Welcome to The World of Woodhouse Grove

7W Miss Barnes (will be Mrs Owen in September!)/Mr T Hicks
7H Mrs R Warner
7G Miss G Thompson
7S Mr J Birkett
7E Mr C Norris
7V Mrs C Jemmett

At Woodhouse Grove the pastoral and academic overview of every pupil is primarily the responsibility of their Tutor.

The Tutor Group is part of a specific School Section and the Form Tutor a member of a School Section team. As part of this team, under the direction and with the support of Heads of Years, the Form Tutors will encourage each pupil to fulfil their individual academic potential and will monitor and guide their commitments to co-curricular activities.

The Form Tutors and Heads of Years provide guidance focused by the specific needs of each year group in its appropriate educational stage.

FULL DETAILS OF THE CURRICULUM AT EACH STAGE OF THE SCHOOL ARE PROVIDED IN SPECIFIC COMPREHENSIVE HANDBOOKS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE.

The School Sections are:

Year 7 Head of Year: Miss A Barron
Year 8 Head of Year: Mrs K Jennings
Year 9 Head of Year: Mr D Sugden
Year 10 Head of Year: Mr O Mantle
Year 11 Head of Year: Mr P Moffat
Assistant Head (Sixth Form & Futures): Mr C Softley
Head of Sixth Form Inclusion & Wellbeing: Mrs C Blake

Additional support for year groups in provided by our non-teaching Pastoral Support Leads.
Year 7&8 Mr A Ridley
Year 9,10,11 Mr C Hosty & Ms N Eames

For each pupil to benefit from the whole education we are offering, effective communication between the School and parents is essential. Parents must feel free to contact the Form Tutor, Pastoral Support Lead or the Head of Year regarding any day to day concerns, either pastoral or academic.

If you feel that your child is not being challenged enough, or is having trouble coping with the amount of work expected, please feel free to contact your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Year.

Parents are given access to our Firefly site (woodhousegrove.fireflycloud.net) where they can access a range of school related information. There are sections on subjects (which contains course and examination details as well as resources for pupils), Sport, Pupils (where pupils can find information related to their life in school) and one section specifically designed for parents.

Firefly also allows you to see your child’s reports and tasks (homework/prep) that has been set to them and when they are due. The only information that Firefly is unable to deliver are the details regarding public exams (GCSE and A levels), where a separate system is deployed for pupils to see their entries, timetables and results.

Parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the number of preps their child is meant to be completing.

If your child regularly appears to have too much or too little homework, please inform the Form Tutor. Pupils are expected to complete approximately 1 hour of prep per night in Year 7 increasing through to Year 11, including the weekend.

Reports are published on Firefly and you will receive notification via Schoolpost when they are ready to view.

Full details on how to login to Firefly will be provided as well as instructions on how it can be used.

The majority of Parents’ Evenings are held virtually on a platform called SchoolCloud. The date of each year groups Parent’s Evening will be advertised at the start of the academic year.

In the Lower School, where a few members of staff teach many pupils, it may not be possible to see everyone who teaches your child; please do not feel the need to do so.

You will receive at least two full written reports and one interim report each school year. A parents' guide to reports is published annually and this explains the different formats along with details of grades used for 'attitude to learning' and 'performance indicator'. Reports are published on Firefly and you will receive notification via Schoolpost when they are ready to view.

There is a small Learning Support Unit in the school, staffed by qualified, specialist teachers. The unit operates a withdrawal system: pupils who need help are withdrawn either from a modern language or an ‘option’ class and attend the Unit for between four and seven periods each week.

Colours are awarded (usually only in the Sixth Form) for outstanding performance or commitment in sport or music or drama. The award of Full Colours entitles a pupil to wear a Colours blazer and tie. Academic colours are awarded to pupils in Year 11 and Sixth Form for outstanding academic progress and commitment. Colours blazers may only be worn in the Sixth Form.

The Grove Award is an opportunity for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to gain recognition for participating in a range of activities either within or outside school. To gain their badge and certificate, they must complete 5 challenges, covering at least 3 different categories eg performing arts, sport and STEM. An important aspect of the award is that students must complete an online portfolio of evidence and provides a good basis for going on to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme in Year 10.

Credits are awarded regularly to pupils who staff feel deserve positive recognition for any performance, piece of work or accomplishment in any field. Credits can be awarded for a sustained period of effort, or a particularly special accomplishment or performance. Where a pupil meets a credit threshold (e.g. for Year 7 every 25 credits), they will be awarded a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum certificate to acknowledge their achievement.

Commendations are awarded if a student produces work of outstanding quality or is well above their normal standard, either in terms of effort or achievement and worthy of an award above and beyond a credit. After receiving 5 Commendations, students will receive a Headmaster’s Commendation. The student will meet with the Headmaster and will be awarded a certificate.

Detention & Report Cards

Detentions are held on Friday evenings. These detentions are for pupils whose work in class, or in prep, has been unsatisfactory or incomplete, or whose conduct is of concern. Pupils who on several occasions are reported to have handed in late prep (or in fact, no prep), or arrive to classes unprepared, will be expected to spend up to 1 hour after school completing extra work. A Saturday Detention from 9.30am to 11.30am is held for pupils who seriously transgress the School's accepted standards of behaviour. In both cases pupils concerned will be given at least 24 hours’ notice. In more serious cases a Headmaster's Detention on Saturday from 9.30am to 3.30pm may be applied. For any detention pupils must wear school uniform. School detentions take precedence over all other school activities.

A report card is given to a pupil who is causing concern regarding their academic standards, appearance or organisation. There are several levels of "reporting". Should your child bring a report card home to be signed, please take the time to sit down and discuss the card and all its implications with them.

Gating (Boarders only)

Gating is a sanction for misdemeanours such as breaking bounds and for issues of a more serious nature than those leading to detention. It may be given only by Boarding House Heads or senior staff. It can be served on any days of the week including weekends and involves staying in uniform on the School site throughout the day and reporting to the staff on duty at specific times of each day.

Careers education and personal development lessons take place in every year group as part of the form programme. All pupils in years 10, 11 and 12/13 have a one-to-one careers appointment to help them with future career choices. All pupils in year 8, 9 and 11 are given talks regarding options choices. Year 9 students and parents attend an options evening, year 11 students and parents attend the Sixth Form Open Evening and year 12 students and parents attend a post-18 launch event. All events are held in school.

Pupils will have the opportunity to gain exposure to a range of career pathways, develop their ‘soft skills’ and make informed choices about their post-16 and post-18 options. ‘Futures Friday’ which takes place during a form period every other week allows students to access a digital platform called Globalbridge. Globalbridge is a digital learner profile that enables students to record and showcase their talents, skills and qualifications through an interactive, media rich, secure online profile. Futures Friday consists of structured and progressive activities that students can access to help them make more informed decisions about their future study and careers options. There are tailored activities for each year group and the Globalbridge platform provides each student with the opportunity to keep a running record of their careers related activities and achievements. Students also have access to START profile which helps with careers research.

In the 6th form, pupils are appropriately prepared for university and/or apprenticeships. See the 6th form handbook for details. A wide range of careers resources are freely available to pupils on Firefly.

There are two boarding houses, one for boys and one for girls. There are six Houses (mixed boy/girl and boarding/day) for inter-House sporting and cultural competition. The House provides continuity of commitment and care throughout a pupil’s career at the school.

The Day Houses: House Heads:

Atkinson Miss M Barnes
Findlay Mrs S Harder
Southerns Mrs L A Watmough
Stephenson Mr C Jackson
Towlson Mr M Gill
Vinter Mr T Exeter

The Boarding Houses:

Assistant Head (Boarding & Compliance) Mr D King
Head of Girl’s Boarding (Miller) Mrs N Bradburne
Head of Boy’s Boarding (Brodwell) Mr M Dobson

Boarders at the Grove are constantly provided with stimulating and challenging experiences. They may choose to play and practise music, research in the library, use the latest multi-media facilities, rehearse a play for public performance, play sport for the School or local teams, participate in one of our many exchange programmes, join a theatre or concert trip, work out in the recently refurbished fitness suite, swim lengths in the Jubilee pool or just relax and drink a hot drink with friends in the House kitchen. These are just a few activities that represent the diversity and richness of boarding at Woodhouse Grove School and it is this, coupled with the strong academic standards that attract people from all over the world. They join a boarding community that celebrates traditional values, while embracing a tolerance and understanding.

Young people today face increasing pressures to compete at top universities and rewarding careers. Academic qualifications alone are not sufficient to guarantee success in the wider world. Maturity, confidence, versatility, self discipline and self motivation are all qualities needed to achieve their full potential and boarding at WGS can provide a unique environment in which to develop these qualities. If you walk around the School you will meet confident, motivated boarders, studying hard, expressing their opinion and taking an active part in School life and a keen interest in the wider world.

Boarders flourish in the homely atmosphere of Miller (Girls) and Brodwell (Boys) receiving all the individual attention they need whilst being given enough space to mature rapidly, form close friendships, take on responsibilities and discover new talents.

Although each of the two Houses is unique in character, they share certain values. A caring and secure environment is maintained by resident House staff and all boarders have their own personal House Tutor to whom they are able to turn for guidance and support. Each House also offers modern amenities, kitchens for snacks and drinks, well-appointed bedrooms and relaxing common rooms. All boarders have either double or single rooms.

A full and varied weekend boarding activities programme is organised for all pupils, whilst sixth form boarders are given greater freedom to make their own weekend plans, although these must be approved and monitored by staff. Although there is a limited number of Exeat and Leave weekends boarders can arrange leave to visit parents or friends with the Houseparent. Visitors and overseas parents are always welcome at the Grove.

All boarding Houses share a busy timetable. After a morning call all boarders meet for breakfast in the School Dining Hall between 7.45am – 8.15am. This is followed by individual House routines and then boarders join day pupils in the School for registration and lessons. After the working day, there are drinks and snacks available in Houses, followed by the option of participating in a wide range of co-curricular activities, visiting friends in the other House, booking out to Greengates, watching television or simply relaxing.

For many pupils the structure of boarding life is especially helpful for studying. After supper every evening there is a designated prep period that is supervised by members of the boarding staff. The School Library and IT facilities are available to boarders during the evening along with a small group of boarders working alongside a member of staff.

The international dimension is a central characteristic of boarding life at the School. Many of the boarders come from within the European Union but we also welcome boarders from much further afield such as China, South Africa, Ukraine and Hong Kong. Living in close proximity with different nationalities promotes a tolerance, understanding and respect for other people’s views, cultures and traditions.

The spiritual side of School life plays a very important role. Woodhouse Grove welcomes all religious dominations and encourages tolerance as well as personal faith. The School has a weekly chapel service, and Boarders are free to attend any of the local churches.

Students may be full or temporary boarders and although there are obvious differences between the categories, all boarders are given full right of access to the facilities within their boarding House.

Full Boarders

Full Boarders reside at the School for the whole term, except for designated holidays.

Conversion Boarders

These boarders reside at School during the week and have the same structure to their day as full boarders. However, they leave School to go home after lessons on Friday (or sport on Saturday for weekly boarders) and return on Sunday evenings (or Monday mornings for conversion boarders). They are invited to participate in specified weekend activities and can stay for the weekend if required.

Flexible Boarding

If there is space then the School aims to provide day pupils with an experience of the School similar to that enjoyed by full and weekly boarders. Day pupils are warmly welcome to take the opportunity to stay overnight in the boarding house as part of our offer to parents. Long drives, late nights, extensive co-curricular commitments, parents taking a holiday, emergencies or simply because you would like to try boarding are some of the reasons why ‘overnighting’ is so popular. Overnighters will be given access to all facilities within their allocated House, which include:

• Storage provision for clothes and personal possessions.
• A room with similar aged students.
• Study facilities and opportunities.
• Supervised Prep and extra support if needed.
• Facilities for washing and showering.
• Breakfast, lunch, supper and afternoon teas.
• Clubs, sports and organised social activities.
• Access to your House at lunchtimes.
• House laundry if staying for longer periods.

If interested in “Overnighting”, please contact the Boarding Administrator, Mrs J Wood at wood.J@woodhousegrove.co.uk

There is a wide range of co-curricular activities at Woodhouse Grove.  We hope that all pupils will take advantage of as many activities as possible.  We expect all pupils to involve themselves in at least one co-curricular activity each term.  Activities take place before school, during the school day (break times and lunchtimes), after school and on Saturdays.  Due to the weather and shorter daylight hours some activities are only offered during one term.   Parents will be sent a link through our online booking system, EVOLVE usually just before the start of each term to sign up for all co-curricular activities. A termly diary of co-curricular activities (including times) can be found on the website.

https://www.woodhousegrove.co.uk/the-grove/co-curricular/

Sport

There is a large variety of co-curricular sporting activities available on a weekly basis at the Grove. Pupils are encouraged to try as many clubs as possible in their first few weeks at the school so they have exposure to sports which they may not have had the opportunity to try before.

Sports Fixtures are usually published in advance in the school calendar and on the school sports website. If your child is included in a team list for a School fixture, they are expected to participate. If, due to a family commitment, they are going to be unable to attend, a note should be sent directly to the Director of Sport, as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made. In the event of an unexpected problem, such as illness on the day of the match, the member of the Games staff concerned should be contacted directly, as soon as possible. The sports website can be downloaded to the homepage of a mobile phone and used as an app - https://www.woodhousegrovesport.co.uk/

Music

Music at Woodhouse Grove is an important part of school life and music of all types from Renaissance to Rock is enjoyed within the school.  Full details of tuition will be published separately by the Music Department.

Music lessons take place during school hours and are normally on a rota system to ensure students do not miss the same lessons on a weekly basis. Sixth Form students are taught out of school or in private study periods  Fees are billed directly by the instrumental teacher.  All such lessons, fees and other details are the responsibility of the instrumental teacher direct to parents.

Orchestras, Bands, Choirs & Chamber Groups:

Those who play an orchestral instrument or sing and reach a reasonable standard are encouraged to perform in at least one group as part of their tuition and a high degree of commitment is required from all pupils.  Membership of such groups brings great rewards and benefits in terms of ensemble musicality, technique and enjoyment. Occasional external events, concert, workshops and master classes are held and attendance by those selected for them is expected as part of their musical education.

Travelling to school

Pupils may come to School by bicycle provided permission has been sought from the relevant Head of Year. The School will also require written permission from a parent or guardian. All pupils are advised to wear protective head-gear and are expected to comply with the Highway Code.

Sixth Formers who have passed their driving test may drive to school. There is a Car Driver’s Contract to fill out on Firefly which will be signed off by the Assistant Head (Organisation) and Assistant Head (Sixth Form & Futures) before a car can be driven onto school site.



Students should park in the Sports Centre car park at all times and may not drive into the playground or to the Sixth Form Centre. Cars should not be used except to drive to and from home and school at the start and end of each school day. No passenger is to be carried in the vehicle unless prior written permission is obtained from the Assistant Head (Sixth Form & Futures). This permission must be received in writing from both the driver’s parents and any passenger’s parents. Permission to carry passengers will only be granted if sufficient need can be justified.

As much as possible driving lessons for Sixth Form students should be undertaken outside of the school day (8:30am-4pm). However, there are occasions where they might have to be undertaken in the school day. If this is the case, they should not take place during lesson time, or when a pupil is required for other school activities. This includes timetabled private study, assemblies and games afternoons. There should be written permission from parents prior to the lesson/s taking place and this will need to include details of times, dates, and the driving school including the full name of the Instructor and their contact details. This should be sent to the Head of Year Sixth Form (Inclusion & Wellbeing).

All pupils must stay on School premises during the lunch period and take the lunch provided by the School. A wide range of menu options is available. The catering team will endeavour to meet your child’s dietary requirements; on the medical information form please indicate their needs in the appropriate place. Daily menus indicate when certain ingredients are used; students should ask members of the catering team if unsure. For those seeking Halal diets, much of our chicken comes with a Halal certificate – again students can ask if unsure.

Day pupils may stay in school for an evening meal, which is served at 5.30pm - no booking is required. Day pupils may also come in for a continental breakfast.

FOWG is the School's Parents’ Association, established to develop friendships among parents and to raise funds for additional facilities and activities. There is an AGM and many activities during the year which are published via the school. The support of all parents for the activities of FOWG is encouraged and welcomed.

Arrival

Pupils may be dropped off at school from 7:30am. Day pupils requiring breakfast should be punctual in attendance in the Dining Hall at 7.45am.

All external school doors are locked throughout the school day and access is through a keypad. The code is provided to pupils via Firefly and is updated weekly.


DEPARTURE

School buses depart at 5.20pm to allow for pupils to attend after school activities and clubs.

Day pupils may sign in for an evening meal on any day. Should parents of day pupils not be able to collect their children by 6.00pm they are asked to contact the school before 5.30pm on 0113 250 2477. In the event of an emergency after this time, boarding staff can be contacted on:

Girls Boarding: 07809 603647
Boys Boarding: 07809 603644

AFTER HOURS POLICY

Pupils staying on at school after the normal school day have the following alternatives:

1. Attend a co-curricular activity.
2. Attend a supervised work area for their year group.

No student is expected to leave the school site without parental knowledge or permission to do so. The school cannot take responsibility for any student who leaves the school site of their own volition. Any pupil awaiting collection from school after 6:00pm should report to the appropriate boarding house where homework can be completed in a secure environment.

Late

If pupils arrive after registration they should they should register at the Sports Hall Reception. They should then go directly to their first lesson.

No pupil may leave the school site during the day without permission and even then must first report to Sports Hall Reception to sign out.

School Bounds

Make yourself aware of the bounds of the school. No pupil may go outside the boundary of the school, during the school day without the permission of their Head of Year. They must sign out at Reception and sign in again when they return to the school.

• Pupils are encouraged to be outside during break and lunchtimes using the seating and social areas available.

• If any pupil needs to cross the main road, they should do so using the pedestrian crossing by the railway station entrance.

• The road leading up from the main entrance to the School Reception is out of bounds to pedestrians.

• Unless special permission has been given, pupils may not leave the school estate before the end of the school day (including lunchtime).

• The railway line and railway property are out of bounds at all times.

• All roofs and Fire Escapes are out of bounds.

• The Mound is out of bounds at all times. The Mound footpath may be used at the beginning and end of the school day to enter and exit the school.

• The boarders’ accommodation is out of bounds to day pupils.

• The Estates Compound, kitchen and staff areas, including the staff car park, are out of bounds.

• Except for lessons and matches the school playing fields are out of bounds from October half-term to the end of the Spring term. During the Summer term and the beginning of the Autumn term, it the weather is favourable, pupils may use the fields. Pupils are not allowed to go under the railway bridge, or to the footpath that runs along the river, or beyond the wall leading to the pylon field.

• The Hastings-Long Gallery and Sports Centre balcony are out of bounds at all times unless supervised by a member of staff.

The facilities of the sports centre are out of bounds and may not be used without specific permission and/or staff supervision.

Before school
Pupils may be dropped off at school from 7:30am from which time there will be a member of staff on duty in the dining hall

After Hours
Pupils staying on at school after the normal school day have the following alternatives:
1. To work in the designated supervised area for their year group
2. To attend a co-curricular activity

Advance permission for absence from School at any time will be given only for exceptional reasons. If absence is necessary, a letter of request should be addressed to the Headmaster. Please note term dates to avoid booking annual holidays during term time. If a pupil is absent due to illness, it is helpful if the School Office is telephoned (0113 2502477) or emailed (WGSadminoffice@woodhousegrove.co.uk) after 8.00am and before 9am on the morning a child is away. In the case of a prolonged absence the Head of Year will arrange for work to be set, if appropriate. If a pupil is absent as a result of an infectious disease, the School should be notified as soon as this has been diagnosed. A pupil who becomes ill or injured during the School day will be sent to the Medical Centre where there is a qualified Nurse on duty. They will assess the seriousness of the incident and either send the pupil back to class or ring parents to have the child collected. Please do not send your child to school if they are ill.

Please complete and return the medical form as soon as possible. It is essential that the medical form is returned before admission to the School. Boarders must register with the school doctor. Parents of new boarding pupils are requested by the School Doctor to ensure their child has up-to-date anti-tetanus injections before joining the School in September. The School's medical support is provided by the Yeadon Medical Centre.
Routine dental, orthodontic, medical and optician’s appointments should be made during the School holidays or after School whenever possible, to avoid missing classes and activities to which pupils are committed. If a pupil is to be excused from any Games or PE lesson, a note should be shown to the PE Teacher taking the Games or PE lesson.

All books are provided by the school free of charge, except for literature texts for GCSE and A level English and certain vocabulary texts in Modern Languages and revision guides.

Parents are advised that, although pupils will be provided with lockers where belongings can be kept, we cannot guarantee security and pupils should not bring valuable possessions to school. Pupils are strongly advised to purchase a key padlock, use one key themselves and hand in the spare key to the Head of Year in case of an emergency. Please be sure that your child’s possessions are all named clearly. It is very difficult to locate lost property and return it to its rightful owner if it is unnamed.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

All Subjects - Wallet style file (recommended), Black pen/biro, pencil, 30 cm ruler, eraser, red pen/biro, highlighters, glue, scissors.
Maths and Science lesson - Scientific Calculator (we recommend the Casio fx-83GTX model). Pair of Compasses and Protractor

Accounts for new pupils are sent out in July, the first invoice is due for payment on 1st August that particular year. Thereafter, accounts are issued at the end of each term and are due and payable on or before the first day of the following term. Incidental expenses incurred during the term are charged through our online booking platform EVOLVE. Extra charges will be made for materials used in Art and DT when pupils make something which becomes their property.

It is very important that school fees are settled promptly. The school operates a strict Credit Control Procedure which requires payment of fee bills by no later than the first day of term. This is necessary in order for the school to pay for the many advanced charges such as teachers’ salaries and the supply of goods and services associated with a term of education. Any delay in payment will consequently incur an administration charge, currently 1½ % per calendar month, or part thereof, and, in extreme cases, could lead to a pupil being suspended from lessons or excluded from school. However, in cases of financial hardship or unforeseen financial problems, it is important that the school is advised as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Fee payments should be made by BACS or for payment by a credit/debit card through Flywire, more details can be found on invoice. There is also a scheme for paying by monthly instalments through School Fee Plan (details of which can be found on the website).

Fees for extra lessons, eg music, speech and drama, are paid directly to the teacher concerned on receipt of an invoice.


Every pupil is covered for personal accident insurance, details of which can be obtained from the Finance Manager. However, parents are advised that the school does not accept liability for loss or damage to the property of pupils while at the school. If pupils come to school with expensive personal equipment eg bicycles, electrical equipment, musical instruments, sporting equipment as well as personal clothing, parents should ensure that appropriate All Risks cover be extended to Household Insurance policies to cover such property. Similarly, the School does not accept any liability arising from the theft of, or damage to, motor vehicles or the contents thereof whilst parked on the school grounds. However, if your child is a boarder, their personal property is covered by insurance which is included in the Fee Bill. If your child is absent from school due to illness or accident for a period of five days or more, Fees Refund Insurance is available at a cost of 1% of your child’s termly fee. Details of all school insurances are available from the Finance department.

During the day all telephone calls come to the School Office but parents are particularly asked not to telephone the School unless the matter is urgent. If you wish to speak to your child's Form Tutor, please ring and leave your name and the nature of the call with the Reception team and they will arrange to have the staff member ring you back as soon as possible.

Each boarding house has a pay phone so that parents and pupils can keep in touch. The school's email address is enquiries@woodhousegrove.co.uk.
The Headmaster can be contacted directly at headmaster@woodhousegrove.co.uk.

If a day pupil needs to contact parents urgently, they should go to Reception to make the call. Pupils are only advised to bring mobile phones if essential as these items are easily lost or damaged. If a mobile phone is brought to school, pupils must follow the Mobile Phone Protocol.

If a pupil is absent due to illness, it is helpful if the School Office is telephoned (0113 2502477) or emailed (WGSadminoffice@woodhousegrove.co.uk) after 8.00am and before 9am on the morning a child is away.