Welcome
Welcome to St Helen’s Senior School. We are very much looking forward to getting to know you and helping you settle into life in Middle School. St Helen’s is a very friendly school, and we are all here to help and support you as you find your feet over the first few weeks and months.
Of course, there will be new routines to get used to and lots of information to digest. At times it may all feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry! You won’t be expected to know everything straight away; your Tutors will guide you and be very patient with you while you learn the ropes.
This guide is designed to help you navigate St Helen’s and it aims to answer some of those common questions new pupils may have before joining us.
Your views are very important to us, and you will find out more about the School Council and other opportunities to get involved in Student Voice activities soon. We look forward to hearing your ideas and seeing how you all, as a year group, contribute to our community in the years ahead.
We hope you have a wonderful summer holiday, and we look forward to seeing you on Monday 7th September. Please save the date for the planned Year 7 induction event before the official start of term on Tuesday 8th September.
Year 7 Team
St Helen’s Senior Sisters
All girls in Year 7 are allocated a Senior Sister in Year 9. You will retain this Senior Sister as you move up through the Senior School. Your Senior Sister is someone you can talk to about school related issues, someone you can go to for advice, or just someone from another year group who you can chat to at lunch.
There is normally an official Senior Sister meet up once a term, but in practice, girls tend to communicate outside of these meet-ups and often get together at break or lunchtimes to touch base. You can contact your Senior Sister through her St Helen’s email.
Joining a House at St Helen’s
When you join St Helen’s you will join one of four Houses, which are named after inspiring females as chosen by our pupils: Bronte, Kahlo, Franklin and Seacole. There are regular House meetings, as well as House activities such as House Charities Week, Sports Day, music and other sporting competitions, Healthy Houses, Maths challenges and House Arts to name a few!
House Arts productions are performed in front of the whole Senior School in the Summer Term and are run by the Sixth Form House teams. Everyone is welcome to audition from Year 7 and above, and many Year 7 girls play a part helping backstage and with technical support. Getting involved is great fun, but it is equally good to support your friends who are taking part in a show. Look out for the House noticeboards when you join us in September.
At the heart of the House system is charity: raising money for, and awareness of, a range of worthy charitable causes. Girls in each House choose charities based on a whole school theme and then the House votes to decide on the final charity. There are many opportunities for Year 7 pupils to take part, including at our Christmas Fair and Calendar Sale where all proceeds raised go to our School charities.
Another exciting charity event in the calendar is House Charities Week, where Houses regularly raise over £1,000 for their chosen cause.
‘The House system creates a strong feeling of community through competition and lots of different activities. This is done through House Arts, Sports Day, House Singing and House Assemblies where you can try new things and make new friends. I think the best parts are the sense of teamwork and house spirit that we all have and how fun and exciting the different house activities are!’
Anya,
House Captain of Seacole
The School Day
At St Helen’s there are no bells between lessons, so it may be a good idea to wear a watch to ensure you are on time. The timetable runs over two weeks with a Week A and Week B. Although this may seem a bit confusing to start with, you will soon get used to it and can always check which week it is by looking on the noticeboards. At home you can also check this information on Microsoft Teams.
Timetable
Wednesday
Friday
What Subjects Will I Study and How Often?
You will have the chance to study lots of different subjects in Year 7, including:
Subjects Periods fortnightly
Art
Computer Science
Design & Technology
Drama
English
Geography
History
Latin Mathematics
Teaching and Tutor Groups
In Year 7, you will be part of a Tutor group. You will be with your Tutor group for things like Tutor time and PSHCE. You will see your Tutor every day; they are there to help you settle in and get involved in the endless opportunities available at school. We know you will get to know your Tutor quickly, especially during the Year 7 team building week. You can approach your Tutor about anything, and your parents can email your Tutor should they have any questions or concerns.
In addition, you will be part of a teaching group. This is the group you will be with for most of your lessons, and within this group you will be assigned a ‘study buddy’ who will collect any catch-up work or homework for you if you are ever absent from a lesson. Having a separate Tutor group and Teaching group is a brilliant way of meeting lots of different people in your year.
Lunch
Lunchtime is a particular highlight of the day and included for all Year 7's. At lunch you can choose from three different hot meals, a baked potato and a huge salad bar, including vegan and vegetarian options. You can always have soup and freshly baked bread with your meal, and for dessert you can choose from a baked treat, fresh fruit or yoghurt. In the Summer Term you can choose to have a sandwich lunch, which you can take outside when the weather is good. Ordinarily, pupils eat lunch in the dining room, unless they choose the ‘grab & go’ sandwich option in the summer term.
Alongside School Council, we also hold a termly Food Council where pupils can come and give feedback to the catering team on the menus and lunch experience. We also have an anonymous ‘comments box’ in the dining room where pupils can post written feedback or make suggestions to the catering team.
Lunch is on a timed rota with entry by year group. We try to organise Co-curricular clubs and activities at lunchtime so that they do not clash with your lunch slot. You may be given a lunch pass if you require an earlier lunch slot.
Belongings: Getting organised
Personal Belongings
You are responsible for keeping your belongings safe, including your school laptop. The school cannot be held responsible if your personal belongings are lost, damaged or stolen. We recommend that you do not bring valuables into school. All Year 7 pupils are assigned a personal locker in their Form room where you can keep your belongings (books, laptop, snacks, etc.) You will also have a PE locker in the PE changing block specifically for your PE kit. We do recommend that you purchase two sturdy padlocks or combination locks for your lockers to keep everything safe and secure. You can give your Form Tutor a spare set of your locker keys, so that in an emergency, you can ask your Tutor to open your locker.
Mobile Phones
You may bring a ‘brick’ mobile phone into school (no smartphones), but this must be switched off and secured in your Yondr pouch during the school day (8:30am –4pm). You can unlock your Yondr pouch as you leave the school site by tapping it on one of the unlocking stations (a bit like how you might tap an Oyster card). Smart watches are not allowed.
Bags
Do not try to carry all your books around school with you! Once you settle in, you will get into a routine of going to your locker in your Form room at break and at lunchtime to collect the books you need for your next two lessons. Most subjects have digital textbooks which you can access on your device, so there is no need to lug heavy textbooks around in your bag.
Fob
On your first day in September, you will be given a fob that allows you to access all school buildings. This is an important item, and you should always keep it attached to your lanyard, around your neck, during the school day. It also allows you to use the school printers and photocopiers.
Microsoft Teams Homework
Microsoft Teams is our platform for digital learning, and you will have a Team for each of your subjects, as well as a Year 7 Team where you can go for general information and updates. Most subjects will upload resources to MS Teams and assign work through the corresponding OneNote pages – this is essentially a digital exercise book.
You must bring your stylus to every lesson so that you can write in your OneNote as you would with a pen in an ordinary exercise book. You will receive an induction on the use of MS Teams and OneNote in your first week of Year 7.
You will get a homework timetable at the start of term to help you organise and plan your week. All homework is set via the Assignments tool on your class MS Team, so you can also see any outstanding homework tasks here. Your parents will also be able to see the status of your assignments on the parent portal and keep track on which assignments are completed or overdue. You may also want to make a note of it in your own diary/ notepad. If you do not understand the task, ask your Tutor, your study buddy or post a message on Teams. Homework is an important part of learning as it gives you the opportunity to consolidate what you have learned in the lessons and explore new ideas.
Highlights of the Year
Be sure to make a note in your diary of these school events - as you will see, there are so many activities and events to get involved in, whatever your interests may be! These are just some of the highlights; you are sure to find many more activities when you arrive in September...
Autumn Term
Year 7 Team Building Event
In September, Year 7 takes time away from normal lessons to take part in a two-day team building event. There will be a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and team challenges which will help you get to know your peers in a relaxed setting.
Co-curricular Fair
Early in the Autumn Term we hold a big Co-curricular fair in the RBH (School Hall) where all the clubs and societies are represented, and pupils can sign up to new activities via SOCS.
Open Events
During the Autumn and Spring Terms, the school hosts Open Days for pupils and parents who are thinking about joining St Helen’s. You may remember attending one of these events yourself. Once you are settled, you will be asked to help at these events, taking part in activities or being a tour guide.
Joint School Play and Musical
There is a school play or musical towards the end of the Autumn Term. Like some of our other events, this is a joint production with Merchant Taylors’ School. Pupils in Years 10 and above can audition for these shows, but we would love all Year 7 pupils to support the event by joining the audience. Look out for posters around the school!
Christmas Fair & Calendar Sale
The Christmas Fair, usually held on the first Saturday in December, is a traditional school event with many fundraising stalls (including one that sells homemade calendars from our Prep School girls – hence the name!). You can get involved with running a stall, helping to raise money for your House charity, or just come along to join in the fun!
Spring Term
Gym and Dance Show
Pupils from the whole of Senior School are invited to take part in this popular event. You will have the opportunity to participate in open auditions and perform some of the work you have learned in PE lessons. Everyone in Year 7 performs a class dance that you rehearse during the Spring Term, and great fun is had by all!
Music Concerts
There are lots of different music concerts to perform in. There are concerts every term, including ensemble and pop concerts. In the Spring there is a joint concert with Merchant Taylors’ School. Talk to your Music Teacher about your musical interests so that they can help you decide which choir or music groups to join. The biggest choir is called St Helen’s Singers and it is open to all, with no need to audition!
Middle School Play
The Year 7 Showcase in the Summer Term will be the first opportunity for pupils to audition and take part in a public performance. This event celebrates the best work from your Drama lessons, where individual pieces are brought together through an engaging storyline. Pupils will be informed about audition details in due course, and their Drama Teacher will also highlight other opportunities to get involved, including backstage roles.
Summer Term
Founder’s Day
Every year, the whole school, from Nursery right up to Year 13, gathers to celebrate the school’s birthday in April.
Sports Day
Sports Day is great fun with pupils competing for their Houses in a wide range of track and field events. Everyone gets involved in cheering their House on, and all pupils wear their House colour.
Prize Day
All pupils in Year 7 attend Prize Day, which takes place in the Summer Term, when we come together to celebrate pupils’ successes and display some of the work and activities that have been going on during the year. There is a huge sense of pride that fills the room!
House Arts
This competition is a real highlight of the year when each House put on a spectacular performance. Everyone from Senior School comes along to watch, and pupils from Year 7 upwards can get involved onstage or behind the scenes, or simply by supporting your House on the day.
Get Involved
Co-curricular
Whatever your interests, there are lots of opportunities to get involved in the school community and Co-curricular activities. If you enjoy sport, there are lots of sports teams and after-school or lunch time sessions you can join. We have sports squads, development squads and recreational opportunities available.
For music lovers, we have several choirs, bands, and orchestras for all levels of ability and, if you love drama, you can take part in plays and performances, both on-stage and behind the scenes. With such a vast range of clubs, there is bound to be something you like, and you can always go along and try something new.
The programme of Co-curricular activities will be published early in the Autumn Term, so remember to keep an eye out for it on your Tutor room noticeboard. Also check your emails for updates on new clubs and special events: your Tutor will encourage you to get involved.
Middle School Co-curricular Award
Once you have joined a few activities, you can aim towards completing the Middle School Co-curricular Award. The Award encourages you to commit to one or more activity over a longer period, and to reflect on the skills, Learner Habits and Character Attributes that have been developed which are a core part of our school.
You will have until the end of Year 9 to complete the Award. It recognises your commitments both in and outside of school in four categories: Physical, Skill, Academic and Culture. Each category can be completed with a Pass or Distinction. You will find out more about how to complete your Activity Log online.
What if?
Q: I’m late to a lesson?
If you are late to a lesson, there is not much you can do, apart from apologise to your Tutor and tell them why you are late. We understand that in your first couple of weeks it will take time to navigate the school and your Tutors will be understanding.
Q: I can’t find a club to suit me?
There are over 90 clubs a week, ranging from robotics to knitting. Do not worry if you have never done a particular activity before. Go along and give it a go, you might enjoy it – take a friend and you will enjoy yourself. Do something different –you will discover that you are good at something you never imagined yourself doing. We are always open to suggestions – if you have an idea for a new Cocurricular club, please raise this with your Student Council representative.
Q: I don’t know where the toilets are?
Ask someone. Please do not worry –everyone needs to know where the toilets are! Your Form Tutor will tell you where the nearest toilets are to your Form room. There are also toilets in the locker rooms.
Q: I feel ill?
Your Tutor will show you the Medical Room. If you have forgotten, ask someone. They will tell you or take you there. It is always best to visit the Medical Room at break or lunchtime. However, the Nurses are available throughout the day in an emergency. Your Tutor will suggest what to do if you need to leave a lesson to go to the Medical Room.
Q: What if I forget or lose my fob?
If you forget or lose your fob, you should visit the School Office. If you have just forgotten it, you can be given a temporary fob for the day. If you have lost it, you can get a new fob for a charge of £5 to your parents’ account. Fobs must be on your person at all times.
Q: What happens if I feel I need to be somewhere quiet?
Sometimes you may need a moment of calm during your busy day. To support student wellbeing, The Zone offers a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax and practise mindfulness. We also have a dedicated Wellbeing Garden, which your Form Tutor will show you how to access during break and lunchtime.
Q: I get lost?
If you get lost, do not panic. There will be someone around to ask, but if there is no one, you could knock on the nearest door and ask for help finding your classroom. Did you know that 78% of Year 7 pupils are worried that they would get lost – you are not alone. It is always a good idea to walk in twos or threes for your first week or so, just so you are not by yourself.
Q: I forget my books?
Just explain the situation to your Tutor and apologise. If they tell you to go and get them, there may be a lesson going on in your classroom, so do not get upset if the Tutor in there does not allow you in – they just do not want their lesson to be disturbed. Do your work on lined paper and remember to upload or stick it in your book later. If you find being organised tricky, please ask for help from your Form Tutor or a Sixth Form Year Leader.
Uniform
Make sure you always wear the correct uniform and if for any reason you can’t, don’t forget to bring a note from your parents. Remind your parents to name all your items of clothing.
Discreet small earring studs and one discreet necklace are allowed. No other piercings are allowed. Your jewellery must be removed for PE and Sport. Your hair must be tied back at all times if it is below shoulder length. Your Form Tutor will go through uniform expectations with you.
Equipment List
The equipment below, must be with you everyday.
• Glue stick x2
• Pens (blue, black, green)
• Non-Biro pen for English handwriting
• Ruler
• Highlighter x4 (assorted colours)
• A scientific calculator (Casio fx83 and Casio fx85 are acceptable for Y7-9 or if you want to be
prepared for GCSE and beyond, a Casio fx 991)
• Pair of compasses
• Protractor
• Coloured pencils
• Pencils
• Rubber
• Water bottle
• Pencil case
• Two sturdy combination padlocks
• Surface device
• Headphones that work with your device
When Things Go Right
We are very proud of our pupils at St Helen’s and we like to reward them when things go right. At Senior School you can get commendations (House points) for good work, good effort or for contributing to any area of school life. There is a section in your student planner to record commendations and you can also keep track of them on the parent portal. When you reach a particular number of commendations you get a certificate of your achievement.
When Things Go Wrong
St Helen’s pupils think for themselves and take responsibility for their own actions and for respecting others. If you have made a mistake or could have made a better decision, your Form Tutor will discuss with you what went wrong and help you to understand how to approach things differently in the future. Your Form Tutor will go through the behaviour policy with you.
St Helen’s Glossary
You will quickly learn that there are A LOT of acronyms here at St Helen’s! Here’s a few that you might encounter when you join us.
RBH
The Rowland Brown Hall
This is our main School Hall in Senior School. It is used for assemblies, large events, concerts, school plays and House meetings.
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths
We have a designated STEM building which is home to our Science labs, Maths classrooms and DT workshops.
AWP
All Weather Pitch
This is an astroturf pitch which is most often used for hockey and other sports.
WBS
Wellbeing Service
Any pupil who feels that they need a bit of additional support, or who is finding life difficult, can access the WBS and request a session with our independent counsellor.
MSP
My School Portal (parent portal)
This is our school intranet which contains lots of useful information for pupils and parents alike. Pupils can go onto MSP to view their commendations (and concerns) and also to view their reports and grade sheets, when these are published.
GROW
Goal, Reality, Opportunities, Way Forward
All pupils in Senior School are assigned a Coach and have termly coaching sessions where they can talk about any issues they like and set meaningful goals for things they would like to achieve. Our coaching conversations follow the GROW model.
FOSH
Families of St Helen’s
This is our Whole School PTA. They organise lots of events throughout the school year to raise money for exciting school projects that directly benefit you –the pupils! A particular highlight is the annual Summer Fair which is normally held in June where the whole school community comes together for a fun afternoon of games, stalls, food, activities, fairground rides and more!
CCF
Combined Cadet Force
This is a Co-curricular commitment that pupils can join from Year 10. It has three sections: Royal Air Force, Navy and Army. Cadets take part in drills and activities designed to promote discipline, team spirit, resilience and a sense of duty.
Fabulous Food Club
This is another Co-curricular commitment that pupils can join from Year 10. This club meets weekly on a Friday after-school to learn about nutrition and prepare all sorts of delicious meals and baked treats!
DofE
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
This is the third Co-curricular commitment that pupils can join from Year 10. There are three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Participants learn navigational and camp craft skills in preparation for expeditions which involve hiking and overnight camping. Participants also have to complete a skill and service section for the Award.
Stay in Touch
Finally, we look forward to seeing you on Monday 7th September for an Induction Day with your Form Tutor, which will help you get ready for the start of term. We hope this guide helps you to feel more prepared for Senior School. If you do have any questions or want to chat about anything to a current pupil, you can contact your Senior Sister, or speak to your Form Tutor at the start of term.
