new parent survival guide

A - Z Survival Guide for Parents of Students new to

George Abbot School

A - Z Survival Guide for Parents of Students New to George Abbot School

Welcome to what we hope will be an exciting and rewarding partnership with George Abbot School.

We are confident that your sons and daughters will settle very quickly into the school routine and that any fears or worries they may have initially, will disappear within the first week or two.

From our experience it is often parents who are more anxious than the students themselves and we hope that this booklet will answer many of the questions that inevitably arise in those first weeks.

If there is any information that you think would be useful for parents in the future but which is not included here, please let us know. Students have their own introduction booklet so you may find what you need to know in there, or in the information sheets in their student planner which is distributed on the first day of term.

The booklet is in alphabetical order. We hope this will enable parents to find the information required more easily.

M Perry (Deputy Headteacher - Student Development)

George Abbot School

Address and telephone number:

George Abbot School,

Woodruff Avenue,

Burpham,

Guildford,

Surrey

GU1 1XX

Tel: 01483-888000

FAX: 01483 – 888001

Website: http://www.georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk

E-mail: [email protected]


Accessing the Curriculum (AC)Students who have a significant barrier to their learning are supported through the Accessing the Curriculum (AC) Department. This could be a short term need (illness, bereavement, injury etc), a learning need (dyslexic, students with learning difficulties etc.) or students with social emotional mental health difficulties or a medical need.

Support for these students may take a variety of forms, such as in-class support, small group work, mentoring by a member of staff, extra-curricular activities. For further information please contact the SENCo.

AttendanceStudents are expected to attend school on time each day. If your son / daughter is unwell and unable to attend school, please telephone the school at the beginning of the day giving a reason for their absence, and follow this up with a note in his /her student planner on return. If students arrive to school late or need to leave before the end of the school day they must sign in or out at Elmslie (KS3) / Raynham (KS4) office.

Students are expected to keep their own record of attendance on the page provided in their student planner.

Headteachers are no longer allowed to give permission for holidays to be taken during term time, other than in the most exceptional circumstances. Parents are strongly requested not to take students out of school during term time and must understand that if they do so the absence will be unauthorised.

BagsNeed to be of a reasonable size, waterproof and big enough to carry their books for the day – back packs are ideal. Please be aware of the weight that you son / daughter is carrying and reinforce the need to store anything that is not needed until after the next break in their lockers. It is advisable that PE kit, Food Technology (cooking!) requirements are brought in separate bags so that these can be put in lockers until needed.

George Abbot School

‘BB’ Guns These are referred to by the police as offensive weapons and must not be brought to school.

Beginners GuideA booklet for all students to help them find their way around, learn about the ways of the school and to act as a reference. Students should keep this in their bag for the first few weeks. Please go through it with your son / daughter.

BullyingHappily, students agree with staff that bullying is not a serious problem at George Abbot. However in a community of over 2000 students, incidents of bullying do sometimes occur. This is almost always verbal bullying.Heads of Year and pastoral staff will act on reported incidents of bullying as soon as is practically possible and in partnership with parents, strive to ensure the difficulty is resolved.

The school also has an anti-bullying policy and a leaflet for parents, which explains the school’s position on bullying. Information is also documented for students in their student planner. The issue of bullying is covered on several occasions within the school’s PSE / citizenship programme and also in drama. It is policy for the Senior Leadership Team to deliver an assembly on the theme of bullying at least once a term and the school logs all incidents of bullying, including any identity or prejudice related bullying.

Students are taught that it requires all members of the school community to take a stand against bullying and students are strongly encouraged to report any incidents of bullying they know about.

Parents who become aware of bullying, or any other situation that causes concern for their son/daughter, should encourage him/her to speak to someone at school or contact the appropriate Head of Year. ‘STAFF ALERT’, an electronic email system for reporting incidents of bullying anonymously can be accessed via the school website. Further information is contained in the leaflet on bullying and the student planner.


In addition, senior students are trained as mentors to support younger students with concerns. The school relational workers are also available for students to talk to if they have difficulties.

CalculatorsThese can be purchased from the mathematics department in September.

Canteens / LunchesThe school has two canteens, one in Elmslie Building and one in Raynham Building. A range of hot/cold meals/snacks can be purchased at break and lunch time. Raynham Canteen is open from 8.00am - 4.00pm to allow students to purchase breakfast or food after school if attending clubs etc.

Careers Education and GuidanceThe school has a well equipped careers library based in the Upper School Information Centre (USIC). Careers Education is delivered through the Personal and Social Education programme (KS3/4) and at KS5 through Feature Lectures and personal tutorials.

The school works closely with Careers Guidance & Consultancy Services Surrey and students are able to request individual careers interviews. Further information is available on the school web site or from the school Careers Team.

CarsFor health and safety reasons parents MUST NOT drive onto the school site at the beginning or the end of the school day to drop off or pick students up.

Cashless SystemThe school canteens operate a ‘cashless’ system. A Biometrics student recognition system is used in the canteens and students can credit their account by putting money in the ‘revaluation stations’ in Elmslie / Raynham building before school and at break. Alternatively, they can pay

George Abbot School

by cheque which can be deposited in the appropriate box before 8.45am which will be credited to the student’s account by break time. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Innovate Services Limited’. Parents can also pay online by going to the George Abbot homepage, clicking on the wisepay icon in top right corner and pay by card.

Charity / Community ServiceEach year group nominates a week during the course of the school year during which time they organise a number of fund raising events to raise money in support of charities of their choice.

In addition, students are strongly encouraged to take part in community service – either in or out of school. At the end of each half term they record this on their ‘Citizenship Profile’ in PSE lessons, and ‘colours’ (see rewards) may be awarded to those students who have continuously served the community over a significant period of time.

Child ProtectionThe school takes its duty to protect students seriously and issues to do with personal safety are covered within the Personal and Social Education programme.

Child protection policy, guidelines and procedures take in to account national and LEA recommendations and all staff receive appropriate training every three years.

Students’ fears and worries will be taken seriously if they seek help from a member of staff. Staff are aware that they have a professional responsibility to refer concerns or information of a child protection nature to the school’s Child Protection Liaison Officer (Mrs Perry).

The school will always undertake to share our intention to refer a student to Children’s Services with their parents / carers unless to do so could put the student at greater risk of harm or impede a criminal investigation. If in doubt, the school will contact the Duty Manager at the Assessment Team for advice and guidance. Further information is contained in the leaflet on Child Protection.


Christian UnionThe school runs lunch time meetings for students who are interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. Further information can be found on notice boards or from the school’s Relational Worker.

Citizenship Education / Citizenship ProfileCitizenship Education is a statutory part of the curriculum and is delivered primarily within Personal and Social Education lessons (PSE) and other subjects such as history, geography, English and R.E.

At the end of each half term students record any community service they have undertaken, along with participation in extra-curricular activities on their ‘Citizenship Profile’ in PSE lessons. This record contributes to their end of Key Stage level for Citizenship Education.

ClinicOnce a month during term time a member of the Senior Leadership Team is available to receive comments / concerns from parents about their child’s progress in school or general issues. The member of staff will agree with parents what action they will take; this usually involves referring the issue tothe appropriate Head of Faculty / Head of Year who will get back to parents once they have had time to gather the necessary information.

No appointment is necessary. Clinic times are 4.45 – 6.15pm on the first Monday in each month during term time and take place in the Headteacher’s study. Dates are published in the termly Headteacher’s letter.

ClubsThe school runs a wide range of clubs and extra-curricular activities at lunch time and after school. Students are strongly encouraged to make good use of their leisure time by taking part in a range of hobbies and interests, as participation helps to develop essential personal skills and qualities. A full list of these is emailed home shortly after the beginning of term when days and times have been confirmed.

George Abbot School

Coats and outdoor clothingThe school has its own fleece and waterproof jacket for outdoor wear and we encourage students to wear these over their blazers. Other outdoor coats and sweat shirts may be worn to and from school and in the playgrounds, but should be removed on entering the building.

All outdoor clothing (including blazers when permission has been given not to wear them) should be kept in lockers or carried round the school in a bag, NOT over arms / shoulders.

CommunicationThe school recognises the importance of effective, efficient communication between staff, students, parents and governors. Communication takes a variety of forms, from termly letters from the Headteacher, the magazine George Abbot News, formal occasions such as prize giving ceremonies, parents’ information evenings, Progress Monitoring Consultation days, the school website ‘FROG’ and day to day contact through student planners / letters home. (See also School Comms.)

Although formal times for consultation are arranged, parents who would like to discuss any aspect of their son / daughter’s progress should ring Elmslie office and ask for the appropriate member of staff to ring them or make an appointment to meet. Parents should not arrive at the school asking to speak to members of staff without an appointment, as teaching must be the priority during the school day. (See also Clinic)

Concerns/ComplaintsSee Problems/Clinic/Communication

CounsellorThe school has access to a qualified counsellar for three days per week. Due to the limited amount ot time available and high demand places are priortized in consultation with HOYs.

CreditsSee Rewards

DetentionsSee Sanctions.


Detention LevelsDetentions may be given for a variety of reasons, some more serious than others. To help students, staff and parents appreciate how serious the incident has been, a detention level is given. A full explanation of detention levels appears in the student planner.

DrinkSee Water

Drugs, Cigarettes, e-cigarettes and AlcoholThe school operates a strict drugs and alcohol policy which can be obtained on request from Elmslie office. In essence students may not come onto the school premises under the influence of or in possession of either alcohol, cigarettes, including e-cigarettes or drugs. Students who are in breach of these school rules may be excluded.

Equipment neededCalculatorDictionaryCardboard folder for storing flat / loose sheets of paper safelyWallet or purse for money, bus pass; library card; canteen card etcKey ring – preferably attached to their bag by a chainPencil case – crayons, pencils, rubber, ruler, glue stick, scissors, pens (black and green)Geometry setWatch (inexpensive)Reading book

A range of stationery items is available on sale in the Lower School Information Centre and Gallery.

EM2This is a small room available to students on request who may need a ‘quiet space’ (eg. following bereavement or for reflection/prayer).

George Abbot School

Extreme Weather/Unforseen School ClosuresThe school has policy and guidelines for responding to extreme weather conditions. Full details can be found on the website.

If there is likely to be disruption to the school day, including changes to school hours, information will be published as quickly as possible on the school website and sent by School Comms. The local radio may also provide information regarding school closures.

Free School MealsThese are available to children whose parents are in receipt of the following support payments: • Income Support (IS)• Income Based Job Seeker’s Allowance (IBJSA)• Child Tax Credit, provided that their annual income is less than

£16,190 and that they are not in receipt of Working Tax Credit.• The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.• Employment Support Allowance• National Asylum Seekers Support SchemeIf you think you qualify, based on the above criteria, please contact Elmslie Office. Please make use of this opportunity, as students in receipt of ‘Free School Meals’ may be entitled to additional forms of support.

FROGThe school uses a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Frog. Students can log in to Frog to access work set by teachers, view information from departments, access files saved on the school network or view the school calendar. Increasing staff will ask students to submit work via Frog or complete tasks set for closure days. Students will be shown how to use Frog in their initial ICT lessons.

Gallery / Lower School Information Centre The gallery is stocked with a range of fiction and non-fiction books that have been purchased to support the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Students may use the area before and after school and at break and lunch times. Year 8 and 9 may also use E23 for homework at lunchtimes if the Gallery becomes overcrowded.


G.A.P.S.The GAPS fund is an important financial resource to the school. Parents / friends of the school are invited to make donations on an annual basis, if possible / applicable through the ‘Gift Aid’ scheme which allows tax paid on the donations to be reclaimed. Staff / departments are invited to put in bids for money from GAPS to support a range of projects / curriculum development or to provide financial support for the purchase of equipment that cannot be financed through the normal capitation allocation.

George Abbot NewsA termly magazine reflecting the life of the school.

GovernorsThe school is fortunate to have a team of highly experienced and committed school Governors. The Governing Body is divided into a range of committees (e.g. Finance, School and Community, Curriculum, Sites and Accommodation) which meet together regularly with representatives from the Senior Leadership Team. Further information can be found in the school prospectus or from Elmslie office.

HairLong hair must be tied back for P.E. and all practical work. Hair slides should be plain and ‘scrunchies’ black or navy. Hair should be a natural colour; extreme hairstyles are not permitted.

Holidays during term timeSee Attendance.

HomeworkPlease try and encourage your son / daughter to get into a routine of doing homework. It will start the first full week of term and general information about homework will be found in their student planner. Some students

George Abbot School

spend far too long on homework, others need encouragement to spend longer! As a rough guide students should not spend more than 20 - 30 minutes per subject on homework, and not more than an hour and a half per night. If your son / daughter is regularly taking longer than this, please sign the piece of work at the point where the appropriate amount of time has been completed.

The Lower School Information Centre is open before and after school as well as at break and lunch time and a number of students complete their homework on the premises.

Homework ClubThere is a supervised homework club every day after school in USIC until 5.00pm. There is also a supervised homework club at lunchtime in C105 run by the accessing the curriculum faculty.

House SystemAll students (and staff) are members of one of the five houses, according to the form that they are in.Falcon (Blue): Forms F and CGryphon (Red): Forms G and PPhoenix (Green): Forms O and MMartlet (Purple): Forms A and WWyvern (Orange): Forms Y and E(The house letter (F, G, P, M or W) appears after the form letter)Throughout the year there will be inter-house competitions in a range of activities, not just sporting, and points awarded will contribute towards the final total at the end of the year.

All students should have a ‘House’ shirt of the appropriate colour. These can be purchased from The School Shop. Students may wear house shirts as part of uniform after May half term.

HSLW (Home School Link Worker)The school employs a HSLW for three days a week. She can support parents and students as requested. Contact details: [email protected]


JewelleryStudents are allowed to wear one plain gold or silver stud in each ear and nowhere else. No other jewellery is permitted except a watch (inexpensive please) and a medic-alert bracelet. L.E.A. safety guidelines state that these MUST be removed for P.E. lessons. There can be no exceptions.

Knives Knives or other dangerous implements are prohibited from the site. See the school rules section in the student planner.

Learning Support See ‘Accessing the Curriculum’

LockersStudents may hire a locker for a small annual fee. Further details are available from the Head of Year. Students may visit their lockers before and after school, at break and during the first / last ten minutes of the lunch hour. Lockers may be shared with friends by mutual agreement, but they must have a key each and students are responsible for ensuring food, dirty PE kit etc is not left for long periods of time.

Lost PropertyAll lost property that is found is taken to Raynham Office. Office staff will attempt to re-unite named property with its owner and students should check with Raynham office first if they have lost something. Periodically students are advised that property that has not been claimed for many months will be donated to the school jumble sale. Be warned!!

Lunch Times / Lunch PassStudents are not allowed to leave the premises at lunch time, unless we have received a letter from you which clearly states they may go home for lunch. On receipt of this letter a lunch pass will be issued, which will be checked periodically by staff and possibly the local police.

Students are not allowed to use the local shops/fish and chip shop at lunch times.

George Abbot School

Make-upStudents in years 7-11 are not permitted to wear make-up. If it is noticed by staff they will be asked to remove it. Students who persist in wearing make-up can expect to receive a detention.

Mobile PhonesThe school recognises the safety value of mobile phones and in principle they are not banned from the premises but phones and headphones are not allowed to be used in the buildings. Heads of Year, particularly at KS3, may prohibit students from using them during school hours and, in all cases, phones that go off during lessons or that cause a nuisance will be confiscated and passed to the Headteacher for collection. Under no circumstances may students use mobile phones to take photographs, unless explicit permission has been given by a member of staff for educational purposes.

Mufti daysEach year there are three ‘Mufti’ days when students may wear their own clothes to school in return for a small donation. 50% of the money raised goes to charities nominated by the School Council and 50% to the School Council’s own budget which can be used to finance initiatives suggested by students.

Music LessonsIndividual music tuition is provided by Surrey County Arts South West and may take place on the school premises. Students who are already on their lists will hear from them how to continue with arrangements. Application forms are available from the music department or the following address:Surrey Arts14 The Pines Trading Estate Broad Street Guildford GU3 3BH Tel: 01483-519303


Naming PossessionsWith such a large community on site it is essential that all personal belongings / clothing are named. It is not unknown for property believed to be ‘stolen’ to be found in lost property. With so many changes for new students to get used to, losing property is all too frequent in the early months, so please ensure it is clearly named so it can be returned.

On-line-LearningThere are a wide range of on-line resources to support independent learning that can be accessed on FROG.• Departmental/Faculty pages provides specific resources and revision

guides for their subject/s.• The Information Centres (Gallery/USIC)

offer numerous resources and links to journals, reference materials and other documents.

• My Maths - revision guides• SAM Learning - revision guides• GCSE Podcasts - revision guides Students are taught how to access these resources in lessons. They are also encouraged to use other on-line resources such as BBC bite size. Please take time to explore these sites with your son/daughter.

Organisation Good organisation is so often the key to success whatever the task to be undertaken. Students will almost inevitably need help with this as they transfer to George Abbot. Parents can assist this process by• Checking bags are packed the night before with whatever is

required for the next day.• Checking student planners regularly.• Establishing an agreed routine for doing homework.• Ensuring students do not spend too long (or not long enough!) on

homework.

George Abbot School

• Encouraging students to think ahead and write themselves reminders if necessary (food ingredients needed; research required….)

• Checking if letters need to be signed / returned.• Ensuring students stick loose worksheets into exercise books or file

them appropriately.• Reminding students to record in their student planners when their

books have been collected in by the teacher for marking.

Out of school incidentsWhilst the school is interested to hear of incidents that have taken place outside of school, it is not possible or indeed appropriate sometimes to take action. However, the school works closely with the local police, and parents who inform the school of incidents, or criminal activity that has taken place outside of school hours, should understand that this information may be shared with them.

Clearly, however, parents may prefer to contact the police themselves. Calls to ‘Crime Stoppers’ can be made anonymously on 0800-555111.

Parent/Teacher ConsultationsSee also ‘Progress Monitoring’

Parents will have one opportunity a year to meet with form tutor staff and one to consult with subject teachers. We use an online appointment booking system for all parent/teacher consultation meetings and you will be sent details of how to use this in advance of your first meeting. Booking is open to parents approximately one week in advance of each consultation date. The dates of these meetings as well as details of how to book can be found at http://www.georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk/progress-monitoring-7004 PlaygroundsEach year group has its own playground and students from other year groups are not allowed into any area other than their own. In a big school this arrangement makes it easier for students to meet up with friends in other forms at break and lunch time and less likely for them to be intimidated by older students.


PoliciesThe school has numerous policies that govern the running of the school. Policies are available from the school on request.

Prayer GroupThe school is supported by a parents’ prayer group that meets regularly. All are welcome and further information can be obtained from Elmslie Office or the school Relational Worker/s.

ProblemsThe school enjoys excellent relationship with parents and genuinely asks parents who have concerns with any aspect of school life to contact the appropriate member of staff before the problem becomes too big.

As a general principle Heads of Faculty / Department should be the first point of contact for issues related to a curriculum subject although there will be times when contact directly with the subject teacher is appropriate.

For more general issues to do with progress or happiness in school the relevant Form Tutor/Head of Year or Key Stage Manager should be contacted.

If you would like to speak to a member of staff or arrange an appointment, please email or telephone the school office. Parents and staff are encouraged to communicate points of information through the student planner.

We would ask for parent’s co-operation in not approaching staff directly without an appointment. Staff’s first priority must be their teaching in the classroom and the day to day needs of students.

Progress MonitoringStudents’ progress monitoring is our formal process for reporting and sharing information with students and parents. It consists of formal progress reports issued three or four times per year (dependent upon year group) and two opportunities to meet with staff.

George Abbot School

1. Formal Reports: The school uses an online reporting system called GO4Schools for which all parents and guardians are issued with a log in. Parents will receive an email to alert them of the publication of each report. The reports provide information on the grades/levels your son/daughter is working at and an idea of what they are expected to achieve, as well as their attitude to learning and behaviour for learning. It also includes a summary of their attendance for the year up until that point.

2. Meeting with staff: See ‘Parent/Teacher Consultations’

Further details can be found in the separate leaflet on Progress Monitoring and on the school website at http://www.georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk/progress-monitoring-7004

P.T.A.The ‘Parent Teachers Association’ is an active group who are committed to raising funds for the school, principally through the organisation of social events. Every new parent at the school is automatically a member of the PTA. The PTA committee would welcome new members who wish / are able to contribute that little bit extra and who would like to become more involved in the school community.

Reading BookAll students are expected to carry a reading book in their bags. This may be used at break/lunchtimes, during form periods when planners are being checked, for the odd few minutes at the end of ‘cover’ etc.

Relational Worker / Youth Worker/sIn common with other Guildford secondary schools we are fortunate in having relational youth worker/s in school, funded partly by the school and partly by a town wide Christian initiative. The youth workers work closely with pastoral staff and are available for students to see if they need ‘a listening ear’ and pastoral staff are teaching or have other commitments.Although the Youth Workers do organise Junior and Senior Christian activities within the school, the pastoral support is available for students of all faiths - or none.


Rewards“That which gets rewarded gets repeated”. The school recognises the role of rewards in promoting and celebrating student achievement. Rewards can be as simple as a quiet ‘well done’ or a positive note in the student planner, to more tangible acknowledgements of effort and achievement.

Credits/Achievement Points are the school’s principle way of recognising success in the classroom and for extra-curricular achievements. Certificates can be gained for achieving certain numbers of credits throughout the year. Colours, half and full, which take the form of a badge that can be worn on the school blazer, are given for a variety of activities such as sporting success or citizenship. The school also awards Honours Ties to students who achieve at the highest level and Above and Beyond badges to those who make a significant contribution to improving the community through the GAS values. Details of how these can be awarded are on the school website.

There is an annual prize giving ceremony for each year group and success is also celebrated on a week by week basis during year group assemblies.

There is a formal ‘rewards draw’ at the end of each term which aims to recognise the efforts of students in a number of different areas.

RulesThe school tries to have as few rules as possible but inevitably in any community these must exist. Full details of the school rules are in the student planner and students and parents should be familiar with these.

SanctionsStudents who break school rules or who are disrespectful of staff or students will receive a sanction. This may take the form of a detention, community service or in more serious cases isolation from lessons or exclusion from school. The school will contact parents if behaviour becomes a concern. For more minor infringements, when a detention is given, this will be recorded on the detentions page of the student planner. Parents are asked to sign

George Abbot School

the detention on the day it is given. Students will not be kept after school without notice. (See also ‘detention levels’)

The school has a comprehensive behaviour management handbook which parents may look at on request from the school office.

School ClosuresDetails of planned school closures appear in the termly news letters. In the event of unforeseen closures information will be given on the local radio, on the school website and via School Comms. Students should complete work set by staff for independent study. See Extreme Weather.

School CommsAn electronic communication system that enables the school to email parents directly. The system is used to send home letters and other information that relates to whole year groups. Paper copies are sent to families who cannot access the internet / use email.

School MealsThe school has two canteens which serves a variety of hot and cold food/ snacks at break and lunch time. Students may bring a packed lunch to school if preferred. See also Free School Meals/Lunch Times

School ShopA number of items of stationery/equipment can be purchased from the school shop (situated in Raynham Office) or from the Lower School Information Centre. A separate price list is available from the school.

Second Hand UniformThe school does have a small stock of second hand uniform. Please contact the Head of Year. Donations of good quality second hand uniform will be gratefully received.

School / Year CouncilEach from group elects two members of their form to represent them on the Year Council. From this group, two students are selected or elected (depending on age group) to represent their year on the formal School Council.


The School Council meets each half term to discuss issues raised by students at their Year Council meetings. The School Council then agrees which suggestions/requests should be taken to the Senior Leadership Team meeting, which sixth form representatives attend for this occasion.The School Council manages its own budget and provides a forum for staff to discuss issues with students and vice versa. Meetings are attended where possible by a School Governor, who is able then to represent student views at Governing Body meetings.

There is a specific section on FROG for the School Council. This contains minutes of meetings, updates on projects and information on the charities that have been supported.

SicknessSee attendance

SmokingThe school is a non-smoking site. Students may not bring cigarettes, e-cigarettes, matches or lighters onto the premises. Full details can be found in the school’s drugs policy, obtainable from Elmslie Office.

Student PlannersStudent planners:• Should be brought to school each day without fail• Should be signed by parents at the end of each week• Are an essential means of communication between home / school• Record credits, detentions, student targets etc.• Provide essential information for both parents and students.

Times of the School DayThe school day begins at 8.30 am with the warning bell at 8.25am and finishes at 3.15 pm. Full details of lessons, break and lunch times are in the student planner.

George Abbot School

TransportFor health and safety reasons, parents must NOT drive onto the school site when dropping children off in the morning.

Despite the cycle paths, we do not actively encourage students to cycle to school because of the very busy local roads. If you want your son / daughter to cycle to school, please advise us of your decision in writing. All cyclists MUST wear protective headgear and have an appropriate locking device.If you think you are entitled to a place on a school coach and you have not heard from the office by July, then telephone the Transport Office on 0845 6 009009 and check with the transport section.

Bus passes are issued to those entitled to travel on the school busses and have to be shown as they get on. Replacement cards cost £5.00 from the Area Education Office NOT the school.

Bus drivers are entitled to refuse to carry students without passes or fares, or students who misbehave.

Trips / VisitsA wide range of school trips and visits are arranged for students to both support and enrich the curriculum and to provide opportunities for students to develop personal and social skills. Although these may occur at any time during the school year, the school runs an activities week during July when many of the trips take place. This week includes the opportunity of a residential visit for all Year 8 students. Where places on other trips are limited, the school’s guidelines on allocating places are followed. These can be obtained from the school.

The school also has a small fund, which may be able to assist families where there are financial difficulties. Please contact your son / daughter’s Head of Year in the first instance.

TruancyThe school monitors the attendance of students closely. Those who are known to truant, regularly arrive late, fail to sign in or who have frequent absence will be placed on a special register and parents notified via an electronic pre-recorded message if they fail to arrive at school.


Tutor GroupsThere are 10 Tutor groups providing a genuine mix of students (gender, ability, schools etc) – as you would expect in a comprehensive school.

Lessons, however, are taught in a mixture of:• Tutor groups• Set groups• Mixed ability groups across the half year group, so there is plenty of

opportunity to make new friends as well as keeping up with existing friendships at break/lunchtime.

Uniform The school sets and expects a very high standard of school uniform. Students should look smart and businesslike for the school day and feel proud of their attachment to the school, signified by their uniform. High standards of appearance are also expected to and from school. A full list of school uniform is in the school prospectus. Particular attention should be given to the following:• Girl’s skirts should be the regulation style

and knee length. Please buy the skirt long enough to accommodate a year’s growth!

• Girls’ trousers should be the regulation style. • Boys trousers should be black and fitted at the waist.• Belts worn should be black.• Shirts must be tucked in, top buttons done up and ties approximately

waistband length. • Girls shoes should be relatively flat and have toes and backs to them. • Boots are not allowed and trainers may only be used during PE

lessons or in the playground / gym at breaks. • Blazers should be worn at all times. (During hot spells in the summer

this rule may be suspended for a period of time.)• If uniform is damaged (e.g. threads pulled from ties) the students

will be expected to replace it.Please do not leave the purchase of uniform to the last minute.

George Abbot School

Visiting the schoolParents who come on to the school site to see a member of staff MUST report first to Elmslie office to sign in and get a visitors badge. This does not apply to parents attending school functions (eg. Progress Monitoring Day; Information Evenings).

WaterStudents are encouraged to bring water to school for them to drink during the day. Students may, as a principle, drink water (only water) during lessons with the permission of the individual member of staff. For practical reasons permission may not always be given immediately. Students may refill their bottles during break and lunchtime.

WebsiteThe school has its own website (http://www.georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk). The site contains a range of information about the school and current news items as well as departmental sites. Students are encouraged to visit these sites to support their studies / revision.

There is also information that may be of interest to parents, and links to other websties/helplines.

George Abbot SchoolWoodruff Avenue

BurphamGuildford

Surrey. GU1 1XXSeptember 2015

new parent survival guide

Documents