Welcome
The Middle School Team
The Tutor and Tutor Room
Help and Advice
Timetable
Term Dates
School Lunch
Middle School Events
Academic Study
Co-Curricular Involvement
General Information
Parent Teacher Contact
What To Do If... page 2 page 6 page 7 page 11 page 15 page 16 page 16 page 17 page 19 page 23 page 27 page 30 page 33
Welcome to The Portsmouth Grammar School and to the Middle School. The Middle School consists of pupils in Year 7 and Year 8.
These two years provide all the opportunities and benefits of life in the Senior School, whilst giving you the support of being part of a smaller section of the school. We have our own dedicated Common Room and, like the rest of the school, are divided into four House groups.
At the heart of everything we do is the PGS Core. By being part of this community, we will support pupils to develop the attributes of curiosity and creativity, courage and commitment, compassion and collaboration.
Being part of the Middle School will give you the chance to settle into PGS in a number of important ways:
Academically
• Learning how to participate in lessons
• Learning how to become organised
• Learning how to manage homework
• Learning how to develop strategies to make progress in a broad range of subjects
Socially
• How to make friends and cope with friendship issues
• Getting involved fully in the co-curricular life of the School
We want you to be happy and thrive during your time at PGS. Your Tutor will be there to provide support throughout your time in the Middle School, registering you in the morning, talking to you about your interests and aspirations, and encouraging you to make the most of the opportunities available.
There are 4 Houses in the Middle School. The Houses are named after people who have played an important role in the history of PGS: BARTON, EASTWOOD, HAWKEY, SUMMERS
Within the House system there are many opportunities to demonstrate and develop leadership skills. You can become a Mentor, a Sports Captain, a Performing Arts Captain, a charity representative or even House Captain. Page 3
As you move into Year 8, you will be able to take a leading role yourself in the life of the Middle School. There are many opportunities to demonstrate and develop leadership skills.
There are two House Captains and up to eight Year 8 mentors for each House. They take responsibility for the induction of Year 7 pupils and they also support the Head of House or Heads of Year 7 and 8 as required with House activities.
CharityRepresentatives
Help select a House Charity and organise and run fundraising events in the House.
SportsCaptains
Members of the House are selected to arrange the teams for the inter-House sports competitions. They also help plan and organise sporting related events, including Sports Day.
PerformingArtsCaptains
Play a key role in organising House events, such as House Drama, House Dance and House Music.
MiddleSchoolCouncilandWelfareCommittee
Each Tutor Group, including those in Year 7, nominates a representative to sit on the Middle School Council which meets once every half term and discusses issues relevant to the Middle School pupils. The Council makes recommendations to the Whole School Council who meet twice termly. The Welfare Committee meet half termly to discuss pupil wellbeing, raise ideas suggesting and identifying areas of development.
MiddleSchoolCommonRoom
This is an area solely for the use of Middle School pupils and is available to them from 08:00 to 08:30 and during the morning and lunch breaks. It is used for socialising and has a video projector, information screen and a wide variety of board and card games.
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Co-Head of Year
Co-Head of Year
The Heads of Year are responsible for the overall welfare on Pupil in each year group and continue through the Middle School with their year group. They are overseen by the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Assistant Head (Pupil Progress).
Heads of House
What you can expect from your Tutor
• to be in touch with you on a daily basis at registration and in Tutor Group sessions
• to be available to help with any problems as they arise
• to give advice on study skills as needed
• to monitor and help with your planning and time management
• to help you set academic and personal targets and to help you achieve these, liaising closely with your subject teachers and checking your Homework Diary on a regular basis
• to take an interest in and to support your co-curricular activities wherever possible
• to maintain contact with your parents as appropriate
• to listen and to provide encouragement and support
• to be your advocate in case of difficulties
What your Tutor can expect from you
• regular and punctual attendance at registration and Tutor Group sessions
• a commitment to your own learning, academic and co-curricular success
• to make the most of the opportunities offered to you
• a positive and co-operative approach to the advice given by your Tutor
• to be kept informed by you or your parents of any problems developing, which may affect your work and progress
• regular communication and contact from you
• to be involved in tutor group discussion sessions
• an up-to-date Homework Diary for weekly checking
• to be engaged in all aspects of school life
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Each pupil is given a Homework Diary in which to put a daily record of the work set and also details of when it is to be handed in. On a Sunday evening you ask your parents to sign to state that last week’s homework was done. This is then checked by your Tutor during the Tuesday tutor period. Proper use of the Homework Diary is an important way of developing your organisational skills.
One of the big differences between Junior School and Senior School is having to cope with a much larger number of subjects and teachers. This requires being organised.
Each Tutor Group has a tutor room, and each pupil a locker in that room to store their books and equipment. Pupils should not be in the tutor room at any time other than for organised activities with a teacher. At break time and lunchtime, you can go to the quad, the Library, any club, society, sports or music practice or to the Middle School Common Room.
• It is important that all books and personal items are put into the lockers and locked when not being used.
• Strong pocket folders which can hold the exercise and text books for each subject are an excellent way of keeping organised. All items of clothing and personal property must be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name.
This is a social space for use exclusively by pupils in Years 7 and 8. It is open and supervised from 08:00 until registration, and then at breaktime and lunchtime. Pupils can make use of a selection of games, books and magazines or just sit and chat with friends. The MSCR is also where organised lunchtime activities and other Middle School events often take place.
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Most problems can usually be dealt with by your Tutor. Alternatively, you can talk to your Head of House or your Head of Year, who are available in the Middle School area. The Head also offers Private Time every morning from 08:20 when you can see him without appointment. There is a useful poster entitled ‘Looking for Help at PGS’ that outlines the various contacts. External Helpline numbers are published in tutor rooms and in the Health and Wellbeing Centre.
Health and Wellbeing Centre
023 9236 4243 or 07736 143449 nursing@pgs.org.uk
School Nurses
Sister Sue Toms
Sister Susan Edgar
Health Care Assistant
Mrs Michelle Kays
The Health and Wellbeing Centre has a full-time nurse who pupils may see if they feel unwell. Only the nurse may give permission for a pupil to go home if they are too unwell to stay.
Pupils can be seen at the Health and Wellbeing Centre for non-emergencies at the following times: 08:15 - 09.00 10:50 - 11:15 13:00 - 14:00 15:45 - 16:00 for the collection of medication.
The Health and Wellbeing Centre is always open for emergencies.
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The School Counsellors are Dr Niki King and Mrs Tina Mouland-Collins. Pupils may see the School Counsellor by making an appointment through email school.counsellors@pgs.org.uk or by going to one of the drop-in sessions. Referrals can also be taken through the Health and Wellbeing Centre, tutors or teachers. All arrangements are totally confidential.
One-to-one coaching sessions are available for pupils by appointment. These are usually booked in consultation with their tutor or Head of Year, who can recommend them for coaching. Or pupils can e-mail coaching@pgs.org.uk to arrange a session. Sessions take place during tutor times in the Library. Coaching can develop self-awareness, metacognition, problem-solving, oracy, emotional literacy, boost productivity, support individuals to reach goals and develop leadership.
Whilst coaching can support pastoral and academic concerns or progress, coaching sessions can also be combined with Study Skills to support academic progress, revision etc. This can be accessed in the same way - coaching@pgs.org.uk
The Peer Mentors are a group of Sixth Form pupils who have received specific training in order to assist you in a variety of areas should you need it. They will be able to provide advice and support on such matters as organisation, friendship issues, academic or pastoral worries. The group is made up of friendly and approachable pupils who can be contacted either in person, or email at peer.mentors@pgs.org.uk
Mr Richard Bristow is in charge of the day-to-day running of is in charge of the day-to-day running of the school.the school. r.bristow@pgs.org.uk
Mrs Laura Ryan is in charge of the Pastoral System l.ryan@pgs.org.uk
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Deputy Head (Academic and Staff Welfare)
Mrs Samantha Haslam s.haslam@pgs.org.uk
Assistant Head (Pupil Progress)
Mr Martin Hill m.hill@pgs.org.uk
Learning Support Department
Mrs Caroline Smith, Head of Learning Support c.smith@pgs.org.uk
Sport
Mr Simon Copeland, Director of Sport s.copeland@pgs.org.uk
Music
Mr Alex Goodwin, Director of Music (from September 2024) a.goodwin@pgs.org.uk
Drama
Mr James Robinson, Director of Drama j.robinson@pgs.org.uk
Careers
Miss Sophie Pearce careers@pgs.org.uk
Receptionist
Calling 023 9236 0036 will put you through to Reception where an automated menu will allow you to contact the correct department. Do remember to notify us of any absence from school using the link in My School Portal - please do let us know of any daily absences before 09:30. You can also request any future absence required from school via there too, and please do upload supporting evidence for the request.
The Times of the Day
The school day is the same for all year groups. It is important that pupils are punctual and ready for lessons and activities.
Monday to Friday
Period 6 End of School am pm
Typical Middle School Week 08:30 08:35 08.40 09:05 10:00 10:50 11:10 11:15 12:10 13:00 13:55 14:00 14:55 15:45
Bell Registration Assembly / Tutor Time Activity
Period 1
Period 2
Break
Bell, Move to Period 3
Period 3
Period 4
Lunch Bell, Move to Period 5
Period 5
08:35 - 09:00, Assembly
08:35 - 09:00, Tutor Period / Weekly Admin
08:35 - 09:00, House Assembly or House Mentor Visit
08:35 - 09:00, Literacy Day - fun activities to improve literacy
08:35 - 09:00, Sixth Form Peer Mentor Session Page 15
AutumnTerm2025
PDD*Monday1&Tuesday2September
Year7NewPupilInduction,Wednesday3September
TermBegins,Thursday4September
HalfTerm,Saturday18October-Sunday2November
TermEnds,Friday12December
SpringTerm2026
PDD*Monday5January
TermBegins,Tuesday6January
HalfTerm,Saturday14-Sunday22February
TermEnds,Wednesday25March
SummerTerm2026
PDD*Monday13April
TermBeginsTuesday14April
BankHoliday,Monday4May
HalfTerm,Saturday23May–Sunday31May
PDD*Monday1June
TermEnds,Friday10July
PDD*-ProfessionalDevelopmentDay,staffonly.
ThisisheldforallnewYear7pupilsshortlyaftertheyhavejoinedinSeptember.ThedayInvolves workingalongsidetutorgroupsonaseriesofoutdooractivitiesatHilsea.
AtthiseventalltheclubswhichMiddleSchoolpupilscanjoinarerepresented.Itisheldinthe firstfewweeksoftheAutumnTerm.
ThisisheldduringtheEasterholidayseveryyearifthereissufficientdemand.
Theseseminars,deliveredbytheDeputyHead(Teaching&Learning),buildonthetechniques deliveredthroughIlluminate.
Pupilsholdregularcakesalesandothereventstoraisemoneyforcharitiesoftheirchoice.Thereare manyopportunitiestoraisefundsforworthycausesthroughouttheschoolyear, includingtheChristmasFairandInternationalFoodFair(May).
MiddleSchoolpupilsputonaproductionintheSummerTerm.
MiddleSchoolConcert
TheseconcertsareheldtermlyandshowcasethemusicaltalentintheMiddleSchool.
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The Middle School curriculum is broad and is aimed at providing all pupils with exposure to a range of subjects. All pupils study the following subjects in the Middle School:
• English
• Mathematics
• Physical Science
• Biology
• History
• Geography
• Philosophy and Religious Studies (PRS)
• Modern Foreign Language
• Latin
• Art
• Drama
• Music
• Design Technology (DT)
• Computing
• Physical Education (PE)
• Games
In Year 7 pupils have two pieces of homework a night on five nights a week. The homework should take a maximum of 25 minutes per piece (50 minutes in total) for Year 7, and 30 minutes per piece (1 hour in total) for Year 8. If you are taking far longer or less time than this, you should contact your Tutor in the first instance. Pupils are advised to do their homework at a proper desk or table. You should be able to complete homework on your own but it is fine to ask your parents for guidance, if you need it. You will not always need access to a computer, although some homework tasks may involve using the internet or word processing your work.
Many subjects offer clinics at lunchtimes which pupils can attend if they have difficulty with the work. You will be able to talk to different teachers or arrange to see your usual subject teacher. Clinics are offered, for example, in Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages and the Sciences. The timings of these clinics are well advertised by academic departments and in the back of the termly Yellow Book.
Teachers reward good effort and work with a Recognition. When pupils have received ten recognitions they can get a stamp in their planner, raffle tickets for the end of term prize draw and stars for their House total.
Each half term grades are given for each subject. You will receive feedback on standard of work, approach to learning and organisation.
At the end of each half term your subject teachers will discuss your grades with you. There is also a feedback session where your Tutor goes through your feedback with you and helps you to set targets for next half term. Your Tutor will also look at the change in feedback between each half term. Your Tutor may decide to contact your parents if there is a decline in the grades so that a course of action can be agreed to help you improve your performance. Pupils who have improved their grades will be congratulated and their parents informed.
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Mostpupilscommentontheextraordinaryrangeofactivitiesavailableoutsidetheclassroomat PGS.
Wecalltheseco-curricularactivitiesbecausetheyenrichtheacademiccurriculumbyproviding furtheropportunitiesforyoutodevelopyourabilitiesandtalents,todiscoverotherinterestsand pursuitswhichyouenjoy,andtoexperiencetheroundednessofallthatlifehastooffer.
Weliketothinkaboutwhereyouaregoingtobeat25andtheco-curricularprogrammewillbejust asimportantasyouracademicstudiesinhelpingyoutodevelopintoaroundedandconfident individualinthefuture.That’swhyweencourageeveryoneintheMiddleSchooltogetinvolvedinat leastTWOactivitiesonaregularbasisbythetimeyouhavecompletedyourfirsthalftermwithus.
LaterintheSeniorSchool,youwillhavethechancetobecomeinvolvedintheCombinedCadet ForceandtheDukeofEdinburghAwardScheme.
Pupilsmaybecomeinvolvedinthewidevarietyofchoralandinstrumentalgroupsavailable.
Therearelotsofclubsavailable,including:
• After School games coaching
• Music groups and ensembles
• Chess
• Dance
• Drama
• Electronics Club
• Innovation Club
• Photography Club
• Science Club
• Space and Astronomy Club
• Strength & Fitness Club
• Tech Club
• Technology
• Wildlife Club
YouwillbeabletofindoutmoreattheFreshers’Fairatthebeginningoftheschoolyear.
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"I've had a lot of fun! There are loads of clubs to do and new people to meet. Everyone is really friendly!"
Jasper R, Year 7 Cohort 2024-25 Page 24
As well as timetabled Games lessons extra training is available for sports both before and after school. Pupils may then be selected to play for teams.
Sports such as rugby, hockey, netball, cricket and tennis are played at our superb facilities at Hilsea Playing Fields. All Middle School pupils are taken to Hilsea on buses supervised by Physical Education staff.
Year 8 pupils are dismissed from Hilsea by the staff in attendance at 15:45. If you wish to collect your child from Hilsea, parents are welcome to wait in the car park from 15:45 on the Games afternoon.
Year 8 pupils wishing to return to school will do so by coach with a member of PGS Staff. Year 8 pupils wishing to travel from Hilsea train station are expected to notify a member of the Games staff and are expected to walk in groups of no less than two. Pupils wishing to catch a public bus can do so from Hilsea bus stop which is adjacent to the playing fields.
Following after school sports training sessions, the school makes no provision to take pupils back to school. Due to the later finishing times of these sessions the school ensures that no pupil leaves Hilsea unless the pupil is clear as to how they are getting home. Pupils are made aware at the start of each term that they should not leave the Hilsea car park until their parents collect them or they are walking with friends to connect with a bus or train.
Staff will always ensure that there are no pupils left at Hilsea Playing Fields before leaving site. If pupils have not been picked up 30 minutes after a practice, then the member of staff will arrange for them to be transported back to school. Following home fixtures, the same principles apply.
Following away fixtures pupils will be dropped at either Hilsea or at the main school site.
Medical Provision
We have a medical centre at Hilsea, and this is staffed at weekends by one or two fully trained sports therapists.
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Pupils are entitled to use the Information Technology facilities at school but have to sign and abide by the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). You will be provided with your own email address and log in details. You will also have access to the internet as well as the school’s Virtual Learning Environment known as PGS Online. Pupils use their normal Google log on details to access PGS Online and there is a parents portal for which log on details are provided.
The school promotes safe and appropriate use of the internet and pupils are expected to adhere to the Pupil Charter on Safe Social Networking.
All staff are keen to respond to concerns and email is generally the best medium for parents to use. To reach any member of staff use their first initial followed by a full stop, surname and the ending @pgs.org.uk. For example, to contact Mrs Leighton-Smith use the address k.leighton-smith@pgs.org.uk . Staff names are listed in the front of the Yellow Book.
It is for parents to decide the amount of access that their children have to computers in the home. In particular, we advise families to have their own policy regarding the use of Social Networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. We advise parents to use some method of monitoring their child’s use of such sites.
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Pupils are allowed to bring a mobile phone to school but are not allowed to have it with them or to use it during the school day. Pupils can make urgent calls from Reception. We find that this policy encourages pupils to socialise much more effectively by talking to each other and to their teachers, thus removing concerns in the school day about any inappropriate use of mobile devices. We welcome parents’ support in this.
This policy applies to all mobile devices including, but not limited to, phones, media players, smart watches and wearable technology and any similar devices.
1. Middle School pupils are not allowed to have their phone during the school day.
2. If a Middle School pupil has a phone for the journey to and from school, they must deposit their mobile phone into their tutor box which is housed in the Middle School Common Room as soon as they arrive on the school site.
3. If a pupil is late to Registration the mobile phone must be given to their Tutor who will place it in the late box. If a pupil arrives on the school site after registration time they must store their mobile phone safely in their locker until it can be handed to the member of staff on duty at break or lunchtime in the MSCR.
4. Phones should be collected from the Middle School Common Room at 15:45. A member of staff will be on duty to oversee this.
5. If a pupil needs to make an urgent call home during the school day they should go to Reception or report to the member of staff on duty in the Middle School Common Room.
6. We recommend that if a mobile phone is brought into school it should be of low value. Page 28
Pupils are expected to wear their uniform correctly at all times, including on the journey to and from school, to fixtures and on school visits. Casual jumpers should not be worn to and from school, but school hoodies can be worn under the blazer in winter months and removed upon arrival in school.
Hair should be neat, well groomed, off the face and of a conventional style. Long hair should always be tied back, and short hair should not be shorter than that achieved by a No. 3 cut.
No additional earrings or rings worn high on the ear are allowed. No other visible jewellery should be worn. Pupils should consult the Uniform Requirements on the PGS website for details including rules relating to make-up.
At all times pupils are expected to display good manners, common sense, honesty and consideration for others.
Compliance with school rules and any amendments made from time to time is a condition of pupils’ continued membership of the school. Pupils are expected to adhere to school rules whilst under school discipline, i.e. throughout the day, on their way to and from school, at all times whilst wearing school uniform and during any school-based activity. The school seeks to educate in the broadest sense, giving moral as well as academic and co‑curricular foundations. Pupils should be aware that actions committed out of school have the capacity to harm the reputation of the school and are therefore to be regarded as an offence against school discipline. The school rules are published in the Yellow Book.
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Lost property is stored by the Prefects who have an office in E-Block so go there to see if it has been handed in. Make sure that all your items have your name on them as there is more chance that they will be returned.
Each day the Dining Hall offers a wide range of freshly cooked, nutritious meals. We run a termly charging system for school lunch that covers a two-course meal deal for lunch and a freshly baked snack at break time. You can also purchase additional snacks, cooked breakfast and other additional food items on a pre-paid card. Breakfast is available daily in the Dining Hall before the start of school from 07:45 - 08:30.
The preferred form of communication from parents to the school is email. However, communication explaining absence can be either via email, or by phone to the school absence line. Staff spend the great majority of the day teaching and do not generally have access to email accounts during this time. Therefore, email is not necessarily the most suitable form of communication with staff about any urgent business. The school switchboard number is 023 9236 0036 and the Receptionist will be happy to pass on a message if they are unable to connect you with the person you wish to speak to.
The administrative staff are able to pass on messages to pupils when necessary but would ask that such requests be kept to a minimum. Messages will normally be conveyed, via Tutors, at morning registration. If it is imperative that your child should receive the message during the day, we will try to reach them at break or between lessons, but only in cases of real emergency will a lesson be interrupted.
Please make sure that we have a full range of contact numbers, and that you keep us informed, through your Tutor, of any changes. If it is necessary for parents to be away from home for a period of more than 24 hours, the school should be informed of the pupil’s whereabouts, the name of the person to whom parental authority has been delegated, and a contact number for that person.
If we have any information to send home, it will normally be sent by email from the School Office on Thursday. Emergency messages may also be sent out via SMS text if necessary and it is vital that any changes to parental mobile telephone numbers are given to the School Office to keep the database up to date.
Parents will be emailed a weekly newsletter called PGS Bulletin every Friday from Mr Bristow. This includes any year specific letters and information as well as highlighting recent and forthcoming events.
This is held the day before school starts in September with some time in school, finishing with afternoon tea and games at Hilsea Playing Fields.
A service to officially welcome you to PGS will be held in the cathedral during the Autumn Term. Parents attend this with their children.
An event is held for all Year 7 parents a chance to experience some lessons and meet their child’s tutor and other parents. It is held a few weeks into the Autumn Term.
Early in the Autumn term the Tutor will make a telephone call to the parents of each of their tutees to check that all is well.
These are formal evenings programmed throughout the academic year with subject appointments in which parents and pupils have the opportunity to meet subject teachers to discuss academic and overall progress.
Two volunteer parent representatives from each Year group attend a termly meeting with the Head.
Parents are warmly invited to attend talks, plays, concerts, sports matches (our teas at Hilsea Playing Fields are highly regarded!), Carol and Founder’s Day Services, Prizegiving and the many other special events which take place throughout the year.
We are also always grateful to parents who are able to support older pupils in the school with work experience opportunities or who may be interested in helping with practice interviews for Sixth Form pupils preparing for university and employment.
If you think you may be able to help, please contact Mr James Burkinshaw, Head of Careers and University Admissions, at careers@pgs.org.uk
First try to remember where you last had it and then retrace your steps. Lost property is stored by the Prefects who have an office in E-Block so go there to see if it has been handed in. Make sure that all your items have your name on them as there is more chance that they will be returned.
Ask permission to go to the Nurse. Only the Nurse can give you permission to go home so do not call your parents and ask them to pick you up.
Make sure that your name is collected in the lates book at the Main Archway. If you are later than this, you should report to the School Office, via the Main Reception where you will be able to sign in.
If you are absent from
Your parents must contact your tutor to let them know the reason.
You must have a letter signed by your parents. You will go to the off games room and hand in your letter to the teacher.
Congratulations! Your teacher will stamp your planner. Every Recognition contributes towards the House Trophy.
A member of the Middle School staff will be on duty in the Middle School Common Room at break and lunch times. Alternatively, you can go to the staff Common Room at the top of E Block, knock on the door and wait.
Always have a spare locker key which is labelled and left with your Tutor.
Go to the teacher on duty in the Middle School Common Room and ask to use your phone or go to the main Reception where there is a phone especially for pupils to use. You should not be calling your parents on your own phone during the school day. Page 34
