Middle School Handbook

Middle School Handbook

The Royal Grammar School September 2014

RGS Worcester Middle School Handbook 2014-2015

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SECTION 1: THE PASTORAL SYSTEM ..................................................................................... 3

1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3 1.2 THE PASTORAL SYSTEM .................................................................................................. 4 1.3 ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING ............................................................... 6

SECTION 2 : ORGANISATION ................................................................................................... 7

2.1 PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION ..................................... 7 2.2 REWARDS AND SANCTIONS ............................................................................................ 7 2.3 ABSENCE .......................................................................................................................... 8 2.4 WITHDRAWAL ................................................................................................................. 11 2.5 IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER .................................................................................. 11 2.6 GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS AND CANDIDATES ON CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT .... 11 2.7 STAFF LIST AND EMAIL ADDRESSES ............................................................................. 12

SECTION 3: CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT ................................................................... 13

3.1 AIMS ................................................................................................................................. 13 3.2 SPORT .............................................................................................................................. 13 3.3 MUSIC .............................................................................................................................. 14 3.4 DRAMA ............................................................................................................................. 14 3.5 THE HOUSE SYSTEM ...................................................................................................... 15 3.6 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES .................................................................................................. 15 3.7 FIELD DAYS AND ACTIVITIES WEEK ............................................................................... 15 3.8 SCHOOL TRIPS ................................................................................................................ 15 3.9 COMBINED CADET FORCE ............................................................................................. 15 3.10 THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD ......................................................................... 16 3.11 CAREERS ....................................................................................................................... 16 3.12 LEARNING DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................... 17

SCHOOL RULES ....................................................................................................................... 19

UNIFORM LIST ......................................................................................................................... 21


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SECTION 1: THE PASTORAL SYSTEM 1.1 INTRODUCTION The role of parents It is perhaps self-evident, but none the less important for being so, that the success of any pupil depends on a positive and effective relationship between parent and School and pupil. By making the commitment to send your son or daughter to RGS Worcester you are already indicating support for a system founded on excellence and full participation. Participation not only of pupil but of parents also. In order to make the most of every opportunity RGS provides, parents have a full and essential part to play: - to give time and attention to assist with homework and ensure that it is done to the best of their son or daughter's ability; and provide a suitable environment for work at home. - to actively support their son or daughter in co-curricular activities, particularly in Sport, Music and Drama. - to take every opportunity to communicate with the school at Parents' Evenings or through written correspondence; - to organise their holidays and leisure time to allow for maximum attendance and participation by their son or daughter; - to be aware of the School Rules and ensure that their son or daughter abides by them as well as the common courtesies of a civilised life-style; - where appropriate, to support the School in matters of discipline; - above all, to undertake to communicate with the School over any matters of uncertainty or concern (or maybe even satisfaction!). Of course, a partnership requires contributions by all partners and the School undertakes to play its full part in the vital role of the education of your child. Useful addresses, telephone numbers and websites Some parents do ask for general advice as their son or daughter develops and we have found the following to be the most helpful. Of course, seeking information in this way should not prevent parents from contacting school about any matter. Parentline offers help and advice to parents bringing up a son or daughter and teenagers. Helpline 0808 800 2222; textphone 0800 783 6783; www.parentlineplus.co.uk NSPCC Advice for Parents. http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/for-parents/guides-and-leaflets.guides-for-parents_wda96805.html Trust for the Study of Adolescence produces materials, such as books and audiotapes, for parents about common problems in adolescence. 23 New Road, Brighton, BN1 1WZ. http://www.youngpeopleinfocus.org.uk/insideout Young Minds Parents’ Information Service provides information and advice on son or daughter mental health issues. 48-50 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4DG. Parents’ Information Service 0800 802 5544; www.youngminds.org.uk British Nutrition Foundation - www.nutrition.org.uk Think you Know – Internet Safety Advice; www.thinkuknow.co.uk


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Communication Through Form Tutor, Subject Teacher, Head of Year, Assistant Head, Deputy Heads and Headmaster, the School aims to work with parents to provide abundant opportunities and challenges for your son or daughter. Communication is the cornerstone of all effective partnerships and the School undertakes to keep parents fully informed on all matters pertaining to their pupils. Parents may email members of staff by using their initials (three in most instances) @rgsw.org.uk Staff initials are to be found in the calendar issued to all pupils at the start of each term. The RGS Parent Portal (https://parents.rgsw.org.uk/api/login) is a primary source of information about the day-to-day life of the school and your child in particular. In addition, letters and documentation are posted on the website each Friday and may be downloaded. The RGS Times is a newsletter, published each Friday, that celebrates life at RGS Worcester and the achievements of pupils past and present. This is usually emailed to parents and others may sign up to receive it via the following link, http://rgsw.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe The end of the day Lessons finish at 3.45pm although pupils may attend organised after school clubs, practices or activities. Pupils should be off site by 4.00pm unless they are in an organised activity or the Middle School Homework Club. The Homework Club will be in the Library and will be supervised by a teacher until 5.00pm. Students may remain with the Librarian until 6.00pm. 1.2 THE PASTORAL SYSTEM Aims Our aim is to provide a friendly, civilised and well-disciplined environment in which pupils will develop personal qualities that will equip them well for their future careers and roles within the community. All teachers are part of the pastoral system, for we are acutely aware that a well-motivated and happy pupil is one that learns fastest and enjoys coming to school. Each pupil is the responsibility of a number of staff for normal day-to-day purposes including their Form Tutor, House Leader, Head of Year and Assistant Head (Middle School). Pastoral Staff The Assistant Head (Pastoral), Dr Lee Andrew ([email protected]), is responsible for the pastoral life of RGS and girls’ welfare. She works through the Heads of Section, Heads of Year and Form Tutors to ensure that all pupils feel valued and understood by somebody. The Form Tutor has the responsibility of knowing his/her pupils so well that we hope they will anticipate as many problems before they arise as possible. This is usually the first port of call for parents if they wish to discuss their children. The Middle School at RGS is Years Nine, Ten and Eleven and is the responsibility of Mr H Sykes ([email protected]) Head of Middle School. He is assisted by Heads of Year Nine (Mrs E W Kilburn [[email protected]]), Ten (Mr P J Newport [[email protected]]) and Eleven (Mrs S Nicholls [[email protected]]), plus a team of experienced tutors to help guide pupils through adolescence, important choices and their GCSE examinations. Health Administrator The Health Administrators (extn 222/RGS [email protected]) are in charge of ensuring that the day-to-day health needs of pupils are met. The health and care of the pupils are of paramount importance to RGS, for we know that the physical, social and emotional health of a


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pupil is an important part of academic success. The Health Centre is part of our pastoral system. Here we care for pupils when they are injured or feeling unwell, support pupils with long or short term medical needs and provide an environment where they can discuss problems or worries. We also liaise with the Local Health Authority to promote health within the school. If you wish to discuss your son or daughter’s health, please do not hesitate to contact our Health Administrators at school. It is imperative that the school has a current telephone number for you so that contact can be made if your son or daughter becomes ill during the school day. Please be aware that pupils may not leave the school site for medical reasons without first seeking permission from a member of staff. We recommend that a pupil should stay away from school following a period of illness until they have been symptom-free for a minimum of 24 hours. If your son or daughter is taking prescribed medication during the school day it must be given to the Health Administrators for safe keeping on arrival. This should be accompanied by a letter of authority giving the pupil’s name, form, prescribed dosage and time of delivery (hourly/after meals, etc). In the event that a Health Administrator is unavailable to deliver the prescribed medication, the Assistant Head (Pastoral), Dr Andrew, will deliver the medication. The exceptions to the above are drugs required for; Diabetes (insulin), Asthma (inhalers) and Anaphylaxis (Epipen) where pupils need to keep their medication with them at all times. Please ensure that the Health Centre staff are aware that your son or daughter is carrying his/her own medication. Any medication not collected by the end of the school year will be disposed of. Should your son or daughter require medication during a trip away from school for a day, a letter of authority to the member of staff concerned should accompany the medication. For pupils away from school on longer visits, consent for the administration of medication should be given on a separate form, which will be sent with details of the trip. Please note that whilst sun blocks and creams are strongly advisable during hot weather, these items are not supplied by the school. Safekeeping of equipment and valuables Each pupil is provided with a school locker and a padlock is recommended. Used sensibly, books not needed for lessons or homework could be left in this locker. Valuables should be locked away in a locker or handed into Head of Year or Head of Middle School for safekeeping. In addition, large, kitbag-sized lockers are available by the Science Block and are free for use by any student. These are coin operated and require a returnable £1 deposit. Assemblies Students attend assemblies at various times of the week and in various groupings. The fortnightly Headmaster’s assembly is for the whole Middle School, Year Group assemblies occur weekly and House assemblies take place each fortnight. The School Day Morning registration takes place in the form room daily between 0835am and 0845am. If pupils arrive later than this they must register in Whiteladies, the School Office area. We operate a two weekly timetable (Weeks A and B in succession, A/B/A/B/etc) with five lessons per day. All lessons last for one hour and there are two lessons before break, another two before lunch and a single lesson after Registration in the afternoon. Week A will have a different subject-lesson arrangement from Week B so students must be aware of which week they are in to allow them to organise their books for the day. The dates for each week and times of the lessons can be found in the School Calendar.


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1.3 ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING The purpose of marking is to tell everyone how well the pupil has done the work. We all want pupils to do as well as they can. To this end, the school will issue a series of assessment grades at various times during the year. The plan for the academic year is as follows: Term Month Event Michaelmas September New Parents’ Evening

October Years 9,10 and 11 Progress Grades Year 10 Parents’ Evening (GCSEs) Year 9 Parents’ Evening (Early progress)

November Year 11 AS Choices Evening December Years 9 and 10 Progress Grades

Year 11 Reports Lent January Year 11 Mock Examinations

February Years 9, 10 and 11 Progress grades Year 9 Parents’ Evening Year 11 Parents’ Evening

March Year 10 Parents’ Evening Years 9, 10 and 11 Progress grades

Trinity May Years 9, 10 and 11 Progress grades Years 9 and 10 Internal Examinations

July Years 9 and 10 Reports The grades will indicate the assessment of achievement and application over the reporting period. This will be gauged by pupil performance in a range of activities: homework, class-work, tests, exercises, practical work, etc. From these ongoing grades pupils will be able to monitor their progress and anticipate their Progress Grades. A detailed explanation of our assessment and reporting policy may be found in the Academic section of our website.


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SECTION 2 : ORGANISATION 2.1 PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION PSHCE in the Middle School is taught mainly by Tutors. Although the programme differs each year a typical programme includes: Year Nine

• First Aid

• Alcohol

• Managing money

• Careers (variety of careers)

• Options, Examinations and Revision

• Rights and Responsibilities

• Sexual Health (contraception, STIs, Risk Taking Behaviour, Pornography)

• e-Safety

• Drugs

• Personal Finance

• Self Image Year Ten

• Personal learning styles

• Target setting/Record of Achievement

• Sexual Exploitation, Pregnancy, Abortion, Parenting

• Emotional Wellbeing and Stress Management

• Preparation for examinations

• Careers (Morrisby, Careers Guidance Testing)

• Enterprise

• Safe Use of the Internet Year Eleven

• Healthy life styles

• Exam rules/regulations for GCSE

• AS Choices

• Parenting Skills

• Healthy Relationships

• Target setting/Record of Achievement

• Careers (Planning ahead and Work Experience)

• Preparing for GCSEs 2.2 REWARDS AND SANCTIONS Any behaviour which is worthy of comment, whether it be good or poor, can be recorded on the School's administrative system as either Commendations or Report of Poor Conduct. Rewards Rewards are recorded as Commendations. Commendations can be recorded for such things as good work, acts of honesty, helpfulness, service to the community, charity work etc. Pupils may also receive a letter from the Head of Year or Assistant Head (Middle School) congratulating them on a particular achievement or success.


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Sanctions Sanctions are recorded as reports of poor conduct. Our aim is to maintain a civilised and friendly community with as little use of sanctions as possible. However, it is sometimes necessary to impose sanctions for certain misdemeanours, and the following paragraphs indicate the likely response to various types of behaviour. Spoken Word The spoken word is a reprimand with a warning and encouragement. This is usually sufficient to correct poor behaviour, poor work, or lack of work or breaches of the school rules. For repeat offences by the students it may be necessary to employ other sanctions. Reports of Poor Conduct (Negatives) can be recorded on the school system for such offences as late homework. They could also include infringement of the school rules relating to uniform, hair, make-up or poor behaviour generally. An accumulation of Reports of Poor Conduct would lead to the pupil being interviewed by the Tutor, Head of Year or Assistant Head (Middle School) and parents will also normally be contacted at this time. An accumulation of Reports of Poor Conduct will also result in a school detention. School Detention Pupils can be placed in detention for poor behaviour in or outside the classroom, but not for poor work. It will last either one half or one hour (known as one or two units). Parents will be notified of this by letter from the Head of Year. Detentions are held on either Wednesdays or Fridays from 4.00pm to 4.30pm or 5.00pm depending on whether it is one unit or two units. These will take precedence over all other activities. Saturday Detention The Head of Middle School or the Head of Year may recommend that a build up of Wednesday Detentions warrants a Saturday Detention. Some offences may be sufficient in themselves to warrant this punishment. The Assistant Head (Pastoral) or Head of Middle School will inform parents by letter of the reason for and date of the detention. This detention will usually run from 9.00am until 11.00am in Whiteladies. Suspension Suspension may be issued for persistent offences or other serious offences. This may be internal or external. The Governing Body is informed of all external suspensions. Expulsion In extreme cases the Headmaster may take the decision to exclude a pupil from the School. The Governing Body is informed of all expulsions. 2.3 ABSENCE

In the event that a pupil is not well enough to attend School then parents must telephone the School Office on 01905-613391 in the morning before 8.30am. Alternatively an email can be sent to [email protected] confirming the absence.

It is a requirement that parents contact the School. In the event that contact is not made, the School Office will telephone parents of any pupil who is absent and ask them to provide a reason. We would, therefore, be grateful if all parents could contact the School first.

The pupil should then bring in a signed note from parents, to the Form Tutor, explaining the absence on the day that they return to School.

Absence for Medical Appointments

On occasions, pupils need to attend a medical appointment which requires them to miss part of a School day. In the event of this, please could parents write to the Form Tutor in advance explaining the reason for absence and the times that the pupil will be away during the School day.


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The Form Tutor will then mark this on the pupil’s School attendance record. It is requested that such appointments should be made, where possible, after the end of school so as to avoid disruption to the School day for the pupil.

In the event of an emergency medical appointment, please contact the School Office by telephone or email [email protected] and explain your child’s absence.

Requesting Absence in advance

It is, of course, unfortunate if any pupil has to miss school during term time for activities not organised by RGS. Pupils should attend School during term time and parents should bear in mind that this is a legal requirement. However, on occasions, such activities have considerable educational benefit and therefore may be permitted. Only the Headmaster can grant this permission and parents should be aware that any days of school missed, other than through illness (where a note should be provided), which have not been granted permission by prior arrangement, constitute an unauthorised absence against the pupil’s name in the School records.

Any request for a pupil to be absent from School for an activity not organised by RGS, should be made in writing and sent to the pupil’s Head of Year. It would be useful if parents could make it clear in the letter what the benefits of the proposed absence from School will be. The Head of Year will then discuss the request with the Head of Section who will keep a register of requests and who will then pass the request up to the appropriate senior members of staff, a decision will be made and a reply sent. If such a reply is not forthcoming, please contact the Head of Section.

It is important that this procedure is followed and that permission is granted before the absence. We would therefore ask that such absence requests be made well in advance of the proposed departure date so that permission can be considered and the full procedure followed.

Absence and School work

Any pupil who is absent from School for any reason should make every effort to ensure that work missed is caught up as quickly as possible. Teaching staff will do their best to provide the information and materials missed. If a pupil has a significant period of absence through illness (usually greater than five school days), then the Form Tutor and Head of Year will discuss with parents and collect work from subject teachers to be sent home. Please note that, given the number of different teachers each pupil has, it does take a little time to assemble such work. Pupils who have been granted permission to be absent for another activity should endeavour to collect the work they will miss in advance from their subject teachers. Parents may also wish to contact the Head of Year well in advance to assist with this.

Absence and emails

Please note that emails, though useful for correspondence, cannot be accepted as a record of absence since they cannot be authenticated except if accompanied by a telephone call. In the event of pupil absence, a signed note from a parent is required.

If parents have any queries regarding these procedures, please do contact your child’s Head of Year or the Head of Section


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Summary Reason for absence Who to contact Is a note required?

Illness School office Via email [email protected] Or telephone call 01905 613391

Yes, on return to school

Appointment Medical/Dental

Form Tutor By email or letter in advance

No

Emergency Appointment Medical/Dental

School Office Via email [email protected] Or telephone call 01905 613391

No

Absence for any other reason

Head of Year By Letter

No

Absence from Weekend Co-Curricular Commitments Planned Absence

RGS’s programme of co-curricular activities depends on the full commitment of the pupil body. For this reason, school activities must take priority over all other commitments and we expect pupils to be available when selected. We accept that there will occasionally be an event for which a pupil will have to miss a fixture or rehearsal, but requests need to be made well in advance so that provision can be made. Please note that, unless permission is granted for a pupil to miss a co-curricular commitment, disciplinary sanctions will be imposed. Requests for absence should be directed to the appropriate Head of Year, who will discuss the matter with the Assistant Head Co-curricular.

Illness and injury

Should a pupil fall ill or pick up an injury that prevents their participation in a co-curricular activity, they should communicate this to the teacher in charge of the activity at the earliest opportunity. This should be followed by a written communication from the pupil’s parent or guardian confirming the reason for their absence.

Sometimes illness or injury occurs after the end of the school day on a Friday for a weekend commitment. In these circumstances early communication is once again vital and gives us the opportunity to make alternative arrangements. We cannot guarantee that staff will be able to check e-mails during the course of the weekend, therefore last minute unavailability should be communicated by phoning 07542 601152. This should be followed by a written communication from a pupil’s parent confirming the reason for their absence.

Any pupil who is absent from school through illness on the day before a sports fixture may not participate in that fixture except in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Assistant Head Co-curricular.


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2.4 WITHDRAWAL Notice of the intention to remove a pupil from the School, or to discontinue an extra subject, must be given in writing to the Headmaster by the first day of the term at the end of which the pupil is to leave or discontinue the subject. In default of such notice a full term’s fees will be charged. 2.5 IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER When severe weather warnings are issued, it may be necessary to close the school. If this decision is made before the start of the school day, BBC Hereford and Worcester will be informed by 6.40am and the school website (www.rgsw.org.uk) will carry details from 7.00am. Telephones at the school will be manned from 8.00am, and those pupils who do arrive at school will be looked after until their parents can be contacted to authorise their departure. If your son or daughter has a public examination on the day, please contact the school for advice about how to proceed. If the decision to close the school has to be taken during the school day, pupils will be encouraged to contact their parents, but staff will remain on site until the last pupil leaves or is collected. We will liaise closely with RGS The Grange and RGS Springfield to ensure consistency across all schools. 2.6 GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS AND CANDIDATES ON CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT 2.6.1 Policy The deadlines for Controlled Assessment will be set by the School, taking account of the Boards’ deadlines for final submission. The date set by the School, not that set by the Board, is the only date of relevance for candidates and parents. RGS does not allow any time off School for candidates to complete Controlled Assessment nor does it propose to tolerate it in practice. Failure to meet interim deadlines, set to help us monitor work and alert parents to problems, will result in a letter from the Head of Department concerned. The matter will be reported to the Assistant Head (Exams). If the deadline in question is the penultimate or final one, the Assistant Head (Exams) will write to parents. Therefore all candidates who fail to meet the deadline will be reported to the Assistant Head (Exams) without exception and without delay. Where extenuating circumstances are not established (such circumstances will typically involve illness, bereavement, family circumstances) then the Assistant Head (Exams) in consultation with the Deputy Head (Academic) will take action which can include the School’s refusal to accept any work submitted after the date. This is a very firm line to take and the Assistant Head (Exams) will ensure that the candidate has been properly advised and guided through the Controlled Assessment deadline process and that progress has been checked and, if necessary, reported to parents so that remedial action can be taken. Candidates and parents will have a right of appeal to the Headmaster. Where malpractice is concerned, there is a crucial distinction to be drawn concerning its discovery, and candidates, teachers and parents should be aware of it and its implications. All candidates will be asked to sign a declaration that the work is their own and that it conforms to the regulations. If malpractice is discovered before that declaration is signed then the School will deal with it as set out in the paragraph below. If it is discovered after the declaration is signed, even if it is found before RGS submits the work to the Board, then that malpractice must be brought to the Board’s attention. In this latter case the penalties will be in line with those set out for malpractice in public exams as set out above. If candidates are found to have submitted work for public examination that is not genuinely theirs, then the School will not submit that Controlled Assessment to the Board, nor will it accept any substitute. This is equally the case for Controlled Assessment submitted in Year 10; no second attempt will be supported in Year 11. In some cases this will have a serious effect on the overall result in that subject. The School will regard this as a serious offence, for which suspension may be used as an additional response.


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2.6.2 Guidelines Malpractice includes the following: Plagiarism, which means the failure to acknowledge sources properly (e.g. copying work from the internet, a book or article and trying to pass it off as the candidate’s own work) and/or the submission of another person’s work as if it were the candidate’s own. Help from another person which breaches the rules of the Exam Board. Behaving in such a way as to undermine the integrity of the Controlled Assessment process. 2.6.3 Useful Web sites The following Examination Board sites are useful for accessing specification details, past papers and mark schemes: www.aqa.org.uk www.ocr.org.uk www.edexcel.org.uk 2.7 STAFF LIST AND EMAIL ADDRESSES To email a member of staff please use the initials in the School Calendar followed by the suffix: @rgsw.org.uk This is usually the easiest way to contact staff.


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SECTION 3: CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT 3.1 AIMS At RGS Worcester, we feel that it is important to offer a rich variety of co-curricular activities to balance the demands of academic work and thereby educate "the whole person". Through the opportunities that we offer, we hope to discover the aptitudes and talents of each individual and to develop them to their fullest. Through co-curricular activity, as well as through work in the classroom, we encourage our pupils to grow in self-discipline and to prize integrity, tolerance and respect for others. The aim is that each Middle School pupil will be involved in sport each term at School, House or individual level. We also hope that many will be involved in Music and Drama or join one of the co-curricular Clubs or Societies available in school. Contribution to co-curricular activities is recognised by the Black Pear Award, which may be gained at Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards. Where pupils are involved in a number of activities, there may be times when the balance is wrong. Where the Head of Middle School, Head of Year or the pupil's Form Tutor feel this is the case, then they will discuss the matter with the pupil (and, if necessary, parents) and take the appropriate steps. Where you feel this is the case, do get in touch with the Form Tutor as soon as possible. Pupils in the Middle School also have the opportunity to compete at school level in Chess, General Knowledge and Debating. In addition, pupils can challenge themselves in a variety of possible activities such as Maths and Science Olympiads, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, CCF and World Challenge. The Design and Technology Department have entered pupils in the Young Engineers for Britain, the TDi Challenge, Rotary Club Young Innovators Competition, and the Arkwright Scholarship with much success. 3.2 SPORT RGS recognises the benefits of school sport for the individual, the school, the community and the sport. Therefore, we provide opportunities for both competitive and recreational sport. Through our sports programme

• good teacher-pupil relationships are promoted.

• there is identification with the school and its purposes.

• pupils gain wider understanding of such things as equal opportunities, tolerance, rules, responsibilities.

• we encourage our pupils to have critical appreciation of those around them.

• we place much emphasis on sporting behaviour and respect for sport. We recognise that our School's status and reputation can be raised through school sporting achievements and we endeavour to ensure that pupils find their involvement enjoyable. School Fixtures These can be found in the School Calendar or via the Sports pages on either Schoolweb or the school’s website. Fixtures are normally played on Saturdays and we aim to provide a full fixture list for both A and B teams in each sport. Saturday fixtures are considered an integral part of school life and, if selected for a team, pupils are expected to attend on Saturdays and for practices after school during the week. Permission to be absent from either will be granted in exceptional circumstances, if parents request this in writing, giving as much notice as possible. Unless told otherwise, pupils are expected to travel to and from matches in school uniform. However, not many girls’ schools provide us with facilities for changing, so this is not as much of a necessity for girls as it is for boys. The teacher in charge of the activity will inform pupils of the arrangements.


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When travelling for an away fixture, pupils are expected to travel on the coach, though permission will be given for them to go home separately with their parents. When travelling away and the coach leaves early, pupils will be asked to bring a packed lunch. Full details of arrangements are posted on the Games notice boards by Thursday each week, but if you are unsure of arrangements, do phone the School. Decisions about cancelling a match, usually because of weather conditions, will be taken as soon as is practically possible and details will be published on the school website on the morning of a match. Parents are encouraged to come and support their son or daughter's teams; but please remember that we have wider aims for sport than simply winning and we would encourage parents to be positive and unbiased in their support. 3.3 MUSIC Please visit the music website to gain a flavour of music at RGS. Individual Tuition We are able to give tuition for all instruments, for which parents pay separately. Lessons take place throughout the school day on a rota basis, so that pupils rarely miss the same lesson twice in the same half-term. Please email the Director of Music, Mr M Hamilton, [email protected] to request instrumental or vocal lessons for your son or daughter. Ensembles The following ensembles involving Middle School are planned for September 2014:

• Vocal: School Choir, Chamber Choir, Boys’ A Cappella.

• Instrumental: String Orchestra, Baroque Trio, (The ‘Perrins Ensemble’), Junior Wind, Concert Band, Saxophone Ensemble, Big Band, Little Big Band, Senior Jazz Combo.

• Theory Group.

Concerts Dates for concerts can be found in the School Calendar and in the separate Music Calendar. These range from a series of teatime concerts, major concerts at the end of every term, the March Cathedral Concert, a Cabaret Evening, Jazz On The Lawn and our Carol Service in Worcester Cathedral. 3.4 DRAMA There are at least three drama productions in school each year, which allow a large number of pupils a chance to perform and 'tread the boards'. As well as acting, there are opportunities for pupils to help backstage on set production, lighting, sound and props. If pupils would like to be considered for a part they would normally attend an audition. The demands of taking part in a play vary according to the size of the part involved. The commitment necessary for a pupil playing a major part is large. The director of each play will make sure that each pupil understands the size of his or her commitment from the outset, but once the parts are agreed and rehearsals start, the pupil will be expected to attend when required.


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3.5 THE HOUSE SYSTEM Aims Each pupil is assigned to one of four Houses at RGS. The relevant House colour will be reflected in the pupil’s uniform, tie for boys; badge for girls; plus sports socks. The Houses have a pastoral function. The Housemaster is the person who will have regular contact with a pupil throughout his or her time in school in fortnightly House meetings. However, the main function of the House System is to provide a range of sporting and cultural activities which help them learn how to participate as part of a team. The House Championship Central to the House System is the House Championship - positions of the House in all the competitions are converted into points, which go towards the House Competition. House activities may include Rugby, Soccer, Cricket, Hockey, Cross Country, Athletics, Netball, Dance, Badminton, Volleyball, Basketball, Chess, Music, General Knowledge, Art etc. The aim is to involve a wide range of pupils in school activities, not to put increased pressure on those in school teams and the programme of House activities is organised accordingly. The programme for the term can be found in the School Calendar. 3.6 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Societies meet at various times in the week including lunchtime and after school. Pupils are informed of these in the School Calendar, on the Societies Notice board and in Assemblies. Middle School pupils who have a particular interest in something are encouraged to find other like-minded pupils and a member of staff or prefects, and to form their own clubs or society. 3.7 FIELD DAYS AND ACTIVITIES WEEK There are a number of days in the year where the normal school timetable is suspended for the day. The dates of these can be found in the School Calendar. For Middle School pupils, it is an opportunity for more varied activity - for example CCF or the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Details of each of these days, timings, kit required, venue, costings, will be sent to parents by the Head of Middle School, Head of Year or the teacher in charge of the activity in advance for your approval. During these days children may wish to sign up for more than one activity but they should remember that, to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award, this must take precedence. 3.8 SCHOOL TRIPS There is a large number of school trips planned for each academic year and to help parents plan for the expense involved, a diary of trips is drawn up each year and posted on the website. Major sports tours abroad occur on a biennial basis, alternating between summer and winter sports, so that in theory all pupils going through the school have an opportunity to go on a tour when they reach Middle School and Senior level. 3.9 COMBINED CADET FORCE Participation in the Combined Cadet Force is voluntary and may start in the Trinity Term of Year Nine. The Combined Cadet Force consists of three Sections: Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The aim is to provide an organisation, which will give young people the opportunity to enjoy adventurous and military training in a safe yet stimulating environment. We do not try to obtain recruits for the Armed Forces, but if pupils are thinking of such a career, there is no better place to start.


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All three Sections meet on Tuesdays after school at 4.00pm. Training lasts from one to one and a half hours; it also often takes place at weekends and during holidays. All three Sections provide uniforms free, with the exception of boots (for hygiene reasons). Mostly school shoes will do, but many cadets purchase boots from local Army Surplus stores. Each individual Section has its own military style, but all have much in common. Adventure training in the past has taken the form of rock climbing and abseiling, canoeing, orienteering, mountain biking, camping, go-karting and much more. The CCF is like life; participants will get out of it whatever they are prepared to put in. The idea is that it is challenging and fun. Cadets can also achieve awards and certificates from a wide variety of sources which help, for instance, when applying for University and College places in the future: flying, sailing, first aid and leadership for example, all courses which carry nationally recognised status. Each Section has a rank structure that closely follows the regular adult military system. Promotion is solely on merit, so it is over to individuals. If pupils want any more information, find out who heads the Section you wish to join, or speak to any CCF officer, their names are in Lists Section of the School Calendar. 3.10 THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD Young people are eager to grasp opportunities for enjoyment, excitement and new experiences. They wish to make their mark in a world where the individual often appears insignificant and are willing to take on substantial challenges if they perceive them to be worthwhile and relevant to the needs of society. They want to prove themselves, to discover new talents and develop their relationship with friends and the wider community. The Duke of Edinburgh introduced his Award to encourage and stimulate their enthusiasms and energies by presenting a challenging programme of activities open to young people between the ages of 14 and 25. The Award is intended to develop those qualities of maturity and responsibility which will help them throughout their lives, in their homes, in their jobs and in their relationships, whatever their personal abilities or circumstances. The Award now operates in over 50 countries; in some it is known by a different title, although the underlying philosophy and basic principles of the operation are the same. The challenge is the essence of the concept. The Award presents to young people a balanced non-competitive programme of voluntary activities that encourages responsibility, self-reliance, personal discovery and perseverance. The four sections are Service (helping people in the community), Skills (covering almost any hobby, skill or interest), Physical Recreation (sport, dance and fitness) and Expeditions (training for, planning and completing a journey on foot). Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at RGS is voluntary and may start in the Trinity Term of Year Nine. Participants follow their chosen activities, largely in their own time, with the guidance from someone knowledgeable in each subject. Minimum standards of achievement are laid down and when these are met, the participants qualify for an Award. These minimum standards should be exceeded, where appropriate, in order to create a truly personal challenge. A badge and certificate are presented to mark an attainment. The Award is voluntary. It is not competitive since individuals are assessed on their own progress. Meetings take place on Tuesdays after school at 4.00pm. 3.11 CAREERS The selection of one’s career is one of the most important decisions anyone has to make in their lifetime. Few pupils in the Middle School know what career they will pursue and so we offer opportunities for them to begin thinking about careers through our PSHCE curriculum and through possible membership of the Morrisby Profile and Guidance Service. There will be a Careers Convention at RGS every other year for pupils in Years Ten to Thirteen. The next one will be in the Lent Term of 2016. Futurewise testing takes place at RGS in the Michaelmas Term of Year Ten. This gives pupils a


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useful insight into Career paths that they might be suited to. Pupils opt into this scheme; please contact the Careers Department (Mrs S Nicholls) for further details. It is anticipated that all students will undertake a Work Experience placement in the summer of Year Eleven, after the GCSEs. Careers staff can advise pupils on Work Experience placements. 3.12 LEARNING DEVELOPMENT

“To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end in life.” Robert Louis Stevenson

The Learning Development Department at RGS plays a vital role in the school’s learning process. Not only do we aim to minimise the effect of any barriers to learning, we also aim to maximise the potential of all pupils to become independent thinkers and learners. At RGS we offer a range of comprehensive provision to promote the development of learning:

• within class: through differentiation: setting, banding, group structure, resource, support, task ~ taking into account the individual abilities and learning styles of the pupil. LD teachers may go in to class to team-teach with teachers or observe, in order to give more specific advice to help pupils or to monitor progress.

• through OLPP (Optimising Learning Potential Programme) ~ a specially devised programme for developing good learning habits, study skills, revision strategies and examination techniques delivered through PSHCE.

• extra curricular classes and workshops, and extension programmes, peer-mentoring

• school intranet: ‘Firefly’ – The LD area on ‘Firefly’ alerts pupils as to the time of their LD sessions and also provides a place for resources to be ‘posted’.

• individual lessons with a specialist, experienced teacher to ameliorate pupils’ weaknesses and provide them with the strategies to cope independently and confidently in the classroom. These sessions (for which there is an extra charge) operate on a rotating timetable basis to minimize adverse impact upon subjects, before or after the school day, or during lunchtime.

For some pupils short-term support is all that is required, whilst for others support is ongoing and reflects the pupils’ changing needs. For older pupils, a flexi-support system is also available, where pupils request sessions as and when needed. During Year Nine the focus of individual sessions becomes more subject-specific. Although basic skills may still be addressed, sessions are also likely to include the development of higher order thinking skills; planning and research skills, structuring work, study skills, revision and examination techniques, as well as further explanation and clarification of complex texts, tasks or concepts to support GCSE work.

The specialist teachers in our LD department can identify reasons for lack of progress through full educational assessments or diagnostic testing and suggest solutions or advise on appropriate courses of action. Besides specialist teaching using a variety of different methods, we can offer a range of interventions such as ‘My Lexia’ (an on-line reading and phonological development program); or The Listening Program (an auditory processing development program) to help specific difficulties. We also liaise or refer with external practitioners when necessary. The LD Department regularly liaises with all departments and has an open-door policy with parents in order that concerns can be immediately discussed and quickly addressed. Teachers are kept informed of the latest Government Directives or legislation, current issues or the latest research. To aid this we undertake ongoing professional development and subscribe to professional bodies such as PATOSS and BDA. Over the years, a great many of our pupils with specific learning difficulties have done very well at RGS. After appropriate support many have gone on to achieve highly and secure places at premier universities. As one former student, having recently achieved a MSci, wrote:


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“The support I received from the LD department made a huge difference to me. It allowed me to develop ways of coping with my problems, develop self confidence and resilience.”

For further information or advice please contact Mrs Dee Warman, Head of Learning Development and Co-ordinator.


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SCHOOL RULES It is the School’s expectation that all students will behave with mutual trust, respect and courtesy at all times. We expect our students to be presentable, confident and independent young people who enjoy their time at RGS. It is our aim that members of the community should act in a civilised and supportive manner. These rules are designed with these aims in mind. They are not intended to cover all forms of conduct but to offer guidance. It is hoped that good judgement will prevail at all times. School rules apply to students from the time they leave home in the morning until they reach home in the evening and at any time when they are involved in School trips or functions. DRESS AND APPEARANCE

1. Pupils are expected to take a pride in their personal appearance. Clothes should be kept clean and in good order.

2. Hair should be neat and avoid extremes of fashion. No hairstyle should obscure vision. 3. Jewellery may not be worn by boys below the Sixth Form. For girls below the Sixth Form

a small, plain ear stud is allowed. In addition, a discreet necklace indicating religious beliefs, eg a simple cross on a fine chain, are allowed. Sixth Form students must follow the guidelines laid down in the clothing regulations.

4. Eating or drinking on site is only allowed in the dining room, in the Sixth Form Centre Common Room and outside on benches. Eating in transit is not allowed.

5. The chewing of gum is forbidden. 6. Eating and drinking in the street is not allowed. 7. Pupils should conform to the school clothing regulations. All pupils may not leave the

school in home clothes unless granted permission by Head of Year or Head of Section. All pupils must leave Games afternoons, fixtures or after-school practices in either school uniform or in an RGS tracksuit.

ATTENDANCE

8. No pupil may be absent from School, except for ill health, unless prior permission has been obtained from the Headmaster or Deputy Head.

9. Pupils in the Sixth Form may leave the school site at break and lunchtime. Pupils in Years Ten and Eleven may leave the school site at lunchtime. Year Seven, Eight and Nine pupils may not leave the school site during the day.

10. All pupils are expected to take part in school activities as required. 11. Any pupil absent from school through illness on the day or morning before a match may

not take part in it. 12. Activities advertised in the School Calendar have precedence over others, except School

Detention. 13. No pupil should be on site before 7.45. No pupil should be on the school site after 4.15

unless in the Library or a computer suite or attending an organised school activity such as Homework Club.

GENERAL

14. Breaches of the law are by definition breaches of School Rules. 15. The use, possession or arranging the supply of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes of any

description), tobacco, alcohol, fireworks, lighters, matches, any dangerous implement or illegal drugs are forbidden. Any student using or in possession of illegal drugs renders himself or herself liable to expulsion.

16. Licensed premises are out of bounds to all pupils throughout the School day. Any pupils clearly identifiable as members of the School are forbidden access to public houses at any time.

17. Motorised vehicles are not allowed on school property and should not be used during the day.

18. Bicycles must be wheeled and not ridden anywhere on the School grounds and they must be wheeled in or out of the School gates. Pupils are required to wear helmets and advised to wear a hi-visibility jacket when cycling.


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19. Pupils are not allowed into the Sports Halls, Lecture Theatre, Eld, Godfrey Brown Theatre, Science Laboratories or the Design Technology department except in the presence of a member of staff.

20. Everyone is expected to keep to the left when moving along corridors, pathways and wherever traffic is flowing in both directions. Running is not permitted indoors or any outside area other than the playgrounds.

21. Any loss of or damage to kit or property and any damage of School or neighbouring property must be reported to the student’s Tutor. The School does not accept liability for the loss of, or damage to, personal property and parents are advised to have appropriate insurance cover.

22. Considerable sums of money or articles of value should not be brought to School unless essential and then should be given to Whiteladies Office or a Head of Section for safe keeping.

23. Ball games are permitted only in the playgrounds and then only if supervised. 24. Personal music systems may only be used whilst the pupil is seated. They must not be used

during lessons and registration periods. Mobile phones and pagers may not be used during the school day unless the supervising teacher gives permission. Sixth Formers may use mobile phones but only at break and at lunch and only in Gordon House. The taking of photographs, videos or recording of sound is not permitted unless permission is given by the supervising teacher as well as any pupil involved. Permission must be explicit, not implied.

25. iPads can only be used in lessons with the permission of the teacher in charge. iPads and mobile phones must not be used to make audio or video recordings or take photographic images during the school day unless permission is given by a member of staff as well as any pupil being recorded. The consent must be explicit, not implied. iPads should not be used when walking around the school site. iPads should not be used in school to access any form of social media like Facebook. For further information on use of iPads in school, please refer to iPad Code of Conduct.

26. The crossing of Little London must only be undertaken via the Biology gate. 27. The chip shop is out of bounds during the school day. 28. Inappropriate contact between students is not permissible. 29. Food and drink purchased in the dining room must not be eaten outside the hall. Cups and

cutlery should not be removed from the dining halls. 30. The playgrounds are out of bounds unless a member of staff is present. 31. If a member of staff fails to arrive at a lesson, a member of the class should inform

Whiteladies Office after 5 minutes. Health and Safety 31. Pupils must familiarise themselves with fire evacuation procedures and assembly points. They should use their common sense with regard to their own safety and they have a responsibility not to endanger the safety of others. Any accidents, near misses or potential risks to the health and safety of pupils, staff or visitors must be reported to Whiteladies Office immediately. School rules may be amended from time to time and, with any such amendments, shall apply to all students as long as they continue to be students at the school.


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UNIFORM LIST 2014 - 2015

YR 7-8 Girls

YR 7-8 Boys

YR 9 Girls

YR 9 Boys

YR 10-11 Girls

YR 10-11 Boys

Blazer �√ �√ �√ √� �√ √�

RGS Trousers (Charcoal Grey) Optional � Optional � Optional �

RGS Worcester School Skirt to be worn on the knee

�√

�√ �√

Shirts Pale Blue

Open neck

Pale blue Badged White Fitted

White Badged White Fitted

White

Summer Shirt (Short Sleeved with badge for Boys/no badge Girls)

Optional

Pale Blue

Optional

Pale Blue

Optional

White

Optional

White

Optional

White

Optional

White

School Summer Dress Optional None None

Pullovers or jumper, V neck plain rib (or cardigans for girls if preferred)

Navy Navy Navy Navy Navy Navy

House Identification Badge Tie Badge Tie Badge Tie

Socks/Tights Navy socks long (winter); short(summer); 70 denier navy tights

Dark Grey or Black

Navy socks long (winter) short (summer); black or flesh-coloured tights

Dark Grey or black

Navy socks long (winter) short (summer);

black or flesh-coloured tights

Dark Grey or Black

Shoes as per style guide

√� √� �√ √� �√ �√

Outer Garments: navy-blue, charcoal grey or black. Overcoats, raincoats, duffle-coats and anoraks are allowed.

White Lab coat �√ �√ �√ �√ �√ �√

Scarf: School; plain navy; plain black Optional Optional Optional Optional Optional Optional

Gloves: navy or black Optional Optional Optional Optional Optional Optional


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Games clothing YR 7-8 Girls

YR 7-8 Boys

YR 9

Girls

YR 9

Boys

YR 10-11

Girls

YR 10-11

Boys

White shirt Fitted Polo Tee Fitted Polo Tee Fitted Polo Tee

White shorts √� �√ √�

White lace-up cross-trainers (no black soles)

√� �√ �√ �√ �√ �√

Sports socks (no coloured bands) White White White White White White

Navy-blue cycle shorts �√ Optional �√ Optional �√ Optional

Navy RGS Shorts �√ �√ �√

Navy Skort � √ �√ √�

RGS Sweatshirt �√ �√ �√

RGS Track Top �√ �√ �√ �√ �√ √�

RGS Track Bottoms �√ �√ �√ √ �√ √�

Football boots �√ �√ �√

Long Socks Navy Team Navy Team Navy Team

Sports Bra or Athletic support �√ �√ �√ √� �√ �√

Swimming trunks/costume - navy � √ & swimming hat

�√

White/green reversible Rugby Football shirt

�√ �√ �√

Athletics vest √� �√ �√ �√ �√ �√

RGS Top and Bottom ‘Skins’ Optional Optional Optional Optional Optional Optional

Pupils selected to represent the school in teams will have the option to buy items of match kit.


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Houses: Elgar: Amber Whiteladies: Red Ottley: Gold Wylde: Blue

• Years Seven to Ten: 1 Craft Apron 1 Art overall (e.g. old shirt)

• Summer Uniform (optional) may be worn in Trinity Term. Summer dresses must not be worn above Year 8.

• The House Badge for girls is available from School and ties from SchoolTogs.

• All hair accessories must be navy or green and hair of shoulder length or longer must be tied back in Years 7 – 9; and where required by departmental risk assessment for all years.

• The School has been concerned about the weight of books and other equipment pupils are carrying on their backs, in often unsuitable bags. This is causing stress on immature spines and potential back problems in the future. We recommend a bag produced by the National Back-pain association, which is sold at SchoolTogs. Canvas or other bags which have been hand-decorated or defaced in any way are not permissible. A Kit bag (navy or green) and a boot bag for sports shoes are also needed. All bags brought to School must be named.

• All pupils should have a mouth-guard and these can be obtained from some dentists or from chemists eg Boots.

• Astro-trainers are an optional, but recommended, item for hockey players Marking of Clothing - All property brought to School must be clearly named. This includes bags, every item of personal clothing, Games clothing and shoes. - All Games clothing must have the pupil’s initials sewn into the fabric, in white on coloured material and in blue on white material. Letters

should be about 3-4cm high. These should be located on the bottom of the left leg on shorts or skirts and on the left breast on shirts and singlets.

- Name-tapes must be sewn into each garment. Both the top and trousers of the tracksuit must be named. THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL CLOTHING MAY BE OBTAINED FROM: Clothing and most Sportswear: SchoolTogs Second Hand Items: Second Hand Shop at the School

31 New Street email: [email protected] Worcester For opening times check Calendar Tel: 01905 28658 or Tel: 01905 613391

Documents

Middle School Handbook