OUR AIMS

o  To inspire and support students in achieving the highest possible standards.

o  To provide an exciting, challenging and enriching curriculum within a supportive community in order to promote a love of learning, which will benefit students throughout their lives.

o  To discover and nurture individual talents.

o  To engage parents in their child’s learning journey.

o  To promote values of respect, responsibility, effort and empathy, which enhance independent learning, academic progress and emotional well-being.

o  To encourage skills, ambition and confidence required to become successful global citizens and meet the challenges of the modern world

o  To focus upon the attributes that are highly prized in higher education and the workplace, such as initiative, confidence, perseverance, teamwork and leadership.

 

Our Cor e Val ues

The following GEMS core values are woven into the curriculum and embedded throughout school life at Webber. They underpin the whole curriculum and are delivered through every subject. They are centred on values that we perceive as vital to building the foundations for the citizens of tomorrow.

World Citizenship

Empowering students with a goal and local perspective.

Students in GEMS managed schools learn about the world and the people in it from an early age, developing an awareness of different cultures and countries. By exploring the world they become socially, culturally, economically and environmentally aware, and will adopt a global perspective to better understand how they can make a difference in the global community

Universal Values

Accepting that we are all different, recognising that we are all the same.

Our Universal Values Programme helps students develop the values, principles and ethics that are respected, admired and accepted in all cultures around the world. Students are taught healthy social attitudes and a spirit of humanity, providing the ethical foundations and social skills to guide them through life. A variety of activities and experiences based on the understanding of universal values teach students to make positive contributions to others, their schools and the community.

Leadership Qualities

Developing each student’s individuality and discovering their potential.

Our educational programmes encourage students to explore and question, to seek solutions, make informed decisions and solve problems, to demonstrate tenacity and to

express themselves confidently. GEMS aims to develop each student’s own individual potential for leadership, either as a motivator of others or themselves, discovering and aspiring to their own special area of excellence.

Forward Thinking

Developing skills for the future

Our educational programmes help students to become flexible thinkers who are able to question existing thinking, adapt and creatively meet the demands of the future. Students

are provided with opportunities to develop their Information and Communication Technology skills and expand their horizons through enquiry, exploration and decision making in order to excel in the present and shape the future.

5P’s

Punctuality

Presentation

Preparation

Performance

Proud

Being a member of The Webber Independent School Community means that you have a responsibility to others and to yourself to get involved.

Coming to School every day is about so much more than just what you do in the classroom.

It is about holistic education and individual learning in a much wider sense.

It is about developing that “WIS Edge”.

“What makes a WIS student stand out and be “outstanding”?

It is the way that we:

• Get involved

• Volunteer and help

• Serve our community

• Support each other

• Care about other people

• Be positive

• Have a “Yes we can” attitude

• Join in the whole School events and initiatives

• Make the most of all the different great opportunities we are offered every day at WIS

• Are proud of being a member of the WIS Community

This is what gives us the “WIS Edge”

THE ‘WIS EDGE’

BASIC EXPECTATIONS OF ALL STUDENTSWhile at School, we expect:

• Respect, politeness and co-operation towards everyone in the School environment.

• Avoidance of distracting other students from their learning.

• Willingness to work to the best of your ability.

• Good behaviour, both in and on the way to and from School.

• Acceptance of the School’s authority, including sanctions.

• High standards of personal appearance and dress at all times.

• Consideration of other people and respect for their property.

• Careful treatment of the School buildings and property.

• Compliance with the UK law.

• Behaviour at all times must be calm and controlled (for safety reasons students should walk on the right-hand side of corridors).

• Consideration and sensitivity to others and their feelings. Students should go out of their way to support and help their peers and younger students.

BASIC EXPECTATIONS OF ALL STUDENTS

• Punctuality to class is essential. If students are late they should apologise immediately to the member of staff and give a reason for their lateness.

• Personal relationships must be conducted with discretion. The School is a working public community and conspicuous displays of affection are not appropriate.

• Senior students in particular are expected to set an example to younger students.

• Coarse and inappropriate language should not be used in School.

• Attendance at all classes is obligatory. If it is necessary to miss a class students should excuse themselves beforehand from the member of staff in charge. Truancy, or being absent from class without permission is treated very seriously and will jeopardise your School place.

• Personal areas e.g. Form Rooms, lockers should be kept tidy and communal areas should be kept litter free.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Standards of behaviour What Standards of Behaviour are Expected? Standards of behaviour are high at The Webber Independent School We are fortunate to work in a close-knit, caring and supportive

community at WIS. As in all such communities, however, rules must be formulated and adhered to for the benefit of the greatest number, and this inevitably involves some compromise on individual freedom. Most students misbehaviour is low level and will be addressed by a simple reminder from the teacher.

The WIS Behaviour Management Policy is set out below:- Aim

To ensure that behaviour at The Webber Independent School is consistently of a high standard and creates a civilised environment in which effective learning and teaching can take place and students can mature in a harmonious and safe environment.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOURPrinciples

• Every effort will be made to encourage, recognise and reward positive behaviour.

• Parents will be kept fully advised of any concerns and the School will seek to involve parents in strategies to support students experiencing difficulties.

• Behaviour which jeopardises the learning, safety or sense of security of other students will not be tolerated.

• Behaviour which brings the School into disrepute will not be tolerated.

• Illegal activities or the introduction of illegal substances onto the School site will not be tolerated. Such offences will also be reported to the appropriate authorities who may include the police.

• Materials and objects deemed to be dangerous and material deemed unsuitable for young people will be confiscated.

• Consumption of alcohol, bringing alcohol onto the School site or being under the influence of alcohol will lead to severe sanctions.

• Possession of tobacco or its derivatives is forbidden anywhere within the School grounds.

WIS ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

We are fortunate at The Webber Independent School that there is a friendly and supportive atmosphere throughout all areas of School life.

However, it is only realistic to recognise that bullying behaviour can find its way into any community at any time. It is therefore all the more important that we should affirm that we believe that:

Everyone’s individuality should be valued and respected.

Everyone has a right to live free from fear and intimidation.

Bullying should not be tolerated.

In order to ensure that no-one should suffer in this way, communication between students and staff (both academic and non-academic) is most important. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that no-one engages in bullying behaviour.

If you, or someone you know is suffering in this way, please report this to any teacher.

WIS ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

An account will be kept of incidents and the staff will undertake to handle this information discreetly and endeavour to help all those involved.

• In investigating incidents, any student may be asked to write about what happened. This does not imply that a student is guilty of misconduct.

• If there is no improvement in the behaviour, despite warnings, of an individual involved in such an incident, or if the behaviour is particularly severe, the student’s parents will be involved.

• If, subsequent to this, the student’s bullying behaviour persists, that student may be asked to leave the school.

• Bullying may be verbal, psychological, physical or cyber and is taken very seriously at The Webber Independent School.

If you are a victim of bullying or if you observe incidents involving others you must tell any member of staff immediately who will then take the appropriate action.

When staff, students and parents work together, bullying is less likely to happen.

ENCOURAGING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

How We Encourage Positive Behaviour? The Webber Independent School aims to continually promote high standards of student

behaviour, effort, self-discipline and learning through positive encouragement and reward.

When you do something well your teacher will recognise this by speaking to you directly, writing a comment on your work, sending an email home or writing in your Student Planner and awarding that achievement with high marks.

Good effort and achievement are also recognised through the Merit System.

Subject Attainment, Effort and Specialist Awards are awarded annually in each subject at the Award Presentation Ceremonies.

Following an Interim Report a Principal’s Letter of Commendation is sent to the parents of those students who have performed particularly well across the board with attainment, effort and positive participation in whole School life.

If a student completes an exceptional piece of work they will be awarded a Principal’s Certificate of Commendation and this is also recorded in the Commendation Book.

Examples of students’ best work are displayed prominently around the School and examples of student excellence are published regularly in the newsletter, yearbook and on the School website and blogs.

We also celebrate student success regularly in Year Group and Whole School Celebrating Success Assemblies.

ENCOURAGING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

Sanctions

Minor misbehaviour is dealt with by a reminder of the Basic Expectations from the teacher. Comments in the Student Planner, additional work and detentions will be used as appropriate. (Parents will be given at least 24 hours notice if a student is to be detained after school or on a Saturday morning).

A student whose behaviour or attitude to learning is deteriorating may be monitored by being placed on a Daily Learning Monitoring Report, which is a supportive strategy.

In the event of serious misbehaviour, violence, persistent disruption, illegal activities or the possession of illegal substance, a student may be excluded from The Webber Independent School, temporarily or permanently and such offences may be reported to the appropriate authorities.

See the Positive Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy on the School Website for further details.

DRESS CODE

The aim of our uniform is for students to present a neat, business-like appearance at all times and to take pride in being members of The Webber Independent School.

Personal appearance is therefore very important. We dress to impress and we only get one chance to make a good first impression.

A high standard of personal appearance is expected of all students at all times, both inside the School and outside in the community. Remember that you are our ambassadors when you are out in the local community and what you do and say and how you look reflect on us all. So please make sure you create a positive impression at all times.

No jewellery, except for a watch and one small stud earring in each ear lobe for girls only, may be worn. No other piercings are permitted.

Make-up and nail polish may not be worn in Years 7-11. Only Sixth Form girls are permitted to wear make-up and nail polish which must be discreet and understated and appropriate for a business environment.

Boys are permitted only to wear a watch. Jewellery items of religious significance may only be worn with prior approval by the Principal or Vice Principal following a formal written parent request.

DRESS CODEFor all Years 7 - 11 the uniform requirements are listed below (Sixth Form have different requirements)

Girls Blazer School Regulation Kilt School Regulation Blouse (Revere collar) White (Short sleeved Summer, Long Sleeved Winter) Cardigan School Regulation Reversible Fleece waterproof jacket School Regulation Ankle Socks White Tights Grey Shoes Black closed toe shoe with a heel of no more than 1” Hair Accessories White or Purple only

Boys Blazer School Regulation Shirt White Trousers Charcoal Grey Jumper School Regulation Tie School Regulation Socks Grey Reversible Fleece waterproof jacket School Regulation Shoes Black lace up shoe, not trainer style

Sixth Form Boys Charcoal Grey Suit

Girls Charcoal Grey Suit either skirt or trousers

Shoes Black as per Senior School above

Shirt/Blouse White

Tie (Boys only) School Regulation (6th Form Tie with Motif)

PE Kit School Regulation o Polo shirto Shorts (Boys)o Skort (Girls)o Tracksuit Topo Trackshit Trouserso Football Sockso White Sports Sockso Rugby Shirto Swimwear (if applicable)

PE Kit Optional

Football Boots

Shin Pads

Rugby Studs

Rugby Gloves

Mouth Guards

Training Shoes

Pe uniform

The supplier for our School Uniform is: DJ Uniforms45 High Street, Bushey, Herts, WD23 1BDTel: 0208 4219488Email: info@djuniforms.co.ukWebsite: www.djuniforms.co.uk

In an effort to ensure that the uniform is worn in an acceptable manner, all students should note the following:

• Shirts/blouses should be of an appropriate size (not overlarge) and boys’ shirts should be properly tucked in at the waist at all times.

• Ties should be tied in a small neat knot worn up to the collar with the top button done up.

• Shoes should be polished regularly.

• When sweaters are not being worn they should not be tied around the waist.

• Full and correct uniform must be worn in and whilst travelling to and from School. This also applies after school and travelling home after activities on all school trips unless otherwise instructed by a member of staff.

• Please ensure that all items of clothing are correctly labelled with your name.

• Students are reminded that they should not change out of School uniform and into casual clothes at the end of the day to attend social events.

We would particularly ask for parents’ support and co-operation in this respect to ensure that students represent themselves, their families and The Webber Independent School well in the local community.

HAIRSTYLES Hairstyles should be neat and of a modest style, neither excessively long nor short.

Students’ hair must be of a natural colour (black, blonde, brown, red natural tones) rather than bright, obvious or ‘unnatural’ colours.

Boys’ hair must be well off the collar at the back and off the ears and face. Short hair (not shaved) for boys (no shorter than a No.2 barber cut) is acceptable.

Girls’ hair should be tied back fully off the face. The sensible use of hair accessories is acceptable to keep hair orderly and neat eg Alice band, hair band, clips, slides, scrunchies, elastic bands etc as long as they are plain and of a matching School uniform colour, i.e. white, purple or black.

Girls may choose to style their hair in plaits, ponytail or bunches as long as their hair is tidy and is fully back off the face.

Hairstyling products (non coloured gel, wax, mousse etc) can be used to style hair in a neat and tidy manner, but not to create exaggerated hairstyles for example ‘spikes’ for boys.

If a hairstyle contravenes these requirements the student will be requested to amend this with immediate effect and if this is not possible they will be required to remain at home until such time as their hair has returned to an acceptable condition.

Boys are expected to be clean shaven as this is also part of their neat and business-like personal presentation.

Students are responsible for their own personal presentation and should bear this in mind throughout the School day.

BASIC INFORMATION

Textbooks and specialised equipment will be issued to students on loan. Students will be expected to keep these in excellent condition and will be required to pay for any loss or damage to School property. Students should not decorate, graffiti or deface their books.Students will also be issued with exercise books for individual subjects. Both exercise book and textbooks should be covered with clear sticky back plastic or suitable protective covering and clearly labelled with their name and form class.If a student forgets equipment for example homework/coursework/PE kits, these can be left at Reception for collection by the student but these items cannot be delivered by the staff to the student. Please ensure you check at Reception for any forgotten items.

Basic Equipment Required

Every student is expected to provide the following basic items of equipment for lessons as required:

• Pencil case

• Post-It notes

• Index cards

• Glue stick

• Oxford English Dictionary and Thesaurus (ISBN: 978-0-19-955846-9)

• Black or blue ballpoint pens

• Pencils

• Pencil eraser

• Pencil sharpener

• Ruler 12”/30cm

• Highlighter pens

• Coloured pencils

• Pair of compasses

• Calculator*

• Mathematics set - compass, protractor, set square

• Lever arch binder and subject dividers

*If purchasing a new calculator please ask the Mathematics Department for advice.** Please note that years 7 - 9 require only a simple calculator. Years 10-13 require a scientific calculator.

Tippex/Liquid Paper are not allowed in School and must not be used in any work.

School BagsA school bag is required that will fit into the large lockers provided. The bag should be strong enough to adequately protect books. On days when students have PE, dance or games, a sports bag may be brought to School. No trolley bags are allowed. Students do not carry their bags to their lessons, but carry only their books and equipment required for two lessons at a time, thus avoiding having to carry heavy books and bulky bags.

Particularly in the Summer term we encourage all students doing outdoor activities to:

• Drink plenty of water - bring a clear sports top bottle to PE lessons and extra curricular activities

• Wear high factor sun protection

• Wear a hat

• Wear a suitable sun protection eye wear

The responsible use of electronic devices is allowed in school in accordance with the school policy and with the permission of the individual teacher concerned. Inappropriate use of a device may result in

serious consequences and ultimately exclusion.

Students who are unsure about the policy should ask a member of staff before bringing a device into school.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

LOCKERS

• Each student is issued with their own locker and is issued with two keys.• Valuables and large sums of money must not be brought into School.• Personal insurance is advisable as the School does not provide insurance for the

loss of students’ belongings and will not be responsible for the loss, damage or theft of items of value brought into School against our strong recommendations.

• Theft is the removal of an article without the prior consent of its owner, with no intention of returning it. Theft is a criminal offence The School will not tolerate theft and any student found stealing will be liable to severe sanctions including police involvement.

• In exceptional circumstances valuable items must be handed into Reception Staff at the front desk to be locked in the safe. During PE valuables must be placed in the PE valuables box.

SUN SENSE AND SAFETY

HOME LEARNING

Is Homework set? Home learning is set regularly in accordance

with a timetable published for each year group at the beginning of each academic year. This should be copied into the homework blank timetable in this Student Planner for easy reference.

Students enter each homework and date due in the Student Planner. Students should expect homework every night and if ‘None Set’ is noted - they should use this time to review, read ahead, research, revise. Homework should be completed on the night it is set. Larger projects or coursework should be entered into the Student Planner as several smaller manageable deadlines.

Students will need close monitoring and support from parents to establish a regular routine for homework in a suitable learning environment. Student Planners also contain space for comments by parents and teachers.

Student Planners are checked weekly by Form Tutors and are monitored by Heads of Department and the Senior Leadership Team.

Parents are advised to confirm that homework has been completed to their satisfaction and check and sign every week.

Planner-Live (www.plannerlive.com) and Blog Sites also contain detailed subject information on homework set and can also be viewed and monitored by parents.

STUDY TIME

home learningDuring the School day, students have a 30 minute Study Time in their form rooms with their Form Tutors. During this time, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to be independent learners.Effective use of this time will include:• Question and answer with a Learning Partner• Reviewing topics completed• Reading ahead on the next topic• Revising and making revision notes and materials• Reading extensively around the topic to increase your subject knowledge• House-keeping eg filing notes, sticking in, locker tidy, general organisation, worksheets, completing corrections, catch-up notes, responding to teacher comments.• Extension tasksThis study time is not for the completion of homework and it is to be used as individual prep time and quiet study to allow other learners to work effectively.

SCHOOL COURTESY TELEPHONE

This should only be used by the students in the event of an emergency for example cancellation of activities rather than to organise social arrangements. We regret that we are not able to arrange to have forgotten items delivered to students, however, students may check and collect items themselves from Reception.

FOOD AND DRINK

Students may eat and drink only in the Dining Hall and designated “chill-out” areas around the School campus.

• For reasons of safety hot lunch must be consumed in the Dining Hall and must not be carried through the School buildings.

• Students must not eat in their Form Rooms.

• Food stored in lockers must be stored in appropriate ‘cool box’ conditions and be removed daily to prevent pests and to avoid ill health.

• Students are encouraged to drink water regularly and may take still water in see through sports top bottles into class. For safety reasons water bottles are not permitted in Science, ICT and some practical lessons.

• Carbonated “fizzy drinks”, “energy” drinks and glass bottles are not permitted in School.

• Chewing gum creates unwanted sticky mess and is not permitted in School. Students chewing gum will be sanctioned.

• Students are encouraged to eat healthily, nutritional snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables and follow a well balanced diet that will facilitate their learning proces rather than “empty” calories and sugary snacks which are detrimental to their learning and may negatively impact upon their behaviour and concentration.

• Remember to “Drink to Think”

NUT POLICY

Please be advised that there are students in School who have serious and life-threatening nut allergies. As such we would ask that nuts in any form are not brought into school.We would ask for parents’ and students’ support to make The Webber Independent School a ‘nut free school’. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring that as a School we are providing a safe environment for all our students.

LITTER

Please clean up after yourself in the classrooms, form rooms, dining hall by wiping down your table at lunchtimes. We have a fantastic team of support staff in School and by doing your bit and putting your litter in the bin you make their job a little bit easier every day and the School site will continue to be a clean, safe, healthy and pleasant learning environment for us all to work in.

BALL GAMES

Basketball can be played in the play area at break and lunchtimes. Students are reminded that they must be careful not to damage staff cars in the car park.

Football can be played at lunchtime on the pitch (when not in use for clubs or activities) as long as students leave no litter in this PE learning and teaching area.

Students are reminded to bring their own ball to play, drink plenty of water and finish their games in plenty of time to cool down, smarten up and be in their next class or Registration on time.

Students should not run inside the building or engage in “rough play” as this can quickly escalate into unacceptable behaviour or causing injury or damage to School property.

Students are reminded to keep their hands and feet to themselves at all times.

STAFF SUPERVISION

During break and lunchtimes, students are not directly supervised by staff and are therefore expected to be mature and responsible in their behaviours and to make the correct choices for themselves and within their friendship groups.

Older students and prefects are expected to set an excellent example and assist in monitoring our younger students.

Staff are on duty during break and lunchtimes and the Senior Leadership Team actively circulate around School monitoring student behaviour and well-being. During this time, if you have a problem or concern, please see the member of staff on duty in the area near you or go to the staffroom.

LOST AND FOUND ITEMS

Check the Lost Property Box located by the Dining Hall• Check if it has been handed in to Reception• Ask your Form Tutor to circulate an email to all staff (in the case of valuable/important items)• If the item has your name and form class on it - it will be returned to youIf you find an item or if an item has been left lying about, place books/kit/uniform in the Lost Property Box to be claimed. Valuable, electronic, fragile, small items or money should be handed into Reception for safe keeping and reclaim.Students reclaiming lost property or confiscated items held in Reception are required to sign for their receipt to acknowledge the item has been returned.

SMOKING

The Webber Independent School is a non-smoking site.Students are reminded that smoking is not permitted anywhere on site and that the possession and use of tobacco and its derivatives are not permitted on School grounds.We also expect that students do not smoke whilst in The Webber Independent School uniform when out in the local community.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

The Webber Independent School is committed to ensuring the highest standards of health and safety for all students and staff. We want to ensure that our young people are safe and avoid risky and potentially life threatening behaviour.

The school will: • Not overlook the misuse or use of drugs or alcohol. • Not overlook the illegal supply of alcohol or drugs. • Will always take action if incidents of drug misuse or supply occur on the school site. • Provide information about drugs and alcohol to students and help them to understand the health and

legal implications and effects and likely consequences of misuse. • Through the PSHCE Programme develop students’ appropriate skills which will help our students to

make informed judgements and choices about matters which affect their health and well-being. • Discuss the school’s policy and its stance on these matters with parents and actively seek their co-

operation, support and involvement. • Support as necessary any student involved in drug or alcohol abuse to seek the appropriate

counselling and other advice from suitable outside agencies. • Will take strong and serious measures to protect the health and safety of its students which may

include suspension, permanent exclusion and informing the appropriate authorities. Please be assured that The Webber Independent School places the utmost importance on the

health and safety of all the young people in our care and we will continue to take care and firm action to safeguard this.

LATES, ABSENCE AND ILLNESS

Attendance and punctuality are recorded, monitored and reported.As there is a direct link between attendance and achievement it is very important that students do not miss time at School.

The School attendance rate is very high indeed (consistently around 98%) and should a student’s attendance fall below 95% parents will be contacted to discuss this matter and the impact on the student’s learning potential.

Punctuality is very important. If a student is late (after 8:45 am) they must first report to Reception. Their lateness and reason for lateness will be noted, a record will be kept by the School which is then included in the student’s Full Reports.

If a student is ill we ask that parents call Reception to inform us and follow up with a written note on the student’s return to School.

If a student is ill during the School day they should ask their teacher’s permission to visit the School Nurse for medical assistance. The School Nurse will then assess the situation and act accordingly to either treat the student or contact their parents to arrange to collect the student and take them home or to the appropriate medical professional.

As a general rule students should only visit the School Nurse for medical attention during break and lunch times for minor complaints and should not miss class unless their condition is serious or in an emergency situation.

Students may not keep or self-administer any medicines or drugs; these must be handed in to the School Reception for administering as required.

Any student who has to leave School early must first report to Reception and sign out. We ask that appointments e.g. Doctors/dentist etc are made outside School working hours. If a student is to leave School early, they must bring a letter from a parent and leave it at Reception.

No student may leave the School premises without permission, this will be regarded as truancy and will be recorded as such and serious sanctions will follow.

Students who truant lessons inside School or off site, place their School place at risk.

COMPUTER USE AND INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

Students must read, fully understand and sign The Webber Independent School Internet Access Policy. Student computer and site use are carefully monitored for student safety and protection using specific software. Students accessing text or images that break the Internet Access Policy will face serious sanctions and may also loose computer/internet access for a period of time.

FIRE AND EMERGENCY

Sudents must familiarise themselves with the fire exits and emergency evacuation procedures in all areas of the School grounds.If a student discovers a fire, they must:(a) Report it immediately to a member of staff or(b) Raise the alarm in the building where the fire is by activating the nearest fire alarm.(c) Go to the assembly point on the Tennis Courts

Emergency Evacuation Drills will be practised at regular intervals during the school year.Students must take the emergency evacuation drill seriously as knowing how to react in an emergency situation saves lives.Students must follow instructions, evacuate in silence in a calm and purposeful manner, taking no items with them and assemble in Form Class Register order lines in the assembly area to await further instructions.

GENERAL SAFETYElectricity can be lethal and a serious hazard. No student may operate isolating switches or tamper with fuses, wiring, junction boxes or fixtures installed by the School.• Bicycles must be clearly marked with the owner’s name, secured with a padlock in the bicycle rack at the school gates and a safety helmet should be worn if a student opts to cycle to and from School.• Cars and motorbikes may only be driven by students inside the School grounds with a letter or permission from their parents and we would urge senior students to take due care whilst driving to and from School. A copy of the student’s driving licence and insurance documents are required to be kept on

the student file.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

The School Library is the hub of learning and is there to support your studies and interests. There are over 4,000 fantastic resources - fiction books, reference texts, subject books, newspapers CDs, DVDs, talking books and journals. These are there to

support your courses and extend your learning and to encourage you to read for relaxation and enjoyment.

It is essential that you extend your own subject knowledge and read widely around the topics you are learning about in class. Teachers will not “spoon-feed” you all you need to know - you also have a responsibility for your own independent learning to build up your depth of understanding and background knowledge and to be active learners.

The Student Librarians are friendly, welcoming, extremely helpful and knowledgeable and are there to support you, so please ask them if you require any assistance. They are also happy to receive any student requests or recommendations for new titles, authors, topics to add to the School Library collection.

The Library can be accessed during Form Time, Break and Lunch Times and After School for preparation.

STUDENT COUNSELLOR

Mrs Collins is a trained Social Worker and Counsellor. She has lots of experience in supporting young people with a whole variety of concerns and issues. She is based in

the Parent Café and is available to all students, parents and staff by appointment, should

you feel that you would like to discuss any social, emotional or personal issue with someone who is non-judgemental and supportive and can offer practical advice and help. You can self-refer by dropping in to the Parent Café or by asking to speak to Mrs Collins. Students can also be referred for support by subject teachers, Form Tutors, Senior Leadership Team or by parents. Mrs Collins is there to help, to listen and to support you. If something is worrying you, however small, please either speak to Mrs Collins, your Form Tutor or another trusted member of staff.

PSHCE PROGRAMME: UNIVERSAL VALUESAND WORLD CITIZENSHIP

All students have one lesson of PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) each week. These planned sessions follow a spiral curriculum and will lead you through age appropriate topics such as healthy choices, sex and relationships education, life skills, careers guidance, social and cultural developments, citizenship, emotional health and well-being and safety etc.

PSHCE will enable you to develop individually as a person and learn new personal and social skills.

Your PSHCE participation and contributions are recorded and reported in your reports.

CAREERS SUPPORT AND WORK RELATED LEARNING: FORWARD THINKING

The aim of the Work Related Learning Programme is that all students upon leaving School will be in a position to make confident, informed and reasoned decisions about their futures. The primary aim of WRLP is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make such decisions about their futures and career paths.

What we offer:

• PSHCE Programme Support in Years 7-9 to start considering the world of work, further education and the path to get there.

• Years 7 - 9 will have “Go To Work With An Adult” taster days.

• Work Experience and Work Shadowing opportunities in Years 10 - 13.

• Career information sessions including choosing GCSE Options, Sixth Form Options, researching career ideas, choosing Higher Education courses and institutions, applying to Oxbridge, writing a personal statement etc.

• One to one COA careers guidance interviews with action plans for students in Years 11-13.

• Access to careers related resources both in the School Library and in the Sixth Form Resource area.

• Careers Evenings and talks from a range of professionals.

• Specialist talks from top universities.

• Opportunity to undertake a Morrisby Psychometric Testing with full occupational reports.

• Visits to University Fairs and Higher Education establishments.

• Use of the interactive careers matching software including KUDOS and Pathfinder HE.

• Support for students applying to university in the UK through the use of UCAS and also for students applying to universities worldwide.

Mr Etherton our Careers Adviser is available for student and parent appointments and advice. Please drop in to the Business Suite to make an appointment.

INTER-HOUSE ACTIVITIES

An excellent means of building up the bond between students in a form class are the Inter-House events and challenges. This encourages a positive, healthy and friendly competitive spirit and creates a house identity and dynamic.Everyone in the House is expected to participate, get involved and contribute their talents and skills. The Inter-House competitions include:• Basketball• Subject related challenges• Football• Tennis• Hockey• Swimming• Scrabble• Arts• Cultural and International• Debating• Eco ChallengeWith new ones for this year ……. So get involved!

EXTRA-CURRICULAR All students are expected to sign up for

and actively participate in at least two extra-curricular activities, teams or

clubs each term. This is an essential and enjoyable part of your holistic learning experience at The Webber Independent School and as such you should make the most of the extensive range of opportunities on offer each term.

Students and parents can review the selection of clubs and activities on offer with details of day, timings, location, cost, staff in charge etc on the School website. Students will then sign up each term at the ECA fair in Form Time. With over 80 options a year to select from - there is something for everyone.

This is an excellent way to extend your talents and skills, ‘push yourself outside of your comfort zone’ and meet other students in other year groups and classes who have similar interests.

Your extra-curricular activities are recorded and reported on your termly Full Reports.

STUDENT COUNCIL AND STUDENT VOICE “We don’t always get our way…… but we do

always get our say!” Student Voice is very strong at The Webber

Independent School. All students are encouraged to voice their suggestions and opinions through the Form Council and Student Council. Form Council meets weekly as a Form Class led by the Form Tutor and

Form Council Representative. Two students are then nominated from each year to represent these views at the Student Council which meets every two weeks to discuss a wide range of issues including charity fundraising, learning and teaching, the School and wider environment, healthy eating and other services and how we can work together to make The Webber Independent School even better.

The Sixth Form Student Executive lead the Student Council and they meet each week with the Senior Leadership Team to feedback and discuss ideas and suggestions raised by the Student Council.

Each year the Student Council draws up an Action Plan to follow.

So please get involved in Student Voice, what you think does matter and The Webber Independent School is your School so speak up in Form and Student Council - you can make a big difference.

There is also a Student Council Suggestion Box in the Library so you can drop in your ideas. Please add your name and Form so we can get back to you with a response or come and see you and get more information.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

Within School there are numerous events and opportunities to enable you to develop and demonstrate your leadership potential.

Some of these ways include:-

• Form Captain

• Student Council Representatives

• Form Council Representatives

• Eco Warrior

• Prefects

• Sports Team Captains

• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Y9-13 participation, Cadets

• Leading peer learning and group work in your subject lessons

• Subject team challenges

• Sixth Form Executive

• Social and Prom Committees

• Head Students and Deputies - Y13

• Study Pods and Academic Buddies

These experiences offer a personal challenge and the opportunity to develop new key skills.

CHARITY FUNDRAISING: WORLD CITIZENSHIP

The Webber Independent School as a leading learning community does a great deal each academic year to raise funds and resources for a wide range of different charities.

Last year, the School raised in excess of £10,000 for international and UK based charity organisations.

Each year group are encouraged to plan, organise and lead the School fundraising raft of events

for their specific nominated charity.

Fundraising activities have included:-

• Charity non-uniform theme days

• Dodge Ball

• Sponsored events - swim, silence, walk etc

• Fun runs

• Cake sales, selling T-shirts, charity bands, charms etc.

• Table top sales

• Winter Fayre

• Sing Star

• “Slave” Auction

Be creative and introduce something different this year!

These events are a great opportunity to have fun and raise funds. As a School community together we can make a significant impact and collectively make a positive difference to those in need.

This is World Citizenship in action.

Do your bit and get involved!