Reading Blue Coat School Sixth Form Information Booklet 2018-2019

1

WELCOME

Dear Parents

We look forward to your son or daughter joining the Sixth Form at Reading Blue Coat School in September. Many of our former pupils describe the Sixth Form as the highlight of their education; it is a time when they discovered both their academic and extra-curricular passions whilst forming life-long friendships. In these two years we hope our Sixth Formers will develop the confidence and skills needed to flourish both at university and in the workplace.

In the Sixth Form, a close and active partnership between School and parents is essential in order to ensure the pupils thrive. Blue Coat is a busy and purposeful place, and we enjoy welcoming parents to events such as sports fixtures, drama performances and concerts. I hope to see you at some of these events in the coming terms, and I wish your son or daughter every success at Reading Blue Coat School.

Jesse Elzinga Headmaster CONTENTS

Our aims and ethos...... 5

Looking after your son or daughter...... 6

Who’s who...... 7

Communication...... 10

Some Useful Contacts...... 12 Getting to School...... 13

Getting Ready...... 14

Uniform guidelines...... 14 GCSE Results...... 16

Starting...... 18

Up and Running...... 19

Learning...... 22

Learning Support...... 24

Sport...... 25

Music , Music Tuition and LAMDA...... 26

Medical Department Information...... 28

Clubs and Activities...... 30

Chaplains/Prayer Group...... 31

Appendix 1: Term and Holiday Dates 2018 - 2019...... 33

Appendix 2: Schedule of Fees and Charges for 2018 - 2019...... 34

Appendix 3: School Uniform and Sportswear...... 36

Appendix 4: School Coach and Public Bus Information ...... 38

We realise that there is a lot of information packed into this booklet, so - rather than stressing about reading and digesting each and every piece of information immediately - why not just dip in when you need it? OUR AIMS AND ETHOS

Aims

• To foster a stimulating, friendly and supportive atmosphere that enables personal growth and social development, and to provide a nurturing environment in which all our pupils feel valued and cared for;

• To encourage in every pupil the development of self discipline, responsibility, spiritual awareness and a personal moral code within a Christian framework, leading to the highest possible standards of behaviour, consideration for others and a pride in him or herself and the School;

• To encourage the growth of intellectual curiosity, creativity and the habits of learning, in order to help each and every pupil achieve his or her potential;

• To provide a well-qualified staff of varied talents and strong commitment, who will enable our pupils to thrive and enjoy their education;

• To pursue active and open collaboration with parents;

• To promote an awareness of the world outside school and a sense of service to the local and wider community;

• To prepare pupils for life after school, in particular promoting an awareness of higher education and career possibilities;

• To offer a wide range of co-curricular activities through which pupils can develop their social, sporting, cultural and intellectual abilities.

Ethos

• This School is founded on mutual respect, tolerance and courtesy. We expect all members of our community to show consideration for others at all times;

• We relish our opportunities to develop our intellectual, sporting and cultural abilities and make the most of our time both in and out of the classroom;

• There is no place for apathy and cynicism in our community. We will make the most of our abilities at all times and encourage others to do the same;

• We are an open and friendly community. We welcome guests and display politeness and consideration in all our dealings with them;

• We are proud of our fellow pupils and the School as a whole and consequently take pride in our collective achievements;

• We recognise our place in the local and wider community to do our best to develop our links with them;

• We show care, consideration and courtesy in all that we do. 5 LOOKING AFTER YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER

Houses, Tutors and Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is hugely important to us at Blue Coat. On joining the School, your son or daughter will become a member of one of our four Houses: Boys’ school ties should include the appropriate colour stripe. Aldworth: Malthus: Hall: Rich: Green Blue Yellow Red

Houses are an important focus for students in the School and provide the framework for many sporting and cultural competitions and lots of other enriching activities. It is important for students to get involved both as competitors and as organisers for their House. Students should volunteer their services and believe in their own abilities! This is an excellent chance for them to learn the communication and management skills that they will need later on in life.

Your son or daughter will join a tutor group within the House. The tutor is responsible for his/her pastoral care and for supervising his/her progress in academic work, sport and activities throughout his/her time in Sixth Form. As we operate a vertical tutor group system at Blue Coat, your son or daughter will remain in the same tutor group throughout Sixth Form. Students must ensure that they establish a good relationship with their tutor and remember that it will be the tutor who will write their UCAS or any other reference. Students will meet their tutors at the Induction Day on Monday 2nd July.

Parents, please try to attend the Year 12 Reception Evening for Parents and Tutors on Thursday 26th September. This will be an opportunity for you to meet your son or daughter’s tutor on a one-to-one basis and discuss how he or she is settling in. An invitation will be sent at the start of the Autumn term.

Tutors see their tutees twice a day, once in the morning and once for afternoon registration before lessons get underway. Tutor time is the ideal opportunity to deal with the business of the day and to ensure that progress is being made.

Whole Sixth Form assemblies are arranged twice every half term. When required, Heads of Year will meet with their year group to discuss matters that are specific to Year 12 or Year 13.

The Head of Year 12 for 2018/19 will be Mr Luke Johnson, who will continue as Head of Year for this cohort as they join Year 13 in September 2019.

Please remember that your son or daughter’s tutor is the students and parents’ first port of call for all matters relating to him or her personally. Tutors can be contacted via email.

Sixth Form Council

Each tutor group will have two representatives on the Council, which will meet twice per term. This is an opportunity for students to express their views on issues pertaining to the Sixth Form, including suggestions for improving the facilities and life for all Sixth Formers. Two Council members will be chosen to represent the Sixth Form at School Council meetings. 6 WHO’S WHO

When students first arrive at Blue Coat, these are the some of the people they will come across quite regularly and who they will get to know.

Mr Jesse Elzinga - Headmaster

The Headmaster teaches Religious Studies, Government and Politics, and PSHE, and can occasionally be seen on the river coaching rowing.

Mr Peter Thomas - Second Master

Mr Thomas teaches Geology, Geography and PSHE, and coaches rugby and cricket.

Mr Robert Tidbury - Deputy Head (Academic)

Mr Tidbury teaches Mathematics and coaches netball.

Mr Phil Wise - Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Mr Wise teaches Geography, coaches the 1st XI cricket team, and is the designated Child Protection Officer.

Mr George Morton - Director of Sixth Form

Mr Morton teaches English, is involved with Oxbridge and Careers, and coaches football.

7 WHO’S WHO continued

Mr Luke Johnson - Head Mrs Sarah Berry - Head of Year 12 of Learning Support Mr Johnson is the Head of Government and Politics.

Mrs Alison Dewar - Rev. James Stephenson Assistant Head of Year 12 - Chaplain Mrs Dewar teaches Rev. Stephenson teaches Modern Languages. Psychology and Religious Studies and coaches rowing.

Mrs June Smith - Head Rev. Kate Toogood of Year 13 - Associate Chaplain Mrs Smith teaches Physics Rev. Toogood teaches and is responsible for Mathematics. preparing applicants for Medicine.

Mr James Leigh - Assistant Head of Year 13 Mr Leigh teaches History and is a rowing coach.

Ms Louise Howard - Sixth Form and Careers Administrator

Further staff profiles can be found on our website: www.rbcs.org.uk

8 9 COMMUNICATION

As mentioned before, your son or daughter’s tutor is your If you have any further queries, please check out the first point of reference when you need to contact the Frequently Asked Questions on the portal, where you can School. Tutors do work closely with the Head of Year and find help and links to video tutorials. subject teachers and may well suggest getting in touch directly with one of them. To get started, please go to the link below and choose ‘forgot your password’. You will need to use the My School Portal™ email address held by the School as your username. The portal provides you with a convenient way to Alternatively, if the email address held for you is a Google communicate with the School, and is your single port of or Microsoft one, you may choose to sign in with Google call. It can be used on any device, including mobiles - there or Microsoft. is no app to install, just a website link to put on the desktop http://rbcs.myschoolportal.co.uk/login of your mobile/tablet/pc. Calendar Booklet You are able to view: At the beginning of each term, your son or daughter will Calendar - All event information is detailed on a view- be issued with a copy of a pocket-sized calendar booklet, at-a-glance calendar. Sports fixtures and results show which contains details of the term’s events and activities. a personalised view for each student. The calendar is automatically updated with up-to-date information Email from schoolssports.com. The calendar can be filtered by Email is one of the most effective ways for you to your son/daughter’s year group and also synced to your communicate with tutors and staff. Although teachers personal calendar. are encouraged to respond promptly, the nature of their Email integration - Our BluesPost communication responsibilities and duties may make an instantaneous response unlikely. Please also note that during holiday tool integrates with the portal. All email dialogue is periods we cannot guarantee that teaching staff will access stored within the Blue Coat portal. This means no more their school email. searching for that elusive email or waiting for the school A full list of staff email addresses is available in the calendar to open at 08:00. You may reply to emails from within the booklet. You may also send messages via Reception. portal. Please remember to indicate in the Subject space for My children - You will be able to view specific details whom the message is intended, e.g. Attn: Mr Meehan re about your son or daughter on one simple dashboard and music rehearsals. will be able to report an absence and make a specific leave request. You will also find: Messages home • Timetable (NB This will not be available until the first A weekly message via BluesPost is sent to all parents day of term) each Friday to keep you up to date with events and other • School reports important information such as examinations, sports • Contact information for your son/daughter’s teachers fixtures, rehearsals and upcoming trips. My details - From here you can advise the School of changes to your contact details of your son/daughter’s Mobile devices medical/dietary details. Students are permitted to bring mobile phones and iPods Event booking - Event letters are stored in one area and (or the equivalent) into school. Our mobile device policy secure booking is available for certain events. states that pupils are only permitted to use their phones in Parent Directory - The optional Parent Directory allows Common Rooms at break and lunchtimes, ir on the direct you to connect with other parents who have opted into instruction of a member of staff. Any expensive items need the Directory in your son/daughter’s tutor or year group. to be stored securely in the lockers that are provided for Please note that Classlist will be phased out over time. each student.

10 Parents’ Evenings and reporting Social Media At Blue Coat, each student receives a formal written report You can follow us on Twitter @ReadingBlues, Facebook once a year. In Year 12, this is produced at the end of the https://www.facebook.com/ReadingBlueCoatl/ or Spring Term and, in Year 13, at the end of the Autumn Term. Instagram readingbluecoatschool for more updates on They also receive grades every half term based on their events in School. We also have a Pinterest page https:// attainment and commitment to learning. Full details of the uk.pinterest.com/ReadingBlueCoat/, where we post School’s Assessment, Marking and Reporting Policy are many more photos of school events and trips. available to view on the School’s website. Blues News Schoolssports.com This publication highlights the events/successes of the All sports training and fixture information, match school term and a copy is sent home with students each reports and results are available on Blue Coat’s page on term. Schoolssports.com, which you can access from the school portal. Photography It is customary for us to include photographs or images in Student Planner the School’s promotional materials such as the website. All students are given a student planner on their first day of We would not disclose the home address of any student term. Students should record all homework in here. Rules without the parent’s consent. If you do not want your son or and regulations are included in the planner and your son or daughter’s photograph or image to be used, please ensure daughter should familiarise him- or herself with these. your son or daughter is aware of this and send formal notification to the Headmaster.

We are always grateful to parents whose photographs READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL have helped liven up our publications and social media. If you are a good photographer and have a fantastic shot to SIXTH FORM share, please send it to Marjie Thorne, our Marketing and STUDENT PLANNER Communications Officer, at [email protected]. 2018/19 Messages Please do not try to telephone or text your son or daughter between 08:45 – 13.00 and 14:10 – 16:10. If something is really urgent, please call main Reception on 0118 944 1005 and we will get a message to him or her as soon and as appropriately as possible.

Contacting other parents The School belongs to classlist.com, a virtual school gate community to enable you to contact other parents in the year, about anything from lost property to play dates, lift shares etc: Please register at www.classlist.com. Please note this facility is optional for you to join..

NAME: TUTOR GROUP:

11 SOME USEFUL CONTACTS

Reading Blue Coat School Ms Louise Howard Holme Park Sixth Form and Careers Administrator Sonning on Thames [email protected] Berks, RG4 6SU Mr Luke Johnson Main Reception Head of Year 12 0118 944 1005 [email protected] [email protected] Mrs Alison Dewar Mr Jesse Elzinga Assistant Head of Year 12 Headmaster [email protected] [email protected] Mrs June Smith Mrs Katie Abbott Head of Year 13 Headmaster’s Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Mr James Leigh Mr Peter Thomas Assistant Head of Year 13 Second Master [email protected] [email protected] Mrs Sarah Berry Mr Robert Tidbury Head of Learning Support Deputy Head (Academic) [email protected] [email protected] Mr Kevin Why Mrs Louise Sutton Accountant Academic Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Miss Claire Knight Mrs Debbie Weger Librarian Academic Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Rev. James Stephenson Mr Phil Wise Chaplain Deputy Head (Pastoral) [email protected] [email protected] Rev. Kate Toogood Mrs Marie Edmeades Associate Chaplain Academic Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Medical staff Mr George Morton [email protected] Director of Sixth Form [email protected] To email tutors, please put their initials in front of @rbcs.org.uk

12 GETTING TO SCHOOL

vehicles! Please do not use the car park opposite the School as this can hamper the coach arrivals/departures and is not permitted under the terms of our lease. Please also do not drop off students in the morning - or pick up them up at 16:10 - outside Reception. Please do not use your mobile phone while driving on the School site.

Bicycles Students may leave their bicycles in the storage racks opposite the main reception. Students will need their own bike padlock and must also wear a helmet when cycling to and from school.

Students driving to school The following rules must be followed if students are driving to school, regardless of where they park: • The car is seen only as a means of travel to and from school. It is not a place for any kind of social gathering, hence, it is out of bounds during the school day and Buses no student is allowed to retrieve something from their All of our school bus services are operated by external car without permission from a member of staff. operators and as such you should contact them to arrange • The School can accept no liability for motor vehicles a seat on the relevant route for your son or daughter. parked on the premises. Vehicles should not be Please see Appendix 4 for areas covered and who to parked in the Berkshire Sports Club Car Park. contact. The buses drop off and pick up from the Berkshire • Students should not be repeatedly late due to their Sports and Social Club car park opposite the main school use of a car. gates. Buses leave promptly at 16:20 each day. Some • Cars driven by Sixth Formers are not allowed into services offer a later pickup at 18:00. Please check bus school until after 16:30. operator websites for travel details. • No Sixth Former is allowed to drive another Blue Coat student on School grounds unless given permission by Dropping off or picking up by car a member of staff. Pupils may be dropped off or picked up at the dedicated drop-off/pick-up lane. Please do not drop off pupils in Please note that a limited number of Sixth Formers may the main car park or outside the Sports Hall. Please be granted permission to use the rented parking facility at enter the site carefully and be aware that the pupil crossing Reading Hockey Club. This is seen as a privilege, which is close to our front entrance gate. Please adhere to the can be withdrawn if driving on their site is conducted in an speed limit on site and observe the one way system and unsafe manner. A driving form and the relevant yearly fee any direction given by our Traffic Attendants, especially if for parking at Reading Hockey Club must be submitted cricket is going on. Vehicles should not wait in any yellow to the Sixth Form and Careers Administrator. It is the cross-hatched areas. At the end of the school day, traffic on student’s responsibility to obtain a new form each year. the site is often busy so if you are able to stagger your pick up time, this can help ease congestion. Please be patient and particularly careful when manoeuvring as students in particular are not always very good at observing moving

13 GETTING READY Please complete all of the induction forms via the parent portal, and return them by Friday 15th June.

If you have any questions about the forms, or need advice, please contact Ms Fernandes in the Admissions Office on 0118 933 5806 who will be very happy to help you.

You can order school uniform online via www.stevensons.co.uk

School Uniform

Our School uniform is supplied by: Stevensons, based at 11-12 Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2EG. Contact telephone number: 0118 959 6462 Email: [email protected]

Hours: Normal opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 09:00-17:30 Summer Hours: 25 June - 10 August: Monday-Friday: 09:00-20:00 (09:00-11:00, 17:00-20:00 appointments) Saturdays: 09:00-17:30 Summer Hours: 13 August - 8 September Monday-Friday: 09:00-19:00 (no appointments) differences between light and dark – any queries will be Saturdays: 09:00-17:30 decided by the Director of Sixth Form. Extreme changes in Sundays (26/8 and 2/9): 11:00-17:00 hair colour are not permitted. Bank Holiday Monday (27/8): 11:00-17:00 Dark, plain coats may be worn but must be taken off A full uniform list is available in Appendix 3. when inside buildings. Sportswear, including hooded tops, or casual clothes should not be mixed with smart school Parents and students’ attention is drawn to the following wear. guidelines. All students must return to the changing rooms and Uniform guidelines change back into their normal school clothes before leaving the school site. Dress must be smart, clean, well-cared for and appropriate as decided by the Director of Sixth Form. A good guide Male Dress Code would be to consider if this would be how a student would arrive at a formal business job interview. It is Suit or blazer with lapels, and School, Colours or Prefect recommended that all students have a second suit for tie. Navy, black or grey trousers. A fine-knit, dark, V-necked occasions when the first is being cleaned or has been plain pullover or plain cardigan with no emblem or pattern mislaid. may be worn (when required). No sweatshirts or hoodies. Black or dark shirts are not permitted. Shirts should be Hair should be appropriately cut and tidily worn. It must appropriate for business and the collars must be designed also be of a uniform, natural colour without excessive 14 to take a tie. Soft-collared or checked leisure shirts are Trousers must be tailored, not tight-fitting and ankle length. not allowed. Dark-coloured formal shoes, appropriate for A plain (long or short sleeved) formal business shirt/blouse business wear, should always be worn. with a collar and sleeves should be worn under the jacket and should be long enough to cover the top of trousers or • Trainers for non-games wear are forbidden. skirt. In colder weather a plain-coloured, V-necked fine-knit • Neither earrings or any other piercing, bracelets nor sweater or plain cardigan with no emblem may be worn. any other visible jewellery may be worn in school. Jumpers and cardigans should not protrude below the • Tattoos are not allowed. jacket. Bodycon skirts/dresses are not allowed. • Boys must be clean shaven and will be asked to shave if this is not the case. Formal shoes with a low heel must be worn; trainers or boots are not allowed (this includes when walking onto or RBCS boys transferring into Sixth Form from Year 11 leaving school premises). No stilettos. Any socks must be are required to purchase the Sixth Form School tie. dark in colour. Alternatively, they can wear Colours ties if awarded. Low-cut tops, bare midriffs or overly-tight shirts/blouses Female Dress Code are not allowed. Girls should not put staff or themselves in an embarrassing situation by wearing something that they A dark tailored suit with trousers or a skirt, or business dress know does not follow these guidelines. with jacket. The skirt should be a formal length suitable for a business environment, above the ankle but no more • One pair of stud earrings is allowed. than two inches above the knee. Suits should be fitted • No nose/eyebrow studs or any other visible piercings. appropriately and not too tight in order to prevent skirts • Minimal daytime make-up. riding up with movement. Any splits must be conservative. • Tattoos are not allowed. • Long hair must be kept tidy with a minimum of accessories. • No necklaces to be worn outside shirt/blouse. • Bracelets should be discreet. • Scarves must be removed when inside School buildings.

Shopping

In addition to their uniform, students will also require the following items:

• A dark coloured school bag which is large enough to carry a lever arch file and other school books and equipment. Either a back pack or cross-over strap style will suffice. • A separate bag for sports kit to be brought in to school on the days that it is required only. • Stationery such as pens and pencils. Specific requirements may be required for certain subjects. • A padlock for locker.

15 GCSE RESULTS

IMPORTANT: External students must forward to us – by email to Mrs Jarrett: [email protected] or by post or in person – their GCSE results as soon as they receive them on Thursday, 23rd August. This is to ensure that students’ places can be confirmed and that they meet the grade criteria for the A level subjects they wish to study. Students studying GCSE Science and Additional Science must also forward the marks for the individual components (i.e. Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

Changes to Options

It may well be that students change their minds about their A Level options between now and the time that they start at Blue Coat in September. This is perfectly understandable, especially once the GCSE results are published, and we endeavour to do our best to fit in their changed options. However, sometimes some subjects are already full based on our earlier planning, and so we are not able to add to these groups. Our blocks are also fixed, so students will need to ensure that their choices fit into the option blocks as follows:

Option A Option B Option C Enrichment Block Biology Biology Art Biology Business Chemistry Biology Economics and Business Chemistry Drama and Theatre Business EPQ (6 sets) Design Technology Philosophy and Ethics Chemistry Film Studies Economics (2 sets) Geography Computer Science French English History Economics (2 sets) Further Mathematics Philosophy and Ethics Information Technology English German Geography Mathematics (5 sets) French Government and Politics Government and Politics Music Geology Mathematics History Psychology (2 sets) Geography Physical Education Physics (2 sets) German Psychology Psychology History Spanish Physics Physical Education Psychology

Before the start of term, on Monday 3rd September between 16:00 and 18:00 in the Sports Hall, a session has been arranged for any Year 12 students who are considering changing their subject choices, and their parents, to speak to Heads of Department, the Sixth Form Team and other senior staff about A Level options. It is important for students to seek this advice beforehand so that they are fully aware of the requirements and demands of the courses they would like to follow.

Please be aware that a considerable amount of the syllabus of a subject is covered in the Autumn Term; only in exceptional circumstances will a student be able to switch courses after the first three weeks.

16 If a student does wish to change a subject after term has started, they must follow this procedure:

• Discuss the issue with their parents. • Discuss with their tutor. • See the relevant Subject Heads of Department for the subject being discontinued and their proposed new subject. The Subject Heads of Department also need to sign the form. • If further advice is needed, speak with the Head of Year • Speak with Mr Tidbury.

17 STARTING

Starting will not require Sports kit. Students will finish at 4pm. Tuesday 4th September 2018 – Students joining Blue Coat for the first time should be in School for 13:00, when Wednesday 5th September 2018 - This will be the first they will have lunch with their tutors. School Prefects will full day for the whole School. Students should arrive in be on duty in the car park and will direct students to the time for an 08:35 start. Dining Hall. Students should wear full school uniform but

The School Day 7:30am Earliest time of arrival for students. Sixth Form Centre opens. 7:30am - 8:30am Breakfast available in the Dining Hall 8:00am Reception, Switchboard and Library open 8:35am Bell 8:45am - 9:05am Registration, Assembly or Tutor Time 9:05am - 9:40am Period 1 9:40am - 10:15am Period 2 10:15am - 10:35am Long Break - tuck available from Sixth Form Centre 10:35am - 11:10am Period 3 11:10am - 11:45am Period 4 11:45am - 11:50am Changeover time 11:50am - 12:25pm Period 5 12:25pm - 1:00pm Period 6 1:00pm - 2:00pm Lunch can be taken in the Dining Hall or in the Sixth Form Centre.Activities and Library open. 2:00pm - 2:10pm Tutor Time 2:10pm - 2:20pm Registration 2:20pm - 2:55pm Period 7 2:55pm - 3:00pm Changeover time 3:00pm - 3:35pm Period 8 3:35pm - 4:10pm Period 9 4:10pm End of School 4:20pm School buses depart from Berkshire Sports & Social Club Car Park. 4:10pm - 6:00pm Activities and Library open. 6:00pm Activities finish. Reception, Switchboard and Library close. 6:55pm Sixth Form Centre closes to those staying for Activities.

18 UP AND RUNNING

Student Planner absence. Please email ongoing absences on a daily basis to Your son or daughter will be given a Student Planner at the keep the School updated. beginning of each year. Appointments during the day, such as dental, doctors etc., Lockers need to be requested via the school portal and will receive Your son or daughter will be allocated a locker on the first an automated acknowledgement email. If your son arrives day of term. The locker should be used to store books, or leaves during the school day for any reason, he must sign which can be swapped over at break times, and personal in and sign out at the Staff Secretaries Office. possessions such as mobile phones, laptops, wallets etc. These items must not be left in the changing rooms as Permission for any other absence must be obtained from these are not secure areas and the School cannot be held the Headmaster. Please note that the Headmaster will not responsible for the loss of such items. All Sixth Form students authorise any holidays during term time (and promises not will require a padlock. Once chosen, the locker number to take a holiday of his own in term time). Your attention is should be shared with the tutor. drawn to our term dates on Page 32 in this booklet. Registration Biometric System Students are expected in school by 08:35. They must leave The School operates a biometric system for purchases in the Sixth Form Centre no later than 08:40 in time for a prompt start to tutor period or assembly at 08:45. the Dining Hall, the Sixth Form Centre and the School Shop In the afternoon, students must be in their tutor room for (The Wharf), although students may still use cash in The registration at 14:10 or on some afternoons by 14:00 for Wharf and the Sixth Form Centre. additional tutor time. Each student has a photocopying allowance with which to If students miss registration, they must complete a late slip complete their educational activities. Each student is issued at the Deputy Heads’ Office in the Messer Building and with a PIN code to authorise photocopying. report to their registration group immediately. Arriving at school after 08:45 is considered late. Persistent offenders will Parents have the option to add credit to their son or be required to sign in at Reception by 08:30 for one week. daughter’s account using ParentPay™ (see below). This credit Parents will be notified of this sanction by the Head of Year. can then be used to purchase tuck, stationery, breakfast or ad-hoc lunches. Breakfast is available from 07.30 in the Arriving after 09:30 is classified as an absence and as such a Dining Hall. letter or email by way of an explanation will be required from parents. If your son or daughter is entitled to lunch, no credit has been added to their account so they cannot purchase other No student may leave the School Grounds during School items on it until cash is credited to it. Any credit left on hours (08:45 and 16:10) unless special permission has been the student’s account at the end of their final term will be given. In cases where permission has been granted, e.g. refunded on their final bill. medical appointments, the student must sign out/sign in at the Deputy Heads’ Office in the Messer Building. Students ParentPay™ must obtain a signing out form from their Tutor in advance. The School uses the online payment system, ParentPay™, as its preferred means for parents to pay for trips, events, ad-hoc Absence lunches and shop purchases. ParentPay™ is a convenient Parents should advise School by 08:00 of their child’s and highly secure web payment system for payments to be absence. Please report absence via the school portal or, if you made 24-7 using a Debit or Credit card. Payments made cannot access the portal, please email registration@rbcs. in the morning will be available for the student to spend org.uk, copying your son’s tutor, explaining the reason for over lunchtime through an automatic link to the school’s

19 till system. Prior to the start of term, you will be sent a Sixth Form Centre letter explaining how to use ParentPay™ and containing • Year 12 students are allowed in the Sixth Form Centre the activation username and password that will enable before school, during long break, during lunch time, you to set up your online account and top up your son or after school or to retrieve items from their lockers. daughter’s school account. If you already have a ParentPay™ During school hours, music can only be played before login, your son or daughter can be linked into that. 08:35 and during break, lunchtime and after 16:10. • Year 12 students can access the Sixth Form Centre for An email will be sent during the summer holiday which will their two unsupervised private study periods, but are provide login details. also encouraged to use the library during those periods. Behaviour in the Sixth Form Centre is expected to Making a payment is straightforward and ParentPay™ holds conform to School rules and must not be of a nature a payment history for you to view at a later date; no card that could impinge on another student’s personal rights. details are stored in any part of the system. Once you’ve Their three supervised private study sessions will take activated your account, you can make online payments place in a classroom. straight away. Events, trips and the student top-up account • The Sixth Form Centre must be totally clear for the appear as items that you put in your basket and purchase at duration of morning and afternoon registration (apart the checkout in the normal way. from the duty tutor group during registration). • The areas around the picnic tables outside the Centre There is helpful information on the ParentPay™ website www. are out of bounds during lesson times and registration. parentpay.com. • The upstairs of the building is designed to be a work area where noise must be kept to a minimal level. Food Students should bear in mind that others are using the The Dining Hall is open for breakfast from 07:30 to 08:30 Sixth Form Centre so must be thoughtful in terms of and for lunch between 12:30 and 14:00. The cafe in the Sixth noise. No group games, ball games or noisy activities are Form Centre is open for hot and cold drinks, snacks and allowed in the Sixth Form Centre. light meals at break and lunch time. The Wharf is also open • Students must start to leave the Sixth Form Centre as each day between 16:10 and 16.30. soon as the warning bell goes for registration in the morning and the afternoon. Lunches are charged on a termly basis, depending on the • The upstairs of the Sixth Form Centre must be empty number of school days in a term, at £4.00 per day (£4.35 by 18:00, unless students are staying for an after-school when purchased if a student has forgotten his or her packed event. In this case, students may remain in the Centre lunch). Please complete the application form via the portal, until 18:55. However, they will not have access to the if your son or daughter wishes to have a school lunch. Centre after this time and should take their belongings with them. Our caterers, Sodexo, provide students with a broad choice of nutritious food. There is always a selection of hot meat, fish and vegetarian main dishes available along with a variety of tempting salads, jacket potatoes, pasta bar and a selection of delicious hot and cold desserts or fresh fruit to complete the meal.

Assemblies Whole School Assemblies are held twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays at 08:45. House assemblies are held on Wednesdays at 08:45.

Textbooks and stationery The costs of text books in the Sixth Form is charged and these are billed in the Autumn term.

20 Library printing and photocopying. The School provides a free The Library is located on the first floor of School House and allocation at the start of each year, based on the amount of is open each day from 08:00 to 18:00 during term time. printing and photocopying that each year group is expected The Library is in constant use throughout the day, and is also to do, to complete their educational activities. This is quite a available before school, break, lunchtime and after school generous allocation and it is rare for pupils to require more for independent study or reading. credit. However, if this occurs, the IT Department will top- up. The Main Room consists of print non-fiction, Senior fiction, careers information and study space. The Reading Room is a Rewards and Sanctions more relaxed area with beanbags and a couple of sofas, it is Sanctions for poor behaviour are something that we expect home to our Junior fiction collection. The Resources Room our Sixth Form to be mature and sensitive enough to avoid. is a dedicated computer room. However, where transgressions do occur with regard to poor judgements and lateness, for example, these are addressed The Library catalogue is available through the school with an after-school detention and an early sign-in process intranet and our page has access to other resources such as respectively. A written contact with home will be made JSTOR and Massolit, as well as hints and tips for study. when a sanction is issued, and an opportunity to meet and We have reading lists for most subjects and stock the listed talk about its need is welcomed. titles in the Library. The librarians also produce a list each term of recommended reads. We host yearly author visits, A rewards system operates in the Sixth Form for academic too. progress. Following each half-termly assessment of the student’s commitment to learning, lapel badges are Year 12s and Year 13s are encouraged to use the Library for distributed to those demonstrating good to excellent study throughout their time with us. commitment. Successful Year 12s will receive an invitation to a reward lunch, and Year 13s will be granted a lunch-out ICT pass, allowing them to enjoy their lunchtime away from the All members of the Sixth Form will find it useful School site for one lunch break. The Sixth Form follows the to have a laptop/tablet in school to support their School’s policy of awarding colours to students who have learning. It is envisaged that a laptop or tablet will be most shown commitment and ability in an area of the School’s appropriate for this purpose but an expensive, high spec co-curricular life. model is not required; a robust product with a good battery life and screen 10” or above is all that is required. Students Contact between Students should use these devices as directed in lessons and can Physical contact between students should always be use them for study during study periods, lunchtimes etc. appropriate. For example, no sitting on laps, cuddling, kissing, When devices are not in use, they should be kept securely lying across other students or holding hands. in students’ lockers and they should certainly never be left unattended in classrooms, common rooms or changing Open Days rooms. There is an expectation that when required students attend school on Open Mornings and Open Evenings to assist in Students can access the internet around the school via the departments and act as tour guides for prospective families. Guest network. All use of computers and smart phones The scheduled Open events are Saturday 6th October is governed by our ICT Policy, associated Acceptable Use 2018, Tuesday 16th October 2018 (from 17:00) and policies; which are available on the portal; and Mobile Saturday 11th May 2019. Please reserve these dates in your Device Policy. son or daughter’s diary.

Printing Employment The School runs a printing credit system and jobs are Part-time work must be kept to a minimum and must not charged according to whether they are black and white interfere with a student’s ability to keep up to date with or colour. Pupils are encouraged to think green when they their academic and co-curricular commitments, including print. Each pupil is issued with a PIN code to authorise both attendance at Open Mornings and Open Evenings.

21 LEARNING

Academic Matters Schemes. Furthermore, there is also potential to acquire or develop skills such as photography, yoga and filmmaking – Sixth Formers study three subjects at A Level and also there are activites to inspire everyone. an additional subject in the Enrichment Block. For most students, this will lead to an additional AS; others will gain the Extended Project Qualification or an A Level in Further Mathematics.

At various stages of their time in the Sixth Form, students will receive advice and help from staff to help them achieve their potential. If students experience difficulties in their subjects, they should approach their subject teachers or the Head of Department in the first instance and, if necessary, their tutor and the Sixth Form Leadership Team.

Programme of Study

There are 45 teaching periods per week. The framework for a Year 12 student is made up as follows:

A Level Block A (8) A Level Block B (8) A Level Block C (8) Careers Enrichment Block (8) Activities (2) Careers lessons are a component of the Year 12 curriculum Careers (1) and students are guided and directed with regard to Sixth Form Special (2) Higher Education and beyond. After Christmas in Year Games (3) 12, all students considering a university application will be Supervised Private Study (3) required to complete a UCAS Personal Statement under Unsupervised Private Study (2) the guidance of their tutor and will begin their application on ‘UCAS Apply’. Later in the year, tutors will also discuss Activities the matching of courses with predicted grades. The Blue Coat deadline for UCAS applications is 15th October in Activities are an integral part of the co-curricular Year 13. Students’ references will be written by their tutors, programme, which contributes substantially to the based on information received from their subject teachers. well-rounded education that your son or daughter will Predicted A Level grades are used in this reference; experience at Reading Blue Coat School, whether they these are based on the students’ performance in Year 12 partake in giving back to the local community or try examinations and their attitude to study during Year 12. something new. Activities are run in a double lesson on a This deadline still applies should the student wish to take Thursday, every week throughout the academic year. a gap year after school and re-apply. If this is the case, the student’s parent must write to the Tutor formally by the There are numerous opportunities for students to get start of the Autumn Term. Further details of the UCAS involved, ranging from sporting activities such as lacrosse Application process can be found on the School intranet or ultimate frisbee, or achieving qualifications such as and at www.ucas.com. the Duke of Edinburgh’s and Sports Leadership Award

22 Sixth Form Special is a quiet place of study with no eating or drinking and students must arrive at their study period dressed properly A variety of guest speakers provide Sixth Form students as they would for a lesson. with ideas and inspiration regarding careers, opportunities to travel, and current affairs; in addition to pastoral support Homework and Independent Learning in areas such as mental health, addiction and developing resilience. Details of guest speakers are included in the Homework is set regularly in Sixth Form and requires Calendar Booklet. Sixth Form Specials take place every careful planning and execution. Sixth Form students are Friday and attendance is compulsory. expected, with our guidance, to be motivated by learning and to show independence in doing so. Private Study Oxbridge and Medical applications Students’ work outside the classroom is crucial to their progress in the Sixth Form and they are expected to Students who wish to apply to Oxbridge or a medical organise their time to allow sufficient numbers of hours course will need to complete their applications by 15th to be dedicated to their studies. Students should use September in Year 13. Support will be given on course their Sixth Form planners wisely. In Year 12, students must selection, college and interview techniques. Those register in their assigned Study room or Library at the students who show the potential to apply for these start of the supervised study period. Details are published demanding courses will be invited to join the Oxbridge or on the Private Study Board in the Sixth Form Centre. It Medics Group in the Spring Term of Year 12.

23 LEARNING SUPPORT

The Learning Support department is led by Mrs Sarah lessons for students tackling public examinations. These Berry and assisted by Mrs Celia Rule, both specialist students may need a more tailored program of support teachers in Specific Learning Difficulty. Early identification than subject-based classroom interventions, due to their of additional needs is key to supporting your sons and established or emerging Specific Learning Difficulty. daughters towards their academic potential and should not be viewed with trepidation.

The department encourages early communication from parents of a learning related difficulty if it has not already been disclosed, as well as details of additional help with reading, handwriting, speech and language processing or behaviour during previous schooling. The department values a working relationship with parents, and encourages an early conversation with Mrs Berry over any concerns.

On joining the school On joining Year 12, all students are assessed by the department for signs of dyslexia. Students joining the school with an existing mild Specific Learning Difficulty will meet initially with the department to review their needs, including existing exam access arrangements which will be provided for the November assessments The department processes and submits applications and reviewed for their effectiveness at A Level, thereafter. to the Joint Council for Qualifications for access The department also supports students with any initial arrangements for students sitting external examinations. difficulties with organisation and managing workload. In addition, it provides access arrangements in the case of an injury during examinations, or during the year, such Teaching colleagues may refer students to the department as a scribe. Mrs Berry plays an integral part in the pastoral throughout the year when they will be reviewed by the and academic teams liaising with tutors, Heads of Year and Learning Support department. Directors of Section to support and guide individuals in their learning needs. In the Spring Term, students who have been identified by the department, or raised to the department by teachers, All Sixth Form students receive study skills tuition from are reviewed prior to their Summer exams. Identification an external provider as part of the Sixth Form Special of an exam access arrangement, such as extra time or programme. word processing, must originate from evidence of need in the classroom and, when required, ensures students The department successfully supports students to are working on a level playing field in the end-of-year attain top grades at A Level and onward passage to examinations in June. top universities, including Oxbridge. Our strongest academic students often have highly developed The graduated response strategies for learning but are sometimes identified with The department supports a graduated response to co-occurring Specific Learning Difficulty at A Level. It additional needs, working with subject staff who meet may be an unexpected but essential step to meet with the majority of mild needs through their classroom the department during A Levels, when complex work strategies to support learning. Some additional one-to-one outweighs previously successful strategies masking a teaching is provided by the department as a short series of Specific Learning Difficulty. 24 SPORT

Games and Physical Education There are many opportunities for both the serious sports person and the more recreational participant in the Sixth Form at Blue Coat.

In the Autumn Term, we run numerous XVs for rugby, there is a girls’ hockey team and, although there are few competitions at this time of the year, there is some serious preparation for the rowing season.

In the Spring Term we switch to football, where we run teams down to a 7th XI, and sometimes go further if we can find the opposition. The girls switch to netball, where we successfully run three teams in local school leagues. There is a netball team for every girl, regardless of ability. We are also hoping to set up a girls’ football team, who will train on Thursdays during Activities.

Over both terms, we also play in the West Berkshire basketball league, and golf is played over all three terms. Outside the more formal sporting environment there is a climbing club, badminton club, competitive and recreational tennis, golf, weight training, road running and aerobics.

There is precious little time to enjoy sport in the Summer Term because of examinations, but we have 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI cricket teams, rowing, athletics leagues, Sports Day, senior tennis matches and touch rugby, and there are rounders fixtures for the girls. All of these take place early and later in the term to allow for exams.

There are House events throughout the year for all of the recognised sports, and some others such as dodgeball. Some are played during Games lessons and others at lunchtimes.

25 MUSIC, MUSIC TUITION and LAMDA

We have a large and hugely energetic music department. Tuition is available in the following: Mr Richard Meehan is our new Director of Music and he will join us in September. • Piano, Electric Keyboard • Organ (the School possesses two organs; pupils are We hope that you and your son or daughter will enjoy and recommended to have passed Grade 4 on piano) benefit from the many activities and concerts organised by • Guitar: Acoustic, Electric and Bass – Classical, Jazz and the Music Department. Activities include the Chamber Pop Choir, Barbershop, School Choir, String Ensemble, • Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon and Saxophone two wind bands, two jazz bands, saxophone ensemble, • Violin, Viola, ‘Cello, Double Bass numerous rock and pop groups and various chamber • Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone and Tuba ensembles. • Drums – Rock and Jazz styles • Singing Termly concerts, both formal and informal, take place • Jazz improvisation (any instrument) in and out of school. There is a major annual musical production in the Autumn Term. A Music Festival, If your son or daughter would like to receive individual adjudicated by a distinguished musician, is held biennially, music tuition, please complete the application form. with trophies and prizes being awarded to winners in each section. Professional musicians are invited in to give master classes or to lead workshops.

There is a large School Choir, which enjoys an excellent local reputation. The Treble Choir rehearses once a week and sings a wide variety of music.

Individual Music Lessons Many of our students learn to play a musical instrument with one of our specialist team of visiting instrumental teachers who give tuition on a wide range of orchestral, band and keyboard instruments.

The charge for instrumental lessons is £23.50 per 35 minutes and there are approximately 10 lessons per term. Lessons take place in private studies and at lunchtimes.. LAMDA The Music Department strongly recommends that pupils purchase their own ear defenders/plugs for use in their The School is able to offer LAMDA classes for individuals or instrumental lessons. pairs, on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of these are £235 per term for individual lessons and £150 per person per Please note that one full term’s written notice, to the term for shared lessons. Application forms are available via Director of Music, is required before the termination of the portal. Individual Music lessons.

There are a number of instruments available to hire through the School. Maximum period of hire is two terms.

26 27 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

The Medical Department is staffed by a team of three daughter has Games. The medical team will then issue an practitioners - Nurse Jenkins (Registered Nurse, Child ‘off games’ slip, which your son/daughter should collect Health), Nurse Montgomery (RGN) and Miss Fagg from the Medical Centre before school (the department (Immediate Care Practitioner, Member of the Society of opens at 08:00) or at break time on the day of the Sports Therapy) on a shift-roster basis. The Medical Centre request. Sixth Form pupils should collect their slip from is situated in the building to the right of Reception. Staff in the Sixth Form Centre. You may also inform us of your request by’ sending an email to [email protected]. uk. Your child can then collect their ‘off games’ slip in the same way as above.

Students who are ‘off games’ for medical reasons are expected to remain in school until the end of the school day unless they have permission from their Form Tutor to attend a medical appointment, for which they must sign out of school with the Staff Secretaries. Otherwise, arrangements for supervised private study in school are in place during games sessions.

Pupils on crutches

We aim to staff the Medical Department between the It is the responsibility of the person issuing crutches (e.g. hours of 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, term time only. physiotherapist, GP, hospital staff, etc.) to ensure that the If for any reason the medical team is absent, a Duty First student is competent and safe in the use of crutches, both Aider will be on call. There is also medical cover for home on flat surfaces and on stairs. Students should not be sent matches on Saturdays in Autumn and Spring terms. back to school on crutches unless this training has been given. The function of the Medical Department is to care for the pupils and staff of RBCS at the onset of injury/illness and It sometimes takes a few days for students to master the whilst they are on the school premises. It does not provide technique of using crutches at home before being able to an alternative to the pupil’s GP. Therefore, in the case of cope with the school campus. In the interest of your son/ illness/injuries suffered away from school or continuing daughter’s safety please do not send them back to school beyond the date of onset, parents/guardians should seek until they are able to safely navigate distances and at least treatment/advice from the GP/Accident and Emergency two flights of stairs. Department in the usual way. You must inform the School’s medical team if your son/ Requests for absence from PE/Sport for medical daughter will be coming into school on crutches. This can reasons be done by emailing [email protected] and your son/daughter’s tutor. Please inform the Medical Department of ‘off games’ requests via the Parent Portal (in the same way as absence Pupils and Medication notification). Please complete the form detailing the reason for the request and the date range applicable when Students may not carry any medication on them, apart required, preferably before 08:00 on the day your son or from emergency asthma inhalers and autoadrenaline

28 injectors. For both these medications an annual consent they have had 48 hours clear of all symptoms (as per NHS form will be generated by the medical staff and sent guidelines). to parents for completion, so that staff can administer medication in an emergency. Pupils who become unwell during the school day should report to the Medical Department where the member(s) The Medical Department keeps a stock of ‘over the of staff on duty will decide whether or not the student counter’ medications, e.g. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, should be sent home. We request that students are so pupils do not need to bring these into school. For collected promptly, as the sick bay facilities are limited. pupils taking specific prescribed medication for regular or occasional use (e.g. certain anti-histamine tablets, oral Medical conditions medication, eye and ear drops etc.), parents/guardians should send in a supply of this medication to be stored It is the responsibility of all parents/guardians to inform in the Medical Department for the pupil’s use. This must the School of any chronic/ongoing medical conditions be in the original dispensing box, clearly labelled and or problems (e.g. asthma, allergies, dietary requirement) accompanied by a letter or email from parents/guardians as they occur whilst the student is at Reading Blue Coat giving consent to administer and clarifying the details of School. This can be done using the Parent Portal, where their request. you can update your son/daughter’s medical record. Please also ensure that your telephone numbers and Students requiring short-term medication (e.g. a course of email addresses appear correctly on the Parent Portal so antibiotics) only need to bring in a ‘lunchtime dose’ if the that we can contact you in the event of an emergency. prescription is for administration more than three times per day. Prescriptions for three times daily administration Please make the medical staff aware of any short-term or can be given at home. acute medical conditions, by emailing them at medical@ rbcs.org.uk and copying your child’s tutor. All medicines being brought into school must be delivered to the Medical Department before the start of school, i.e. School trips between 08:00 and 08.40, and need to be in the original dispensing box with the dispensing instructions and expiry These are overseen by trip leaders and therefore, in order date clearly written on the packaging. to ensure that each trip leader is fully informed of your son/daughter’s up-to-date medical information, parents Students who have received ‘over the counter’ medication are asked to complete a consent form by the School from medical staff will be given a letter to take home Office for each individual trip. outlining what medication was given and the reason for the treatment. Pitch Side First Aid

Illness Saturday school rugby and football fixtures in Autumn and Spring terms are attended pitch side by members Please do not send students who are unwell into school. of the Medical Department. There are always at least This request comes not only with your son/daughter’s two practitioners on site, who work alongside the sports interest in mind, but also to limit the spread of infection team first aiders/coaches to provide immediate care at in the school generally. All students who have suffered the onset of injury. In cases of concussion, the School has a raised temperature (i.e. greater than 37.6 degrees), developed a Graduated Return To Play policy which will diarrhoea or vomiting should not return to school until be put into action.

29 CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

The School offers an extensive co-curricular programme and your son or daughter will be encouraged to make the most of the many exciting and challenging opportunities that are on offer to him or her. Details of each term’s activities are included in the Calendar Booklet. Please remember that once your son or daughter has agreed to take part in an activity, he or she must then make practices and rehearsals a priority.

A selection of activities that took place last Autumn term is detailed below:

Amnesty International Group Falconry Club Public Speaking Archery Film Club Rowing training (Y9-13) Art Club Fitness Club (Y12-13) Rugby referee course Badminton Club Hockey training Rugby training Basketball (Y11-13) Junior Band Saxophone Ensemble Brass Group Junior Expedition Group (Y8-9) Senior Expedition Group (Y11-13) Chamber Choir Kickboxing Singing Workshop Charities Committee Lacrosse Science Club Chess Club Lego Robotics Club Sports Leaders (Y12-13) Climbing Club Lifesaving Club (Y11-13) String Ensemble Combined Cadet Force (Y9 and up) Media/Journalism Swimming Club Concert Band Mountain Biking (Y11 and up) Swing Band Creative Writing Club Netball (Y12-13) Table Tennis Cross Country Photography (Y11-13) Tennis Design Technology Club Photoshop Editing Ultimate Frisbee (Y11-13) Drone Club Politics Club Yoga Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Y10 and up) Primary Placement (Y12-13)

30 CHAPLAINS - Rev. James Stephenson and Rev. Kate Toogood

Blue Coat has not had a chaplain for several years and now at Blue Coat. Another pathway is to provide food for suddenly there are two! It raises the question: what does a thought and direction in spiritual assemblies, year group chaplaincy provide for a school? assemblies, tutor groups and whole school functions. The students, using a loud and lively clapometre, get to choose The spiritual nurturing of any individual is paramount to the spiritual assembly topic each term. This, and having their well-being, fulfilment and happiness. A chaplaincy the students involved in spiritual assemblies as much as can support, encourage and provide vision for this. We possible, helps to empower the student body, engage will all have different understandings of what spiritual them and help them grow in their presentation and nurturing is but I hope there are some common themes. interpersonal skills. The hope is that these themes, chosen There is something that lies deeper in all of us than the things we spend most of our lives addressing. Being a fantastic academic, sports person, musician or actor is admirable but, with no spiritual underpinning or development of character or sense of well-being, then it is futile. A chaplaincy can raise awareness, create space and develop techniques in a school to support the crucial characteristics and perspective that lead to good well-being.

Blue Coat has a brilliant pastoral care system and a great academic, sporting and cultural record. A chaplaincy can support these structures and develop the spiritual pillar of education to create an all-round, fulfilled and happy student. by the students, can then infuse all of school life. Being a presence in school is an important avenue to supporting There are various ways to enhance this pillar of education the spiritual life of the school. It allows the chaplaincy to be and sense of belonging at Blue Coat. Providing another the conscience of the school, be an advocate for the pupils avenue for the pastoral care system is one – catching and staff and build relationships with the community and up with students and staff, allowing them to express their families. Developing and supporting this sense of themselves and walking with them in their journey and belonging and sense of family is vital to a school. Blue Coat decision making. Both of us teach and are involved in has many of these characteristics in spades already but……. extra-curricular activities. This helps get to know as many better never stops! students as possible. Supporting and enhancing the service programme at the school is another way to increase the We are happy to be contacted any time. well-being of students. Those that serve are happier. The Love, James and Kate vision is to provide an opportunity for everyone at the school to serve the community in a transformational Kate: [email protected]; James: [email protected] capacity at least once in each year of their schooling PRAYER GROUP The Prayer Group is a group of parents that meet once each half term, for about an hour, to pray and give thanks to God for the School. If you would like to join, please contact: Lindsay Lillie on 07973 128381 or email [email protected].

31 32 APPENDIX 1

TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2018 - 2019 Autumn Term 2018 Term begins Wednesday 5 September 08:35 Half-Term begins Thursday 18 October 16:10 Term resumes Tuesday 30 October 08:35 Open Day Holiday Friday 23 November Term ends Thursday 13 December 13:00

Spring Term 2019 Term begins Monday 7 January 08:35 Half-Term begins Friday 15 February 16:10 Term resumes Monday 25 February 08:35 Term ends Thursday 5 April 13:00

Summer Term 2019 Term begins Wednesday 25 April 08:35 Public Holiday Monday 6 May Half-Term begins Friday 24 May 16:10 Term resumes Monday 3 June 08:35 Term ends Friday 28 June 12:00 Prize Giving Saturday 29 June 10:30 Malthus Leavers’ Service Saturday 29 June 14:30

33 APPENDIX 2

SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR 2018- 2019

School Fees £5,565 per term School Lunches £4.00 per day (£4.35 per day when purchased on an ad hoc basis) Students’ Personal Effects Insurance £8.57 per term Pupil Absence Insurance Scheme 0.73% of pupil’s fees Denshield Dental Insurance £4.99 per term Rowing subscriptions, which includes the British Rowing Y9/J14 £15 per term (spring and summer terms subscription only) Y10/J15 £40 per term Y11/J16 £40 per term Y12/J17 £50 per term Y13/J18 £50 per term

Please note the following:

• Full details of the business relationship that exists between Parents and the School are set out in the Terms and Conditions document that was issued with the Headmaster’s original offer of a place. • The Governors normally give a term’s notice of any increase in fees, although they reserve the right to amend fees at any time in exceptional circumstances. No remission of fees can be made by the School for any reason whatsoever. • In line with many schools, non-means tested discounts have been reduced and the money put into means-tested bursaries. Old Blues and parents with more than one child at the School do not receive discounts but may apply for bursarial support if needed.

Payment of Fees

All parents are required to pay their school fees by Direct Debit. Fees are due on the first day of each term, unless parents opt for the Termly Instalment Scheme, which commences in July 2018.

Termly Instalment Scheme

At the School’s discretion, a particular year’s fees may be paid in instalments by Direct Debit or other agreed method. This scheme is known as the Termly Instalment Scheme. Under the Termly Instalment Scheme, the dates and amounts of each instalment for that particular year’s fees will be set out in a separate agreement. No administration charges, interest or other charges are included in the Termly Instalment Scheme. The School reserves the right to withdraw or amend the terms of the Termly Instalment Scheme at any time by giving you notice in writing before the beginning of a new school term. No agreement to accept payment on deferred terms will be valid unless it provides for no more than four payments within a 12 month period. For more information on the Termly Instalment Scheme please contact the Accountant, Mr Kevin Why.

34 Students’ Personal Effects Insurance

The School does not accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, the personal property of pupils, but we do use an insurance scheme offering cover on an “All Risks” basis within the UK, rather than whilst on school premises. If you require Students’ Personal Effects Insurance, please complete the insurance form via the portal.

Pupil Absence Insurance Scheme

If pupils fall sick and are off school for a length of time, the School cannot refund any fees. However, the School participates in a Pupil Absence Insurance Scheme, which enables some refund of fees when illness or accident leads to absence from school. There is also an accidental death insurance cover for the School Fee Payer. If you require Pupil Absence Insurance, please complete the insurance form via the portal.

Denshield Dental Insurance

The School participates in an insurance scheme operated by Denplan. Existing insurance policies do not necessarily cover all the costs that could be incurred in the event of injuries to the mouth. While the policy itself will not prevent injuries, it would help soften the often heavy financial burden of any necessary, and often costly dental treatment. If you require Denplan cover, please complete the insurance form via the portal.

35 APPENDIX 3 All students are required to possess the clothing listed below. Key: • Available only from Stevensons o Available from Stevensons or any high street retailer ∆ Available only from high street retailers Sixth Form Girls - School uniform Items Information Supplier Suit A dark, tailored business suit (skirt or trouser suit) is compulsory. It ∆ should be loosely fitted, not figure hugging. Trousers should be straight legged, not hipster fit and not denim, cord or jean. Shirt A formal business shirt or blouse is compulsory, not short or low cut. ∆ Shoes Formal black, brown or navy. Not suede or boots. No stilettos. ∆ Socks If worn, must be plain and dark colour. Plain, dark, fine-knit v-neck sweater An optional item. o 72 woven name tapes A card will be sent with an online code for you to order online direct • with the supplier. Labels are usually despatched 2-5 days afterwards. Iron-on name tapes An alternative to the woven name tapes. A card will be sent with an • online code for you to order online direct with the supplier. Labels are usually despatched 2-5 days afterwards.

Sixth Form Girls - Sportswear Items Information Supplier RBCS track top This is a compulsory item, which matches the RBCS track pants. • RBCS track pants This is a compulsory item, which matches the RBCS track top. • RBCS Girl’s PE skort This is a compulsory item of dress. • RBCS Girl’s cycling shorts This is an optional item. • RBCS Girl’s PE top This is a compulsory item of dress. • 2 pairs of trainers Compulsory: 1 pair for indoor use; the other for outdoor activities. o RBCS 1 pair hockey boots A compulsory item for Hockey team members. o RBCS sports jacket A compulsory item. GIRLS ONLY. • RBCS sports hoodie An optional item, not for general wear, but for sports use only. • RBCS sports holdall This is an optional item, but some form of holdall will be required. • RBCS weatherproof PE top An optional item. • RBCS Bootbag Available 1st June. Optional. • Shin pads Compulsory for hockey/football. o RBCS sports socks A compulsory item. • Boil and bite gum shield A gum shield is required for hockey. Arrangements have been made ∆ for fitting a personal gum shield at the school early in the Autumn term. In the meantime students are asked to attend school with a boil-and-bite gum shield.

36 Sixth Form Boys - School uniform Items Information Supplier Suit/Jacket A formal business suit or smart jacket and trousers are compulsory. ∆ Shirts A formal business shirt is compulsory, not black or dark in colour. ∆ RBCS House tie (Aldworth, Pupils require the appropriate House Tie. There is a different House Tie • Hall, Malthus or Rich) for Sixth Formers. Shoes Formal black or brown shoes are compulsory. Not suede or boots. ∆ Plain, dark, v-neck sweater An optional item if required. o RBCS beanie hat This is an optional item. • 72 woven name tapes A card will be sent with an online code for you to order online direct with • or iron-on name tapes the supplier. Labels are usually despatched 2-5 days afterwards. Sixth Form Boys - Sportswear Items Information Supplier RBCS track top This is a compulsory item. • RBCS track pants This is a compulsory item, worn in all terms. • RBCS white polo shirt This is a compulsory item, worn in all terms. • RBCS Senior sports shirt A compulsory item. • Senior RBCS Games top A compulsory item. • RBCS rugby short A compulsory item worn for rugby. • RBCS sports socks 1 pair required for team matches. • House socks Students require one pair of the appropriate House sports socks for • (Aldworth - green; Malthus - training and games lessons. navy; Rich - red; Hall - yellow) RBCS hooped singlet Optional for athletics, cross country and rowing. • RBCS navy shorts This is a compulsory item • RBCS cycle short An optional item worn under rugby shorts by some pupils and for rowing. • RBCS cricket trouser Compulsory for students who play team matches. • RBCS cricket shirt Compulsory for students who play team matches. • RBCS cricket sweater Compulsory for students who play team matches. • RBCS cricket cap Compulsory for students who play team matches. • RBCS 1 pair hockey boots A compulsory item for Hockey team members. o RBCS sports hoodie An optional item - for sports use only. • 2 pairs of trainers 1 pair for indoor use only, i.e. light soled; the other for outdoor activities. o Sports boots as required As required for rugby, football, hockey and cricket. o RBCS sports holdall This is an optional item, but some form of holdall will be required.. • RBCS weatherproof PE top An optional item. • RBCS Bootbag Optional. • Shin pads Compulsory for hockey/football. o Boil and bite gum shield A gum shield is required for rugby and hockey. Personal gum shields will ∆ be fitted at the school early in September. In the meantime students are asked to attend school with a boil-and-bite gum shield.

37 APPENDIX 4

SCHOOL COACH INFORMATION

Bracknell/Warfield/Ascot/ Fernhill Travel Fernhill Travel Windsor www.fernhill.co.uk/school-contracts (01344 421 423) 318 - Hook/Fleet/Wokingham/ Horseman Coaches Horseman Coaches Emmbrook/Winnersh www.horsemancoaches.co.uk/services2.html (0118 975 3811) 338 - Burghfield Common/ Mortimer/Riseley/Swallowfield/ Spencers Wood/Shinfield/Earley 348 - Camberley/Crowthorne/ Barkham/Winnersh 294 - Marlow/Bourne End/ Cookham/Maidenhead 328 - Shiplake/Henley 283 - Boulters Lock/Bray/ Maidenhead/Knowl Hill Pangbourne/Purley/Tilehurst/ Kingfisher Jenny Harris, Office Manager Caversham www.kingfisherminicoaches.com (0118 931 3454; [email protected]) Benson/Woodcote/ Kingfisher Jenny Harris, Office Manager Checkendon/Stoke Row/ www.kingfisherminicoaches.com (0118 931 3454; Sonning Common/Caversham [email protected])

LATE BUSES Key Routes Bus company Contact Ascot Fernhill Travel Fernhill Travel www.fernhill.co.uk/school-contracts (01344 421 423) 100 to Maidenhead Horseman Coaches Horseman Coaches 101 to Wokingham www.horsemancoaches.co.uk/services2.html (0118 975 3811)

Please Note: It is necessary to make an early application to reserve your place.

PUBLIC BUS INFORMATION (Courtney Buses - www.courtneybuses.com)

Bus Route 129 Reading to Wokingham via Sonning and Twyford

128 Reading to Wokingham via Woodley, Sonning and Twyford

127 Reading to Maidenhead via Sonning (Saturday only)

38

Reading Blue Coat School Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berks RG4 6SU 0118 944 1005 • www.rbcs.org.uk • @ReadingBlues