FAQs by Year 7 Students

Answers to frequently asked questions by new Year 7 students can be found here.

What time should I arrive at school?

You should arrive before 8:20am. You are not allowed into the building before 8:20am, unless the weather is very poor. You should arrive wearing full school uniform.

What happens if I am late for registration?

You must report to your Form Tutor if you arrive late during registration after signing in at the Secondary and Sixth Form School Office or designated location. Students who are persistently late for morning registration will receive a sanction. Lateness and absence must be supported by a written message of explanation from your parent.

What if I have a medical appointment during the day?

If you need to leave school during the course of the day for a medical appointment, the Attendance Team should be informed in advance by your parent, using the ‘Absence Reporting’ link in the EduLink app, by sending an email to absences@gildredgehouse.org.uk or by telephoning 01323 400650. You should report to the Secondary and Sixth Form School Office to sign out.

Where do I go if it is raining at break or lunch?

If it is very wet or there are other adverse conditions, Year 7 students will be allowed to use the Atrium.

Does the school need to know about any medical conditions?

Yes. All conditions must be noted on the admission form filled in by your parents. Your Form Tutor must be told about any changes to your medical condition and your parent can update your information via EduLink. Any medicine(s) you need to take during the school day should be handed in, together with a letter from your parents, to the Welfare Officer.

What do I do if I feel unwell at school?

Talk to your Class Teacher or Form Tutor first – they will give you permission to go to the Medical Room. You must never go home without reporting to the Secondary and Sixth Form Office first. We will encourage you to continue with the school day, if you are well enough. We do not normally have students resting in the Medical Room for long periods. The staff member supervising the Medical Room will make the decision whether your parents need to be contacted.

I am asthmatic. Can I keep my inhaler with me?

Yes. We also advise that you keep a spare inhaler, clearly labelled with your name and labelled and kept in the Medical Room by the Welfare Officer.

Where do I go if I lose property?

To avoid losing your belongings, you must make sure everything is clearly labelled with your name and Tutor Group. If you lose an item, check at Secondary and Sixth Form School Office to see if it has been handed in. Office staff will be able to advise you and will guide you to the Lost Property area at the rear of the School Office. Lost property is open at break time each day. Do not bring valuable personal items into school, including mobile telephones and smart watches, the school cannot take responsibility for them.

Where can I keep my coat, books, and equipment that I don’t need for the day?

You will have your own locker, organised and supervised by your Form Tutor. You will need a secure padlock for this. It is a good idea to give your Form Tutor a spare key. Remember: only bring into school what you need for the day; you will have enough to carry as it is!

What equipment should I bring to school each day?

You should always bring your pencil case, reading book, calculator and water bottle. Your pencil case should contain a pen, pencil (HB), calculator and ruler. Specialist equipment may be required for other lessons throughout the week such as a protractor and a pair of compasses. On certain days, depending on your timetable, you should bring the equipment needed for other subjects, such as your Sport kit or apron.

What if I want to cycle to school?

Please wear a helmet when travelling to and from school. Bicycles should be left in the rack at the front of the school and you will need to secure it with a padlock. Remember, as with any of your property, you bring your bicycle to school at your own risk.

Can I take holiday in term time?

The Department for Education allows a Head Teacher the discretion to consider authorising a holiday in term
time only in exceptional circumstances. If your parent considers that the request for absence fits into this category, they will need to request the absence from the Head Teacher by completing a Withdrawal from Learning Form at least 14 days in advance of the planned absence. It is important that your attendance is very good; the higher your attendance, the better progress you will make.

Will there be fire drills?

You will be given a tour of the school building and shown the location of the fire exits. It is important that you pay attention to this important health and safety information. Early on in school year, there will be a fire drill and these will be practised at regular intervals throughout the school year. We will also practise a Lockdown drill, but this will be explained to you in advance by your Form Tutor and Head of Year.

What happens if my mobile, smart device or other valuables get lost or stolen?

You are responsible for any valuables you bring into school. If you lose them, or lend them to others and they are subsequently broken, there is little the school can do. Theft and vandalism will be investigated but the school will not be able to provide compensate for loss or damage. The best thing you can do is not bring them into school!