitted:

o Crop tops and revealing clothing

o Ripped jeans and very short skirts or shorts

o Transparent items of clothing

• Sixth Form students are required to wear business dress on formal occasions and at key school events such as Open events

• Hair should be a natural colour only

• No tattoos, stretchers, cartilage, or bodypiercings (including nose piercings) are allowed

UNIFORM CODE FOR YEARS 7 TO 11

Blazer
Skirt

Uniform Supplier or any other retailer

Uniform Supplier or any other retailer

Uniform Supplier or any other retailer

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

Supplied

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

• Black or blue writing pens (biro or fountain pen)

• Green writing pen (biro)

• HB Pencil

• Sharpener

• Eraser

Stationery

• Colouring Pencils

• Dry Wipe Pen

• Whiteboard Rubber (this can be a small piece of sponge or microfibre cloth)

• 30cm Ruler

• Maths Set (compass, protractor, set squares)

Any other retailer

• Glue Stick

• Watercolour paint set

• 2 paint brushes: 1 small, 1 large

• Scissors Optional

• Brush Storage Tube

• Black fine liner

• Sketching Pencils: 2B, 3B, 4B, 6B

Any other retailer

Compulsory

SPORTS KIT - COMPULSORY ITEMS FOR YEARS 7 TO 11

Item

• Performance Polo

• Baselayer

• Tracksuit bottoms

• Quarter Zip midlayer

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

• Skort Compulsory

• Leggings

• House T-shirt

• Sport shorts

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

• Sports socks, ankle length (white) Compulsory

• Full zip jacket Optional

• Sports bag (personalisation optional)

• Shin pads

• Mouth guard

• Hockey stick

• White socks

• Astro turf trainers – any colour

• Trainers - non-marking, any colour, running trainers (not Nike AirMax)

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

Compulsory

• Football boots Optional

• Tennis racket Compulsory

• Hockey glove Optional

Supplier

TERM DATES: ACADEMIC YEAR 2025 2026

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