Year 7 Welcome Pack - The Skinners' School · 2019-09-04 · Specialist Schools & Academies Trust (SSAT) on a number of exciting and innovative projects. Some of this work is highlighted

Year 7 Welcome Pack The Skinners’ School 2014 Entry

WELCOME PACK: New Entrants – September 2014

Page Contents

Action Required

1 Headmaster’s Welcome

2 Statement of Values

3-4 Home School Agreement Complete and return

5 Map of the School and Southfields

6 Science, Mathematics and Computing Specialism

7 Induction Day Please note date and times

8 Term dates 2014-15

9-11 Year 7 Curriculum

11 Uniform Checklist

12-14 General Points

15 Travel Map

16 Year 7 Residential Trip Complete and return

17-19 Skinners’ School – a brief history

20 ‘Top Tips’

21 A few words from those who have ‘survived’ Year 7

22 Simmonds Promotion (School Uniform) Appointments

23-24 Mouthguards Appointments

25-28 Independent Catering letter and sample menus Complete and return

29 Kent Freedom Pass letter (Transport) Download and complete

30-32 Internet & ICT Use Agreement Sign and return

33-34 Consent Form for School trips and other off-site activity

Complete and return

35-36 Pupil First Language Questionnaire Complete and return

37-38 Letter & Application for Instrumental Music lessons Complete and return

39-41 Parents’ Association Complete and return

42-43 School Fund Complete and return

44-45 ParentMail Complete and return

Note: Please complete individual cheques in respect of payment for any of the above. All cheques, forms, etc. may be returned to Mrs Tourle c/o The Skinners’ School in one envelope.

School Contact

Main School Address: The Skinners’ School, St John’s Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9PG

Address of playing fields at Southfields Park: Southfields Park, Chestnut Avenue, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BU

01892 520732 enquiries@ skinners-school.org.uk

01892 549356 www.skinners-school.co.uk

http://www.skinners-school.co.uk/

http://images.verticalicon.com/images/15/1181336301164_335/img_large_watermarked.jpg

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The Skinners’ School

St John’s Road Tunbridge Wells

Kent TN4 9PG

Headmaster: Mr E M Wesson Tel: 01892 520732 E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.skinners-school.co.uk

June 2014

Dear Parents, A warm welcome, to you and to your son, to The Skinners’ School. I am confident that his time with us will be happy and fulfilling. Your son joins a caring school. In his first days with us, our goal is to provide him with a smooth transition to his new secondary school. Our experience is that new pupils settle down very quickly. We believe that in order to learn well, each pupil must feel secure and supported. Thus, whilst we will offer intellectual challenges to your son, we also make his continued happiness a central focus. We want pupils joining the school to achieve academic excellence, to enjoy the widest possible range of extra-curricular activity and to develop a full role in the wider community. Your son will be given an opportunity to explore his considerable academic potential, to experience personal development in a supportive environment and to use his talents for the benefit of others. I hope that he will see his experience of education at Skinners’ as a series of opportunities, each one enthusiastically seized. I also hope that your family and the school will be able to work together closely in order to allow your son to make the most of his time at the school. Once again, congratulations to your son for securing his place at Skinners’. I very much look forward to welcoming him into Year 7.

Edward Wesson Headmaster


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Skinners’ School Statement of Values Skinners’ School is a place of learning. The boys will earn not only qualifications, but a respect for scholarship and learning as things worthwhile in themselves. We intend that they will also develop an appreciation of human achievement in art, music, science and literature. They will develop the ability to think critically, to respect evidence, to distinguish between opinions and prejudices and to make balanced judgments of their own. Through involvement in our varied extra-curricular programme every boy should develop and grow intellectually, physically and spiritually. Skinners’ School is a caring school. No young person will learn effectively unless he feels happy and secure. At Skinners’ we try to address the particular needs of every pupil through a comprehensive, supportive and flexible pastoral system. At Skinners’ we value everyone as unique and special, capable of spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical development. As such we work together to develop self respect, self discipline and self understanding. We aim to make responsible use of our talents and opportunities, strive for wisdom and knowledge and take responsibility for our own lives. Skinners’ School is a community. We respect others for themselves, not for what they have or what they can do for us. We believe that the capacity to form strong relationships is the foundation of a happy and fulfilled life. As such we will all strive to show others that they are valued, to earn the trust and loyalty of others and to work together co-operatively. We will not tolerate bullying, violence, theft or abuse. Skinners’ School is at the heart of a wider community. We will learn to take on our responsibilities as citizens. We will respect and celebrate religious and cultural diversity. We will promote opportunities for all. We will place truth, integrity, honesty and goodwill at the heart of our public and private lives. The ethic of service is more highly valued by us than that of self-interest. We believe that from those to whom much is given, much is expected. These values will underpin our work and relationships at Skinners’ School; they are the foundation of all that we do.



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HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT

Introduction:

This agreement is intended to strengthen the partnership between the School, parents and boys, by setting out clearly what is expected of each partner. Improving the education of the boys is the paramount objective.

The Skinners’ School aims to:

encourage each boy to gain the best academic qualifications of which he is capable, as a foundation for his future career and education;

provide a safe, supportive and stimulating environment in which each boy may develop his intellectual, creative and sporting interests;

promote a sense of moral and spiritual awareness which may become an abiding help to each boy in his personal conduct;

prepare boys to become active, well informed and considerate citizens in society; aid boys to meet the challenges of adult life in general and the world of work in particular.

We will try to:

care for each boy’s safety and happiness; provide appropriate resources to support the academic curriculum; provide tuition by well qualified and motivated teachers; ensure that each boy achieves his full potential, both within the academic curriculum and in

extra-curricular activities; offer a broad and balanced curriculum for all boys; foster good working relationships between pupils and teachers, based on mutual respect; maintain a policy which strongly discourages bullying, and investigate incidents of bullying,

whenever these are known to have occurred; set homework in accordance with the agreed timetable and mark it regularly; offer boys and parents clear advice about subject options and career choices; offer boys clear advice about their standard of work and how it may be improved; keep boys and parents well informed about activities within the School; keep parents well informed about boys’ progress and in particular about any cause for concern; investigate complaints thoroughly and quickly; provide opportunities outside the timetabled curriculum for boys to develop their skills in

leadership and to foster a sense of responsibility.


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Parents/Guardians

I/we will try to:

see that my/our son comes to School regularly, and on time, and with the right equipment; ensure that my/our son conforms to the School rules about uniform; encourage my/our son to do his homework properly and consult and sign his School Planner if he

is in Years 7 to 11; notify the School if my/our son cannot attend because of illness, and provide a written note for

the School on his return from absence; seek the School’s permission, should the necessity arise, for any planned absence during term

time; accept and support the School rules and discipline; inform the School of any domestic circumstances which may affect my/our son’s progress; attend consultation evenings.

Boys

I will try to:

attend School punctually every day; bring all the books and equipment I need each day; wear the School uniform and be smart and tidy in my appearance; do all my classwork and homework as well as I can; look after my health; respect the School’s and other people’s property; show courtesy and consideration to all other people; tell an adult or a Prefect at once if I see any incidence of bullying, or myself am a victim of

bullying; obey the law of the land; behave in a polite and considerate way when travelling to and from School.

Signed by student:________________________________ Print name:___________________________

Date:_____________________

Signed by parent:_________________________________ Print name:____________________________

Date: ____________________

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Map of the School and Southfields The Skinners’ School, St John’s Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9PG Southfields Park, Chestnut Avenue, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BU

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School

Science, Mathematics and Computing Specialism at Skinners’

Tunbridge Wells Girls’

Grammar School

Southfields Park, the

area of Skinners’ School

playing fields, is located

1.2 miles to the north of

the school site and can

be accessed via

Chestnut Avenue. Year 7

have their Games

afternoon on a Friday

and will walk up to

Southfields from the

Main School site.

Changing/ storage

facilities are located in

the Pavilion.

In the first term, Year 7

will experience their

introduction to playing

rugby at Skinners’.

Tunbridge

Wells Boys’

Grammar

School

St Gregory’s

RC School


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Specialist Status A visit to the world’s largest offshore wind turbine array off the Students constructing a Solar Thermal panel as part of a North Kent coast. project linking Science, Maths and Technology (STEM)

Construction of an outdoor classroom at Oakley Special School STEM Ambassadors programme taking Science and Maths

activities to primary schools

The Skinners’ School gained Science Specialism in 2005 and

Mathematics & Computing in 2009. However, we still maintain a broad

and balanced curriculum at the school where all subject areas are

valued equally. We have increased the range of courses on offer to

include Electronics, Triple Science (GCSE) for all pupils and A-level

Design Technology. We continue to work with a range of partner

organisations including schools, businesses, universities, NGOs and the

Specialist Schools & Academies Trust (SSAT) on a number of exciting

and innovative projects. Some of this work is highlighted in the

photographs below:

Students and staff have won many awards,

including the award of the SE Regional National

Teaching Award in 2009, National Science &

Engineering Council Award 2011, and Green Flag

Ambassador Status in 2011. Since 2012 we have

worked as a flagship school for the Dame Ellen

MacArthur Foundation.

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May 2014

Dear Parents, Induction Day – Tuesday 2nd September On Tuesday 2nd September we would like to introduce the boys to a ‘normal’ day at Skinners’. It will be a chance to face many of the new experiences of life at secondary school before the other students return. We shall meet in the School Hall by 8.40am. School uniform should be worn. Your son will also need writing equipment, rugby kit, a snack for morning break (optional) and a packed lunch if your son will not be using the School Dining Hall facilities. Swipe cards for use in the School Dining Hall will be issued to boys in readiness for lunchtime. Water is available from the water dispenser in the Dining Room. The school day will end at 3.35pm and dismissal will be from the school field at Southfields Park, Southborough (TN4 0BU). I shall remain at Southfields until all boys are collected or are safely on route home. Please encourage your son to establish a routine for the journey as each Friday they will travel home from Southfields. Term starts on Wednesday 3rd September. We shall gather in the School Hall by 8.40am. Please do not drive onto the School site to deliver boys; the volume of cars delivering pupils would compromise health and safety. We are looking forward to welcoming your son and working with you to support his progress and transition into Skinners’. In the meantime, I hope you and your family have a restful summer. Yours sincerely

Mr C Johnson Head of Year 7 & Leader of Transition


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Term Dates 2014 – 2015 A full calendar of school events can be found at: http://www.skinners-school.co.uk/?page=app&function=calendar

2014

TERM 1

Monday 1 September Staff Development Day – no pupils

Tuesday 2 September Induction Day - Year 7 and L6

Wednesday 3 September (Week A) Term starts

Friday 3 October Staff Development Day – no pupils

Friday 24 October Term ends

TERM 2

Monday 3 November (Week A) Term starts

Friday 19 December Term ends

2015

TERM 3

Monday 5 January (Week B) Term starts

Wednesday 14 January Staff Development Day – no pupils

Friday 13 February Term ends

TERM 4

Monday 23 February (Week B) Term starts

Thursday 2 April Term ends

TERM 5

Monday 20 April (Week B ) Term starts

Monday 4 May Bank Holiday – no pupils

Friday 22 May Term ends

TERM 6

Monday 1 June (Week A) Term starts

Friday 17 July Term ends


http://www.skinners-school.co.uk/?page=app&function=calendar

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Year 7 Curriculum: September 2014

All groups at Skinners’ School follow a two week timetable. Weeks are referred to as Week ‘A’ and ‘B’

and are followed consecutively. Hence, if holidays begin after a Week B then the next week back at

School is usually a Week A. We start term on Wednesday 3rd September on a Week ‘A’ (refer to page 8).

We have five one hour lessons per day, with a break between Periods 1 and 2, and lunch between Periods

3 and 4. The School day begins with a bell at 8.40am warning all pupils to go to their Form Rooms. From

8.45am to 9.10am pupils will be with their Form Tutors, in a Year Group Assembly or, on a Monday

morning, in a Whole School Assembly. There is afternoon registration from 1.30pm to 1.35pm. School

ends each day at 3.35pm.

Lessons times are set out below:

8.45am – 9.10am

Registration

9.10am – 10.10am Period 1

10.10am – 10.35am Break

10.35am – 11.35am Period 2

11.35am – 12.35pm Period 3

12.35pm – 1.30pm Lunch

1.30pm – 1.35pm Registration

1.35pm – 2.35pm Period 4

2.35pm – 3.35pm Period 5

3.35 pm End of school

Assessment and Reporting

All pupils in Year 7 take Cognitive Ability Tests (CATs) in the September of their admittance – the results

of these tests are used for internal target setting purposes and will not be reported to parents. These

tests help us to identify strengths and weaknesses in pupils. This helps us set realistic targets for pupils.

Parents will receive information on their son’s progress each term; on average about every seven weeks.

This will be in the form of a Progress Report (Terms 1, 2 and 4), a Parents’ Consultation Evening in Term 3

and a written Report in Term 5.

School examinations occur in June (Term 6) and results will be reported before the end of that term. In

addition, there will be an opportunity for parents to meet their son’s Form Tutor in the Autumn to share

thoughts on how he has settled in.

If you have any difficulties or questions you are warmly invited to make contact with the Form Tutor or

Head of Year (http://www.skinners-school.co.uk/?page=page&function=contact)

http://www.skinners-school.co.uk/?page=page&function=contact

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Academic Curriculum

The table below sets out the timetabled (hourly) allocations for each subject. As far as possible, these will

be spread evenly across the two week period.

FORTNIGHTLY PATTERN

Subject Number of Hours Number of Homeworks

English 6 2

Drama 1 N/A

Maths 6 2

French (German and French studied

from Year 8)

5 2

Science 7 2

History 3 2

Geography 3 2

Art 2 2

STEM (Design Technology/ICT) 3 2

RE 3 2

Music 2 1

PSHE 1 N/A

PE 2 N/A

Games 4 (Friday pm) N/A

COGS 2 N/A

Each homework session lasts for around 20 minutes. Homework should be recorded in planners and is

monitored by the Form Tutor, Head of Year and the Director of Studies. Your son will be set a variety of

tasks including projects, essays, research material, problem solving, reading, revision and presentations.

Please be aware some tasks will take some boys 20 minutes and for others it may be longer or shorter.

We try our best to strike a balance.

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Concerns

Should you have any concerns about your son’s progress, please tell us straight away. In the first instance

we recommend you contact your son’s Form Tutor or Head of Year. If your concern is more serious,

please contact Mr Julian Metcalf, Deputy Headmaster.

In addition, boys will see Independent Study on their homework timetable. Departments will issue

guidelines on what sort of thing may be undertaken in Independent Study. Boys are also encouraged to

spend time reflecting on their work and using Independent Study time to improve their notes or

understanding, research further into topics or catch up on work missed. In this way Independent Study

should be used by boys to help them reach their own subject targets.

Uniform check list

House Colours:

Atwell: Green Hunt: Gold Knott: Blue Sebastian: White

School Blazer – house colours Green/gold/blue/white PE vest (according to House)

Dark grey/black regulation trousers White shorts (without logos)

School Tie – house colours Trainers

Plain black pullover, v neck School colours reversible Jersey

Dark, preferably black/grey, socks Black shorts

Black shoes Rugby/soccer boots with Rugby safety studs

Apron (for Technology – available from School)

School socks

School sweatshirt

Black tracksuit trousers

Mouthguard (essential for boys playing rugby or hockey) – please refer to page 23 for details of mouthguard fitting

Please refer to page 22 for information from the school outfitters, Simmonds. A second –hand uniform shop is also available through the School Office.

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General Points A detailed code of School Rules, covering all School circumstances, is neither practicable nor desirable. The following points are intended not as a complete guide to conduct but for guidance on certain details. In general, no boy should say or do anything contrary to good order, decency and common sense. Boys are expected at all times to behave with thoughtfulness for others. Conduct in any way unworthy of the School, at any time or place, is regarded as an offence against School discipline and may be punished accordingly.

Absence Boys are reminded that, except where permission has been previously granted, no causes other than illness, or unavoidable medical or dental appointments, are normally considered a sufficient excuse for absence from School. Request for permission to be absent on any other grounds should be addressed to the Headmaster not less than 48 hours beforehand. Parents of boys who will be absent are required to inform the School Office before 9.30am on the first day of absence, by email or telephone, of the reason for their son's absence. Contact details may be found on the School website. All boys returning from absence through sickness or for any other unforeseen reason, are required to bring a written explanation to their Form Tutor on the day of their return. In cases of serious infectious diseases, parents are expected to obtain and to follow medical advice about their son's return to School. Parents are reminded that holidays should not be taken on school days. A boy’s education should not be interrupted for leisure activities. Equipment Required In addition to The Skinners’ School uniform, described elsewhere, we ask that each boy should bring with him a well equipped pencil case and a pocket dictionary. Calculators may be purchased through the Library which has selected an appropriate model at a discounted rate, together with a full range of stationery. Your son will be issued with a homework planner. We ask that parents check that homework has been completed and sign in the appropriate spaces in this planner each week. There is an opportunity for you to comment on any aspect of your son’s homework or general progress. The planner is not designed to be a daily home-school contact book (as per primary school) so if you have any urgent concerns then please contact the school.

Merit Cards The School considers high standards of behaviour and appearance to be of great importance. We also wish to reward excellence with House Points. A student at Skinners’ should be courteous to others as a matter of course. Similarly, a pupil who presents himself in a neat and tidy manner is making a statement about their approach to work and the esteem in which they hold the School. All pupils are therefore required to carry a ‘Merit Card’. These will allow merits to be recorded and a weekly total kept, and also allow any infringement of the School Uniform Code or any lapse in behaviour to be noted. Those students who attract five signatures on their ‘Merit Card’ receive a 30 minute detention. The School is grateful for the support of parents in ensuring that pupils are well presented and neat and recognize our high expectations of behaviour. Courtesy Courtesy is a prime requirement. It is expected that members of the School will conduct themselves in accordance with this standard at all times in dealings both with the Staff of the School and with members of the public. Arrival at School by Car Parents are asked not to enter the School grounds when dropping off their sons.

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Detention Detention obligations will be fulfilled at the first reasonable opportunity, normally not later than the next detention day following the day of the detention's award. Parents will be informed by letter or ParentMail if a detention has been given to their son. Lunch School lunch is served in the Dining Hall and is paid for using a cashless system. Boys queue on a prearranged rota or eat their own packed lunch at School. Permission to take lunch elsewhere must be obtained beforehand from the Headmaster. No boy other than Sixth Formers, may leave the School premises during the lunch period, except to proceed to games at Southfields Park, unless permission has been granted for some specific purpose by the Duty Teacher or by the boy's own Form Tutor. A main meal would usually cost approximately £2.00. There is a water dispenser in the Dining Hall and at other locations around the school site.

Mobile Telephones, Fireworks, etc Mobile telephones are not to be used on site during lesson time. Photographs/ filming may not be taken using mobile telephones except with express permission of a member of staff during a supervised lesson e.g. for project/media work. It is forbidden to bring fireworks, catapults, laser pens or any other dangerous object to School. Security of Clothing, etc. It is essential that all articles of School clothing, games gear and personal equipment be clearly marked with boys' names so that lost items may be reunited with their owners – items of lost property can be found in the reprographics room. Items of appreciable value must NOT be left in cloakrooms, blazers, desks, lockers, etc. and the School cannot accept responsibility for such items, except when clearly entrusted to a teacher; alternatively, articles may be deposited for the day at the School Office. Internet/ICT Use The school computer system is made available to students to further and enhance their education. Your son will be provided with a username in order to access his user area on the ICT network where he can save his schoolwork. Student access to computer files should only be made via an authorised account and password. Any activity that threatens the integrity of the school ICT systems or activity that attacks or corrupts other systems, is forbidden. All internet activity should be appropriate to the students’ education. Failure to comply with the school’s ‘e-Safety Rules’ will result in a withdrawal of all access rights to the school ICT network. Boys are expected to use the school ICT network responsibly.

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The Skinners’ School Parents’ Association All parents become members of the School Parents’ Association, the primary purpose of which is to enhance co-operation between parents and the School. The Association’s activities include a variety of parents, such as Skinners’ Day (Speech Day), Form Parents’ Meetings and our Open Evenings.

Parents’ Evenings and Reporting of Progress Parents’ Meetings (one per year group) are held at the School in terms 2, 3 and 4 as a matter of normal School routine: at these, parents are able to discuss with teachers their son’s work and progress. Parents’ presence at all the School open occasions and at School matches is also most warmly welcomed. Parents will be given some information about their son’s progress during each of the six terms of the year. This reporting will either be a progress report, a full written report or a verbal report during Parents’ Evening. Financial support for Parents The School recognises that there is a significant financial burden involved in joining a new school. We wish to assist parents who may find the transition difficult. Please contact the Headmaster in confidence to discuss any concern you may have.

Our Ofsted Report 2007 The School was last assessed on 7th June 2007 by a team of Ofsted Inspectors. The School was graded ‘outstanding’ and was warmly praised for its work. The full report can be read on Ofsted’s website www.ofsted.gov.uk.

http://www.ofs/#ted.gov.uk

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Travel Map – bus

Rail information

Tunbridge Wells Station (postcode TN1 1BT) is located 1.1 miles to the south of the school. High Brooms

Station (postcode TN4 3XE) is located 1 mile to the north-east of the school. The walk to either station

takes approximately 20 minutes. For rail times please refer to National Rail enquiries:

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

For further information regarding bus travel (bus numbers and routes) to the school please refer to the

following KCC website:

http://www.11-19travel.info/site.aspx?siteId=144

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

http://www.11-19travel.info/site.aspx?siteId=144

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June 2014

Dear Parents Year 7 Activities: Residential Trip, 22nd – 24th October, 2014 As part of our Year 7 induction, we have organised an activities programme with the Bushcraft Company at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, on the above dates. Our experience will include a wide range of activities, designed to enhance social and personal development, with an equally important focus on having fun and learning new skills. From bushcraft, shelter-building, and wilderness cookery, to archery, orienteering and rope tree-climbing, this residential trip promises to be a truly memorable experience. In addition to developing and cementing friendships across the Year 7 cohort, we intend to take all form prefects and tutors, so nurturing a truly inclusive experience. We always find such residential experiences very rewarding, being educational and enriching for all those involved. Further information on the Bushcraft Company can be found at www.thebushcraftcompany.com/uk-centres/cornbury-park The total cost of the trip is £200. If you would like your son to participate, please complete the slip below and return it to the School, together with a deposit for £75, by Friday, 11th July. Please mark your envelope ‘Year 7 Residential Trip – for the attention of Mrs Tourle’ and make sure your cheque is made payable to ‘The Skinners’ School’. The final payment of £125 will be required by Friday, 12th September, 2013. If there are any difficulties with the payment, or if you have any queries regarding the trip, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely


To: Mrs Tourle, The Skinners’ School Place of visit: Year 7 Residential Trip Date of Visit: 22nd – 24th October, 2014 Pupil’s name:__________________________________________ I agree to my son participating in the above visit and enclose a cheque for £75 made payable to ‘The Skinners’ School’. Should the necessity arise, I also agree to the person in charge giving consent on my behalf for an anaesthetic to be administered or for any other urgent medical treatment to be given. Daytime contact number:________________________________________________________ Signed:_____________________________ (Parent/Guardian) Date:___________________


http://www.thebushcraftcompany.com/uk-centres/cornbury-park

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Headmaster: Mr E M Wesson

School History

Although only 125 years old, The Skinners’ School is connected to the distinguished London Livery

Company of the same name, which goes back to the fourteenth century. Nowadays, members of the

Company pursue all sorts of professions but in the middle ages The Skinners’ Company regulated

London’s fur trade. Members of the company made hazardous voyages to Russia and Scandinavia to buy

furs.

The Skinners’ were proud of their seniority in the City – perhaps, indeed, too proud, for in 1483 their

rivalry with The Merchant Taylors Company reached such a level of ferocity that a violent fight between

the two companies took place. Lord Mayor Billesdon arbitrated between the warring Companies,

decreeing that they should rotate annually between sixth and seventh in order of precedence in the City’s

processions, and that annually each company should hold ‘an open dinner’ at which it would feast its

former rivals.

Needless to say, the companies have complied with his decree ever since, and the English language

acquired a new phrase, “being at sixes and sevens” describing the confusion in status which existed

between the two companies.

Sir Andrew Judd (Lord Mayor of London in 1550) and six times Master of the Skinners’ Company, founded

“Sir Andrew Judd’s free school” in Tonbridge – which is the modern Tonbridge School. In Victorian times

the Headmaster of Tonbridge accepted increasing numbers of fee paying boarders, so squeezing out boys

who lived locally. Prompted by the Endowed Schools Commissioners, the Court of the Skinners’ Company,

as Governors of Tonbridge School, responded by deciding to start another school. The sons of artisans

had received limited education as a result of the 1870 Forster Education Act. A prolonged row ensued

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between the ancient town of Tonbridge, and the hated, raffish, and upstart daughter town of Tunbridge

Wells, as to the site of the new school. Eventually, in 1886, the corner site off St John’s Road was chosen

and the new school was to be made of local High Brooms red brick and local sandstone.

Sadly, the Master of Works was killed during the construction, but the school nevertheless opened its

doors to 53 pupils in September 1887, the Reverend Frederick Knott urging each one to “do his best”.

Tough country lads walked up to six miles into school, and Tunbridge Wells tradesmen were satisfied. The

citizens of Tonbridge, however, were furious at the neglect of their sons’ needs. So the company agreed

to found another new school – Sir Andrew Judd’s Commercial School – out of the Andrew Judd

foundation, in 1888. Finally, the Company responded to the growing clamour to educate girls by founding

The Skinners’ Girls School in Hackney in the mid 1890s.

The Skinners’ School quickly established its curriculum based on the classics, and permitted the boys a

half holiday on Saturdays. They enthusiastically took up soccer, wearing black shirts with red sleeves

(school colours ever since) and playing on the scrubland (now Southborough) between Tonbridge and

Tunbridge Wells. In 1891 they defeated new opponents, Judd’s Commercial School, by seven goals to

one, so inaugurating a tradition of friendly sporting rivalry which has persisted ever since.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Skinners’ boys, like those of so many schools, flocked to the

colours. Pupils still at school made tobacco pouches which were sent as presents to serving Old Skinners’

at the front in Flanders, and one of the letters of thanks, published in the 1915 school magazine, contains

a first hand account of the 1914 Christmas Truce. The School’s Cadet Force was already by then well

established, and it has recently celebrated its centenary. It would parade regularly, and the duties of the

Sergeant Major included conducting the entire school in P.E. In the 1930s, plans developed to move

Skinners' from our cramped corner site to the playing field at Southfields Park. The Second World War put

paid to that, and indeed the old building in St John’s Road played host to the evacuated Colfe’s School

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from Lewisham; Skinners’ boys were taught in the mornings, Colfe’s in the afternoons. In September

2003, evacuated Old Colfeians held a reunion here and we were pleased to welcome them back, though

disconcerted to hear stories of the blocked up air raid shelters, which allegedly still exist on the school

site.

Since the construction of the original school buildings in 1887, further building has taken place in order to

accommodate the current school roll of 878. The Skinners’ Company, as Trustee to the 1887 Endowment,

owns the school site. The Leopard Building (1994) houses Mathematics and ICT, amongst other subjects.

The Cecil Beeby Building (2002) has given us specialist accommodation for Modern Languages and Byng

Hall (acquired 2003) has given us the chance to develop Music and Drama. Tunbridge Wells Civic Society

gave the Governors a Conservation Award for the sensitive way in which Byng Hall has been restored.

Further renovation of Byng Hall took place in Summer 2008 with The Thomson Theatre opening in

October 2008. The first production in the Thomson Theatre was Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing

(pictured below). Many other excellent productions have since taken place.

In 2010 a £300,000 refurbishment of the Design Technology/STEM workshops took place, to introduce

state of the art technology and to add the capacity to teach Food Technology.

A new £2.7million Sports Hall opened in July 2012. The exciting new facility also boasts a classroom,

dance studio, fitness suite and climbing wall. Further developments are planned as the school upgrades

the buildings formerly used as the school gym to create new classrooms, a new Library and new Sixth

Form facilities. This in turn will enable further upgrading of science facilities.

The School achieved recognition as a ‘high performing specialist school’ (Science) in May 2008, gained

second specialism in Mathematics & Computing in April 2009, and was awarded a SE Regional Teaching

Award for Sustainable Schools in June 2009, and Green Flag Ambassador Status in 2011.

Skinners’ has also been lead sponsor of the Skinners’ Kent Academy, a very successful school which has

dramatically improved secondary provision in Tunbridge Wells. We also converted to academy status in

February 2014, but we remain proud of our position as a leading Kent grammar school

We look forward to welcoming the Year 7 boys of 2014/15, who will no doubt add their own

distinguished contribution to our School’s history.

20

Headmaster: Mr E M Wesson

TOP TIPS for PUPILS and PARENTS

Before joining us

o Do support your son in completing the ‘Passport’ and ensure that he brings it in to school on the 5th July.

o Do visit the school website and familiarise your son with the school’s identity, curriculum areas and opportunities.

o Do encourage interaction on our social network, ‘Connect’. o Do ensure that all forms are returned to Skinners’ promptly.

Top Tips

Travel

o Use the induction day as a ‘dry run’ o Identify bus stops o Teach your son to read a train/bus

timetable o Note alternative route/times of

homeward journey o Write emergency phone numbers

in Planner

Top Tips

Organisation

o Establish a routine o Pack school bags each night o Create a specific work area o Display school and homework

timetables

Top Tips Equipment and Kit

o Stationery x 2 (spare set at home saves anxiety)

o Small dictionary/thesaurus o Label/ name everything. Buy a

laundry pen! o Encourage boys to clean own kit

and boots o Buy a second-hand rugby shirt o Set a monetary limit on contract

mobile phones

Top Tips

Communicate

o Talk to the tutors o Talk to the boys; remind them

there will be boys who are academically stronger and weaker

o Encourage your son to take an active role in clubs and extra curricular activities

o Problems? Concerns? Contact the School

21

Comments from Year 7

“There are many

activities during

lunch breaks which

are really fun to do.

Join in, this will help

you make friends”

“I was worried about

fitting in. When I got

to this school I

settled in straight

away, everyone was

really nice and I felt

at home”

“Have an extra pen in

case yours runs out

of ink. You can buy

extra stationery from

Mrs Weaver in the

Library”

“When I first came to

Skinners’ I was concerned

about getting lost and

being late for lessons. Use

your map, or if you get

lost ask anyone who is

passing by”

“You might think that

the older students

might be a little mean

but you will find that

they are not” “I was really worried

about how I was going to

cope with homework. As

long as you don’t leave it

until the last minute

there is nothing to worry

about…….and, always try

to keep it neat”

“Write your

homework in your

planner – that way

you won’t forget to

do it”

“I would advise you just stand

around on the first break and

lunchtime. Just watch how

other people spend their break

and very soon you will know

how it’s done. As far as

lessons are concerned the

standard is very easy at first.

Really there is nothing to worry

about, just enjoy it.”

“Have the right equipment

with you and pack your

school bag the night

before”

“Hello, I hope you enjoy

your first day at

Skinners’. The best

thing you can do is to

make as many friends as

possible”

“We can all

feel

confused…..

but never be

afraid”

“Rugby is fun!

Try to get

involved in

other sports

too”

“Food is

GR8”

“No matter

how hard,

the first 2

weeks are,

there will

always be

someone to

turn to”

“2 bells….bag

required….go

to lesson

one”

22

SCHOOL UNIFORM 2014 10% DISCOUNT WEEK

We are pleased that your son will be starting at The Skinners’ School in the autumn. Please would you

give him our best wishes.

We are offering you the opportunity to get a 10% discount on your entire uniform requirements in our

Tunbridge Wells Store on the following dates:

Monday, 23rd June 9.00 – 5.30

Tuesday, 24th June 9.00 – 5.30

Wednesday, 25th June 9.00 – 5.30

Thursday, 26th June 9.00 – 5.30

Friday, 27th June 9.00 – 5.30

Saturday, 28th June 9.00 – 5.30

Plus a 10% discount day on Sunday, 22nd June, 10.00 – 4.00 by appointment only. Those wishing to make

an appointment should telephone 01892 510123.

The uniform and sportswear are available in our Tunbridge Wells store or online at www.simmonds-ltd.com . The 10% discount is not available to online orders – only on purchases made

in the store in Tunbridge Wells during the discount week.

S. Simmonds & Son

http://www.simmonds-ltd.com/

23

The Skinners’ School St John’s Road

Tunbridge Wells Kent

TN4 9PG

Headmaster: Mr E M Wesson Tel: 01892 520732 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.skinners-school.co.uk

Mouthguards

As you may be aware, the governing bodies of rugby, hockey and lacrosse strongly recommend the

wearing of custom fitted mouthguards at all levels. The school policy is to adhere to these guidelines. We

have asked OPRO, the dental organisation that specialises in mouthguards, to visit the school and to give

everyone the opportunity to have a dentally fitted mouthguard at a reasonable cost.

OPRO now visits a substantial number of schools, and provides the following service:

A qualified dentist to take the impression

A named mouthguard usually delivered approximately a week after the fitting

School name in the mouthguard

A prompt replacement in case of loss – OPRO keep the model

A comprehensive aftercare service

A dental accident warranty for 12 months.

In order to take advantage of this service all you need to do it:

1. Choose the mouthguard design you require from the OPRO website (www.opro.com). We will

also issue leaflets from OPRO on 19th June.

2. Place the order either over the internet, by phone or by post.

In all cases, please deal directly with OPRO and not the school.

Mouthguard fittings will take place on Tuesday, 2nd September at the school. Whilst we are able to take

order forms on the day of the fitting, this does cause inconvenience and may delay the delivery of the

mouthguards, so can we urge you to reply as soon as possible.

If your child already has a mouthguard, please check it fits. Your child’s growth can prejudice this fitting

and effectiveness of a mouthguard.

Please also visit the OPRO site at www.opro.com for further information, special offers and the latest

designs.

Simon Jervis Head of PE


http://www.opro.com/

24

25

Independent Catering is the FRESH FOOD caterer at school offering varied menus using fresh UK meats,

fresh salads and fresh vegetables every day from our local suppliers. Please refer to page 27 for a typical

menu. A cash-less payment system is operated reducing the problems of cash in the school and

encouraging healthy eating. This credit balance is debited each time a pupil purchases food items from

the cafeteria at breakfast, break and lunch. A maximum daily spend limit of £5.00 (please state on return

slip on page 26 or email Independent Catering, should you wish to have a different daily limit); however

an average daily spend is estimated at £3 per day. Main Meal and Dessert is currently £2.

Students can of course bring a packed lunch to school. If they choose to use the School canteen services

then a cashless catering system is operated at Skinners’ School.

What is a Cashless System? At the heart of the cashless system there is a computer controlled by

IMPACT–Software. This system can:

recognise each individual student / hold individual cash balances / record cash spent and

cash received / record where money is spent / on what food / on any specific date and

time of day

How are pupils recognised by the system? Each student will be issued with their own personal swipe

card which, when used, will enter them into the system program and identify them by a number encoded

onto a magnetic strip.

How is the card used to obtain a school meal? The card is handed to the cashier who swipes the card

through a card reader and gives it back to the student. A display will show the student’s name, picture,

form and current credit balance held within the system. The selected food items will be entered into the

system from an itemised keyboard while the amount spent and the new credit balance will show on the

display.

How is the money entered into the system? Online payments via the Independent Catering website or by

cheque made payable to Independent Catering Ltd, via the Catering Office, to cover any period – full

term, half term, month or week; or a fixed monetary amount of your own choice. A post box to receive

payments is located in the Dining Hall.

What is the suggested cheque value? £20-£50

Cheques returned due to insufficient funds are charged £5.00. This will be deducted from future credit

balances.

How will the student be able to check what the current credit balance is held in the system at any one

time? Every time the student spends money in the cafeteria, the till shows the available credit left on the

card.

26

If we pay for a set number of school meals, can it be spent in one day? No, a daily spend limit of £5.00

will be set for all students and no food above that limit can be bought. On request, an individual student

limit of your choice can also be set, to include a school dinner and break time snacks.

What if the student does not hold a sufficient credit balance to pay for a school lunch? The Cafeteria

will allow a student one meal only and retain the card until a cheque is given to credit the card’s balance.

What if a student is entitled to free school meals? Students will be issued with a swipe card and their

accounts will be automatically credited daily. There is the facility to top up the account. The free school

meal allowance cannot be carried forward if not spent daily.

What if a student forgets to bring the swipe card to school or the card is lost? Do we lose our money?

No, unlike some card systems, no money is lost. The cards issued have no personal information on them

and certainly no cash value is held on the card, only an encoded number.

When a card is reported to be lost, a new card with a new number is allocated and the old card is immediately rendered null and void. When the new card is used it will identify the student by a new number and show the credit balance held in the system, as with the student’s old card. However, should an old card be found and used, the display will show it as unknown to the system and will reject its use. There is a charge of £5.00 to replace lost or wilfully damaged cards. What is meant by ‘dietary control’? Should the student have a specific food allergy, or be a diagnosed

diabetic, this medical information can be coded into the system, preventing foods with allergy ingredients

from being served to a particular student, by automatically locking out relevant buttons on the keyboard.

Will students have problems using the system? Some students may find it difficult to control their

accounts for the first couple of weeks, but because of a daily spend limit, most learn this important life

skill very quickly and will enjoy being in control of their account.

Will we be able to have any information on how the system is being used? Parents can view all

transactions using the unique ‘squid number’ (see below) via the Independent Catering website.

o Every item of food served and the total cost of each serving o Individual payments made direct to the school by cheque into the system o A total overview to show the date, time and location with cost of each purchase value of all manual

cheque and current cash balance.

Future on line payments Independent Catering has introduced a new online payment facility. This will enable you to see balances, purchases and credits. A letter detailing your child’s sQuid registration PIN number will be issued. Should you not receive yours, please email via our website

below stating the SCHOOL-YOUR SON’S NAME & FORM. PIN numbers are issued during the first week of September. Do not start the SQUID registration process below until you have your unique registration number and 3 digit security code. Squid is a new way for you to top up your child’s school cashless catering account online. sQuid is FREE to get and FREE to use for Debit Cards. Please register your details with sQuid once you have your PIN number and create an account.

27

How to create your own online sQuid account 1. Go to the following web page www.independentcatering.co.uk where you will find your school listed under sQuid. Click on your school link. 2. On the sQuid web page, select ‘Click here to register’ to create an account and register your unique sQuid registration number 3. Create a sQuid account by registering your details and create your own Username, Password and security question and answer 4. Register your sQuid registration number and 3 digit security code Once you have created a sQuid account and registered your sQuid registration number you will also be able to manage your sQuid account online at anytime: • Check your account balance • Top up your account from your bank account, credit or debit card • View transactions • Update your details • Receive a low balance reminder Please refer to the sQuid web site for full Terms and Conditions

Sample Menu

Monday British Beef Lasagne with Fresh Salad or Green Beans and Garlic Bread

Moroccan Style Vegetable Couscous Fresh Salad and Coleslaw

Apple & Blackberry Pie with Custard

Tuesday Balsamic Beef Casserole with Kentish New Potatoes, Spring Greens & Sweetcorn

Home-Made Fisherman’s Pie with Fresh Vegetables

Vegetable Fajitas (Corn Tortilla and Cheese) with Fresh Salad and Garlic Bread

Homemade Creamy Rice Pudding & Mixed Fruit Jam

Wednesday Roast British Gammon with Parsley Sauce, served with Roast Potatoes & Fresh vegetables

Creamy Spring Vegetable Pie with Roast Potatoes & Fresh Vegetables

Spotted Dick with Custard

28

Thursday Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice served with Fresh Salad & Prawn Crackers

Cheese, Potato & Onion Dijon Bake served with Fresh Salad & Garlic Bread

Plum Crumble & Custard

Friday Traditional Fish & Chips served with Fresh Salad & Garden Peas

Homemade Margarita Pizza & Chips

Home-Made Cheese Cake with Cream

In addition to the above, a freshly made selection of sandwiches, filled rolls and wraps, potted salads,

salad bar, fruit salads, pasta/rice/noodle dishes of the day, filled hot panini breads, home-made soup of

the day, filled jacket potatoes, biscuit and cakes, hot and cold drinks are available daily

www.independentcatering.co.uk

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

STUDENT’S NAME ………………………………………….………………… STUDENT’S TUTOR GROUP…………………. I enclose a cheque made payable to Independent Catering for the sum of £……………… (suggested value

£20-£50) and have written the pupil’s name and address on reverse of the cheque. POST OR HAND TO

THE SCHOOL OFFICE BEFORE 11th July 2014

Future payments may be made on-line in September after your initial cheque payment. A unique ‘squid

pin number’ will be given to each pupil during their first week. See our web site for more details

www.independentcatering.co.uk

Signature of Parent/Carer ………………………….……………… Date …………………

Please inform the school of any known food allergies so that this information can be passed on to

Independent Catering

Are you entitled to free school meals? If you or your partner get one of the following: Income Support,

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, your son may

be entitled to free school meals. Contact Revenues and Benefits for details

29



TN4 9PG



Parents of New Year 7 Boys

June 2014 Dear Parents Kent Young Person’s Travel Pass The Young Person’s Travel Pass (YPTP) is a new scheme replacing the Kent Freedom Pass scheme from September 2014. The full details of this, and the eligibility requirements, are on KCC’s website. Applications for passes valid from the start of the 2014/15 academic year can be made from Monday, 2nd June, 2014. To ensure your pass is available for the start of the new academic year, your application must be received by Kent by Friday, 18th July, 2014. Applications for these passes may be made until the closing date of Friday, 5th December, 2014. Further information is available on: http://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/13818/YPTP-leaflet.pdf Yours sincerely



http://www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/13818/YPTP-leaflet.pdf

30

The Skinners’ School Acceptable ICT Use Policy Agreement

Parents are kindly asked to discuss this this policy with their son

I understand that I must use school ICT systems in a responsible way, to ensure that there is no risk to my safety or to the safety and security of the ICT systems and other users.

I understand that everyone has equal rights to use technology as a resource and:

I understand that the school ICT systems are primarily intended for educational use and that I will not use the systems for personal or recreational use unless I have permission to do so.

I will not try (unless I have permission) to make large downloads or uploads that might take up internet capacity and prevent other users from being able to carry out their work.

I will not use the school ICT systems for on-line gaming, on-line gambling, internet shopping, social networking or file sharing. I understand that it is also not permitted to use video broadcasting (e.g. YouTube), unless I have the permission of a member of staff to do so.

I will act as I expect others to act toward me:

I will respect others’ work and property and will not access, copy, remove or otherwise alter any other user’s files, without the owner’s knowledge and permission.

I will be polite and responsible when I communicate with others, I will not use strong, aggressive or inappropriate language and I appreciate that others may have different opinions.

I will not take or distribute images of anyone without their permission.

I recognise that the school has a responsibility to maintain the security and integrity of the technology it offers me and to ensure the smooth running of the school:

I will only use my personal hand held / external devices (mobile phones / USB devices etc) in school if I have permission e.g. using a mobile phone to take photos or film. I understand that, if I do use my own devices in school, I will follow the rules set out in this agreement, in the same way as if I was using school equipment.

I understand the risks and will not try to upload, download, share or access any materials which are illegal or inappropriate or may cause harm or distress to others e.g. indecent/ pornographic images. Nor will I try to use any programmes or software that might allow me to bypass the filtering / security systems in place to prevent access to such materials.

I will immediately report any damage or faults involving equipment or software, however this may have happened.

I will not open any attachments to emails, unless I know and trust the person / organisation who sent the email, due to the risk of the attachment containing viruses or other harmful programmes.

I will not install or attempt to install programmes of any type on a machine, or store programmes on a computer, nor will I try to alter computer settings.

I will not use chat and social networking sites nor upload any school or pupil images and video to any internet sites.

For my own personal safety:

I understand that the school will monitor my use of the ICT systems, email and other digital communications.

I will treat my username and password like my toothbrush – I will not share it, nor will I try to use any other person’s username and password.

25

25

31

I will be aware of “stranger danger”, when I am communicating on-line.

I will not disclose or share personal information about myself or others when on-line.

If I arrange to meet people off-line that I have communicated with on-line, I will do so in a public place and take an adult with me.

I will immediately report any unpleasant or inappropriate material or messages or anything that makes me feel uncomfortable when I see it on-line.

When using the internet for research or recreation, I recognise that:

I should ensure that I have permission to use the original work of others in my own work

Where work is protected by copyright, I will not try to download copies (including music and videos)

When I am using the internet to find information, I should take care to check that the information that I access is accurate, as I understand that the work of others may not be truthful and may be a deliberate attempt to mislead me.

I understand that I am responsible for my actions, both in and out of school:

I understand that the school also has the right to take action against me if I am involved in incidents of inappropriate behaviour, that are covered in this agreement, when I am out of school and where they involve my membership of the school community (examples would be cyber-bullying, use or sharing of images or personal information).

I understand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, I will be subject to disciplinary action. This may include loss of access to the school network / internet, detentions, suspensions, contact with parents and in the event of illegal activities involvement of the police.

32


e-Safety Rules

All pupils use computer facilities including Internet access as an essential part of learning, as required by the National Curriculum. Both pupils and their parents/carers are asked to sign to show that the Acceptable ICT Use Policy Agreement has been understood and agreed. Pupil: Form:

Pupil’s Agreement

I have read and I understand the school Acceptable ICT Use Policy Agreement.

I will use the computer, network, mobile phones, Internet access and other new technologies in a responsible way at all times.

I know that network and Internet access may be monitored.

Signed: Date:

Parent’s Consent for Web Publication of Work and Photographs

I agree that my son’s work may be electronically published. I also agree that appropriate images and video that include my son may be published (e.g. school web site or newsletter) subject to the school rule that photographs will not be accompanied by pupil names.

Parent’s Consent for Internet Access

I have read and understood the school e-safety rules and give permission for my son to access the Internet. I understand that the school will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that pupils cannot access inappropriate materials but I appreciate that this is a difficult task.

I understand that the school cannot be held responsible for the content of materials accessed through the Internet. I agree that the school is not liable for any damages arising from use of the Internet facilities.

Signed: Date:

Email address:

Please print name:

33



TN4 9PG



June 2014 Dear Parents

CONSENT FORM FOR SCHOOL TRIPS AND OTHER OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES The Government has changed the procedures for the management of school trips. Instead of requiring many different consent forms from you, for routine trips we can now simply ask you once for your consent. That consent would apply for the remainder of your son’s time in school. Please be reassured that we continue to place the highest importance upon health and safety on school trips. Where there is a reason to return to you for your consent – for example, if the trip involved mountain-climbing, sailing or swimming – we will give details of the planned activities and ask for your specific consent. We ask in the generic consent form below for medical information that we should be aware of; if in the course of your son’s time at Skinners’ there is new information that we should know, we would ask you to take responsibility for contacting the School Office to update them. Our school website contains the detailed policies relating to trips. If you wish to look into the ways in which the school safeguards pupils on school activities, please refer to the relevant section. Would you please return the slip below to the school, marked for the attention of Denise Tourle. I must emphasise that without a returned consent form, your son will not be able to take part in any trips. Please sign and date the form below if you are happy for your son:

a) To take part in school trips and other activities that take place off school premises; and

b) To be given first aid or urgent medical treatment during any school trip or activity. Please note the following important information before signing this form:

The trips and activities covered by this consent include: all visits (including residential trips) which take place during school holidays or a weekend, adventure activities at any time, off-site sporting fixtures outside the school day, all off-site activities that do not involve significant risk.

The school will send you information about each trip or activity before it takes place.

You can, of course, tell the school that you do not want your son to take part in any particular school trip or activity.


34

Written parental consent will not be requested from you for the majority of off-site activities offered by the school – for example, year group visits to local amenities – as such activities are part of the school’s curriculum and usually take place during the normal school day. Please complete the medical information section below (if applicable) and sign and date this form if you agree to the above. Yours sincerely


CONSENT FORM AND MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR SCHOOL TRIPS AND OFF-SITE ACTIVITIES

Name of pupil:_____________________________________________________ Form:_____________ Details of any medical condition that my son suffers from and any medication my son should take during off-site visits: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ I give permission for my son to take part in school trips and other activities that take place off school premises, including all visits (and residential trips) which take place during school holidays or a weekend, adventure activities at any time, off-site sporting fixtures outside the school day and all off-site activities that do not involve significant risk. I give permission for my son to be given first aid or urgent medical treatment during any school trip or activity. Signed:______________________________________________________________________________ Date:___________________________________

To be returned to Mrs Tourle at The Skinners’ School

35



TN4 9PG



June 2014 Dear Parents

Collection and Recording of Pupils’ First Language

I enclose a form asking about your child’s First Language. This is the language to which your son was first

exposed in their early childhood and which they continue to use or be exposed to at home or in your

community.

If your son’s first language is a language other than English, please record this language. The question is

not about how well your son speaks English nor is it about how well they speak another language. It is

about exposure to another language.

The information you provide will be held confidentially. It will be used to provide the school with better

information about your son and help us to ensure that all children have the opportunity to fulfil their

potential.

The information will not be published in a way that allows individual pupils to be identified and the

information will not be used for any other purpose. From time to time this information will be passed to

the Local Authority and the Department of Education to contribute to local and national statistics.

Information about your son’s First Language will be passed on to any other school to which your son

transfers to save you having to be asked for it again.

You can ask to check the information about your son’s First Language at any time and, if you wish, to have

the information changed or removed.

Thank you very much for your help.

Yours sincerely



36

Pupil First Language Questionnaire - Kent Local Authority Children, Families and Education Directorate

Please tick one box only to indicate the first language of the pupil named below

Full Name:______________________________

Definition of First Language

A pupil's first language is defined as any language other than English that a child was exposed to during early development and

continues to be exposed to in the home or community. If a child was exposed to more than one language (which may include

English) during early development, a language other than English should be recorded, irrespective of the child's proficiency in

English. In the case of an older pupil who is no longer exposed to the first language in the home, and who now uses another

language, the school should consult with the pupil or parent to determine which language should be recorded.

Main Code

Sub-Code First Language

ALB Albanian/Shqip

ARA ARAA Arabic (Any Other)

ARA ARAG Arabic (Algeria)

ARA ARAI Arabic (Iraq)

ARA ARAM Arabic (Morocco)

ARA ARAS Arabic (Sudan)

ARA ARAY Arabic (Yemen)

BNG BNGA Bengali (Any Other)

BNG BNGC Bengali (Chittagong/Noakhali)

BNG BNGS Bengali (Sylheti)

BUL Bulgarian

CHI CHIA Chinese (Any Other)

CHI CHIC Chinese (Cantonese)

CHI CHIH Chinese (Hokkien/Fujianese)

CHI CHIK Chinese (Hakka)

CHI CHIM Chinese (Mandarin/Putonghua)

CZE Czech

ENG English

FIN Finnish

FRN French

GER German

GRE GREA Greek (Any Other)

GRE GREC Greek (Cyprus)

GUJ Gujarati

HGR Hungarian

HIN Hindi

ITA ITAA Italian (Any Other)

ITA ITAN Italian (Napoletan)

ITA ITAS Italian (Sicilian)

JPN Japanese

KUR KURA Kurdish (Any Other)

KUR KURM Kurdish (Kurmanji)

KUR KURS Kurdish (Sorani)

LIT Lithuanian

LTV Latvian

MLM Malayalam

NEP Nepali

Main Code

Sub-Code First Language

PAT Pashto/Pakhto

PNJ PNJA Panjabi (Any Other)

PNJ PNJG Panjabi (Gurmukhi)

PNJ PNJM Panjabi (Mirpuri)

PNJ PNJP Panjabi (Pothwari)

POL Polish

POR PORA Portuguese (Any Other) POR PORB Portuguese (Brazil) PRS PRSA Farsi/Persian (Any Other)

PRS PRSD Dari Persian PRS PRST Tajiki Persian

RME Romani/English Romanes

RMI Romani (International)

RMN RMNM Romanian (Moldova) RMN RMNR Romanian (Romania)

RUS Russian

SCB SCBB Bosnian SCB SCBC Croatian SCB SCBS Serbian

SHO Shona

SLO Slovak

SOM Somali

SPA Spanish

SWA SWAA Swahili (Any Other)

SWA SWAC Comorian Swahili SWA SWAK Swahili (Kingwana)

SWA SWAM Swahili (Brava/Mwiini)

SWA SWAT Swahili (Bajuni/Tikuu)

SWE Swedish

TAM Tamil

TGL TGLF Filipino TGL TGLG Tagalog

THA Thai

TRI Traveller Irish/Shelta

TUR Turkish

URD Urdu

VIE Vietnamese

If first language is not in list above please write it here

37

The Skinners’ School Music Department INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS

Individual music lessons are available at School either through Kent Music or from private visiting

teachers. We have a visiting staff of sixteen and can offer all the orchestral instruments, singing, piano,

percussion and guitar. Pupils come out of school lessons to take their individual tuition. This is on a rota

so that a different lesson is missed each week; they never miss more than half a school period on each

occasion.

Piano, guitar, oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, sax, singing and some brass and percussion lessons are

arranged through private peripatetic teachers and applications for these should be made on the attached

Skinners’ School Music Department form. A minimum of five lessons of either 20 or 30 minutes are given

each term.

Violin, viola, cello and trumpet are available through Kent Music and applications should be made on the

appropriate KM form and returned to me. Applications can now be made on line direct to Kent Music

www.kent-music.com, but please tell the school music department via the Skinners’ School Music

Department form that you have applied to them so that we can track the application and be sure that

your son has a teacher, an instrument and a room for his lessons.

A small number of instruments are available for hire in school for pupils’ use during their first year of

lessons. Kent Music pupils may hire instruments direct from Kent Music. There is a wide range of extra-

curricular opportunities in the music department; full details can be seen on the music department

calendar. If you wish to discuss any aspect of instrumental provision at Skinners’ I would be pleased to

talk to you on the telephone. Any problems with rotas for private peripatetic teachers or Kent Music

teachers should be drawn to the attention of the Head of Music at Skinners’.

John Hendry Head of Music

[email protected]; 01892 520732 Ext 302

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The Skinners’ School Music Department

APPLICATION FOR INSTRUMENTAL/VOCAL TUITION

Student’s name

Student’s Tutor Group

Home Address

Post Code

Telephone number

Contact email address

I would like my son to have ………………………………………….. lessons

Preferred starting date

Previous experience or beginner – please give details

Length of lesson required 20 minutes/ 30 minutes*

I will arrange the use of an instrument for my son Yes/No*

I am interested in hiring an instrument Yes/No*

*[please delete as appropriate]

Lessons may only be discontinued at the end of each term

Notice of withdrawal must be given in writing to the Head of Music at least a term in advance or half the following terms fees are payable.

It is the pupil’s responsibility to inform the Head of Music if there is a problem with the lesson time assigned to him.

I agree to all the above terms and conditions

Signature of Parent/Guardian ……………………………………………………………..

Date ………………………………………… 2014

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TN4 9PG


June 2014

The Skinners’ School Parents’ Association

Dear Parents,

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your son to the Skinners’ School. I am

sure your son’s experience at the school will be both an enjoyable and fulfilling one.

I would also like to introduce you to the school Parents’ Association. With the support of the parents and

friends of Skinners’ School, we have raised over £100,000 in just the last three years. This has contributed

towards the wonderful and impressive new Sports Hall, as well as projects such as the refurbishment of

the boys’ toilets, the purchase of a school minibus and the funding of a number of IT projects (including

new PCs, Wi-Fi enabling the entire school site and the establishment of a new Virtual Learning Platform).

PA funds have provided a huge benefit to the boys to date and we hope to be able to continue to

contribute generously towards new projects, of which there continue to be many across all areas of the

school.

Obviously none of this can be done without your support. The PA organises a number of events during

the year that are great fun and also help to sustain the excellent community spirit that exists at our

school – we hope that you will be able to join us.

I would like to thank you in advance for your support for our activities and for your help in providing this

additional funding. It really does make a huge difference to the facilities of our school.

Kind Regards

Penny Norwood Treasurer


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Skinners’ School Parents’ Association: Diary of events 2014/2015

Skinners' School Parents' Association Diary Of Events 2014/2015

Term 1 (3 September 2014 - 24 October 2014) Monday 8th September 7pm PA Committee Meeting Thursday 25th September 5-8.30pm Higher Education Fair (School Event) Friday 26th September 7.30pm New Parents Evening Thursday 2 October 4-8pm Open Evening (School Event) Friday 10 October 7.30-9.30pm Junior Disco Years 7-8 Thursday 16 October Non - uniform Day Saturday 1 November 12-2pm Jumble Sale Term 2 (3 November 2014 - 19 December 2014) Tuesday 11 November 7pm PA Committee Meeting Wednesday 12 November Non - uniform Day (Gifts-Christmas Bazaar) Friday 21 November 2.30pm Skinners' Day (School Event) Thursday 4 December Sixth Form Options Evening Year 11 (School Event) Friday 5 December Wacky Tie Day (Cakes-Christmas Bazaar) Saturday 6 December 11am-2pm Christmas Bazaar and Farmers Market Wednesday 17 December 7.30pm Carol Concert (School Event) Term 3 (5 January 2015 - 13 February 2015) Tuesday 13 January 7pm PA Committee Meeting Wednesday 28 January Non - Uniform Day Friday 27 February 7.30-9.30pm Junior Disco Years 7-8 Term 4 (23 February 2015 - 1 April 2015) Tuesday 3 March 7pm PA Committee Meeting Friday 20 March 7.30pm Quiz Night and Fish and Chip Supper Thursday 26 March Non - Uniform Day Term 5 (20 April 2015 - 22 May 2015) Tuesday 21 April 7pm PA Committee Meeting Saturday 9 May 7pm Spring Ball Term 6 (1June 2015 - 24 July 2015) Tuesday 9 June 7pm PA AGM followed by Committee Meeting Thursday 18 June 8pm New Parents Evening (School Event) Friday 19 June TBC 7.30-9.30pm Junior Disco Years 7-8 Tuesday 7 July TBC Non Uniform Day Saturday 11 July TBC Summer Fete/Sports Dinner

Other events/ dates may be added to the PA Calendar throughout the year.

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NEW PARENTS’ EVENING – FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2014

The Skinners’ School Parents’ Association would like to invite parents of Year 7

boys to Drinks & Light Refreshments on Friday 26th September at 7.30pm (to

finish 9.30 – 10pm).

The transition from primary to secondary school is a major step for you and

your son and this event provides a great opportunity for you to socialise in

House Groups and meet your son’s form tutor and headmaster in a convivial

atmosphere.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Nicky Tebay - Chair PA

Please return in an envelope to the School Office, The Skinners’ School, St John’s Road,

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9PG, marked:

Skinners’ School Parents’ Association – New Parents’ Evening

Name of Parent/s...........................................................................................................................................................

Name of Boy .............................................................................................................House..........................................

I am/ We are* able to attend the New Parents’ Evening on Friday 26th September and

enclose cash /cheque for ..........tickets at £10 per ticket (please make cheques payable to

Skinners’ School Parents’ Association). Cost of all refreshments included in ticket price;

all funds raised go direct to the School.

I am/We are * unable to attend the New Parents’ Evening on Friday 26th September

*Please delete as appropriate

42



TN4 9PG


June 2014

Dear Parents School Fund

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your son to The Skinners’ School. We look forward to helping your son to develop and grow intellectually, physically and spiritually over the coming years. At The Skinners’ School we strive to offer a broad range of extra-curricular activities to complement our teaching programme. These range from clubs, drama productions, sporting fixtures, through to career development days and the production of our school magazine. However, due to pressures on the school budget these activities cannot continue without your support. Although voluntary, a monthly donation to the School Fund enables us to continue to provide these activities and offer an enriched curriculum that the boys deserve. If you are a tax payer you can make your donation go further by completing the gift aid declaration. I enclose a direct debit instruction and gift aid declaration for your use. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Regards,

Edward Wesson Headmaster ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

To The Skinners’ School; c/o Denise Tourle

Yes, I would like to make a monthly direct debit subscription to the Skinners’ School Fund:

£10.00

£25.00

Other

£

I enclose a cheque/cash donation for £…………………………

Sorry, I am unable to make a donation this year

Son’s name……………………………………………………………. Form………….. DOB…………………………………

Signed……………………………………………………………………. Date…………………………………………………………..


43

44



TN4 9PG



June 2014

Dear Parents ParentMail: Communications from the School As you know we try very hard to keep parents regularly informed about what’s going on at the school, however, sending paper letters home can be rather ‘hit and miss’ with letters often going astray along the way. We are also increasingly aware of the substantial cost, time and environmental impact associated with the amount of paper and photocopying involved with this. To help improve these areas we have decided to use a service called ParentMail, which is used by over 3,500 schools across the UK to communicate with 2 million parents by email and text message. ParentMail will be beneficial to you because:

Messages will get to you reliably

We can send messages directly to mums and dads at the same time

You will quickly know about important or urgent messages

We can tell you more about what’s going on at the school To use ParentMail we need to collect your email addresses and mobile numbers and we would ask you to complete the attached form and return it to us by Friday 4th July 2014. Please be assured that ParentMail is registered with the Data Protection Registrar and guarantees that all information you provide will be kept private and will not be passed on to any other organisation. Important – When we start using ParentMail, email messages will be sent from [email protected]. Please add this address to your email address books (or approved sender list) to prevent messages from being blocked by your SPAM/JUNK filters. Yours sincerely



mailto:[email protected]

45

Kent

PARENTMAIL DATA CAPTURE FORM

I give / do not give (please select) my permission for my email address and mobile number to

be registered with ParentMail®.

PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS

Child’s Details

First Name

SURNAME

Form/Class

Parent/Guardian Details

Title First Name

SURNAME

Email Address

Mobile Number

Relationship to Child Primary Contact?

Title First Name

SURNAME

Email Address

Mobile Number

Relationship to Child Primary Contact?

Additional Details (if required)

Additional

Email Address

Signature ___________________________ Date ____________________

Please return this form to the School by Friday 4th July.

Documents

Year 7 Welcome Pack - The Skinners' School · 2019-09-04 · Specialist Schools & Academies Trust (SSAT) on a number of exciting and innovative projects. Some of this work is highlighted