School Procedures

At Sarah Bonnell, school life is underpinned by the Sarah Bonnell Way. This is supported by a number of school (and Trust) policies that clearly articulate the way in which school life supports each and every student to thrive whilst with us.

We also have a number of school procedures that detail the day to day operations of our school, and which support our teaching and learning. An overview is provided on this page.

Home School Partnership Agreement

Agreement: we are committed to helping our students to excel during their time with us. We believe that this is best supported through a partnership approach – ie. school, parents/carers and students working together. Detailed information is provided on our Partnership and Equality Page. Parents/carers, as well as students, are asked to sign the Agreement.
Contact with parents: we are committed to working with parents to support the very best outcomes for our students. Parents are welcome to attend the school events throughout the academic year, as an opportunity to engage with school staff and students. Details regarding parents’ evenings are published regularly on the Parents’ Evenings Page. Any queries or concerns should be raised with Form Tutors in the first instance.
School governing body: our board of governors includes representatives from our teaching staff, our parent body and our wider community. Details of how this body operates is available on the Governance Page.

Teaching and learning arrangements

Allocation to tutor groups: as a comprehensive school, we are committed to ensuring that the full range of abilities and ethnicities are represented in each tutor group. Students may be moved between tutor groups following a Year 7 review in the second half of autumn term or at any time after this.
Study support and out of hours learning: Our Learning Hub is available at lunch times and after school to help students with coursework and homework completion and private study. The Learning Hub comprises a library and ICT facilities for independent learning before school, during lunch times and after school. We also encourage all students to become involved in the many extension and enrichment activities that are offered throughout the week and during school holidays. A programme of activities is published each term and is available on the Extra Curricular Activities Page.

Student planner

Student planner: all students will be issued with a school planner which includes essential information about school procedures as well as lesson and homework timetables.

Achievement awards

Achievement Points: these are part of our programme of recognition at school, and are awarded to students for effort and good work and are recorded in the school planner. Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates are awarded to students who have gained the appropriate number of points.
Service to the School Award: we encourage all students to participate in our broad extra curricular offering (referenced above). This award is made in recognition of student engagement with this broad range of opportunities.
Attendance and punctuality: our Attendance and Punctuality Page details our strong emphasis on both at school. Recognition for excellent attendance and punctuality is via the award of certificates..

Attendance and punctuality

Attendance, punctuality and appointments during the school day: detailed guidance is available on the Attendance and Punctuality Page.
Arrival and departure arrangements: students enter and leave the school by the pedestrian entrance in Water Lane.

The operation of the school day

Departure from school: other than for medical appointments, and then as per the procedures outlined on the Attendance and Punctuality Page, no student is allowed to leave the school premises during the school sessions without permission from parents/person with parental responsibility and an appropriate member of staff.
Lunch times: all students have to remain on the school premises during lunchtime. They can either have a school meal or bring a packed lunch. Any drinks brought in must be in cartons, cans or plastic bottles. Details of our catering offer are available on the Healthy School Meals Page.

Homework expectations

Homework – students: at Sarah Bonnell, we believe homework to be an essential part of the school curriculum. It is regularly set by subject teachers and provides important opportunities for students to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in all subjects. The regular completion of homework enables students to develop independent learning skills and motivates them to greater achievement. As detailed above, our Learning Hub is open daily and provides a supportive environment for the completion of homework tasks. Details of the homework set and dates due are recorded in the school planner.
Homework support – parents: parents/carers are asked to check homework record sheets and sign the homework planner each week. A section inviting parents/carers to communicate with the student’s Form Tutor and teachers is also provided.

Overview of school rules

The Sarah Bonnell Way: all students are expected to follow the Sarah Bonnell Way at all times.
All students must:
- Arrive at lessons on time and with the necessary equipment.
- Record homework in the planner and complete it on time.
- Wear the correct school uniform.
- Bring to school the items of equipment as listed in the planner.
- Not use chewing gum or bubble gum at any time whilst on the school premises.

School equipment required

General equipment: the relevant equipment, books and paper are provided to every student in every subject. We ask that students ensure that they have the following items: black or blue ink or ballpoint pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, coloured pencils.
Additional equipment required for mathematics lessons: compass, angle measurer/protractor, a calculator (a basic calculator is sufficient for years 7 and 8; a scientific calculator is required for years 9, 10 and 11)
Other items: as a school, we cannot accept liability for loss or damage to any personal property brought to school. We recommend that large amounts of money, radios, personal stereos, mobile phones and/or pagers are not brought into school. The electronic items mentioned above are not allowed to be used during the school day. Parents may wish to take out personal insurance policies to cover electronic items or expensive clothing.

Storage and use of personal electronics

Personal electronics (phones, tablets, earphones, headphones and any other personal electronic devices): any such items brought on to the school premises must be kept in bags or lockers at all times. Devices must be switched off and must not be used in the school buildings or the playground. Any visible personal electronic items will be confiscated. Phones found switched on will be confiscated for 24 hours up to a maximum of 48 hours.
Damage to or theft of personal electronic items: we cannot accept responsibility for any damage to or theft of personal electronic items brought to school.

Administrative arrangements

Change of address: to ensure that we work together to safeguard our students, parents/carers are asked to let the school know immediately (and in writing – which may be via email to info account – [email protected]) of any change of home address, telephone number, places of work and emergency contact information.

Uniform and school bags

School bags: these should be black; handbags are not allowed.
Uniform: details as to our uniform requirements, as well as school bags and accessories, are provided on the Uniform Page.

Health and safety arrangements at school

Moving around the school site safely: Students walk quietly around the school, keeping to the left in corridors and on staircases. The ‘one way’ routes must be observed as signposted. Students must always follow instructions given by any member of staff, at any time.
Eating and drinking: students may not eat or drink outside the areas clearly designated for this purpose.