Frequently Asked Questions (students)
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Will I be in classes with my friends?
Whilst we know that joining a new school can be a stressful time there are no guarantees that you will be in a class with your friends. You will be allocated a tutor group and also teaching groups. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
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What time does school start and finish?
We ask that all students are onsite by 8:45am The first school bell will sound at 8:45am, this is the signal to go to registration. If you arrive at registration after 8:55am this will be recorded as late. School finishes at 3:15pm each day.
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Are subjects taught in sets?
Only maths is taught in sets.
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Can I go off-site at lunchtime?
No, lunch will be on site.
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Do I need a card for my dinner? How much will lunch cost? What does the canteen serve?
Our canteen is cashless. Your parents will be sent a letter to create a ParentPay account where they can top the account up. You will get a QR code to show at the till. You can also use your debit card.
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Which trips take place, and can everyone go?
Each year is slightly different but in the past we have organised ski trips, overseas sports trips and cultural visits to Spain and France. Everyone has the option to go, there are sometimes limits on numbers in which case it is often a ‘first come first served basis’.
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What extra-curricular activities are there?
There are many extra-curricular activities throughout the year at both lunch time and after school, including: an array of sports clubs, STEM club, choirs, bands, coding club, baking club, cultural club and many more. If there is a club that you would be interested in but don’t see, just let us know and we can see what we can do!
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Is there somewhere to park my bike?
Yes, we have bike racks at the back of school. You should bring with you a lock though and make sure it is locked up each day. Your bike is parked there though at your own risk.
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Am I allowed my phone in school?
Yes, you can bring your phone to school but you can only use it at break and lunch on the ground floor. If you are caught using it at other times it will be confiscated.
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What happens if I can’t do PE?
If you are injured or unwell and can’t take part you should bring a note from your parents/carer and still wear your PE kit as you will be given another role in the lesson, e.g. a coach or a scorer.
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What happens if I am late?
It is really important that you arrive at school on time. However, if you arrive late you should report to reception and then go as quickly as you can to registration. If it is after 9:10am you should go to reception and then as quickly to your lesson. If you are late more than twice in a week you will get a call back from your tutor.
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Can I wear jewellery?
Yes, you can wear jewellery as long as it is appropriate and not going to cause any damage to yourself or anyone else. Small studs are acceptable as earrings but not large hoops. A flat ring and a watch are okay too. You will be asked to remove all of these for PE and any jewellery brought into school is done so at your own risk. You cannot wear any facial piercings.
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Can I wear make-up?
Yes, as long as it is appropriate and not excessive. You are not allowed false eye lashes or false nails.
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What should I do if I don't feel well during lesson time?
Tell your teacher immediately. They will ask you in what way you are feeling ill and take action from there. They may send you to see our Attendance Officer.
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What happens if I get a detention?
From time to time some students display behaviour that doesn’t meet our expectation and they may get a detention. You could be given a P3 – 10 minutes, P4 – 20 minutes. These will generally take place at break, lunch or afterschool and it is your responsibility to turn up. If you do not turn up this will be escalated to a Whole School Detention after school for 45 minutes.
