Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the school help me if I have a special educational need?

• What time does school start?

• Do we have assembly?

• Who can I talk to about something that is worrying me?

• What should I do if I will be absent from school (due to sickness/family problems/hospital appointment etc)?

• What is the discipline like? What are the consequences?

• What do I do if I am late for school or lessons?

• Am I rewarded for good behaviour, attendance and work?

• What is the school uniform like?

• How long is the lunch break?

• How do I buy my school lunches?

• What after school and lunchtime clubs are there?

• What happens if it rains at breaktime or lunchtime?

• Can I go home at lunchtime?

• What do I do and where do I go at lunchtimes?

• What food is available at breaktime and lunch?

• What happens if I forget my PE kit?

• What should I do if I find someone else's property?

• What happens if I forget my money?

• Do I have to buy my own equipment?

• What happens if I forget my books?

• Will I have somewhere to put my school-things?

• What do I do if I lose something?

• Can I come to school on my bike?

• How much homework will I get?

• What homework will I get?

• Why do I have homework?

• What should I do if there is a fire?

• Where do I enter the school?

• What happens if I damage school property?

• Can I bring mobile phones, personal stereos and iPods into school?

• What happens if I bring dangerous items into school?

• Where can I leave my bags?

• How are Form Rooms used?

• If I need help, who do I go to?

• Does the school have a recycling policy for ICT?

• Where else can I get help?

• Travelling to School

• What about my Year Group

• How do I register for lessons?

• What happens at break?

• What should I remember to do at The John Bramston School

• How is my behaviour monitored and how am I supported.

• How do I deal with Bullying?

Will the school help me if I have a special educational need?

Yes. The JBS&C recognises that at certain times all learners may have special needs. These may include students with emotional and behavioural problems, the physically disabled, students with communication disorders, the most able and those for whom English is not the first language, as well as those with conventional literacy and numeracy problems.

At the JBS&C we aim to help all.

What time does school start?

The school day begins at 8:30am daily

At The John Bramston School we have a fortnightly timetable, which is divided into Week A, and Week B. This might take a bit of getting used to as your lessons may be different Monday A to those on Monday B.

You should aim to arrive at school between 8:10 and 8:20 to ensure you are here in time for the start of the day.

Do we have assembly?

Yes

Year 7 - Monday
Year 8 - Monday
Year 9 - Tuesday
Year 10 - Wednesday
Year 11 - Thursday

Who can I talk to about something that is worrying me?

JBS&C takes very seriously the need to provide care and advice for all its students. Form tutors and sixth form tutors accept that pastoral care is a most important part of that job: they will normally hope to be the first person you will turn to for help. Subject teachers, too, see pastoral care and support of their students as being an integral part of their academic role.

At JBS&C any student may always approach any member of staff for help or advice you can feel safe to trust them to be discreet and caring when helping students in difficulty.

You are advised to choose the person that you feel most comfortable with and who is best placed to help you.

Our school is quite large and there are lots of new people. Don’t worry, you will not meet them all at once and you will soon get to know those you see regularly, especially your form tutor who you will see every day.

you have any problems during your first few weeks at school these people will always help you:

What should I do if I will be absent from school (due to sickness/family problems/hospital appointment etc)?

If it has been impossible to arrange a medical appointment out of hours you must bring a letter from home saying when and where you are going.

Before leaving school premises you must report to Main Reception and sign out. On your return you must go back to Main reception and sign in.

If you are ill and cannot come to school your parents must telephone the school on the day of your absence (01376 512911). A note explaining your absence should be brought to your tutor on return to school. The note must have the following details:

If you are ill in lessons, tell your teacher. If you are ill during break or lunch go to Pupil Reception.

What is the discipline like? What are the consequences?

School rules are intended to ensure your safety and welfare as well as the smooth functioning of the school community.

Good manners, a sense of responsibility and tidiness are expected from you at all times and especially when representing the school away from the school premises.

The JBS&C philosophy is that the best sort of discipline is self-discipline and students are encouraged to conduct themselves with dignity and respect in all aspects of their lives at school and to work to their best at all times. Occasionally students overstep the mark and need to be reprimanded. More often than not no more is needed than a reminder from the teacher, year head or senior member of staff. The acquisition of self-discipline is seen as more important than rigid conformity to a set of rules, although such a list is given to all students.

Detention, with 24 hours notice to parents, is given for more serious offences. Persistent offenders may be excluded from lessons and parents invited in to talk about their child's future conduct. In extreme cases it may prove necessary to exclude a student either for a fixed period or permanently. This is always treated as a last resort and we regard such action as an admission of failure on our part.

Along side our reward system we do have to run a system of consequences for any student who breaks school rules. These include break time, lunchtime and after-school detentions. These are things you would do well to avoid.

What do I do if I am late for school or lessons?

Occasionally you may arrive late for reasons beyond your control. If this happens you must report to the Senior Member of Staff at the front door to the Old Building. If possible you should bring a letter with you to explain why you are late.

Obviously, persistent lateness is a habit to be avoided and it will be dealt with through the school's discipline system.

Am I rewarded for good behaviour, attendance and work?

Students are rewarded in Year 7, 8 and 9 by Merits given for outstanding work, achievement or progress. Your teachers issue these and you should stick them into the Merit pages in you planner. Students receiving several merits will be rewarded with certificates and prizes.

In Year 10 and 11 Subject Commendations are awarded for similar reasons. These are collated centrally and you will receive a letter to congratulate you.

All students can also gain Community credits for participation in events or actions that enrich both the school and the wider community.

Every term the school runs a Reward Trip to which, if you work hard and behave well, you will be invited by letter.

What is the school uniform like?

How long is the lunch break?

The current lunch break starts at 13.05pm and finishes at 1:50pm

Click here for a full timetable.

How do I buy my school lunches?

You can charge money to your swipe card for use in the Canteen as the Canteen does not accept cash.

It is very important that you look after your card.

What after school and lunchtime clubs are there?

The school offers a wide variety of lunchtime and after schoolclubs.
(Click here to see a complete list)

What happens if it rains at breaktime or lunchtime?

Depending on the weather the school may decide on a "wet-break", a bell will then ring and students may return to their tutor room only. Students should not wander around the school.

Can I go home at lunchtime?

Yes, on the first day of term, bring in a letter from your parents/guardian to your Year Head stating that you will be having lunch at home. Your Year Head will then issue you with a Lunch Pass. Pupils are expected to remain on the school premises throughout the lunch break unless they have lunch at home. It is much better to stay in school as it gives you time to see and make friends and take part in the many activities that take place during the lunch break.

What do I do and where do I go at lunchtimes?

The lunch break begins at 1:05 and last for 45 minutes. You can either :
· bring your own lunch from home
· buy a lunch from the canteen
Our canteen offers a wide variety of snacks, sandwiches, baguettes and cooked dinners, including a carvery every day.

You must never leave the school premises unless you have permission from your Head of Year. (Prefects and Peer Mentors in Year 11 may leave the site if they sign out).

You may choose to take part in a club during the lunch break.

At 1:45 you should prepare for and make your way to your Period 5 lesson for a prompt 1:50 start.

School Lunch
Line up quietly until the Dinner supervisors tell you to go in.
A cafeteria system is in operation, which you will soon get used to.
The meals are really nice and you do get a selection of food to choose from.

When you are in the Dining Area we do expect you:

• Take your coats off before eating but leave your blazer on.
• Keep noise down to a reasonable level so that you do not disturb others.
• Remember your manners.
• Clear away and leave your table tidy after you have eaten.
  

What food is available at breaktime and lunch?

The John Bramston School operates a cafeteria system offering a wide range of hot and cold meals, snacks and fresh fruit.

At The John Bramston School we have adopted a policy of healthy eating, healthy and vegetarian food is always available. We also have a varied menu including many dishes from around the world which are very popular with students and staff.

Example school menus (Coming soon)

What happens if I forget my PE kit?

At The John Bramston School we expect you to behave as young adults. If you have forgotten your kit, books or other essential equipment, we expect you to try and find a solution yourself.

If you forget your PE kit, you will be expected to contact home and arrange for your kit to be brought into school. Your kit should be left at pupil reception. Should this prove impossible, you will have to try and borrow kit from a school friend (providing this will not interfere with their PE). Only in exceptional circumstances will the PE department try to provide you with spare kit.

What should I do if I find someone else's property?

If you find property that belongs to someone else, please hand it in to pupil reception.

What happens if I forget my money?

At The John Bramston School we expect you to behave as young adults. If you have forgotten your money, PE kit or other essential equipment, we expect you to try and find a solution yourself.

If you forget your money, you will be expected to contact home and arrange for it to be brought into school. Your money may be left at pupil reception. If this isn’t possible go to pupil reception and ask the receptionist for advice.

Do I have to buy my own equipment?

The school provides all necessary books and they are loaned to pupils on the understanding that they are treated carefully. Any wilful loss or damage will have to be made good. You will need to bring pens, pencils and rulers as well as a strong and suitable bag to protect your books.

Please ensure that all your personal equipment is clearly named. This includes items of clothing and footwear.

What happens if I forget my books?

At The John Bramston School we expect you to behave as young adults. If you have forgotten your books, PE kit or other essential equipment, we expect you to try and find a solution yourself.

If you forget your books, you will be expected to contact home and arrange for them to be brought into school. They should be left at pupil reception. Should this prove impossible, you will have to try and borrow books from a school friend (providing this will not interfere with their classes).

Only in exceptional circumstances will the school try to provide you with a spare book.

Will I have somewhere to put my school-things?

All pupils are provided with a locker for storing their personal belongings. Each pupil will need to provide their own padlock for their locker.

The school does not carry insurance to replace lost personal belongings and cover should be considered on a home insurance policy if parents deem it appropriate.

Valuable items, including walkmans, ipods etc should not be brought into school.

Mobile phones should be switched off on school premises or better still NOT brought into school unless necessary.

What do I do if I lose something?

Lost property is usually handed in to Pupil Reception..
If the article has a name in it, then it will be returned to you.
Any articles without names are usually given into pupil reception, so check there as well if you lose anything.

Can I come to school on my bike?

Yes, you may come to school on your bike, providing you have a letter from your parents. The school provides bike-racks near the dining hall and sports centre where you may lock up your bike. The school does not accept responsibility for the security of your bike. Do not ride your bicycle into or out of the school gates or anywhere on the school premises. Push it.

How much homework will I get?

The amount of time spent on homework should increase gradually as you progress through the school. In year 7 each homework task should take about 20 minutes, increasing to about one hour in years 10 and 11

It is school policy to set homework on a regular basis. A homework/coursework timetable is given at the beginning of each year, indicating when homework is to be set.

The times given below are a guide as to how long should be spent on each subject. Sometimes longer needs to be spent than this.

The amount of time spent on homework should increase gradually as students progress through the school. In year 7 each homework task should take about 20 minutes, increasing to about one hour in years 10 and 11.

Year 7 - 23 * 20 mins
Year 8 - 23 * 30 mins
Year 9 - 23 * 45 mins
Year 10 - 24/25 * 60 mins
Year 11 - 24/25 * 60 mins

Year 7 - 40 mins per night
Year 8 - 60 mins per night
Year 9 - 90 mins per night
Year 10 - 2–2 1/2hrs per night
Year 11 - 2–2 1/2 hrs per night

Two or three subjects will be set each night.

What homework will I get?

You will receive a journal or diary to record the homework that you are given each day. It is important that you fill this in at the time the homework is given to you in class.

Your Tutor will show you how to fill this in correctly.

Your journal will be checked by your Tutor once a week and should be signed by your parents as well.

If you have not been given any specific homework to do - you are expected to go over what you did in school that day and try to learn it, or do extra reading around the subject.

Your Tutor will give you your homework timetable.

Homework can be many things but might be one of the following:
a) creative writing
b) finding out factual information
c) drawing
d) map work
e) answering questions
f) mathematical activities
g) learning things
h) watching or listening and evaluating
i) reading

Why do I have homework?

1 It means that you can complete work started in class.
2 It is a check to see if you understand the work.
3 It is a way of giving you practise at finding out information and presenting it so that it is easily understood.
4 It helps you to think for yourself and be more independent.

What should I do if there is a fire?

If you hear the loud continuous ringing of the bell this means that there is some form of emergency and it is important to know what to do.

If you are in the classroom:

1. Turn off all pieces of equipment that were being used.
2. Leave your possessions and evacuate the building from the nearest external door. Walk quietly and sensibly with the member of staff.
3. Make your way to the tennis courts and line up with the rest of your year.
4. You will be expected to line up in register order in your group
5. The register will be taken to make sure everyone is there.

If the bell goes during break or dinner.

Leave the building in the same way as you would during lessons and make your own way to the tennis courts.

Where do I enter the school?

In the interests of safety, you should ask your parents not to drive into the school grounds when delivering or collecting you at the beginning or end of school. Parents should not park in any way that may cause a hazard outside of the school or in side roads. For safety reasons, you may not use the central ‘In’ gate to enter the school on foot. You must use the side pedestrian gate, or the back gate from the sports centre car park. You should always cross Spinks Lane by the zebra crossing.

What happens if I damage school property?

If you break school property deliberately you can be asked to pay for it. In cases of criminal damage to school property the Court may award compensation to be paid for by your parents

Can I bring mobile phones, personal stereos and iPods into school?

You are asked not to bring mobile phones into school unless necessary. You should always be wary of bringing expensive equipment to school and must not lend it to other people. If you bring your mobile phone into school it must be kept switched off. Keep a note of your phone’s unique PIN number in case it is lost or stolen.

The school asks that other expensive equipment is not brought into school, the school will not be responsible for its loss or damage and for safety reasons, you should not walk around school listening to a personal stereo or iPod.

Teachers must never be put in the position of having to ask you to remove headphones - for example at registration or in lessons. If you misuse electronic equipment it will be confiscated.

What happens if I bring dangerous items into school?

You must not bring to school any article that is dangerous or that could be regarded as a weapon. If you do, it will be confiscated and depending on the items it could be treated as a serious offence.

Where can I leave my bags?

You must keep your bag either with you or in your locker at all times except during Assembly when classroom doors will be locked. At other times, bags left around will be impounded: they can be reclaimed from pupil reception.

How are Form Rooms used?

Form rooms are restricted to the members of that form. As a member of the form it is your duty to ensure that your form room is clean and tidy. We should all expect to have a clean and tidy room in which to work: it is the duty of everyone including you to help by picking up litter when you see it. Litter is unacceptable and dropping litter is regarded as a serious offence, you should not drop litter but use the bins provided.

You may not eat or drink inside school buildings other than in dining hall and Sixth Form common room. You should not eat or chew between lessons, and a teacher should never have to ask you to stop chewing at the start of (or during) a lesson: that is a matter of courtesy.

If I need help, who do I go to?

At JBS&C we want to make sure that all students are happy and take very seriously the need to provide care and advice for all our students. Form tutors and sixth form tutors accept that pastoral care is a most important part of their job and they will normally hope to be the first person you will turn to for help. Subject teachers, too, see pastoral care and support of their students as being a big part of their academic role.

However, you can approach any member of staff for help or advice, you are advised to choose the person that you feel most comfortable with and who is best placed to help you.

See anti bullying policy, drugs policy, complaints and concerns, child protection.

Does the school have a recycling policy for ICT?

The JBS&C strives where possible to support conservation initiatives and recycles where necessary.

In order to save paper you will be given a print quota for the year. If work for a particular subject requires you to do more printing than your quota allows, get a note from your subject teacher asking for it to be increased.

The school uses compatible toners for laser printers where possible and collects empty cartridges and toners for school charities.

All obsolete school computer equipment (and component parts) are recycled for use in parts of the world where they will be useful.

Where else can I get help?

If you want to use a telephone helpline, ask a member of staff to arrange for you to use a private office phone. The following numbers and web addresses may be useful.

Get Connected - 0800 096 0096 - www.getconnected.org.uk

Childline 0800 1111 - www.childline.org.uk

Bullying Helplin - 020 737 81446

Kidscape - 020 7730 3300 - www.kidscape.org.uk

NSPCC Helpline - 0808 800 5000 - www.nspcc.org.uk

Samaritans - 0345 909090 - www.samaritans.org.uk

Travelling to School

At all times be courteous. Remember that other people use the footpaths so do not force them to walk on the road.

Think about their safety as well as your own! This is very important in certain areas where footpaths area narrow or crowded, such as through the town.

Firstly you must have your bicycle passed as ‘roadworthy’. If your bike is safe you will be issued with a pass.

We then ask that you follow a few important rules for your own safety:-

You are expected to behave well whilst waiting for the bus and on the journey. Make sure you know the times of the buses and the fare/ have your bus pass ready.

Your parents may drop you off in the front car park.

If your parents pick you up please meet them by the Sports Centre out of respect for our neighbours in Epping Way.

What about my Year Group

Year groups vary in size but essentially all year groups are divided into Tutor Groups with its own Form Tutor. Your tutor group will carry your tutor’s initials (for example 7DJO – would be a year 7 tutor group and their tutor would be Mr David Jones). Normally your tutor will stay with you throughout your time at The John Bramston School, so you will get to know each other very well. He or she is there to help, guide and support you with any problems you might have and will also be keen to know about all of your activities and achievement, both in and out of school. You will meet your Form Tutor during registration.

Each year group will also have a Head of Year and an Assistant Head of Year (who is also a tutor). The Head of Year organises tutor groups and gets to know the students really well. The Assistant Head of School is also available if you have a problem that you cannot talk to your form tutor about.

Head of Lower School Yr 7 & 8)
Mr D White
Assistant Head of Lower School
Mrs M Rees
Head of Year 7
Mr R Kukiewicz
Head of Year 8
Miss L Spencer

Head of Middle School (Yr 9 & 10)
Mrs J Seakins
Assistant Head of Middle School
Mrs C Baldwin
Head of Year 9
Mr D Lee
Head of Year 10
Mr S Hannan

Head of Upper School (Yr 11 & College)
Mr A Mugford
Assistant Head of Upper School
Mrs W Langwith
Head of year 11
Mr A Bailey

How do I register for lessons?

You can also charge money to your card for use in the Canteen as the Canteen does not accept cash. The swipe card also acts as your Library card.

What happens at break?

Break is at 10:50 and lasts for 15 minutes. You should use this time to get some fresh air (unless it is wet). During this time you may also visit the canteen for snacks and a drink. You should also visit the toilet.

What should I remember to do at The John Bramston School

THINGS TO DO AT THE JOHN BRAMSTON SCHOOL :

• tuck your shirt in,
• wear you tie correctly to the top .
• be respectful when others are talking .
• walk in corridors
• tuck your shirt in,
• refrain from eating and drinking in corridors .
• remember to say please, thank you, excuse me and pardon
• listen
• avoid arguments and “stirring”
• hold doors open for others,
• remember your equipment, coursework etc .
• switch off phones in school buildings
• no swearing
.
• respect your environment and other peoples property

Get these right and you will have a very happy time at The John Bramston School.

How is my behaviour monitored and how am I supported.

If staff become concerned about any aspect of students achievement or behaviour, there are several methods which the school uses to closely monitor the situation and help effect a positive change. These are:

How do I deal with Bullying?

If you suspect someone is being bullied:

·
• take action – doing nothing looks as if you are on the side of the bully
·
• tell an adult or a peer mentor immediately
·
• do not be, or pretend to be, friends with a bully
  

If you are being bullied: