6TH FORM NEW PUPIL GUIDE 2008

This booklet should be retained for reference during a pupil’s time at the College. Please study the enclosed notes carefully, going through them with your child. Your child is joining a close-knit community and will best be able to make a contribution when you all understand our routines and ways of doing things. This process should not take too long and he/she will soon be able to take advantage of all that there is on offer. New pupils (day and boarding) will receive instructions separately from their new houseparent regarding what time they should arrive at their house, what they should wear, etc. T he First Day of Term 6 th Form Induction Programme On the first two days of term, all Lower 6th students take part in our induction programme. On day one, students have a breakfast seminar with the Headmaster, followed by some ice-breaking activities designed to integrate and involve everyone. During the day students are introduced to the key aspects of 6th Form life at the College, including the 6th Form Centre, the tutoring system and UCAS and careers. In the afternoon, students have a chance to discuss subject choices with Heads of Departments, before finalising their AS options and games choices. On day two, students undertake a number of team-building exercises and other activities. The aim of the two days is to establish new friendships, and to have fun! D ay Pupils – Daily Routine Arrival Day pupils should arrive each day at their House in time for morning registration which takes place at 8.20 am. Departure A typical day ends at 4.30pm. However, because we run a full and varied programme of extra-curricular activities, each day is slightly different and the pick up time for your son or daughter may vary depending upon which sports and activities he/she may be involved in. The general rule is that day pupils may be collected once they have finished their daily commitments; which may, on occasions, be earlier or later than 4.30pm. Day pupils must always ‘sign out’ with the member of housestaff on duty before going home each day. 1 W Monday 8.45 9.20 10.00 10.40 11.10 11.30 12.05 8.45 9.20 10.00 10.40 11.10 11.30 12.05 8.45 9.20 10.00 10.40 11.10 11.30 12.05 8.45 9.20 10.00 10.40 11.10 11.30 12.05 8.45 9.20 10.00 10.40 11.10 11.30 12.05 8.45 9.20 10.00 10.45 10.55 11.15 11.55 eekly Academic Programme – 2008/9 – 6th Form Morning Assembly Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Break Period 4 Period 5 Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Break Period 5 Period 6 Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Break Period 5 Period 6 Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Break Period 5 Period 6 Service Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Break Period 4 Period 5 Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Tutor period Break Period 4 Period 5 1.00 1.50 2.25 3.05 3.35 Afternoon Lunch Period 6 Period 7 Period 8 End DofE, Clubs & Societies Lunch Lecture Lecture Period 9 End Tuesday 1.00 1.50 2.25 3.05 3.35 1.00 Lunch Sport & some fixtures Non team activities Wednesday Thursday 1.00 1.50 2.25 3.05 Lunch Period 7 Period 8 End Non team activities Friday 1.00 1.50 2.25 3.05 3.35 Lunch Period 6 Period 7 Period 8 End 1.00 Lunch Fixtures Saturday 2 A bsence Day Pupil Absence When a day pupil is to be absent during normal working hours or when, for health reasons, he/she should be excused games, he/she should bring a note from you to that effect. Verbal messages from pupils cannot be accepted. A further note should accompany the pupil when he/she is again fit to play games. If a day pupil is sick and unable to attend College it would be appreciated if parents would ring the House by 8.20 am. Apart from special occasions (e.g. a family wedding), pupils are expected to be in College throughout the term. The holidays are not short and to avoid embarrassment parents are asked not to request extra time away. Parent Absence If for any reason you have to be away during the term (parents of both DAY and BOARDING children), we do need to know what arrangements you have made for your child so that in any emergency we know the adult to contact. Please let us have, in writing, the relevant name, address and telephone number. NB : May we remind parents that any change of address, telephone number or e mail address should be notified to the College, in writing, so that our records are up to date in case of emergency. B arriers The College have security barriers at each of our entrances. The main entrance barrier will be open at peak times and will operate on automatic throughout the day but will be switched to PIN operation overnight (23:30 – 05:00). The West Gate & Hyde Road barriers have two modes of operation - open and PIN access only. These barriers do not have the full functionality of the main entrance barrier but we recognise the need to allow access via all entrances at peak times and during these busy times the barriers will be held in their open position. Operation times of the West Gate & Hyde Road barriers are as follows: 05:00 – 09:30 Barrier open 09:30 – 15:00 Barrier on PIN operation 09:30 – 12:00 Barrier on PIN operation (Wednesday and Saturday only) 12:00 – 22:30 Barrier open (Wednesday and Saturday only) 15:00 – 22:30 Barrier open 22:30 – 05:00 Barrier on PIN operation Sundays and during the holidays - PIN operation only You can exit the College through any barrier at any time. 3 C areers Before outlining the careers programme for the two 6th Form years, the following points may be of value: Within reason, the final choice of subjects should be governed by both ability and enthusiasm. Little is to be gained from study areas where progress will be a struggle merely because it “fits” with other subjects or with unrealistic career ideas. With this in mind it is worth remembering that while entrance to the 6th Form opens some doors, by nature of increased specialisation, it closes others; there is faint hope for the student of English and History applying for medical school for example. This does not necessarily mean though that clear-cut career objectives have already been made, rather more that a general direction is becoming apparent. The Careers Programme The Careers Programme aims to improve knowledge of jobs and roles in society, through opportunities to hear outside speakers, invited to address students as part of the 6th Form Programme. The main drive in the Lower 6th starts in the Spring Term when we start looking in detail at higher education. During this term and the Autumn Term of the Upper 6th, applications to university and colleges of higher education are completed after consultation with all staff concerned. Before this, all the Lower 6th have the opportunity to complete the CENTIGRADE questionnaire. The report is valuable in selecting appropriate areas of study at Higher Education and considering careers options after graduation. This research is complemented by visitors from higher education who outline the demands of work and student life. Students intending to take a GAP year before university are encouraged to start planning early. Gap year companies are invited to do presentations of options available, both in the UK and abroad, as part of the 6th Form programme. All students in the Lower 6th take part in our Community Action Programme. Students can take part in a range of placements, including helping to run afterschool clubs for a local primary school, visiting the elderly, gardening for the disabled and the infirm, and helping preserve a site of special scientific interest on Odiham Common. We encourage students to be involved in the CAP as we believe it teaches them to treat all people with respect and dignity, as well as giving them an opportunity to assist people less fortunate than themselves. It is also a prime opportunity for the students to give back to a local community that supports our College. C AP—Community Action Programme 4 Many students use the Community Action Programme to fulfil the requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. The students have been praised for their mature attitude to this scheme in the past and it is a good opportunity for students to shine in terms of leadership, communication and motivation skills. Upper 6th pupils, and in the Summer Term Lower 6th pupils, are allowed to keep their cars at College provided that the pupils’ parents or guardians are willing to be bound by certain conditions. The conditions are as follows: • C • • ars at College • • • • That the car is fully taxed and insured and, if applicable, a MOT test certificate has been obtained. Your son or daughter should hold an insurance policy covering the use of the car and all damage to persons and property both on the highway and within the College grounds. Your son/daughter must hold a current driving licence. Pupils are not allowed to lend or hire out the car to anybody else, including other pupils at the College. The use of the car is intended for the named pupil only. Applications may be made to carry siblings to and from College. Such requests will normally be granted. Applications to carry other College pupils may also be made and, on the rare occasion where the circumstances warrant such a request, it may be granted. However, in this situation, written permission from the parents/ guardians of both parties will be necessary on each and every occasion. The car must be kept in a place agreed with the houseparent. It should be locked when not in use and should only be used to travel to and from College as agreed with the houseparent. On arrival at the College your son or daughter must immediately sign in with a member of staff in their House and hand in their car keys to be stored securely. The trustees, headmaster and staff of the College shall not be liable for any injury to your son/daughter or for any theft, loss of or damage to the car. Parents agree to indemnify the trustees, headmaster and staff against any claim or damages for injury to any person or property which may arise out of the use of the car or its presence on the College premises. Failure to comply with any of the above conditions will result in permission being withdrawn. Boarders may bring their own PCs, lap-tops and stereo system into College. However the care and maintenance of these is entirely the pupils’ responsibility. Please refer to the College Policy on Personal Computers to be found on page 32. C omputers, Stereo Systems, MP3 Players, etc. 5 D uke of Edinburgh’s Award – Gold Level What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award? The answer lies in what the award scheme is not. It is not an organisation. It does not have a uniform or rules. It is not a competition; there are no winners or losers. If anything, it is a competition with oneself. All you have to do to take part is to pick a skill and physical recreation that you do beyond the curriculum, and show some improvement in each over a period of time. Then attend a residential course that interests you, perform some service to the community and take part in an expedition. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 25 can do it. It is a voluntary activity, and indeed at Lord Wandsworth College, many of the helpers are parental volunteers. Most of the work in College Duke of Edinburgh Award sessions is aimed at the expedition section. The final expedition will take place on Dartmoor, covering at least 50 miles over a four-day period, unaccompanied, in groups of 4-7 participants. Participants camp for three nights, and have to carry with them all they need, including tents and cooking equipment. Before this can be done, however, a considerable amount of training must take place, and this is the work which is done during College sessions. The sessions will be at College on several Wednesday evenings, roughly once a month, from 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm. These sessions are calendared. Undertaking the award is a commitment that should be taken seriously. Part of this commitment is attendance at the whole of all of these sessions, unless prevented by illness. There will also be some expedition preparation that will need to be completed outside of these hours. In today’s competitive climate, more and more employers are seeking out Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holders. University admissions officers also regard the award very highly, due to the qualities that the award is well known for developing, such as team work, a sense of responsibility, independence, communication and problem solving. Almost more importantly than that, however, is that the award is fun, the range of activities that can be undertaken broadens horizons, and the expedition itself is talked about for years afterwards. All candidates feel a justifiable sense of achievement on completion of the Gold award, which is presented by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at a Palace in London. For more national information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award please look at www.theaward.org. 6 Each pupil is issued with their own web-based email address. The standard format is surname + first initial (case sensitive). This is also the log on to gain access to the College network. Pupils need to choose their own password which must never be disclosed to others. In order to gain initial access and to set up this password, pupils need the default password and instructions which can be obtained from their Houseparent or the ICT Department. E mail and Network Access The A level is made up of two parts. The first part, the AS level, is delivered in the Lower 6th Form. In most subjects this consists of three modules taken in January and/or June of the Lower 6th Form. At the end of this year students can be awarded an AS qualification. The AS qualification is half an A level in terms of the content but measured at a standard intermediate between GCSE and A level. Students may stop the subject at the end of the Lower 6th Form or continue on with the second half of the syllabus, the A2 qualification. This again, for most subjects, is divided into three parts examined in January and/or June. At the end of the two year course, the AS plus the A2 gives the student a full A level. The majority of the 6th Form take four, and in some cases five, subjects in the Lower 6th. In the Upper 6th a small number of students combine A level courses with new subjects to AS level if this can be accommodated in the timetable. Students wishing to study for the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge will be given appropriate help on an individual basis organised by the Head of Department in the relevant subjects in consultation with the Director of Studies. E xplanation of the A Level System F lexi-Boarding There is a facility for day pupils to stay overnight if there is a bed space available. This has proved to be a popular option and needs to be booked in advance to secure a place. The College Policy is to promote boarding and parents should be aware that boarders will be given priority concerning bed spaces. This may mean that the number of bed spaces for flexi-boarders could change from year to year – and even from term to term. 7 In case of family emergencies or when parents are away we can usually help with a bed for the night. There is a charge per night unless the overnight stay is connected with a College function. Changing Status A term’s notice is required if you wish to change status from day to boarding or vice versa. G ames and Activities There is a wide ranging and varied programme of games and activities organised for pupils which changes on a termly basis. It is College policy that pupils are required to attend all sessions on their individual programme. 6th Formers may opt for their preferred sport but it is expected that they will commit themselves to the major sport of the term and represent the College, as required. Once a 6th Former has opted for a major sport he/she must see it as a commitment for the term. Games Fixtures Fixtures against other schools usually take place on a Saturday and sometimes midweek. Pupils selected to represent the College must fulfil their commitment and parents are asked in advance not to make other arrangements which may take them away from their match. As in many areas, the College has a strong reputation for the standards achieved on the sports field and these can only be maintained through the total commitment of team members. Pupils not required for any official College activity may, after discussion with their houseparent, leave College after lessons on Saturdays. H H air We expect the pupils to look presentable, with their hair predominantly natural in colour. Hair should be kept neat and tidy. Girls with long hair should have it tied back or kept off the face. ealth & Safety Requirements Health & Safety requirements dictate that portable electrical equipment is tested annually to specified levels of safety (PAT or Portable Appliance Testing). To preserve the integrity of its electricity supply and to minimise risks to pupils, staff and the fabric of the College, all items belonging to pupils which fall into this category and arrive in College without the necessary PAT label will be tested by the College’s Contractor at a cost currently of £2.50 per item. Pupils should discuss with the Houseparent if they intend to bring any such item with them. 8 H igher Education Entry into university is either on the basis of specific grades at A level (and/or AS level) or in the form of UCAS points. Current general requirements: Universities usually demand a minimum of three A level passes. They require specific grades or a number of points based on the following table: AS Level A Level A B C A B C D E E D Points 120 100 80 60 50 40 30 20 10 • GCSE grades are important for some particular university courses. A pass at grade B in Maths for example is a common requirement for most Business Studies courses and quality passes at GCSE are increasingly expected in most areas. GCSE Mathematics and English are a basic requirement for most courses of higher education. GCSE Science is also required for all teaching courses. Certain higher education courses, e.g. Medicine, require specific A levels – you should check these requirements before making your final choices. • • It is important that pupils and their parents discuss their thoughts and ideas on any intended career when choosing A level subjects. However, these should be selected realistically in line with their aptitudes and abilities and only after discussion with staff. Everyone is responsible for insuring his/her own property. The College accepts no responsibilities for the loss of, or damage to, personal property. 9 I mportant and Valuable Items L abelling Information for Bed Linen and Towels NAME ON OUTSIDE (Open End) PILLOW CASE NAME ON OUTSIDE (Open End) DUVET COVER NAME BY WASHING LABEL FITTED SHEET NAME BY WASHING LABEL BATH TOWEL ALL items of school uniform, sports kit and casual clothes MUST be named – preferably with sewn-in name tapes. All shoes and boots must also be clearly named using adhesive shoe labels or permanent marker. L basis. aundry Matrons look after all the laundry in the Houses which is done on a daily Full boarders may put all their clothes in for washing. Weekly boarders may put all College uniform, underwear and games kit in for washing. Casual clothes should be washed at home at the weekend. Day pupils are not entitled to have their laundry done by the Matrons and therefore it should be done at home. Any items for dry cleaning should be handed to Matron who will arrange for them to be cleaned. A charge will be placed on your College account for this service. 10 The College Library provides extensive opportunities for 6th Form students to extend their academic knowledge, while learning how to work and research independently. It is run by a full-time Librarian. There are over 14,000 books, videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs and audio books in the Library, and most are available for loan. The loan period is normally three weeks but may be extended on request. 6th Formers may borrow up to six items at a time. The depth and range of non-fiction books in most fields is excellent. Reference books include dictionaries, encyclopedias, government publications and atlases, as well as major reference works. Students can search for relevant material on the library catalogue, which can be accessed via the College intranet and also across the internet. The Librarian issues Library guides for 6th Form subjects from time to time, showing the extent of resources available for students. These are also available on the College intranet. In addition, there is a large collection of novels for wider reading; adult titles are shelved separately from teenage fiction. Daily newspapers are taken, together with a wide variety of magazines and journals relevant to academic subjects, such as New Scientist, History Today and National Geographic. Careers and higher education resources are kept in the Careers Library. There are 10 computers connected to the College network with access to the Internet and e-mail facilities. The library also supports a wireless internet connection for school laptops. Information and news concerning the Library can be found on the College intranet. The Library may be used by 6th Formers during private study periods and free time every day until 4.45 pm, and on Saturday mornings, also on selected evenings during the week. 6th Formers play an important part in the effective running of the College Library, and a student librarian is appointed each year from the 6th Form. Library resources should be an integral part of your studies in the 6th Form and it is hoped that you will make full use of the excellent facilities here. L ibrary – 6th Form Facilities 11 All items of lost property will be handed into the Resources Office in the administration building, where wet or muddy items will be stored. All named items will be returned to the pupil’s House Matron. We cannot stress enough the importance of making sure your son’s or daughter’s clothing and personal property is clearly marked with his/her name – even casual clothes and footwear. Pupils are encouraged to visit the Lost Property Office to claim missing items. The Office is open from 8.00 am—4.00 pm from Monday to Friday. Six school weeks after the hand-in date, any unclaimed items will be disposed of via the College Second Hand Clothing Shop, local charity shops or charity clothing bins and waste bins. Enquiries regarding lost property should be addressed to Mrs Margaret Jennings, the Resources Administrator, on 01256 860210 (direct line). L ost Property 6th Formers may use a mobile telephone around campus after 4.00 pm, or as soon as their College commitment has finished, whichever is the later. They are not to be used during the working day. M O obile Phones verseas Pupils We are aware that students from overseas are often living away from home for the first time. We will endeavour to do all that we can to make sure that they settle in quickly to their new environment. All students from overseas must have an official guardian in the UK, preferably someone who is close enough to the College for your child to stay with during half terms and exeat weekends. Details of your child’s guardian should be given to the College office prior to your child joining the College. If you require help with finding a guardian, we are happy to recommend guardianship agencies – please contact the College office if you require more information. All students for whom English is not their native language will be assessed to determine how much language support they may need. Extra English lessons will be provided depending upon the assessment results. These lessons are charged as an ‘extra’ on your College bill. We can help with travel arrangements to and from airports at the beginning and end of each term either by using our own minibuses and drivers or by arranging taxis. All the taxi companies we use have been authorised and checked by the police. 12 The Headmaster’s Secretary, Mrs Gray is also happy to help with any visa issues. Houseparents must be given the name, address and telephone number of the official guardian of an overseas pupil. P arents’ Evenings and Reports Reports Upper 6th Lower 6th Parents’ Evenings Lower 6th Upper 6th Lower 6th Upper 6th Autumn Term 1st half of Term 2nd half of Term Spring Term 2nd half of Term Summer Term 1st half of Term Parents can, of course, discuss any academic matter regarding their child’s progress at any time. In the first instance this should be with the relevant Houseparents/ Tutor. The 6th Form is a period of transition between the rather rigidly controlled study of the previous years where work is carefully planned step by step for you and the freedoms of higher education or employment where you are given almost total responsibility to organise and plan your work. This transition period therefore includes a number of sessions of private study. This time must be well used so that sound habits are established, good practices developed and self-discipline acquired. Heads of Department will actively encourage you to undertake private study periods in the departments of your chosen A levels whenever possible. This allows you to avail yourself of departmental facilities as well as individual tuition when necessary. P rivate Study 6 th Form Centre The 6th Form Centre forms the hub of the social life for 6th Formers. During the College day, it provides a relaxing location in which to work, with internet access from eight terminals, plus the facility for wireless laptop access to the network. There is also a reference and resource centre, as well as sofas on which to wind down with a hot drink and muffins. 13 The Centre also boasts a range of recreational facilities. The largescreen projector has links to a DVD player, a computer terminal and to Sky-TV. There is also a football table and a pool room which has an i-pod station link to the speakers. There is a licensed bar in the Centre which opens two evenings a week, with social events organised regularly by the Centre committee. These events often include film nights, fancy-dress discos, unplugged music evenings and themed team events, as well as the much-anticipated annual puddex bbq. Alongside these regular social events held in the 6th Form Centre, there is also a formal black tie dinner for 6th Formers and staff held in the Gavin Hall and the chance to take a partner to the Leavers’ Ball in the Summer Term. The Prideaux Society runs weekly sessions throughout the year and is designed as a programme of enrichment for the 6th Form. Primarily it consists of visiting speakers on a diverse range of subjects, but there are also more interactive sessions such as basic driving skills, university applications and the ever popular wine tasting! Recent speakers include Sir David Dain (ex-High Commissioner for Pakistan and Afghanistan), Johnnie Leach (a reformed drug addict) and stand-up comic Dave Smith. There is a separate booklet enclosed with this pack giving full details of the clothing and uniform requirements for 6th Form pupils. 6 S th Form Dress Code econd Hand Clothing Shop The Second Hand Clothing Shop provides an excellent and popular service to parents, whether buying or selling, with the additional benefit of 30% of the sale price going to the College Amenity Fund. In future years you can support the Shop by sending (via your child’s Houseparents or Matron), at the beginning of each term, any regulation uniform items (in good condition) which you would like to sell. If there is anything you need to buy, call in and have a look at the good quality clothing we have in stock. Payment should be made at the time of purchase, either by cash or cheque (made payable to “LWC Clothing Account”). The Second Hand Clothing Shop will be open on: Tuesday 17th June 4.00 pm—6.00 pm Tuesday 24th June 4.00 pm—6.00 pm Friday 27th June 4.00 pm—6.00 pm Saturday 28th June 9.00 am—11.00 am Wednesday 2nd July 11.30 am—12.30 pm Saturday 30th August 10.30 am—12.00 pm 14 For those selling, clothing may be handed to House Matrons at the beginning of each term. Items not sold within two years are donated to a suitable charity or given back to parents if stipulated. Opening times can also be found at www.lordwandsworth.org/ index.php?menu1=admissions&menu=08. The Second Hand Shop is located up the stairs in the 6th Form Centre. S ubject Choices Lower 6th Blocks for 2008/09 (May 2008) Students may take no more than one subject from each of the blocks P, Q, R, S and T. Our requirement is that all pupils should aim to start four subjects unless there is a strong argument for only three. Ideally students should embark on four subjects for the Lower 6th Form dropping to three in the Upper 6th. Many of the top universities have now expressed an intention to look for some breadth in A levels and AS levels. To encourage such breadth in the choice of subjects, students may not study both Economics and Business Studies. Double Maths (Maths and Further Maths) takes place across both blocks P and S. P (8) Biology Business Studies Geography Maths (2 sets) Theatre Studies Art Chemistry French History Physical Ed Physics Further Maths Religious Studies Further Maths Q (8) Art Business Studies Economics English R (8) S (8) French Geography German Music Psychology T (8) Biology (2 sets) Chemistry Classics Design English Latin Spanish Music Technology Physics The blocks are subject to change and students should check their choices with the Director of Studies. GCSE Re-takes Re-taking of GCSE exams in English and Maths can be arranged but this is done on a personal basis on only one or two periods a week. The expectation is that much of the work is done in your own time. 15 U Lower 6th • • • • niversity and College Entrance – UCAS Your application to University or College is overseen by the Head of Higher Education and Careers. You need to work closely with your tutor throughout the process. Spring Term Complete a Centigrade questionnaire to give ideas about appropriate university courses to match your abilities and interests. Attend a higher education talk given by a visiting representative. Start exploring provisional ideas for university courses. You may make two visits to university open days during the term time once your AS examinations are complete. Summer Term • • • • • Attend workshops on researching courses and institutions; and writing personal statements. Prepare a draft personal statement Attend seminar on “Interview techniques and skills required in the workplace”. Possibly attend an Open Day during activity week. Attend a UCAS application online workshop. Summer Holidays (August) • • Receive your AS results. Prepare your draft personal statement and UCAS application form, ready for tutor input at the start of the Autumn Term. Upper 6th • • • • Autumn Term Provide your tutor with entry profiles of courses and relevant information. Your tutor prepares a confidential reference to support your application. Complete the final version of your application form on line and this will be sent to the admissions service. You start to receive responses from universities and possibly invitations to interviews. Summer Term • • Attend interviews and invitations from the institutions you have selected. Select two universities (a first choice and a provisional “insurance” option); all other offers are rejected. Summer Holidays (August) • • Receive your A level results If you have not achieved the grades required by your chosen university you may apply for other courses through the ‘Clearing’ system. 16 6th Form pupils are free to depart after their final lesson at 12.45 pm on Saturday, except when they are playing in College matches. Weekly boarders should return either by 9.00 pm on Sunday or by registration on Monday morning. Full Boarders are permitted weekend leaves, from after their final lesson on Saturday to 9.00 pm Sunday or by registration on Monday morning, unless they are playing in a College match. Houseparent(s) must be satisfied through personal contact with the relevant parties, that the pupil concerned is either: 1. going with their parents; 2. going with a relative; 3. going to the home of another pupil or another home which has the approval both of the “host” parent and the parent of the hosted pupil; 4. otherwise going on an outing or expedition with Houseparent(s) approval. All pupils should always ‘sign out’ with the member of house staff on duty before leaving and ‘check in‘ when they return. W eekends 17 B ullying – An issue in all schools for which we need your help! Any form of bullying is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the College. Bullying can take different forms – physical bullying, verbal abuse or teasing and other kinds of anti-social behaviour. Quite often the perpetrator sees his or her behaviour as harmless and is unaware of the hurt and damage that is being caused. If a member of staff becomes aware of bullying it will not be ignored. House staff and parents will be informed. Frequently the victim of bullying will fear for reprisals if the matter is to be dealt with officially and will need reassurance and support on that point. Whatever the degree of seriousness, the operating principle in handling the situation is to bring it into the open so that all parties concerned – pupils, staff and parents – are quite clear about what has happened and how the College regards it. The object is to clear the air, repair the damage and monitor the future relationships. Counselling will be needed in the more serious situations for both victim and bully, and the bully should expect to receive punishment. Childline numbers are displayed prominently around the College. Our full Anti-bullying Policy can be found on page 35 of this booklet. If anybody has a problem at any time and would like to talk it over in confidence, Simon Leyshon, the Chaplain, is always willing to help. You can contact him at College or call in at his house ‘Kimbers’ which is the last house on the left down the main drive before the Medical Centre. You can reach him on: Office: 01256 860267 Home: 01256 862206 Pager: 07666 899751 C haplaincy – Help if you need it College Counsellor The College Counsellor, Mrs Diana Greig, is also available to help and she can be contacted at the Medical Centre on 01256 860248. 18 F Junior Seniors ees he Governors have announced fees which will come into effect from September 2008 as follows: Boarding Day Flexi Boarding Full Boarding Weekly Boarding Day Flexi Boarding £7,142 per term £5,333 per term £36 per night £7,918 per term £7,538 per term £5,618 per term £41 per night Fees are payable either on or before the first day of the term to which they apply or by monthly instalment through Holmwoods Termtime Collections. Fees are reviewed annually. A full list of termly charges is enclosed with this pack. A full term’s notice is required in writing to the Headmaster if a pupil is to be withdrawn or is to change status from boarding to day. Enclosed you will find two leaflets relating to payment plans, a brief explanation follows: 1. Holmwoods Termtime Collections (Fee Payment by Monthly Instalment) If you wish to take advantage of this option, rather than pay the fees termly in advance, will you kindly complete the Holmwoods Termtime Collections form attached to the leaflet (please do not enter any amounts at A, B, C or D on the form, the College will do this after the production of the Autumn Term fee bills). Return the form to The Bursar no later than 2nd July. Thereafter each term’s total will equal the total on the fee account. Please ensure that the Bank Mandate is completed accurately, that it is signed and that it is drawn on a UK bank or building society account which allows a direct debit arrangement to be set up. Once it has been processed you will receive a letter from Holmwoods Termtime Collections confirming the monthly amount to be collected. Once set up, this arrangement will continue term by term, with Holmwoods being notified by us termly of the amount of your fees account, which will be sent to you as usual. If you wish to discontinue the arrangement at any time you must notify the Bursar at least two weeks before the end of the last term in which it is to operate. Thereafter fees will be payable termly in advance. If you have any queries concerning this arrangement please do not hesitate to contact the Bursar. 2. School Fees Plan (SFIA) A leaflet on school fees funding. Interested parents should contact SFIA direct. 19 The Medical Centre is situated on the main drive next to Haygate House and is open from 8.30 am – 7.00 pm weekdays and 8.30 am – 4.00 pm on Saturdays. Out of hours care is conducted by Hants Doc at the discretion of the Houseparents. The Medical Centre telephone number is 01256 860248. There is a separate Medical Centre booklet enclosed giving you further information concerning facilities at the Medical Centre and details of medical care. In case of absence due to illness, etc. parents are requested to contact the Houseparents or Matron as soon as possible. H ealth Infection Parents should inform us immediately if your child is thought, or known to have been in contact with any infectious disease. While not wishing to worry unduly over childish ailments, we have to consider the general effect on the running of the College of a possible epidemic and it is therefore sometimes necessary to keep a child away during quarantine. Where possible, if a boarder is ill he/she will be sent home if deemed necessary. The routine influenza vaccination has proved over the years to be most effective; please make a positive decision about this to help the community. Dental Inspection & Eye Tests Parents of all children are particularly asked to see that they have their teeth and sight checks attended to during the holidays. If day pupils have to go in term time, appointments should not be made during class teaching time except in cases of emergency. Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) There is a well established programme which is followed by all pupils. Please see the Policy on “Health Education at Lord Wandsworth College”. Day Pupils should always keep a wash bag at school containing suitable things for showering i.e. soap, deodorant, brush/comb. 20 We do not offer a scheme for the insurance of personal effects because we have found that these can lead to pupils becoming rather careless with their belongings. We suggest your child’s possessions are made the subject of an extension to your household contents insurance. Responsibility for pupils’ personal possessions, including replacement or repair where necessary, lies entirely with the pupils and their parents or guardians and under no circumstances with the College. Enclosed you will find leaflets relating to insurance plans, and information about travel insurance: I nsurance 1. Pupils’ Personal Accident Insurance Scheme A Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, especially designed for the pupils of independent schools, has been arranged by HSBC and is described in the enclosed brochure. The need for such a scheme has been emphasized tragically by actual cases of serious injury suffered on the sports field or during educational activities or on holiday and for which no compensation has been payable because there has been no negligence. When such injuries involve permanent disability there is inevitably a need for substantial financial help. From September 2008, this scheme also includes dental cover as there have been a number of sports related damage to pupils’ teeth over recent years. The Independent Schools Council strongly recommends it, especially because of the following essential features: 1. Cover is extended to virtually all accidents, however caused. 2. Cover is worldwide. 3. Cover is continuous throughout the year (divided into termly periods). 4. Benefits are linked to a guaranteed scale; graded on specific disabilities up to a total maximum benefit of £1,000,000. 5. The premium rate of £5.95 per term (which includes the holiday immediately following) is extremely reasonable. Every pupil is entered into the Scheme unless a parent expressly asks to be excluded. Please sign the Insurance Schemes Application form and return to the Bursar no later than 2nd July 2008. Unless we receive this declaration that you do not wish to participate, a charge of £5.95 per term will be added to the College bill. 21 2. BUPA Schools Scheme Cover for private medical treatment is offered under the BUPA Schools Scheme on an ‘opt in’ basis. If you wish to take advantage of this cover please indicate this on the enclosed application form. 3. Fees Refund Scheme Every pupil will be included in the Fees Refund Scheme unless a parent requests exclusion on the enclosed Insurance Schemes Application form. The charge, which will be added to the College bill, will be approximately 1½% of the termly fees for Day Pupils and 1% for Boarders. Please return the form no later than 2nd July 2008. Travel Insurance The College has a Travel cover for Schools Policy. All pupils are charged a mandatory annual premium of £6.00 which covers trips at home and abroad, including winter sports. This charge is included in the Autumn Term bill. Further information can be obtained from the Bursar’s Office. PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE INSURANCE SCHEMES APPLICATION FORM BY 2nd JULY WHETHER OR NOT YOUR CHILD IS TO BE INCLUDED IN THESE SCHEMES 22 Music is one of the most popular extra-curricular activities within Lord Wandsworth College. There is a comprehensive team of instrumental and vocal specialists who visit the College on a weekly basis to give individual tuition, and there are numerous vocal and instrumental groups designed to cater for a wide variety of abilities and tastes. The specially equipped Music and Drama Centre is open all day for individual practice and group rehearsals and is the base for numerous concerts and music theatre productions. The College’s visiting music teachers offer individual tuition in the following: Voice Piano Organ (available to pianists of Grade V ability only) Recorder Flute Oboe Clarinet Saxophone Bassoon Trumpet/cornet French horn Trombone Tuba/euphonium Violin Viola Violoncello Double bass Classical guitar Electric guitar Bass guitar Percussion (includes timpani, marimba, xylophone, Caribbean instruments, etc.) Kit drumming Those pupils wishing to do so may be prepared for formal examinations in both performance and music theory. The College owns a number of instruments available for hire to pupils. The termly hire charges are in the current fee list. All pupils wishing to begin tuition at the College should complete and return the MUSIC LESSON AUTHORISATION FORM to the Director of Music by 2nd July. . M usic 23 R ules of the College MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE RULES General Principles We hope that the formal rules outlined here will be seen by all members of the School community to be reasonable, necessary and a help to a happy life together. The normal events and circumstances of school life are covered in these rules; but Lord Wandsworth College expects the behaviour of its pupils to be at all times guided by common sense, by loyalty to the good name of the College and its ethos and overwhelmingly by consideration for the feelings of others. No rules can provide for every eventuality. What follows is a set of pointers and guidelines: it does not set out to cover any more than the most obvious situations. Bounds The whole College Estate is in bounds except: a) b) c) d) e) f) The College Farm Buildings and Works Department premises. Fields other than when crossed by a recognised footpath. The Design and Technology Areas, Art Studios, Laboratories, Sports Centre and Swimming Pools, and any other Main School building without permission. The Woods and the Spinney, without permission. No pupil may leave the College Estate unless on an official school outing without the permission of their Houseparent. All licensed premises are normally out of bounds, but anyone who has reached the age of 18 years and has received their Houseparent’s consent may use a Public House between 7.00 pm and 10.00 pm on Saturdays and between 12 noon and 2.00 pm on Sundays, but may only purchase beer, cider or wine for consumption on the premises. Particular to Junior House only Unless special permission has been granted by Junior houseparents, no Junior children are permitted to return to Junior during the working school day. When moving between Junior and the Main College area, children should always be accompanied by at least one other child. Children should stay within the Main College area during the working day and when they have returned to Junior they must stay within the Junior House boundaries. g) h) Houses No pupil may leave the environs of his/her House during IST time or between the end of IST and 7.30 am unless he/she has the permission of the member of staff on duty. 24 6th Formers are allowed to use the 6th Form Centre between 9.10 pm and 10.10 pm but must be back in Houses by 10.15 pm. 6th Formers who have private study periods may work during these periods in the Library, in their own rooms, in departments or in the 6th Form Centre. No pupil may go into another’s room or dormitory between lights out and breakfast. Pupils are not permitted to have television sets. The only electrical appliances allowed in pupils’ rooms are low-powered audio systems, razors, hair styling equipment, battery chargers and computers. No extra leads may be taken from the central light and no abnormal light shades may be fitted. In single study bedrooms, a recognised fused adaptor lead may be fitted to the wall socket. In other dormitories, only one electrical appliance may be plugged into each wall socket at any one time. All leads and plugs must be tested by a qualified electrician (see section on PAT testing). Music should not be audible outside the dormitories or study bedrooms. Pupils may visit friends in other Houses between 5.00 pm and 6.45 pm on weekdays providing they sign out of their own House and in with the host House. Permission of the Houseparent or Duty Master/mistress must be sought and only allocated areas may be used. 6th Formers may visit at other times with the Houseparent’s permission. Pupils may use the pin-boards only in study bedrooms and dormitories to display pictures and decoration which must not offend and must reflect respect for the opposite sex. Mobile Telephones Mobile telephones are not required in Junior House. Any Junior boarders bringing in a mobile phone should hand it in to the Houseparent. Pupils are not permitted to use mobile phones during the working day. They may use them after 4.00 pm or after their College commitment has finished, whichever is the later. Conduct Pupils involved in the use or supply of illegal drugs, involved in serious bullying, involved in theft or engaging in intimate sexual contact will forfeit the right to be members of the College. 25 A ‘no contact’ rule operates in the College. For 6th Formers the nocontact rule will be relaxed in the 6th Form Centre and Boarding House Common Rooms after 5.00 pm to allow acceptable public behaviour. The Common Room areas in Houses and the 6th Form Centre should be venues where any student, member of staff or visitor can feel comfortable and not embarrassed by the over-familiar behaviour of other people. It would therefore be unacceptable for: e.g. one pupil to sit on another’s lap or to be in an embrace. It is against the law to smoke on College premises. As a consequence, pupils who are caught smoking or in the possession of smoking materials will expect to be sanctioned as per the College policy. Pupils caught in the company of smokers can expect to be treated as if they were smokers themselves. Pupils may not possess alcohol. They may only drink as set out in the rules of the 6th Form Centre or as in Bounds. The possession or use of knives, firearms or any explosive material, air guns, ball-bearing guns, catapults or inflammable or noxious chemicals is forbidden. Houseparents’ agreement must be obtained before the following are arranged: a) b) Holding of raffles, sweepstakes or auctions (where such events are to be on a whole College basis the Headmaster's permission is required). The buying and selling of personal items. No lifts are to be accepted from strangers. No food, drink, cutlery or crockery may be taken from the Dining Hall. Leaves and Exeats Permission should be sought through Houseparent(s) for all leaves involving: a) b) c) d) e) Absence from College during working hours. Absence overnight, except day pupils. Absence from Assemblies, prep or meals. Going out with a member of staff, parents or any other person. Going off campus. Houseparent(s) must be notified by the host and the visitor’s own parents if pupils wish to have overnight leave at a home other than their own. If full boarding pupils are taking an exeat directly after an away game they must inform the staff in charge that they have the relevant permission. No pupil may travel back from an away match in someone else’s car without having permission to do so from their parents who must inform the member of staff in charge. 26 Guests Houseparent(s) permission must be sought if anyone wishes to bring guests, other than parents or relations, on to the Estate or into Boarding Houses. All guests should register with the member of staff on duty on entering a Boarding House. Transport Under certain circumstances the Headmaster may grant permission to Upper 6th Formers, and Lower 6th Formers during the Summer term, to have their cars at school. Guidance on the terms and conditions of use are available on request. No pupil may travel in a taxi unless they have obtained permission from the Houseparent(s). No pupil may travel in a car driven by another pupil, unless special permission is given by the Headmaster e.g. if an older brother or sister is driving. No pupil may come to, or leave College on a motor cycle, or keep and ride a motor cycle, or ride on the pillion of a motor cycle, unless driven by their parents. Pupils in the 3rd Form and above are allowed to have bicycles at College, but the bicycle must be checked for roadworthiness within the first week of term. When not in use bicycles must be padlocked, preferably with a 'D' lock and to another object. No pupil may lend his/her bicycle to anyone else without permission. If a pupil wishes to cycle off the estate, he/she must have permission from the Houseparent(s) and an initial letter from the parents on each occasion. No pupil may cycle anywhere within the Main Block of the College buildings indicated by the white lines. Whenever bicycles, roller blades, scooters or skateboards are used in or out of College, a safety helmet must be worn, together with other relevant protection. Dress Code Pupils from 1st - 5th Form must wear the official College uniform as per the Uniform Booklet. 6th Formers must adhere to the 6th Form Dress Code as per the Uniform Booklet. The College uniform will be worn from 7.45 am until the end of the working day. Hair should be clean and tidy, predominantly natural in colour and not exhibiting any extremes of fashion. Boys may not wear earrings or other piercings but may wear a discreet ring, necklace or bracelet. 27 Girls may wear only one stud or sleeper in each ear, a discreet ring, necklace or bracelet, but not ankle bracelets. No other piercings are permitted. Pupils in Junior House may not wear make-up. Girls in 3rd Form and above may wear a discreet amount of make-up when in College uniform. Nail varnish may not be worn. Casual dress consists of clean and tidy clothes of a sensible design. In all cases Houseparent(s) have discretion to decide on what is acceptable. For certain activities, trips and visits outside College, pupils may wear casual clothes according to the instructions issued by a member of staff. Pupils may only attend lessons in casual or games clothing if they have a specific reason and, even then, only with the permission of the person in charge of the outing/activity and the class teacher concerned. Pupils must attend breakfast and lunch in College uniform except as above. Dress Code Particular to Junior House Pupils For the purpose of College uniform, the formal part of the day is defined as:Weekdays Saturdays 8.15 am – 4.00 pm Juniors should wear uniform for sporting fixtures against other schools. Junior House children should arrive and leave College in uniform except on Saturdays. 28 T • • • • he Friends of Lord Wandsworth College The Friends of Lord Wandsworth College was formed several years ago with several objectives in mind: to provide an opportunity for parents and staff to meet informally to advance and promote the welfare of the College to utilise parents' available time and talents for the wellbeing of the College to provide additional resources for the College The committee consists of parents, one of whom is Chairman, and staff representatives from the College. Throughout the year various functions are arranged which provide an ideal opportunity to meet other parents and members of staff. The Friends make donations to the College which go towards the purchase of extra items that the College would not necessarily have the ability to buy themselves. For example, in recent years The Friends have contributed to: garden furniture for Junior House and the 6th Form Centre, the spectator shelters by the Astroturf pitches, equipment for the annual charity bike ride and a replacement rugby scrum machine. The Friends organise the very successful Leavers’ Ball in the Summer Term as well as the Quiz, the Bonfire & Fireworks Party and, this year, a Night at the Races. All parents are members unless they choose to 'opt out'. The annual subscription is £5 per family and this is added to the bill for the Autumn Term. If you do not wish to become a member please complete the enclosed form and return it to the Treasurer, Mrs Fiona Mew, at the College address. Ideas and assistance from new parents are always welcome and if you are interested in becoming involved in 'FLWC' please do not hesitate to contact Mandy Wright in the School Office – email: reception@lordwandsworth.org 29 T he Sternians Association he Sternians’ Association is the association for former pupils. It is named after the College founder, Sydney Stern, Baron Wandsworth. It is a lively and rapidly developing organisation, with the wholehearted support of the College. It has its own website full of information, news, photographs, etc. which can be used to keep in touch with fellow pupils all over the world and with the College. Events and sporting fixtures are held throughout the year with a Sternian Day held at LWC at the end of June. Joint newsletters with the College are published twice a year and a magazine, The Sternian, annually. We believe that you would wish your son or daughter to retain their links with the College and all pupils automatically become members when they leave. Contact details for the Sternians Office: The Sternians’ Association Lord Wandsworth College Long Sutton Hook Hampshire RG29 1TB Telephone: 01256 860356 Website: www.sternians.org.uk or follow link from College website Email: sternians@lordwandsworth.org 30 The College provides internet access at any reasonable time through the College network. During lesson time the following may use the ICT rooms: • • • • U se of ICT Facilities Classes timetabled for rooms 1.4 & 1.5 Other classes accompanied by a member of staff where the room is booked for them 6th Formers on Private Study (but only if all the computers in the library are in use) and who remain for the whole period Other pupils when escorted by a member of staff During the working day only academic use is permitted. Individuals using the facilities during this time must sign in and indicate the use being made of the computers. The working day is defined as 8.40 am – 1.00 pm Monday – Friday 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 12.45 pm Saturday The ICT room will be closed at break. The opening times of the library are posted outside the library. At other times, i.e. Before 8.40 am 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm 4.30 pm – 5.00 pm Monday – Friday Monday – Friday Monday – Friday Pupils may use the facilities to access e mail, etc. although academic work will still take priority. There is no need for pupils to sign in during these times. The library will be open on selected evenings for use by 6th Formers. Internet access will be available during this period but only for work related activities. A filtered system is used for internet access and all e-mail is monitored. Chat rooms, games and email to unidentified persons are not allowed. All pupils are issued with a web-based email address by the College ICT Department. Only 6th Form pupils are permitted access to other webmail systems and Messenger. Sites such as Facebook and Utube are accessible by 6th Formers only at limited times out of academic hours. Computers in houses are for academic use only. No software is to be installed on house computers by students. Parents and pupils are required to sign the enclosed ICT Contract and return it to the College Offices by 2nd July. 31 C ollege Policies College Policy on Personal Computers Personal computers, either stand alone if there is space, or lap-top, are permitted at the College. They are to be seen as a tool to enhance the academic ethos but it is understood that pupils might play games and watch DVDs on them in their free time. The College expects that any games/DVDs that might be used on a lap-top in school are appropriate to the age of the pupil, as recommended by the Board of Censors. Equally, electronic images viewed via personal computers or telephones must be in good taste and acceptable to Houseparents. Houseparents will take away a pupil’s right to watch/play such DVDs/games if he or she feels that too much of a pupil’s time is being taken up with such activities, or that his/her progress either in or out of the classroom is being adversely affected. In such situations, there will usually be consultation with parents to alert them to the potential problem beforehand. College Policy on Games and Activities There is a wide ranging and varied programme of games and activities organised for pupils which changes on a termly basis. Pupils are required to attend all sessions on their individual programme. In some cases these are optional but for the major games each term and on certain days, for age groups below the 6th Form, games and activities are compulsory. If a pupil is selected to play the major game of the term, he or she must fulfil his or her commitment. There is no ‘opt out’ system. If a pupil is not required for the ‘major’ game of the term, he or she will have a choice of ‘minor’ games activities. Games Fixtures Fixtures against other schools usually take place on a Saturday and sometimes mid-week. Pupils selected to represent the College must fulfil their commitment and parents are asked in advance not to make other arrangements which may take them away from their match. As in many areas, the College has a strong reputation for the standards achieved on the sports field and these can only be maintained through the total commitment of team members. If a pupil has a valid reason for missing a school match, parents should send a written request to the school two weeks prior to the date of the match. Pupils not required for any official school activity may leave school after lessons on Saturdays. College Policy on Rewards & Sanctions REWARDS 1st and 2nd Forms Especially good pieces of work (or conduct) may be rewarded by a ‘plus’. These are marked on a pupil’s book and he or she then has them entered on a chart at Junior House where they form part of a House Competition. Orders Most months during the term, pupils in Forms 1, 2 and 3 are given an ‘Order’ by each member of staff who teaches him/her. It consists of an attainment grade (A-D) an effort mark (1-4) Effort Attainment 1 Excellent or very good in all respects A Excellent command of recent work 2 Positive effort in all work B Good understanding of recent work 3 Mostly acceptable but with some weaknesses C Mostly satisfactory but with some weaknesses 4 Effort mostly unacceptable D Superficial or little understanding of recent work - 32 The ‘Orders’ are collated by the tutor who discusses them with the pupil. A copy is also sent to parents by post. Pupils who perform poorly may be required to see the Director of Studies. Tutors record the total of the effort scores for their pupils and these go towards a possible prize, awarded by the Headmaster, at the end of each term to anyone achieving less than a specific total. Grade Reviews Pupils in 4th and 5th Forms and in the 6th Form will be given a ‘challenge grade’ at the start of their courses. This indicates a realistic but slightly optimistic outcome for them based on their ability. The performance of the pupil is then measured against this challenge grade in a grade review every month or so. The grade review will award the following: +1, +2 or +3 = -1, -2, -3 Working 1, 2 or 3 grades above challenge grade Working at challenge grade Working 1, 2 or 3 grades below challenge grade At the end of each term, the total score for the term will be calculated and prizes will be awarded to students in 4th and 5th Forms with the highest scores. 6th Form Privileges are given to practically all 6th Form pupils to recognise their senior status in the College. Prizes These are presented at the end of each term and at Prize Giving. Prize Giving is principally for leavers, where Form Prizes are given to the 5th Form, Lower 6th and Upper 6th Form together with numerous cups, Sternians' Prizes and Headmaster's Prizes. Prizes are awarded in the 6th Form, to the outstanding student in each subject, who must be expected to obtain an A or B at A level. SANCTIONS All sanctions will be applied consistently regardless of the boarding status of the pupil in question. Detention: These are arranged in departments or houses during a pupil’s free time. Weekend Gating: During a weekend gating the pupil will remain in their house from 6pm on Saturday until 4.00pm on Sunday. Tasks are arranged by the Houseparents or the SMT. • a range of activities, including tasks around the House and academic work, are imposed. • at least an hour is spent on House jobs on Saturday evening • at least an hour is spent on service to the community on Sunday morning. Exclusion Gating: A more serious form of gating which comes into force when a pupil’s transgression requires a greater response. A pupil on exclusion gating will lose their free time outside of lessons and other school commitments. They will be supervised by a member of staff during the times that they would normally be able to socialise with their friends. This will include breaktimes, lunchtimes and evenings. If the exclusion gating covers a weekend they will also follow the same regime as for the weekend gating. In Academic Areas For all years for minor classroom misdemeanours (prep not completed, books forgotten, misbehaviour of a minor nature), staff set tasks of a nature related to the subject (an extra piece of work, tidying a classroom, book room, etc.). If required, this can take place in a break, lunchtime or afternoon. More major problems are directed to the Tutor or the Houseparents. All issues relating to poor academic performance are communicated to Tutors and Houseparents. Poor work is given a "Rewrite" where the teacher indicates on the pupils' work what is to be rewritten. When this has been done, the rewritten work is presented to his/her Tutor for initialling, before it is returned to the teacher. Consistently bad work or persistent failure to complete ISTs is given a College detention. In the case of a significant behavioural situation the Houseparents are informed and the incident is recorded in the House sanctions book as well as on the pupil's pastoral record sheet. 33 Wherever constant monitoring is required, e.g. general academic work, time-keeping, etc. a satis form (like a report card) is used which is contained in the Student Planner. This is signed by members of staff directly implicated. This is distributed by Tutors. Commendations are awarded for outstanding academic performance in terms of effort and achievement. 6th Form pupils deemed to be wasting their time during private study lessons or those who need support to help them meet deadlines or cope with the volume of work are reported to their Tutor. The situation is discussed with the pupil's Houseparents and the pupil will have a more stringent routine imposed. Non academic areas In non academic areas a demerit system will operate whereby: • Any member of staff may issue a demerit to a pupil for an infringement of acceptability e.g. chewing gum, poor demeanour towards staff or other pupils, late for a lesson, poor dress etc. The person giving the demerit will inform the student accordingly and will then email the details to the Headmaster’s secretary for central recording. Demerits can be given to any pupil in years 3 - U6. A system of minuses operates for the Junior Pupils. Pupils receiving 4 demerits in a week running from Wednesday morning to the end of Tuesday evening will be placed in Deputy Heads’ detention for that week. The detention list will be published to Houses on Wednesday mornings. The Deputy Heads’ detention will run on Thursday evenings from 6.00pm until 6.45pm. Attendance, in full school uniform, is compulsory. Day pupils and any pupil not previously intending to be on campus at that time will need to alter their arrangements immediately. A task will be set which is broadly educational and worthwhile in a wider context e.g. citizenship. The detention will not be a time to do ISTs. If a pupil is entered into a Deputy Heads’ detention twice in a half term, a further sanction of losing break and lunchtimes on Monday to Friday of the following week will be applied. The time will be spent outside the Deputy Heads’ offices. A third offence in a single half term will result in the pupil being entered on the Deputy Head (Pastoral) list where they will be closely monitored over a period of time with target setting and the involvement of parents. Further entries or no improvement whilst on the Deputy Head’s list will lead to an entry onto the Headmaster’s list where failure to improve would lead to a question over the pupil’s future at LWC. • • • • • • • Within the Houses Minor misdemeanours are dealt with appropriately and sanctions for such behaviour can involve mild or moderate verbal reprimand, loss of privilege, loss of free time, jobs which help the community, detentions, early to bed, etc. All sanctions are entered into the House sanctions book. Smoking Offences It is illegal to smoke on College premises therefore pupils may not smoke or have smoking materials in their possession. This applies during College time on or off College premises. Offenders are punished in the first instance by completing a smoking awareness programme. This course lasts for four weeks and involves studying and completing written tasks. If they become regular offenders, a period of gating or suspension will be arranged. If the 'regularity' becomes persistent, offenders may be asked to leave. Pupils caught in the company of others who are smoking will be deemed to be guilty by association and will receive the same sanction. Drinking Offences Depending on the nature of the offence, a pupil could expect to receive one of the following sanctions: • An exclusion or weekend gating • A period of suspension from College Further transgressions may lead to exclusion from the College. Drugs Any pupil introducing, selling or using drugs in the College or at a College function cannot expect to remain in the College. 34 Theft Theft is seen as extremely serious and any offender can at least expect to be suspended or may be asked to leave the College. Other Serious Offences Full, House and exclusion gating is used at the discretion of a Houseparent and SMT. Independent Study Requirements A clear distinction should be felt in the pupil's minds about IST times and leisure times. Any sort of misbehaviour during IST is dealt with particularly firmly. College Policies on Bullying, Drugs, Smoking, Alcohol & Sexual Relationships Civilised behaviour and consideration for others are the central principles. Common sense will usually enable every pupil to bring credit to themselves and to the College. The College's Health Education Committee meets regularly to review the College’s policy on these important issues and initiates measures to help staff and pupils to be pro-active in dealing with the issues and problems involved. Anti-Bullying Policy Aim LWC aims to ensure that all pupils learn in a mutually supportive, caring and safe environment without fear of being bullied. Bullying is anti-social behaviour; it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. LWC defines bullying as behaviour designed to be hurtful. There are three main forms of bullying. These are: • Verbal – for example, name calling, teasing, insulting, writing notes, sending electronic messages, making threats or abuse of any kind. • Physical – for example, hitting, kicking, spitting, removing belongings, damaging property. • Emotional – for example, ostracising, tormenting, causing embarrassment, spreading rumours, gesturing. Procedure Pupils who feel that they are being bullied are encouraged to talk to any member of staff with whom they feel comfortable. There are specific members of staff listed in the Calendar particularly skilled in this area of pastoral care. Together with the Tutors and Houseparents of the pupils involved, a plan of action designed to support the victim and reform the behaviour of the bully will be discussed and implemented. A range of measures, including peer group support, may be used depending on the nature of the situation. In the event of none of these being effective, the bully might be permanently excluded from LWC. Care & Support The pastoral system through, for instance, Houseparents, Tutors and the Chaplain, aims to provide support and guidance for pupils in helping them establish appropriate behaviour and to help to develop strategies for coping with any instances of inappropriate behaviour. The Medical Centre and the school Counsellor are also available to help and advise pupils. Prevention LWC intends that the main method of prevention is to sustain an environment which inherently assumes a culture of mutual self-respect within which bullying is not tolerated. The close day-to-day working relationship between LWC staff and pupils should facilitate relaxed and open contact where such disclosures can readily take place. On a formal footing within the school curriculum, LWC will raise awareness of the nature of bullying through inclusion in PHSE, one-to-one and group tutorial time, assemblies and subject areas as appropriate, in an attempt to prevent such behaviour. Monitoring, evaluation and review LWC will review this policy regularly and assess its implementation and effectiveness. The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout the school. Drugs It is a criminal offence to supply or to be in possession of a controlled drug and it is illegal to allow premises to be used for the consumption of a banned substance. Any infringement of the law is automatically against College rules. Anyone who brings illegal drugs (Class A, B or C) into College, either to use or to supply (that is to sell or to give), will lose the right to be in the College. 35 The College acts 'in loco parentis' (that is, in the eyes of the law, as the parents' representative) and has responsibility both to individual pupils and to the whole College community. There will be no random test of pupils for drug abuse. The College has a positive programme of drugs education, delivered through occasional visiting lecturers and the Personal Health and Social Education course. Smoking It is illegal to smoke on College premises therefore pupils may not smoke or have smoking materials in their possession. This applies during College time on or off College premises. Offenders are punished in the first instance by completing a smoking awareness programme. This course lasts for four weeks and involves studying and completing written tasks. If they become regular offenders, a period of suspension will be arranged. If the 'regularity' becomes persistent, offenders may be asked to leave. Pupils caught in the company of others who are smoking will be deemed to be guilty by association and will receive the same sanction. Alcohol According to the Police, alcohol constitutes by far the most serious drug problem amongst children of school age. The law bans the purchase of alcohol by people under the age of 18 from shops and pubs. Both the buyer and the seller commit an offence. The person selling can lose his licence (and therefore possibly his job); thus only those in the 6th Form over the age of 18 may buy alcohol. All pupils are prohibited from bringing alcoholic drinks into College premises. However, any 6th Form pupil over the age of 18 may buy and drink alcohol at the 6th Form Bar within the terms of its licence and under its supervised conditions. Pupils below the 6th Form may not possess or consume alcoholic drink on College premises or off College premises while they are in the care of the College. Any pupil contravening these rules will face an immediate period of suspension. Further transgressions may lead to exclusion from the College. The College’s PHSE programme aims to promote a healthy and informed attitude to sociable drinking. It aims to convey a knowledge of the different types of alcoholic drink and their respective strengths, the unit system of measurement and an awareness of the possible effect of alcohol on health, safety and behaviour. Sexual Relationships The College encourages positive and friendly relationships between pupils but it has a responsibility to draw the line at sexual relationships between the pupils in its care. The law does not permit sexual intercourse in which one or both partners is under the age of 16. The College rules go further. Any sexual activity between pupils, of whatever age, either on College premises or at times when the College has the prime responsibility for the pupils concerned, will be treated as a serious offence. It is likely that the parents of those involved will be invited to find an alternative school for their child. Complaints Procedure High standards of teaching and pastoral care are paramount in the College’s aims. Parents are encouraged to be in close liaison with staff and in particular Houseparents over their children’s welfare and it is hoped that all can work together for the pupils’ benefit. However, should parents have a complaint, they can expect it to be dealt with in a professional manner and in accordance with the procedures set out in this document. Stage 1 – Informal Resolution It is hoped that most complaints and concerns will be resolved quickly and informally. If parents have a complaint they should in the first instance contact the member of staff concerned, tutor, houseparent or other member of staff. In many cases, this will lead to the problem being resolved. A written record of all concerns and complaints and the date on which they were received will be made by the tutor/ houseparent. 36 In the event that the complaint cannot be resolved by the tutor or houseparent the Headmaster is very happy to speak to parents on an informal basis to help achieve a solution. Any action taken will be confirmed in writing. Should the matter not be resolved within five days, or if the Headmaster and the parent fail to reach a satisfactory resolution then parents will be advised to proceed with their complaint in accordance with Stage 2 of this procedure. Stage 2 – Formal Resolution If the complaint cannot be resolved on an informal basis the parents should put their complaint in writing to the Headmaster. The Headmaster will decide, after considering the complaint, the appropriate course of action to take. In most cases, the Headmaster will meet the parents concerned, at a mutually convenient time, normally within five days of receiving the complaint, to discuss the matter. If possible a resolution will be reached at this stage. The Headmaster will keep written records of all meetings and interviews held in relation to the complaint. Once the Headmaster is satisfied that, so far as is practicable, all of the relevant facts have been established, a decision will be made and parents will be informed of this decision in writing. The Headmaster will also give reasons for the decision. If parents are still not satisfied with the decision they should proceed to Stage 3 of this procedure. Stage 3 – Panel Hearing If parents seek to invoke Stage 3 (following a failure to reach an earlier resolution), they will be referred to the Clerk to the Governors who has been appointed by the Governors to call hearings of the Complaints Panel. The matter will then be referred to the Complaints Panel for consideration. The panel will consist of at least three people not directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint, one of whom shall be independent of the management and running of the school. Each of the panel members shall be appointed by the Chairman of Governors. The Clerk to the Governors, on behalf of the panel, will then acknowledge the complaint and schedule a hearing to take place as soon as practicable and normally within fourteen days. If the panel deem it necessary, it may require that further particulars of the complaint or any related matter be supplied in advance of the hearing. Copies of such particulars shall be supplied to all parties not later than five days prior to the hearing. The parents may be accompanied to the hearing by one other person. This may be a relative, teacher or friend. Legal representation will not normally be appropriate. If possible, the panel will resolve the parents’ complaint immediately without the need for further investigation. Where further investigation is required, the panel will decide how it should be carried out. After due consideration of all facts they consider relevant, the panel will reach a decision and may make recommendations which it shall complete within three days of the hearing. The panel will write to the parents informing them of its decision and the reasons for it. The decision of the panel will be final. The panel’s findings and, if any, recommendations, will be sent in writing to the parents, the Headmaster, the Governors and, where relevant, the person to whom the complaint refers. Parents can be assured that all concerns and complaints will be treated seriously and confidentially. Correspondence, statements and records will be kept confidential except in so far as is required of the school by paragraph 6(2)(j) of the Education (Independent Schools Standards) Regulations 2003; where disclosure is required in the course of the school’s inspection; or where any other legal obligation prevails. Contact Details: Revd Simon Leyshon, Kimbers, Lord Wandsworth College. Tel: 01256 862206 The Independent Councillor, Medical Centre, Lord Wandsworth College. Tel: 01256 860248 Richard Janaway, Lord Wandsworth College. Tel: 01256 862201 Ian Power, Lord Wandsworth College. Tel: 01256 860348 Commission for Social Care Inspection, Hampshire Office Mr B McQuoid. Tel: 023 8082 1300 37 Pupil Data Protection Policy General Statement of the College’s Duties The College is required to process relevant personal data regarding pupils and their parents and guardians as part of its operation and shall take all reasonable steps to do so in accordance with this Policy. Processing may include obtaining, recording, holding, disclosing, destroying or otherwise using data. In this Policy any reference to pupils includes current, past or prospective pupils. Data Protection Controller The College has appointed [the Bursar] as Data Protection Controller (DPC) who will endeavour to ensure that all personal data is processed in compliance with this Policy and the Principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. The Principles The College shall so far as is reasonably practicable comply with the Data Protection Principles (“the Principles”) contained in the Data Protection Act to ensure all data is:• Fairly and lawfully processed; • Processed for a lawful purpose; • Adequate, relevant and not excessive; • Accurate and up to date; • Not kept for longer than necessary; • Processed in accordance with the data subject’s rights; • Secure; • Not transferred to other countries without adequate protection. Personal Data Personal data covers both facts and opinions about an individual. The College may process a wide range of personal data of pupils, their parents or guardians as part of its operation. This personal data may include (but is not limited to); names and addresses, bank details, academic, disciplinary, admissions and attendance records, references, examination scripts and marks. Processing of Personal Data Consent may be required for the processing of personal data unless the processing is necessary for the College to undertake its obligations to pupils and their parents or guardians. Any information which falls under the definition of personal data, and is not otherwise exempt, will remain confidential and will only be disclosed to third parties with the consent of the appropriate individual or under the terms of this Policy. Sensitive Personal Data The College may, from time to time, be required to process sensitive personal data regarding a pupil, their parents or guardians. Sensitive personal data includes medical information and data relating to religion, race, or criminal records and proceedings. Where sensitive personal data is processed by the College, the explicit consent of the appropriate individual will generally be required in writing. Rights of Access Individuals have a right of access to information held by the College. Any individual wishing to access their personal data should put their request in writing to the DPC. The College will endeavour to respond to any such written requests as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any event, within 40 days for access to records and 21 days to provide a reply to an access to information request. [Please note that the College may charge an administration fee of up to £10.00 for providing this information.] You should be aware that certain data is exempt from the right of access under the Data Protection Act this may include information which identifies other individuals, information which the College reasonably believes is likely to cause damage or distress, or information which is subject to legal professional privilege. The College is also not required to disclose any pupil examination scripts. The College will also treat as confidential any reference given by the College for the purpose of the education, training or employment, or prospective education, training or employment of any pupil. The College acknowledges that an individual may have the right to access a reference relating to them received by the College. However such a reference will only be disclosed if such disclosure will not identify the source of the reference or where, notwithstanding this, the referee has given their consent or if disclosure is reasonable in all the circumstances. The rights under the Data Protection Act are the individual’s to whom the data relates. The College will however in most cases rely on parental consent to process data relating to pupils unless, given the nature of the 38 processing in question, and the pupil’s age and understanding, it is unreasonable in all the circumstances to rely on the parent’s consent. Parents should be aware that in such situations they may not be consulted. The College will only grant the pupil direct access to their personal data if, in the College’s reasonable belief, the pupil understands the nature of the request and pupils agree that the College may disclose their personal data to their parents or guardian. Where a pupil seeks to raise concerns confidentially with a member of staff and expressly withholds their agreement to their personal data being disclosed to their parents or guardian, the College will maintain confidentiality unless it has reasonable grounds to believe that the pupil does not fully understand the consequences of withholding their consent, or where the College believes disclosure will be in the best interests of the pupil or other pupils. Exemptions Certain data is exempted from the provisions of the Data Protection Act which includes the following: • The prevention or detection of crime; • The assessment of any tax or duty; • Where the processing is necessary to exercise a right or obligation conferred or imposed by law upon the College. • The above are examples only of some of the exemptions under the Act. Any further information on exemptions should be sought from the DPC. Disclosure of Information The College may receive requests from third parties to disclose personal data it holds about pupils, their parents or guardians. The College confirms that it will not generally disclose information unless the individual has given their consent or one of the specific exemptions under the Data Protection Act applies. However the College does intend to disclose such data as is necessary to third parties for the following purposes: • To give a confidential reference relating to a pupil to any educational institution which it is proposed that the pupil may attend. • To give information relating to outstanding fees or payment history to any educational institution which it is proposed that the pupil may attend. • To publish the results of public examinations or other achievements of pupils of the College. • To disclose details of a pupil’s medical condition where it is in the pupil’s interests to do so, for example for medical advice, insurance purposes or to organisers of College trips. Where the College receives a disclosure request from a third party it will take reasonable steps to verify the identity of that third party before making any disclosure. Use of Personal Information by the School The College will, from time to time, make use of personal data relating to pupils, their parents or guardians in the following ways. Should you wish to limit or object to any such use please notify the DPC in writing. • To make use of photographic images of pupils in College publications and on the College website. However the College will not publish photographs of individual pupils with their names on the College website without the express agreement of the appropriate individual. • For fundraising, marketing or promotional purposes and to maintain relationships with pupils of the College, including transferring information to any association, society or club set up for the purpose of establishing or maintaining contact with pupils or for fundraising, marketing or promotional purposes. Accuracy The College will endeavour to ensure that all personal data held in relation to an individual is accurate. Individuals must notify the DPC of any changes to information held about them. An individual has the right to request that inaccurate information about them is erased or corrected. Security The College will take reasonable steps to ensure that members of staff will only have access to personal data relating to pupils, their parents or guardians where it is necessary for them to do so. All staff will be made aware of this policy and their duties under the Data Protection Act. The College will ensure that all personal information is held securely and is not accessible to unauthorised persons. Enforcement If an individual believes that the College has not complied with this Policy or acted otherwise than in accordance with the Data Protection Act, they should utilise the College complaints procedure and should also notify the DPC. 39 T Staff Training Days Pupils return Whole School Exeat Half term Whole School Exeat End of term Spring Term 2009 Pupils return Half term End of term erm Dates 2008 – 2009 Autumn Term 2008 Friday 29th August New staff training day Monday 1st September Tuesday 2nd September Wednesday 3rd September (new pupils as in New Pupil packs) Friday 26th September Wednesday 22nd October Sunday 2nd November Friday 21st November Friday 12th December 6.00 pm 5.00 pm 1.00 pm 5.00 pm 12.00 pm Monday 5th January Friday 13th February – Sunday 22nd February Friday 27th March Junior House—6.00 pm Senior Houses—8.00 pm 3.45 pm 12.00 pm Summer Term 2009 Staff Training Day Pupils return May Day Exeat Half term End of term Autumn Term 2009 Staff Training Days Start of term Monday 7th September Tuesday 8th September Wednesday 9th September 40 Monday 20th April Tuesday 21st April Monday 4th May Friday 22nd May – Sunday 31st May Wednesday 1st July 3.45 pm 12.00 pm Junior House—6.00 pm Senior Houses—8.00 pm C ampus Map 41