FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Equipment
- What happens if I forget my PE kit?
- What should I do if I find someone else's property?
- What happens if I forget my money?
- Do I have to buy my own equipment?
- What happens if I forget my books?
- Will I have somewhere to put my school-things?
- What do I do if I lose something?
- What food is available at breaktime and lunch?
Getting to School
Break Times
- What do I do and where do I go at lunchtimes?
- What do I do and where do I go at lunchtimes?
- What happens if it rains at breaktime or lunchtime?
- Can I go home at lunchtime?
Homework
Safety
School Day
- What time does school start?
- When do we have assembly?
- How long is the school day?
- How long are the lessons?
- What are the term dates?
School Rules
- What should I do if I will be absent from school (due to sickness/family problems/hospital appointment etc)?
- What is the discipline like?
- What do I do if I am late for school?
Teachers and Tutors
Uniform
Equipment
- What happens if I forget my PE kit?
- What should I do if I find someone else's property?
- What happens if I forget my money?
- Do I have to buy my own equipment?
- What happens if I forget my books?
- Will I have somewhere to put my school-things?
- What do I do if I lose something?
- What food is available at breaktime and lunch?
At Notley High School we expect you to behave as young adults. If you have forgotten your kit, books or other essential equipment, we expect you to try and find a solution yourself.
If you forget your PE kit, you will be expected to contact home and arrange for your kit to be brought into school. Your kit should be left at reception. Should this prove impossible, you will have to try and borrow kit from a school friend (providing this will not interfere with their PE). Only in exceptional circumstances will the PE department try to provide you with spare kit.
If you find property that belongs to someone else, please hand it in to reception.
At Notley High School we expect you to behave as young adults. If you have forgotten your money, PE kit or other essential equipment, we expect you to try and find a solution yourself.
If you forget your money, you will be expected to contact home and arrange for it to be brought into school. Your money may be left at reception.
The school provides all necessary books and they are loaned to pupils on the understanding that they are treated carefully. Any wilful loss or damage will have to be made good. You will need to bring pens, pencils and rulers as well as a strong and suitable bag to protect your books. It would also be helpful if you bring a basic four-function calculator, an English dictionary and a French dictionary. All Year 7 pupils will be taking French as their first foreign language.
Please ensure that all your personal equipment is clearly named. This includes items of clothing and footwear.
At Notley High School we expect you to behave as young adults. If you have forgotten your books, PE kit or other essential equipment, we expect you to try and find a solution yourself.
If you forget your books, you will be expected to contact home and arrange for them to be brought into school. They should be left at reception. Should this prove impossible, you will have to try and borrow books from a school friend (providing this will not interfere with their classes).
Only in exceptional circumstances will the school try to provide you with a spare book.
All pupils are provided with a locker for storing their personal belongings including outdoor coats. Each pupil will need to provide their own padlock for their locker.
The school does not carry insurance to replace lost personal belongings and cover should be considered on a home insurance policy if parents deem it appropriate.
Valuable items, including walkmans, should not be brought into school.
Mobile phones should be deposited at the school office on arrival and collected at the end of the day
Lost property is usually handed in to the Main Office.
If the article has a name in it, then it will be returned to you.
Any articles without names are usually given into the school office, so check there as well if you lose anything.
Notley High School operates a cafeteria system offering a wide range of hot and cold meals, snacks and fresh fruit. As at breaktime, the vending machine is available for sweets and crisps.
Sandwiches may be brought to be eaten only in the Dining room at the tables provided.
If you are entitled to free meals, the Dinner ladies will know and you will be able to go through the checkout without paying.
Getting to School
- Can I come to school on my bike?
- How do I find the school?
- Can I have a map of the school?
Yes, you may come to school on your bike, providing you have a letter from your parents.
The school provides bike-racks near the technology department where you may lock up bike. However, please note that the school does not accept responsibility for the security of your bike.
The school is situated in Notley Road on the outskirts of Braintree.
Click here to see a detailed map of the area and instructions on how to find the school.
There is a map of the school on this website. It shows the location of each departments, together with some views of the department. There are also more "printer friendly" versions of the school map available:- keep a copy with you when you move about the school so you don't get lost!
Break Times
- What do I do and where do I go at lunchtimes?
- Take your coats off before eating but leave your blazer on.
- Keep noise down to a reasonable level so that you do not disturb others.
- Remember your manners.
- Clear away and leave your table tidy after you have eaten.
- Do not wear trainers in the canteen.
- What do I do and where do I go at lunchtimes?
- What happens if it rains at breaktime or lunchtime?
- Can I go home at lunchtime?
If you go home for lunch and you live close to the school then you will need to get a Lunch Pass from your Year Manager. This gives you permission to go off site. You will also need to bring in a letter from your parents stating that they will allow you to do this.
It is much better to stay in school as it gives you time to see and make friends and take part in the many activities that take place during the lunch hour.
Packed Lunch
If you bring sandwiches - then you go down to the Dining Area to eat them. You do not need to join the queue, but wait quietly until the Dinner supervisors tell you that there is enough room. Please remember to clear up after you have eaten.
School Lunch
Line up quietly until the Dinner supervisors tell you to go in.
A cafeteria system is in operation, which you will soon get used to .
The meals are really nice and you do get a selection of food to choose from.
When you are in the Dining Area we do expect you:
The current lunch break starts at 1:05pm and finishes at 1:50pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday it starts at 12:25pm and finishes at 1:10pm.
Depending on the weather the senior management team may decide on a "wet-break". in this case, a bell will ring and students may return to their tutor room only. This is not to be taken as an excuse for wandering around the school.
Pupils are expected to remain on the school premises throughout the lunch break unless they have lunch at home.
On the first day of term, bring in a letter from your parents/guardian to your Year Manager stating that you will be having lunch at home. Your Year Manager will then issue you with a Lunch Pass.
If you need to leave school at lunchtime for a destination other than going home, your parent/guardin must send a letter to the Year Manager who will then consider the request and issue a special pass if appropriate.
Homework
- What homework will I get?
- creative writing
- finding out factual information
- drawing
- map work
- answering questions
- mathematical activities
- learning things
- watching or listening and evaluating
- reading
- It means that you can complete work started in class.
- It is a check to see if you understand the work.
- It is a way of giving you practise at finding out information and presenting it so that it is easily understood.
- It helps you to think for yourself and be more independent.
- How much homework will I get?
You will receive a journal or diary to record the homework that you are given each day. It is important that you fill this in at the time the homework is given to you in class.
Your Tutor will show you how to fill this in correctly.
Your journal will be checked by your Tutor once a week and should be signed by your parents as well.
You should spend between one hour, and one and a half hours a night on homework.
If you have not been given any specific homework to do - you are expected to go over what you did in school that day and try to learn it, or do extra reading around the subject.
Your Tutor will give you your homework timetable.
Homework can be many things but might be one of the following:
Why do I have homework?
Pupils are expected to spend about one hour each evening on it in Year 7. The amount of homwork you receive will increase as you go through the school.
Safety
- What should I do if there is a fire?
If you hear the loud continuous ringing of the bell this means that there is some form of emergency and it is important to know what to do.
Do not panic but stay quiet and calm.
If you are in the classroom:
1 Close all windows.
2 Turn off all pieces of equipment that were being used.
3 Leave your possessions and evacuate the building from the nearest external door. Walk quietly and sensibly with the member of staff.
4 Make your way to the tennis courts and line up with the rest of your year.
5 You will be expected to line up in register order in your group, so it is a good idea to get to know this as soon as possible.
6 The register will be taken to make sure everyone is there.
It is important to stand quietly so that you can hear any instructions being given.
If the bell goes during break or dinner.
Leave the building in the same way as you would during lessons and make your own way to the tennis courts.
School Day
- What time does school start?
- When do we have assembly?
- How long is the school day?
- How long are the lessons?
- What are the term dates?
The schoolday begins at 8:40am daily.
Each year group will have a 20 minute assembly each week, organised by the form tutors. Assemblies are usually held in the sports hall.
In addition to this, there is an assembly for the whole school at the end of each term.
The current school day starts at 8:40 am every day. It finishes at 3:10pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday it finishes at 14:55.
The School Day
| Monday | |||
| 08.40 | - | 08.45 | Registration |
| 08.45 | - | 09.35 | Lesson 1 |
| 09.35 | - | 10.25 | Lesson 2 |
| 10.25 | - | 10.45 | Break |
| 10.45 | - | 11.35 | Lesson 3 |
| 11.35 | - | 12.25 | Lesson 4 |
| 12.25 | - | 13.10 | Lunch |
| 13.10 | - | 13.15 | Registration |
| 13.15 | - | 14.05 | Lesson 5 |
| 14.05 | - | 14.55 | Lesson 6 |
| Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday | |||
| 08.40 | - | 08.45 | Registration |
| 08.45 | - | 09.45 | Lesson 1 |
| 09.45 | - | 10.45 | Lesson 2 |
| 10.45 | - | 11.05 | Break |
| 11.05 | - | 12.05 | Lesson 3 |
| 12.05 | - | 13.05 | Lesson 4 |
| 13.05 | - | 13.50 | Lunch |
| 13.50 | - | 14.10 | Registration & Assembly |
| 14.10 | - | 15.10 | Lesson 5 |
School Year 2006-2007
|
Non Pupil Days |
| Monday 4th September 2006 |
| Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th October 2006 |
| Wednesday 3rd January 2007 |
| Friday 9th February 2007 |
|
Autumn Term |
| Monday 4th September - Wednesday 20th December 2006 |
| Half Term Monday 23rd October - Friday 27th October |
| Spring Term |
| Wednesday 3th January 2007 - Friday 30th March |
| Half Term Monday 12th February - Friday 16th February |
|
Summer Term |
| Monday 16th April - Friday 20th July |
| Half Term Monday 28th May - Friday 1st June |
Please note that all dates are inclusive
School Rules
- What should I do if I will be absent from school (due to sickness/family problems/hospital appointment etc)?
- What is the discipline like?
- What do I do if I am late for school?
If you wil be absent from school, it is very important that your parent or guardian contacts the school by telephone on the first day you will be absent. Click here to see the list of absence hotline numbers. If the absence is longer than one day then a letter is required on your return to school.
Please note that we must have a letter or an appointment card if your have to leave school during a session. It is necessary for every pupil to sign out at the School Office before leaving school and to sign in on returning.
The school prides itself on its good disciplinary record and encourages the development of self discipline in every pupil.
It is unusual for a Year 7 pupil to be punished but on the rare occasion when a detention is given by a teacher, the pupil is required to remain behind until 4.15 pm. If there are any difficulties with the arrangements, your parents must contact the Tutor directly, either by letter or telephone. You will of course, receive 24 hours notice of any after school detention.
If you arrive for school after registration you must report to the main office to receive your mark. This is essential so that we know exactly where all our pupils are, in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Obviously, persistent lateness is a habit to be avoided and it will be dealt with through the school's discipline system.
Teachers and Tutors
- Who will teach me?
Each subject has its own area, and its own list of staff, in the "Department" section of this website.
Uniform
- What is the school uniform like?
- Pupils are allowed to wear only two small plain sleepers or studs - a maximum of one in each ear. Sleeper hoops must be small enough to prevent a 5p coin from passing through them.
- In addition a wristwatch may be worn.
- Pupils are not allowed to wear any other jewellery including rings.
- Fashions evolve over time and we remain aware of changes in trends but a ‘Number 1’ or shorter haircut is not permitted.
- Hair which has been dyed or streaked with unnatural colours is also not acceptable as are styles where lines and/or shapes are cut into the hair, often but not always, around the sides of the head.
- All of the above are covered within a range of what the school regards as ‘extreme hairstyles’ and these will not be tolerated.
- Make up is not allowed in Years 7-9, but Years 10 and 11 may wear discrete make up.
- Is the school uniform the same in summer?
Uniform Policy
The wearing of full school uniform is expected as an integral part of the school ethos which promotes positive attitudes, high standards and a sense of personal pride.
Girls Uniform
Black blazer.
*School badge attached to the blazer (badge is embroidered with year colour and school logo).
Badges may be purchased separately and attached to the blazer or bought already attached to the blazer.
*Long sleeved 'V' neck black pullover with school logo.
*Plain black skirt with school logo on the waistband. Knee length without splits.
*Plain black tailored trousers with school logo on the waistband (not denim, cord, lycra material or hipster style).
White blouse:
Years 7 - 9 White shirt-type blouse with plain, undecorated collar (not polo or lycra style).
Years 10 - 11 *White revere collar blouse with school logo (to be worn tucked into the skirt/trousers). When wearing this blouse the tie will not be required.
Plain black shoes (not open toe design or trainers, no stilettos or sling backs, heels not greater than 4 cm).
Plain white socks or tights in black or natural/skin tone.
*Tie:
Years 7 - 9 Lower School Tie - green stripe
Years 10 - 11 Upper School Tie -black stripe (not required if wearing revere collar blouse)
Protective Clothing - Craft Apron and an old shirt for Art.
Outdoor coats - Most forms of sensible outdoor coats (preferably dark in colour) are
acceptable. Casual leisurewear is not regarded as suitable for school. Sweatshirts of
any description do not qualify as coats or sweaters and are not acceptable.
PE Kit
*Rugby shirt Black/Sky
White PE polo shirt with *school logo or plain white PE polo shirt without logo
Shadow shorts (black)
Hockey socks (black)
Ankle socks (white)
Shin pads
Black tracksuit trouser - optional
Dark rain jacket - optional
We recommend a gum shield fitted by a dentist
* Items marked with an asterisk can only be acquired from Smart Alec mail order.
Boys Uniform
Black blazer.
*School badge attached to the blazer. (Badge is embroidered with year colour and school logo).
Badges may be purchased separately and attached to the blazer or bought already attached to the blazer.
*Long sleeved 'V' neck black pullover with school logo.
*Plain black tailored trousers with school logo on the waistband.
Plain white shirt - not polo shirt.
Plain black shoes
Plain black socks
*Tie:
Years 7 - 9 Lower School Tie - green stripe
Years 10 - 11 Upper School Tie - black stripe
Protective Clothing - Craft Apron and an old shirt for Art.
Outdoor coats - Most forms of sensible outdoor coats (preferably dark in colour) are
acceptable. Casual leisurewear is not regarded as suitable for school. Sweatshirts of
any description do not qualify as coats or sweaters and are not acceptable.
PE Kit
*Rugby shirt Black/Sky
White PE polo shirt with *school logo or plain white PE polo shirt without logo
Shadow shorts (black)
Shadow shorts (white)
Football socks (black)
Ankle socks (white)
Shin pads
Black tracksuit trouser - optional
Dark rain jacket - optional
We recommend a gum shield fitted by a dentist
* Items marked with an asterisk can only be acquired from Smart Alec mail order. All items of clothing must be named
Appearance Regulations
Jewellery
Hair
Make up
Procedure for obtaining uniform
The uniform is available by mail order from Smart Alec - click here for the price list.
This system has been tried and tested by other local schools and has proved to be very successful. Please note there is an upper school and lower school uniform. There is an upper school tie for the boys and an upper school revere collar blouse with logo for the girls. The new style badge can be purchased individually and transferred to an existing blazer or a blazer with badge and year colour attached may be purchased from Smart Alec. Ties and badges can be purchased from the school office. All uniform for September 2004 needs to be ordered by 20 July.
We would point out to all parents that the one item of dress which has caused the biggest number of headaches is SHOES. Please would parents insist on proper BLACK shoes and NOT trainers. The Health Council would fully support this as well!
There is a uniform grant scheme based on family income. Application forms are available from:
Discretionary Awards and Benefits Team
Learning Services Directorate
PO Box 47
'A' Block
County Hall
Chelmsford CM1 1LD
Telephone: (01245) 492211
Yes, the school uniform is the same throughout the year.