Parents Handbook
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HELLO
On behalf of the whole school I am delighted to welcome you and your daughter to the Truro High family. It is always slightly daunting being the new girl but I suspect there are few places where the welcome will be quite as warm as at Truro High. Your daughter will quickly find a sea of smiles and friendly faces here and, like me, will see that the school is a hive of purposeful activity, brimming with enthusiastic students.
I am constantly inspired by the dynamic opportunities available to the girls, the passionate staff and the warm relationships between all. Equally impressive is the open love of independent learning the girls display and the routine encouragement of intellectual curiosity by the teachers.
I am looking forward to getting to know your daughter over the next few weeks and I very much hope to meet as many parents as as possible during the term.
This handbook is a relatively comprehensive guide to life at Truro High School, however if you have any further questions please do get in touch either by contacting the relevant department (please see useful contact details on page 13) or by emailing [email protected].
Mrs Sarah Matthews, Headmistress
Luce Magistra | 3 Our school motto aligns perfectly with the key outcomes and principles of the School luce magistra | with the light as my teacher
At Truro High School we believe in ‘Girls First’.
There should be no such thing as a typical Truro High School pupil, however, as one of the leading schools in Cornwall, our Mission Statement is:
To provide a personalised and happy all-round education that enables every girl to achieve her life and career aspirations.
We will achieve our Mission by: • outstanding and personalised teaching and learning; • encouraging leadership, service and commitment; • first class pastoral care; • providing smooth transitions from Nursery to Prep to Senior to Sixth Form; • spearheading focused university application for first choice success; • challenging girls to ‘have a go’ and seize the opportunities on offer; • empowering girls to aim high.
In pursuit of these aims, the School will combine consultation and modern innovation; encourage a partnership between School and parents; develop the professional capacities of its staff; invest in first-class facilities; continue its strong association with the local community; and maximise our capacity as one of the leading schools in Cornwall.
Luce Magistra | 4 Contents
Accounts and Fees 6 Extra-Curricular Activities 19 Parent-Teacher Association 25 Alcohol 6 Form Tutors 19 Peer on Peer Abuse Policy 25 Assemblies 6 Governors 20 Personal Possessions 25
Attendance and Absence 6 Hair 20 Personal, Social, Health and 25 Economic Education (PSHE) Before School and After School 7 Health Centre 20 Plagiarism 26 Care Bus Routes 8 Health Checks 20 Prep Diary 26 Boarding 8 Higher Education 20 Printing 26 Careers & Work Experience 8 Holiday Work 21 Publicity 26
Cars 9 Homework 21 Reports 27
Chaplaincy 9 Houses 21 Safeguarding and Child 27 Protection Commendations, Awards and 9 Induction of New Pupils 22 Scholarships and Bursaries 27 Prizes Concerns and Complaints 10 Insurance 22 Security 28 Conduct and Discipline 10 Jewellery 22 Sixth Form Centre 28 Contact Details 13 Learning Support 22 Smoking 28 Contacting Teachers 13 Library 23 Snacks 28 Curriculum Overview 14 Lost Property 23 Social Media 28 Counselling and Support 16 Matches 23 Strategic Plan 28 Cycling 16 Meals 23 Swimming Pool 28 Daily Routine 17 Medication 24 Term Dates 28 Drugs 18 MIST 24 Trips 28 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 18 Mobile Phones 24 Uniform 29 Scheme E-Safety 18 Music Tuition 24 Wifi 29 Electrical Equipment 19 Notice 24 English as an Additional 19 Parents’ Meetings 25 Language
Luce Magistra | 5 Accounts and Fees Our Alcohol Policy can be found on our website. The Accounts Office is open daily from 9.00am to 4.00pm. The office is open throughout the Assemblies year with the exception of two weeks over Christmas and New Year. Prep School pupils have three assemblies each week: Fee bills for the next term are sent out as soon after the end of the previous term as possible so Monday 8.50am - Prep School celebration as to enable payment by the due date – before assembly. the first day of term. Parents wishing to spread the cost of fees may wish to use monthly direct Tuesday 8.50am - Prep School meet for an debit, via the School Fee Plan company, details assembly. Sometimes this is led by pupils and of which are available on our website. parents are invited when their daughter’s class is involved. Dates are published on the website. For queries on fee bills, payments and instalment plans please contact 01872 242979 or Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (on rotation) [email protected]. 8.50am - The Prep School joins the Senior School assembly. Our current fees can be found on our website. Senior School assemblies take place on a In order to ensure sound financial planning the Monday and either Wednesday, Thursday or School requires one full term’s notice, should Friday (on rotation) at 8.50am. Some assemblies you wish to withdraw your daughter from the contain an element of worship. If you have a School. Where this is not given, the School will particular concern about the religious content charge fees in lieu of notice. Notice should be of an assembly, please contact the Headmistress. made in writing or by email to the Headmistress ([email protected]). Attendance and Absence In exceptional circumstances the School will accept ‘rolling notice’. This allows parents to A calendar is published on our website in order give notice without forfeiting their daughter’s to give parents and pupils as much notice as place at the School. ‘Rolling notice’ can run for possible of future events. a period of up to one year. Attendance Attendance is compulsory during the working Alcohol day Monday to Friday, 8.45am - 3.30pm (Pre- Prep) / 3.45pm (Prep and Senior). There are Pupils may not bring alcohol on to the School also certain events throughout the year, such as premises or consume alcohol on the School Open Morning, at which attendance of sections premises without express permission, and the of the School is compulsory. laws of the land are to be observed by all pupils. Registration There is a small number of events during the Morning registration is at 8.45am. There is a school year where pupils aged 16 or over may be legal requirement for accurate registers to be offered a glass of wine under staff supervision. kept by schools, not least in the interests of Strict limits are placed on the amount pupils pupils’ safety. Your co-operation in ensuring may drink, and wine is always accompanied by a your daughter arrives in good time for meal. We believe this is part of the process of registration is appreciated. teaching pupils about adult life. Lateness Pupils below the age of 16 may not drink A Senior School pupil who is late or fails to alcohol at school events under any register repeatedly can expect detention or a circumstances. letter home.
Luce Magistra | 6 Lunchtime Absences one request per year per family and this should Absence from School is not normally allowed at be of no more than a week’s duration. Requests lunchtime. Special requests to leave the school for pupils in Years 10-13 will not normally be campus must be made to the Head of Prep or authorised due to the demands of these to the Deputy Head. Girls must ensure they sign examination year groups. Parents in all year in and out each time. groups need to ensure their daughters are in school for important annual events, such as Illness school examinations. In the case of illness or other unforeseen absence please inform School Reception by Request for absence to attend other events 9.00am on the first day of absence and also on The School will not usually authorise absence to each subsequent day of absence, either by attend concerts, plays, sporting events as a telephoning 01872 272830, Option 1, Option 1, spectator. We will usually authorise absence to Option 1 or emailing: [email protected]. take part in competitions, to compete in sport at a high level, or to participate in other pursuits, Unfit for PE/Games such as music, at a high level. Such authorisation If you consider your daughter is unable to take is, however, subject to a pupil’s academic part in a Games or PE lesson, please ensure that commitments and progress and we would she brings a note explaining why you do not expect the frequency of requests to be kept to a wish her to participate. It is the School’s general minimum. policy to ensure the fullest participation in such lessons, and even if a pupil is unable to take part she should attend the lesson. Before School and After School Care Requests for Absence Requests for absence for matters such as dentist Day pupils can arrive at school from 8.00am. or doctor appointments, university open days, They are expected to leave the site, except when interviews, etc. are the concern of the Head of there is a special event, by 6.00pm. If you need Prep or the Deputy Head to whom care for your daughter after 6.00pm, please correspondence should be addressed. contact School Reception who will make arrangements with the boarding house. There If a Sixth Form pupil has an appointment with will be a charge for this. the doctor or an appointment of a similar nature, she must negotiate this absence with the If you are unable to arrive in time to collect Heads of Sixth Form & Careers and any subject your daughter as planned at the end of the teacher who may be affected by her absence. school day, please telephone the School on Driving lessons should never be arranged during 01872 272830. The direct lines for the Prep periods when pupils have school commitments. School may also be used: 01872 242913 (Head of Prep’s Office) and 01872 242912 (Prep IT Requests for absence, except those of a routine Room). nature, should also be addressed to the Head of Prep or the Deputy Head who will usually The School must be informed beforehand if an consult with the Headmistress. We would ask adult other than the parent is to collect a child, that parents make such requests before making and the name of the person should be given. any bookings, purchasing tickets, etc. To aid in Once a child has been dismissed from School, the process the following guidelines outline responsibility for her safe conduct home lies what is likely to be authorised and what is not: with the parents.
Request for absence for family holiday Prep School The School encourages families to take holidays Before School Care wherever possible during our long holidays. Girls are able to come into the Prep School However, we do understand that occasionally from 8.00am, when they will be supervised by a this is not possible and we do recognise the member of the Prep staff in the Prep ICT importance of family holidays for familial Room. ‘Wake and Shake’ and classroom bonding. The School would expect to grant only activities start from 8.30am, although
Luce Magistra | 7 registration is not until 8.45am. If parents need wishing to stay until 6.00pm may join the Prep to drop pupils off before 8.00am, they should School in the Prep ICT Room. contact the class teacher who will be able to make arrangements for supervision in the boarding house, for which there will be a Bus Routes charge. The School is unable to take responsibility for girls who are on the school The school currently runs minibus services to site before 8.00am without prior arrangement. and from Wadebridge, St Austell, Penzance and Newquay as well as Truro railway station and After School Care the Royal Cornwall Hospital. Details of the Reception, Prep 1 and Prep 2 girls are dismissed routes, charges and booking forms are available at 3.30pm by their class teachers, who will either on the school website. hand the girls over to their parents at the classroom door or accompany them to meet their parents at the main Prep School entrance. Boarding Any girls in Pre-Prep who are attending the Prep School Homework Club will be taken to Most pupils at Truro High School are day girls, the library to be greeted by the Prep Club but the School is home to around 50 boarders Supervisor. who come from across the UK and the world. The international boarders help to provide a Prep 3-6 girls are dismissed at 3.45pm by the global perspective to the School and certain teacher who has taught them the last lesson of international events, such as Chinese New Year, the day. All girls who are not collected at are celebrated in school each year. 3.45pm go to the IT Room and will then attend Homework Club until collected (see below), The School offers full, weekly, flexi and unless they are attending a club or activity. occasional boarding. We can therefore often help out if parents need their daughter to board There is a Homework Club for Prep pupils for a short period of time. If you would like which is held in the Prep ICT Room. This more information about boarding, please enables girls to stay at school each day under contact our Head of Boarding, Dr Liz Dollins, supervision until 6.00pm. They can be collected on [email protected]. at any time until 6.00pm. There is no charge for this service. There is a separate parents’ handbook for boarding which is available on our website. There is also a range of after-school activities available to pupils. Your daughter should Careers & Work Experience register with the supervisor of the Homework Club, where she will be given a drink and a Careers Education plays an important part in snack before starting her activity. When the club preparing pupils to make informed choices for finishes, all girls must return to the Prep ICT their next steps beyond Truro High School. Room to sign out of Homework Club. If by any Through careers work in PSHE, tutor time, chance a club is cancelled at short notice, your work experience and optional additional lunch daughter will automatically attend Homework time sessions, we enable pupils to develop a Club until you collect her. good understanding of themselves and how their strengths and interests will best translate Senior School into the ever diversifying world of work. Before School Care Senior pupils should go to their form rooms or Our pupils have access to the most up-to-date to the library on arrival. information and advice about what options are available to them after their A Levels. This is After School Care delivered through our Careers Library resources, Senior pupils are dismissed at 3.45pm. Pupils on monthly careers taster talks, and a weekly site after 4.00pm should either be in a careers advisory drop-in for all Year 9-13 pupils supervised activity or in Homework Club which which is tailored to the needs of those who runs from 4.00pm to 5.30pm in ICT 1. Pupils attend.
Luce Magistra | 8 the School’s approval, the written permission of The majority of our pupils will go on to the passenger’s parents and the driver’s parents complete a university degree and we offer our (if the driver is also a pupil, or under the age of pupils the opportunity to take part in 21). Centigrade, an interest-based questionnaire that matches a girl’s interests and abilities with Cars must be parked throughout the day in Higher Education courses and institutions, thus Green Lane. They may not be used during the making university research more focused and school day without specific permission from the manageable. Each pupil will also receive a Head of Sixth Form. personalised advice work-booklet and have a 1:1 Motorbikes, mopeds and scooters (up to 50cc) discussion with a Careers Adviser. We ensure These may be driven once the CBT driving test that our pupils know the range of alternative has been passed and permission has been opportunities available to them should they sought from the Head of Sixth Form in the prefer to enter an apprenticeship programme in same way as for a car. All vehicles in this a corporate or vocational environment or gain category must display L-plates and be parked as professional training through the military. directed by the Bursar. No-one may ride as a passenger on these vehicles and they must not It is clear that the world of work is undergoing be available in any respect to use by any other great changes and that levels of competition for pupil. work experience and jobs are greater than ever before. We aim to guide our pupils as they build Boarders are not allowed to keep cars at school a winning CV which will give them the best or to have the use of a car during term time. chance of getting to where they want to be.
Current employment statistics show that having Chaplaincy a ‘career for life’ is no longer an option for most and that people are more likely to have a As a Church of England school there is a moral number of varied and evolving jobs in their and spiritual dimension to the School. The local lifetime which will require a range of skills. We parish priest is a regular visitor to the School endeavour to facilitate the learning of these and a strong supporter of us. They lead our skills in our classrooms and in our wide range church services, which are held once or twice a of extra-curricular activities, while making our term, in the local St John’s Church. We also visit pupils aware of how all of their experiences and Truro Cathedral for services once a term. activities can be transferred to their future roles and successes. There are weekly hymns and prayers in assemblies and the School has its own Christian Work Experience is undertaken by pupils in forum, CLEA. We regularly invite members of Year 10 and Year 12 during the Summer term. other faith communities into school to speak to The experience involves taking on the role of a pupils as well. young worker and engaging in work tasks, using and developing work skills, being involved in The Bishop of Truro and the Dean of Truro work processes and experiencing work Cathedral are ex officio members of our environments. For further details of this Governing Body. Although an Anglican school, exciting programme please contact Mrs Michelle through membership of the Methodist Sharp, Head of Sixth Form & Careers by Independent Schools Trust, the school has emailing [email protected]. strong Methodist connections. Methodist preachers and the Methodist chaplain of Truro School are regular visitors to assemblies. Cars
No day pupil may drive a car or other vehicle to Commendations, Awards and and from School, or on any other school Prizes activity, without the Head of Sixth Form’s approval and the written consent of parents. No Prep School pupil may travel as a passenger in a car without
Luce Magistra | 9 In the Prep School good behaviour, work, effort and participation are rewarded with house stars. The girls collect these in their homework diaries. Concerns and Complaints There is a system of certificates and badges which are awarded in assembly when certain We hope that any difficulties which your milestones are reached within the course of an daughter may experience can be dealt with by academic year: her talking to her teacher or tutor. If you need 50 stars Bronze Certificate to raise a concern or make a complaint, please 100 stars Silver Certificate address it to her form tutor or class teacher in 150 stars Gold Certificate the first instance. 200 stars Bronze Badge 250 stars Silver Badge More serious complaints should be made to the 300 stars Gold Badge Headmistress or the Head of Prep. Formal complaints should be made in writing to the In addition to this, when a pupil gains ten stars Headmistress. You will receive a prompt written for themselves, they are awarded a points for response. their house. Academic Concerns Extra prizes are awarded each year at the Prep If you have any concerns about your daughter’s School Speech Day, which is held on the last day academic progress, then your first point of of the academic year. The prizes vary from year contact is her form tutor or class teacher. to year but are always chosen to recognise Please either email or telephone him/her at notable achievements and efforts across School. Email addresses for all the teaching different areas of curriculum and school life. staff are available on the website. The majority of prizes are awarded to the girls who are in Prep 6, though some prizes are Alternatively you can contact the Head of Prep, awarded to pupils in other year groups. the Deputy Head or the Director of Teaching and Learning who are responsible for the Senior School academic, pastoral and disciplinary welfare of all Pupils in the Senior School receive house points pupils. If they are unable to deal with your for the following: concerns, they may refer you to the 1. Attitude to learning; Headmistress. 2. Progress/achievement in learning; 3. Resilience and resourcefulness; Our Complaints Policy can be found on our 4. Acts of kindness/helpfulness; website. 5. Punctuality; 6. Contribution to house events; 6. Representing the School. Conduct and Discipline
House points go towards the inter-house We aim: competition and a cup is awarded at the end of • to develop in children a sense of self- the year. Certificates are also awarded to discipline and an acceptance of students each term. responsibility for their own actions; • to create conditions for an orderly A wide variety of prizes are awarded at our community in which effective learning annual Speech Day at the end of the academic can take place, in which there is mutual year. These include academic prizes, subject respect between all members, and where prizes, form prizes and prizes for overall effort there is proper concern for the and progress. environment.
Throughout the year certificates, medals and We aim to achieve this within the framework of trophies are awarded in weekly assemblies for a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere, in which young achievements in sport, music, Duke of people are encouraged to give of their best, Edinburgh and a whole host of events and both in the classroom and in extra-curricular competitions. activities and are stimulated to fulfil their
Luce Magistra | 10 potential. Truro High School prides itself on holiday or unusual absence, or if a pupil being a friendly and inclusive community, where needs to be absent for any part of the girls can be themselves and develop their own day or to leave school early; talents and interests. In doing so, pupils are • Pupils must have permission to leave the expected to abide by the laws of the land at all school site during the school day. Senior times and to exercise common sense. School pupils must sign out at reception and sign in again on return to the Prep School Steps to Success School; We believe that good behaviour is established • Maintenance staff huts are out of most effectively through the use of positive bounds at all times, as is the front of reinforcement and praise. We therefore School. All roof spaces and roof areas encourage all children and staff to follow our are out of bounds and all areas where five ‘Steps to Success’: there is building work or development; • Girls must look neat and tidy at all times Be honest and wear the prescribed uniform whilst Be polite in School and on the journey to and Be kind from School; Look after things • No jewellery may be worn except for a Use the Habits of Mind watch, a necklace with a small religious symbol and one pair of simple studs or The following systems are in place to reinforce sleepers in the earlobes. Other jewellery these rules: will be confiscated. No parts of the • Pre-Prep use the ‘Golden Time’ system body, apart from earlobes, may be and positive behaviour targets to pierced; encourage adhesion to the ‘Steps to • No make-up is allowed; Success’; • Hair should be tied back at all times • Pre-Prep also use ‘Circle Time’ to (except in the Sixth Form) and should address behaviour issues; be a natural colour; • Staff acknowledge orally examples of • Gir ls sh o uld kee p th e sch o o l good work and behaviour; environment clean and tidy by putting • Throughout the Prep School stars are litter in bins, keeping walls and furniture awarded for good behaviour and work; clean and by taking care of equipment • Older children are encouraged to act as and displays; role models for the younger children; • Food must not be taken out of the • Older children promote good behaviour Dining Room. Eating and drinking is through acting as monitors at lunchtime forbidden in the resource centres, and playtime; laboratories, gym, swimming pool and • Behaviour issues and ‘Steps to Success’ all corridors and whilst walking round are often discussed and illustrated during the School and in public places; assemblies; • Chewing gum should not be brought to • PSHEE sessions give opportunities to School. Gum must not be chewed in address issues; School; • A ‘troubles’ box is available where • Girls should act with courtesy and children may post notes for the consideration towards other pupils; attention of the Head of Prep if • Girls will treat all staff at the School and someone has broken a rule. each other with politeness and respect at all times; Regular School Council meetings also give an • Conduct and language must always be opportunity for concerns to be expressed. moderated by consideration for others. In a school community adults, whether Senior School Rules staff or visitors, are never far away; • Pupils should arrive in school by 8.40am • Valuable property and large sums of for registration; money should not be brought to School; • Permission must be obtained in advance • All possessions must be clearly marked from the Deputy Head in the case of a with the owner’s name;
Luce Magistra | 11 • Mobile phones are only for emergency knowledge, the child will be sent to the use. During the school day they should Head of Prep or Headmistress who will be switched off. Phones in use during decide on the most appropriate course the school day will be confiscated; of action. • Earpieces, headphones, etc. may not be worn or used except in the boarding This list of sanctions would normally be houses, and then only in such a way as followed in order, with many incidents never not to distract others; going beyond the first bullet point. The starting • The use of social networking sites is not point for the sanctions to be administered allowed during the school day. Boarders would depend on the severity and regularity of may access the sites in the evening back the misdemeanours. When more than one child in their boarding house, subject to the is involved and the interpretations of an event restrictions of house rules; differ, then every effort will be made to try to • Girls must not take images find the truth. If this still remains unclear, then (photographs or videos) of other pupils the adults involved will use their professional or staff without their consent; judgment to come to a conclusion. • Girls must never share images of other pupil or staff without their consent Senior School Sanctions (whether taken by them or someone If a pupil’s behaviour in class is persistently else); unacceptable or if homework is inadequately • Buying, selling, betting or gambling of done, a report card may be issued which the any sort are not allowed; parent or houseparent will have a chance to • Pupils may not have in their possession check every day and sign. A pupil may also be weapons such as knives, air guns or put in detention after school or at lunchtime for pistols, fireworks or dangerous poor or late work (but staff will normally substances; require extra work, etc. prior to imposing this). • The ignition of any sort of fire by Day parents are informed the day before. Three pupils on school property is not allowed; consecutive subject/faculty detentions or • Pupils should report immediately to a warnings will lead to an after-school detention. member of staff any hazard, danger, The form tutor will check that work is done potential danger or near miss; adequately and on time. • Pupils should alert a member of staff to the presence on the school site of any The boarding houses also have their own set of stranger(s); sanctions and rewards, which are outlined in the • No pupils should act in a way which Boarding Handbook. Gating is a sanction imposed endangers others or which causes, or for more serious offences committed by risks causing, damage or loss. boarders.
Prep School Sanctions Serious breaches of school rules may lead to When the ‘Steps to Success’ are violated there temporary or permanent exclusion from school. are a range of sanctions which staff members The following are all regarded as serious might choose to impose: breaches of discipline: • A verbal reprimand; • Theft (which includes unpermitted • An oral or written apology to the ‘borrowing’ from a locker, etc.); teacher or child affected; • Bullying, verbal or physical; • Playtime may be missed to enable work • Smoking or consuming alcohol; to be finished or as a sanction. Children • Sexual impropriety; may also be asked to make good any • The abuse of drugs, aerosols or damage that they might have done; solvents, ‘legal highs’, etc.; • A warning that parents will be informed • The misuse of motor vehicles; if the behaviour does not improve; • The misuse of email/internet/school • A meeting with parents either with or computing facilities; without the child present; • Tampering with fire prevention systems; • In extreme cases, if the behaviour does • The refusal to accept the authority of not improve, with the parents’ the Headmistress or staff.
Luce Magistra | 12 Exclusion is the preserve of the Headmistress Main Reception and is only arrived at with the involvement of The School’s main reception is manned during parents. The School’s Exclusion Policy is found term time from 8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to in Appendix 1 of the Rewards and Sanctions Friday. The receptionist can be contacted on: Policy, which is published on the School’s [email protected] or 01872 272830. website. She will either be able to answer any queries you have or put you in touch with the person who Sixth Form can. Sixth Form pupils are expected to abide by Senior School Rules, but they are entitled to Telephone calls to this main school number go certain privileges. through to the automated system where you can select the option most relevant to you, or you Punctual attendance daily is required. can dial ‘0’ to go straight through to the Registration is at 8.45am in the Sixth Form receptionist. Centre. If pupils have a block of free periods after 2.00pm they are at liberty to leave the Contacting Teachers school premises, provided that they have fulfilled or intend to fulfil all their school Parents are welcome to make an appointment to commitments on that day. Pupils must sign out see the form tutor or class teacher at any time. at Main Reception. They must see the Head of Similarly, they will contact the parents should Sixth Form & Careers if in doubt about their they deem it necessary at any time during the individual situation. year. The Head of Learning Support will also arrange review meetings for the parents of During free periods Sixth Form pupils are particular pupils. expected to work in the Sixth Form Centre, ICT rooms or Library. Email addresses for all members of teaching staff are available on the school website. Contact Details
The School’s address is: Truro High School for Girls Falmouth Road Truro TR1 2HU Cornwall UK
Other Useful Contacts
Head of Prep School Miss Annabel Ramsey 01827 242913 [email protected] Prep Homework Club 01872 242912 Headmistress’ Executive Mrs Jo Norriss 01872 242902 [email protected] Assistant Headmistress Mrs Sarah Matthews [email protected] Deputy Head Ms Deb Freeman 01872 242906 [email protected] Director of Teaching & Mrs Jo House 01872 242980 [email protected] Learning Head of Sixth Form & Mrs Michelle Sharp 01872 242937 [email protected] Careers
Luce Magistra | 13 Head of Co-Curricular & Mr John Craze [email protected] Outdoor Education Learning Support & EAL Mrs Rachel Westley 01872 242911 [email protected] Accounts Office 01872 242909 [email protected] Bursar Mrs Sarah Budd 01872 242979 [email protected] Director of Communications Mrs Sarah Lillicrap 01872 242978 [email protected]
Dalvenie House Dr Liz Dollins 01872 242924 [email protected] Rashleigh House Mrs Kate Roberts 01872 242918 [email protected] Health Centre Mrs Dawn Kingston 01872 242928 [email protected] 07553 239310 Sport Ms Kat Barbery-Redd [email protected] Music Mr Rob Norman [email protected] Second Hand Uniform Shop 01872 242904 [email protected]
Curriculum Overview
At Truro High School we offer a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, and extra-curricular opportunities which extend beyond the confines of the National Curriculum. We strive to equip all pupils with the necessary intellectual, physical, cultural, spiritual, emotional and moral skills to enable them to enter the adult world with confidence, honesty and a sense of purpose.
The subjects followed in each year group are listed below and further information about each can be found on the school website under ‘Subjects’.
Prep School Curriculum
Subject Pre-Prep Prep 3 Prep 4 Prep 5 Prep 6
English ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Mathematics ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Science ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Computing ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Humanities ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Religious Education ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
French ✔ ✔ ✔
Spanish ✔
Latin ✔
Drama ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Luce Magistra | 14 Subject Pre-Prep Prep 3 Prep 4 Prep 5 Prep 6
Dance ✔ ✔
Food & Nutrition ✔
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Outdoor Learning ✔
Big Thinking ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Senior School Curriculum
Subject Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11
English ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Mathematics ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Biology ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Chemistry ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Physics ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ French ✔ ✔ ✔ O O Spanish ✔ O O O O Latin O O O O Religious Philosophy1 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Geography ✔ ✔ ✔ O O History ✔ ✔ ✔ O O ICT & Computing ✔ ✔ ✔ Art & Design ✔ ✔ ✔ O O Drama ✔ ✔ ✔ O O Food & Nutrition ✔ ✔ ✔ O O Music ✔ ✔ ✔ O O Textiles ✔ ✔ ✔ O O Physical Education2 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
✔= compulsory subject O = optional subject 1: pupils choose either the short course or the full course for GCSE (Years 10-11) 2: GCSE PE is available as an optional subject in Years 10-11; this is in addition to compulsory curriculum PE
Luce Magistra | 15 Sixth Form Curriculum In Years 12 and 13 pupils choose three or four A Level subjects from the following list. They generally have a free choice, though occasionally timetable constraints mean a particular option is unable to be offered to an individual pupils.
Art History Religious Philosophy and Ethics Biology Latin/Classical Civilisation Spanish Business Studies Mathematics/Further Mathematics Textiles Chemistry Music Theatre Studies English Literature Physical Education French Physics Geography Psychology
In addition, all Sixth Form pupils attend weekly enrichment sessions, where they have the option to take part in a range of exciting and diverse activities. many pupils also choose to take the Extended Project Qualification.
Counselling and Support Cycling
Truro High School prides itself on being a No cycling is permitted within the school friendly and caring community. This is perceived grounds. Senior School pupils are permitted to by parents and pupils as being a significant cycle to school with their parents’ permission. strength and one of the prime reasons for Cycles must be fully roadworthy and padlocked choosing us as a school. Integral to the high when not in use. Helmets and reflective strips or quality pastoral care is the role of the tutors, the clothing are strongly recommended. On no teachers, and the support staff involved in the account should a pupil ever touch or tamper care of the pupils. As a caring community, with with a bicycle that does not belong to her. Christian ideals, we value each pupil as an Pupils must never ride as a passenger on a individual. bicycle.
There are three levels of support of pupils needing further help:
Level One – Staff Support This might be a one-to-one chat with a class teacher, a form tutor or a senior member of staff; the Deputy Head or the Headmistress may be involved in certain cases. Girls are encouraged to seek support from staff if they have concerns or worries.
Level Two – Formal Counselling The School has its own visiting counsellor who can provide short-term support to pupils. Referrals to her are made by the School Nurse. Boarders also have access to an independent listener, whose details are displayed prominently in the boarding houses.
Level Three – Specialist Counselling Services These are accessed through referrals for serious, long-term issues via the School Nurse or school doctor.
Luce Magistra | 16 Daily Routine
Prep School
Timings Activity
8.00am - 8.30am Breakfast Club, Prep/ICT Room 8.30am Girls to classroom or Prep Hall for Wake and Shake 8.50am - 9.05am Assembly (Mondays, Tuesdays & either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday on rotation) 9.05am - 10.05am Lesson 1 10.05am - 10.25am Break time 10.25am - 11.25am Lesson 2 11.25am - 12.05pm Lesson 3 12.05pm - 1.10pm Lunch Clubs 1.10pm - 1.30pm Clubs or return to classrooms 1.30pm - 2.30pm Lesson 4 2.30pm - 2.45pm Break time 2.45pm - 3.30pm Lesson 5 (Pre-Prep) 2.45pm - 3.45pm Lesson 5 (Prep 3 - Prep 6) 3.45pm - 6.00pm Homework Club Clubs
Senior School
Timings Activity
7.15am Wake up call for boarders 8.00am Day pupils can arrive Boarders’ breakfast 8.45am - 9.05am Registration Assembly (Mondays & either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday on rotation) 9.05am - 10.05am Period 1 10.05am - 10.25am Break time
Luce Magistra | 17 Timings Activity
10.25am - 11.25am Lesson 2 11.25am - 12.30pm Lesson 3 12.30pm - 1.30pm Lunch Rehearsals Clubs 1.30pm - 1.40pm Registration 1.40pm - 2.40pm Lesson 4 2.45pm - 3.45pm Lesson 5 3.45pm - 5.30pm Homework Club Sports practices Rehearsals Activities Clubs 5.30pm Day pupils are expected to have left the school grounds, except those involved in evening activities/events or to join Prep School Homework Club 6.30pm - 8.30pm Prep for boarders 11.00pm Boarding Houses locked and alarmed
The School has a Duke of Edinburgh Award Drugs Policy which is available on request. For further information please contact main school Truro High School has a zero tolerance reception by calling 01872 272830 or emailing approach towards the possession and/or use of [email protected] illegal drugs.
Our Drugs and Substances Policy can be found E-Safety on our website. Prep School pupils are always supervised when they are using school computers. There is a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme of E-safety lessons built into the Scheme Computing curriculum and the subject is also covered during assemblies and PSHE lessons. The School runs the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at Bronze, Silver and Gold At the beginning of each academic year form levels. Pupils enter Bronze in Year 9, Silver in tutors in the Senior School go through the Year 10 and Gold in the Sixth Form. There is a School’s Acceptable Use Policy with pupils. charge for taking part which covers the cost of Pupils are also reminded of this policy each entry and expeditions.
Luce Magistra | 18 time they log on to a school computer. A copy many extra-curricular clubs as possible and of the policy is available on request. every effort is made to avoid clashes and to enable them to participate in all of the activities E-safety and cyber-bullying are issues which they choose. Although club membership is face all teenagers in the modern world. As such, entirely voluntary, girls are expected to attend a the School has a duty to provide help, guidance club regularly for the term once they have and support to pupils on these. They are dealt committed to it. with as part of our PSHE programme. Senior School Our Online Safety and Mobile Devices Policy is We expect all pupils in Years 7-9 to take part in available on our website. at least one extra-curricular activity each term to broaden and develop their interests. Pupils in Years 10-13 are also encouraged to further their Electrical Equipment interests by attending and increasingly taking on roles of responsibility in school clubs and By law all electrical items brought onto school societies. premises for use are subject to a PAT electrical check. Day pupils below the Sixth Form should Boarders not bring electrical equipment to School. House There is a programme of weekend outings for Parents or the Head of Sixth Form & Careers boarders, which is available on our website. must be informed about any such items that are Most outings are included in the school fees, brought into the School. though occasionally an additional charge is made. In such circumstances parents’ English as an Additional Language permission is always sought in advance. The School has a specialist English as an Form Tutors Additional Language (EAL) teacher who offers lessons to all pupils for whom English is not the Prep School first language. There is an additional charge for From Reception through to Prep 5 the majority such lessons. of lessons will be taught by the class teacher, who will be responsible for the overall academic Our EAL Policy is available on our website. For and pastoral care of your daughter. In Prep 6 further information please contact Mrs Rachel pupils are taught by a wide range of specialist Westley, Head of Learning Support, on staff, but the class teacher is still the first port of [email protected]. call for any queries, both academic and pastoral.
Senior School Extra-Curricular Activities The form tutor is central in both caring for pupils and, crucially, monitoring their progress We offer a full and varied programme of extra- both academically and socially during their time curricular activities before school, during at Truro High School. The form tutor will be lunchtimes and after school, which is updated aware of friendship patterns, family structures, and published at the start of each term and is leisure interests, contents of pupil records, available on our website. social development, problems at home/school and relationships with other pupils and staff. Prep School The form tutor will encourage involvement, A limited number of clubs are open to girls in commitment, and high standards of work and Pre-Prep but the majority of them become behaviour from all members of the form and available for girls from Prep 3 upwards. For will be active in looking after the interests of the Prep School girls a list of available activities is ‘whole child’. sent home at the beginning of each term and parents are asked to indicate which clubs their In many cases the class teacher or form tutor daughter will be attending and then sign and will be the first point of contact for parents and return this form. There is a cost associated with we encourage all parents to foster close links some clubs. Girls are encouraged to try out as
Luce Magistra | 19 with them. Email addresses of all teachers are Health Centre is on the ground floor of available on our website. Dalvenie House by the Dining Room. It is staffed by a qualified nurse from 8:30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours Governors the nurse is on call for advice, unexpected illness or emergencies amongst the boarding Like most schools, Truro High School has a community. Board of Governors who are responsible for determining the aims and overall strategic The School Nurse will assess any sick or injured direction of the School. In conjunction with the child and, providing the School Medical senior leadership, it sets and reviews the policies, Questionnaire has been completed, basic first plans and procedures that will ensure the best aid and paracetamol will be given if necessary possible education for present and future pupils and if consent has been given. For day pupils, a of the School. The Governing Body is letter informing parents of what has occurred responsible for ensuring the proper control of will then be sent home by hand and by post, or the School’s finances. It is also responsible for email and a phone call will be made if necessary. ensuring compliance with regulation, with the guidance of the Charity Commission and with If a pupil becomes unwell or injures themselves the law, including the Companies Act 2006. whilst in the School, she must report initially to Main Reception. The receptionist will contact The current Chair of Governors is Mr John the Health Centre, and the school nurse will Keast. He and any other governor can be initiate treatment. Parents or house staff will be contacted by email on contacted where appropriate. [email protected] or by post (c/o the Clerk to the Governors at the main school address). Health Checks
A list of Governors, together with brief Prep 1 pupils are offered a hearing test through biographies, is available on the School’s website. the Royal Cornwall Hospital’s Audiology Department. Parents will be informed of this in advance and asked to give their permission. Hair It is a requirement of entry that a medical Prep School information card is completed. These cards are Hair should be neat and tidy and pinned back kept for reference by the School Nurse and are off the face. Long hair must be tied in bunches, confidential to Health Centre staff. The plaits or ponytails using hair ties or bobbles in information enables them to give informed care green, black, brown or beige. Beaded braids should your child ever need medical help during acquired on holiday may be worn for a short the school day and makes them aware of pupils’ while by agreement with staff. individual medical needs. This applies equally to boarding and day children. This health card is in Senior School addition to the consent and medical details Hair should be neat and tidy and pinned back required for trips away from the School to off the face and it must be a uniform and which teaching staff have access. natural colour. Pupils in Years 7-11 must tie back long hair using hair ties in school colours. It is the School’s policy that the School Nurse medically examines all senior day and boarding It is important that hair does not constitute a pupils during their first year at the School. hazard in any activities which pupils undertake at School. Higher Education
Health Centre Pupils are given a great deal of support and guidance as they start to consider higher The School maintains well-equipped medical education options. Below the Sixth Form and first aid services during term time. The
Luce Magistra | 20 careers and higher education form an important impact on children’s learning; Reading, Spelling part of the PSHE curriculum. Preparation and Mental Mathematics. All other home sessions and support for pupils considering a learning will be optional and child initiated as we career in Medicine or Veterinary Science start in believe it should inspire further learning and Year 10. Guidance and support form an interest. important component of the Sixth Form curriculum. Pupils are guided through the whole Teachers allocate consolidation Maths work on higher education process by their Sixth Form the online platform ActiveLearn, or in another tutor, subject teachers and the Head of Sixth form, which girls can choose to do if they feel Form & Careers. they need that extra bit of consolidation to embed their learning. In addition to this, girls For further information on higher education will be enrolled on a coding course, in Touch guidance and support please contact the Head Typing Club and Sumdog which they can work of Sixth Form & Careers. on independently at home or at school.
Other tasks are in the form of longer-term Holiday Work projects on topics chosen by the girls themselves. These tasks are optional although Prep School Prep 6 pupils are expected to complete at least The girls at Truro High Prep School work very one project-based task each term. hard during the term time and many of them have very busy holidays. It is therefore not our Senior School policy to give holiday work. However, on Each pupil in Years 7-9 has a homework occasions, project work may extend over a timetable indicating which homework task is to holiday period and sometimes suggestions may be done each evening. In Year 7 there will be be made for voluntary activities to be completed two or three 20-minute homework tasks, with over the holiday. Girls are encouraged to bring increasing amounts in Years 8 and 9. In Years in work that they have completed at home 10 and 11 there will be one hour per subject, per during the holidays and share it with their week, together with an expectation to meet classmates. Appropriate praise and rewards will coursework and controlled assessment be given in the form of stars which count deadlines. Each pupil has a homework diary towards House Points. (called a Prep Diary) in which to record their homework. Senior School Pupils in Years 7-9 will not routinely be set In the Sixth Form pupils have a greater homework during holidays, though from time to responsibility for organising their own work and time they may be set project work. Subjects for completing assignments, both large and whose lessons fall on the last day before a small, by the appropriate time. holiday may still set a regular homework as during term time. Pupils in Year 10-13 can expect homework, given they are preparing for Houses public examinations. There are four houses – Benson, Hedley, Tremayne and Trevosa – each with their own Homework distinctive colour. Every pupil is assigned to one of these houses on first entry to the School. Prep School Pupils stay with this house throughout their We believe that home learning should be time at Truro High School. Members of staff enjoyable and manageable for all concerned. are also assigned to houses.
Prep School home learning is divided into Each house has two House Prefects from compulsory and optional tasks to allow the amongst the Sixth Form and a Senior School flexibility to suit each family’s circumstances. staff member as Head of House. Compulsory home learning consists of the activities that we consider to have the maximum
Luce Magistra | 21 In the Prep School charts are kept recording group of friends with whom to swap first day house points gained through house stars stories. awarded to individuals and through inter-house activities. A trophy is awarded termly to the house with the most points for that term. Insurance
Pupils in the Senior School receive house points Although the School has all the necessary cover for the following: that is legally required for the girls whilst they 1. Attitude to learning; are in School, as with most schools this does not 2. Progress/achievement in learning; extend to the personal effects of day pupils. 3. Resilience and resourcefulness; 4. Acts of kindness/helpfulness; Please contact the Bursar if you would like 5. Punctuality; further details. 6. Contribution to house events; 6. Representing the School. Jewellery There are a number of inter-house competitions which take place each year. These will usually Prep School include a swimming gala, sports day, cross The wearing of jewellery by girls is not allowed, country, various team sports, problem solving apart from simple studs (one in each ear) for activities, and art and craft competitions. pierced ears, small religious symbols and watches. The House Cup is awarded at the end of each academic year to the house which has collected Senior School the most house points across the whole school. No jewellery should be worn except for a watch, a small religious symbol and one pair of simple studs or sleepers in the earlobes. Other jewellery Induction of New Pupils will be confiscated. No parts of the body, apart from earlobes, may be pierced. Every pupil new to the School will have the special help and attention of a ‘buddy’ or fellow pupil who will be responsible for making sure Learning Support that she is able to find all the places necessary to her, as well as the staff, and know the routines Truro High School has a specialist department of the school day. In addition to this, each pupil of experienced and qualified teachers trained to is made aware of all those who are able to help support girls with dyslexia and other specific in matters great or small: teachers, form tutors, learning difficulties. All pupils who attend for school nurse, prefects and others. We believe all individual lessons are assessed using a variety of these things help our new pupils to settle in standardised tests to provide a learning profile quickly and happily. for them. They will then follow an individual, multi-sensory, structured, cumulative New international boarders have a three-day programme. Study skills and revision techniques induction which takes place before the start of are also covered. In addition to curriculum and the Michaelmas term. The programme is study support, the department promotes an designed to help the girls settle into their new ‘open door’ policy where pupils are welcome to surroundings, get used to the practicalities of come in and chat. boarding life and prepare for their first day of school. It is a fun and useful way for staff and All new pupils to the Senior School are screened boarders to get to know each other and much for dyslexia using specialist software during their emphasis is put on ice breaker games, local trips first term at the School. and gentle evening entertainments. By the time School starts, girls have their uniforms arranged, Overseas pupils who may require EAL are have been introduced to their tutors, know their assessed on entry to the School and lessons are way around the School and have a brand new scheduled to provide support at the correct level. Lessons are normally within small groups
Luce Magistra | 22 and pupils work towards the First Certificate in These lockers are able to be padlocked for English and GCSE English or IELTS. security. Girls are asked not to leave their possessions lying around the campus, nor For Learning Support lesson charges please see should they leave items in the changing areas. the fees page on the School’s website. We ask that all property be clearly named, as this helps staff to return any lost things promptly. Our Learning Support Policy can be found on Unnamed items are put out regularly in the our website. foyer, so that they can be reclaimed. We do not encourage girls to bring valuable items into School and they must take responsibility for Library these, should they choose to do so. If an important item cannot be found, a girl may ask Prep School her tutor to put a notice on the School’s The Prep School has its own library largely run electronic noticeboard on her behalf. by the older Prep School pupils under the supervision of staff. All girls are encouraged to use it and borrow books from it. The library Matches benefits each year from the annual Prep School Book Fair, which is a popular event with both Girls compete against other local schools, as staff and children. Prep 6 are also able to use well as sometimes further afield. Parents are the Senior Library. warmly invited to support our sports teams. Details and consent forms are given to the girls Senior School who attend these clubs if they are chosen to The Senior School Library is an integral part of play in a match. school life, housing a collection of over 20,000 books, journals, periodicals and DVDs. As well An up-to-date sports fixture list is available on as supporting the academic curriculum and our website. independent learning, the library also encourages reading for pleasure and social Any queries can be directed to our Director of engagement with book groups, popular games PE, Miss Kat Barbery-Redd, on and competitions. The library is a valuable [email protected] resource used by both pupils and teachers. Meals Lost Property Lunch is included within the cost of the fees for Prep School day girls, and all meals are included for boarders. All property should be clearly labelled with the child’s name in order to ensure that mislaid It is compulsory for the girls to attend lunch. items are returned as quickly as possible. When a commitment prevents this, arrangements will be made for a packed lunch. Lost property in the Prep School is collected in a box in the cloakroom. Girls and parents are All meals at Truro High School are taken in our welcome to look through this at any time to Dining Room. Our catering department is search for specific items. The box is emptied outsourced to Sodexo, who produce high periodically and the contents displayed in an quality, healthy food. A three-week menu is effort to return as many items as possible to published in advance and the menu is available their owners. If parents are concerned about on our website. particular items of lost property they should alert any member of Prep staff and a specific If your child has special dietary requirements search will be launched. please contact the School Nurse, Head of Prep or Deputy Head. Senior School All girls in Years 7-11 are provided with a locker Day pupils are able to attend breakfast or for the storage of spare books and sports kit. supper by prior arrangement. There is an additional charge for this.
Luce Magistra | 23 Medication Mobile Phones
Medication brought to School should be named, We understand that many pupils will want to and should be in the receptacle that it was bring mobile phones to School. administered in. It must be accompanied by full, clear instructions regarding its administration, In the Prep School pupils are not allowed together with a signed, dated request that it be mobile phones with them during the school day. administered in school, as specified, to the If they do need to bring one into School, it named pupil. It must be handed into the School should be given to their classroom teacher for Nurse to store and administer. safe keeping during the day.
When medication is to be collected at the end In the Senior School mobile phones must be of the day, it should be by the pupil (Senior switched off and out of sight during the school School/Day Girls only) or Head of Boarding, day (8.45am - 3.45pm). Sixth Form pupils are Prep teacher or parent from the School Nurse. permitted to use mobile phones in the Sixth Form Centre. Any misuse of mobile phones is No medication other than inhalers should be liable to lead to the phone being removed from carried about in school by a child or left in the the pupil. cloakroom. If a girl needs to call a parent during the school The staff and the School Nurse will refuse to day, she may go to Main Reception and ask to administer any medication that is not properly use the phone there. Equally, the school labelled with the appropriate instructions. receptionist is always happy to pass on messages from parents to pupils. You can call the school reception on 01872 272 830. MIST
In November 2015 Truro High School joined Music Tuition the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST). MIST is a nationwide educational Individual instrumental and singing lessons are charity with a strong presence in the South available to all pupils. Requests for lessons and West. The charity has substantial heritage and their cost should be sent in writing or emailed to includes twelve wholly-owned independent Mr Rob Norman, our Director of Music, on schools as well as additional schools aligned to [email protected]. the Trust. All the schools have strong reputations in their local area and benefit from After an initial ‘trial’ term the School expects opportunities to share best practice. Although one term’s notice in writing if lessons are to MIST is a Methodist organisation, it welcomes cease. Music teachers will usually charge a term’s pupils, staff and parents of all religious fees in lieu of insufficient notice. This denominations and those with no declared arrangement is designed to protect the visiting religion. teachers, who cannot normally replace pupils at short notice. It is essential that pupils’ All schools in the group share a similar ethos; instruments are clearly marked on the inside and they are inclusive communities focused on outside of the case. Music reports will be meeting the needs of each individual and written in the Summer term. promoting the broadest principles of all-round education, seeking to get the best from everyone. All the schools’ populations are Notice ethnically, religiously and socio-economically diverse. The most recent schools to join the See Accounts & Fees above. group have had no previous Methodist affiliation. Truro High School remains a Church of England school.
Luce Magistra | 24 Parents’ Meetings guidance, investigate and take action against cyberbullies even when incidents have not taken Parents’ meetings take place for each year group place on school premises. on one or two occasions each academic year. It is an opportunity for parents to discuss their Our Peer on Peer Abuse Policy can be found on daughter’s progress with her teachers. our website. In the Senior School pupils usually attend the Personal Possessions meetings with their parents. The School cannot be held responsible for any Senior School meetings take place in the Main possessions, including money or valuables, Hall, while Prep School meetings take place in which are mislaid, lost or stolen. Lending and individual classrooms or the Prep Hall. borrowing money, buying or selling or exchanging personal possessions are allowed Parent-Teacher Association only with the permission of form tutors. Money should be kept on the person of the The PTA is the parents’ group which covers pupil or lodged with form tutors. Boarders in both the Prep and Senior Schools. All those Year 11 and below are advised to ‘bank’ pocket with parental responsibility are automatically money with their House Staff. Money or members. The AGM is held in the first few valuables must not be left unattended in bags or weeks of the Summer term each year. blazers and when not on the person of the pupil should be kept under ‘lock and key’ in lockers or Details of meetings are advertised in the other suitable storage. School’s weekly bulletin which is sent to parents every Friday. Prep School Girls have drawers in their classrooms to store You can contact the PTA by email on personal possessions. They are also allocated a [email protected]. hook in the cloakroom for outdoor and sports clothing. All such clothing should be clearly A PTA fee of £15 is levied annually on the marked with their names. If a precious item has school bill of each family. If you would like to to be brought to School for any reason, it opt out, please contact the Accounts should be given to their teacher for safekeeping. Department. Senior School All pupils in Years 7-11 are allocated a lockable Peer on Peer Abuse Policy locker provided for the storage of books and personal possessions. Sixth Form pupils are Bullying is not tolerated at Truro High School. allocated storage space within the Sixth Form Pupils should report any incidents to a member Centre. of staff, who will ensure that the matter is fully investigated. Personal, Social, Health and A girl who deliberately causes unhappiness to Economic Education (PSHE) others must expect to be dealt with firmly. Serious incidents will be recorded and reported PSHE education is a planned programme of to the Headmistress. learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding We expect girls to be loyal to their friends and and skills they need to manage their lives now contemporaries and they should support each and in the future. As part of a whole school other by reporting any instances of bullying, or approach, PSHE develops the qualities and saying if they believe that another girl is at risk. attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. Bullying includes cyberbullying and the School will, within the parameters of statutory
Luce Magistra | 25 Truro High School recognises and nurtures each Plagiarism pupil as a unique person. We are dedicated to developing in our pupils the qualities and skills Plagiarism is using the work of others without necessary to become safe, healthy, confident, acknowledgement. It can include copying, self-motivated and independent individuals paraphrasing and presenting other people’s ideas prepared for the responsibilities of adult life and and theories as one’s own. their own economic well-being. Pupils are taught about plagiarism at Truro High Prep School School and, as a practice, it is not tolerated. In Prep School a comprehensive PSHE Senior School pupils can expect to be asked to programme covers many aspects of the redo plagiarised work and further sanctions may spiritual, moral, social and cultural development be applied for repeat offenders. of the pupil. Plagiarism within coursework is a particularly Senior School serious offence and will be dealt with by the In Years 7-11 PSHE lessons are taught weekly Deputy Head. on a Wednesday afternoon and are delivered by the form tutors, the school nurse, guest speakers and topic specialists. They cover a wide range of Prep Diary topics including alcohol and drug awareness, sex and relationships and fundamental British Every pupil is given a prep diary in which they values. should record their homework and other diary items. The Senior School diary also contains the For further details of the PSHE programme in school rules. Parents should check this Years 7-13, please contact Mrs Lisa van der Lem document regularly. It can be used as a means on [email protected] of communication between parents and class teachers or form tutors, and parents are Sixth Form encouraged to write comments in it. The Sixth Form PSHE programme aims to give the girls the opportunity to develop both Boarders who go home infrequently will have educationally, emotionally and physically. PSHE their prep diaries checked by form tutors. is compulsory and will be vital to enable us to guide pupils through all aspects of Sixth Form life. Printing
The programme includes workshops on Each term every day pupil is given £8.00 worth personal statements, UCAS, student finance, of printer credits, while boarders receive £10.00. interviews and university preparation. It will also If this amount is exceeded then permission is include self-assessment and tutor reviews, gained to put an extra amount on the school workshops to help with the EPQ, self-defence, bill. cookery and other activities. The programme also introduces the girls to new physical Throughout most of the School a ‘follow me’ activities and ways of alleviating and controlling print system is used. This means girls require a stress which will help them live a balanced, digital entry fob in order to print. active and healthy lifestyle.
Through tutor reviews and tracking, tutors are Publicity able to monitor both the personal and academic development of the girls as well looking after The School, its parents and its pupils love to their general well-being. celebrate successes. We are especially proud that the media are showing an increasing interest in the achievements of the School and its pupils. We are also proud to show off our School and our pupils in promotional details.
Luce Magistra | 26 If you would like further information please The ‘Effort’ comment, awarded for endeavour contact the Director of Communications, Mrs as opposed to achievement and can be one of Sarah Lillicrap on [email protected]. the following: - Consistently good; - Generally good; Reports - More effort required.
Prep School The possible comments for the ‘Approach to Michaelmas Term Work’ categories (behaviour, self-organisation, Pre-Prep - Prep 5 oral contribution and presentation) are: There is a pastoral meeting in the first half of - Consistently good; the term with the form teachers. - Generally good; - More effort required. Prep 6 During the second half of the term there are Senior School parent / teacher interviews with all relevant Parents will receive either an Interim Report or staff. a Full Report each term for pupils in Years 7-10, including one at the end of the academic year. Pre-Prep - Prep 6 Pupils in Year 11 have an Interim Report in the Interim reports are taken home at the e n d o f Michaelmas term and a Full Report in the Lent the term. term. Year 12 will have a Full Report in the Lent term and and Year 13 will have a Full Report in Lent Term both the Michaelmas and Lent terms. Reception The Foundation Stage Profile is sent home for parents to see before the end of the term Safeguarding and Child Protection followed by parent / teacher interviews. Truro High School has a duty to safeguard and Prep 1-6 promote the welfare of children who are its Interim reports are sent home before the end of pupils. This responsibility necessitates a child the term followed by parent / teacher protection policy and procedures, and the interviews. School may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there Summer Term are concerns about a child’s welfare. Full written reports on all subjects, including the results of any standardised tests, are posted The Head of Prep School, Miss Annabel home at the end of the term. Ramsey is the designated Safeguarding lead and Miss Deb Freeman and Mrs Dawn Kingston act Report Formats as her deputies. Girls from Prep 1 upwards are awarded ‘grade comments’ in each report as explained below. Our policy on Child Protection and In addition to this, they also receive a general Safeguarding can be found on our website. comment in their Michaelmas report and full written comments for all subjects in the Summer report. Scholarships and Bursaries
The ‘Achievement’ comment combines Details of scholarships and bursaries can be classwork, homework and test grades and can found on our website. be one of the following: - Well above expected level; Except where an application is made because of - Above expected level; a change in financial circumstances, we expect - At expected level; bursary applications to be made before the offer - Towards expected level; of a place is accepted. - Below expected level.
Luce Magistra | 27 Security Social Media
The School takes the security of its pupils and The School has its own Facebook page. By staff very seriously. External doors are ‘liking’ the page you will get regular updates of controlled by a digital entry system which what’s happening at School. The page is updated requires a fob to gain access. All pupils in Prep a number of times per day. 3 and above are issued with their own fob. The fob is specific to them and pupils are asked to You can also follow us on Twitter @TruroHigh keep it safe and not to share it. If a girl loses her and Instagram at trurohighschoolforgirls. fob she must inform a teacher so that it can be deactivated. There is a £6.00 charge issued for replacement fobs. Strategic Plan
All visitors to the site are required to sign in at In November 2015 the Governors published the the main receptions and are issued with an ID School’s strategic plan, which outlines the badge. The only exception to this is parents priorities and aims for Truro High School dropping off or collecting their daughters at the through to 2020. The plan is available on our start and end of the school day. Staff will website. challenge people on the campus who they do not recognise if they are not badged. Swimming Pool Sixth Form Centre The School has its own 22-metre swimming pool. Swimming lessons are part of the PE The Sixth Form Centre is open for all Sixth curriculum at all levels. Many girls take up the Form pupils Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to extra-curricular opportunities in swimming as 6.00pm. The centre is for the sole use of Truro well. High School Sixth Form pupils. Term Dates Smoking Published term dates are available on our This is a non-smoking environment. Vaping and website. e-cigarettes are also banned from the site.
Pupils caught smoking or vaping, or with the Trips relevant equipment for doing so, or in the presence of others doing so, can expect a The School’s policy is to encourage the sanction to be imposed. exploration of the local and the regional environment and all classes go on educational visits which take them off school premises. Snacks Such visits are always carefully planned and the School follows the guidance that the Cornwall The Prep School operates a healthy snack policy. LEA has produced on the planning and conduct Girls may have fruit and/or cheese at morning of school trips. We always inform parents in Rec. This can be brought from home or advance of such visits and where appropriate provided by the School at a small charge. you will be asked to sign a parental consent form. At the beginning of each academic year Girls staying for an after-school club will be we ask parents to give consent for all local trips given a drink and a snack before commencing which involve minimal risks and take place their activity. There is a small charge for this. during the school day.
There is a vending machine located outside the Dining Room. It is managed by our caterers, Sodexo.
Luce Magistra | 28 Uniform will be publicised in the weekly school newsletter. All Prep and Senior students wear uniform which can be purchased from Castle Sports & Please note that all uniform belongings must be Uniform Ltd at 23 High Street, Falmouth and clearly labelled with your daughter’s name. available both in-store and online at www.castlesports.co.uk. Wifi
A full uniform list can be found on the Wifi is installed in various areas of the Prep and following pages. Boarders will be advised Senior Schools. It is available throughout individually of which items they will need to Rashleigh House and in the communal areas of purchase on arrival. Dalvenie House. It is also available in the Sixth Form Centre. The School plans to increase its There is some second hand uniform available at wifi provision in the coming years. the School. The shop opens regularly and dates
Uniform List
Item Pre-Prep Prep (P3-P6) Senior Green waterproof coat √ √ Own plain dark smart raincoat or anorak (no logos) √ Balmoral tartan pinafore dress √ Balmoral tartan skirt (no shorter than 10cm above the knee) √ √ Green Blazer Prep 6 only √ White open-neck shirt with revere collar (short or long sleeve) √ √ √ Green cardigan with crest √ Green jumper with crest √ √ Green tights (to be worn with Winter uniform only) √ √ Black tights √ Green knee-length socks - optional in winter only √ √ White ankle socks (not sports socks or trainer liners) - optional in summer only √ √ Black ankle socks (not sports socks or trainer liners) - optional in summer only √ Black formal leather shoes (no heels) √ √ √ Green tartan summer dress √ √ Plain black PE holdall or sports holdall √ √ Red drawstring PE bag √
Luce Magistra | 29 Item Pre-Prep Prep (P3-P6) Senior Jade polo shirt √ Jade/black hockey shirt √ √ Striped hockey socks √ √ Jade sweatshirt √ Black hoodie √ √ THS black skort √ √ √ THS black leggings √ √ √ Tracksuit (optional) √ √ Training shoes √ √ √ Swimming towel (any) √ √ √ Swimming costume √ √ Plain dark one-piece swimsuit √ Swimming hat √ √ √ Hockey shin pads √ √ Mouthguard √ √ Hockey stick (optional) √ √ Tennis racquet (optional) √ √ Hockey astro shoes (optional) √ Plain black rucksack with padded straps and minimal logo - Years 10 and 11 may √ √ have a bag of more than one colour Book bag √ School sun hat √ √ Green fleece hat (optional) √ √ Green, brown or black hair bobbles or ribbons. White may be worn in summer √ √ √ term. Apron or old shirt for Art √ √ Green lab coat for Art and Science √ Scientific calculator √ No more than a wristwatch, one pair of plain gold/silver Jewellery studs (one in ear earlobe) and/or crucifix (inside shirt) are the only items allowed Girls are permitted to wear their own clothes which should Sixth Form be smart and business-like. Pupils who do not conform to the correct standard may be asked to go home and change • All items of clothing should be clearly labelled with your daughter’s name • Winter uniform must be worn from Michaelmas Term half-term until Lent Term half-term. It may be worn from the start of Michaelmas Term until the end of Lent Term Luce Magistra | 30 Prep ● Senior ● Sixth Form ● Boarding
Truro High School for Girls Falmouth Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2HU T 01872 272830 E [email protected] W trurohigh.co.uk
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