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Contents Page

Page Welcome and School Visits 3 Key Activities and Dates 4 School Uniform 5 Pupil Premium and Free School Meals 6 Data Protection Act 1998 – How we use your information 7 Simon Balle Student Information Sheet - Notes for Completion 8 Simon Balle Student Information 9 R Ethnic Background Record Form 11 R First Language Record Form 12 R Consent Form for School Trips and Other Off-Site Activities 13 R Student Health Information 15 R

Year 7 Residential Trip – Phasels Wood, Student Supplies, One Person, One Device 17 (R) Terms & Conditions of the One Person, One Device Scheme at Simon Balle All-through School 18 Financial Information/Obligations 20 (R) Family preparation for becoming a member of Simon Balle All-through School - Transition Activities 21 (R) Simon Balle All-through School - Application for Music Lessons 23 (R) Image* Opt Out Form – Photographs 25 (R) Simon Balle All-through School Parent Staff Association 27 (R) Careers Education and Work Experience 29 (R) Key R - Form MUST be returned by 4

th May

(R) - Forms returned as required by 4th May

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Dear Families Welcome to Simon Balle All-through School. We are delighted that you will be joining us in September 2016. This is the start of an exciting educational journey both for your child and you as parents over the next 7 years.

The Simon Balle Student will have had a dynamic educational experience. They will have achieved the highest possible

grades and will be able to go out into the globally competitive world with the skills, attributes and behaviours equipped for

the twenty-first century.

Our students will be motivated to achieve their very best, be resourceful and resilient, able to accept others for who they are.

They will be contented people, creative in their thinking, respectful and responsible in their actions.

Simon Balle students will have discovered what they find interesting and be passionate about their learning. They will

possess confidence and have a sense of self-worth, being empowered to make decisions and to self-improve. We have a clear vision – all students will be set challenging academic and personal targets and given the support and encouragement to succeed. An outstanding educational experience is the greatest gift that we can give our young people who will be the leaders of future generations. As the world is rapidly changing we need to ensure that all our of students go out into the globally competitive world with the skills, attributes and behaviours for twenty-first century living. This year we have decided to change how we send out our key information.

Our first correspondence is around registration, alongside some important things we need to talk to you about now. This preparation and organisation will alert you to dates and important procedures. These forms must be completed and returned to the School Office by Wednesday 4

th May.

Website – Most of the other information you will need will be on our website

Series of meetings, which we expect all parents to attend I look forward to getting to know both you and your child over the coming weeks and months. Alison Saunders Headteacher

Further Information and School Visits

Please regularly check our school website. In June we will be posting al ist of practical instructions, further information as well as some summer work. We will visit every child before they arrive at Simon Balle and talk to them and their teacher. In addition this year, we are working with our local ‘feeder’ primaries to arrange for some of our teachers to teach them so that we can fully understand their learning.

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Key Activities and Dates

DATE FOCUS

INFORMATION ACTION

Monday 13th and 20th June OR Thursday 23rd and 30th June

Family preparation for becoming a member of Simon Balle 18.00-20.00

Each evening, 2 sessions. The first session is an active family one (with a choice) followed by a workshop

Complete form. Parent and child to attend

Wednesday 13th July

Parents Evening 19.00

Important information for Thursday 14th July and September

Parents must attend with students

Thursday 14th July

Hertfordshire Transition Day 08.40-15.25

Wear primary school uniform. Bring £2.50 for lunch Bring pencil case with equipment

All students must attend

Monday 18 and Tuesday 19th July

Stevensons Uniform Sale 15.30-19.00

Parents can go to the shop in St Albans to buy the specified uniform, order on line or come along to the school sale

Monday 5th September

School starts for all students. 08.40-15.25

Students to arrive a line up in playground in full uniform with equipment

All students to attend

Monday 12th September

Evening about the residential trip to Phasels Wood 19.00-20.00

See information about this residential rip (2 ½ days) to Phasels Wood near Hemel Hempstead. An outdoor experience, including bushcraft and a number of activities including climbing and pot holding

All students to attend. Payment to begins in May

Saturday 24th September – 8.30-12.30

School Open Morning All year 7 students expected to attend

Letter in September

Wednesday to Friday 5th-7th October or Monday to Wednesday 10th-12th October

Phasels Wood Trip See pack Payments to begin in May

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School Uniform

We want students to be proud of their school and to understand that it is important to wear this correctly. Our uniform is simple but smart. It helps us to identify as part of the Simon Balle Community, whatever age and stage students are. Certain items can be brought locally and cheaply as they are easily obtainable. Specialist uniform needs to be purchased from Stevensons, the company which most Hertfordshire Secondary Schools use. Stevensons come into school, you can order on line or visit their shop in St Albans. They are a large company who has many sizes and lines. Stevensons (Open Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 5.30pm, S – denotes Stevensons only purchase) www.stevensons.co.uk, 133-135 Victoria Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3XS Tel: 01727 853262 All Year 7 students are expected to wear:

Boys

Long-sleeved white shirt

Black school trousers

Maroon school tie with logo (S)

V necked jumper with school badge (S) (green for

years 7-9, maroon for years 10-11) Sensible black shoes, capable of being polished

Plain coloured coat or jacket (without logos)

Summer term only - white short sleeved shirt with logo (S) (worn during the summer term only and without a

school jumper or tie)

Girls

White ¾ sleeved fitted blouse

or short-sleeved shirt

Regulation black school trousers from Stevensons(S) (no hipsters, rivets or fashion belts)

OR Regulation tartan school kilt (S)

V necked jumper or cardigan with school badge (S) (green for years 7-9, maroon for years 10-11)

Black or white regulation socks or black tights during the winter months

Sensible black shoes, capable of being polished (no

fashion shoes or boots) Plain coloured coat or jacket (without logos)

Clothing for PE (specialist equipment)

School white and black polo shirt with thin green

piping (with school badge) (S) Reversible green/black rugby shirt (S)

Black shorts Plain black tracksuit trousers (optional)

Green rugby socks (S)

Shin pads & gum shield (compulsory for some games

lessons)

School white and black polo shirt with thin piping

green (with school badge) (S) Black Skort (S) with the option of black shorts

Black fleece with school logo (S) Plain black tracksuit trousers (optional)

Green rugby socks (S)

Shin pads & gum shield (compulsory for some games

lessons) Students need trainers which are suitable for indoor PE. As an example they can be astro boots, tennis shoes, running trainers, etc. Before going into the gym the trainers must be cleaned if they have been on the Astroturf. Students also need a pair of football/rugby boots. They can have either studs, be moulded or have blades.

The following are not permitted

Any extremes of hairstyle, colour or accessories e.g. large flowers, bows

Coats or jackets with logos, denim, ‘hoodies’ or sweatshirts

Jewellery, except for single stud earrings and watches

Body or facial piercings, tattoos or transfers

Black leggings and bright coloured socks (girls)

Trainers—except at breaks or lunchtimes - students must change out of them for lessons.

Stevensons Uniform Sales will be held in the school dining room between 15.30-19.00 on:

MONDAY 18th

and TUESDAY 19TH

JULY

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Pupil Premium

The Pupil Premium is a government initiative designed to target resources on those pupils deemed to be from a

disadvantaged background. Specifically, the Pupil Premium money is provided for

those pupils who have been on Free School Meals (FSM) at any point over the past 6 years (Ever6),

those children who have a parent in the armed services,

those children who have been looked after continuously for at least 6 months (CLA),

those children who were adopted from care, or who left care under a Special Guardianship Order

those children who left care under a Residence Order on or after 14th October 1991.

Neither the government nor any government agencies have dictated how the Pupil Premium money should be spent,

but what is clear is that the money should be used to promote strategies which narrow the attainment gap between the

highest and lowest achieving pupils.

If your child is eligible for Free School Meals you will need to complete the necessary paperwork as detailed below. If you think your child qualifies for Pupil Premium under any of the other categories above please indicate as appropriate on the Student Information Sheet and also contact Mrs Salter in the School Office. Evidence will need to be provided. We run a week long Summer School for all Pupil Premium children who will join us in Year 7. This year it will run from 22

nd – 26

th August. We will be contacting eligible students shortly.

Free School Meals

If your child is eligible for free school meals it means they can enjoy delicious, healthy. Many children at our school are already eating free school meals, and your child may be able to have them too. School meals will give your child a real appetite for learning and help them to achieve their full potential. There is nothing healthier for your child and your family’s budget than free school meals. As professional cooks prepare the meals for your child, it saves you having to worry about the effort and expense of making packed lunches every day. Your child may be eligible to receive free school meals if you are entitled to receive one of the following:

• Income Support • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit • Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income that does not exceed £16,190 as assessed by HMRC.

Savings for your family If you were planning to pay for your child to have school meals or are already doing so, you could save around £350 per year if your child qualifies for free school meals. Think of the time you will save If your child is eligible and has free school meals instead of packed lunches, you could save up to 190 hours a year, which is the time needed to make packed lunches that meet the nutritional standards of school meals – that is just over a week! Our school will receive extra funding For every child registered for a free school meal, the school will receive money to spend on extra resources. It is called the Pupil Premium and is worth £935 per pupil in 2015-16.

The responsibility for both application and renewal for free school meals rests with the parents. To request further information call 0300 123 4043 or alternatively apply on line at www.hertsdirect.org click on the link “How can we help.” In all cases proof of benefit is required

Please note that we operate a cashless school meal system, so other students will not know who receives Free School Meals.

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Data Protection Act 1998 – How we use your information

We process personal information relating to our pupils and may receive information about them from their previous school or college, local authority, the Department for Education (DfE) and the Learning Records Service. We hold this personal data to:

support our pupils’ learning

monitor and report on their progress

provide appropriate pastoral care; and

assess the quality of our services Information about our pupils that we hold will include their contact details, national curriculum assessment results, attendance information, any exclusion information, where they go after they leave us and personal characteristics such as their ethnic group, any special educational needs they may have as well as relevant medical information. For pupils enrolling for post 14 qualifications, the Learning Records Service will give us the unique learner number (ULN) and may also give us details about your learning or qualifications. In addition once our pupils reach the age of 13, the law requires us to pass on certain information about them to the local provider of Youth Support Services who have responsibilities in relation to the education or training of 13-19 year olds. We provide them with these pupils’ names and addresses, dates of birth, name(s)/address(es) of their parent(s)/guardian(s) and any other information relevant to their role. We may also share certain personal data relating to children aged 16 and over with post-16 education and training providers in order to secure appropriate services for them. A parent/guardian can ask that no information apart from their child’s name, address and date of birth be passed to the support service by informing Mrs Salter, Database Manager. This right is transferred to the child once he/she reaches the age 16. For more information about services for young people, please go to our local authority website. http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/youngpeople/ For more information about young people’s services, please go to the National Careers Service page at https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx We will not give information about you to anyone without your consent unless the law and our policies allow us to. We are required, by law, to pass some information about you to the Department for Education (DfE). This information will, in turn, then be made available for the use by the LA. If you need more information about how our local authority and/or DfE collect and use your information, please visit:

our local authority at http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/privsch/ or

the DfE website at https://www.gov.uk/data-protection-how-we-collect-and-share-research-data If you want to see a copy of the information we hold and share about you then please contact Mrs Salter.

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Simon Balle Student Information Sheet

Notes for Completion

Student’s Legal Surname and Legal Forename

It is vital that names entered here are those stated on the student’s birth certificate. They are used for external examination purposes as well as reports on Go4Schools, throughout their years at school. Students must be registered under the names which appear on the birth certificate, unless evidence is produced that their name has been legally changed by adoption, certificate of deed poll, etc. If the name has been changed please attach a copy of the necessary evidence.

Preferred Surname Please let us know the preferred surname by which you wish your child to be known whilst at Simon Balle if different from their Legal Surname

Preferred Forename Please let us know the preferred forename by which you wish your child to be known whilst at Simon Balle if different from their Legal Forename, i.e. shortened version but not a nickname

Ethnicity Please note, this is about your family origin/heritage, NOT about nationality. Please specify as appropriate.

Nationality This is the nationality of the student

Country of Birth This is the country in which the student was born

First Language A first language other than English should be recorded where a child was exposed to the language during early development and continues to be exposed to this language in the home or in the community.

Student’s Home Address This is the address your child normally lives at during term time.

Medical Information Please give brief details and complete the Student Health Questionnaire later in the booklet with full details.

Contact Details Please give details of all persons who have parental responsibility and anyone else you wish to be contacted in an emergency. Please give full telephone numbers and place the contacts in the order you wish them to be contacted in an emergency.

Email address for InTouch Please write email addresses clearly, particularly when using underscore (_) or hyphen (-). Email contact is used for newsletters, detentions, students timetables and many other forms of communication

Relationship Mother, Father, Stepmother, Stepfather, Guardian etc.

Absent Parent If a parent does not live in the family home please tick the absent parent box.

Please complete all the other forms in this booklet and return to the School Office by Wednesday 4th. Thank you

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Simon Balle Student Information Sheet

Please Read the Accompanying Notes BEFORE Completing The Form

STUDENT’S DETAILS:

Legal Surname*:

Legal Forename:

Middle Names:

Preferred Surname*: *(If different please supply a copy of the appropriate document)

Preferred Forename:

Home :

Date of Birth:

Gender: Ethnicity:

Nationality: County of Birth:

First Language:

Student’s Home Address:

Post Code:

PARENT DETAILS:

Please give details of ALL persons who have parental responsibility and anyone else you wish to be contacted in an emergency. Place them in the order you wish them to be contacted in an emergency. If a parent does not live in the family home please tick the absent parent box. PLEASE WRITE THE E-MAIL ADDRESS CLEARLY (particularly ‘-‘ and ‘_’)

PARENT/CARER (CONTACT 1)

Name: Relationship to child: Parental responsibility: Y/N Absent Parent: Y/N: Home Address (if different):

Home : Work : Mobile : e-mail address for InTouch: CONTACT 2

Name:

Relationship to child:

Parental responsibility: Y/N Absent Parent: Y/N:

Home Address (if different):

Home :

Work :

Mobile :

e-mail address for InTouch: CONTACT 3

Name:

Relationship to child:

Parental responsibility: Y/N Absent Parent: Y/N:

Home Address (if different):

Home :

Work :

Mobile :

e-mail address for InTouch:

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Parents’ marital status (i.e. married/divorced/separated/single/other): ……………………………………………………….. If parents are divorced/separated, who is the student’s legal guardian? ……………………………………………………… Which parent does the student live with? MOTHER/FATHER/BOTH/OTHER (Please specify)……………………………………..

Is there a Court Order in operation with regard to the child? YES/NO (PLEASE COPY SUCH DOCUMENT TO THE SCHOOL)

Is the student in care? YES/NO If YES, please give the name of the Care Authority and start date: …………………… Is either parent in the Armed Services? YES/NO If YES please give details. ……………………………………………… Is the student currently in receipt of Free School Meals? YES/NO Has the student been in receipt of Free School Meals at any time in the last 6 years (your child may be eligible to receive help from Pupil Premium)? YES/NO If YES please give start and end dates ……………………………………

If there are any family circumstances which you feel the school should be aware of please inform your child’s Head of Year Names of any brothers or sisters attending Simon Balle School ………………………..………………………………………

MEDICAL DETAILS:

Surgery Name: ……………………………………………….………………………………: ………………………..………… Address: ………………………………………………………………………………… NHS Number: ………………………….. Medical Information, Allergies and Special Dietary Requirements: ……….………...………….……………………………… ……………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

TRANSPORT DETAILS:

Please tick how your child usually travels to school. If more than one mode of travel is used, the longest element of the journey by distance should be recorded, e.g. a student travelling 5 miles by car and then walking 1 mile should tick Car/Van. Please Tick One Box Only

Walk Train Cycle* Car or Van Taxi Public Service Bus

Car Share (with a

child/children from a different household)

Other

*Please attach cycling proficiency certificate & parental permission letter

EDUCATION DETAILS:

Previous Primary School: ……………………………………….………………………………: ………………………….……

Address: …………..………………..…………………………………………………………………..……………………..……...

Has your child been excluded from another school? (If YES, please give details) ………………...……..………….……… If not Primary to Secondary, what is the reason for transfer? …………………………..…………..………………………….. I undertake to co-operate with the school in ensuring that my child attends school, wears the correct uniform and observes the school rules. Parent/Carer ………………………………………………………………………… Date: ………………………………………

PLEASE RETURN TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE BY WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY 2016

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Ethnic Background Record Form

Student Name :…………………………………………………………………………..……(please print) Our ethnic background describes how we think of ourselves. This may be based on many things, including, for example, our skin colour, language, culture, ancestry or family history. Ethnic background is not the same as nationality or country of birth. The DFE recommends that those with parental responsibility decide the ethnic background for students. The Information Commissioner (formerly the Data Protection Registrar) recommends that young people aged over 11 years old have the opportunity to decide their own ethnic identity. Parents, or those with parental responsibility, are asked to support or advise those children aged over 11 in making this decision, wherever necessary. Students aged 16 or over can make this decision for themselves. Please study the list below and tick one box only to indicate the ethnic background of the student named above. Please also tick whether the form was filled in by a parent or the student. (a) White (b) Mixed British White and Black Caribbean Irish White and Black African Traveller from Irish heritage White and Asian Gypsy Any other mixed background Roma Any other White background (d) Black or Black British Italian Caribbean Turkish African Any other Black background (c) Asian or Asian British Indian (f) Any Other Ethnic Group Pakistani Bangladeshi Any other Asian background (e) Chinese I do not wish an ethnic background to be recorded This information was provided by: Parent Student

Please return the completed form to the School Office by Wednesday 4th May 2016 Any information you provide will be used solely to compile statistics on the school careers and experiences of students from different ethnic backgrounds, to help ensure that all students have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. These statistics will not allow individual students to be identified. From time to time the information will be passed onto the Local Education authority and the Department for Education to contribute to local and national statistics.

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First Language Record Form

A first language other than English should be recorded where a child was exposed to the language during early development and continues to be exposed to this language in the home or in the community. If a child was exposed to more than one language (which may include English) during early development the language other than English should be recorded, irrespective of the child's proficiency in English. In the case of an older student who is no longer exposed to the first language in the home, and who now uses only another language, the student or parent can determine which language should be recorded.

Tick one Box only English Afrikaans Akan/Twi-Fante Albanian/Shiqip Amharic Arabic Armenian Bengali (Sylheti) Bengali (Any other) Bosnian Bulgarian Caribbean Creole English Caribbean Creole French Chaga Chinese (Cantonese) Chinese (Hakka) Chinese (Mandarin/Putonghua) Chinese (Any other) Chichewa/Nyanja Croatian Czech Danish Dutch/Flemish Estonian Filipino Finnish French Gaelic/Irish German Greek (Cyprus) Greek (Any other) Gujarati Hausa Hebrew

Do not wish First Language to be

recorded (Refused) Hindi Hungarian Igbo Icelandic Italian (Sicilian) Italian (Any other) Japanese Kannada Kashmiri Katchi Kikuyu/Gikuyu Kinyarwanda Kirundi Konkani Korean Kurdish Latvian Lingala Lithuanian Luo(Kenya/Tanzania) Marathi Malayalam Malay/Indonesian Ndebele Nepali Pahsto/Pakhto Pahari(Pakistan) Panjabi (Gurmukhi) Panjabi (Mirpuri) Panjabi (Any other) Dari Persian Persian/Farsi (Any other) Polish

Portuguese (Brazil) Portuguese (Any other) Romanian Romany/English Romanes Russian Serbian Shona Sindhi Sinhala Slovak Slovenian Somali Sotho / Sesotho Spanish Sundanese Swahili / Kiswahili Swedish Tagalog Tamil Telugu Thai Tigrinya Traveller Irish / Shelta Turkish Ukrainian Urdu Vietnamese Welsh/Cymraeg Wolof Xhosa Yoruba Zulu

Other Language:………………………………………….Please complete if language is not included in the list above Student Name:………………………………………………………………………..Class/Form………………………………… This information was provided by: Parent Student (Any information you provide will be used solely to compile statistics on the school careers and experiences of pupils from different ethnic backgrounds, to help ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. These statistics will not allow individual students to be identified. From time to time the information will be passed on to the Local Authority and the Department for Education to contribute to local and national statistics. The information will also be passed on to future schools to save it having to be asked for again).

Please return the completed form to the School Office by Wednesday 4th May 2016

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Consent Form for School Trips and Other Off-Site Activities

Please sign and date the form below if you are happy for your child,

a) To take part in school trips and other activities that take place off school premises; and

b) To be given first aid or urgent medical treatment during any school trip or activity. Please note the following important information before signing this form:

The trips and activities covered by this consent include; o all visits (including residential trips) which take place during the holidays or a weekend o adventure activities at any time o off-site sporting fixtures outside the school day, o day trips/visits.

The school will send you information about each trip or activity before it takes place.

You can, if you wish, tell the school that you do not want your child to take part in any particular school trip or activity.

Written parental consent will not be requested from you for the majority of off-site activities offered by the school – for example, year-group visits to local amenities – as such activities are part of the school’s curriculum and usually take place during the normal school day. Please complete the medical information section below (if applicable) and sign and date this form if you agree to the above. MEDICAL INFORMATION Details of any medical condition that my child, suffers from and any medication my child should take during off-site visits: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………… Student’s Name:…………………………………………………….. Form (if known): ………………. Signed (Parent/Carer): …………………………………………….……………………………………… Parent/Carer’s Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………... Date: ………………………………………………….

Please return the completed form to the School Office by Wednesday 4th May 2016

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Student Health Information

Please return this form to the School Office by Wednesday 4th May 2016

STUDENT NAME: ________________________________________________________________________ National Health Number: __________________________________________________________________ Name and address of Doctor Surgery: _______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ IMMUNISATION: Which of the following has your child received? Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio ___________________ Whooping Cough _________________ Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) _____________ Pre-school Booster ________________ Rubella _________________________________ Meningitis C ______________________ Other (e.g. BCG) _________________________ DETAILS OF ILLNESSES: Has your child ever had any serious injury, illness or operation, or attended any hospital (if so, please give details)? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DOES YOUR CHILD SUFFER FROM ANY OF THE PROBLEMS BELOW/OVERLEAF? 1. Vision problems _______________________________________ (Please state, e.g. Colour vision/glasses) 2. Ear/hearing Problems _______________________________________ 3. Dental _______________________________________ 4. Severe Headaches/Migraines _______________________________________ 5. Allergies _______________________________________ 6. Asthma _______________________________________ 7. Hayfever _______________________________________ 8. Skin Problems _______________________________________ 9. Heart Problems _______________________________________ 10. Urine Infections _______________________________________ 11. Bowel Problems _______________________________________ 12. Eating/Dieting Problems _______________________________________ 13. Fits or Convulsions _______________________________________ 14. Emotional/Anxiety or Depression _______________________________________ 15. Problems with muscles/bones/joints _______________________________________ 16. Family changes (including bereavements/separation) __________________________

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Has your child ever had a serious allergic reaction to anything? ______________________________________________________________________________________ Does your child take any regular medication (including inhaler)? Please specify ______________________________________________________________________________________ Has your child had frequent absences from school in the past year? ______________________________________________________________________________________ Is your child happy with school life? _________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Is there anything specific we need to know about your child’s health? ______________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: (Parent/Guardian) ______________________________________ Date: ___________________

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Year 7 Residential Trip – Phasels Wood

5th-7th or 10th-12th October 2016

We would like your child to be able to join us on our annual trip to Phasels Wood. This is a 2 ½ day residential trip with a focus upon a team building. This trip is placed early in the term to help the children to make new friends, boost their confidence and really get to understand what it means being part of the Simon Balle community. The trip will cost £190.00. No other money is required on this trip. Half of the year group will go on 5

th-7

th October,

whilst the other half 10th-12

th October. The accommodation is based in luxury tents and activities include bush-craft,

crate stacking, high ropes, potholing, archery and lots of time for games and exploring. We expect all children to attend, unless there is a specific reason. If you would prefer your child not to attend the trip then please complete the form in the finance section of this document (see Financial Information/Obligations).

Student Supplies

We expect all students to have the following equipment: A pencil case containing:

Pens (black/blue and green)

Pencils (coloured and normal)

Eraser

Pencil sharpener

Scissors

Highlighter pens A full length ruler A glue stick A scientific calculator (if unclear please email the Head of Maths, Mrs Pope at popes@simonballe.herts.sch.uk) A pair of compasses At home we expect all students to have either a measuring cup or kitchen scales to weight out ingredients for food lessons. A school bag suitable to put A4 folders in. This should be a rucksack, satchel or shoulder bag. Art sketch book – (see Financial Information/Obligations). We prefer all students to have a sketchbook Book covers - we expect all exercise books to be covered. The easiest way to do this is to purchase the transparent book covers (see Financial Information/Obligations). Lockers – Lockers are available around the school. The cost to hire a locker for the entire period in Years 7-11, (with a refundable deposit of £10.00) is £35.00. Lockers are allocated once students start the school but need to be ordered in advance. The conditions for locker use are on the website.

One Person, One Device Scheme

Education must prepare all young people for the demands of work and further study. We are living in a digital age where responsible effective use of the internet is key to living and studying. Using iPads is beginning to transform both teaching and learning at Simon Balle. We continue to use desk tops too particularly when programming. Most of our students have access to technology and wifi at home. This is important as homework is set digitally. However those who do not can make use of the school library before and after school every day. For the past two years we have issued on loan iPads to all students for responsible use. These iPads belong to the school but as we insist on insurance (paid for in advance), they can be taken home to use. This year we will be issuing the iPads differently in September. Information about this will be given to parents on 13

th

July. Parents will be expected to come in during the first week of term so that our IT education team can explain to you how we expect students to use their iPads and how to care and protect them. It is at this point that we will ask you and your child to sign the ‘acceptable-safe use’ policy.

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When you come in in September you may like to discuss whether you would prefer your child to bring in their own iPad, rather than have a school loan one. If parents/carers would prefer that students use their own devices, we ask that all devices are kept in protective cases and that students download and install the school’s system management application. Please note that the devices will not form part of the school’s insurance policy in this instance. Keeping children safe is a key priority at Simon Balle and this therefore means digitally. At our evening workshops during the summer term, we will be working with you to explain what we do but of equal importance what you should be doing at home with regard to all forms of technology – phones, Xbox, PlayStations, laptops, desktops and iPads. Further details about the scheme are attached in the iPad use terms and conditions. More details about device hand out will be made in September and guidance distributed about safely setting up an iTunes account if a student does not already have one, standard apps to download and much more. If a student does not stay into Year 12 (or leaves in any other year prior to year 12) at Simon Balle School, then they would need to return the iPad. Otherwise the student will own the item.

Terms & Conditions of the One Person, One Device Scheme at

Simon Balle All-through School

1. General

i. The scheme will provide an iPad for every Simon Balle student in years 7 to 11 inclusive for use in all

aspects of their education at the school.

ii. Students who do not wish to be provided with an iPad may use their own devices but we do ask that this

device is an iPad as we can ensure consistency in the suite of applications used and management of the

school network.

iii. We are currently unable to offer insurance to students who choose to provide their own devices.

iv. iPads will be distributed to students in the first/second week of the Autumn term subject to parents

attending a ‘hand-over’ meeting.

2. Payment terms

i. The cost of contribution towards the scheme will be £26 for each year that a student uses a device. This

is to be paid in the Autumn term of each academic year until the student leaves the school.

ii. The parental/ carer contribution goes towards a comprehensive insurance policy for each device, a

protective case and administration of the scheme.

iii. Payment is preferred via Parent Pay, the school’s preferred option for all financial transactions with

parents/ carers. If parents/ carers are unable to use this method then cash or cheques can be taken to

the finance office during school hours. Cash and cheque payments should be enclosed in a sealed

envelope with the student’s name, form and a description of what the payment is for written clearly on

the envelope.

iv. The school will always seek to assist parents/ carers who are unable to contribute towards the scheme.

3. Ownership of devices

i. The school will own all devices throughout a student’s school life but responsibility for maintaining

them will lie with the students and parents.

ii. Students are expected to look after the devices at all times.

iii. Ownership of the devices will pass to students after year 11 as long as they have used the device in

school for 3 or more years.

4. Repair and replacement

i. Devices must be kept in suitable protective cases at all times. Our insurers will not repair the devices if

it is clear that the device was not in its case at the time of the damage. If you are unsure about the

suitability of a protective cover, please visit the Network Office who can advise accordingly.

ii. In cases of accidental damage to devices, students should take the device to the Network Office

immediately. The Network team will then create a log of the damage and send it to our insurers for

19

assessment. If the insurers deem that the damage was accidental then the device will be fixed and

returned to the student. The aim is to have all repaired devices back to students within 3 weeks.

iii. If damage occurs to devices outside of normal term time then please email the Network Office as soon

as possible at: networkstaff@simonballe.herts.sch.uk . The network team will contact you to arrange

repair.

iv. If damage to a device is not reported within 10 days of any incident then the insurance policy will not

cover any repairs and parents/ carers may be invoiced for the cost of repair or replacement of the

device.

v. If the damage to a device is clearly not accidental then we will not be able to replace the device. In

some cases we may seek to recover the costs from parents/ carers where deliberate damage is

caused or the device is lost.

5. Device management

i. Students who opt to provide their own device for use at school are able to do so but they must run on

an ‘iOS’ operating system (this limits device choice to Apple products).

ii. All devices for use in the school must have the schools device management application (‘Meraki’)

installed. This application is required to access the schools wireless network and ensure that essential

educational applications are installed. Please note that no personal information is kept on students

network activity and we do not monitor usage outside of school times.

iii. The Meraki application must be installed at all times and allows us to remotely wipe the device should

it be lost. If this is removed, sanctions may be issued.

iv. Students must ensure that devices are brought into school with sufficient battery for the whole day.

Devices should not need to be charged during school hours.

v. Students and parents/ carers should ensure that iPad usage is in line with the ‘Digital Safeguarding

Policy’, a copy of which will be placed on the school’s website.

vi. Students will need their own iTunes account and these MUST be set up using their school email

address, if they do not already have an account the Network Team will help in setting one up. This is

needed to download applications from the App Store.

6. Learning materials

i. The default option for provision of all future learning materials (i.e. text books) will be electronic books.

These will be provided free of charge to students where they relate to curriculum necessities.

Additional learning resources may be purchased by students or by the school as required.

ii. Where possible, the school will encourage submission of student work electronically.

iii. Where it is not possible to provide resources electronically, the school will provide hard copies of text

books and other learning materials.

7. Parental/ carer responsibilities

i. Whilst on the school’s wireless network, we are able to safeguard students’ e-safety as far as possible

but we are unable to extend this beyond the school’s own network. Therefore it is vital that parents/

carers take all necessary precautions at home to ensure that e-safety is considered.

ii. The school will run annual sessions for parents/ carers on e-safety to ensure effective safeguarding is

in place. Details for the course will be sent out via the school newsletter.

iii. Simon Balle School will not accept responsibility for breaches of electronic security or e-safety outside

of direct school use.

8. Queries

i. Please direct any queries regarding these T&C’s to the finance office

(finance@simonballe.herts.sch.uk)

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Financial Information/Obligations

At the start of year 7 there are several items that students are required to contribute towards. To give you an idea of these costs so that you can budget accordingly please see below:

Art supplies - £2.50

Book covers - £2.75

Technology materials - £8.00 (per year, items which are made can be taken home)

Locker - £35.00 (includes £10.00 deposit and £25.00 rental)

iPad Scheme - £26.00

Phasels Wood whole year group trip - £190.00. Please see below for the payment schedule: o Deposit by 10/06/16 £50.00 o 1st Payment by 12/08/16 £70.00 o 2

nd Payment by 09/09/16 £70.00

Or, if you wish, you can pay for the trip in full. All of these items can be paid for online through www.parentpay.com. This lets you make online payments using your credit and/or debit card using a very secure internet gateway. Very quickly you will realise the advantage of this payment method and how easy it is to use ParentPay. Your child will not have to carry money and you have the choice of making payments whenever you want making all money transactions much safer. Families will be receiving their ParentPay log in details by early May which will give you access to your individual family account in ParentPay. You will need to activate your account and you will then be able to pay online for items. You will be able to choose a new username and password once you have logged on for the first time. If you do not have access to a computer, you can come up to the school to make use of ours, or pay by cheque (made payable to Simon Balle School). Any cash sent in to the school is at your own risk. If you anticipate any financial difficulties please contact the Finance Office (finance@simonballe.herts.sch.uk or 01992 410400) as soon as possible to see what financial assistance is available.

******************************************* So that we can make arrangements for the whole year group trip to Phasels Wood please could you let us know if you do not wish your child to attend the trip by returning the slip below: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- To be returned to the Finance Office, Simon Balle School I do not wish for (student’s name) ______________________________________________________________ to participate in the Year 7 Trip to Phasels Wood in October 2016. Signed (parent/carer) ___________________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________________________ Date _________________________

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Family preparation for becoming a member of Simon Balle All-

through School - Transition Activities

Following our extremely popular and successful sessions last year in various subjects, we are once again able to offer a variety of practical activities for those students joining Simon Balle All-through School in September. The sessions will be split and parents and children will attend a practical session which will then be followed by an informative session in the school hall. Families will be expected to attend either both Mondays or both Thursdays. Sessions will be linked to the programmes students will follow in Year 7 and parents will be working on similar themes and developing those skills their own children will be exploring once they come to Simon Balle. It is an excellent way of students getting to know the school and for parents to understand the time constraints they work under. However parents really enjoy working alongside their children and meeting other new parents. Places will be limited and we would like you to indicate your preferred dates and sessions on the form below (Monday 13

th and 20

th June OR Thursday 23

rd and 30

th June – 6.00-8.00pm). We will try and accommodate you with your

first preferences where possible however last year these sessions proved to be extremely popular. Please indicate your interests on the attached form at the end of this booklet.

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Family preparation for becoming a member of Simon Balle

All-through School - Transition Activities 6-8pm

Please return this form to the School Office by Wednesday 4th May 2016

Parent Name: ………………………..……………………. Signature: …………………………………………….. Student Name: …............................................................. Date: ………………………………………………...... Please follow the Example below to complete the form correctly. EXAMPLE

Monday 13th

June

Subject

Drama Food Geography iPad* Science

Choice (number)

2 1 3 4 5

Please complete the sessions you would like to attend. They are all practical sessions. Families should choose to attend either the Monday sessions OR the Thursday sessions (the sessions are repeated). (Please remember to check your child is not away on a primary school trip)

Monday 13th

June

Subject

Drama Food Geography iPad* Science

Choice (number)

Monday 20th

June

Subject

Art iPad* Library Music Y7 Student Voice

Choice (number)

Thursday 23rd

June

Subject

Drama Food Geography iPad* Science

Choice (number)

Thursday 30th

June

Subject

Art iPad* Library Music Y7 Student Voice

Choice (number)

(iPad = using your SBS iPad effectively)

Contact email address………………………..………………………………………………………………………….

PLEASE PRINT EMAIL ADDRESS CLEARLY

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Simon Balle All-through School - Application for Music Lessons

Our department is renowned for the quality of our music and ensembles - but do not just take our word for that, you can see and hear what we do on the website. We offer lessons on many instruments, including piano, keyboard, drums, electric, bass or acoustic guitar, trombone, trumpet, `cello, violin, viola, double bass, bassoon, flute, saxophone, clarinet and oboe, as well as singing lessons. All Simon Balle musicians are part of our musical family, whether they learn an instrument in school or not, and are expected to take part in at least one of our ensembles. This is part of learning the instrument and helps foster commitment and hard work in the musicians. We have high expectations and are pleased that our students respond to our expectations! If your child learns an instrument out of school please complete the application form so that we can include you in one of our ensembles. If you would like your child to learn an instrument at Simon Balle complete, sign and return this form as soon as possible (making particular note of the contract details on the back). Our Music Administrator will contact you before the end of the Summer Term. If asking for guitar lessons, please state electric or acoustic. If you have any questions, please contact the Music Department via email music@simonballe.herts.sch.uk.

Student Details

Student

Primary School

Parent/ Guardian Name

Address

Town

County

Post Code

Phone number (day/evening)

Email address

Students mobile number

Lesson Detail

I wish my child to receive tuition in (instrument) If guitar lessons please state whether acoustic or electric

Duration (please cross out as required)

30 minute lessons weekly 20 minute lessons weekly

Charges are as follows: Individual tuition - 30 minutes, weekly is £204.00 for 11 lessons Individual tuition - 20 minutes, weekly is £141.00 for 11 lessons (the above prices may increase in September)

I am eligible for Remission of Fees (income support/family credit) and have made application for this through Hertfordshire County Council. I have telephoned the call centre at Stevenage on 0300 123 4048 to confirm that my application is being processed. Please note that lessons cannot commence until Remission of Fees has been confirmed. (please tick/ cross out as appropriate)

Yes / No

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Please complete separate forms if lessons in more than one instrument are requested.

Status of Pupil

(Please cross out/ complete as appropriate)

My child is a complete beginner Yes / No

My child has been learning this instrument for… (please state how long the child has been learning and who their current teacher is)

My child is currently learning grade….

My child is also having lessons in….

Instrument

My child has their own instrument Yes / No

We would like to rent an instrument (please note this does not apply to guitars or drums) Yes / No

We are interested in purchasing an instrument and would like some advice Yes / No

Undertaking

I understand and accept the following conditions: 1. That any instrument used by my child will carry a label with his/her name and address inside the case and some readily identifiable external mark - a logo sticker or similar - since many instrument cases look alike and mistakes are sometimes made in collecting them. Most instruments carry an identification number - this should be noted in case of loss. 2. That I must give at least 11 lessons' written notice of an intention to discontinue lessons at the end of the term. I am still liable for payment for this notice period, even if lessons are not attended. 3. That I will pay tuition fees (and examination fees, if and when entries are made) by the deadlines specified. 4. That a termly bill will be for 11 lessons and that if, for any reason, this number of lessons is not offered, then the following (Summer Term) bill will be adjusted accordingly. 5. That attendance at instrumental lessons is primarily the student's responsibility and that credit will not be allowed for lessons lost by student's non-appearance at the times designated. 6. Only lessons missed by reason of a teacher's absence or a school-sponsored event (examinations, trips, etc) will be credited, unless the teacher makes arrangements for an alternative lesson time.

Signed

Please print name here

Date

Completed application forms should be signed and returned to the School Office by Wednesday 4

th May 2016:

If you have any queries relating to this form, contact the Music Centre on 01992 410408

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Image* Opt Out Form – Photographs

At Simon Balle All-through School we have a clear vision to provide the very best learning experience for all of our students. We have much to celebrate; our academic standards are high, students tell us they are very happy at school and many parents are keen to recommend the school to others. Every day so much is happening which is worthy of note from subject lessons, trips and activities, to clubs and fixtures. Our website tries to capture and share this; it is our window for the outside world and images* of this great school are crucial if we are to publicise, communicate and celebrate our life in school. What sort of images/photos do we take? We only take positive images and these are closely vetted. We take pictures of what is happening in lessons which usually comprises of a group or class image. House plays and House sports, concerts, sports champions, guest visitors and activity trips all provide other opportunities for us to capture the learning and personal development that takes place at our school. How do we use these images/photos? We use them for displays within school. Visitors always praise us for our stimulating learning environment and the students themselves feedback just how much they enjoy looking at the range of activities which take place. The Y7 trip board is perhaps one of our most visited displays. This celebration of events can increasingly be seen on the website and occasionally we manage to get an article in a local newspaper. In addition, we use images of students taking part in activities for promotional and publicity purposes. Most schools have a paper or e-prospectus, which contain images of students. Increasingly short podcasts are also being used. We know that most parents are happy with schools taking images and using them in this way. We are always very careful in what we take, how we use it and how we label photos. The school has guidelines, user agreements and policies to ensure we fulfil our Data Protection and E-safety. If you are happy with the above statements you do not need to take any further action. However, we understand that a small number of parents may not want their child to have their image taken or used in this way. For those parents we therefore ask, if you do have concerns, to opt out by signing and returning the contract at the end of this booklet. *Images may be photographic or filmed

*******************************************

ONLY COMPLETE IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO HAVE THEIR PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN

I do not want my child to have their image/photograph taken. This means that they will take responsibility themselves by:

removing themselves when images/photos are taken at any school events e.g.: House plays, House sport, sporting events, music concerts, trips, lessons, clubs etc.

informing the teacher that they are unable to have their image/photo taken as this will affect how students are grouped, want to celebrate sports and musical events etc.

Name of child……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Parent signature ………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Parent name (print) …………………………………………………………..………………………………………… Date ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..

26

27

Simon Balle All-through School Parent Staff Association

A Registered Charity “Raising money to benefit all our students”

All families of Simon Balle are automatically a member of the Parent Staff Association. Our aim is to raise money to provide facilities and equipment which benefit all the students at Simon Balle. Our big vision is to modernise as many of the ‘commonly’ used areas of the school ensuring that 1950s buildings are bright and fit for 21

st Century education. Last year we made a multiyear pledge to support the replacement of the school

minibuses, one of which has wheelchair access. In the past we have supported the refurbishment of the school hall, library, and lecture theatre. These common areas are used daily by all students and therefore every single child benefits from our work. We raise money through a busy programme of activities throughout the school year which includes events such as our Christmas auction, quiz nights, pamper nights, annual fun run and organising refreshments for school concerts and plays. For further information on all our activities please visit our website at www.simonballepsa.org.uk. Interested in getting involved in some way? Being part of the team which organises and runs PSA events and activities can be great fun – and you give as much or as little time as you wish. Our Annual General Meeting takes place early in the autumn term, and this is a good time to find out more about what we do. It is also when we elect the PSA Committee, agree the focus of the forthcoming year’s fund raising and discuss ideas for future events. Own your own business? Can you help support the PSA by donating your time or services Does your employer offer community grants or other support to local charities? Whatever help you can give - please return the form below to the school office and a member of the PSA Committee will get in touch with you. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Simon Balle All-through School Parent Staff Association

Please complete this form and return it to the School Office by Wednesday 4th May 2016

I am interested in finding out more about how I might get involved in PSA fundraising. Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Telephone Number: …………………………………………… Student’s Form: .…………(if known) e-mail address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………

I may able be to help the PSA with the following support, services or fund raising:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Careers Education and Work Experience

. Careers education and information and guidance begins when students join Simon Balle and covers a broad range of activities from parental evenings, transition evenings e.g. around options and developing many of the ‘softer skills’. This compliments our vision of developing the ‘rounded individual’ ready for the world of work. At times more bespoke sessions are used e.g. enterprise day in Year 8, Get ready for work day in Year 9 and a careers fair for Year 10 and 12 students. The whole of Year 12 also have a work experience week in the summer term. We see careers education and work experience as an essential part of our student’s development, whilst they are on the threshold of choosing a suitable apprenticeship or degree course and potential career. We encourage students to be aware of the demands of their chosen field and to plan for these. Work Experience is seen as a necessity when applying for courses such as medicine, nursing, law, teacher training, pharmacy, veterinary science, business, media and more and can be used when making a UCAS application. We are always seeking new placements and if you feel your company may be able to offer a placement, a careers presentation, mentoring to a student or would like to find out more information, please return the slip below and a member of staff will contact you.

Careers Education and Work Experience

Please return to the School Office by Wednesday 4th May 2016

My company may be interested in offering careers education, mentoring or a work experience placement. Name: …………………………………..…………… Company Name: ……………………………………………………. Address: ……….………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………… Contact Telephone Number: …………………….…………………………………………………………………………… e-mail address: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Student’s Name: ……………………………..……………..………………………………………………………………….