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PARENTHANDBOOK2024 - 25FIDE ET LABORE CONFICERE
ContentsWelcome 3Contact Information 4Term Dates 4Edulink 4The School Day 5Communication 5Equipment 6The Curriculum 6Houses 6Homework & Enrichment 7Study Centre 7School Clubs 7Uniform & Appearance 8PE Uniform Requirements 9Student Services 10Wellbeing Champions 10Wellbeing Ambassadors 10Peer Mentors 10Form Tutors 11SEND 11Medical Issues 11Attendance 12Punctuality 12Mobile Phones 13School/Personal Property 13Breakfast & Lunchtime 13Scopay 14Cycling 14
The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/253 A warm welcome to you and your child to The Priory School. The transition to secondary school can be both an exciting and anxious time for everyone involved and we want to do everything we can to make this a happy and smooth process. We are dedicated to help shaping your child’s character through a holistic approach to education. We educate for life in all its fullness. We ensure all our lessons are transformational to help all our students ourish and become aspirational. We listen, encourage and make sure students feel valued for their contributions. We believe in their success which requires us to work effectively together. It is for this reason that we expect parents and carers to join us at key annual events, such as Meet the Tutor, Information and Parents’ Evenings. It is important that your child is encouraged to get fully involved in the life of the school. As a parent or a carer you may want to get involved WelcomeMrs TrimnellHeadteacherwith our PTA or join us at school productions and celebrations. There are a whole host of extra-curricular activities, enrichment, after school clubs, sports teams and supporting school events that they will be warmly invited to try out and become part of. We will keep you updated on all aspects of school life via the parents section of our website where you will also nd resources and information designed to help you support your child. We want your child to love learning and to love being part of our school community. In these rapidly changing times it is more important than ever to equip our students with the academic, social, moral skills and attitudes they will need to be successful in their adult lives.
4 The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/25Term DatesContact InformationMonday, 2nd September 2024 INSET DayTuesday, 3rd September 2024 First Day of TermThe Priory SchoolWest Bank,Dorking,RH4 3DGReception: 01306 887 337Student Services:01306 878 784Finance Ofce: 01306 878 796enquiries@priorycofe.comwww.thepriorycofe.com@dorkingpriory@PriorySchool@DorkingPriory@PrioryHeadEdulinkEdulink is the portal for staff, parents/carers and students to use for homework, enrichment tasks, communication, progress, house points, behaviour concerns and attendance. You will receive full instructions with your login details and it can be accessed via any mobile device.Below are the arrangements for the beginning of the Autumn Term 2024/25. The remaining term dates will be posted on our website as soon as they are conrmed.
The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/255 The School DayWe place great importance on our partnership with parents/carers and there are a number of ways we will communicate with each other. You will receive a weekly bulletin every Monday via Edulink from Mrs Trimnell. It is therefore important you set up your Edulink account as soon as you get the login details. Our website has a section specically for Parents/Carers. We would also encourage you to keep an eye on our social media - Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.In terms of your child’s progress you will receive biannual updates Communicationon progress in the form of a tracker report. Once per year you will also receive a more detailed written report with specic advice from each subject. Parents’ evenings are an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with their form tutor and individual subject teachers via our online School Cloud system.We encourage you to develop strong links with your child’s form tutor and Head of Year. If you have any questions, queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Timings Session08:30 - 8:50 Breakfast available in the Canteen08:55 - 09:55 Period 109:55 - 10:55 Period 210:55 - 11:20 Break11:20 - 12:20 Period 312:20 - 13:20 Period 413:20 - 14:00 Lunch14:00 - 14:25 Tutor Time14:25 - 15:25 Period 5Free porridge is available in the Canteen every day during breakfast.
6 The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/25EquipmentEvery student is expected to own the following:Black ballpoint or fountain pens Scientic calculator: Casio FX 83GTXGreen pens ProtractorPencils & Eraser Pair of compassesPencil sharpener Coloured pencilsGlue stick Rough notebook/jotterRuler 30cm Pencil caseSuitable bag, such as a rucksack in which school work, exercise books, textbooks,etc. can be kept in an acceptable condition.The appropriate calculator can be purchased directly from the school. Tippex/Liquid Paper is not allowed in school and must not be used in any school work.In order to ensure that students explore a full and varied curriculum, The Priory School operates a two-week timetable. At KS3 (Years 7 - 9) over the two weeks, students will study:• 8 hours of Mathematics• 8 hours of English• 6 hours of Science• 4 hours of PE, Technology• 3 hours each of History, Geography, Modern Language and RE• 2 hours each of Art, Computing, Drama and Music• 1 hour of PSHCEOver the years, the house system at The Priory has had a strong tradition promoting healthy competition.Our houses are:• Canterbury• Guildford• Coventry• WestminsterWe will advise which House students are allocated before they join us.As the year moves on students will be allocated attainment (House) points that will provide the opportunity for them to win rewards and take part in House celebrations. The CurriculumHouses
The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/257 HousesSchool ClubsThe Priory School believes in shaping futures and developing the whole student. We pride ourselves on doing this well through a wide range of extra-curricular activities, trips and visiting speakers.Students who take part in activities will develop key competencies including resilience, independence, creativity, research skills and critical thinking skills.We have a large number of school clubs which run at lunchtime and after school. For an up to date list of clubs, please visit our website.Homework & EnrichmentAt The Priory School we consider homework to be a vital part of education as well as playing an important role in preparing students for their GCSEs.Students will receive homework once a week for Maths and once a fortnight for Science and English. Every half term they will also have enrichment tasks set for every other subject to complete at home. Enrichment tasks are optional and allow students to focus on the areas they are passionate about or they want to investigate further. Homework and enrichment tasks are set on EduLink. Students will be given their EduLink login when they start in September. How you can help:• Show an interest in your child’s school work and enrichment tasks• Monitor the amount of time your child spends on social media and playing computer games to ensure they get a good sleep• Work with the school to ensure the best outcome for your child• Ensure your child has the correct equipment each dayStudy CentreThe Study Centre provides an active working environment for the whole school. It has a comprehensive stock of ction and non-ction books which support the National Curriculum. Students use the Study Centre in whole groups during lesson time and may also make use of it for independent study. We offer a Homework Club which runs every lunchtime. The Study Centre is open for the exchange of books and for private study at break, lunchtime and at the end of school until 4.30pm.
8 The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/25The staff and governors of the school are keen to ensure a high standard is maintained when it comes to students’ school uniform and appearance.The items required are readily available from our local supplier:www.kit-shop.co.uk 01372 378303Uniform & AppearanceItem Requirements ClaricationBlazerBlack Blazer with school badge (Kit-Shop)Compulsory – to be worn at all times in the school buildings. Please do not purchase until May 2024.Skirt Black school skirt (Kit-Shop)Skirts must not be rolled up – no leggings underneath.TrousersBlack School trousers (Any retailer)Jeggings/leggings, drain pipe/low slung trousers or jeans are not permitted.Shirt White school shirt (Any retailer)Must be tucked in at all times (not sports shirt).JumperBlack v neck jumper with school logo. (Kit-Shop)Optional. No sweatshirt or hoodies.ShoesBlack leather or leather look shoes (Any retailer)No boots, canvas or sports trainers such as Nike Airforce or Flyknit.Socks/TightsNatural/Black tights or plain grey or black socks.No leggings, footless tights or patterned tights. No socks worn on top of tights.HairNo extreme haircuts. Dyed hair should be one natural colour. No shaved lines in the hair or eyebrows. Long hair must be tied back for some practical lessons.Make-upMinimal natural make-up is permitted. No nail varnish, gels/shellac/acrylic nails or fake eyelashes. Student will be asked to remove these.JewelleryOne pair of small plain studs worn in each ear. Earrings must be removed for PE. No other jewellery is permitted. One watch is allowed. Smart watches linked to mobile devices will be conscated if used for communication purposes.No facial/body piercings or any other ear piercings.
The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/259 PE Uniform RequirementsStudents need to remember to bring their PE kit when they have PE on their timetable. All students are expected to take part in the lesson. Students who are ill or injured will also need to get changed into their PE kit and help out during the lesson.Please ensure that all uniform and PE kit is marked with the student’s name. Physical Education clothing should be carried in a separate bag so that books are not ruined.Item Permitted clothing for both boys and girls RetailerTopCompulsory:• Priory embroidered emerald green polo shirt and/or• Priory embroidered emerald green rugby shirt with white collarCan only be purchased from our stockist: The Kit ShopOptional:House T-shirtCan be purchased from Scopay.BottomsCompulsory:Black shorts or skort (Priory embroidered or plain generic)Embroidered items: The Kit ShopGeneric items: any retailerOptional:Black tracksuit bottomsBlack sport leggingsAny retailerJumperOptional:Black eece (Priory embroidered or plain generic)Black sweatshirt (Priory embroidered or plain generic)Embroidered items: The Kit ShopGeneric items: any retailerSocksCompulsory:Emerald green football socks (winter months)Any retailerOptional:White sports socks (summer months)FootwearCompulsory:TrainersAny retailerOptional:Football/Rugby bootsSport specic itemsCompulsory for specic sports:GumshieldsShinpadsAny retailerFor the winter monthsOptional:White, black or green base layersAny retailerSwimmingCompulsory:• Black one piece swimming costume• Black swimming shorts/trunks• Towel• GogglesAny retailer
10 The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/25The Student Services Ofce provides assistance and support to students facing any issues. Students arriving late to school are required to sign in at the main reception. Students attending appointments must rst report to Student Services before signing out. All First Aid treatment is provided by this ofce along with timetables, lost property, coach and bus passes.Student ServicesWellbeing ChampionsWellbeing AmbassadorsThe School appoints Ambassadors to act as representatives for their respective Year groups. These Ambassadors offer their time to assist students who join the school mid-year in transitioning smoothly. Understanding that this can be a challenging process, the Ambassadors are introduced to the new students on their rst day and continue to support them by checking in regularly, answering their queries, and introducing them to other members of their year group.Peer Mentors are Wellbeing Champions who wish to take the role a little further. They have received Anna Freud training in mental health and are available for students to talk to about any issues if they don’t want to talk to an adult in the rst instance. The mentors are in years 9-11 and they mentor year groups below them. They are present at all wellbeing drop in sessions on a rota basis.Wellbeing Champions are nominated by peers or nominate themselves for the role. Their main responsibility is to promote the 5 Ways of Wellbeing and educate members of their community about it. To equip them with the necessary skills, they undergo training through The Eikon Charity. They are the voices of the student community in terms of Wellbeing and are used to buddy up with students who may struggle socially. They also organise Wellbeing events within the school and attend the Wellbeing drop in sessions in The Shore Centre at lunchtimes.Peer Mentors
The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/2511 Peer MentorsForm TutorsThe role of the form tutor is to support your child and be a consistent supportive adult presence throughout the year.Form tutors will be a link between students, staff and the pastoral support team making sure that your child is aware of their day to day responsibilities.They also follow a weekly system that allows them to discuss current affairs and work interventions in literacy and numeracy.Our SEND team offer a range of interventions including:• Social communication programmes• Handwriting intervention• Maths intervention• Assessments to underpin strategies for student support• Targeted support in classThe school believes in fully supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to ensure they have access to, and gain maximum benet from the educational opportunities available. The more information we can gather the better, to make sure that needs can be catered for from the rst day your child starts school. If parents/carers have any worries they can get in touch with Miss Roach (SENDCO).SENDWe are not permitted to give tablets, ointments, sprays etc. to students. If students are likely to require any medication they may be brought into school and deposited in the Student Services Ofce. Medication must be clearly labelled along with directions and dosage. Any student needing medical attention must inform their class teacher straight away. If they are too ill to remain at school or if hospital treatment is necessary, parents/carers will be contacted. It is important that contact details are kept up-to-date and any changes must be notied to the school ofce.Medical Issues
12 The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/25It is important for students to arrive on time for the school day and lesson 1, which commences at 8.55am. In addition to ensuring students don’t miss out on anything in school, punctuality is also an essential habit to develop for their future work life. If your child is expected to arrive late for any reason please call the Student Services Ofce on 01306 878 784. PunctualityAttendanceGood attendance at school supports progress and establishes good habits for adult life. We set a target of 96% attendance for all students. Requests for medical evidence will be made when a student falls below 92%. If a student’s attendance falls below 90%, they are considered persistently absent by the government. The school’s inclusion ofcer reviews the records of all students and may open a case if necessary.In case of a student’s illness, parents/carers should report the absence via Edulink before 8:30 am on the rst day of absence. If the child remains absent, parents/carers should also report the absence every subsequent day. When a student is absent without a valid reason, the Student Services ofce will use the automated absence call system to contact home. If no notication is forthcoming, then we must classify the absence as unauthorised.Parents/Carers are encouraged to limit time off for visits to doctors or dentists as far as is reasonably practicable and to make appointments after 2:15pm. Where this is unavoidable, please notify the school in advance in writing or via email to studentservices@priorycofe.com.
The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/2513 As a general rule, valuables should not be brought to school. If it is absolutely necessary to have them for a particular reason, they should be left with the school ofce staff for safe keeping. Inappropriate jewellery will be conscated and students can collect them on Fridays after school.Lost property can be claimed from Student Services.Mobile phones and personal electronic devices should not be used in school. These devices can distract students from learning, and we must also consider safeguarding, as phones have multiple features. Students may bring a phone to school with them for use on the way to and from school for personal safety reasons.Mobile PhonesSchool/Personal PropertyMeals are available in the school dining room and a value lunch meal deal can be purchased for £3 daily. Students can also buy snacks before school and at break. A daily spending limit of £7 is automatically applied. If you want to increase or decrease this, please contact the Finance Ofce.Menus can be found on the school website. If school meals are not required, your child may bring a packed lunch. Drink containers must be plastic, not glass. Students must not bring zzy drinks or energy drinks to school. Food must be consumed in the designated areas; the Dining Room, Sunken Playground and other specic areas agreed each term.Breakfast & LunchtimeAt school these must be switched off and in students’ bags throughout the day. The school accepts no responsibility to loss or damage of personal electronic devices students choose to bring into school.
14 The Priory School Parent Handbook 2024/25Parents/Carers must ensure that their child’s bicycle is roadworthy and equipped with front and rear lights and reectors. All cyclists must obtain a form from their Head of Year if they wish to cycle to school. Cyclists are expected to have passed their Cycling Prociency Test and wear cycling helmets. Students must bring their own locking device for their bike when using the bicycle rack.We operate a highly secure online payment system called Scopay which allows you to pay for school meals and other items such as trips, books, event tickets, etc. With Scopay, you can easily keep track of your payment history and create a single login account for all your children who attend schools where Scopay is used.We do not accept cash payments in school. Instead, students will be given a payment fob which they can use to purchase items in the school canteen. Parents and carers have the option to set daily spending limits for their child using the payment fob, for both morning break and lunchtime if needed.You will be sent an activation letter to enable you to set up your Scopay account. You can add multiple accounts to allow more than one person to make payments. For any inquiries about Scopay, please contact the Finance ofce.ScopayChewing gum is prohibited in school to maintain a clean and hygienic learning environment for our students. Chewing gum has a pollutant effect by the way it is discarded. We ask parents/carers to support us in protecting our environment and ensure chewing gum is not brought to school.CyclingChewing Gum
Chewing GumTransformationalAspirationalFlourishing
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